Pre-chapter implore: Views, standpoints, and beliefs are shared. Beyond that, if it offends you, then it offends you.


Act: I

Chapter VII


It was near noon when she had been summoned to her Madame's personal quarters. Despite serving her for over a year, she was still on edge whenever she was summoned. Standing in the corridor, it was nerve-racking simply to raise her hand. Though, she had to be prompt—for lacking in swiftness was one thing a servant should never be. Lightly knocking upon the door, she took a step back as she heard a voice from the other side answer her.

"I—it is Rebecca, Madame." Her voice was light and her European accent was easily noticed. "You have summoned me Madame?"

Rebecca was then told to enter. Thus she did. Placing her gloved hand upon the gilded door handle, she nervously stared at the gilded griffin which was mounted above the press-lock. The design made it appear as if one were placing their hand into the very mouth of the griffin and the curved handle which she had within her grasp represented its tongue. The press-lock which Rebecca had triggered with her right thumb was to be its uvula.

As she entered the room, she quickly stepped to the side and closed the door behind her. The room itself had been painted a deep red. Its boarders were gilded and it had only one window. It was a long window which one could see the bustling Parousia from with ease and if it had been night, with the clear sky it was a romantic view. Though, this woman was not at all married nor did she bear any plans to wed. Her estate was hers and hers alone along with her vast fortune.

"Madame…?"

Rebecca, fifteen years of age, stood at five feet and three inches. Shorter than most women her age and her nervousness was easily head within her voice. The one whom she had addressed had yet to turn to acknowledge her, and as such, Rebecca knew not to speak any further. The Madame was painting.

There was a chair craft out of the finest of oak in which she would use to either sit in or stand in depending on what she had currently been working on which stood a few feet behind her.

"I've an errand for you to run Rebecca."

"Whatever do you desire Madame?"

Seconds had passed before anything else was said. She was painting. Naturally she would not immediately respond to what was going on. As Rebecca wait to did what she could to see what the Madame was painting, yet she could not see much.

"I would like you to deliver an invitation to Commander Priya and her second in command, Ky Kusanagi."

She then ceased her strokes of the brush and looked to the morning rays of the sun bathe the city beneath her.

"Kusanagi Ky, I should say, if I am to be formal."

"Yes. Go with Fergus and ensure that the invitations are properly delivered."

"Yes, Madame."

Rebecca bowed her head before taking her leave.


A short time had passed after Rebecca took her leave and as such it would only be a matter of time before she made her arrival. As she made her way to the designated dwellings, Raisa herself, was already having her patience tested:

"…why'd you put it there?"

"It is where it is to go."

"But, that's not what the schematic says."

"Do you always follow illogical instruction?"

"'Instructions', you mean?"

"Answer the goddamn question."

"W—well, I do, yes I do."

"Then follow this instruction…" Raisa tilted her head and looked at the man via her peripheral. "Shut the fuck up and leave me be."

"B—"

Raisa ceased her work and looked at the man. He was a private, following the orders which had been given to him. These orders were to check upon Raisa and Ky and since Ky had not been speaking to him, as he was in the back, he chose to pester Raisa.

He was roughly the same height as Raisa. A smaller frame he possessed and he was European. His hair was blonde and his eyes were black.

"Leave me…"

"I—"

Raisa drew a dagger from its sheath and drove it into the counter-top. He took a quick step backwards as the dagger impaled the counter. Raisa could see that he was scared, for he did not know she had even drawn the dagger until it was wedged within the counter before him. As she released the bladed weapon, he stared at it with his eyes agape.

"I want to play a game…" Ky did nothing but sigh after he heard her say this which his sigh could be heard by the two of them through the wall. Before anything else could be said, the side door opened. Immediately, the uninvited guest quickly approached Ky.

"Kusanagi, it's really good to see you!"

Looking over the Raisa's shoulder, Ky saw the dagger planted in the counter and slowly shook his head. His voice had given away the fact that he was nervous as well as afraid, though Ky truly did not want to deal with this at the moment.

"Could you just come back…I dunno, later?"

"I—I'm sorry Specialist but I'm to follow strict order to observe your works!"

"…'orders' you mean?"

He gulped as Raisa corrected him. Adding even more nervousness to him, Raisa slowly began to twist the dagger within the counter-top. He did not see this but he could hear it. The Private could also see Ky's facial expression which made him all the more nervous. Luckily, Ky calmly blew the gesture off.

"Tah…Girardot's too busy I take it…"

"Well, no, I mean, yes, he is a busy man and has a lot of decisions to make that we don't get b—"

"Speak for yourself."

Raisa balled her right fist as she said those words. She felt as if someone had labeled her an imbecile for not understanding what was going on when she knew full well what would, and will happen. She simply did not know who would do it first. That was the only thing she herself was unsure of.

"You have never been upon the border to patrol nor have you ever fought to defend your own life. If anyone knows not, it is you."

Her voice gave away her irritation and even Ky could pick up on the fact that it seemed to personally strike Raisa opposed to not phasing her.

"I—I know I've never stood on the front line…"

"You would be the first to die if you ever did."

"Raisa…" She looked from the nuisance to Ky. As she watched him, she saw Ky place a hand on the guest's shoulder, this made him turn his attention from Raisa to Ky.

"Just give us some time alright."

He was calm and as he spoke those words he gave off the aura that he was calm. Seeing there be little to no choice, the lowest ranking individual took a temporary leave. A few seconds had passed after he left and within those few seconds, Ky made his way back to the counter.

"You can't just talk to anyone how you want."

Her right hand was balled and firmly pressed against her cheek and she looked at Ky. Her left arm lazily rested upon the counter-top with her left hand flat upon its surface.

"I have and I will when necessary."

Ky noted that Raisa spoke at a fairly quick rate, yet, she spoke her words slightly slower than others. He chalked it up to her Russian accent. As he thought about it, Raiko spoke similarly, yet she spoke at a faster pace than Raisa.

"It isn't right y'know…" As his voice trailed, Raisa lazily cocked her head to her left as she looked at him, however, her calmness quickly changed as she saw a carriage come to a half just outside. Ky on the other hand thought she had not been paying him enough attention as usual. "You should only look down on somebody if you're helping them up. That's the best thing and feeling knowing that you're able to help someone even if it's just to make their day slightly easier."

Raisa said not a word. She looked at Ky and then motioned towards the door via a head gesture while looking at the door and then directly at him.

As the doorknob was turned, Raisa returned her focus towards the door while Ky looked at who was coming in. To their surprise, it was an older man with the stature that rivaled Archer's. He was terribly slender. Almost as if his fine clothing were his flesh. His attire was that of a butler. All black, with accents of red and white.

"Do pardon our intrusion upon your…" His voice trailed as his eyes wandered about the innards of the dwelling. He said nothing ill nor rash, yet it was easily noticed that he disliked what he had seen. "…residence, yet, I do bring you fine news."

Releasing the knob, he stood aside and completely erect as a female stepped into the room. Ky placed an elbow upon the counter, partially leaning upon it as she entered while Raisa slowly moved her hand closer to her waist. Her hand remained atop the counter, yet if something were to occur, she would at least be prepared.

Her hair was black, just as most of her attire. Obviously, she was a maid in standard uniform. Her apron, frills, and brim were white while the accents of lace upon her stockings, and around her neck were red. Not to mention the large bow about her skirt was red as well. She wore white gloves which were no longer than her wrists to complete her clothing.

Within her hands, she held a small, rolled document. Extending her arms and holding it within both hands, she bowed and extended her arms even further.

"This message is for Kusanagi."

Raisa eyed Ky from her peripheral while Ky looked over his shoulder to her. Neither of them were sure about such a thing, yet, it was being offered to one of them instead of both. This made Raisa particularly uneasy. Ky took slow steps towards the maid and when he stood three feet from her, he reached out and took the message from her.

Rising from her bow, her arms were placed to her sides. Additionally, she informed them of what the purpose of the message had been.

"As you are second of the military unit, Gungnir, you and your commanding officer are cordially invited to supper."

"…Cordially…?" Ky looked at the invitation within his hand. He has yet to open it though what he was just told, he assumed it summed up the message.

"Who sent the invitation?" As he asked this, Rebecca politely smiled while Raisa slowly opened a drawer where a second set of pistols were concealed.

"Madame E'laura Riga, of course." As this entered her ears, Raisa immediately sat upright and her facial expression gave away her knowledge of who E'laura was. Ky on the other hand…

"E'laura…?"

"Yes, she has arranged for your arrival as well as your pick up and will like for you to be prompt upon your arrival for supper is at nine. Tardiness is not accepted."

Raising a brow, he nodded once as the maid bowed and then took her leave. It was after she exited the dwelling that the finely dressed man bid them both a farewell by tipping his hat towards them both. To follow this, he closed the door behind him and quickly opened the carriage door for the maid.

"Invited by E'laura…" Ky did not turn to face Raisa but she had his attention. "It sounds as if you are becoming infamous."

"Infamous?" Ky slowly turned around due to her choice of words.

"Yes. To be invited by such, I would say so."

"Well known would fit that better than infamous." Ky looked to the invitation within his hand once more. "Infamous sounds like it follows no law and cares none about anything." Raisa said nothing; instead she looked on with a rather bland expression upon her face. He had missed the entire point let alone the light joke she had been making.

"Damn idiot…"


Hours had passed after the invitation had been delivered and within this time, not much else had occurred. Ky had been within his room pacing to and fro. Nervous about the coming event as well as why Priya had chosen him to go with her. He had not a decent thread of clothing; only what he could safely work in and then there was his mail.

"…what am I going to do about this…?"

He now sat upon his bed with his forehead in his palms. He wore a long sleeved tunic made of leather and he also wore of vest of the same make. Jodhpurs covered his lower body and he wore wet weather boots as his cloth shoes were missing.

Ky wanted to opt out of having to go with Priya yet, he had not the courage, let alone heart to turn her down. Even more so had been the fact that E'laura had invited him.

He heaved a sigh as two loud knocks brought him back from within his mind.

"The escort will be here shortly." It was Raisa reminding him that he needed to be ready. As he rose from his bed, he thought of writing in his journal once more, yet he then decided not to. He would more than likely be interrupted as he was in the middle of writing. "Ky…?" He did not respond to her. Even as she knocked on his door and called him for the second time, he did not respond. His mind was wrapped in the events which were to come and he knew not how to handle the situation let alone where to begin.

"HEY, WAKE THE FUCK UP!"

As she yelled those words, Raisa kicked in Ky's door and as a result of this, Ky stumbled back only to trip and fall to the floor. Sitting up and groaning from the aching back, Ky looked to the door and saw Raisa staring at him.

"You know how to fucking answer someone?"

"I…"

His voice trailed and with that, Raisa turned and left him be. It took him a few minutes to gather himself and when he did, he dimmed and then extinguished the flame within the lantern.

Emerging from his now door-less room, Ky thought of stopping to clean up the mess which was just made yet he had not the time. Instead, he grabbed an overcoat and walked out into the front where Raisa normally spent most of her time.

Silence hung over the area for a few moments and the only sounds which were heard were Raisa sketching away with quill in hand and her balling whatever parchment she had been sketching on and tossing it to the floor if she were not pleased with what she had been sketching.

It was after the fifth failure which Ky chose to speak.

"I…I don't get it."

Raisa said nothing to him. Instead, she looked up from her book in silence. This book lay before to her and she had been leaning over it in order to see what part to sketch next. Seeing this, he assumed that he had her attention to where he would not interrupt her, so he spoke.

"Was that really necessary?" He asked this as he made a gesture towards his door.

"You will get a new one."

"That's not the pint!" Raisa narrowed her eyes in confusion.

"Pint…?" She repeated.

"Point…not the point…you know what I'm trying to say."

Raisa said nothing. Though her facial expression said enough; she thought he was a fool.

"Why can't you knock on the door like someone civilized? Or even call me?"

"I knocked three times. I called you twice prior to the door being broken. You chose not to answer."

"But that doesn—"

"E'laura sent you an invitation to her residence. If you are late or not ready, it is not me who will lend aid when you are butchered…"

"I know E'laura hates slowness…they both pretty much said that earlier. I know that already…"

"Oh, then you know she is one of the highest ranking officials in the Grandallian Military?"

Ky said nothing. The reason why was because that was something he did not know whatsoever. In his silence and for the fact that his eyes and mouth were both agape, Raisa lifted her head from her book and stared at him as if he were a deer and she were in fact, the wolf hunting her prey.

"How the FUCK do you not know that?"

Ky jumped as she screamed at him. It was not his fault he did not know much about those who were over him with the exception of a few commanders. Though with what Raisa said, that meant that she must be higher ranking than Annebella Williams. As much as he had heard of Annebella was that she outranked both The Sisters, Abelia Schillfelt, and even Kagami. Though he knew of those aforementioned, he knew nothing of E'laura; in fact, today was the first time he had even heard anything about her.

"I don't know…"

Ky looked out the window and to the moon. Raisa on the other hand, resumed reading only to cease half way down the page.

"Never hesitate."

"Huh?" Ky turned his head in her direction. She was not looking at him but she was still talking to him.

"You hesitate when someone is speaking to you, you hesitate when you've much on your mind and you hesitate due to fear." Raisa now looked up from her book and now looked at to him.

"Hesitation can get you killed in war and your God will not lend you his aid."

With this said, Raisa unknowingly sparked an argument.

"You can't just say that, I believe that no matter what happens God is always looking out for me and all of his children." Ky turned away from the window and was now facing Raisa. "You've your beliefs and I've mine, but you can't expect me to just believe whatever you say."

"You believe what a book written by human hands says so why should my words be any different?"

"Are you God? A disciple of God's; no, you aren't. So you've no reason let alone right to insult God's name."

Raisa rose from her hunched position and blinked. Her face revealed that she had currently been elated.

"So I cannot bear my own opinion and express it? Is that what you are saying?"

"I'm saying that you can't disrespect our Lord a—"

"Your Lord, and your Puppeteer."

Ky gnashed his teeth while Raisa smirked.

"I came not to judge the world…John 12:47."

"Wha…?" Ky stared at her as she recited the verse. Though what she would say next would be rather damning.

"…and The Puppeteer said, 'For judgment I am, come into this world' John 9:39."

Raisa's smirk slowly spread into a twisted and sadistic smile.

"Man does not need a God to be moral, religion divides more than it unites, you know this as does the rest of the world. The Crusades for instance is an example."

"The Crusades were fought to take back the Holy Land!"

"And at what cost…? Lives wasted for the purpose of securing land? Killing those who offend your God? Do you believe your God is peaceful?"

"Corinthians 14:33, 'God is peaceful'." With that quote, Raisa nearly cackled, yet she retained her calm and matched his quote with her own.

"Exodus and Isiah, 15:3 and 51:15, 'God is warlike'." Raisa cocked her head to her left as her smile retained its natural strength. "'God is kind, merciful, and good.' Psalms 14:5, all while 'God is cruel, unmerciful, destructive, and ferocious.' Deuteronomy 7:16."

Raisa closed her eyes while still keeping that same smile upon her face.

"Religion is not fit for science, yet, it took some form of science to make the parchment for the scriptures to be written on and as such, scripture is man-made and demonstrably false. I say that to say this, God did not create man in his image, man created God in his and as such, there are many Gods which humanity praises and each religion bears its flaws and contradictions but Christianity is the only one, willing to traverse the world in order to blind all else's minds to what they are supposed to believe whether they kill, beat, torture, or even rape in order to achieve it."

"…Raisa, not everyone is a perfect Christian. I'm not even a perfect Christian…but I try to be." Ky looked down to the floor as he continued to speak. "Just because some people use it to their advantage doesn't mean that everyone uses it as a way out and over things. Not a priest has done such and only those like us have."

Raisa cocked her head to her left at the last portion of what Ky had just said.

"God made woman from the rib of a man and the man from dust itself, how else can you say we've come along?"

"From dust and a rib…" Raisa crossed her arms after she repeated that segment of his question.

"Though men treat women as if they are shit compared to them. You know that. Few men do good by their wives, while most do not. Even with what you have said, if woman were made from the man's rib, why do men treat women as if they are above then when quite frankly it is obvious that women were meant to walk beside men?"

"Rais—"

"Even more to that is the fact that E'lauram's first wife is to be Lilith; though if I recall right, that is not to be correct for Lilith is in some texts referred to as a demon whom fled E'lauram simply because she refused to listen to him and also refused what most women endure today… being subservient to the men in their lives. In other text, it is said that she shared bed with Archangel Samael."

Raisa slightly tilted her head to her right and continued speaking.

"So what do you believe; do you believe that the Jewish side of it with Lilith being E'lauram's first wife who abandoned him is true or is Christianity, as you know it, absolute with Eve being E'lauram's first and only wife?"

Ky said not a word. He merely stared at her in silence.

"You do not think that I know nothing of your religion do you? It would be ignorant for me to reject it and know nothing about it versus knowing what I do and knowing that I can live to a greater value and extent without a Christian lifestyle."

"I didn't say you didn't know about it…"

"Though…do tell me if I am correct…" Raisa leaned forward and placed both her elbows upon the counter. Her arms were still crossed and her left arm was on the outside of this crossed manner while her right was closest to her body. "I am going to create woman and man with original sin. Then I will impregnate a woman with myself as a child so that I can be born. Once alive I will kill myself as a sacrifice to myself all to save you from the sin which I originally condemned you to. Ah, but no! One being of the divine can mean that they act as one, function as one, are of the same sect. But to this, why would the lesser demand to know who the greater has abandoned it?"

"That isn't all it's about Raisa!"

Raisa's eyes widened and a small smirk was written upon her lips.

"Really…?" Leaning over her work, Raisa's demeanor seemed to change. It was almost if she had been enjoying the situation which had been unfolding between them. "Then why is it you have turned to Christianity? Is it for your family, or your personal choice?" Ky stood in front of Raisa speechless. It took no time at all for her to notice this silence. "I take it be your family."

Raisa heaved a light sigh as she continued.

"You followed what your parents wanted you to do and when you did not do it, you were disciplined. Not saying grace at supper, you were lashed upon your hand if not outright beaten."

Ky said nothing.

"Need I continue?"

"No…" Ky turned towards the window and once again, looked at the moon. Silence hung over them for a few minutes. All the while, Ky was holding his tongue while Raisa said whatever was on her mind. Though in the silence, Raisa had found what she needed to and as such, she decided to ease off her personal beliefs and research as well as calm her mocking tone. For now.

"…you still hesitate and bite your tongue." Ky's eyes slightly widened. "I suppose that will do though."

Ky turned his head in her direction. Raisa could see the agitation within his face and she thought it a rare and wonderful thing that he was actually capable of losing a bit of his composure.

"Are you telling me that you made that entire thing up just to—"

"I made nothing up. As you said, people believe what they believe; though a shorter way of saying that is to each their own. The point is that you are capable of voicing your opinion…which you need to do more instead of going with whatever happens and hoping for the best by remaining silent at all times or trying to talk someone down from their belief."

He again, took up his initial silence and looked back out the window.

"When the war is brought to us, it will be good if you can channel that same carnal fire that you just showed me. Without it, no one can survive a war let alone last in a normal bout."

"…she's trying to teach me again…" With this thought, he followed up with of them had spoken for the next half hour. Ky stood in the same place while Raisa had returned to working on Vindicate and Heartless sketches.

"It seems like no matter what I do someone always has more than I do." His hand slowly slid down the window and as it did, small streaks were left upon it from where his fingers had run across. "Gallagher is a good guy, drinks, helps people and fights only when he needs to; not only that, he's stronger than me too."

"Priya and Surina both have rank and are more solid to the core…"

"Raisa is straight-forward and direct. Blunt even. She follows what she believes and is indifferent about others unless it's something she wants to point out or say…but she may still be indifferent…compared to them I've got…"

Ky was brought from his thoughts when Raisa tossed scrap into the trash just beside her. The resulting metallic ting was what truly brought him back to reality. At this point he wanted to ask her something yet, he knew not if she was too busy or not. Though the only way to find out was to ask; or possibly look and deduce if she was.

Turning his head, he stopped as he caught sight of the door. Half of him wanted to ask but the other half thought it best to.

"One real way to find out…"

"…Raisa…"

"Ky." He hesitated before he asked his question yet, now that he had her attention it was no reason to shy away now.

"What do you think the chances'll be that Parousia is thrown into war?"

Raisa continued tightening the wedge as this question was asked. Ky thought she was not going to answer and had begun to leave until she spoke. "Are you sure you want the answer?" Looking back, but not turning around, he told her that he was. At this point, Raisa ceased her work and interlaced her fingers. Her elbows rested upon the counter-top while her eyes were closed.

"The probability of Grandall being at war? Very high or rather...by percentages, over seventy percent." Ky did his best to hide his worry but Raisa knew him well enough to see it. "If you would like an accurate estimation…" Raisa ceased her words as the sound of hooves caught her ears. Not knowing why she stopped, Ky turned to face her.

"There isn't much space for peace is it?"

Raisa said nothing as she listened. Her hearing was much more attuned to the world that Ky's had been. It had been seconds later that Ky turned back to the door for he now heard hooves striking the streets outside.

"Guess that's why she's silent."

As he opened the door, a slight chill washed over him due to the night weather.

"Do not embarrass yourself."

Those were her only words and the only advice she had given him as she returned to her work. Ky said nothing in return. He merely held his overcoat tighter around his neck to stop the cold air from getting to it. Raisa was not at all bothered as the night air washed over her. She simply watched as he stepped outside and even when he closed the door behind him, she watched.

"Do come along now Sir Kusanagi."

Ky hesitated as this was said to him. Looking at the gentleman before him, he stood roughly six feet and was slender, much more so than Ky himself. He wore all black and his clothing appeared to be rather expensive as did the top hat he wore. This was the same man from earlier who had been in company of the maid.

"The Madame is not one who relishes in tardiness and your current...appearance is...tolerable."

Silently nodding, Ky approached the carriage and as the door was opened for him he could see nothing inside, yet, he entered and sat himself down upon the seat which had his back facing the horses which drew the carriage.

As the door closed, darkness made home to the inside of the carriage. He heard the light cracking of the reigns and without delay, the horses resumed their previous gait. Taking in a breath, Ky slowly exhaled only to slowly inhaled once more. There was a delectable scent inside of the carriage. Drawing in smelling the air once more he was able to make out the scent to be vanilla. He loved the smell of vanilla. Greedily smelling the air once more with the moon shining through the only window, he was able to see his breath when he exhaled the wonderful scent and not only was he able to see his breath, he also saw a pair of legs.

As he studied the pair of slender legs, he unconsciously wiped his nose as his eyes followed the light of the moon. As the carriage rounded a corner, the moon's position allowed more of the silhouette to be unveiled and as his eyes reached the individual's hips, Ky's breath nearly ceased as he saw her slender form. This female was wearing a dress and with the way she sat, a portion of her thighs could be seen. Her dainty hands were folded in her lap and her upper body was covered by a shawl. He could imagine her without the shawl itself and by the make of the dress; he knew that its design had just barely covered this female's breasts.

"…G…od…" Before he could mutter another word, the female leaned into the moonlight and as she did, he instinctively straightened.

"Is something on your mind Ky?"

His spine had tensions running up and down as his face flushed. "N—no, nothing, not a single…thing…" Turning his head to his left, which was the darkest area of the carriage at the moment, he cursed his wandering eyes.

"I DIDN'T KNOW THAT WAS PRIYA!"

"Ah, well fear'eth not, E'laura doth be higher rank but not one to instill fear."

"Uh, y—yeah…"

"God knows what she may be thinking; she might think I'm some kind of twisted pervert! I mean I just looked or…well I stared BUT I couldn't help it! Who just sits in the dark and doesn't say anything? It's not like I knew she was already in here!" His mind seemed like it was not cease in its panic, but that was until Priya called for him once more.

"Ky, look."

"Oh this isn't good…I'll probably be reported for being a pervert just for staring at her legs and thighs…"

"Ky?"

Snapping form his mind, Ky looked over to Priya and answered her. "Y—yes?"

While motioning him to come closer, she verbally extended the offer as well.

"Come and look." Sliding across the plush cushioned seat, he now sat close to the window while Priya sat opposite of him. As she pointed to the window, he slightly leaned forward and looked. Priya had been pointing to the lights flying across the sky.

"What…are those?" Forgetting his earlier dilemma, Ky stared in amazement at the sky's display.

"Shooting stars…" Her voice gave away her fascination while his still shook from the remaining amount of nervousness which had slowly been dying down. "I honestly wish…" Ky eyed her as her voice trailed.

"For…?"

Her eyes slowly closed as she leaned back into her seat. "I wish I could hold them within my hands." Ky said nothing as he re-positioned himself to where he sat with his back straight. "It would be wondrous if things such as this happened more often. As the world is now…"

Priya continued to look out the window. Despite her shoulders and up being obscured by the darkness of the carriage, he was still able to see her darkened silhouette move about. With her face obscured, Ky felt a bit more at ease; even more so when he chose not to look in her direction.

"Tis not as all would desire."

"The world is just the world though, how can you say it's not what we want?"

Unknown to him, the smallest of smiles kissed her lips. "What is our occupation?"

"Our…occupation…?"

"Yes."

"W—we are soldiers. Serving the country and protecting it so that we can live our lives in peace and defend our lives as well as the lives of others from invaders."

"A bit much given your circumstance hm?" She heard his verbal stutter and chuckled. "However, we must be violent in terms of protecting ourselves. To a more accurate extent, we must kill others in order to ensure our own survival."

A sigh escaped him as he knew she had been correct.

"Attacking in order to defend and killing in the name of our emperor…" Priya stared at the moon as she spoke. "If we all could learn from each other and respect the boundaries and rules of others, if we did not fight, kill, defame, and much, much more…"

"Life would be much easier."

Closing her eyes and folding her hands in her lap, she nodded only once. "That is what I would change; the violence and the madness; for us all to be one and live as one."

She spoke of a Utopia. Such things are of myths and folklore as well as religion. Religion itself, for example, Paradise is to be the realm which you are preserved as yourself; human, living, as well as an angelic being for ascending to the Celestial Plain known as Heaven. Though to digress, such things are not as easy to achieve and as mortals are, mortals cannot escape the fact that they are mortals.

"That's just life itself."

"But why does it have to be our lives?"

Priya now leaned forward. The moonlight revealed a little more than half her face. Placing her right hand above her left breast, she continued to speak.

"Why must man slaughter man in hopes of prosperity when he drags rot wherever he treks? Why must woman be treated as filth and not as an equal? Why must we kill in order to survive? Why must all of life's problems be solved with war, greed, death, and depravity?"

Staring at the young woman before him, he could see her left eye; a lovely mix of green and blue. She had her mother's eyes as well as beauty while retaining her father's swarthy complexion and Spanish accent.

"I don't know…"

"There were times when we all would mind our own and simply enjoy what life brought. Husbands proud to be parents. Wives proud to be wed and with child, tell, me, what would you want?"

"I don't really know..." Priya released a sigh to which he assumed she had been growing tired of the conversation or was disappointed that she had not given an answer that she sought. started to say something however, Ky continued to speak. "What I really wanted to do was continue on with working with my mom and dad but..."

"...but?" For a few seconds he said nothing. Watching his form sulk, she reach forward and placed her left hand upon the back of his right hand. She had ignored his flinch, and now was looking at him. To be precise, she had been looking into his eyes. Looking at her nose, he slowly but surely made eye contact with her. Torchlight had been waltzing by the horse-drawn carriage and as such, flashes of orange flashed in and out of the carriage and across not only her features, but also that of the carriage itself.

Looking away from her, he looked out the window. Lamps waltzed by the window as another turn was taken. Despite the method of the streets for which they traveled, the ride was nearly soundless as well as comfortable. Yet, it was at that point that it hit him. The torchlight was a dead giveaway to this as well. The carriage progressed around yet another turn, the two looked out the window. They were able to see most of the country from where the carriage had slowed and eventually come to a complete stop.

"We've arrived." Ky nodded in silence despite the fact that neither of them could see each other. Looking down, Ky balled his fist and then relaxed it. He was not able to see his own hand but he could still feel Priya's cool hand upon his, she withdrew it when the carriage door opened; and as the aforementioned carriage door was opened, Ky was about to step out yet, the man stopped him from doing so.

"Allow Madame Priya to exit first." With his uneasy smile, Ky sat back down. Moving towards the door, the man took Priya by the hand and aided her in exiting the carriage.

After she had gotten out and stood waiting for her second, Ky exited the carriage on his own and as he walked past the man, the man shook his head at Ky for his lack of mannerisms.

"I do thank you for bringing us here Sir." Bowing as she spoke her words, he smiled warmly before he said anything.

"Ah, it is the will of the Madame, therefore I follow her word, yet, you are most welcome Madame Priya."

"Does he address everyone woman as Madame?" As she thought this, she and Ky were led to the large double doors of the manor. The outside alone looked magnificent yet, due to the darkness of the night, many features were obscured.

"Welcome to the Riga Manor."

Slowly opening the door, the two were greeted by an amazing sight. Inside of her mansion had been enormous and well furnished. Entering, the man closed the door after Ky had took a few steps into the manor.

As far as they could see, a painting had adorned nearly every wall and most of them were of flowers or the moon. Velvet had been draped about the tall windows and gorgeous tapestry's adorned every table. The floors were of a reflective stone and the chandelier above them had been craft from silver and gold. With her position in the military, it was not a surprise that she lived so well.

"…wow…"

After a few moments of silently drinking in the visuals of her home, the two walked about as the man-servant informed them that he would fetch the Madame.

Looking from wall to wall, he observed the paintings. Many had the moon within them and few were of flowers, particularly roses. Priya had been looking at a different set of paintings and in these paintings, there was something familiar to her which Priya did not hesitate to alert Ky to.

"Ky…" He nearly answered by saying Yes Commander, however he refrained from doing such. Coming up to her right, Ky looked at the painting which she had been looking at.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing but…are…these of Grandallian Officers?"

As he looked at the painting he realized that Priya had asked a very good question; the painting which they were both looking at resembled General Girardot, only much, much younger. In the painting he wore armor and held his iconic weapon, Absolution. Absolution was a lance which had been fitting with several recurring designs built for protection as well as offense.

"Is that a Fauchard?"

Priya looked at the painting with confusion before turning to Ky.

"Tis a lance…"

"A Fauchard is insufficient...in my opinion." Her voice even gave away her confusion, yet Ky was not speaking of the lance. Instead, he pointed to the blades which encircled the lance's shaft. "See those? Those are what I'm talking about. The guard alone look as if it's been taken from anoth…well, several weapons…"

Looking closer, Priya could now see what he had been referring to. The guard did in fact appear as if they came from other weapons opposed to being made specifically for that weapon itself.

"He did not use that against for our test…"

"Test…?" Ky looked at Priya in a quizzical fashion.

"Yes, our test. We were to prove ourselves under true battle scenarios and the weapon the General used was much different from that."

Ky returned to observing the painting.

"Tis a monstrosity that…even when they are made to be nothing more than adornments for the lance alone nowadays…" With an index to her chin, she continued. "One could trip foes, disarm one of a shield or use said impaled shield as an extension and even a bludgeon. A few successful strikes to a pate and there's no standing from that.

"Ahem."

Slowly turning to her left, Priya saw the same man which had driven the carriage. Ky took a step backwards so that it would not appear as if he were trying to conceal himself behind Priya, despite it being a poor attempt due to their height difference.

"Allow me to introduce your hostess…" As he bowed, Priya heard movement upon the stairs which were behind the man. "The Madame of this fine manor and the General of the Grandallian Military…"

"General!" Ky's face was unable to hide its shock as this was said. Raisa's implore quickly flashed through his mind as did her inquiry of how he knew not such a high-ranking individual.

"I present to you, E'laura Riga." As she descended down the steps, her outfit appeared to be a one-piece. A jacket which had been long-sleeved held designs which revealed how it was connected to her long heeled boots. A rose motif had been the focus of the outfit as the lace about her thighs held the design of several roses. Her hands were covered by wrist-length white gloves and her hair gave her the appearance of a dame. Elegance with a slight of strength. If not rebellion.

Finally reaching the ground level, she greeted both her subordinates who were both relatively in shock by her appearance.

"I trust you are both well and have or are recovering well from any injuries?"

Ky tried to speak yet he was unable to. He had still been caught off guard that this woman was considered a General. Not to mention the fact that he thought there had been only one General itself and that General being Girardot.

"All are well and very much alive Madame." Upon speaking these words, Priya bowed which drew a small laugh from Riga. "You needn't be so formal Priya, Riga will be just fine." Turning to her servant, she addressed him directly after speaking to Priya. "Ferguson do show them to the second floor, the third corridor, by the fifth room please."

"Yes Madame."

With that, the man known as Ferguson held a hand behind his back and his other out to the two guests. "Would you please?"

Right after Priya took a few steps forth, Ky quickly followed. Riga observed them as they followed Ferguson up the stairs.


As Priya and Ky were being shown the Manor, Raisa received a guest herself; which was none other than Riese. The two had been speaking of what was to come. In addition to that, they spoke of differing matters as well. The two got along fairly well, though since they had just met, there were still some soft spots as well as restrictions as to what either of them were willing to share.

"…it is something which I dislike."

"Dislike…but you speak of the Gospel so well as though you've attended service for years. It almost sounds as if you're running from your past."

"…it sounds as if you enjoy stalking about the night and leering from the darkness as others are blissfully unaware of your presence."

The two eyed each other. Riese's blue eyes held a neutral chill to them as Raisa's green eyes bore an excess of simmering flames. Looking away from her, Riese smirked and proceeded to cross her arms, as well as her legs as she leaned against the counter. Raisa on the other hand, returned to sketching out her designs which she planned to not only craft, but add on to Vindicate.

"I will be honest…" Raisa did not look at Riese as she began to speak. "Listening in on others was something that I've done as well as others, but you are no better than I."

"I never claimed to be."

"You claim such when compared to Kusanagi though."

"The point?"

"Callously pushing those away who are your allies will make it even more arduous for them to lend their aid when you need it."

Raisa ceased her sketching and lifted her head so that she could see Riese.

"He is a child. Thinking all will be helpful and praise Jesus and show mercy and kindness to all. That is not the world. You know it better than I…"

"Better? No. We all bear our path which we must follow and for us to be considered allies is rather interesting."

"…how so?" Riese turned her head and looked over her shoulder so that she could see Raisa.

"You are…Russian raised, I can tell by your accent. Yet you look Chinese in facial build." Riese blinked as Raisa narrowed her eyes.

"It doesn't strike you as suspicious that you are bi-racial while I am Welsh, furthermore, your commander and mine are also of sullied bloodlines? Not to mention Kusanagi who is purely Japanese…"

"There are things I do not yet understand. Though that I have noticed."

"Oh…?"

"They want us to craft for them but why would we need to? Before that Border Incident we were tasked with such torture; but now we may have true purpose and reason but it falls too sudden for that to have occurred."

"Ah, so you do pay attention."

"More than I let others know…"

"Obviously…" Looking away and off towards the stairs, Riese looked not to Raisa as she spoke.

"There is no fear in your eyes; is it possible that you know not what I am capable of? Do you stand before me in ignorance child?" Raisa eyed the woman. A tinge of anger could be seen on her face with what had been spoken, however, Raisa kept a majority of her calm and answered the question.

"It is the opposite. I've seen the lies which spiders doth weave for their offspring and as that offspring grows, the spiders corrupt them and use them as they see fit; illusions as well as delusions which fester throughout life and the world." Riese placed an index to her chin as she pondered over the response which was given.

"...I have seen enough of the false salvation and the dismal grandeur of the arachnids which have attempted speak venom unto my soul. The truth of death is what I seek and for it to be sought I too seek what exists beyond the ecstasy of the delusions and the penetration of the illusions for they will leave me ill-sated. Yet for me to suffer, bleed, be torn asunder, and devoured simply for my dream to be acknowledged, then it shall be as such—do your worst…"

"Heh, that sure is foolish determination! What is it that for which you truly seek child?

"…the truth…"

"The truth?" Riese repeated.

"You know it as well as I do; we will be at war and there is nothing Grandall can do about it."

"Hmm…" Riese was silent for a few seconds as she blankly stared out the window. She had been watching a few individuals just outside whom had, to her knowledge, appeared to be watching the soon to be shoppe itself.

"They have always been there…"

Without taking her eyes off the individuals, Riese responded to her words.

"So you're aware of them constantly watching you?"

"Yes."

"You find it not suspicious?" Riese looked over her shoulder only to find Raisa looking at her with a flat expression. Turning her gaze to the individuals once more, she spoke. "Hmph, then what do you plan to do about it?"

"When they are upon me, then I will deal with it."

Riese was silent for a second. In this silence, she narrowed her eyes and then addressed Raisa once more. "That situation a few months back still has you hesitant in aiding others?" Raisa ceased her work and eyed Riese. Riese, picking up on the silence, added on to her words. "If you do, it's perfectly understandable. I would not want to lend my aid to others either. In fact, I rarely do such itself to begin with."

"…humanity…is not much to save. Let alone scavenge from. So why should I risk my life and my safety to protect another, when they care not to do the same for me?"

"Do unto others as they would do unto you."

Raisa felt as if Riese had begun to repeat herself. "…Do I look religious to you…?" Looking at Raisa and hearing the depth of how her voice changed, Riese assumed that something had to have happened on some form of religious ground.

"Your sister appears to be so, so why not you?"

"That whore keeps the sanctity of the churches whole while the sanctity of the churches are lodged down her throat."

Riese held back the expression to show that she found what was just said amusing. She also had to fight the urge to laugh—both she did successfully.

"You're referring to Raiko?"

"It is obvious enough."

"She is playful, sexually active, actively seduces on and off the field…" Riese turned and faced Raisa once more before she said anything else. "You are hateful, callous, and you also show little to no concern let alone emotion to Ky. To be related is rather easy to see by features of the face, yet, other than that, not at all."

Raisa silently scoffed at Riese's words and took hold of a chisel.

"Know this, when things are too great for you to handle, and this happens to everyone, you must have at least one you can rely on." Raisa placed her left hand to the left side of her face, yet before her hand made contact; she curled her ring and little finger. Her thumb was firmly pressed underneath her jawline while her middle and index fingers were both slightly curled and lightly pressed against her temple. With her elbow against the counter-top, she turned her head in Riese's direction yet she looked not at Riese; instead, her eyes were focused on her work.

"I wouldn't be surprised if he believed you found him to be worthless—despite, him going through the same ordeal as you have while within the country."

Raisa blankly stared at her firearms as that sank in.

"Personally, if anyone is capable of enduring the same fate as I have and is trying to get through the same situation as I am, while working beside me at that, they are worth keeping as they are worth trusting."

Her eyes now watched Riese from her peripheral while Raisa remained silent.


The three progressed down a corridor and finally, after several turns and passing several rooms, the trio arrived in the room which Riga had directed them to be brought to. It was not long before Riga herself, entered along with the maid from earlier.

"Good evening," As she bowed, she folded her hands. "If there is anything that either of you may need, my name is Rebecca and I will gladly be at your service to you this night."

Recovering from her bow, Riga crossed her arms as she asked Priya a question.

"Do you know anything of the Polish?"

Caught off guard with such a question, Priya hesitated before she gave an answer.

"I know nothing of the sort Riga…"

"…Well the Swedish are still at war with the Polish near Kircholm and as I have heard, the Swedish are to be victorious."

"Madame, aren't the Swedish better prepared and better equipped than the Polish?"

"Yes, and no." Turning to Rebecca, Riga continued on with her answer.

"The Swedish may have the manpower, but a proper defense and strategy can overpower an entire country if done properly. Yet…" She now turned to Priya. "If you know not that, then what do you know of Salgado?" Ky watched Priya as she silently stumbled for words. "Hmph, worry not of the matter…" Casually forgetting the conversation, Riga turned and took two steps up the stairway before ceasing and addressing them both. "Care to follow?" Before Priya and Ky could advance, they were interrupted by Fergus.

"Madame, would you care for desert?"

"Oh…?" Riga looked at her gloved hand and then finger by finger, pulled at the silk glove until it was off. With her bare hand, she took hold of a small edible object and bit into it. After swallowing the food, he spoke.

"Delectable, do make additional pieces for our guests."

"Yes, Madame." With that, Fergus turned and made his way down the corridor. Watching him walk on, Riga turned to Priya and Ky and this time addressed Ky.

"Would you mind if we spoke to alone?"

Ky looked from Riga to Priya whom did not return his gaze. "I—I don't mind…"

Her blue eyes narrowed at his sloppy speech yet, she dismissed it. "Thank you, and worry not, I will take care of your commander."

With that, E'laura walked forth beckoning Priya to follow. Priya looked towards Ky once, her face revealed a small amount of worry while his revealed his insecurities. As she followed E'laura down the corridor, he was left with the same young woman from earlier.

Ky felt under-dressed as he looked at Rebecca. Though she had been dressed in working attire, she looked much more presentable for the occasion than he did. Looking out the window once more, he could hear Rebecca moving about, yet he knew not what she had been doing specifically.

"Would you like some tea?"

"Ah, n—no thank you." As he looked over to her, being polite as he declined the offer, he saw that the tea itself were already poured and piping hot. Rebecca had probably thought ahead and knew he would decline. "Actually, I'll love some."

Turning from the window, he slowly made his way to the table and as he sat down, he noticed a small platter with a thinly cut slab of what he assumed to be food.

"What's this?" Pointing to the small dark brown object upon the platter, Rebecca smiled at his curiosity.

"It is chocolate, sir Kusanagi."

"W—what is chocolate?"

Her earlier smile had now returned to a look of utter confusion. "You know not what chocolate is?"

"Uh…" Looking at the edible morsel known as chocolate, Ky knew not what to say. Altogether he felt as if he did not measure up to the upscale lifestyle which E'laura and Rebecca led. Though at the same time, he was not from this region of the world itself.

"Chocolate or, Chocolatl if you will, was introduced to us here twenty years ago…"

"That would mean it got here around 1585…"

"Though I know not if you have been here for that long or not; judging by that question, I take it that you know not."

He slowly shook his head. Rebecca smiled and extended a hand out to him as she asked her next inquiry.

"Would you care for the history?"

"I…actually would like to know about the craft of that sword." Again, he pointed. As she looked behind her, Rebecca saw the weapon he had been referring to.

"That is right, you are the Bladesmith."

As she rose to her full height, she beckoned him to come forth. Standing and pushing the chair back underneath the table, he proceeded to follow the young Rebecca. It was not long before they both stood before the long sword which hung amongst the wall.

"A fine sword it is."

"Yeah…" Ky reached out to simply touch the weapon only to have his hand slapped.

"I've just cleaned that this evening, you needn't smudge it!"

"S—sorry…"

Rubbing his left hand, he made a small amount of distance from Rebecca and the mounted sword. Soon enough, he had sat himself back down at the table which tea had been prepared. Before he could take the cup in hand, he halted himself. A large object with what appeared to be strings caught his eye.

"What's that?" As he pointed to the object, Rebecca slowly approached it and when she sat within the chair beside it, she answered him.

"A harp." She answered as she ran her fingers across it. Doing so caused a soft melody to temporarily fill the immediate room.

"An instrument of music?"

"That it is." Rebecca looked from the harp and over to Ky. "Do you play an instrument of any sort?"

"I—well I don't know if it's considered one but I like the ocariba."

"The Ocarina you mean."

"Ocarina…yeah, uh sorry…"

"You are apologizing for the littlest of things." Before Ky said anything else, he scratched the back of his head. "It is all right. After all…" Strumming the harp once more, this time with two hands, she continued on.

"Music is what drives life." Lightly running her slender middle and index fingers across the strings of the harp, a light melody echoed about the room once more. Ky felt a bit more at ease as he listened to the continuous strokes of the harp which Rebecca delivered. "How long has it taken for you to learn our language?" Ky eyed her in surprise. "You are of Japanese descent and origin, no?" To this, he nodded and verbally answered. "Well? How long?"

Her voice was not only light, but she spoke with obvious higher social and verbal education. If he had been paying enough attention, she had not used a contraction yet. In his mind, he wondered if contractions were viewed as use by the common rabble or lessers.

"Not too long." He admitted. "About a year really." The next question was how he came to learn it. "My...parents. My mom mostly. But both were weapon-smiths and sold their wares to various people so learning a new language was a must."

"Ah. I see and you being younger it was easier for you to pick up on it and learn it." He wanted to say something however that seemed more an assumption as to why he learned it as quick than anything. Little did he know, his tone told her volumes and she chose to change the subject. "You claimed you once had a love for the ocarina, is that still true?"

Ky nodded. "Y—yeah, my…"

As his voice trailed, Rebecca looked over to the shelf and then pointed to where she had been looking. "There is a flute there, why not play it in tune with the harp?"

Matching where she was pointing, Ky easily identified the ocarina which was resting on a shelf next to a small stack of books.

"I myself have never played for I have yet to learn how, it would be the honor to hear one such as yourself play such an instrument. Though it is also different from the ocarina, yet, it Is just as wonderful." Looking at Rebecca, he started to say something yet, he lost track of the words he was going to speak. Silently getting up, he slowly made his way to the shelf and when he reached it, he looked down to the ocarina. A small amount of depression took hold of him as he reached for the musical instrument.


Within the slight chill of the night, she felt a calm about being here. She stood out on a balcony alongside her superior. That is of course until her servant offered her a seat for which she took. She thanked him as he once more took his leave to fetch something which he was tasked to retrieve. As she sat within this finely crafted chair, Priya took in the view. From the balcony she sat upon, she could see most of the Walled City from here. From the Parousian Castle of Helden in the north-west to her own home which she shared with Surina; Priya could see her home fairly easily due to the fire which Surina had going upon the lot of land which they owned.

"Tis magnificent…"

To the southeast, she could see Rosemore, the Boroughs - East and West - and the infamous red lights of the Red Light District Parousia held. She could not see Feron however and this was due to the illumination of the District of Red before it.

As Riga sat herself down, she could not help but smile from her subordinate's amazement.

"This is one of the best features of this manor." Looking to the land below, she continued. "It is not the jewelry, the upscale living, or the wine…well yes to the wine, yet, that is a differing matter."

Priya gave a small smile to the joke which she had given. Just as Ky, this had also been the first time that Priya had met E'laura Riga as well. Unlike Ky, she knew full-well whom she was as well as her position. Priya knew that Riga had the power to promote as well as demote soldiers as well as assign who winds up in what unit; though she had no authority over Special Tactics as Girardot did.

"This is a rather attractive location though."

"Indeed it is." Her voice still revealed her amazement. "A fine home you have Riga."

A small smile spread across her lips as she reached out and took hold of a glass. Priya had not noticed the wine which had already been poured and the fact that a separate glass itself had been sitting in front of Priya.

Holding the beautifully decorated glass before her within her bare hand, she studied it as she spoke her next words.

"To embrace the wind and the lovely touch, for the touch itself is the very gift of life. For we stood in all against so much. We live to glimpse and hope to cling." Rotating the glass in between her fingers, she continued. "We see the day and another spring. Now and then we rejoice our love for we bear the fruits from above. Undying passion and bonds in light, we shall soon see the world through another sight."

Priya looked at Riga after a few seconds of silence had passed. She wanted to comment on how beautiful it was yet, she could not help but wonder what it truly means for her to say such things. Priya thought her words held a different meaning that what it appeared to be.

"How is it that you plan to spend the last few days of peace?" Priya stammered. Looking to her subordinate and the fact that her hands were folded in her lap, she spoke once more. "The wine is for you Priya…" Crossing her legs and her arms, Riga continued. "Also, you are acting much more nervous that your second."

"I apologize."

"For…?" Priya looked over to the glass of wine which she had yet to touch. She had been looking for the right words to say. For some reason she felt nervous while before her. "This is nothing but a…as some would say, a 'meet and greet'. I would have invited Surina yet, I doubt that woman would enjoy such pleasantries."

"W—what of Annebella?"

"Hm?" She looked on as if she were remembering something. "Ah. Annebella and I are already well acquainted. You are the only one I know little to nothing of let alone seek to know anything of."

Priya was cut off before she could speak.

"Wine is incapable of drinking itself."

With that said; she looked to the glass and slowly reached out to it. The glass was red and the wine had been redder than blood. The glass itself, rather the portion which contained the wine, nearly overlapped her small and dainty hands.

"Your words…" Before she could sip her wine, Priya spoke. This annoyed Riga yet she voiced it none. "You know of the war to come?"

"I do."

"H—how will it happen or will it simply wash out?"

"Dalkia," Riga caught herself and softly chuckled "...rather, that whorish minx…" Priya could easily hear the hatred in Riga' voice. "...will do whatever it can so that it can sustain itself as well as its pride."

"Aurelia…I see…"

"Aurelia Dichalla Dolce...she only came to power after the sudden death of the former King, thus giving Dalkia their first and only Queen." Priya looked to the wine within her glass as Riga continued to explain the backstory of Dalkia.

"If memory serves me correctly, your sister ventured forth to Dalkia just a few years ago and was fairly elated. D-"

"I know nothing of why she would be such."

With this hastened answer, Riga thought to press the matter yet, she knew Priya was not one to be trampled upon. No matter how calm, kind, and sincere she may be, even Priya had her limits and when it came to Surina and she could see even now how she changed her posture. Once leaning into a slight hunch, she now sat upright with her glass in hand and looking to the city below. Her demeanor had quickly changed. Riga decided to avoid the issue with Surina and she returned the original topic.

"...she married the head of the Dalkian military practically during the funeral."

"'Twas soon. We all knew. Or are you simply saying 'tis suspicious?"

Riga now heard it within the young commander's voice. Agitation. It was no secret the sisters were close, a life spent growing partially on their own and most of it was spent idolizing and wanting to be like their father. Only to be combated by their mother and nearly every turn until both Sergio and his wife passed. "Of course, it is suspicious. Though they are not truly married, they do carry on as such. Despite the fact that the whore was originally part of his...harem."

Priya shuddered as this entered her ears.

"Ah yes, she was. The other women whom served the King were killed due to 'suspicion' and conspiracy."

"In the end, you believe Aurelia killed her King?"

Riga smirked as she looked Priya directly in her eyes.

"Believing is foolish. I know she killed him just as several others. There simply is no form of evidence to prove it and for Roin to cover for her as he has, it proves that she has murdered the man and to gain favor, she reinstated the war against the Halteese."

"That is a rather serious accusation Riga..."

"'Tis' true, but there is no other explanation and the people's insouciance is despicable; though sadly it proves my point rather finely."

After drinking a little more wine, Priya cupped her glass with both hands in her lap. "...and what point would that be?"

"…that humanity strives for understanding and dominance."

"Dominance…?"

As the moonlight brightly shined down on the land, the two of them had sat out and upon one of many balconies. There had been aged wine as the beverage of choice and fresh fruit arranged upon their plates. Priya had been sitting to Riga's left as this conversation progressed into the night. As always, Riga had been elegantly dressed even though the day was practically at an end. The jacket she wore was that of a noble's and her skirt came down to her ankles though it had a slit which revealed a long, smooth, and toned left leg. Her boots were open and revealed her feet from all angles yet, above her ankles had been completely covered. Not a doubt crossed Priya's mind that these boots were custom made.

"Yes, dominance; from brothels, you see those who own women, beat and abuse them how they see fit in order to keep their wills broken and the feelings of hopelessness at a high. With this done, they will never decide to act against their captors or…business managers."

The night was still and calm. A gentle breeze had been a constant this night and the candlelight had been the main source of illumination indoors. Its radiant glow had played about the balcony and it even reflected within the glasses filled with fine wine. Priya had looked to the silver moon as she took her glass to her thin lips. Ingesting the wine was heavenly to her tongue and it had also been sweet, even though Priya had only enjoyed wine on occasion, this was one exception. Especially since she had been offered wine from her senior as well as being invited to her private residence, Priya truly took this as Riga 'getting to know her subordinate.'

"Ah, I understand."

She replied as she set her glass upon the rounded table. This response gained a small chuckle from Riga. She held eyes of the blue sapphire and had skin which was soft and fair. This same skin of hers had been lightly kissed by the sun while her hair was a light autumn brown. Her cosmetics were visible upon her eyelids as she blinked yet, Riga had been speaking with her eyes closed for most of the conversation. She had in fact been enjoying the wine which she had mostly consumed.

"Do you now?" She inquired as she set her glass down upon the small round table. Her eyes were still closed as she did this.

"Things as is life, falls as such: You must have power in order to control those who lack power, whether it is in numbers or just against a single individual. As your influence spreads, there will be those who wish to strip you of your power and take it for themselves. This is how and why wars are waged—for power, glory, dominance, and most of all, control." Riga now uncrossed her legs and then shifted them. This time her right leg was over her left as she continued to explain. "That is how the world thrives…we are born, we grow, we meet our wives and our husbands, we are bed with them for the night of pleasure and ecstasy whether it be for the future of a child or if that…" She trailed as she turned away from Priya. She was in thought of the next word she should use. Wrapping her slender fingers around her glass she lifted it but took it not to her lips. "…I know not the name of that leather pouch…it is a method of contraception yet, I am afraid the name escapes me at this time."

Priya purposely coughed due to the topic at hand which Riga immediately noticed.

"…An odd topic for you Commander?" She asked just before she brought her glass to her lips.

"…it is…an unusual one…" She barely managed to say just that due to the fact that her face had begun to redden.

"There are a few points to that topic though," She informed her as she leaned back within her chair, her glass, nearly empty, was in between her right middle and ring fingers and her arm rested upon her right thigh.

"…by ear and by sight I know how the soldiers talk and when you were brought up, well, it was practically impossible for me to relax as I am now."

She made a gesture by raising her right arm ever so slightly to get her point across.

"Additionally, I know not how you function behind closed doors, so I do give my implore that it is not wise to enjoy the fruits of your labor." Priya now blinked in utter shock yet, before she could say anything Riga lifted her left hand with her palm facing the commander. "I am not saying you are promiscuous by any means, I am only saying that it is unwise to engage in any of them."

Riga had lifted her head and slowly opened her eyes. Priya could see the reflection of the moon in Riga's eyes from the distance she had been sitting at.

"The common soldier thinks that with his status he can have what he wants and who he wants. This again, ties back to power. Now that they have a taste of it, they want to spread their influence and power. Although, it seems as if it matches none, it actually does albeit on a drastically minuscule scale. Accomplishing a task which is honored is something which delivers status, wealth, power among other things. So it is that for which I give my implore for which I too, hope you do heed."

Riga had now looked down to the table and reached for a fork. After she had taken it within her grasp, she lightly tapped it against her glass. Within seconds, footsteps were heard and from within the mansion, Ferguson appeared.

"Yes Madame?"

Getting a better look at him, she could see that he was well beyond her years. His black hair was tied into a tail and this same black hair had also been graying.

"May we have more wine please?"

"Yes Madame, I shan't be long." Before Fergus was out of earshot, Riga added one other request.

"Oh, and could you please bring the nearest Silphium?"

"Yes Madame." With that, he quickly vanished within the mansion.

"Silphium?"

Turning her gaze to Priya, Riga nodded once while paying attention to her attire.

"I do enjoy the sight of your dress as well Commander, though yes, Silphium." Priya wore a long dress with twin slits running from her ankles to the middle of her thighs. She had been covered until just above her breasts. Her shoulders were covered by a light blue shawl which was permeable to the eye and within her ears she held three earrings each. These earrings were of pure silver and were engraved as well. If stolen they would fetch quite the price.

"T—thank you…"

"You should not be so easily deterred." Riga pointed out. "That, and you forget that Kusanagi is not your second." Priya blinked as this was told to her. "I addressed him as your second and you chose not to correct me. But at the same time, it is odd that you have no one." Riga's right index gently ran along the rim of her wine glass. "By all means, do name one before Dalkia attacks. If not, I will order one in your paradigm Gungnir to hold such title." The young commander's eyes narrowed. "Hmm, make the eyes if you like, but it is protocol and you know this as well as I do." This was correct. Priya knew this but evaded the task. "Girardot may allow you to skip here and there, but I am a... 'by the book' kind of individual. so consider this your warning as such Commander."

Her tone was almost teasingly playful, but her face and her eyes told Priya that this was no joking matter. Apparently influence and power were very much present and being shown.

"However, back to the topic at hand," Her eyes were now focused on her empty glass. "Silphium…yes, I've a bit of it here but it is terribly rare to find and it is what I've sold among other things in order to attain what I can here."

"What exactly be…this Silphium? Be it a metal of sorts?"

Riga chuckled as she looked to her glass of wine.

"Silphium once existed hundreds of years ago within Greece and it is something which can produce a fall in pregnancy," Looking to Priya, she was not enthralled as Priya tensed once more.

"Sexual acts and things connecting to it truly do bother you I see." A small smile was shown as Priya sighed. "You can only hold you innocence once. Do not squander it." Riga now pointed at the table before them, but was in truth pointing towards Priya's lower body. "Still, the demand for it was simply too great in those times just as other seed-halting means are so common and sought in this day and age. In honesty, Silphium was depended on so greatly that it has simply been used to the last of its genus. Though, having discovered some area of that plant to grow, I've sold a few here and there for a fair price."

"You sold this plant for others to use? Be it not for decoration but the stopping of pregnancy?"

Riga nodded and simultaneously extended her left arm so that she could receive a refill of wine. Priya was more focused on Riga's words than anything else. She had not even noticed the return of her servant. After her glass had been refilled, he asked Priya if she wanted more wine yet; he corrected his words and dismissed his inquiry since Priya had not finished even half of her glass.

"Madame, shall I still bring the Silphium?"

"Ah, there is not a need." Bowing her servant recovered and turned to leave.

"Ferguson," The servant, Ferguson, twisted around and immediately answered Riga after she called him. "It is late into the night; do enjoy yourself till Monday and do pass this along to Rebecca as well."

"Yes Madame and thank you Madame." Without a sound, Ferguson had vanished into the mansion yet again.

"You relieve your servants regularly?"

"I do," Riga calmly replied as she smiled.

"…In my opinion, the more you treat your servants with dignity, respect, and give them decent compensation, the longer your servant will enjoy performing their tasks and you also build more trust with them as well." Riga chuckled yet again. "Fortunately for myself, Rebecca has a love for music and will more than likely play about the harp for a time before you doth leave." She now held a distant look upon her face. "Though...enjoying the performance of a task is spoken poorly I assume. I suppose it should be more along the line of, 'dutifully completing their tasks'."

"Ah…"

"Yet with the Silphium, it changes nothing, the ways to prevent childbirth are always changing."

Looking to Priya, Riga could see her dislike for the subject and also that this segue was not as smooth as she wanted it to be. Especially since Riga leapt right back to the subject almost randomly. However...

"Do you wish to bear children someday Priya?" Her eyes flared in alarm to the question while her mouth slowly fell agape. "It is only a simply question, no need for alarm or…are you simply frozen by the very thought of sexual relations?"

Silence resumed as Priya refused to answer the question.

"Madame," After acknowledging Ferguson, he continued. "…do you need anything before I am off?" Riga declined anything else to be done and bid him the night. "…and I do wish a good night to you as well Madame Priya."

"Do enjoy your time Ferguson and goodnight."

It was after Ferguson had left and Riga returning to her wine once more before Riga's next question was brought about.

"Are you a Christian woman Commander Priya?" Priya blinked at this question and she had also hesitated to answer.

"I suppose not, for one who's name doth mean Water Moon or even Beloved, I doubt Christ would be of your line." Priya said not a word though her face easily told Riga that she was not only confused but somewhat offended. "My point is that within the bible, Onan, as it is written within the Book of Genesis, spilt his seed to the ground so that his brother's wife Tamar; his brother is deceased mind you,"

Riga pointed a slender finger at her to make her point of infidelity not being the case.

"…so that he would not impregnate her. This itself proves of a method of not impregnating a woman and again, a way to avoid bringing a child into the world and it is written in none other than the bible. There is also another text of religion which goes by the name of the Talmud; this text of Babylonian scripture states that 'there be only three women who may cohabit with a sponge, these women are: those which are minors, those which are pregnant women, and lastly those which are nursing children.' Now even within religion and the holy of all things, it is even said that child prevention was performed and rarely is ill-advised if not truly ill-advised to begin with and not even I can say that it is ill-advised since it is unclear who wrote each religious scripture. All in all, it very well may be a group of individuals whom conspired the bible and all its contradictions itself."

"Where exactly do you place your point to Riga?" The higher-ranking female quickly but cautiously rotated her glass in between her right middle and ring fingers before she looked at her subordinate.

"…Control and power as well as supply and demand; each works hand in hand. As techniques advance the demand will continue to grow for the youth of today knows only the phallus for which they desire, or the pleasure if you will. Also, as time marches on, you will inevitably see when rulers shall fall and the people themselves will learn some decent form of proposing who leads the people instead of it being of falsified divine blood which is to inherit such a task such as ruling others and a land that more than likely the youth care nothing for. As for these youths, rulers, and villagers… or peasants of the like, most care nothing for the consequences and if responsibility beckons them they are bound to flee."

Sipping from her glass, Riga slowly swallowed and released a relaxed sigh before she continued on; however, as she continued, her eyes were closed.

"The Emperor spreads his forces in order to establish his superiority and those who refuse are slaughtered by the masses; while fear, it is always and always will serve as the primary weapon to be used against those who do survive the massacre."

"…I see."

With her words she looked to her glass of wine. Priya was more than uncomfortable with the topic at hand; being sexual intercourse was being tied so closely to the very form which their country had been in and the fact that Riga was one whom normally aided others in the stopping of such a natural thing.

"I take it you've experimented these con…contraceptive means yourself?"

Riga herself nearly gagged as she drank. Retaining her composure and setting her glass upon the table she looked Priya over for a quick second.

"Well…such a bold question for one whom dislikes the subject of sexual matters—though, to answer your question, no, I've done nothing of the sort and quite frankly, I doubt I ever will." Taking her glass within her hand after that explanation, Riga looked to the rim of the glass as it reflected the moonlight. "There simply is not one who matches my taste and in my years up until now, there has not been one I've been interested in even for the slightest of a time."

As Riga took in a breath, Priya proposed a question. "I understand that you are waiting for the person to sweep you from your feet be it romantically I assume, yet, isn't love all you truly need?"

"Security of my future," She began as she stared at the rim of her glass. "…one who will not dare raise his hand to me for I refuse to allow such disgusting behavior. He would need to tend to himself, his land, and his responsibilities." Lowering her glass and looking to Priya, who now was quick to return the observing eye to Riga, she blinked none as she continued on with her desires. "A safe marriage and secure future is what I desire and it need not bloodshed…the people's "Lord" knows that I've seen enough of it."

With this she took her glass to her lips and drank.

What she had said made perfect sense. After the golden days of marriage, some wives were beaten if things were not entirely done correctly. Furthermore Riga had a strong point of not wanting to deal with a husband who was of such nature and Priya wanted that neither yet, Riga had also stated that the people's Lord which told Priya that Riga was not a Christian. As Priya continued to deduce things from Riga's words, she had not realized that Riga had resumed her more relaxed position of sitting.

"I also do hear you have successfully attained Raisa into Gungnir as well. Many congratulations for your success." Riga raised her glass in silent cheer for Priya and then brought her glass to her lips yet again. It took her a moment but she came back from her thoughts and answered her.

"It was not a gargantuan chore and I see not why I must be a congratulated thing." After this was said, Riga set her glass upon the table and looked Priya dead within her eyes. "Raisa was capable of bringing that glory-seeking child to the dirt ground in front of every lieutenant, captain, and commander which serves within our army," Slightly turning her head, she still kept her eyes upon Priya. "…do you know how many have actually brought about her fall in a match of sparring?"

Priya informed Riga that she knew not the answer.

"That's correct." Priya looked at her in a quizzical fashion.

"Abelia knew not defeat."

Riga slowly nodded. "After Abelia, Lieutenant Kagami was her next opponent which she had bested. From there was Lieutenants Brunhild, and Konomi, among others; but the main opponent she was so sought after for, was Agave."

"Agave?" Priya immediately repeated. "She be of the Emperor's personal knights!"

Riga smirked and nodded. "True it be. Strife…thought it be a matter of pride between the two of them," Riga now sounded heavily annoyed if not agitated. "It was a sickening thing to do really, he was so fixated on Raisa losing the match that he even wanted to have the match be for his eyes only but that would spark much suspicion so he chose not to."

"That makes…"

"If a soldier, who is forced to battle opponent after opponent suddenly dies after the match was to be held within the sight of the Emperor only would cause a decrease in those who may be eager to join the military. Especially if word has spread so quickly of the aforementioned soldier, being Raisa, defeating opponent after opponent. It would shine darkly upon the military and you know as well as I that behavior that shines darkly is enough for lashes if not the gallows. That is of course, for everyone else aside from the Emperor; though he would face no crime to be judged upon, the decrease would still threaten his forces."

The utter truth Riga had spoken and Priya knew it even though she rarely acknowledged this fact. Priya now said not a word. Instead, she took her glass to her lips and slowly drank from it.

"That again would be power—just in an abused form. His influence was being threatened as his soldiers were being bested one by one and for them to be high ranking officials, he grew mad with envy and anger. Even with one of his best knights, being his personal knight at that, being summoned to fight, he was all the more red in his face which was once so pallor earlier that morning." Riga chuckled before continuing. "As you can assume, Raisa bested Agave and her twin sickles but it be not by much that she was victorious," Riga sipped more of her wine before she continued. "Raisa was heavily fatigued and to my knowledge, the only thing which kept her alive was her will. Despite her injuries from each of her matches—minus Abelia," Riga's smile had given birth to her earlier mood of utter relaxation. "…she barely managed to defeat Agave. Even after the battle had concluded, her fatigue was quite visible as well was her exposed gashes and other wounds."

Priya had shifted her position of sitting and now, she sat with her heels touching and her glass had been cupped in both her hands. Her forearms rested upon her legs.

"I only witnessed her match with Abelia…" Her voice trailed as she looked to the waltzing flame of one of the candles inside the mansion.

"You missed much then dear, she is a very capable youth and unyielding at that. She is also younger than the both of us as well as I've heard."

"Younger?"

Priya now looked to Riga whom had slowly taken her glass from her lips. "That she is. She be not even twenty years of age yet and the same goes for your second in command, though, he is nowhere near as formidable as Raisa, who last I saw, is still suffering from her injuries. Again though, I do congratulate you."

Priya hid her smile even though she did not want to.

"What made you choose him as you second instead of Raisa?" Riga now asked as she bobbed her right foot to the melody of the harp which had been emanating from within the mansion. As she did this, Priya sipped more of her first glass of wine. It was now just above half full. Resting her arms upon her legs once more she looked at her wine and the reflection of the candles illumination which reflected brightly within her wine glass.

"…He isn't my second E'laura."

Riga eyed Priya as she took the young commander took her glass to her lips. "At least you speak it now, yes?" A smile was shown to her but it slowly lost its strength. "By all means, he would need quite a bit to properly serve as a second. To that I will agree." She placed her left index to her chin. "Raisa would be the better choice given her combat expertise, however, that could lead to her arrogance." After a moment of silence, she spoke again. "I can see why you have not chosen a second."

Setting her glass upon the table, Priya locked her eyes onto the small flickering light in the distance. It had been coming from a dwelling from the land below them.

"But by all means, do try to teach one of them do be your right hand."

"I'm surprised you've not mentioned Meiga."

Riga said nothing for a few seconds. "Not important." Priya cocked an eyebrow as this was said. "He has not stood out as the other two and does not command a feel of the mysterious or outright fear. Kusanagi and Raisa respectively of course."

"...if I be so bold, all for which would come from her would be ways to kill each enemy when defensive parameters are best over demolishing every threat which comes to us. Ky acts more on defensive and evasive maneuvers when in combat and even when engaged in a conversation he is calm and relaxed. Nervous but mostly calm. Raisa is oft too direct no matter how honest she may be."

"I see…"

"They complement one an other. Elevating one or the other makes no difference as they both have unique and sound ideals." Her eyes had narrowed as Priya voiced the reason of her choice and paid close attention to her body language as she spoke as well. From this, Riga knew that Priya had not been entirely honest.

"Well, I do hope you learn from each other as you say you will." Again, Riga raised her glass. "Cheers," Priya held a quizzical look upon her face as Riga said that word. "…To our allies, a new direction in life, and a promisingly bloody future."

Catching on to her cheer, Priya took her glass and lifted it, lightly tapping it against Riga's glass. Yet at that same moment that this was done, Priya turned her head towards the mansion.

"Music?"

"It seems to be."

Priya was about to commend Riga for truly welcoming her guests but the way she had spoken those words gave Priya pause as to who had been playing the music, let alone why.

"Rebecca enjoys the harp and often plays when she is restless, though the…flute…?" As her voice trailed, Priya looked at her with slight confusion.

"Be it that Ky plays as well?"

"I assume, though he is of your Gungnir, so you should know that right?"

Priya slightly sulked as this hit her. Looking at her glass, she thought of how little she knew of Ky, Raisa and now as she thought of it, Meiga as well. "I know practically nothing of them…" Unless it involved the military in some fashion or their physical appearance, Priya truly was left in the dark when it came to her paradigm. As Riga stood, she requested that Priya accompany her so that they could listen to the music itself. Priya quickly stood and noticed that Riga did not have her wine, seeing this, she left her glass and followed Riga back into the manor.


"You are doing magnificent."

Priya could hear Rebecca speaking as she drew near her location. With Riga to her left, she paid little attention to the paintings on the walls. The blades which hung also were not of interest. What had her mind had been that Ky knew how to play the flute. It was something she could go on and use to start a conversation with him. Of course, she realized that she did in fact know a few things about him but what she knew was geared towards smithing and how he learned to do such.

"We were cut off when he began to speak of his parents. I'll ask him once the time is better."

As the pair reach the open room, Priya looked to the instruments which lie about. All mounted or placed within cases. Weaponry also resided here as well, but it mostly held musical instruments. Her mind was taken from her observation as strumming from the harp caught her attention. To this, Ky played the flute, they were unaware that they had drawn an audience and as such, Ky appeared to be enjoying himself. As Priya watched Ky blow into the flute, she felt a small portion of her heart lift while Rebecca's harp allowed her to truly relax.

Ky sat at the table with his head down and his eyes closed playing the flute while Rebecca sat alongside the harp and played in junction with Ky.

"He's finely crafted that one."

As this was whispered into Priya's ear, she nodded in silence as she continued to listen. It took not long for them to finish and as Ky lifted his head, he froze as he saw both Riga and Priya. Rebecca turned after seeing his face and she too looked on in slight embarrassment.

"Very attractive to the ear…"

After this was said, Ky felt a small amount of relief as did Rebecca. The two looked at each other, Ky with a small smile while Rebecca's was wide enough to tear the flesh from her own face. Before anyone could say anything else though, a chime echoed all throughout the manor.

Riga and Priya both looked to the grandfather clock beside them as it chimed. The time was now eleven o' clock into the night. Riga looked at the clock for a few seconds before turning to Priya.

"You should both prepare for your leave soon."

"P—Riga? Are you throwing us out?" Priya asked with slight disappointment and mock shock. Despite being nervous for most of the night, she had been reinvigorated by the music itself. However, Riga believes that the wine has also had something to do with it.

"Not at all…" She closed her eyes after she said this. "I've merely another party which I must entertain."

"Tis rather late…"

"It is, but as things are at peace, it is best to enjoy it." Rebecca and Ky began to converse amongst themselves as she walked past Priya, she did not stop walking as she spoke once more. "Annebella and Raisa are not far off from what is to come Priya, so you may want to enjoy all you can and maybe even find a husband for…special occasions if you want." Again, Priya immediately flustered. Riga turned and looked at Priya before she took her leave. "Though do not be a stranger, if you need something, I'll be sure to introduce you to… a discount of sorts." Her playful tone had returned and to Priya's dismay, Rebecca knew well-enough what was being discussed.

With a smile so small, Riga waved her hand as she left a flustered Priya with Rebecca and Ky, but not before instructing Rebecca to see them out before midnight.


"Opinions are like assholes. Everyone has one." Riese watched the soldiers outside as they carried out their rounds. She curled her right index and by curling it as she had done, it produced a popping sound. A few seconds had passed before she spoke. "Just not all are filled with meaningless drivel, or as your comparison is applied, shit."

Raisa stifled her laughter in response. "Precisely…"

Riese watched Raisa as she blew dust out of the barrel she had been crafting. Raisa had been making modifications to her revolvers and she was not afraid let alone hesitant to work in front of Riese. Riese had truly been focusing on had been Raisa's physique. Her arms were built as if she were a young man as well as defined as such. In physical appearance, when it came to muscle, Riese knew that Raisa outclassed her, yet in combat, she knew not who would be the victor.

"Is something wrong?" Riese waived off the question, her way of saying no. "Then you should not stare…" Raisa set the barrel down and then placed a hand upon the trigger well. "It makes some nervous and others suspicious."

"You dislike being stared at? Do you fear I find you attractive?"

Taking up her chisel, Raisa smirked before she responded. "If you do, then it will not work. You've much more the rate of success if you seek Raiko."

Instantly Riese shuddered, which Raisa noticed and after noticing, she laughed.

"You jest so easily when it comes to her yet, you grow hostile when others do…that is hypocrisy at its finest."

Quickly ending her laughter, Raisa looked to Riese. "…family can tear away at each other because we are family…" Crossing her arms, Riese continued to listen. "Family can do a plethora of things to you, and because they are family, you can tolerate it and forgive them. But if an outsider is to do such, then it is not the same."

"…"

Rising from her stool, Raisa took up the trigger-well in hand along with the pan, barrel, and the trigger itself. As she took a few steps to her right, Raisa dropped the pan. A small and thin strip of steel it was, yet before she could react to catch it, Riese had already caught the object within her hand; without turning around at that.

"You should be more careful with such equipment."

Placing it upon the counter-top, Raisa narrowed her eyes as Riese pushed herself away from the counter. As she advanced towards the door a light smirk was painted upon Raisa's lips.

"I will be cautious not to make error next time. Let us hope you do the same with your loose affects."

Riese's expression dropped and as such, she said not another word as she made her way to the door and quickly opened it while Raisa placed the parts back down upon the counter-top. To follow this, just as the door shut behind her, Raisa placed her elbows upon the counter-top and watched Riese as she walked in front of the window.

"Interesting…"


Silently watching the carriage depart from her home, Riga slowly blinked as she observed Ferguson command the horses which drew the carriage. With little wine left within her glass, she sits in silence as the country beneath her silently sleeps. There was another matter which needed her attention and not only her attention, but this very country's attention itself. Though the country would soon know what it needed to know. She was certain of that prediction.

As she blankly stared at her glass of wine, the clicking of heels caught her attention. Not one set, but two. That would mean that her guest as well as friend had arrived. Tardy as always, yet never beyond five minutes. It seemed to Riga, since this was consistent enough, to be willingly intentional. One set of heels ceased before making contact with the balcony, this told her that Rebecca had stopped before drawing too near-something which she was taught to always do. The second set continued on until it was a few feet from her.

Youthful and jovial, her guest's aura even felt as if it had been a happy one despite the news they brought. Heaving a sigh, she then spoke.

"I trust you've been well?"

A smile quickly spread across her guest's lips. "Of course, have you not been in great care?"

"Care, yes. Situations, not at all."

Riga looked to her friend yet said nothing. Her hair, gently kissed by fire played a contrast to her tanned flesh. Her eyes were a light brown. She stood at a height of five feet and six inches but stood an extra two inches taller due to her heeled boots. Her arms were crossed as she stood before the older woman. Her face was filled with her own happiness yet her eyes revealed the truth of the matter.

"Say, have you any wine left? Or have you and...Surina I believe, drank till it's gone?"

"Priya. Not Surina."

"Ah, my mistake. Though there hardly is a difference or have you learned more?"

"I've learned quite a bit actually." She now turned her eyes to the city below. "She is not suspected whatsoever. Neither is Kusanagi or Raisa. Surina too falls in line with this."

"Hm, so back to square one?"

Riga closed her eyes as she pondered this. "Two, not one."

"Oh?"

"It is too calm for the coming storm Noelle. But be assured, that it is here.."

"That sounds more a hunch than anything. Do you have anything that be heavy of proof?" Despite speaking to her friend, Riga, Rebecca took a step forward and spoke.

"Do you require a particular wine Miss Noelle?"

Her head snapping upwards, Noelle looked behind her and saw Rebecca standing with her feet together and her hands folded, her smile was warm and her eyes revealed her good nature.

"White wine please." Bowing, Rebecca then took her leave to fetch Riga's new guest her wine.

"It has been a while hasn't it?"

"Far longer than expected." Riga looked at Noelle as she spoke. "It does seem that we are to be in for, as most soldiers say, a 'shit storm'?"

"Indeed you are E'laura."

Noelle was a few inches shorter than Riga. She was beautifully tanned and held the eye color of the sweetest honey. With natural red hair along with speech, grace, and poise, most often wanted to make her their wife. Yet, Noel sought no such thing for she enjoyed to travel opposed to being strapped to a single dwelling.

Her dress was black, fitted with red lace just as her heels and hose. Jewelry covered her neck, arms and her wrists and she also had two piercings with silver earrings in each ear. Younger than Riga but equal in financial status.

"I trust your random invitation went well?"

"Your wine Miss Noel."

Turning to Rebecca as she bowed, Noel reached and took her glass of chilled white wine.

"Ah, thank you darling."

"It is my pleasure." Rebecca quickly made distance from them and stands within the manor awaiting her next order.

"It was a decent get-to-gether, though she cares for those whom are allied to her but dwells too deeply upon emotion. She also lacks the fundamentals of some conversation and too, is also lacking in areas of life and the world."

She stared at the moon as Noelle sipped her wine.

"Are you going to sit?"

Noelle smiled and also giggled.

"Since when do I sit E'laura?" Sipping from her glass once more, Riga, with her free hand, unlatched her heels and took them off. Despite them looking as if they were completely attached to the rest of her attire, her heels were different. With latched hidden about ankles disguised as a design, she was able to pass it off without even trying.

Her back meeting the chair once more, she now rested her bare feet within the chair that Priya had once occupied. Her right leg was straight while her left leg had been partially bent and as such, Riga's left foot was flat upon the chair's surface while her right rested upon its heel.

"The youngest sibling hath much to learn." Bringing her glass to her lips, Riga halted before she took another sip. "Though, these are menial faults. Not many know much outside of their own country. Some know not much of what goes on within it as well."

"Life is controlled by those whom have power and those whom have power use that same power to influence others as they so forth see fit for they wish to maintain their power and if something threatens that power, then the threat is erased."

"What the powerful wish to be deemed as normal, they pass the law as such. Justice is only what those with power wish it to be. In the end, there is only what people with power want you to believe as they instill their own beliefs within you."

As Riga took in a breath, she balled the toes of her left foot and then allowed them to relax. In her silence, Noelle spoke.

"That is the world we are living in. Clinging to one believing they can protect us all when in fact they rely on the ones they protect and instill fear whether unconsciously or intentional. That's how all kingdoms and republics function."

Noelle now took a step towards Riga and looked at her friend before her. Riga looked from her glass and locked eyes with Noel and smirked as Noel extended her arm in order to toast to such a grim fact. Obliged by that jovial and intellectual view, Riga lifted her arm and a second later a light ting could be heard.

"Cheers."

Despite Riga being the only one to say it, the two of them drank from their glasses until their was nothing left, which Rebecca immediately refilled. Giving Rebecca her thanks, Riga hesitated none in drinking from her glass once more. After this, she lowered her arm and allowed it to rest across her thighs while Noel drank deep from her glass before adding on to the cheers Riga had given.

"…cheers to such a low and callous existence which humanity doth live…"


Chapter VII End

End Notes:

The date is Thursday, September the twenty-fourth

Riga also made a fortune harvesting plants and other means of contraception which have proven to be a great investment as she has only been within her mansion for a few months over a year. Another hobby of hers is collecting paintings or creating works of art herself. She has sold paintings she has completed and she has also acquired paintings from famous artists and has sold them to the highest bidder as well. These things are only a fraction of what Riga keeps from the minds of most people.

Riga has a significant tolerance to alcohol.

Vocab

Silphium: A plant which has long since gone extinct due to its overuse. This plant held contraceptive properties which eliminated the fear of pregnancy.

Fauchard: A pole-arm weapon which was used from the eleventh to fourteenth century. This pole-arm holds a curved blade which rests upon the shaft/pole which may range from six to seven feet. This design made the weapon appear to be a scythe, possibly a scare tactic since Death/The Grim Reaper, in Western folklore uses such a weapon to reap the souls of those whom have died.

A Fauchard is also called a fauchard-fork as well as guisarme or bill-guisarme as this weapon appears to be that of a hook.