Disclaimer: I do not own anything

A/N: Hope everyone liked last chapter... quick question for everyone... Ara will be making her return soon and I have character sheets for her and Saito that will be up to date with the story when she gets in the party...question is would you guys prefer I put the updated character sheets at the end of the chapter she appears in or would you prefer a seperate chapter of nothing but their character sheets? also would you like to see character sheets for other characters like Siesta, Kirche, Henrietta, etc... let me know

OechsnerC: I decided I'm going to keep the story on this site... regardless if I post lemons to this story and change it to M later or just make a new story that is nothing but lemons for this one it will all be on this site... so stay posted for them but don't hold your breath we are still a little ways off from all of those

Tyrant Overlord Killidia: Saito is assuming the water spirit knows the most about it... we will find out if she actually does... glad to see you liked Tiffania and Siesta's interaction... hopefully I can keep it going...

On to the next chapter...

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Saito and Siesta got up to leave at sunrise like Saito always does when he journeys. Siesta was very excited to accompany Saito on one of his journeys. This would be her first one and she wanted to remember all of it. She was excited to meet a water spirit. From what Saito told her they only come out at night and you need to use your blood to summon them.

Saito and Siesta got Dante ready and they were off to Lagdorian Lake. The trip there wasn't very eventful until they were only about a day away from the lake. The previous areas where not only pretty well traveled but routes Saito had covered before so the monster population was a little thinner then normal.

Siesta got to test herself against a few enemies on the way there and Saito started training her to use her wind in ways other then combat. Like how he showed her to wrap her feet in wind so it would cushion her steps and she could sneak easier. Saito came up with a lot of abilities like that with wind. He seemed to be coming up with a new way to use it everyday no one had ever thought of.

When Siesta showed Saito her water healing ability he was very impressed. If she focused solely on healing and didn't have to waste her KI on fighting it would be like having a water mage with him. He knew she would need actual combat experience to truly grow though. He wasn't looking forward to her being in that much danger but she trusted him so he was going to do the same with her.

They arrived at the lake in the late afternoon time and set up camp to wait for nightfall. Saito noticed the water level was certainly higher then it should be. He was never at this lake before but he was pretty sure most of the houses were not supposed to be underwater. Siesta found this to be quite romantic. Just her and Saito, camping along the lake, spending time together. It felt like they were on their honeymoon. 'If this is what adventuring with him feels like I want to be strong enough to go with him everywhere he does!' Siesta thinks to herself while they are walking along the lake holding hands.

After spending some time together, eating, and enjoying each others company nightfall had come and it was time to meet the water spirit.

Saito took out a dagger from one of his pouches and cut the palm of his hand. He dropped a little bit of blood at the edge of the lake and waited for the water spirit to show itself.

After about five minutes Saito was getting kind of restless. He knew from his monster hunter manual that water spirits should appear fairly shortly after sensing the blood of someone it recognized or considered worthy. He was a little worried it didn't find him worthy but all that worry was put to rest when the water spirit appeared.

"Hello True Gandalfr, it has been a long time since one such as yourself has paid me a visit." says the water spirit.

"Hello water spirit, I am glad you deemed me worthy of an audience. I have some questions I hoped you could answer for me and also any help you could give me with my current problem." Saito says to the spirit

"Gandalfr's are always worthy of the spirits attention and guidance and you are a True Gandalfr. You are only the second one to ever exist so I was naturally curious Gandalfr." the spirit replies

"What do you mean I'm only the second True Gandalfr? Who was the first one? Do you know what the extra runes on my arm do?" Saito asks a bunch of questions

"Hmmm, did Derflinger not tell you? I assummed the blade of the Gandalfr would have informed you of such things already?" she says half telling half asking why he didn't already know the answers to such questions

"No water spirit, I have not told him about the only other True Gandalfr." says Derf

"That is suprising for you Derf. I can't remember a time you didn't love to talk." the water spirit laughs at him

"Well there are two reasons for that water spirit. First, I was dormant for so long without a Gandalfr that I forgot most of my memories. Only recently when my partner changed my appearance did I start to remember and even then it was only the last thousand years or so when I had no Gandalfr. Secondly, and probably most importantly is, I'm a wise cracking sentinent sword and the new author seems to hold a grudge against me or something. We are 8 chapters into this damn story and I've only had like 10 lines so far. What the hell man!" (A/N: Sorry Derf I don't want to make my long dialogues even longer *SAD FACE*)

"What the hell do you mean new author Derf?" asks Saito

"Nevermind, it's not important, I honestly don't remember the other True Gandalfr water spirit." Derf finally gets off my case and back on topic.

"Ahh ok well the only other True Gandalfr was Sasha. She was the very first Gandalfr. She created Derflinger. She was a very powerful magic caster and when she gained the Gandalfr runes it turned her into the first True Gandalfr. A magic user with a mastery of all weapons. She was a truly powerful being. She was also an elf and a follower of Brimir. Well, until she figured out what he was truly doing and killed him that is." the water spirit tells them

Saito isn't quite sure what to do with all this information. He got some good information about Sasha but the spirit didn't really tell him what it meant to be a True Gandalfr. He was hoping he could figure this out soon before Reconquista came for Tristania.

"Well that sounds awesome and horrible at the same time but I'm really interested in what the new runes can do for me. The people who stole your ring are currently waging a religious war and will soon be coming for the people I care about. I was hoping you could tell me about this Ring of Andvari and how to counter act its effects. I've seen it work and it terrifies me honestly." Saito says to the spirit.

"I will make a deal with you Gandalfr. There are currently two people attacking me. If you can stop them from attacking me I will not only tell you what I know of the ring but I will tell you what your runes can do and teach you some abilities for them.I just ask that you return the ring when you acquire it from this Cromwell." the spirit offers Saito.

"You have a deal spirit. Are the attackers here now? If so, where are they?" he asks the spirit.

"They are on the opposite side of the lake. They are quite the pair. One is a wind mage and other is a fire mage. They work very well together. Of course they could never actually defeat me but it is nice to see powerful mages that can work so well together. It has been quite entertaining for the last day or so but now I have better things to entertain me!" the spirit explains

Saito and Siesta set off for the opposite side of the lake to confront the mages. Saito realizes this is the perfect opportunity for Siesta and him to practice sneaking with wind KI.

After they practice a little moving to the other side of the lake Saito is confident in both their abilities to use the ability. They both sneak up quietly and peek out from behind the bushes.

Once Saito picks his head up he sees the mages. The are in the middle of coordinating a combination spell. Saito has only seen two sets of mages who were good enough together to use such a tactic. Right as he was thinking about those two pairs he heard familiar voices come from under the hoods of the cloaks and saw a very familiar vortex of fire combo spell.

Saito immediately stood up from behind the bush taking Siesta a little off guard.

"Kirche? Tabitha? Is that you two?" Saito asks

Both cloaked mages turn towards Saito

"Darling?/Saito?" they both say very confused why Saito is here.

Once they notice who it is they drop their wands. Siesta sees that it is Kirche and Tabitha and comes out from behind the bushes. Everyone is suprisingly excited at the sudden reunion.

Kirche gives Saito a hug but unlike her customary hugs, she doesn't smash his face into her cleavage. It is just a standard hug even if it was a little tighter and longer then a usual hug is. To Saito's surprise, Siesta doesn't seem to mind the hug Kirche gave Saito at all.

Tabitha is pretty happy to see Saito too. She still wanted to ask him to help with her mother but knew he had a ton on his plate already. She would eventually build up the courage to ask but needed to wait until he had the time to lend her a hand.

After Saito asks why they are attacking the water spirit, he gets them to stop and heads back to the spirit. He explains why the water spirit was being attacked and the spirit agrees to lower the water level back down since Saito is going to find the ring for her. Then it is on to find out about his runes.

The water spirit explains to Saito that Sasha used the True Gandalfr runes to imbue her weapons with her spells and to learn extra spells by storing them in the runes. This was the way he was going to have to use them because he was not a mage and had no magic points.

"You will be able to learn a number of spells based on your intelligence. Have you ever had your level checked Gandalfr?" the spirit asks

"Yes spirit, I had the level check spell cast on me by my princess when I became her royal guard. My intelligence then was 21. It was only a few weeks ago so I doubt it changed since then." he responds to the spirit.

"That is quite high for someone who does not possess magic ability. Still low for someone who is an actual mage like say Princess Henrietta but very good for a fighter." the spirit says to him

"Wait, how do you know the princess? Did you train her too?" Saito asks

"No I have not. She has a very strong affinity for water magic, that is something I can obviously sense. I always wanted to train her but she lead a terribly sheltered life even for a princess. She used to visit. Well, not me in particular but she used to come here. I wish she would come train with me, I bet I could get her stronger then that damn Air Spirits favorite human, Karin. Anyway, enough of that. I will teach you 2 spells, a new ability and teach you what I know of the ring. You will use these spells different from a normal mage since you don't actually have any magic. You will be able to learn a number of spell like abilities equal to 1 per point of intelligence you have above 10. So at the moment you can learn 11 different spells. Make sure you choose them wisely. Once you learn a spell it cannot be replaced. You will be able to use these a number of times per day depending on the strength of the spell and the strength of the mage who is teach it to you. To regain your spells you simply need 4 hours of uninterrupted sleep. I will teach you a healing spell, a restoration spell, and a new water ability. After you have learned those we will talk about the ring and what I know of it. While it might have been in my posession it is not actually mine. It was create by the first Mjöðvitnir and I cannot tell you everything about it." the water spirit tells Saito

"That is fine spirit I will take any information that can help me stop this man and get that ring back for you." Saito replies

After that they start their training to teach Saito his new spells and ability. It is easy to learn the spells from the water spirit. There is certainly not a more powerful water mage in this world then the spirit of water.

Once they finish that training, after just a couple hours, they move on to talking about the Ring of Andvari. Saito learns of the abilities the water spirit knows it has. Most of them terrify him but he has heard almost all of this from Mathilda already.

"That is what I can help you with as far as information goes with the ring. There is more I could teach you but no one has the affinity needed for it between any of you. I have been searching since I watched mankind grow up to find a mage capable of casting the spells I'm talking about. If someone uses the ring to poison water there will be next to nothing you can do. To purge dark water you need someone with a very strong affinity for the Dark Arts. I found a mage about three millenia ago who had a very strong affinity for light magic and taught him to be my light champion. I have been searching for a dark arts mage with a strong enough affinity for it to become my champion of dark or Lord of the Uttercold as I like to call it. Some have the affinity but none are strong enough for my spells or training." the spirit tells Saito

When Saito hears the spirit talk about needing a Dark Arts mage with a strong affinity to teach he immediately remember Ara. She was so strong with the Dark Arts she graduated in only two years. She did say she was bored and wanted to go on an adventure. Maybe he would be seeing her sooner then he thought.

"Water spirit, what if I brought someone to you who had a strong affinity for the Dark Arts?" Saito asks her

"If she is strong enough to receive my training I will teach you another ability that is a combination of the Dark Arts and what you call KI." the spirit says

"You have a deal spirit. I will go see if my friend is willing to undergo your training and if she agrees, I will return here with her. Thank you spirit. I look forward to seeing you again." Saito says

"And you as well Gandalfr."

The spirit disappears into the lake and everyone notices the water is starting to receed. Once their conversation ends Saito turns to Siesta.

"Well Siesta, looks like you are going to meet Ara sooner then I thought." he says to her

"Kirche, Tabitha, what are you guys going to do? Are you heading back to school?" he asks them

"Yes we are heading back to school darling. We were only up here because Tabitha's cousin asked her to deal with this water spirit flooding the lake, but did you say a Dark Arts mage named Ara Saito?" Kirche asks him

"Yeah, I met Ara in Germania, I tested out her new trap, overtook Dark Lord Falcon's tower with her, and she is the one who gave me Dante as a reward." he tells Kirche

"Well when you see Ara tell her I said hello." Kirche says

"Wait, do you know Ara? She said she didn't have any friends in school?" Saito asks

"Yes I know Ara, and remember I go to school in Tristania Saito. Have fun and I'll see you later!" with that said Kirche and Tabitha take off on Sylphid.

Saito still doesn't quite understand how Kirche knows Ara but it didn't seem like she disliked her. 'I'll have to ask Ara about that when I see her' Saito thinks to himself.

Once Kirche and Tabitha take off, Siesta and Saito start packing up to head to Germania. Right as they are about to head off, Saito gets a message from the princess on the magic item she gave him. It allows for short messages and replies to be sent without having to wait for a messenger bird to arrive. The number of words are limited but it's much quicker and safer then a normal letter.

He reads the message and is a little surprised. Apparently she is going to be at the magic academy and wants Saito to come back there when he is done. Tiffa and Mathilda are also accompanying her apparently. He wondered how Henrietta made friends with Tiffa so fast but just chalked it up to her friendly demeanor and gentle tone she took with most people.

Saito replied to the princess that he was headed to Germania to get some help with the ring and he would head to the academy in a few days after training with the water spirit. Then Saito and Siesta headed off towards Germania both were excited to see Ara.

Saito was excited because he missed his new friend. She was a big help to have around during adventures being both a mage and very knowledgable.

Siesta was excited to meet Ara because of the stories Saito told her about their adventure. She seemed like a great person and a very good mage. She hoped she got a long with Ara. It would be nice to have a girl friend to travel around with Saito. There were just some things she couldn't talk about with him.

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In the village of Tarbes a few hours after Saito and Siesta left...

A messenger bird arrived at the tower for Jacob. It was from the royal family requesting his presence a long with Mathilda and Tiffania.

Jacob was confused to say the least. He had no idea why he was being summoned to the capitol to see the royal family. He assummed Saito had something to do with it but figured his friend would have told him about being summoned to the capitol.

With a bewildered expression on his face, he made his way to the house Mathilda and Tiffania were staying in to tell them about the summons. He knew Mathilda was just pardoned so maybe they wanted to talk to her about something but it still didn't make any sense to him why he and Tiffania were being summoned.

*knock knock knock*

"Hello Jacob, what can I do for you today?" Mathilda says to him

"Hi Mathilda, I got a summons from the princess to go to the capitol and it says you and Tiffania are suppose to accompany me as well." Jacob tells her

"Do you know what it is about Jacob?" she asks him

"No idea, It just says to come to the capitol as soon as possible for an audience and to bring you and Tiffania with me. I'm not sure why to be honest." Jacob says.

"Oh okay, well let me tell Tiffania and we will get ready to go. How long do you need to be ready Jacob?" Mathilda asks

"Not much time, 30 minutes should be plenty for me. Is that enough time for you and Tiffania to be ready?" Jacob asks

"Yes that should be plenty. We don't really have too much right now since we just moved. We will meet you at your tower when we are done." she says to him

After that exchange, Jacob goes back to his tower to grab the few things he will need for the short journey to the capitol. He also needs to go see Richard and let him know he will be gone for at least the rest of day, maybe tomorrow too since he has no idea why he is being summoned. Once he is gone, Tiffania pokes her head in the living room and starts asking Mathilda questions.

"Why would the princess want to see me? Do you think she knows I'm an elf? Is she going to put me in prison? Put me on trial? Kill me..." Tiffania unloads questions so fast Mathilda can't even keep up with what she is asking.

"Tiffa calm down, I don't personally know the princess but from what I hear she is a good person. She tried helping Saito before he was who he is and was just a commoner. She has been trying to make life better for commoners in Tristania for a while now, and do you think Saito would serve someone if they weren't a good person?" Mathilda tells her.

"I know you have a point but I'm still scared. This is different then what my mother told me, and what I have experienced up until now. Humans used to be scared of me on sight and try to hurt me but everyone here has accepted me, well the ones who know I am a half elf. I hope the princess is like them. I like it here." Tiffania tells her

"Don't worry Tiffa, I won't let any thing happen to you and I don't think they would do anything to someone Saito is personally helping. He doesn't seem like the type that you want to get on his bad side." Mathilda says laughing a little bit at the end of that statement.

"Ok Mathilda, I'll get my things and we can head out." Tiffa says to her

After a few minutes of gathering what they needed for a journey to the capitol, they were off to the mage's tower in town to meet up with Jacob. Jacob arrived a few minutes after they did and they set off on their journey.

With two square class mages on the journey they took the short route to the capitol through the Forest of Tarbes. Either Saito journeying back and forth had considerably cleared up the monster population or monsters could sense the powerful mages and just kept their distance because they didn't encounter a single magic beast on their entire journey. It made the travel a lot easier and a lot faster then they expected.

They arrived at the capitol a couple hours before dinner and headed straight for the palace. They were all curious about the summons and all for different reasons. Once they got to the front gate they were greeted by a member of the musketeer's and guided into the palace.

When they arrived at the audience hall Mathilda and Tiffania were asked to wait in hallway on the benches while Jacob spoke to the royal family. Tiffania was nervous and fidgeting while sitting there. Mathilda noticed this and tried to calm her down but it wasn't having much of an effect on her as she would have liked.

Inside the audience hall Jacob was standing in front of the queen, princess, Grand General Gramont, Lord Montmorency (Royal Alchemist), and Robert. Jacob recognized the last man as the one who showed up in Tarbes looking for Saito a while back.

"Jacob the Combustible, it is great to see you came at our request. I'm sure you have some questions as to why you were summoned and we will get to those shortly. First I would like to say thank you for everything you did in Tarbes. Not only for the battle that happened not too long ago but also for everything you did before that. You are an example all nobles can follow and it's truly wonderful to have you serve this country." the queen says to Jacob.

"Thank you for your kind words your majesty. I was only doing my duty to the people of Tarbes and I will come whenever your highness requests my presence." Jacob replies to the queen.

"Well, let's get to the reason why we have summoned you here. I'm sure you have noticed on your way here some of the changes we have recently enacted." the queen says to him

"I have your highness, there were a few things that were very noticable but the thing that stuck out to me was how happy everyone seemed to be honest with you." Jacob says.

"Well once you see in detail the changes we made you will understand why which brings us to our point. We know about your father. That you are the son of the former Duke of Tarbes and what happened with your mother." the queen says

Jacob noticably flinches when the queen mentions his mother. Even after getting his revenge it still didn't take away any of the pain he felt.

"To that end, we have an open position we believe you would be perfect for if you would accept it." the queen asks Jacob

"To be honest your majesty, I quite like where I am now and would prefer to stay in Tarbes as its mage. The reason you probably think I am such a good example for nobles is more then likely because I was raised a commoner by the people of Tarbes. I owe them a great debt and do not wish to abandon them, especially now that they have no Duke." Jacob tells everyone.

"I'm glad to hear you say that Jacob because the position we would like to offer you is being the new Duke of Tarbes." the queen tells him

Jacob can't believe what she just said. The Duke of Tarbes?! Could he even do that job properly? Being a village mage was easy enough, keep away some monsters, make sure the villagers are safe, the end but being the Duke was a whole different story. He wasn't sure if he had the skills to be a Duke and he didn't want to let the people of Tarbes down.

"I am very grateful you thought of me for a position like that your majesty but to be honest I'm not sure I have the skills required to be the Duke of anything. I only know magic and creatures mostly. I know nothing of contracts, trade agreements, and things of such nature." Jacob tells her

"You may be correct Jacob but all of those things can be taught to you. What we cannot teach is a love for your people and a genuine will to help those people. Something you have both of. You may also choose any mage you like who does not have an offical position to be the new mage of Tarbes. We can assist you if you require it but the final decision would be up to you." the queen says as soon as she finishes Henrietta speaks up to ask him a question.

"So what do you say Jacob? Would you do us the honor of becoming the next Duke of Tarbes?"

After a few seconds of thinking, Jacob had made up his mind. He could do more for the people of Tarbes as the Duke then he ever could as simply its mage. He would make sure he took care of everyone like they did for him when his mother passed away.

"It would be an honor your majesty." Jacob replies to Henrietta

"Good! We will send out an announcement tomorrow morning. For now you should rest, we have a guest room already set up for you. One of the musketeer's will lead you there, Duke." Henrietta tells him

"Your majesty, one more thing, I came here with Mathilda and Tiffania. I do not wish to leave them alone in the capitol. I would like to make sure they make it back to Tarbes safely since Saito left them in our care when he left with Siesta to go to Lagdorian Lake." Jacob says

"Do not worry Jacob, Henrietta wanted to talk to Tiffania and that is why they are here. When they are finished speaking we already have a guest room for them as well. Who is Siesta that is traveling with Saito?" the queen asks

The person who answers is not Jacob but Henrietta.

"That is Saito's fiance mother. I believe they are getting married in 3 months if I'm not mistaken. Is that right Jacob?" Henrietta asks him.

"I honestly do not know when your majesty but yes that is Saito's fiance. She has been training with our knights to accompany Saito on some of his journeys. Saito felt this wasn't particularly dangerous so he asked her to accompany him to see how her training was going." Jacob replies

The queen is shocked for two reasons. First, she didn't even know Saito was engaged, something she was a little frustrated about. She knew everything about he kingdom but she somehow missed this little bit of information. Second, she wondered how Henrietta knew not only who Siesta was but that it was Saito's fiance and when they were to be married. It didn't seem like even Jacob knew the date but she could tell by the way Henrietta said it she was certain it was in three months time.

After a few more exchanges with Jacob the queen dismisses him. She wants to ask Henrietta a couple questions about Saito and his fiance. She had plans for Saito and Henrietta and this was an unforseen set back. She needed more information to deal with this situation.

Once she learned from Henrietta about Saito and Siesta she realized this was going to be very difficult. The way they know each other, how they fell in love, all of it was a problem for her plans for Henrietta after the cancellation of her wedding. If she were to force their partnership like she tried to on the oblivous young man when he first enter their service, their acceptance by the people would plummet if anyone found out.

Forcefully removing Saito from his partnership/marriage to be with Henrietta was a terrible idea right now. She could only imagine the publics reaction to the queen who stole the sword of the people away from his commoner soulmate and forced him to marry her daughter. This was going to be tricky but she was sure she would figure this out eventually.

After Henrietta spoke with her mother about Saito and Siesta she left the audience hall to greet Mathilda and Tiffania. She knew why her mother was asking all those questions about those two, and she honestly was fine with it. She wasn't sure there was anything her mother could do at this point because of the changes they had made and the effect it would have the peoples moral but she didn't mind her trying.

The only thing that caught her off guard was that her mother didn't know about them. Saito did invite her to the wedding after all. I guess maybe he thought the queen would never show up to his wedding. It didn't seem like he thought I would accept either.

'Of course I'll go. I'll watch another man I have strong feelings for be out of my reach forever. I have to marry for the sake of my country and I accepted that a long time ago. Although, I guess marrying Saito would probably be what is best for the country, and I would get to be happy. I can always hope my mother succeeds somehow. I guess there is always the hope Siesta is like most women in this world and doesn't mind sharing. I'm sure we could work something out... maybe... hopefully...' Henrietta thinks to herself

After musing to herself about her possible future love life, she exits the audience chamber to see Mathilda and Tiffania sitting there. Aimee is keeping them company while they waited for her.

"Mathilda, Tiffania, it is very nice to meet you both. I know we met before" she says to Mathilda "but this is the first time we are meeting after your new start here so I just wanted to offically welcome you to Tristania. I would like to speak to Tiffania, Mathilda you are more then welcome to join us but I don't want to speak here come to my bedroom and we will talk." Henrietta tells them

Tiffania looks terrified just sitting there shaking so Mathilda answers for them both.

"Thank you your majesty, we will gladly accompany you. Sorry about Tiffania, this is her first time away from home and she is very shy around new people and places." Mathilda tells Henrietta.

"That is no problem at all. I hope we can soon get a long well Tiffania. Any friend of Saito's is a friend of mine."

Henrietta notices Tiffania gets a little smile when she mentions Saito's name. He seems to have that effect on a lot of people. Henrietta thought at first when it happened to her it was because he was so nice but after spending much more time with him and thinking to herself she knew what Tiffania was thinking.

'Yep she is definitely in love with him too. I had that same look on my face when I met Saito the first few times. If she hasn't realized it yet, she will soon. This might get very complicated.' Henrietta thinks to herself.

After a short trip down a few hallways they arrived at the princess' room. They entered the room and sat down at the small table to have some tea while they spoke. After they were all seated and had their drinks the princess started the discussion.

"Before we get to why I called you here I would like to tell you a story. It won't take long and it will explain a lot to you two." Henrietta says to them

"T-T-That is f-f-fine your h-highness." Tiffa stutters out.

"You do not need to be so tense Tiffania. I hope after my story you will relax a little. My story starts when I was 2 years old. It's my first truly clear memory. It was the first time I walked all the way across the royal bedroom without any help. My uncle was the starting point and my parents where on the other side of the room. After I walked across, I remember all the smiles and hugs from all three of them and how proud they were. The reason I mention this is because that uncle became like a second father to me. I spent a lot of time with him when I was a kid until I was a teenager and my responsiblities started taking up a lot of my time. I always made time to see him when I could but being in my position, the time wasn't as often as we liked. I started remembering pretty much everything from the time I was about 5 years old, not to brag, but I'm pretty smart hehe. Anyway, when I was 8 I finally started to notice that on the same day every year my uncle would get very sad all day long. I would try to cheer him up but it would only work for a little, then the next day he would be fine. When I turned 13 I finally asked why he got so sad on the same day every year. At first he only told me it was a coincedence but when I was 16 he told me the real reason. He had a daughter that he couldn't see. She was from a mistress and that mistress was an elf. He told me her name was Tiffania and that day was her birthday. My uncle was the Archduke of Albion, so that makes you my cousin."

As the story was progress Tiffania is still panicking a little. She got a little more comfortable partway through when she saw how calm and relaxed the princess was. By the time Henrietta was at the end of her story she was shocked, happy, sad, and terrified.

Shocked that her father told someone else about her. Happy and sad that he remembered her birthday but was sad all day. Finally, she was terrified. Henrietta knew she was an elf and knew the royal family was descendants of Brimir. That was the reason her father was forced to send them away from what her mother told her.

Mathilda didn't know what to make of this situation. She had to hope this wasn't going to end badly and would even defend her against the princess if she needed to.

"Before you get too scared and think I'm going to hurt you let me set your mind at ease. I do not share the religious fervor, if you will, some descendants of Brimir do. Being of royal blood does have some perks others don't know about. For instance, we have records no one has access to that tell us what Brimir did 6000 years ago and exactly what he believed in. Myself and my mother do not follow those beliefs. Trying to commit genocide and judging whole races is, in our eyes, disgusting. We do have to keep up appearances with Romania but that is the extent of it. As long as you are here you will be under our protection and have nothing to fear. If you have a problem with anything you just let us or Saito know and we will help you in any way we can."

As Henrietta finishes her speech to Tiffania, Mathilda is very visably relieved. She had no idea about the past of Brimir but she didn't much care. She was never very religious to begin with. Never helps to pray to god when you are stealing and Brimir was just a man from the past anyway. He wasn't a god.

Tiffania was actually relived. She couldn't believe people actually felt this way about her. It was the complete opposite of what she believed but it was also exactly like her mother told her. There were plenty of people in this world who would hate her just because she was an elf. She had to figure out how to overcome that if she was going to be able to help others the way everyone was helping her.

"I-It is a l-lot to take in y-your highne-" Tiffania is cut off

"Henrietta, you are my cousin, please call me Henrietta Tiffania and I hope you will get more comfortable around me. It would be nice to have a family member to talk to when I need it." she says

"I-I will try Henrietta. Please call me Tiffa" Tiffa replies

"One last thing Tiffa, I will be going to the magic academy and staying for a while. My mother is going to be taking care of things here and I want my musketeer's and mages that will be part of the military to be training. I'm sure when Albion is conquered they will come for us and we need to be ready. I'm not asking you to join the army Tiffa. I wanted to know if you would like to go to the magic academy and become a better mage." Henrietta asks her

"W-W-What makes you think I'm a mage, Henrietta?" Tiffa asks nervously

"Well your father was a mage, your mother was an elf mage, it stands to reason you are a mage. Plus, Saito told me when he mentioned a void mage trying to be captured you tensed up. I told you I'm a smart cookie hehe. I'm assumming you are a void mage Tiffa?" Henrietta says to her not really asking.

"I don't exactly know what void mage means but I can cast some magic. I always thought it was elven magic because of my mother. I can do some spells my mother couldn't that have to do with nature. It's probably because I spent my whole life in the forest. Can I have some time to think about it?" Tiffa responds

"Yes, I will be leaving for the academy in 2 days. You can either come with me or go back to Tarbes. The choice is yours to make Tiffa." Henrietta says

After the serious talk is over they spend some time trying to get to know each other better. Swapping childhood stories, making jokes, and just generally enjoying the good atmosphere. When they are done Henrietta shows them to their rooms and bids them goodnight.

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And there is the next chapter... this one ended up being kind of lengthy but I wanted to get all of this in there... let me know what you guys think about the character sheet question and I'll see you next chapter!