Return to Combat

Stahn had given his bed to Rutee that night and slept on the floor. But despite his guest and his promise to Lilith, he was not able to get up early. Lilith kicked him in the side a little to no avail. She also didn't use the pans like before because a neighbor had complained. Eventually, the girl gave up in disgust and went to talk to Rutee in the other room.

"Well, that sucks," the girl stated, "I guess I'll have to find some other way of getting him up."

"My brother is infuriating. I feel sorry for whoever becomes his wife. But…I think you can handle him," Lilith replied, laughing at the double meaning in her sentence.

A calm, female voice, Atwight, said, -He'll never change. Hey, Dymlos, wake him up.-

-Sure thing. Hey! Stahn! Get your ass up and listen next time Rutee wants to help you out!-

Hearing the voice of his Swordian, Stahn woke up with a start. Rutee ran in to see her handiwork and handed the blade to him. Stahn accepted it dumbly, wondering why Rutee got it back when he said it would be ok. But one look into her eyes and he seemed to get over it.

"I told you I could do this," Rutee reminded him, "Remember, my father is one of the most powerful men in the country. He's also the one who wanted the Swordians found in the first place because he enjoys objects of the ancient times. So, the king ended up giving it to him when he asked and he gave Dymlos to me so I could bring him to you."

"Is that all the reason you came, to bring me Dymlos?" inquired Stahn, his voice falling a little.

Rutee told him, "Nope, I came to see you. Father just said to bring you your Swordian along when I go. I'd hoped to have a quiet vacation, away from all the stress of my job and the city…but the messenger bird that just arrived this morning told me I won't."

Stahn got up, wondering what trouble they had now. "What do you mean? Do you have to leave already? I was hoping to spend more time with you as well."

"The message said that the Eye of Atamoni was stolen again," Rutee informed him, "Not only that, but the guards on duty were slaughtered outright. Someone powerful has found out we possess it and took advantage of the situation."

"Slaughtered!? How many guards were on duty?" inquired a shocked Stahn.

Rutee stated, "There were several groups of two who stood at periodic points throughout the tunnel, and then about ten guarding the Eye itself. He didn't seem to have a lack of energy in going after wave after wave and then the main force."

Worried, Stahn thought of one more thing. "Leon! Would he be on guard duty? Oh I hope he's alright. And if he was killed in that fray, and he's as strong as he is, then our enemy must be powerful."

"No, he wouldn't," Rutee whispered, "He's worth far too much to the king to waste on guarding an artifact that the king is convinced no one would dare steal. Also, Father would have gotten us out of that if we were slated for it because he knows we've done enough with it as it is."

"I thought you said that nobody outside of your household and our group knows that Hugo is your father," Stahn told her with confusion.

Rutee said, "They know we live with him. Story going around was that we were the children of one of his maids and she died protecting her master. So, out of gratitude, we were allowed to live in his mansion after her death and be like his children. Technically, it isn't a lie because Mother met him while working as a maid and they fell in love."

Stahn looked at the floor and sighed. "Love going beyond classes…sounds so beautiful. From what I've heard, the rich generally marry the rich to increase their own fortunes and they feel the poor would simply marry them for money."

"My parents were much different," Rutee told him, "They loved one another dearly. Father always said that I should treat everyone the same regardless of money because I might find a Special Someone among the poorest of the poor. He also has disdain for rich people who do hurt the poor…like those two brats in Neustadt."

"He's a great father, then. Ok, Rutee, I'll go back with you to help out," Stahn stated.

Lilith came running in and yelled, "What!? Niichan, why are you leaving again? I thought you said you weren't going to run off on another adventure."

Stahn shook his head. "I'm needed, Lilith. My comrades are depending on me and this sword to come back and help fight off the person who is causing this trouble. I can't let any of them down. Also, you and grandfather will be in danger if we don't do something; the item stolen could destroy the world. I fight to protect my friends and my family."

"You're stubborn, Oniichan," Lilith replied, "However, you've got help." She walked over to the dresser and picked up her frying pan and ladle, then strapped them to her back as if she had a pair of broadswords. Turning to her brother, she gave him a big smile.

"You are not coming! It'll be dangerous. We're going because we have these Swordians which are the only thing that can stand up to the weapon in question," Stahn stated.

Lilith told him, "I don't care. I'm not letting my brother go off alone again. I want to help you."

Before Stahn could say another word, Rutee put her hand on his shoulder and shook her head. "She's made up her mind and when a woman does that then you can't sway her. The only thing I can tell you is to protect your sister in this battle."

"Ok, Rutee, you win," Stahn replied, "You can come, Lilith. Just keep out of trouble."

"Yeah! I knew Oniichan would let me come!" Lilith exclaimed as she ran out of the house ahead of them. Her theory about Rutee and Stahn was getting stronger now; the two seemed to share a bond that was deeper than anything she'd seen before. But they were still too shy and would need a little bit of Lilith Aileron Matchmaking to finish the job.

Stahn whispered, "I hope we don't end up regretting this decision in the future."

Rutee patted him on the back again. "I know we won't. Your sister wants to be close to her big brother. It's the type of thing I rarely see from Emilio, since he's such a stubborn kid and all, but I know that when I do I should definitely indulge his whims."

They left the house and joined with Lilith near Aunt Maggie's garden. But as they were leaving town, Lillian noticed the trio and ran up to them. She couldn't believe that Stahn was leaving again, and there was this strange girl traveling with him.

"Stahn!?" she exclaimed, "Where are you going? I thought you and I were going to get married."

"I never said I would marry you. Listen…I've got to go help some friends of mine out," Stahn replied as Rutee began shooting dirty looks at the Village Chief's daughter.

She reminded him, "Yestereday…I gave you the sigil ring and told you to think it over. I thought it was a done deal; there really are so few young people who are not married off in the village. But now I see you leaving again…do you love me, Stahn?"

He shook his head. "I'm sorry, Lillian. I like you, but just as a friend. There's someone else that I feel very strongly for, someone I met on my journey. So I can't accept this." He dug the sigil out of his pocket and dropped it into her hands. Then, he set his sights on the Sacred Monument in the pond.

"You have grown too big for this village," she whispered, "I hope that whatever path you choose, you might find happiness. This is a gift from me, so you'll be safe." She handed him a small jewel that Rutee would later inform him was a Magic Mist. It was useful in getting away from enemies and protecting its wielder.

Lillian left to return home and the trio continued onwards. Rutee inquired, "What was that about?"

Stahn smiled at her and she blushed. "Nothing…it was nothing. I'd never be able to be married to a farmer's daughter, my journey taught me that. Because if I did marry someone who had to stay in the village all the time, I'd never be able to see my wonderful friends."

'Also,' he thought, 'If I married her then I'd never be able to tell you how I truly feel…Please wait for me to get the strength to do so, Rutee.'

- - - -

Teefa's Last Words...

Well, that dilemma is done with. Stahn has left Lienea with both Rutee and Lilith and Lillian won't interfere with his relationship with Rutee. However, Lilith is a different story but at least she has nothing but good intentions in store for her dear brother.