I wanted to start off with something happy, not that the old man passed in his sleep. As with Luca, knowing it was coming didn't soften the blow.
Dragon slayer Ornstein, captain of Gwyn's four knights, a living legend, gone forever.
Little Siegnette, whilst not understanding what had happened, was in tears. More because I think we were all crying.
I did my best to cheer her up, but looking at her only made me more upset. I knew we had to take her back to her sisters soon. My little ward had been with us longer than the week originally asked for by Zimmermann.
I wiped the tears away from her cheeks with my thumb, "Don't you cry, sweetness. It's all alright."
I put on a brave face for her, hoping it would get her to stop and smile for me. No smile, but she did signal for me to pick her up.
Siegnette held up her arms up and yawned a bit.
"Alright, my darling. Up you get."
"You're spoiling her, von Bayer," Shanalotte said, shaking her head at the display.
"I'm not," I got Siegnette comfortable and to be frank, I was spoiling her. Considering the circumstances, I thought it acceptable. The girl sniffed and wiped at her eyes, then did her very best to smile.
"There's a good girl. Someday you will come to understand all of this and sing for them, my dear sweet Siegnette. Lull the souls into gentle sleep," My eyes wandered over the Vixen, "It's only us remaining now, brother. Thank goodness you can no longer die."
Katie spoke up before Vixen could reply, "I know your numerical skills are lacking John, but if you count there is more than only you and the lord Kellantine."
"Yeah!" Vexa snapped after Katie, "I'm here too."
"Like I could forget you. You're a constant pain in my neck." I sent a sneer her way. We had a slight spat going, one of those petty things between lovers. Not even the old man's death put a hold on things.
The redhead told me to fuck off under her breath, but loud enough for everyone to still hear.
"Hey!" I glared back, "Not around Siegnette. I don't want her learning those kinds of words."
Vexa blew air through her lips, "She doesn't understand us anywa-"
"Fuck?" The little girl repeated. This is what I feared, Siegnette had been picking up on both Dranglein and Erebayan words at a frightening pace. I had stopped swearing altogether, along with the drinking. The old man had told me such and I listened.
Siegnette repeated the swear again and I shushed her, with a firm 'no' following. She understood that well enough.
"Thank you very much, Vexa. Just what I wanted her to learn."
We continued to snipe at each other, to the annoyance of just about everyone in the castle. The two of us stayed out of each other's hair as much as we could from then on.
I made preparations for Ornstein's funeral, he having left explicit instructions for what we were to do. He wanted to be buried facing Lordran and that was to be on the cliff overlooking the coast at Majula.
"Nothing flashy, creature," He told me.
Gavlan provided me with a beautifully carved headstone, the likeness of Ornstein's armour. It could stand watch in his stead.
The procession was slow, passing several villages that were now filled with life. People were finally coming back to Drangleic.
Some turned out to watch the casket be wheeled by, ignorant of who was within.
Myself and the missus still weren't talking, which was for the best because I didn't want Siegnette picking up any more naughty words. Couldn't return her to her sister's spouting off such filth.
I was so surprised when we reached Majula, don't know why. It was dead, not a single sign of life. They really were all gone.
Lenigrast's tools were untouched by the long dormant forge, the unfinished parts of a hand-and-a-half sword on the bench.
Clothes left moth-eaten on hangers in Maughlin's hut.
A small contingency from the fortress joined us, those men that had listen to all of Ornstein's stories and, like myself, had found the man to be a mentor.
No words were spoken as the old man was lowered into the ground, it was solemn. Every man from the fort readied a musket in salute.
I held Siegnette back, with my hands over her ears. She still jumped when the guns fired.
"I know you don't understand," I ruffled her hair afterwards, "But someday someone will tell you about the man we buried today. Someone will tell you about all of this, about who we all were."
She looked up at me with her big, grey eyes and cocked her head. Siegnette then made another familiar gesture and I let Shanalotte take her. The two disappeared into the manor, leaving myself and Vexa to stare at each other awkwardly.
The redhead spoke first, "Are you going to apologise?"
"For what? I have no idea why you're angry with me," I turned to look at the sea, the crashing of the waves proved a nice distraction, "Vexa, I treasure you here in my heart more than I have words for and trust me when I say I don't know what I've supposed to have done. I do know I don't want us to keep fighting. Please, and come back to bed."
"Oh, shut up," She folded her arms under her breasts, "You know exactly what you've done. I want an apology."
I walked closer, "I love you, but you're pushing my patience."
Then it clicked, there was something big that I had forgotten. It wasn't a petty issue at all, not to her and I felt horrid. I peeled her arms away from her body and took her hands in mine.
So much had gone on and my mind had been on other things.
"Vexa," I squeezed her hand, "I'm so sorry. I know your birthdays mean a lot to you and I promise to make it up to you."
Her ruby lips pressed into a frown, "Everyone but you remembered and that hurt. I wanted to spend the day with you, but you ignored me and that hurt more."
Vexa's gaze was heated and burned me deeply. I felt so guilty, it added weight to my shoulders that I hadn't felt before.
I dropped her arms and pulled her close, wrapping her in a bone crushing hug. I wanted her to know I was more than sorry.
She lowered her head, resting it on my shoulder.
Hot tears soaked though my doublet. All that upset had come out as anger and now it was being let go.
"You're crying now, but I've still got time to forget about our anniversary as well," I joked, trying to lighten the mood.
Vexa mumbled something into my shoulder that I didn't catch.
She raised her head and in complete serious grumbled, "I said, I'll kill you if you do. Vixen will also kill you."
I didn't doubt that for a second.
As my first step in making things better, I suggested the two of us finally go on that 'date' to Heide. Only she and I.
Siegnette would remain with Shanalotte, Kat and Vixen, and go back to Drangleic castle.
I needed to visit Heide regardless, to see how much work had been done, it would be a pleasant break from all the bureaucracy I'd been forced to endure. I know I'm the emperor and can't complain, but I'm complaining regardless.
Vexa lowered her head again. Not to cry this time, but to wipe her nose.
"You're disgusting."
"But you love me. I'm still angry with you though."
We pulled away and quickly pecked each other on the lips. I then removed a handkerchief from a pocket and handed it over, "Use that, not me."
She snatched it from my hand and blew her nose loudly, then tried to hand the handkerchief back. I declined the offer of it's return.
I could see Vixen watching us from a distance. He hadn't interfered once during this fight of ours, showing restraint I didn't know he had.
We waved him over and explained what was going to happen for the next two days, and waited for Shanalotte to bring back Siegnette.
Both came back not long after, the little one skipping. I couldn't stop myself from smiling.
The parting of ways was interesting, Siegnette didn't understand why myself and Vexa weren't coming with them. She didn't cause trouble, it was the look she gave me.
"Two days," I said for the third time, crouching down and looking straight into her eyes, "I'll be back..."
And then we're going to take you back home, I was going to say. The words failed me, my own fault. Should have seen it coming a mile off and once more the old man had been right, I wasn't her father and it wasn't right to keep her any longer.
Once they were in the carriage and on their way we went off, which took us through the sewers. The roads to Heide had yet to be rebuilt.
There was a longer route into the ancient kingdom which would have taken several days to navigate. The sewers were the most direct option.
"Oh, you're trying really hard to make things up to me," The redhead complained, "Traipsing through knee high shit water."
"These sewers are clean, it's rain water," I wanted to put her mind at ease, "I thought the lack of stench would have given that away and I thought you were used to living in filth."
Vexa snapped round, "And what do you mean by that?"
"All I'm saying is, would it kill you to pick up you're dirty clothes and not leave plates of half eaten food around our bedroom? I don't particularly like living in a sty."
The spat started anew. My forgetting of her birthday, forgotten and other annoyances surfacing.
"Don't think you're so perfect. I find ash everywhere from your damned smoking and don't get me started on how everything smells like the smoke, even my hair," She took a length of her crimson locks in her fingers, "And you never have time for me, we've only had one proper evening together since defeating Nashandra!"
"What were you expecting? I have so much to do, trying to restabilise and rebuild this country. Trying to forge treaties with the our neighbours so that we can avoid another Volgen incident and make it so my people can find a way home," I threw my hands up in frustration, "And what do you think we're doing now? I'm giving you my time."
Vexa stopped with teeth bared, "Your people? What am I then? What am I, John! Were you going to up and leave me, after all I'm just a silly human woman that's good for a quick fuck."
That stung deep and I lashed out, slapping her.
"You're Vexa von Bayer, my partner, and you are one of us. How dare you even think I would abandon you," My human self faded into my naked form, "Sometimes I don't understand you at all. And didn't you ever think that perhaps that I want to spend all my time with you. I can't help that bureaucracy gets in the way. You might put on a childish front, but even you know you can't always play."
The redhead did the unexpected and did exactly as I had done. It was my first time seeing her naked, proof that the conversion had been successful.
She was unstable, both bodies flickering in and out. It would take time for her to fully control every new part of her being.
"I know!" She let out an infuriated groan, "I'm so angry with you and I don't know why!"
Vexa settled in her human body, hands balled into fists, shaking with energy.
I had an idea and voiced it.
"It's the strangest part of love. We could scream and shout at each other all day long and it wouldn't change a thing about how I feel about you. I am not perfect by any means of the word and neither are you," I walked ahead, "You're nothing but a pain in the backside, yet for some unknown reason I still love you. So get angry with me, that won't change anything. Do you still love me though?"
I wanted to hear the words from her, because I had been the only one to use them. I was starting to wonder myself if it was wholly one-sided.
I waited and waited, and Vexa continued to fume. I didn't get my answer.
"If you want I can reverse the conversion, let you live out what's left of your silly little human life? There's always more where you come from," I spat.
Three simple words, how difficult were they to say? My mind started to wander to places I didn't want it to go. Was this all over? No, but it felt like it at the time.
Vexa hid her face, "If that's true, you won't care if I leave. You bastard!"
She ran off back towards Majula.
"Go on then! Run back to your brother," I yelled after her, "You filthy human convert. You damn filthy whore!"
My words echoed throughout the sewer, coming back to bite with every rebound.
Talk about adding fuel to the fire, I'd just added a refineries worth of petrol to it and I was getting licked by the flames. Goodness me, you might forget that one of us is an ancient, ageless god and the other 700 years old, not a pair of teenagers.
I turned and ran in the opposite direction.
Ran towards the light.
Scared the hell out of the sergeant on watch, screaming at him when he failed to acknowledge me, prompting the duty officer to come sprinting over.
Once calmed down and situated in the old cathedral, I had them bring me paper and ink. I gave up after several hours of attempting to compose an apology, that's not me. It had to be face to face, rather than hiding behind paper and that was if Vixen would let me near her.
It caused me great stress, corrupting what escape I could find in my dreams. Throughout the night I was tossing and turning, waking up to the face of Zimmermann's counterpart, Gregory Zecht. I had been shouting apparently.
Zecht was the son of a fisherman and had me walk with him around Heide, in his opinion the salt air would be good for me. If it was I didn't notice, it did give me ample opportunity to view the rebuilt Heide.
The ancient city looked like it would fit perfectly on an Asia album cover, stunning and the lighthouse was fully ablaze. Blue and white everywhere I looked, a far cry from the crumbling buildings I had first seen.
I left before dinner, wanting to be back Majula side before midday. I opted to stay in the fort for the remained of the second day and had myself a slight relapse, wanting Lucatiel back again. The melancholy was painful. It's even more painful to look back and realise how much of a twat I was being.
I made plans to go and visit Luca on my way back to the castle. I wasn't to go alone of course, a group of engineers would follow me with equipment to torch Aldia's keep whilst we were there.
I'd cleanse every stinking inch of that building, every scrap of monstrous research, every damned person still left alive there.
The road looked oh so lovely with spring flowers starting shoot up through the soil. Too bad the keep was there at the end to spoil my view. The spot where Luca had been shot doubled me over, like a punch to the gut. Several small shards of her estus flask were still on the ground and a little further up were the rotted crossbows.
Every feeling of discomfort amplified the closer we got, my heart stopped when we reached her grave. The ash looked untouched.
"We can give your majesty some time before we begin, if that is what you wish?" The officer in command of the engineers said.
"No," I replied, looking to the shed first and then the entrance, "You have your orders, see them done, major."
Every man marched smartly into the keep, leaving me be.
It was a calm day, a warm breeze coming in from the south-east. The air was sweet and fragrant with all the new flora.
A good place for a quiet reflection.
"What would you say, honey?" I asked, kneeling down and placing my hand flat to the ash. As soon as my hand brushed the ash, I was gripped by nausea. I was suddenly made aware that it was night and snowing something fierce.
The ashen mist heart...it was still with me, still clinging to my very being.
Blood on the ground was my clue to as when I was.
I picked myself up and followed her blood into the entrance. Lucatiel was slouched against the wall, breathing heavily. Her hand was pressed to her belly.
The blonde undead turned her head, her face contorted in pain, streaked with tears and snot.
"No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no," She said over and over, "Stay away from me."
I got closer, regardless of her pleading.
"Go back, von Bayer. Go back to sleep, everything will be fine tomorrow."
"My heart breaks tomorrow," I told her, "So no, it's not going to be fine."
I sat with her, linking our fingers.
Real, tangible and surreal. I was as calm as could be, which was strange, I should have been distraught.
"You're not him," Luca whispered.
She thought she was dreaming.
"No, honey. I am who you think I am, just older," I started to rub circles on her hand with my thumb, "It's hard to explain, but I'm here and still down there in the shed. You're worst nightmare, two of me. Not that I'm going to be here for long."
The blonde undead turned her body slowly, letting out a groan as she did and looked at me, reaching out with her free hand, cupping my cheek.
"What have you done to your face?"
I told her everything, knowing full well we didn't have much time.
She smiled with a shiver going through her body, "Over? You..."
Lucatiel was consumed with laughter, even if it caused her great pain.
"My idiot actually did it," She then proceeded to smack me about the arm, "You're still a thug though."
"I lose you and I lost myself, for a while. Then I fell for Vexa, couldn't help it," I started to rifle through my pockets to see if there was a cigarette. I had one left, no more than a dog-end. It lit all the same.
It's warmth spread all over me and released it's relaxing aura.
Luca's breathing got heavier, our time growing shorter.
"I loved you," I confessed with a sigh.
The blonde pushed my fringe to one side and pressed her cold lips to my forehead.
She whispered, "I know and I couldn't help loving you too."
Silence overtook us.
Her skin was like ice now; she had one last request, "Could you sing for me one last time?"
It was the lullaby I'd sang all that time ago in Majula.
"Goodbye, Luca. I wish we could have had longer, but you go to sleep now," I held her head in my arms, "You go to sleep and all of this will be over, you'll be free. I'll watch over you forever. You just rest."
"Don't...let...go," The blonde undead slowly closed her eyes, her breaths laboured "Keep...singing...please."
She was gone by the end of the next verse and I was pulled back, the ashen mist having faded replaced by thick black smoke. The keep was an inferno.
It was all lost on me; I had witnessed her die for the second time. When I had asked to see her one last time, that wasn't what I had meant.
I was scarcely aware of the major standing before me.
"Your highness? Would you like us to escort you back to the physician at Majula?"
I shook my head, "Your work is done here. You can return to the fortress, I'll return to the castle."
I took my time, having refused to take guards with me. I stopped briefly at Eleum Loyce, the magic teleporter thing still active.
Aava was no-where to be seen, long gone I theorise. I had a nosey about anyway and nicked off with rather fancy halberd from Kern's armoury. I liked it, thus it was mine.
Back on the other side it had started raining, a storm had set in and it was a big one. The wind howled over the mountain-tops, the rain was coming down side-ways.
Folks of lightning split the sky asunder and the corresponding thunder-claps deafened me.
Let's say I was more water than man when I reached the castle. Siegnette was waiting and jumped into my arms the moment she saw me.
"I missed you too," I tapped her nose, "Sorry for being away longer than I said. Have you been a good girl for Shanalotte and Kat?"
The little one flashed me a smile and hugged me. I took it as a yes.
It didn't take long for the rest of them to gather. The herald quickly took Siegnette away, so that the others could talk to me.
"What d-" Vixen started to growl.
"What did you say to Vexa?" Katie cut him off with the same question.
I held my tongue.
"You know what-" Once more Vixen was interrupted.
"I'm going to kill you, Jonathon-Fredrick!"
"Princess," The brute raised his voice, "I appreciate what you are doing, but this isn't something I need help with. I can defend my sister on my own."
Katie apologised and let Vixen get a word in.
"How dare you-"
"Yes. How dare you!"
"Princess Reyes!"
"Sorry, lord Kellantine. Please continue."
"Your double act needs work. I'm not amused," I pushed past them, "I'm going to put on some fresh clothes and go to bed. And Vixen, stay out of my way. Have words with your sister, not me."
The herald stopped not much further asking the same question, not that she cared. Shanalotte was in it for the gossip.
I asked my own question about the ashen mist heart and why it hadn't left me.
"We burned down Aldia's keep and I went to visit her grave. When I touched the ash...I got to say goodbye, sang to her, watched her die again," My voice cracked, which was unexpected and I had to compose myself, "If anyone asks, I've not gone to bed. I'm going to play some music."
My little ward let go of Shanalotte's hand and followed me. I wanted her to stay with Shanalotte, but knowing Siegnette she would find a way to escape.
I first headed to my room and change, lest I start growing mould.
"I'll be a few minutes, wait here," I ruffled her hair and entered the bedroom. Vexa was on top of the bed with a book in her hands, Shalquoir nestled against her bosom. The redhead spared me the briefest of glances.
I acted as if she wasn't there, stripping my soaked clothes.
"Could you do that elsewhere?" Vexa snapped, closing the book with a heavy clap.
I peered at her over my shoulder, "It's my room. I shall do in it as I please, such as changing. By all means leave, I'd prefer it."
Her reply was a short, forced exhale through her nose.
"I mean it, Vexa. I don't want you here when I return."
Bags hung under her eyes and her hair was unkempt, frizzy with plenty of split ends.
If I was to sum up my thoughts, they would probably sound a little like,
I hope I never, I hope I never have to see you again,
Again, oh oh oh oh.
Fairly over dramatic, I'm aware, but it's one cracking bloody song. Now, I really must stop before I go on a Split Enz tangent, I nearly did that before and I promised myself I wouldn't do so again.
She sat up and threw the book at me, missing my head by a millimetre. Queue the screaming match, several pieces of broken crockery and blood.
Plucking shards of broken glass from my face was not what I wanted to be doing and the little one was traumatised, for that I had a further go at Vexa. She would get no apology from me now.
Siegnette kept pointing at my nose. It had been broken again for the who knows how many times.
"Come on then, sweetness," I held out my hand after fixing my face, "You can come help with my music."
The sound the ivories made were the only lover I needed; Siegnette was enjoying herself too.
I had her playing certain keys, getting her involved, starting to teach her the basics of music theory. If she understood a single thing I taught her, I couldn't tell. I was happy that she was trying and getting stuck in.
Eventually I got her playing what you'd recognise as an Alberti bass. Quickly and with many a wrong note, Siegnette found herself getting more frustrated and gave up with a defeated groan, beginning to sulk.
"It is difficult, Siegnette and you have to persist," I showed her how I played it, "Take your time, you can't rush music. Though if you keep at it and you practice really hard, something wonderful happens."
The simple piece I had been trying to teach Siegnette transformed into a piece that was infinitely more complex.
"This has taken me years to learn and I'm still hitting wrong notes," I deliberately missed a key to stress the point. Siegnette giggled. My acting silly had pulled her from her defeated mood.
With renewed effort, the little one picked up where she had stopped.
I smiled warmly, "Go on, sweetness. You're doing it, now keep playing that."
I joined in over Siegnette.
A little encouragement and a small push, she was having fun.
When we finished I gave her a cheer, because she had genuinely done well. Siegnette had put in the effort and it had paid off.
A request from myself to you, dear reader. If you have children or plan to, get them interested in music. It doesn't matter what kind, just get them interested. I did with mine and it hasn't done them wrong, except Richter. That little shit goes out of his way to hate the music I like.
Siegnette yawned loudly and looked at me sleepily, and up she went, wrapping her arms around my neck.
Shanalotte was waiting for her, telling me off for keeping her up beyond her bedtime.
"Oh pipe down, an extra hour or two isn't going to be detrimental," I laid Siegnette down and pulled the covers up over her. I kissed her forehead and wished her a good night's sleep.
The herald blew out the candles and followed me out of the room.
"When are you taking her back?"
"A few days."
"Alright and I think the pursuer knight is wanting you, von Bayer," Shanalotte caught up to me and I got a good view of her nightdress. Elegantly designed, ornamented with pearls. The material looked light and soft.
"Stop staring and keep me out of your deluded fantasies," She scowled.
"Give over. I'm looking at your nighty, not you," I turned on my heels to face her, "It's of a nice pattern. Who did you steal it from?"
The herald's cheeks puffed out, "I found it in my room's wardrobe. I didn't steal anything."
We left it at that.
Vixen was in one of the drawing rooms, nursing a glass of wine.
"Where's Kitty?"
"The princess is with my sister, sir. Getting drunk and I would like a word," The brute placed down a glass before me, "You have some explaining and just so you're aware, there is no answer I'm willing to accept, sir."
I was in the shit, to use an Americanism. I didn't still believe I was in the wrong and I didn't like how they were getting involved, regardless of Vexa being his remaining family. She and I could work things out on our own.
"Do you really think I want to be fighting with Vex? How many times do I have to tell you I love her, eh?" I knocked back the spirit in one gulp, "I mean, of course I'm upset with her. I pour my heart out to her time and time again, and she can't even say I love you back."
He poured me another and ordered, "Drink."
The strong drink went down as easily as the first, didn't even touch the sides.
I scratched the bridge of my nose, "Surely it would be better if we beat the shit out of each other now and drink later? That is what this is coming to, isn't it?"
Another glass was poured. For a moment I thought of pouring it on the floor in defiance, but that would be a waste of good alcohol.
"Last one," I knocked it back, "Is there a point to this? I was rather hoping to go to bed."
"You're bedroom is currently occupied, sir. You're staying here and drinking with me," He poured the fourth, drained his own wine and replaced it with the spirit.
We drank in silence until the booze started to kick in.
"You two need to stop being daft," Vixen put down the glass, drinking directly from the bottle, "Now, I'll admit I wanted to beat you senseless, sir, but after careful though I have come to the conclusion that it would get us no-where."
The bottle didn't last long. Six more were brought in alongside an absolutely plastered Don Kyris, he never could hold his drink. We left him passed out under the table and continued drinking ourselves.
My own head was thumping and Vix was slumped against over his bottle, light was creeping into the room from behind the curtains.
"I'm guessing the plan was to get us both drunk and into a situation where we'd make up, yes?" I pawed at one bottle, making it spin. It span off the table and shattered.
Vix propped himself up and moaned, "I believe that was the plan, sir."
"Did Kitty talk to you into this?"
The brute nodded and I slid down into the chair, trying to get comfortable and partially because I was also feeling the booze.
"Did you two ever stop to think that myself and Vexa need some time away from each other?"
Even lovers need a holiday,
Far away,
From each other.
I was not however going to run to Vexa and start singing It's hard for me to say I'm sorry. Firstly, in the state I was I couldn't have run, my legs had fallen asleep.
Secondly, real life doesn't work like that. Thirdly, Chicago wouldn't release that until 82, I would would've needed to wait a long time.
"You need to step back, brother. Let us work it out," I checked each of the remaining bottles to see if any drink was left, "Same goes with Kitty. Let us apologies in our own time too, don't force it."
Vixen looked over with glazed eyes, "Why are you even fighting?"
The elaborate clock in the room chimed 8, the bell ripped through my skull and had me in agony for a second.
"It was because I'd forgotten her birthday and that spiralled into the little things, and when she couldn't tell me she loved me back, I lost it with her," I let my head hit the table, "That's what got me the most."
"She does, even if she can't say it. I know she does," The brute's head wobbled as he tried to focus on me.
Servants flooded the room, opening all the curtains and blinding myself and Vix.
I looked around the room and under the table, finding I had lost Don. Before I could even start thinking about where he could have gotten to, Katie, Shanalotte and Siegnette walked in.
The Reaper and herald were not impressed with our states.
"Can one of you try and find Don? I'm going to bed," I struggled up, every one of my limbs filled with lead. Katie stepped in my path, "You can't go to your roo-"
"Shhh," I held a finger to her lips, "I don't care. I'm going to my bed."
I tripped over the missing Don in the hallway, before stumbling my way to my room. The curtains were still drawn. Someone had lit the fire, so the room was nice and toasty.
I crawled under the covers and cuddled up with Vexa, taking in the scent of her hair and body.
"Go away," The redhead asked quietly.
"Don't wanna," I mumbled into her neck, "For today, let's just forget we're angry at each other."
Vexa rolled around, tired eyes holding mine.
"Your breath's awful," She pulled her head away.
"Yours isn't much better," I smiled and let her hand hold mine, "It's bad enough to knock out a Gyrm."
I could have sworn she laughed.
"Only for today, mister. Then we go back to fighting, because I'm still really angry with you," The pout appeared and she then rested her forehead against mine, "And missing you."
I could've said the same thing, but I chose to remain silent and press my lips to hers. She tasted of the wine she and Kat had been drinking. Sickly sweet.
We broke apart still smiling, "Don't mistake that for an apology."
Vexa raised an eyebrow, "If you think a single kiss is enough to make things up with me, you're sorely mistaken. You will grovel and beg before me."
"No," I yawned, "Now, I'm hanging something fierce and I need some shut-eye. Does the lady von Bayer think she can wait for an apology?"
The was no reply, only myself being pulled to her breast tightly. I took that as a hesitant yes, not want to fully commit to her possible answer.
I turned over and the redhead wrapped her arms around me.
How do you think I felt when I woke up tied to a chair, with Vexa in front of me holding a whip?
No, no, I joking. It was Vixen.
No, sorry. I'll stop.
She woke before me and when I opened my eyes, she was watching me. I reached up and ran my fingers through her hair. Those crimson locks were like silk, washed recently and shining.
The hangover was persisting.
"How bad do I look?" I croaked.
"Dreadful, mister," She grabbed my wrist, "About as bad as I feel. I think I might be angry with Katie instead of you today."
I freed my hand and with the other got at her waist, pulling her back down and having a bit of a squeeze whilst my hands were down there. I was in the mood to be a bit playful with the redhead and she returned the playfulness in kind.
We became one whole and I fell even harder than I had. Those four corners were our entire kingdom, the room our world. What lay outside was of little matter, that world didn't exist for me.
Hunger proved me a hypocrite and we both ventured forth from the bedroom in the hunt for some dinner.
It was also in our best interest to avoid Katie and Vixen, neither of us wanting to admit their plan had worked. We passed Don, the man having no recollection of the past several days. Although not directly, the earl of Andron expressed his happiness that we were no longer fighting.
We left Don and made headway towards the kitchens hoping that the cooks were still hanging about. There weren't, so it was the case of lifting whatever we could from the pantry and high tailing it back to the bedroom. It's amazing how much you can get stuffed under your doublet.
It was a veritable feast, only that we had nothing to cook half the food on. So it was back to the kitchens for me to lift some iron pans. Vexa had the fire going when I returned and we had one hell of a fry up in the bedroom, in a fireplace not meant for cooking.
A drop of bacon grease and we were fit as fiddles, it's the miracle cure!
Stuffed, myself and the lady von Bayer crawled back into bed. This was where we remained until the following morning, until Siegnette joined us. The little one had gotten away from Shanalotte and had hunted me down, I had ignored her after all for an entire day.
The young Milfanito dived onto the bed, knocking the wind out of myself and startling the half asleep Vexa.
Taking a moment to gather myself, I got Siegnette settled between us. The little one beaming away as she snuggled up under the blanket.
"You can't be doing that, sweetness. You could hurt yourself or whoever is in the bed," From the tone, Siegnette could tell she was being told off.
Vex didn't think I was being stern enough, not that she really had a say in the matter.
I leant over and gave the redhead a quick peck, and told her, "She's too adorable to stay mad at, a bit like you."
"Keep trying, mister. Your flattery will not get you back into my good books," She huffed melodramatically, she couldn't hide the goofy smile however, "I hate that I love you."
"Why are you hiding your face, eh?" I tried to turn her head, but she remained with her face turned away, "You can't be all coy now."
"Don't make fun of me, Jonathan or so help me I'll kick your pale backside out of this bed and we can start fighting again," She delivered the ultimatum with a swift change of expression.
"I would never make fun of you, Vex."
"You lying," She stopped, remember that Siegnette was lying between us, "So and so."
I smirked.
The little one had also noticed that we weren't paying any attention to her and started to fuss. So, I had the task of entertaining my little ward. Try as I might, I could not get Vexa to join in.
So I sat there attempting to keep Siegnette still, hands tightly holding the shoulders of the giggling child.
"You know help would be appreciated, my love. The little monster might be getting the better of me," Or so I let it seem.
With a shake of her head, Vexa got out of the bed and went to open the curtains.
"Come on Vexy, I know you want to join in and play. It's the last chance you get, we're taking her home tomorrow," I hugged Siegnette, "Deep down you want to know what it's like to have a little girl."
Vexa answered straight away, "Not really."
It was a blatant lie, I could sense it.
"She calls me a liar, sweetness," I whispered to the little one, "Well, your auntie Vexa is nothing but a hypocrite."
I emphasised the last word, banking in the little one picking up on it and repeating it, like she had the swear a few days before. When she repeated the word, Vexa scrunched up her face and cursed me.
I praised Siegnette and blew a kiss the redhead's way.
Servant's brought us food and we had another feast in the comfort of our bedroom. You could have easily mistaken the three of us as a real family. Well, we sort of were.
Anyway, the day came that we had to return Siegnette to her sisters and we had to walk all the way. There were no proper roads for a carriage to be driven along.
There had also been reports of basilisks in the forest, so we were careful. Those of us who could carry muskets did, whilst the Kellantine siblings protected Shanalotte and Siegnette.
The little one, energetic as ever, wanted to run about the trees and play and that had me on edge. If there were basilisks, I didn't want her running into one.
She ran past myself and the man next to me, "Siegnette! Stay with Shanalotte."
I must say, it felt nice have have my gear back on and not having to sit in the castle listening to complaints. Then there were the Dranglein nobility, who were engaged in a competition to see who could kiss my arse the most. I was contemplating having them shot the next time they entered my castle.
"Siegnette?" I called. I'm sure you've heard it before, but you should never take your eyes off your children. I couldn't see her anywhere.
I called her name again and when I got no reply, sent the men under my command to search for her.
"Find her!"
Panic mode was set to on.
What if they didn't find her?
What if she got hurt badly?
Why didn't Shanalotte have a better hold of her?
"She's here," One shouted, "The girls fine."
He came out of the bushes holding Siegnette. The little one sniffling, her knee scraped and bleeding.
I handed my gun off to Vix and took the girl, just in time for Whiplash to yell, "Basilisks, right."
A thunderous volley followed, bring down two basilisks.
Whilst the other men we searching the surroundings for any more of the vile creatures, I looked at Siegnette's knee.
"That why you need to be careful, sweetness. Pour that over the scrape," I handed my water-skin to the herald, "This is going to sting a little, be a brave girl."
She hissed as the water washed away the blood and dirt, gripping my sleeve with her hands. A kiss from Shanalotte made it better and I finished up by covering the scrape with one of the bits of cloth I used to tie my hair back.
She was fine ten minutes later running about again, but staying in sight this time.
"Vix. When we get back home, remind me to send a party back to the Gyrm. I want them to make the roads better, so we have better access to more of the land. We also need someone to come in and start clearing these forests."
The brute bowed his head, "Sir."
We would need the resources, I wanted a navy built. Drangleic last ship had been the carrack that sunk at the Bastille.
Then with the trees stripped we could open mines and strip the land of it's metal.
von Strepp had already sent a company of pioneers to Venn, to seek out the foundries and bring back whatever they could.
There was also talk from the officers of forced conscription to bolster our military in the likely event of invasions. News had spread that the curse and Nashandra were gone, it was only a matter of time. My money was on the Volgens trying it again. Timid my arse, those Volgens were vicious.
The day went on and Siegnette had completely tired herself out, so she was up on my shoulders and then carried by Shanalotte when she fell asleep.
We made good distance, passing the old Dranglein rebel camp at midnight. The following days were smooth sailing, not a monster in sight and we made it easily to the shrine.
Siegnette was back with me. Her smile warmed my heart and she was taking a piece with her.
The look when she saw her sister was even more magical. The elder Milfanito were beyond shocked to see the little one unharmed, the eldest thanking us for bringing her back.
They wanted to reward us. No matter how many times I told her it wasn't necessary, she insisted on us being rewarded.
I lost my chance to back out when Siegnette grabbed my hand and started to drag me further into the shrine.
"Alright sweetness, slow down. My legs only move so fast."
The eldest sister translated and for the first time I discovered what Siegnette was saying.
"Our sister says that you are too slow, and she promises to be careful and not trip this time."
"We'll wait here, sir," Vixen was hanging back at the first building with the men.
I gave a salute and continued to follow the Milfanito.
The eldest sister chatted to me and told me a lot more about the girl. She was around 5 years of age, this signed Nashandra's death warrant.
She had a toddler snatched from her family, that was the final nail.
Siegnette stopped and made the up gesture, I obliged.
I was asked about how she had been treated whilst under our care and the name I had given her, why I had done such?
"Our sister likes her name. It makes her unique amongst us," The elder sister reassured me, when I started to think I had done something wrong by naming Siegnette. She then thanked Vexa and Shanalotte.
We were led into the most intact of the ruins. Even more Milfanito resided within and rushed us, the little one hid her face.
I spoke softly to her, "They're your sisters, sweetness. You don't need to shy away, they're happy to see you."
The eldest translated and Siegnette pressed her face into my neck. She was so young when she had been snatched that she didn't even remember half her sisters.
I secretly think that Siegnette was enjoying the attention and the shyness was all an act; I personally blame Vexa for corrupting the sweet child.
The little one pulled away and reached over for Shanalotte.
"Siegnette's lived like a princess," I laughed, "So you may have to excuse her. My fault, I couldn't stop spoiling her."
The sister looked at me, "We are happy that you have cared for our youngest sister and that she is returned to us. There is no problem. Keep following."
The path went up, skirting around the walls and ending in a smaller shrine. A decorative fountain was the centrepiece. I was told that it could cure any ailment with a simple drink of the water, did that extend to the undead and the curse? Would it have saved her?
Vexa immediately knelt down and took a handful of water, drinking it and claimed she felt much better.
"There ain't nothing wrong with you."
"I'm thirsty."
I removed the canteen Gavlan had given me and passed it down to the redhead. It was empty when she returned it.
The eldest sister took us past the fountain and into the adjacent room, in it were chest stacked high.
"Gold," The Milfanito said, "Left by the souls buried in the crypts. We gift it to you."
"There is no need," I refused.
"We insist," She sounded offended.
Vex and Shanalotte were already rifling through the chests, the latter having a necklace put on and the former holding out a ring to me.
"Put it on me, mister," She dropped the ring in my open hand. It was gold with a silver inlay, aquamarine gemstones set in periodically.
Fixing my target, her ring finger, I slid the ring into place.
"And with this, I do thee wed," I teased, wanting to see her reaction.
Her expression remained fixed, "Liar, now kiss my ring."
I cocked an eyebrow and stood back, "Never again, I'm still having nightmares of the last time."
The next several minutes were spent dodging Vexa's fists to the amusement of the little one, I was in serious danger and Siegnette was in a fit of giggles.
I scooped up the little monster, she was going to have to learn it wasn't alright to laugh at my suffering. She burst into even more giggles.
Behind me I created wraiths to pick up the chests. Then it was time to say goodbye.
I put Siegnette down, knelt and held her in a tight hug, parted her fringe and planting a light kiss.
"Alright sweetness, we have to go now. Be a good girl for your sisters, because if I find out you're not I'll come back and give you a frightfully good telling off," I warned jokingly, "It's been an absolute pleasure to have you in my life, no matter how short our time was."
There were no tears as her sister translated. She did say no to me and after that the same to Shanalotte, then said something to the eldest Milfanito.
"Our sister does not want for you to leave, nor the herald."
I ran my hand over her hair, "Oh, sweet girl. I want you to stay with us, but you belong with your sisters. Tell you what, it's not that far from the castle. I'll try and visit whenever I can. How does that sound?"
Siegnette calmed down when she heard my promise and wanted to know is Shanalotte would do the same. I moved her back and forth with a gentle sway, and Siegnette let go. She immediately ran to the herald and hugged her too.
After letting go of Shanalotte, Siegnette ran behind her sister. Every now and again she would peek out from behind the eldest Milfanito's legs.
"Goodbye Siegnette," We all waved and let my wraiths pass us, we turned and followed them back toward Vixen and the rest. As we walked away I half expected her to call out and come running, it was past the fountain when she did.
"Keep walking," I said, wanting to go back. If Vexa and Shanalotte kept going on, I would too.
Siegnette shouted louder.
I tapped Vexa's arm, "If I start turning back, stop me."
The redhead stopped and picked me up, throwing me over her shoulder.
"Not what I meant, Vexa!" I complained, but was given a good view of her backside.
"If your hands start to wander, Jonathan, I will have to do some terrible things," And she would, I wholly believed her.
We had made up, of course, for the fight we had. She had yet to forgive me for forgetting her birthday. I was not ready for the torment that would come.
"I'm not in that kind of mood, even if I have a beautiful view," Vexa, the walking scandal that she is, had chosen the tightest pair of hose she could be dropped into.
Trust me, that was the only way she was getting in them. Kat held one side, Shanalotte the other and Vexa jumped off the bed into them. I had the fun task of cutting her free.
Before I knew it we were back outside and far away from the little one, the slump began almost immediately.
I had enjoyed having a daughter; it wasn't the last I would see of Siegnette however, but more on that later.
Myself and Vexa changed places, the hose chafing had grown too much for her or so she claimed. Her wanting to be lazy was the real cause.
"Thank you, honey," I rubbed my hand along her thigh, "I really wanted to run back to her."
My thoughts soon overturned when she started faffing with my hair.
I talked with the redhead about trying for an actual baby, but she would hear nothing of it. It would be many years and a drunken one-night stand later. I did keep on pestering her about the subject and in the end had to give up.
She slapped the back of my head, "I said no. Give it up."
"One day," I mumbled under my breath, hoping she would pick up on it.
I forget if I've said, but I've always wanted children. Happiest day of my life was when Khay and Richter were born, mere minutes apart. Then when Alex was born a few years later. Then Urðr (Odin weren't very happy when he discovered who her father was and that she couldn't actually shape the future of people, and for all the years she'd been alive had been talking out her arse.) and Leopold. You get the picture.
I found a little happiness in the fact I was going to execute Nashandra. That would be a treat, not that I would dirty my hands. I'd let the provost do the honours.
It was to be a five part execution, if she lasted that long that is. Firstly she would be flayed alive, then she would be crucified for a day or two. Zimmermann or Zecht would monitor her condition and make sure she did not expire.
Following this, Nashandra was to be cut from the crucifix, then hanged, drawn and quartered. I had a second thought and decided to be the one to disembowel her. Wanted to be the last face she saw before we lopped her head off. I was also one to pass sentence, just to rub the salt in further.
Her dead eyes watched me from behind the mask.
"On the sixth, you will be taken from here to the place of your execution, where you shall be hanged until half dead, have your bowels drawn from your body and burnt before you, before you will be beheaded and your body quartered. Any question, so that we may make your experience less enjoyable?"
Nothing.
I clicked my fingers and the two provost appeared, grabbing her roughly by the arms. Every movement was painful for her, atrophied muscles straining, joints aching.
Before the reached the end of the dungeon, I called, "I may have neglected to tell you what's to happen first, but you will find it as enjoyable as the rest no doubt."
The old queen made such a delicious noise as her skin was taken away. Vexa was also screaming, at me, once more, the fighting had started again.
Now that Siegnette was back with her sisters all my attention was supposed to be back on her. She wanted me to treat her like a lady and to Vexa that meant, well, a lot of things.
We were taking this faster than we should have been, burning ourselves out again.
"All I'm saying is," Throwing some clothes in my wardrobe, "I think we need time to ourselves, without each other."
Vexa placed both hands on her hips, "And what if another woman steals you away? Or if you decide to find prettier, younger girls?"
I stood in disbelief.
"What younger, prettier girls? If you're talking about Shanalotte, whilst I have deliberated whether or not to ask her to show me her boobs, I've decided I like having all my body parts attached. Don't give me that look! It was a joke."
She proceeded to throw her right boot at me. Poor shot, sailed right over my head and knocked a Jugonese vase from atop the wardrobe. I liked that vase and wasn't too happy to see it in several jagged pieces all over the floor.
With a defeated sigh, I laid down on top of the covers.
"Are we going to do this every week, eh? Cos' we can pack it in right now," I fixed a spot of cracked plaster on the ceiling and focused on that, "Because I'm sick of this, Vex. And I ain't humouring it not more."
The redhead's tall form loomed over me, blotting out what little light was entering the room. Her face was a rock, with eyes narrowed. No hint of emotion betrayed her blank facade.
"I don't want to give this up," She gestured to me.
"We're going to have to work on this then, because neither do I," I traced a crack in the plaster with my eyes. The crack split into a spider-web pattern, the plaster flaking in sections. We could probably whitewash it, I thought. The wood panelling was still in good condition…
The wind was suddenly knocked out of me, Vexa having decided that I looked comfortable and sat down on my tummy.
I slapped her hip with the back of my hand, "Get you're fat arse off me!"
In response, Vexa raised herself up and dropped back down with some force. She wasn't moving and leaning in a manner that put all her weight on me. Her childish side was showing through again, stropping when things weren't going her way.
"If I promise not to run off with a younger, prettier woman. Will you get off me?" I tried sitting up, only to have her push me back.
"Shift ya bum," My accent slipped, as I pushed her as best I could.
"No," The redhead grumbled, "The moment I get up, you'll run off and leave me."
Seriously?
I decided on drastic measures and shadow-danced, not a habit I wanted to feed. I stopped using my abilities for small things like that.
Vexa fell, landing with a soft thud. I caught her before she had a chance to tumble further.
"The hell's got these childish notions in your head? I'm not leaving you for good and I'm not going to run off with someone else, just because we're fighting," I lifted her hand and kissed each finger tip. My reassurance didn't seem to work. She returned the kisses, the first planted in the crook of my neck and on my neck proper, that was when she sunk her teeth in.
I pulled away with my hand on my neck, fuming. That isn't exactly what I called nice, even if I had done it to her at the start of our relationship.
I looked in my mirror, the love-bite was already well defined against my skin.
"You're marked, so other women know they can't have you," She growled into my ear, this new possessive side opening up. Not that a hickey would ever stop me.
"I'm not your property, woman. Now stop being daft, it's a week and a half and not an eternity as you seem to think. Though if you carry on as you are, it will be."
I'm not sure I meant the threat or believed it when I shouted, but I was at the end of my rope. If she wanted to be a child, she could do so without me.
I walked away and stood in at the door, "You, lady von Bayer, are left in charge of this castle until we return. Try not to burn it down or kill every semi-attractive maid when I'm gone."
I knew it was time to leave when my ashtray flew over my head, covering me with it's contents and crashed against the outside wall.
Made it to the throne room and had an idea to take Vexa's mind off things. A servant retrieved for me parchment and I left a letter. Lord Bannier had Dranglein natives who had 'willingly' volunteered for service in the Erebayan colonial army (As it was now being called) coming, with a little luck Vexa could help whip them into shape.
I then went to view Nashandra on her crucifix, in all her truly naked glory. She couldn't get much more off. She hadn't been flayed fully, only mostly. Certain areas had been left with skin on, like her head scarred from the mask.
"I always knew you were beautiful with your clothes off," I took her all in, "But isn't it a bit chilly up there? I mean, I know plenty will have wanted to nail you, but to a cross..."
Not a single word had she spoken since her defeat, unless you count the agonized screams. Probably didn't have the strength, being up on a crucifix is hard work.
The two provost cut the old queen down. She was wrapped haphazardly in bandages and dumped her unceremoniously onto the back of a cart. Zimmermann hopped in afterwards to tend her, making sure she wouldn't buy it on the way to Kholerkine.
Myself, Vixen, Don and Kat crammed ourselves into our carriage and set off. There is only so many times one can play eye-spy before you want to kill the people around you. That being once, for anyone wondering.
The brute and princess soon turned the topic of conversation to me and the missus, and why we were still at each other's throats, and why I was at fault for all of it.
I advised the pair to stay out of it, because I was sick of them getting involved. It would only get worse and we didn't want that.
I ended up sleeping most of the journey, there was precious little else to do. Woke up a few time to find Kat also asleep against me, thick line of spit running down her chin and down the front of my doublet. The image of an angel...sloth comes to mind.
Adorable, but sloth through and through.
This kind of thing happened all the time in Erebay, when I wasn't getting drunk or pretending to be common to avoid being emperor. Good times. And for the few of you thinking what you're thinking, get your minds out the gutter.
Don was awake across from me, watching the scenery outside the door window. He was going to be my man in charge of all mining operations in the area. It was to give the skiving bastard something to do.
The earl saw that I was awake, dipped a hand in his pocket and pulled out a fag. For a moment I thought he was going to hand it to me, but the sod had learned not to hand away his snout for free.
With a satisfied smirk, Don placed to glowing fag between his lips.
Kat began mumbling, a pleasant smile tugged at her lips.
Must have been a nice dream.
Our carriage rolled into Kholerkine around mid-afternoon, myself and the earl drawn from it by a tantalising scent wafting in from the village. Someone was making tomato chutney and we were going to liberate it from where it was being held.
The wifey who was making it was not please when we came barrelling through her door, nor was Katie.
After an apology we left for the scaffold, having lifted several of chutney jars. My goodness, we are awful, but it was so, so tasty.
The garrison left at Kholerkine had all come out and were standing in regimented squares, drummers hammering away on their skins. Nashandra wasn't the only one being executed that day, nobles still loyal to queen who had continued attacking us were strung up all along the roadside. There were also a few peasants who weren't happy that it was a foreign power now in charge of their homeland, regardless of the fact we were the ones who made it so they could return to their homes.
Nashandra was to be the last to die and I was looked forward to it. When her time came she had to be carried to the scaffold, the bandages tinted with flecks of crimson.
She struggled against the noose and like the others hanged that day, soiled herself. It wasn't a pretty sight. The old queen was then cut down and laid flat, and I given the knife.
I'm no skilled executioner and my disembowelling her was sloppy. As long as it hurt, I did't give a damn.
There wasn't much between me throwing her intestines on the fire and the axe being swung. Pure hatred oozed from her, all told to me with her eyes. Even after her head was removed, they were fixed on me. Nightmare fuel.
The body was quickly quartered and prepared for transport to different parts around Drangleic, the head was to remain with us and taken back to the castle. The reign of Nashandra was over, permanently.
The body parts were thrust into the air once, followed by a roaring cheer by the local garrison. Cheers for me, cheers for the empire, cheers for the final victory! This was followed by a good old piss up. This was much to the annoyance of the returned natives, although two or three did join us in the end.
"That one's giving you the eye," Don pointed out, knocking back his drink, "You should pull her before someone else does. Have a dance."
I 'tsked', "I know where that leads and I'm not giving Vexa the satisfaction of being right."
I proceeded to show off the redhead's love-bite, fading as it was. I wanted to stay faithful and I would damn well be so.
I danced with Kat in the end, cheek to cheek around the bonfire erected to the west of the town.
"I hate to dump this on you, Kitty-Kat. I need you to go on a diplomatic mission to the neighbouring kingdoms," I said, as we came to the end of our dance, "I want you to go to Mirrah first, see if Lucatiel has any family remaining there."
I trusted only Katie with my request, no one else I felt could do what I wanted. She was a Reaper after all.
The princess agreed, on the condition I helped her find her favourite teddy-bear that had disappeared under mysterious circumstances. I love the fact that her first thought was to throw suspicion at me.
"I know you know something, Jonathon-Fredrick," She narrowed eyes.
"I know plenty of things, Kat. One of those things is the teddy don't belong to you no more," I had given it to Siegnette.
The princess was put into a murderous mood, only worsened because I couldn't stop myself laughing at her 'angry' face. It took some work and many a promise to calm her down. I personally think she's way too old to be playing with teddy-bears, but who am I to judge.
We danced the rest of the night away, retiring at a rather reasonable time. I avoided the hangover. The following morning we left for another village renewed with life, and the first place we were leaving part of Nashandra. Then it was to the largest of the walled cities, gates now reopened.
Four of those walled cities we had to crack, they refused to acknowledge my sovereignty and that the curse was vanquished. One opened when we revealed Nashandra's head, the others we came back to. The army did at least.
The expected week and a half turned into three and a half, because it turned into a royal tour of Drangleic. My mind was always on Vexa, in one way or another.
It was not her who greeted us when we returned but Shanalotte, who had made herself comfortable on my throne. To my surprise Siegnette was also with her, smiling her toothy smile.
With a great leap, the little one latched on and squeezed.
"What are you doing here, sweetness?" I ashed her, but was looking at the herald for my answer. I was handed a letter, written in rather pathetic Dranglein. It also looked like Kat had written it, more scribble than words.
"Still can't read this fully, you know," I passed it back.
Shanalotte forced a groan, "It says that the Milfanito would like us to continue looking after Siegnette. She refused to settle and cried because we had left her. She also did the same when you weren't here."
I frowned, "I told you to be a good girl. Crying to get your way isn't being a good girl."
The waterworks were already starting to go, which I shut down straight away. When that didn't work Siegnette went into a Vexa esque strop.
For that I told her off, "It doesn't work when your auntie Vexa does it and it ain't working for you. Now stop it."
The next step in her plan was to act all friendly and cute, step three in the Vexa Kellantine school of getting ones own way.
She was getting dangerously close to the inappropriate steps and if she reached them, I was going to kill my partner.
Thankfully the little one stopped at step three, becoming embarrassed and hiding her face in the crook of my neck. I gently placed my cheek against the top of her head and returned the embrace Siegnette had started with.
"If it's what your sisters want, I don't think I can say no," I whispered, cupping the back of her head with my free hand.
Shanalotte cleared her throat, "So we're not taking her back again?"
I told her I didn't know. I was feeling terribly selfish, I had my little girl back. Adopted yes, but that has never mattered to me. It was the same with Athena. She might be Zeus' child, but she's my daughter.
"So where's the missus? Not ran away has she?" I rather hoped she hadn't.
The herald looked at me disinterested, "In bed. Not feeling well. Left me in charge."
Any new developments could wait until later, I had to go see my love and make sure she was alright.
Prying Siegnette off of me and handing her back over to the herald, I left for my room.
Vexa was fast asleep, sweating feverishly. I sat and watched over her.
It wasn't that long before she got well.
You want to know what her first words were when the fever broke? Did you bring me anything back?
Can you believe that?
"I brought myself, be grateful," Was my answer.
The redhead shifted round and planted her head on my lap. We talked well into the night and admitted to each other that both of us had been silly. I knew that some time away would do us good.
The fighting continued the week after.
And can you believe it, 11 years past by like the snap of the fingers. I certainly couldn't believe it. If 268 had passed in the year between me coming to Drangleic and my people turning up, how my had passed on the outside in the roughly fourteen years I'd been stranded?
Drangleic was prospering, we having either made friends with our neighbours or had beaten them stupid. We got our revenge on the Volgens on the sea. Carracks gave way to great and middling ships, fully rigged and heavily armed. The Volgen Galleasses stood no chance.
Eleum Loyce, Alken and Venn were all under imperial rule. The great foundries working around the clock, no longer producing only iron, but steel and bronze.
Our land army had similarly evolved. Gone were the awkward matchlocks, doglocks were in. It was still a case of pike and shot, just the guns had changed, along with new standardised uniforms.
We had our share of losses along the way, but we were the dominant power on the continent and it's surrounding seas.
All was as it should have been.
Hail the empire!
Glory to the empire!
So on and so forth.
I did visit Mirrah, but I'll save that story for a bit later.
What else?
Oh, Siegnette. Yes, my sweet little girl didn't stay small and cute for long. Unfortunately, I say with a tear in my eye, she became a teenager...I'm sorry, it's too much…
You know, it's that age where they become difficult. It starts a 13 and never ends. She had grown into a fine young woman and very much like her adoptive mother, a right royal pain in the backside. Her pass times consisted of fighting with me, fighting with Vexa, fighting with Shanalotte, fighting with Vixen etc. Every time I looked at her, I was left wondering what she had done with the old Siegnette.
It was also around this time that the boys started taking notice, especially the sons of the Dranglein nobility.
She was 16, turning 17 in a few months, and I was starting to have a hard time keeping her under control. It all blew up one evening when we were hosting foreign dignitaries.
"Don't make a scene," I said, pulling her to one side, "I raised you to be much better than this."
We were masked by the shadows, I didn't need prying eyes watching everything.
The young Milfanito snatched her hand back and threw it up, "If you let me have fun once in awhile, then maybe I wouldn't."
"Don't you argue, Siegnette," I wagged a finger, starting to get angry, "And what's this nonsense about not letting you have fun? That's just being daft, sweetness."
My adopted daughter stamped her foot, "Why do you keep calling me that? I'm not a little girl any more."
"Wrong," I cut in before she could say anything else, "You will always be my little girl, no matter how old you get. Now stop being daft, act your age and behave yourself before the guests."
My words entered one ear and passed straight out the other; her next stamp was aimed at my foot and hit it squarely. Pain shot up my leg, I couldn't believe Siegnette had done that.
The young Milfanito stormed off, tossing some colourful words back at me. No doubt she learned them from a certain redhead.
I took a step and was stopped, Shanalotte had her hand on my shoulder, "Leave her be. I'll talk to her later."
The eleven years had been kind to the herald, a few wrinkles here and there and the odd grey was showing through, but she was still a beauty. Her attitude had changed little however.
"It's your fault anyway, you spoiled her too much," She crossed her arms. I had no real defence against that, for it was true.
I let myself slouch, feeling a weight press down on my shoulders. As you have no doubt heard, parenting is difficult.
Shanalotte covered her eyes with her hand and took a breath, "Good gods, stop pouting. It's not a face I ever wanted to see. There's a party seeking your audience, go distract yourself with them."
More twats wanting things from me. I'd humour them for ten minutes, then go back to the party.
I met with Vexa along the way, linking our arms. The redhead was dressed beautifully, the gown was crimson and gold, and really showed off her figure.
She asked where our little bundle of sunshine was and like Shanalotte, told me off for spoiling her for all those years.
We weaved our way through the foreign dignitaries pushing towards the throne room. Vexa's tiara was catching the light, giving her a halo. My lady, would be lost without her.
"Do you fancy going to the estate when everyone has buggered off?" It had been so long since the two of us had had some alone time. Vexa considered the proposal, accepting instantly. She also threatened me, in case I changed my mind before it happened.
She then asked, "Will you dance with me later?"
"Sure, I'll dance you right out of that dress."
"If you're lucky. I think I'm getting a headache, Jonathan," She pressed her hand to her right temple. What bullshit, she was smiling from ear to ear.
A servant announced us as we entered the throne room and took our seats. There were two of them seeking an audience, one a rather well endowed 'lord' and the other a 'pygmy' wrapped in a cloak of crow feathers. Both ladies, I should add.
"Can we keep this brief ladies? I have a daughter to yell at and a wife who I want to spend time with," I tried my best to look bored.
The 'lord' stepped forward with her two friends, Vexa delivering a swift swat when my eyes lingered.
"We are looking for someone to retrieve someone very special for us," The tall woman said.
The other then stood forward, "They say you were to one to break this land's curse and we have watched you since. We think you can do it."
They had been watching me for eleven years. Isn't that strange?
I snapped my fingers and in flooded my soldiers, muskets at the ready. The two women were surrounded.
I got off my throne and lit up a fag, walking around both 'lord' and 'pygmy' weighing them up.
"I don't particularly enjoy when gods turn up unannounced, especially not at my doorstep. So, would the lady Gwynervere please explain why the pair of you are really here?"
I had seen the old man's memories before he passes, seen enough to know the daughter of Gwyn when she was in front of me.
"Take your hand off your rapier. If you would be so kind, Velka," The other one, I had to guess and by the way she scrunched up her face, I was correct.
I had the closest man disarmed her, and tossed the slender blade over. I tested it, finding the rapier to be of good length, weight and balance.
Kitty could have it as a present. I'd be damned if I was allowing another god, that wasn't one of us, to have a weapon around me.
The goddess of sin pulled a face not to dissimilar to Shanalotte and through gritted teeth said, "We have just told you. You insolent upstart."
Is that what I was?
"You are as rude as our spies have told us," The elder goddess continued, "We need someone retrieved and we want you to do it."
"No," I returned to my throne, "Now, please fuck off."
Velka let go a low, guttural growl, "That is not what we want to hear! A damned upstart like you should show more respect."
My sergeant major, Whiplash, was at the side of the room closest to the doors. I nodded and he fired his gun over the heads of the women.
The fire was deafening and the smoke cloud coughed forward filled all available space.
"Next one will blow your head off, so mind your tone. In this room are three separate pantheons, mine's the oldest. Knock it off with the upstart bullshit," From my waistcoat I pulled a pocket watch, it was a little after half 6, "How important is this person and what are you willing to offer me in return?"
If they didn't answer, I would have them shot for wasting my time.
"Why they are important is of little concern to you. If it is gold you are after, we have more than enough to pay you with," Velka said bluntly.
I shut down the first offer. Didn't need any more gold, had more than enough. I linked fingers with Vexa and asked her if I should take their request seriously. She told me that If I wanted sex that evening then yes, I should stop acting like a twat.
The two goddesses watched on, one with a sour face and the other kept glancing around the room looking for someone amongst the soldiers.
"I would offer myself," Gwynervere muttered.
"And I would have to decline," The second offer shocked me, "I'm aware that me peers and predecessors may have accepted that offer, but not myself madam. If you've spies watching me all this time then surely you know what I want more than anything else. If not, I will have you shot for wasting my time and thrown in the river."
In reality they would be ejected from the castle and country, didn't want to risk starting a war with the native gods.
The goddess of sin sucked on her teeth and placed her hand on her chin, "There is a place where the fabric of reality is weak. It is possible for traversal between, but only one way. As there is in this land. Do as we ask and we will reveal where."
Then from within her cloak, the goddess of sin produced a peculiar doll and dropped it in my lap.
"We need time to discuss your proposition, Ladies. Please, make yourselves comfortable and join in with the festivities. The sergeant major will escort you," If there was the slightest chance I could get myself and my people out of that shithole, I was going to take it.
The general consensus was not to trust the two goddesses, which I wholly understood. The offer seemed too good to be true.
It was then decided that even if it was a lie, we could always take the land for our own and expand the empire further.
The two goddesses were returned to the throne room and given the news.
Lordran was our destination, all the way on the other side of the world. I was going to get the chance to see the old man's homeland.
"She is being held in one of the cathedrals in Anor Londo, the city no longer being under the control of the gods."
From what the old man had told me, only the youngest son had remained in the dying kingdom and now a foreign army had taken up residence outside the great walls. Why? The two goddesses didn't know, but it was going to make it difficult to get inside and find this person.
Good thing we agreed to mobilise the entire army. It would take a year to prepare the expedition, due to the amount of men we were shifting from one continent to another.
Velka bowed low, "We thank you and will have maps prepared before you leave."
"Please leave all of that to viscount von Strepp. He will discuss any and all further details with you," I looked over to Marius, he would be commander, "I will permit you use of the guest rooms. I wish you a good night."
The group dispersed with the exception of Gwynervere.
"I had been told that the dragon slayer Ornstein was in Drangleic. Is he not here?" She asked, looking around the room like earlier.
"Did you come in to Drangleic through Majula?" I started to play with the ring on my index finger. The daughter of Gwyn gestured yes.
"Well, you passed him. He's the one on the hill," I looked her in the eyes, "The old man's been gone awhile."
She fell to her knees, sobbing openly.
I sympathised, but said nothing. I instead left the ring to her, it was his wish after all that if I ever happened across Gwynervere of Lordran.
I left for bed, leaving the goddess under Kat's care.
Vexa was already under the covers, it was very late. I was none too happy, I had been looking forward to my time with Vex. Instead I was greeted by a sheepish looking Siegnette waiting outside my bedroom door.
With slight movements, the young Milfanito inched closer.
"Sweetness?" I raised an eyebrow. She hugged me, her face hidden and half mumbled her apology. Even with all changes, she was still the same little Siegnette. She always did this after being told off or when she knew she had done something wrong.
"Can I stay with you and mother tonight?"
"If you can find space on the bed," I opened the door, allowing Vexa's snore out, "As you can hear, the beast has taken up residency. And if your mother says anything, blame me for spoiling you."
"Okay," Her lips wobbled a little, "And you shouldn't be so mean to mother. You snore too."
I do no such thing!
The girl would pay a high price for such an insult, something devious. I'd tell the young lord she'd become infatuated with all the embarrassing stories about her when she was younger. There would be hell to pay, if I actually went through with it.
I instead ruffled her hair and told her to shut up. The two of us then clambered into bed, the redhead waking and taking hold of our adopted daughter, not even questioning why she was there.
There was something now I would have to discuss with her. I knew what I wanted, that didn't mean the same thing for Siegnette.
The following morning, after getting her away from Vexa, I sat her down and explained the situation.
"You're leaving?" She looked worried, betrayed even, "You mean like on a royal visit to a neighbouring kingdom?"
"Not like that, sweetness. I've told you before I'm not from Drangleic, and I think this could be my chance for me and my people to finally go home," I tried to explain.
Siegnette wouldn't hear it, telling me that Drangleic was my home and I didn't need to go anywhere. The fear of being abandoned was a strong one.
Vexa tried next, getting no further than I did.
My main concern was taking her where we'd be fighting, I couldn't put her in danger. Vexa wouldn't either.
She locked herself in her room, refusing to speak to anyone but Shanalotte. Though even she was forced away.
Still, preparations went forward. There was a decree that the throne was to pass to the herald after we were gone and that Siegnette was to fall under her legal guardianship. This didn't sit well with either party.
One afternoon, as I was trying on (inflating my ego by admiring) my new uniform. We'd ditched the doublets, ruffs and the like. The uniform consisted of a wool long-coat, black in colour with the facings and cuffs being a royal purple, under that was a white-linen shirt. Full length breeches were swapped with trunked breeches and wool stocking. Our boots were replaced with square-toed, buckle shoes. To finish the look off our helmets were taken and we were given cocked (tricorn) hats.
I thought to myself 'the perfect image of the modern soldier' and pulled a few poses with my new musket. The men had all started to queue their hair like mine, because some thought it was fashionable.
I must have looked a right fool because someone was sniggering behind me, the bairn had sneaked up on me.
"Oh, so she does come out her room!" I feigned surprise, "Vex, come quick! That spirit I've been telling you about has appeared."
The redhead poked her head through the door and joined in, "It almost looks like Siegnette, but it can't be. She's still in the huff with us, Jonathon."
Our daughter stamped her foot a few time and balled her fists.
"I've decided I'm coming with you," She put on haughty airs, again my fault for treating her like a princess for 11 years. There was to be no changing her mind and if we tried to leave without her, she would stowaway on whatever vessel we took. Even if she had to cut her hair, put on a uniform and blend in, she would find a way to follow us.
The stubbornness she'd picked up from both of us.
"Alright," I said, holding up my hand to silence Vexa, "But know this, you're going to be pushed far beyond your comfort zone and you cannot turn back because it gets hard. I've done nothing but coddle you and that's going to stop now. Me and your mother are going to push you harder than you ever thought possible."
From my place in front of the mirror, I walked over to the oak dresser at the side of the room. In one of the draws lay a wheellock pistol. It was a heavy gun with an equally heavy recoil, I handed it over barrel first to the young Milfanito.
"Follow me."
Vexa blocked me, "You are not teaching her how to use that."
If she was wanting to come with us, she was going to have to learn how to protect herself. I mean, if Vexa wanted to babysit her she could. The redhead would be working more in a command capacity anyway.
She held out her hand, "Give me that thing. Your father is not allowing you to use it. Siegnette, now!"
The girl didn't need to be told twice, not wanting to risk making Vexa angry. She handed the gun over, which was in turn handed back to me. I would end up teaching her on the sly.
Vexa took her place behind our daughter and placed her hand atop her head, "She will not leave my side. If she does, she will get a smacked backside. I don't care how old she is."
I wouldn't put it past the redhead to do it. Even so, her eyes were asking for help.
Normally I would be defending her, but I had to stand my ground.
"You yourself said it, you were coming with us no matter what. That means you listen to everything your mother and I say," I slotted the pistol into my belt, "You have to tell your sisters however, in fact we'll head off now. Start getting you used to walking long distances."
From the men garrisoned at the castle, we found a set of practical clothes that fit her. It was her first time wearing something that wasn't a dress and she didn't enjoy it. She was a big girl, you understand. Not fat, just after 11 years of living in luxury she was prone to plumpness. It's rude of me to say such things, but she was. The clothes were a snug fit.
Three hours into the trek rivulets of sweat were pouring down her face. To be fair to the girl, it was a scorcher of a day and I was in a similar state.
"Why would anyone choose to do this?" Siegnette complained, face flushed red.
"What? Use their legs?" I chuckled, "Goodness, sweetness. It's almost like you were carried everywhere."
Vexa snorted, "She was, Jonathon."
Only a little.
Vixen would have to shoulder some of the blame too, he also couldn't say no to Siegnette. He never seemed to get told off for it though.
The next thing our little girl complained about was the lack and quality of the food we'd taken with us.
Her whining was starting to get on our nerves.
Vexa's patience went first, I following suit not long after. We told her, plain and simple, that if she continued to act like that, she wasn't coming with us.
As night fell, the three of us stayed in the old soldier camp, Vexa pointing out the old amphitheatre.
"Your father shot me here. Did you know that, Siegnette?"
"Bloody hell, your not still upset about that?" I asked, tossing a rabbit bone into the fire. I took over the tale, "I didn't know it was your mother, she was in full armour. I paid dearly for it too. Your uncle punched me and your mother dislocated my jaw in response."
"Blondie kicked you a few time," Vexa added.
"Only because you kept flashing your boobs and flirted with me," I reminded her, "Luca got surprisingly jealous."
The redhead exhaled through her nose and pointed, "You flirted as well, no wonder she was jealous. I know I would be."
Did I tell you that she fired a maid from the household staff because I said thank you to her, no? The woman takes jealousy to the extremes.
That conversation started a minor argument between us. Siegnette told us to stop and if we didn't there would be lots of trouble. She crawled over and nestled herself between us.
If I were a proper noble Siegnette would have already been promised to someone, an arranged marriage already sorted. I'm not though, so I was happy to still have her with Vexa and I.
She rested her head against the redhead's arm.
"Please don't fight," She said.
We reassured her that it wasn't serious.
"I love your father."
"And I love your mother," I mirrored.
Vexa turned her head to Siegnette, "I also hate your father's guts."
"I would never go that far," I said overtop.
Vex stuck her tongue out at me and I made an obscene gesture over our daughter's head. Thank goodness she didn't see it, for I got a good telling off from Vexa.
Myself and Vexa continued to talk about ourselves, knowing that we had told her very little in the time that we had raised her. She had a good laugh, much to Vexa's chagrin.
I pulled my daughter into a hug, telling her that we weren't doing this to be nasty. I didn't want to leave her, but if she couldn't keep us with us...well, there would be nothing we could do. She would have to stay.
I kissed the top of her head, "We love you, sweetness. You may have come to us by strange means, but you're our little girl."
You should have seen the smile on her face, it warmed the blackened, tar covered heart of mine. Siegnette has the most beautiful brown eyes, which I think compliment her straw-yellow hair. I would thing such, but if you disagree you are definitely wrong.
The girl wiggled out of my grasp and had a cuddle with her mother. The pair went to sleep in one of the old huts. I stayed awake, going over my gun a few times, getting used to all it's new parts.
A patrol from one of the forts passed by in the early morning on their way to the castle, the officer stopping and having a word. The new imperial style of road had made traversal so much easier, as he was telling me, the time it took to get places had been reduced.
"If your majesty wishes, I can have a few of my men accompany you. It doesn't seem right the royal family be out alone like this," He took out a clay pipe and lit it.
"We'll be fine, captain. We can handle ourselves," I fumbled at my cartridge box, "Though your men can help me with a live fire exercise."
"This early in the morning, your highness?" The captain looked confused.
"No better time," We didn't have alarm clocks and those two would sleep forever, if given the chance. A quick glance at my pocket watch told me it was 5:45.
The captain had his men and I form up outside the hut in which my two girls were sleeping. The only noise coming from a trio of coal tits were chirping away, perched on the thatched roof.
Our orders were given in a hushed voice and on the present we raised our muskets to the sky. The fun part came next, the order to give fire.
A thunderous cacophony boomed through the early morning air.
"You may want to stand back now, lads," I caution them, steeling myself for the pain I was going to endure, "Actually lads, I'd turn and run."
Not a moment later Vexa burst out, with Siegnette behind her. Both in absolute disarray sprinted smack bang into me.
There was suddenly a pressure around my throat, Vexa had figured out what had happened.
"Look away, sweetheart. I'm about to murder your father," She told Siegnette, then exploded at me, "A simple 'wake up' would have done, Jonathon!"
I looked to our daughter, she could be my saviour. I was out of luck, Siegnette was in a daze. She wasn't even aware that there was a 5:50 in the AM.
The captain's men, as per my suggestion, had started to back off. All knowing full well that Vexa had a horrible temper on her.
I was let go, after some negotiation, and we parted ways with the company of soldiers. They also received a tongue lashing for going along with my whims.
With a yawn Siegnette took my hand, "Mother is angry with you."
"Your mother's always angry with me, for some reason or another. Don't worry about it. And anyway, it was cruel of me to have you woken that way," I gave her hand a squeeze, "But you'll have to get up earlier than that if you're coming with us."
I regaled her of my years working down the mines, starting just after midnight and working 'til after midday. As I expected, the girl questioned why I, an emperor, would want to do any physical kind of work other that political. I gave her the straight answer I hated being emperor, but no one else wanted to do it. I will find someone someday, so I can ditch Zoey and run off with Kitty,
Terrible of me to say, forgive me.
The girl proclaimed that she didn't understand me.
With wide eyes, Siegnette looked up at me and changed the subject, "I know mother said I couldn't, but would you teach me how to use that gun?"
"As long as you don't tell her, because if you tell her, I die. Hold this for a moment," I held out the musket and she took it willingly, I then lit up a fag and walked away.
She would learn eventually.
"Take it back, it's heavy," Siegnette whined, trying in vain to get me to accept the gun back, "Father, don't be cruel."
She sprinted as hard as she could to catch me up, losing her balance and falling arse over elbow. I stopped, waiting for her to get up, but she laid there and huffed.
I stooped down and pulled her up, taking the gun back in the process.
"Gonna have to try harder, sweetness. Because at the moment I'm not convinced," She wasn't making a very good case fore herself, "Stop stropping. You're sixteen, not six."
The girl straightened up, "Sorry, father."
"No, not sorry. Stop doing it," Vexa said something similar later on that day.
She and I had another discussion once Siegnette had gone to sleep, once more the topic being around allowing her to come. We never came to a conclusion and ended drifting off in each other's arms. Vexa refused to let go the following morning, roping in Siegnette to also keep me pinned down.
My new shoes were causing me problems; two rather large blood-blisters had formed on my left foot. My cries to leave them alone were met with a cold stare and being told not to be such a big girls blouse (not her actual words).
My heart stopped beating the moment the redhead removed the knife from her belt. I screwed my eyes closed and turned my head away.
"All done."
I opened my eyes to Vexa shaking her head, "Pathetic, Jonathon. Now, hold Siegnette down."
A quick reversal and she was powerless, I couldn't watch that either.
"Why are you closing your eyes?" The redhead asked.
"Because I don't like watching that kind of thing. Watched ya brother lance a boil once and vomited."
I know, I've extracted arrows from myself with ease, but blisters, boils, spots and the like make me queasy.
"Next time, I want no fuss. Do you hear me, John!"
I swallowed, "Yes, dear. Loud and clear."
She then went on to berate Siegnette about proper foot care. The growling of our daughter's stomach put an end to the lecture. I lifted some pears and apples from a nearby orchard, the farmer and farmhands finding me.
I vaulted the fence, in the distance Siegnette asked Vexa why I was running.
I could hear the farmer cursing the existence of soldiers; looking back over my shoulder they had ignored my two girls, both of who would deny any knowledge of me if asked.
My escape came in the form of a patrol, I blended in seamlessly.
Eventually my girls got their breakfast, albeit bruised and battered. Tasted all the same, is what they told me. Vexa had knocked my teeth in for that little stunt.
With that, she had finally worked that anger out of her system, meaning we could continue on as normal. It wasn't going to take us more than two hours to reach the shrine.
Siegnette was off in front, full of energy at the prospect of seeing her sisters.
A cool breeze dulled the heat, making it a pleasant day.
Not far from the shrine's entrance I felt Vexa's hand working its way down the small of my back, continued down and started to feel about.
"Whilst I'm not opposed to this, my love, can we not do this with the child ten foot in front?" I placed my free hand on her own backside, only for a moment mind you.
Vexa clicked her tongue, "I'm not copping a feel, Jonathan. I'm trying to find that flask you always carry."
"Wouldn't it have been easier to have asked?"
"Alright, I saw an opportunity and I took it whilst also looking for that flask," Her hand moved up and around my waist, "Hand it over."
"Left it," I only had the canteen Gavlan had gifted me and it was full of water, "You'll have to do without, my love."
With that she started nipping at me, getting faster as she went.
"Is this annoying, Jonathon? It's annoying, isn't it? I'm annoying you, aren't I? Aren't I?"
I had to put down my musket, her attack only growing more fierce. There was little I could do to stop the blows, other than standing tall and never showing fear. You show fear and you lose, especially with a woman like Vexa.
"You're getting annoyed now, you really are Jonathon," She continued, "You deserve this, every bit of it. For all the pain you put me through."
There was only so much I could take, so pulled her down for a good snog. That completely threw off any further attacks and left her open for a counter.
Soon we were up against a tree, Vexa having wrapped her arms around my middle; Siegnette looking on in horror. There was no hanky-panky going on, Siegnette just didn't like it when myself and Vexa showed the slightest affection towards each other.
It wouldn't be long, I thought, before she demanded I carry her. It wasn't long at all, Vexa snatched the cocked-hat from my head, put it on her own and clambered up.
I smiled at our daughter, "Your mother has decided to be lazy and I'm now seeing where you get it from."
The young Milfanito stood slack-jawed, her face fell and she looked away.
"Yes, father," She mumbled, "But I wouldn't blame mother, nor would I try to pass the blame onto her."
Vexa whispered in my ear, "A good girl, knows where her loyalties lie."
"What did you bribe her with?"
"The chance to try some of that cocoa drink from Lanafir."
"The stuff you wouldn't let me have a try of because it was expensive to import?"
"Exactly."
I could hear her grinning in victory, another one over on me.
Siegnette coughed forcefully, "Can we go inside now?"
Whilst our daughter talked with her real sisters, myself and Vexa went on towards the crypt. She wanted to pay her respects to Vendrick.
"Twelve years, John," She stared into the space the king of Drangleic had occupied, now a simple headstone marked the spot.
I stroked her back, "You say that like I'm leaving you after twelve years."
"We're leaving Drangleic, our home and we're not coming back, are we?"
If there was a way out, then no. I was ready to be shot of the damned country. It was still hard on the Kellantine siblings and I assume for the other Dranglein natives that had declared for us.
"Don't worry, Vex. You'll love Erebay as much as you do here. In fact it's even more beautiful than you can imagine," I started to daydream, I could see the rolling hills covered in white grass and the stars casting diamonds on the eternal night's sky.
I wanted to spend a lazy afternoon by one of the hidden brooks, me and Vexa and preferably without clothing.
"Jonathon," The redhead broke me from my trance, "I know that look and I'm telling you, whatever it is, it's not happening."
She couldn't take the fantasy away from me.
Together we went down to the grave. On top of the headstone Velstadt's helmet was placed, the aegis still watching.
The stone itself was moss covered, obstructing the text carved into the face. I went to brush the stone clean and was gripped by a familiar nausea. That damned ashen mist.
I was stood face to face with Vendrick himself, both equally surprised to see each other. There was little we said, although he asked about his 'Shandra' and the fear he had if she was successful. The old king telling me about the daughter of the dark, the fragment of one much older, a creature the old king called Manus.
He was neither happy nor was he upset when I told him Nashandra, to me, had been dead for over a decade.
"And the crowns?" Vendrick seemed more concerned about them.
"In my possession, I am the king of Drangleic, Venn and Eleum Loyce after all," Shulva had been left to rot, "Yet no-one, for the many years I've been here, has been able to come up with a reason why those crowns in particular were so damned important. Perhaps you could enlighten me?"
"A means to escape the curse, my brother's lifework."
How four lumps of metal would've helped was, surprise surprise, beyond me. Absolutely nothing could be simple.
I had a feeling that it had something to do with the giants kidnapped and experimented on.
There was no more I wanted to do with him, it was now a matter of waiting until the mist wore off.
I felt no pity for this man and glad he was no longer of the world.
When the mist faded I fell into Vexa's arms. The redhead was in a panic, me having disappeared so spontaneously, checking me over.
The cold, quiet dark of the crypt help a lot with the horrid after effect of the ashen mist heart. Vexa's heartbeat too was a soothing factor.
I don't know how long we stood together, long enough I suppose.
"You can let go now, Vexa. Siegnette will be thinking we've ran off," I attempted to brake away, but Vex kept her iron grip of me, "We've still the estate to go to. Me and you, no Siegnette, Vixen, Shanalotte, Katie, so on and so forth, to distract us. Little chance of the mist heart disappearing me. We get Siegnette back and we head straight off. Is that a plan?"
I didn't get an answer, but from the way her ruby lips parted and the warmth radiating from behind her eyes, I didn't need one.
The little miss was being petulant, not happy that we had taken so much time to get back to her. The Milfanito barely recognising Siegnette, the eldest none too pleased with her haughty attitude.
They put up no allusions that they wanted her returned, I don't think they considered her Milfanito any more.
I wasn't impressed with her conduct around her sisters and I would have to agree with them, she wasn't one of them.
"Go wait outside for us and don't argue," I put my foot down, I would have no more of it from her.
"But father," Siegnette stood defiant.
"But father nothing. Outside," I directed her to the path that led back up top.
In a sulk she stormed off.
I quietly apologised to the eldest Milfanito. The woman sat with a vacant look on her face, "We understand our sister's upbringing was different to our own. We left her in your care and we continue to leave her in your care. We will...surely miss our sister, but she will not be the last one."
Vexa tugged at my sleeve and with a smile said, "Let's leave them be, John."
On our way out we passed a funeral procession, it was guided by one other the other sisters. They ignored us as we stood in respect for the dead.
The evening's breeze was inviting, clear blue sky a welcome ceiling. I hated Drangleic, but there was no denying it's beauty.
Siegnette was sat on a felled tree trunk looking rather scruffy, with buttons undone and shirt untucked. Her chubby face flushed red, chest heaving, a testament to how unfit she was.
"If that's winded you, you're going to hate the journey back," I pulled her up, "It's all up hill. Straighten yourself up, tuck your shirt in and get ready for the hard part."
"Yes, father," She mumbled, whilst looking at her mother.
I said nothing, ushering her forward. Vexa in lockstep with me, still fearing I could vanish into thin air once more.
For hours we walked until it was well and truly dark; our lodgings, an old shepherd's hut. It stank of damp, spiders clung to every rafter and when I woke, I found a ram chewing on my blanket. The old shepherd was none too pleased to find us either.
I paid the man off, no matter how many times we told him, he refused to believe that I was the king of Drangleic.
Vexa went off in search of some fresh meat and ordered Siegnette to keep an eye on me.
Once she was out of sight, I picked up my musket and walked off in the opposite direction.
Siegnette began to fuss, "Mother told you to stay put."
"Come on, you should know by now that I don't listen to your mother," I swivelled round, walking backwards, "But if you want a chance to use my gun, you'll follow and not tell your mother."
Some distance away I set up several empty earthenware bottles and loaded the piece.
"Alright, nice and tight into the shoulder. Keep a good hold of it and don't be afraid when it goes off," I demonstrated with the first shot, the bottle exploding as the ball struck it. Siegnette watched in awe, years of use made it look easy.
When she was ready I gave her the gun.
Took me right back to myself and Luca with the Iron king's thunder-lance, outside of Majula, in the freezing cold. I enjoyed that time with her, and I was enjoying this time with my daughter.
Siegnette tried to fire, but she found the trigger pull too heavy.
"Help," She frowned.
"Of course, sweetness," I took up the gun up and saw that her problem wasn't the trigger pull, the dog was still engaging the cock, she hadn't pulled it to the full position.
"On the count of three."
We counted down together. On the one the gun jumped and the top of the second bottle was blown away.
The young Milfanito started giggling to herself and with a quivering voice, asked for a second shot. If you've ever fired a gun you know how intoxicating it can be and I wanted to to give her that second shot, but an evil feeling presence pricking at the base of my neck halted me.
I took the gun back and whispered, "I don't want to alarm you, sweetness. Me and you are going to need to start running, as fast as we can go."
"Why?"
"Your mother's found us."
I dared not turn around, fearing what face I might see. I gave Siegnette a push, telling her to save herself, my life was forfeit.
"You're damn right your life is forfeit, Jonathon," Came the seething reply from Vexa, a brace of pheasant in her hands, "And if you move but an inch Siegnette, I'll..."
The redhead trailed off, not needing to finish for the full effect to hit our daughter. With three steps the daemon had caught us.
My fingers brushed against Siegnette's hand, "I love you, daughter."
"I love you too, father."
"Shut up the pair of you. I'm going to get a fire started and you can prepare these," She dumped the birds at my feet.
If you want the quick way of getting the breasts, take it by the feet, stand on its head and pull. The sight didn't sit will with Siegnette, so she ran off behind a bush and spewed.
I shook my head and started plucking the remaining feathers, and with my knife removed the breasts from the legs. With that they went over the fire.
Not the way I would do it, that would be pan fry the breasts, take them out and add chopped mushroom and peppercorn sauce to the pan, then re-add the breast and finish cooking it. A few carrots, a bit of potato and bob's your uncle.
Anyway, I got one breast, whilst the girls shared three between them. That was my punishment for allowing Siegnette to use the gun.
Our daughter studied the meat, "Is this alright to eat?"
I looked to Vexa and she to me, then together we said, "There are plenty of bushes to hide behind if you get the shits."
Siegnette didn't find that funny in the slightest.
Her demeanour continued to flip between haughty and sheepish, she was definitely starting to think more before acting though. Not that it stopped her from being an absolute brat the rest of the time.
A lot of work was a head of us, but one way or another we would get her into shape.
The moment we got back to the castle Siegnette disappeared into her room and passed out immediately on her bed.
Her chambermaids flittered about, wanting to remove her dirty clothes and get her into something more suitable for a young lady.
When all that was going on, me and Vexa had a quick chat with Vixen. We wanted him to pick up Siegnette's training when we had some alone time, then we buggered off the estate on the coast. It was to be the lest bit of personal alone time we would get. Vexa was busy with organisation of troops, artillery, horse, food, to be honest, just about everything. I was back under the command of lord Bannier, no longer an arquebusier. I was now considered line-infantry, which meant hour upon hour of drill. Form line, form column, form square.
It was unlikely we were going to face another army like ours and whoever it was we're were marching towards were going to have a jolly good fight on their hands.
In the blink of an eye we were all filing towards the ports at Majula, now that sleepy little village of misery had changed. People were living in it and not undead, there were bright colours everywhere, the old bathhouse a major attraction.
Siegnette looked around awkwardly.
The now 17 year old asked, "Do I have to hold your hand, father? I think I'm old enough to walk about on my own."
"That's what I fear, you going walk about and getting lost. You're one of sixty-five thousand here today," I don't think my grip could have been tighter, "This day's been giving me nightmares as is, so you're going to have to put up with it until we're on the ship."
Vexa was already aboard our vessel of transport, a 48 gun, first-rate ship of the line. Nearly every ship in Drangleic had been requestioned for imperial army use.
This alone was going to take a few days and the problems were starting to mount, the big one being that the horses were refusing to embark. Several had already found ways to jump and were drowned as a consequence.
"Are you sad, father?" The young Milfanito asked out of the blue.
"Yes, a little," I chewed my lip until it bled, "I'm leaving behind a friend and loved one. I still struggle with the idea that she's gone."
Siegnette's face betrayed confusion, I didn't expect her to understand. We hadn't really told her anything.
I then turned the question on Siegnette, "Are you sad, sweetness?"
She frowned and lowered her head, "We're leaving auntie Shanalotte. I don't want to leave auntie Shanalotte."
"I know sweetness, but you want to come with us and that means leaving Shanalotte. That's life, you make your choices and you have to live with them. You've still got me and your mother however, and you uncle Vixen and Don, and your auntie Kate."
There were also her friends at court she was leaving.
"You'll also make new friends, everything will be alright."
There was also the chance that we'd be back in Drangleic within the year, but that never crossed my mind.
Musicians played away in front, they were attached to a grenadier company. They were all big bastards with mitre caps, the rest of their uniforms were the same as ours, except the colours were reversed with the facings being black and the main coat being purple.
All the musicians were in white and orange, looking very smart, all very professional. We were a sight to behold.
No grand speeches were made, even though I believe I was expected to make one. Attempts were made to get von Strepp to make one, but that was wisely avoided. No creature alive could stay awake during one of Marius' speeches.
Speaking of sleep, I was knackered. I hadn't been joking with Siegnette about having nightmares, they had been bloody awful. They had Vexa concerned and the physicians could give me nothing, my immunity to just about all drugs proving a pain.
"How long will the journey take, father?"
"We estimate about six months on the boats, could be longer, hopefully less. Then I don't know, could be years," There wasn't really any way of knowing, "You may not see much of us once we make land, especially not if we're going to be fighting."
The idea was she was to stay with her mother behind the action, if and when it came. That was going to be difficult as Vexa had taken an interest in tactical management from a forward command and if Siegnette was to stick with her, that would put her too close to danger for my liking.
The column came to an abrupt stop, so myself and Siegnette exited it and continued to the front where Shanalotte was waiting. At her feet was Shalquoir, preening herself in that unsightly way cats do.
The moment Siegnette laid eyes on the herald, the tears started. She was enveloped in Shanalotte's arms and swayed gently.
Shanalotte kept a stoic face, but she couldn't hide her melancholy.
I let them have their moment and I said farewell to the ancient watcher. She requested that I not forget her, to which I laughed. My clothes were covering in that much cat hair there was little chance of me forgetting.
I then turned to Shanalotte still hugging Siegnette.
"What?" She raised an eyebrow, "You're not expecting a hug too?"
No, but I got one and a peck on the cheek to boot.
"That was for setting me free and don't tell Vexa, you know what she's like," The herald growled quietly, "And Siegnette has my full permission to kick your arse if you work yourself. Lucatiel passed that honour to me and now it's her honour."
I glance sidelong to my daughter, "You don't have permission to do that, sweetness."
"I know, but I'm not above telling mother about any idiotic things you do," Siegnette gave me a sweet grin and wiped her eyes, "She doesn't need permission."
That was right, siding with her mother as always. I still hadn't found adequate means to bribe her, apparently being a loving father wasn't enough. Bloody kids!
I placed the flat of my hand against Shanalotte's belly, "Raise this one well and try not to spoil them as much as the little miss."
"My son won't be spoilt and you were the one who spoiled Siegnette, von Bayer."
"And Vixen," I scoffed, "Why do you all conveniently forget Vixen?"
"Because it's easier to blame you, von Bayer. Thought you would have realised that by now," Oh, she thought she was very funny. Her expression changed, "Get going then, before I start blubbering. Best of luck to you, Jonathon."
"And to you, queen Shanalotte," I stood back and gave her a salute.
It took some effort to pull Siegnette away and she was very quiet when we were ferried to the ship, she went straight to her mother the moment we got on board.
Vixen was watching the flotilla from the forecastle. The night before he had been drinking heavily and was looking green. I waved, but he wasn't paying attention.
I kissed my partner and my daughter, knowing that this was a massive undertaking for the pair of them. It was a massive undertaking for all of us.
"If you want me, I'll be up on the fighting top," No force in Drangleic could get me below the deck of that wooden coffin, not even Vexa. Anyway, the view from up top was splendid and as we sailed away I could see Shanalotte, surrounded by her personal guard. My eyes then wandered up the path I had first traversed down, the cave that had been my entrance was no longer there. This world hurt my head, but if those goddesses had been right I had my way out.
A jubilant howl left my throat. This was goodbye Drangleic and once again Split Enz comes to me.
I hope I never have to see you again.
Well, that's part one over and done with (For the moment at least, until the editing begins). This is a long chapter, because I don't know when to stop writing, but I'm finally free from Drangleic.
There's a lot of work to be done, grammar, continuity and the like, but eventually this should all read nicely.
Anyway, I don't own the rights to the DS series, as you all no doubt know, nor do I own the rights to the Chicago song Hard for me to say I'm sorry and the Split Enz song I hope I never.
I'm unsure of when the next part will come out, as I don't know whether to start writing something else for a bit or continue as is. Regardless, it will be out when it's out.
Feedback is always welcome and I hope you enjoy.
Until next time.
