Tales of Berseria: A Second Chance
Chapter 3:
A Place I Call Home
"You're hair is so soft, Eleanor. Im impressed..." I said as I was touching her long orange hair traits, that was currently down. Unlike mine that was more smooth and silky, her's felt so soft and not tousled at all in comparison.
"Thanks! It was quite hard find the way to keep it like this with all the exorcist training, Haha..." she giggled as she was putting behind her ear some traits. After look her peaceful expression in the mirror of my room, I started to comb her hair slowly. This comb is a bit old, well a least it work.
After we finished breakfast we were preparing ourselves to go out again, though our only option right now was go to Taliesin, we still needed to plan where to continue spreading Maotelus blessing, and also discuss Aball's reforms.
We may also go across some daemons here and there so we better be prepared.
"Are you sure this is what you want?" I asked as I started gathering her hair, but the bangs to the back.
"Yes I do!" She exclaimed raising a fist, "I'm not an exorcist anymore, so I want to change a bit my image. Everyone who supported us this far are less trusting to them since Malaks go their will back..."
I made a villainous smile, "Seems like the Lord of Calamity brought them more trouble, and she's not sorry," I shrugged with my shoulders, focusing my eyes on the braid I was making in her hair.
The exorcist I knew were too dependable on their malaks, as far to take their own volition just to use them as their tools to protect other's and mostly themselves. Shigure was the only one who didn't even did any of that to his.
Now that their powers is entirely gone, they should fight with their own strength, although aside Eleanor, I can't imagine it after fighting their defective Armartus.
For that kind of situations, is that I self taught me fight with my legs, not just a resources in case I lost my blade, if not as complement to my fighting stance. I'm happy those years of training paid off!
Eleanor sighed, "True, exorcist have too much to resolve by their own now. Is not going to be possible to force Malaks wills again, they need to gain their trust." Her tone was content, "I must say, thank you Velvet. You helped the world to be free again."
"You're welcome?" Looking aside for a second I bit my lips, "Melchior said awakening the empyreans would bring chaos to the order we know, so I don't think we should count my actions as a victory..."
"Indeed, I count them as the first step toward a better future!" She put both hands on her hips, "One where Humans and Malaks can work together without the necessity of a path, or steal their wills. Either way, just people with high resonance can see them, so is not going to be easy or different than before three years ago..."
I chuckled, Eleanor reminds me of my old self, "I didn't had it when I was a human, so consider yourself lucky. I never properly met Seres before my escape in Titania, despite always knowing she was by Arthur's side." I gently pulled her ponytail to check the endurance, then started to tie the braid, "Life is never easy, one day you're taking care of your brother, the next one he is taken away from you... One night your trapped in prison, until the other your uncaged to bring chaos in the world... One day you're burdened with your own resolve, then discover all the pain and suffering was for nothing..." I finished tying her hair, then did some quiet steps back, lowering my gaze, "One night you accept the world would be better without me... and someone saves you from that selfish choices after..."
"Velvet..." She didn't said anymore, keeping herself quiet a few seconds, I don't think she exactly knew what I felt, so I appreciated it. "this looks beautiful!" I put my gaze on her again, smiling at her cheerful gaze for the new hairstyle. "So this was your style three years ago?" She asked, putting a new flower hair clip.
"Indeed, after my old comb broke it's what i needed to maintain it organized," I replied sitting on the floor, resting my back on the side of the bed. I touched my braided hair of the left, "Never thought I would end liking it this long."
"It's indeed beautiful! I'm jealous. But honestly it would be troublesome for my fights if I have that much hair..." she closed her eyes shaking her head side to side, "I'm surprised you could kept it this well maintained the entire journey.
"Well I certainly didn't cared back in Titania but I could kept it organized to some extent, this extra bandage helped me." I untied the bandage in the braid, and the little tail of my hair leaving it entirely down. "Laphi's comb was really useful during our journey, but now I don't have it anymore..."
It was an improvised plan to get into Innominat, like how Phi used the compass back in that isle. Despite that god not being him, I was sure my brother's memories would trigger at it, the fact it didn't work when he tried to devour me made me believe his mind was too suppressed to ever have a proper chance to make him give up, and Laphi's resolve to change the world didn't help.
"Here, let me use mine" Eleanor sat on her knees besides me, taking my hair. It took me by surprise a bit, making me move to the side a little, "Come on Velvet, yours will take some time." She insisted, with her eyes half closed and a pout.
That's not the problem... Well, it should be fair because I did her hair, and Niko did it one time, so did Phi, I should be fine. I exhaled, hoping the best, "Just comb it until is just right, it doesn't need to look like we're going to a party."
She laughed, "Is that how beauty works for you?" I felt her comb going through my long hair strands, it felt relaxing, more than I remember. It's been a while since we were on Meirchio. And because Eleanor was more experienced.
"No, I like to be more efficient with my time. Don't waste too much in things like putting me make up or fix my hair more than necessary. And I'm not interested in changing it"
"All right Mom, as you wish..." I pierced her eyes with my gaze, making her flinch a bit as she giggled nervously, "Sorry, sorry, I just think you should try some make up and pretty clothes it could make you irresistible." She emphasized with a high tone, making me sigh.
Annoyed, I gazed forward again, "I don't need any of that, you already know. Not interested." I answered plainly, not really comfortable with the theme, Laphi and Niko used to tell me these kinds of things from time to time to the point of make me overthinking it for days.
"If you don't try to be more feminine you will scare all boys, try using make up! I can teach you!"
"Well you're kind of right... you're beautiful naturally, it's so unfair..." Eleanor said suddenly in a slightly dry tone, taking me back to reality.
My lips smiled triumphantly, "Don't sweat about it, I will use if I need to for some situations, just not for someone I don't even know, or because would make me pretty daily."
"You really so confident in how natural you are..."
"That's because I know how to take care of my skin," I giggled a bit, "Niko was asking me how I was like this a lot too..."
"I have to agreed with her then! gosh, how you are so indifferent to this and naturally beautiful at the same time?!" She complained with a few more words I just ignored rolling my eyes as I started braiding again the long trait of my hair over my shoulder.
After she calmed down, she continued using the comb, "Well then forget about make up for now, how about clothes?" She inclined her face forward over my shoulder, so I looked at her curious expression through the corner of my eye.
"I already have my outfit and this nightwear, I really need more?"
"Of course you do! I keep wondering why do you keep using that tattered outfit despite having enough galds for a proper one?"
As I finished braiding the hair, I started accommodating my bangs, "They're not bad though, is comfortable for fighting and move around through long distances," I explained, "after being in Titania for three years with literally destroyed clothes, it makes me feel free." I smirked, the look grew so much on me at the end despite just being random pieces of outfits I fusioned with my ripped tights and shorts. I felt quite powerful and intimidating with it. As long it works, I don't need anything else.
Eleanor sounded a bit disappointed, "If you say so, we can always buy you casual clothes for other occasions then." She finished to comb my hair and gave it from the center to me to start braiding it, "so you will finally change those bandages you used on your hair?"
"Yes, now that I'm here I can just use my own braids, they're steady." I took a white one I got from my closet, "this bandages were really durable, I wonder how the Abbey got this kind of magic." I gazed my left arm, remembering how easy was to put despite looking so complicated. Even after be destroyed by my arm transformation so many times it kepts fixing itself.
"I really never heard about it before, but I see it quite useful to hide your arm, It fits with your outfit as well. I wonder how it looks without it? Untransformed I mean," She stood from my side and started changing to another clothes. My eyes widened for a second noticing three sharp lines on her chest, so i returned my gaze to my front.
I rather let her bring it out...
I went back to the topic "It looks like any normal arm, just crimson and dark colored, nothing special" I shrugged starting to put my usual outfit, it was always easy to put on. Then I pointed at her with a scowling expression, stopping her next question, "No, you can't look at it, is dangerous." Her curiosity broke into confusion.
"I was just curious to see it... well, if you say so," She shyly looked away before keep putting on her outfit, "tell me, it's still connected to Innominat?"
I stopped for a second, focusing my eyes on my arm again. It really feels similar, with a little differences that seems to spread away each day, "A little, I can get anxious and too hungry often... yet, most of the time I have more control over it, He's probably still getting used to Phi."
A sweat appeared in her forehead, "That sounds troublesome, so lets hope doesn't h-happen in our journey, I-I believe in Maotelus! He should solve it soon! Believe in him!" She said to raise my mood, making me smile a little at her silliness.
She was wearing a dress similar to her white exorcist outfit with a bit of yellow. She changed her blue jacket to one dark red, that combined with her hair, and some similiar details in other color; instead of her boots, she was wearing black heeled shoes with some white lines that continued in her large white socks. Aside the braided hair held by a blue braid, she was using her usual flower clip alongside the same bangs.
Eleanor changed, and she decided to show it wearing something different, ditching her exorcist clothes.
Looking at her now, a lot really changed since we met near Hellawes. I couldn't contain expressing a little smile at the memory of her crying for how the Abbey ignored some unfortunate situations. Back then I couldn't cared less, but that made me trust her later to know she was really willing to help me. A dry giggled escaped my lips.
"Why are you laughing? Do I look bad?" She turned to the mirror arching her eyebrow, trying to find the reason; Silly Eleanor you will make me laugh more, and I literally did, "Velvet don't tease me and tell me! I tried to be as cool as possible!" She shyly blushed narrowing her eyebrows.
"Nothing, nothing!" I exclaimed raising one palm, then took a breath to calm myself, "I like your new look, looks really rebellious," I Expressed a villainous smile, Yes, lets keep corrupting this sheep.
"Thank you! I wanted to differ from the exorcist, maintaining enough to show that I want to help everyone! Not matter who!"
Ok, I discard that idea, she's too pure for that possibility. I shook my head to myself at the stupid thought, "I'm sure everyone will like to know it!" I said with a hand on my waist.
She kept appreciating her new look for a few seconds before facing me with a smile. Me in other hand, I just finished putting on my dark coat, adjusting the belt on my collarbone, looking down my socket feet, as I remember when we met.
"I still can't believe how far we went, it's been a long while since I saw you crying that day." I said in quiet tone, enough for her to hear me.
"True, is quite surprising how different I saw your actions depending on the side. Although at first after joining you I was fearing you would eat me... with you aware I was a spy." She pressed her own fist, looking down, feeling guilty.
"I needed you to be alive for Laphicet so I would never risk it, still I understand your anxiety, I was too sharp and bothersome back then, If it wasn't for him being exposed to malevolence, I would actually devour you on sight..." at that time after many encounters and gave her so many chance to give up, her stubbornness caused my temper to explode. Looking at it now, I'm glad things happened this way.
"Ah... y-yes I guessed..." she giggled after coughing, taken a back. I narrowed my eyes at it, waiting for her to calm down. "It was hard to keep following you with some decisions at the start, like the consequences on free the therions or fighting my old comrades, but something inside me, by the little times I saw you being soft or attentive toward Laphicet, or even me, I wanted to believe there was a good side on your heart," she scratched her head smiling, "glad to be right!
"Glad you're perceptive." I nodded at her words looking through the window, "And now we're in this adventure together, with a common goal once again." My smile faded a bit, muttering "aside me trying to find a reason..."
"Is my goal too, support you to the very end! Soon or later, we will find it!"
I felt a chill on my spine hearing that, melting my gaze as I throwed away any thought about being a burden for her with this objective, I smiled at her with confidence, "I hope so, I always get what I want!"
She approached to my side, watching the exterior as well, "My main motivation is help the people, and protect the world. That said, I choose for myself believe in you, I trust your judgement, not matter what."
"Walking at my side just means an uncertain future... is a crazy world out there, and I carry so many sins." I said coldly, just as a warning. Just picturing any possible disaster thanks to my actions raised my worries, though I kept my calm this time, always ready for anything that desire to stop me.
Yet, despite my voice, Eleanor knew what to say, "I'm looking forward it... the kind of future that awaits us"
I hummed a bit at her words, being at her side like this was more comfortable than I thought. My mind was relaxed, and I felt my temper not driving mad that much as usual. Since when be with her felt so comforting?
"Knock, Knock, Oh! I'm already here so don't bother asking who is!" We heard coming from the doorframe, it was Magilou, who was wearing a outfit similar to her usual clothes but different colors, red and white; "You're both so mean leaving me outside girls conversations..."
"We were just talking normally..."
"Still, we're the only people in this house, I feel betrayed!" She exclaimed in an exaggerated expression before grinning with narrowing eyebrows.
Eleanor released a soft sight, "We invite you next time then, I didn't thought you were the kind of person willingly open to share about yourself..."
I shrugged crossing my arms, "She's not, just let her be." Eleanor gasped.
"Gah! Defeated by my own motto!" She smiled with a faked sad expression, "that aside, I see you're the only one who didn't changed outfits, does that clothes means a lot to you, Velvet?"
I rolled my eyes, harshing my tone a bit, "I rather keep it that try to find another one as similar, Is unique. I got used and does it's job well so, it doesn't bother me..." This two really waited for a day like this to ask, no? Not funny.
Eleanor, noticing my change in temper stepped in the conversation, "What about your outfit? Is a bit bold as Velvet's, so why you choose one with just other color?"
"I'm a witch, is my job to look like one." She proudly laughed, "I quite dislike feel covered, so I agreed with Velvet there..." she sweat a bit in her forehead, making me narrow my eyebrows, "In any case, what's the plan now? Live here happy ever after in a desolate town forgotten by time? Or when we're going to Taliesin to start our new adventure?" She did a few quick steps back doing a spin, finishing with both hands on her hips, looking at us who were leaving the room as well.
"We're going right now, there's a lot we need to do," I looked to Eleanor, who nodded with a smile.
"Velvet will talk with the carpenters about restoring Aball, we can use the treasures money to invest it. It can be use for some of those who lost their homes because... the calamity," She said raising her index finger, with a drop of sweat on her head after saying the last part.
"How sweet of our part!"
Shut up Magilou... It's the least I can do, no one without high resonances can see my therion arm anyway. I don't mind who move here as long the town remains peaceful, it would be a huge insult to how was described when it was lively. Taking in mind this is were I would be for a long time between journeys, we should be careful who else is moving.
I proceeded after my thoughts, "Eleanor is going to help the town as much she can as she spread words about Phi and his blessing, it's gonna take a lot of work made others believe in a god who just appeared days ago so we're stuck here in Eastgand for a while." Being Taliesin the main city, then a few little villages in other parts, aside Aball who was left behind.
"What a pain... but is true..." she inclined her torso a bit, dramatically lowering her gaze, probably.
"You know we aren't forcing you to come with us, right?" I said enduring my tone and gaze, the least I want is hear her complains all day.
She coughed and stand still, "Yeah, but It would be boring wait for the both of you here, and I have nothing else to do so..." she grinned at me, "I'm interested in how do you plan in use your second chance, oh former Lord of Calamity..."
"You're worried about nothing..."
"Do I? As far I know, people don't change easily, you need a really strong reason to be a peace in life, do you really expect to find a motive to be alive soon?"
"No, I don't..." I looked aside, pressing my teeth and eyebrows. Do I ever going to get one?
"That's why I'm following you! I want to see this epic spectacle, do Velvet's life will be normal or she will become the world's darkest nightmare once again and conquer the world?" She laughed to add effect.
"Come on, I don't believe she will be like that again. She already completed her vengeance, there's not reason for her to continue that path!" Eleanor crossed her arms, almost scolding.
"I wasn't even planning any of that if it wasn't neccessary, all what I did was to kill Artorius and Innominat, nothing else mattered to me." Going as far as considering to end my life after everything, now after meeting Phi, it gradually changed to bring hope to my heart little by little. That's why I accepted this, nothing else.
"And you know what to do after we finish spreading Maotelus existence?"
"I, don't know..." I closed my eyes, before look at her shrugging my shoulders, "one day I will, don't waste your time hoping for the opposite."
"Very well then, let's hope you don't break again, this is gonna be fun!"
Eleanor put herself between us with a hand over our shoulders, exasperated, "Well then, we have a place to go, so come on! Quick!" She slightly push us to the exit, against Magilou's will, and my half closed eyes in indifference toward her.
We leave Aball and now we were around the depths of Morgana woods. It wasn't as full of daemons as the first time we come here, being empty for the most part. A slight breeze was coming toward us, hearing Eleanor commenting how warm it felt despite this atmosphere.
To think I expended most of my time here hunting Prickle boars, there's not sight of them now either... the ones the other day were illusion.
All nostalgia feels like belonging in a dream.
Feeling a weigh on my chest, the thought made it seen like my past was set on different lifetime. Let go... I thought shacking my head, taking a deep breath to calm myself.
We continue forward in silence until Magilou noticed something, "Oh Velvet, where does that road lead?" She asked placing a hand over my shoulder.
"That wasn't here before, does it? I don't remember..." Eleanor inclined her head trying to figure out in her memories.
"That leads to Perniya Lake, it was one of Arthur's favorite spots," I put one hand over my hip, lowering my pupils to one side, "he didn't wanted daemons to go there, so he sealed the entrance years ago. Maybe it opened because I killed him."
Magilou grinned pretending deep thinking, "He trouble himself to seal a lake's entrance, but why?"
"Don't ask me, I went there with Laphi a few times for fishing, it's just a normal lake. Nothing outstanding, so I wouldn't know why he wanted to keep daemons far away."
Eleanor glanced a me with a smile, "then why we don't go one of this days? Without Eizen we can finally fish something!"
"Sure, if we find free time. I don't mind." I smiled a bit at the idea, In part I missed going there after the last time I went with Laphi.
"You're sweeter than usual Velvet... where's the pout and hate?" Magilou pointed out, behind me.
"Oh, shup up, or I leave you behind!" I kept moving forward at fast pace followed by Eleanor who could keep up with me, and Magilou who had trouble trying to match our speed.
It didn't took that long as we reached the entrance to Taliesin, I stopped and took a glance over my shoulder, Eleanor was barely reaching me and Magilou was near to collapse.
"Wait... I... a... need air," she said taking lots of breathing, crouching, "How... could you... Aaa..."
I smirked at her trouble, "Didn't you said I was being too sweet, there's my answer," I shrugged my shoulders, looking over the entrance once again. It was open, unlike the many other times we were here, with some few guards near.
Eleanor glanced to her map, "I will explore and look what I can do to help, I see you both at the plaza in five hours!" She said before rushing toward the town, not waiting for our answers.
"Eleanor don't get...!" She dissapeared in the crowd, "don't get lost..." I clicked my tongue in annoyance. Who does she think she is? Acting like a little girl all of sudden? I exhaled, not having other option than follow her instructions.
I shouldn't really worry about her, she's one year younger than me, and she's a good fighter. There's not reason for me to protect her... should I?
Suddenly I felt a hand grabbing my ankle, taking my attention, "I... need... wa...ter..." Magilou was kneeling on the floor, her chest rising up and down with difficulty. Oh come on don't be lazy... you could use your own guardians... without options, I crouched and lifted her up on my arms, with one hand under her knees, and the other on her back, she was smirking at my action despite her lack of strength, I rolled my eyes at her as I entered the town, not expecting our task to take longer that what it needs. Around Taliesin, there were some townsfolk with backpacks, on the floor or near the Inn entrance trying to find where to stay, by their clothes I could tell most of them are from Meirchio, some from Loegres, and even Yseult.
It confused me this last two, knowing Loegres was the most secure place against the Lord of Calamity, unless they lost faith in the abbey the moment they lost their malaks oath. The ones from Yseult, not idea. And there's not reason to think deeply about it
We both were walking up stairs following the directions that one woman told us, being years since I visited, I wouldn't be surprised If a lot changed...
We keep going, as I continue reading the map, "And this one should be!" Magilou pointed one house, as Bienfu put himself on top of her arm and pointed there as well. That mere act put some eyes on her weird out.
Just ignore her Velvet...
A drop of sweat passed through my forehead as I passed Magilou like I didn't knew her, she giggled at my indifference, following me in silence.
We both entered the carpenters warehouse, noticing there were just another three people inside who we both recognized instantly.
"All right, now just left find a place to start the construction!" Dyle exclaimed excited, as he left the payment and went back to where Medissa and Kamoana waited him.
"They accepted already? That was quick..."
"Of course it was Medissa, they got many requests lately with all this lord of calamity stuff, so they attached to work, or that seems to be on their minds..." he laughed a bit before crouching to Kamoana, "you heard that? We're close to build our new home!"
"Yes! I can't wait, I knew you could planned it out!" She jumped to his arms in a hug, as Medissa watched them giggling a bit. The three of them looking like a family.
A slight smile appeared on me at that thought, glad that they were able to start over despite the recent hardship, as how Phi and Eleanor wanted. I should return later, I don't want to bother...
"Huh? Where do you plan to go Velvet? It took us long enough to get here!" Magilou complained putting one hand over my shoulder, making me freeze at her loudness. You can't be serious..!
"Oh, is Velvet! Hello, ma'am!" Dyle salutes as he carries Kamoana in his other arm, smiling brightly.
"Miss Velvet, greetings!" Kamoana mimicked him in her way, making a funny serious face.
"I should had expected meeting you both again. Afternoon," Medissa shook her head slowly before bowing to me with a little smile.
Coughing at their actions, and the annoyance of Magilou smirks towards me, I faced them, "Yeah, afternoon..." I sighed of relief blushing a bit, "so, how's the farm going?
"Smoothly! Well, just left for us to find a place to start constructing." Dyle explained, "Eastgand seems like the most safer island in the continent so far, so we decided to start over here, far away of our old homes."
"Indeed, we decided after Van Eltia leave you yesterday, we didn't really planned on following you, thought honestly we barely know the isle that much to avoid meet you again..." Medissa seems a bit troubled, "We need to explore a bit Morgana woods and seeing for ourselves were we can build our home."
Kamoana was looking around us, "Where's Eleanor, she wasn't with you two?"
"Outside helping people and spreading words about Maotelus, you know something she definitely likes to do," Magilou shrugged her arms, moving herself to a nearby chair.
"Miss Eleanor is always doing her best!" Bienfu added with a proud tone.
"Oh, she continues to be admirable, amazing!"
I sighed at the exaggeration, "We're separate for business, we have one with carpenters... a lot of ones." just imagining the amount of time and patience rebuilding Aball would take put me anxious.
"Then destiny really wanted us to meet again, I should say." Medissa commented with an uncomfortable smile, at the thought, "Even so, we wanted to keep the plans of our farm ongoing."
"I never seen a farm inside a forest before, I can't wait!" Kamoana exclaimed with a raised arm. Despite going back to normal she was still the same, all of them were.
"Is a beautiful space to take care of little animals, knowing you love them that much you will enjoy make them company," I said forming a little smile, reminiscing the little farms some of my neighbors in Aball tended to do, as far to plan make new species in some way or another.
Of course that never happened, yet, my memories meeting those animals all days would remain with me forever. I was curious what kind of place their's would become.
"You seems to know about this, miss Velvet!" Kamoana jumped from Dyle and approached a bit more to me, "Do you use to live in a farm?!"
Taken back at her closeness, I looked aside, "Not precisely, there were a few around Aball. I used to buy the food I needed there. Their animal's were too affectionate towards me for some reason..." too much that I would had liked honestly.
"Well, If I can say something Velvet, don't you know these woods very well? You know an excellent place for them, don't you?" She grinned at me as she finished the question, both fisted hands on her hips. She clearly thought the same answer.
"You do? You're a life saver! Tell us!" Dyle was so content, followed by Kamoana smile. Medissa put one hand over her chin, waiting my suggestion.
Considering what both our objectives were, they intertwined the moment they decided to build it around eastgand. Taking in mind my knowledge of the area, Aball was still a perfect place to plant crops and take care of animals. Adding the fact that there weren't daemons around anymore as before it was a more secure place for anyone, it was one of the reasons I agreed in rebuilding the town. So...
"What about Aball? Morgana woods is a good place to raise plants, you can get anything you need from the earth and soil, it's perfect for different kinds of plants, precisely the place you both will need." I resumed what I mentally collected to convince them, though knowing how much they wanted this I already expected them to agreed, still I wanted to consider their opinion taking in mind everything Aball could offer.
"That's not a bad idea, I would say. Perhaps is the better place to have one," Medissa was thoughtful, "you're saying Aball is currently a ghost town, are you planning in rebuild it entirely?" I nodded with a serious expression, "wow, didn't expected it from you, how can I say no?" As soon she said that, both Dyle and Kamoana hugged her in a thank you hug, making her gasp at the sudden reaction.
I blinked in surprise at her quick response. Expecting Medissa to enter in argument about why she would build her home near where the Lord of Calamity lives, it leave me without words.
"Do we take that as a yes?" Magilou intervened.
Medissa was about to answer but... "Yes! I will make the appointments right away!" Dyle said before rushing to the counter.
"Hey, wait! Dyle, we need to talk some things!" I exclaimed rushing to where he was, I couldn't just leave him be taking all the carpenters for himself, I was the one who would pay the whole construction after all.
It made me feel relieved they agreed to my offer, sensing that maybe Eleanor was right on her idea.
Now just left keep finding more volunteers. After finishing our business in the warehouse, we left the trio explore Taliesin as Magilou and I decided to search Eleanor.
Which was troublesome, when right now Taliesin seems to be more occupied than ever with the amount of visitors without a place to stay the night.
As much I would had liked to just offer Aball as a shelter, I knew right away how bad as an idea would be in the long run just letting anyone move there. As soon they find in a way or another I'm the Lord of Calamity...
"Do you really think they would ever find out? I mean, not many can see your therion arm right?" Magilou asked, looking my bandage arm.
"We never know Magilou. I want Aball to be aleast safe for us as well, we can't be careless just giving home to everyone."
"Huh, then you're saying just people who knows who you are can live there, no? That means a few select group, how it will work then?"
"That's my problem to solve, I didn't thought you would be invested, but thanks for considering..." I muttered to myself, sure that she heard me.
There's always the option to said the Truth to everyone we invite, the problem comes later with how they would react. If one informs the abbey it will be trouble. I really don't know whats my status in their radar, still is better to avoid reckless risks.
We kept walking the stairs down in silence, until we reached the plaza, a lot of the people were reunited in a particularly place, they seemed to be listening to someone. I opened my eyes more when I noticed who, decided to aproach her without interruptions.
'He was a boy who was looking his light!
All he wanted, was find his purpose, surviving battles, banterns and hunts, he found a moon who raised him to who he is now~'
Everyone present clapped, I could felt their anxiety and worries slowly going away after the performances. Not solving their problems, but giving them hope to keep going to find happiness forward.
"She can sing?!" Magilou almost shouted at my side, with her mouth open, "she didn't told me! Why?!"
"I doubt she would ever tell you..." Or you would force her to sing in one of your performances, hell no, just imagine it gives me a bad taste.
ThoughtI agreed, it took me by surprise, she seemed to be more like a reserved person in these habits.
"Do you know how to sing Velvet?"
"Why you want to know?" I looked away disinterest. Making her shiver with my left hand on her shoulder.
"I shouldn't have asked..."
Ignoring Magilou's complaints, I noticed Eleanor waving and giving a bow as she was thanking the claps, wielding her spear in one of her hands as she used it to emphasize her status. What a show off! I smiled at that, a least it worked.
Many of the public approached her and started talking, I couldn't really hear them but by her expression seems like she was sharing motivational words, I think. Arthur used to tell me thats how religions spreads their words, he maybe did the same.
We waited there a couple of seconds before she finished with everyone and decided to aproach us, a big smile draw on her pink lips.
"Velvet, Magilou! Did you watched me?!" She asked without erasing her excitement.
"Yeah we did, not exactly what I thought you would be doing but it was interesting." Magilou pointed shrugging her arms.
I nodded at her question, "I think it was cool, it surprised me."
She put both hands on her cheeks, "Oh, I'm so flattered they liked it I wasn't very confident!"
I raised both brows at her words, "You're either brave or stupid for actually pulling it through with that nervousness!" I actually failed trying. Eleanor face went priceless, mouth open with flushed cheeks at my words, that made me release a dry laugh, "anyway, good job spreading Phi's blessing, I'm sure he will be happy with this."
"Th-thank you..." She put both her hands on her back smiling at my compliment.
For just the first job it seemed to spread enough to be talked between the town, it could help the fact most of the people here want to believe in hope taking in mind recent times, everything with both Innominat and the lord of calamity.
"And how everything went in your side?" Eleanor asked, getting my attention again.
I smiled to her, lowering my gaze, "More simple than I thought..."
The three of us walked around as I explained to her who we found in the warehouse. As well just how many people we would need to actually start rebuilding the town, and Magilou stretched it saying that with my suggestion it would take a long while.
"I can see Velvet's point though... I don't want to ruin the mood in her town just by trying to rebuild it fast, lets take our time."
"We have plenty of time... just not safety..." Magilou pointed.
True, Aball current state is open to any kind of danger. Aside us three, we needed a way to defend it, "This really will take us too much time..." I cursed, crossing my arms as I clicked my tongue.
"Calm down Velvet, we will think a perfect solution, you were in worse situations, this will be a breeze!"
"Thank you?" I arched an eyebrow as my tone was low, as she tried to be sarcastic.
We keep exploring the town until we finally met with Medissa and company, who were sit in a bench looking the horizon, Eleanor and Magilou joined them, wanting to have a little break of all the routine from today so far. Kamoana hugged Eleanor as she was impressed by her new outfit. Bienfu layed down in the bench he shared with Magilou, nothing new coming from them, making me giggle as I remembered some moments during my quest.
I lifted my gaze to the sky, having trouble in organize my thoughts; Aball stuff aside, I'm shocked this is my life now, nothing related to kill someone, or needing to hide from authorities, just me hanging with friends rebuilding her town and spreading words about our new god, Phi, "Yes, it definitely got some unexpected changes..." and I felt content with that. Still, it's even possible for things going for the better?
I never planned to save the world in the first place, it was more of a consequence of my vengeance. Now the world was fated to the consequences malevolence could bring without being suppressed, but it was what it needed.
"Seems like you're enjoying freedom from your restraints, Velvet." A familiar voice sounded at my side, putting me on alert and harshing my gaze as I looked at her eyes.
"Tabatha..."
"Oh my, I'm happy you remembered me. For a second I thought I would take the trouble reintroducing myself to you, it's been a long while." She said in a little giggle, not like trying to shift the conversation, yet really hard for me to feel at ease.
Seem her usual smirk, and gentleness just reminded me how things really are between us, we're not in bad terms to say the least. Last time we saw each other, she was hiding from the abbey, "So, what do you need?"
"I know you're really careful with who you talk and you don't trust in my guild, but I wanted to make a deal with you, world savior." She went straight to the point.
I opened my eyes wide, I heard that well? "A deal, why for?" She usually solicited requests, this is new...
"Some of my men lost their homes and homeland after the advent, and when Innominat tried to suppress our emotions, nothing left was the moment they regained themselves..." she explained in a lower tone, maintaining her cool. I could felt the heavy and weight of her words. "You're rebuilding Aball, I was thinking if you would let some of my members, and me to move over there."
"You as well? What about the tavern in Loegres? You were there all you're life, hadn't you?
"I'm afraid is not as secure as it used to be, Eastgand is currently the most safest part of the kingdom." She briefly explained, "the only daemons left are humans of dark hearts, and people who let themselves be corrupted beyond their souls, unlike normal daemons they're aware and intelligent of their actions."
The silver flame can't change someone heart... I frowned thinking about that.
"With the capital focused in protecting the prince, and the few bloodwings at hands, I decided we move our base here." She added.
"And what could I get in return by letting you in?" I Made a dry smile.
She smiled as well, "We will defend your town, help with the construction, even send some of my men to other island searching for more volunteers to move," I raised one brow at that convenient offer, she clearly knew what my current worries were.
Of course she would know, surprising me by how she thought about that even before consider it from my needs. Her guild always takes it's part of the job seriously, if their loses were that major for their only current hope being moving to my town, needing my help, it meant their desperate.
And I know that feeling so well...
"Hard times are coming Velvet, you saved the world from the false hero, yet the malevolence still lives in our hearts. Humans incapable of change, and those who gave up humanity are still out there..."
"We were warned, I fully expected the amount of danger to arise once Innominat was defeated..." without him, there's no other way to suppress malevolence, "I choose this world, and I know it's not going to be easy from here on, so I will do what I can to protect my companions..."
Tabatha nodded in understanding, "The bloodwings can defend themselves, so we offer to work with you as long we can stay in Aball," tabatha put one hand over her chest, as I was thinking in her words, "You're the remaining hope for us, and I believe is the same for your friends as well."
"Hope..." that word again... exactly the opposite of what I think I am. A powerful meaning behind it, capable of bringing light to this dark times. I sighed, knowing that think about it now would be worthless, aside what I needed was already said, "I accept your deal, if you're going to be useful for me I will welcome you and the bloodwings in Aball."
She suddenly released a little giggle, taking me by surprise, "You really changed. Thank you for accepting, I promise to do everything in my power for the guild be of use to you."
I was satisfied with her words, "I expect that..."
As we suddenly hear some people arguing, We both looked over the source, some were desperate to find a place to stay, despite the fact that it was impossible for everyone to find shelter just here, they were throwing hate words to the residents and the lord of calamity for steal their homes. It made me feel a bit guilty, but there's nothing I could do right now about that.
"Southgand started to have trouble with daemons, they even restricted what's remain of Haria. It seems a powerful one is residing there." Tabatha explained, certainly putting me to date why some of the immigrants seemed to be from Yseult, as being the more closer to Haria it was not safe.
"Maybe I consider with Eleanor where to go next," there's not a lot I can do for strangers, except kicking other daemons butt, so that was an idea to when we start our move there.
As Tabatha assures the guild will be careful to who it will offer a place in the town, she said her goodbyes as she needed to spread her part of the news. Watching her dissapear in the distance like how she appeared out of knowere makes me remember how barely I know about her, it was better keep it that way.
Her cooperation is going to be useful.
"That was Tabatha? How, and what you both talked?" Eleanor approached me looking to our surroundings, stunned.
I put both hands on my hips, having a more positive outlook of everything we planned hours ago. It just required having the help back from others we met along the journey, I couldn't help but be relieved of that, "We just got a bit more help, you're plan is going really well, thank you Eleanor."
"There's not need, you're the one working on it," she giggled blushing a bit, containing a giggle, "we're in this together, even with the state the world is in, everything will be fine!"
I smiled at her words, is possible to just be foolish think that all bad things will be solved quickly, yet we both know we have a very special ally at our side who currently needed our help to get stronger.
So even if dark times are getting closer, we will have his silver flame on our side stronger than ever.
Aball, Eastgand, Midgand, this world. Despite the sacrifices, it was still a place I could call home...
~To be continued