Interlude - Magic
Well, things have been quite busy. Work, questions, assassins… guess we're a 'real' army now that they've sent assassins after us. But through it, I think we've all learned a great deal about how we need to lead an army like this. Maybe. It's a work in progress. But at this point, I'm certain it's going to be a 'work in progress' all the way to the end of this. There's always ways to improve and things to learn. We just have to keep at it. It's not like we can stop now, at least. Might have more luck stopping a landslide.
"Seliph, what is it that you're reading?" I asked him. We were in his study, reading through reports, with me standing by the desk because Hestia was sleeping on my feet and him sitting like he was half-glued to the chair, and he had sighed and winced about ten times in the space of a single minute. "If it's so painful, I can handle looking through it for you."
"It's not quite…" he began, before sighing. Again. I was half-tempted to make a running tally of it, just to tease him about it later. "I'm reading through scouting reports."
"And is Ulster's seriousness driving you up the wall or something?"
"If that was the case, I think I would've been living on the ceiling since we were five years old. Or gone straight through." He leaned back in his chair and absently moved the light globes around. It was still very early in the morning, so there wasn't a lot of light from the sun yet. Lester hadn't even left with the hunters yet, hence why Hestia was with me. "No, it's the information they've gathered from rumors outside Isaach's borders."
"Bad?"
"Apparently, in the wake of our victory here, others have become emboldened and set up their own resistances." He tossed the paper to the side. "And were annihilated."
"...Oh…" That was… I supposed it was something we had to consider. Our victory here proved the Empire wasn't invincible. But still… "I…"
"It's just like Iucharba said." He smiled bitterly, and I winced, remembering the same conversation. I wondered if his spirit was laughing at us now. "Killing them with hope."
"Is it faster or longer than death by despair?" Despite my own pain and discomfort, I focused on countering the view. And nudging Hestia awake so that she could comfort Seliph. Not that it required much nudging. She'd lifted her head as soon as Seliph started talking, paying close attention, so with one little 'nudge', she was sitting by Seliph with her head in his lap, and he was petting her. "And remember, based on what we've heard, Isaach has been better off than the other countries. That means that there are hundreds, even thousands, of people who have suffered like the people in the labor camps, like those children the priests had, and like Creidne. Or have suffered worse." My throat closed up and I coughed to clear it. Hestia's ears twitched back towards me, but she remained with Seliph, who gave me his undivided attention. "Perhaps we 'kill' them with hope, but at least we do not make them suffer from despair. We just…"
"We just need to keep going, so that the sacrifices mean something at the end."
"And be willing to change our tactics if it looks like we're sacrificing 'too much' for the cause or something." Just look at Arvis and the eventual fallout to it all. "Recent events have proven we don't know everything, by any means."
"Sometimes, I wonder if we know anything, but you're quite right." Seliph smiled slightly, and I smiled back, a little shakily. What happened with the people here, with the children, and with Creidne would haunt me forever. "Speaking of things we don't know, though, those assassins?"
"Just finished reading through those reports, actually." Glad for the subject change, I quickly found the ones in question in the stack I was holding and moved them to the front. "There's sadly not much, but since we've got awesome-amazing-wonderful soldiers…"
"Before I forget, we're doing the group lunch thing again, right?"
"We are." It had been Arthur's idea, actually, one of those simple yet brilliant ideas. Basically, when we were discussing how to better connect with our soldiers, he'd suggested we make sure to share a meal with them. Breakfast and dinner were mostly private affairs in the army, but everyone ate lunch more or less at the same time, so we decided we'd try that out. Our first one had been yesterday, and it seemed to have improved everyone's moods. "Should I feed you again~?"
"Riona!" Seliph instantly went red, and I laughed. I'd decided to tease him and feed him a bit of the rice we were having, and the soldiers had been delighted by the exchange. "I'm going to get you back for that!"
"No way! That was revenge for the hand-kissing!" I huffed a bit, not really angry. He knew it too, so he just kept on petting Hestia, who was wagging her tail now that both of us were back in a good mood. "Besides, it was better than Larcei's suggestion."
"She actually whispered it to you, so I didn't hear what it was."
"Kissing or licking the syrup you got on your cheek?" Though I knew I blushed at the thought, it was hilarious to see him choke on a yelp and turn even redder. "So, what do we say to the glorious embodiment of mercy that I am?"
"Hestia, go tackle her." Hestia gave him a weird look before scooting closer to him. "Aw, Hestia!"
"She loves me more~!"
"Does this mean I have to compete with her for your affection?"
"Maybe~!" I walked over to the chair and kissed him, though. When I pulled away, he slid his hand into my hair to cup the back of my head and pulled me back for another kiss. "Feeling a bit more secure?"
"Perhaps." He smirked before kissing me again, a nice long kiss that made my knees weak. He was a really good kisser. "So, those assassins?"
"Yes, yes." Smiling, I leaned against his chair and absently scratched Hestia behind the ear. She opened her mouth to pant happily, her tail wagging enough to actually make a clean spot on the floor. "So, because our soldiers are amazing and have a wealth of knowledge, the current suspicion is that Bloom sent them."
"Duke Blood of Friege?" Seliph frowned. "Really?"
"Bloom, Seliph. Bloom. Like a flower." I grinned and he looked away sheepishly. "Though I suppose Duke 'Blood' is also accurate, if the rumors are right. Not nearly as maniacal as Danann and interested in ruling and ruling well, but very strict when it comes to said ruling and supposedly pretty quick with threats. And if his own soldiers won't suffice for the job, he has no qualms hiring mercenaries to do the job for him." He was also Ishtar's father, and Arthur's uncle. Of course, Arthur hated him for kidnapping Tailtiu and Tine. "But yes, him."
"What makes them say that?"
"We have quite a few former traders in our army, those few Isaachians who would make the journey to Darna to trade and whatnot. And they said that the cut of the assassins' clothing is a Manster District cut."
"Clothes can be easily bought." Seliph rested his index and middle finger against his temple, thinking. "However, it has to be obvious just where we're heading to next. Us going to Leonster is probably more obvious than Larcei's crush on Shanan." I knew it was bad that I laughed, but I couldn't help it. "And I somehow doubt one victory, no matter how major, is going to be enough to make Belhalla think of us as a viable threat."
"I agree. We are, after all, only one country. And even the Crusaders needed the help of the entire continent to take down the Loptyrian Empire of old." However, a single country's army versus another? Now that was a more believable threat. "There's also rumors that Bloom is quick to eliminate 'trouble' with assassins."
"So, either someone is being very clever with their framing or it's him." Seliph smiled wryly up at me. "I suppose we should be flattered that we are considered enough of a threat for either."
"Well, if someone is doing a framing job, then they want us to take out Bloom. Probably ideally hoping for a mutual destruction." I set those particular reports on his desk. "Sadly, though, that's about all we've got on them. They were definitely professionals."
"I see." Seliph closed his eyes and let himself slump. "If we're dealing with threats like this, then we definitely need to increase our training."
"We are." A thought occurred to me, but I hesitated in saying it. But then I decided to just go for it. "Hey, Seliph. Have you thought about training in magic?"
"Magic? Me?" He laughed. "That's ridiculous."
"Why? Naga's blood is known for magic as well." Perhaps not as infamously as Fjalar's, but it was still known for it. "It just occurred to me that no one ever really brought it up with you."
"I… right…" Seliph bit his lip and sighed heavily. Hestia nosed his hand, her tail no longer wagging, and Seliph began petting her again. "I guess it's because there's such a focus on Father, and the… complications… with my mother." He looked to me again. "Why suggest it?"
"For one thing, how many people have a good resistance to magic? And it would give you a ranged option." I made sure to smile softly at him. "For the non-pragmatic answer, it would give you a good excuse to spend time with Yuria, particularly since we're doing our best to keep her heritage quiet for now." Just in case. After all, look at the trouble Iuchar suffered. Now, Yuria might have the advantage of being one of the people who made sure our soldiers' insides stayed where they were supposed to, but still. "And it would put her in a 'teacher role', which she hasn't had yet and might be good for her."
"That…" He fell silent and then suddenly, he pulled me into his lap, hugging me tightly and burying his face in my hair. Hestia barked a protest and laid down, pointedly turning away because he'd pulled me on her, but he didn't notice. "I'll think on it."
"Okay." I shifted so that I was sitting a little more properly and used my foot to pet Hestia in an attempt to appease her. She gave me a look that said 'It will do, for now' and settled a little more on the floor to rest. "I think you need a break, though."
"Yeah, I think so." He held me a little tighter. "So, it's been a while since I've had a break. What does one do?"
"Well…~" I leaned back a bit to smirk and slowly moved closer. "I have a couple of ideas. Most involve kissing you."
"I like that." He laughed softly, lower than normal. "So…"
"Hey, Seliph, you had wanted… oh, hello, whoops." Growling in frustration, both of us turned our attention to the now-open door, where Lester stood with the smuggest smirk on his face, leaning against the doorframe. "No, no, don't mind me," he teased, eyes dancing with mischief. "I can totally come back later. But you might consider locking the door and, just a warning, that desk doesn't look all that sturdy."
"Lester!" Seliph snapped, glowering. I debated standing up, but shrugged and just stayed sitting in Seliph's lap and picked up my stack of papers to go through again. "I'm assuming you wouldn't come into my study without knocking unless it was at least mildly important?"
"My, my, you're so mad~!" Lester cackled and walked up to the desk. "Isn't it a bit early to be getting into such things?"
"I'm going to throw a paperweight at you." Though we knew it was an empty threat, Seliph did gesture and 'batted' Lester with three of the light globes floating about. "So?"
"Riona, you going to move?"
"Why? It's just you," I replied, leaning back against Seliph's chest. This was remarkably cozy, actually. "Just get on with your damn report, Lester."
"I just need to turn this in before I head out," Lester replied, still laughing a little. He passed Seliph some papers. "Final report about Isaach Castle. Larcei wants to visit, though. Visit the crypts." And her parents.
"Tell her to go ahead and go. It'll be good for her."
"Yes, I agree," Seliph murmured, smiling sadly. Hopefully, it really would be good. It could also be very bad. But it was also Larcei, so… "We should make arrangements for someone to take over her duties, and Oifeye's since I'm sure…" He trailed off as Lester shook his head. "No?"
"I asked Oifeye already, and he said 'no'," Lester explained. He shrugged at our frowns. "I know. It's weird. But that's what he said." He grinned again. "Anyway, that's it, so I'm going to leave." He started for the door, back to his laughter. "Lock the door~!"
"Hestia, tackle him," I deadpanned. Since the 'order' came from me, and because she needed to go with him anyway for hunting, she immediately lunged for Lester. Lester squawked and ran out and down the hall, but Hestia was faster and quickly caught up to him, tacking him to the ground based on the 'thud' we heard. Then, amusingly, she came back and hooked her paws under the door to mostly close it. Lester must've gotten up, since soon afterwards, it closed fully. "Ugh… everyone is going to hear about this in an hour."
"They are," Seliph agreed, groaning. He then sighed and looked at the report Lester gave him, eyeing it warily. "I suppose it's back to work."
"Seems so." I, however, didn't move. "You don't mind if I stay right here, do you?"
"I might be very distracted." He laughed softly and kissed my cheek. "Ah, well. I'm not in a hurry to let you go either."
"My, my… you say that as if you're not the one caught~!"
We did actually get work done, and quite a bit of it too. I wasn't sure if it was 'less' or 'more' than what we would've gotten done otherwise, but I knew there would be no complaints from anyone else. That was important.
Larcei ended up leaving after breakfast, along with some others who wanted to pay their respects. Our group thought about going with her, but decided we would go pay our own respects at different times, keeping as many leaders here in Rivough as possible. So, I took over Larcei's duties, splitting them with Arthur who volunteered to help out because, in his own words, 'he was bored stiff'. It ended up being a very enjoyable morning, and lunch was even better because we could all gossip and chat, and tease each other relentlessly. Things that helped the soldiers talk to us, and make everything very lively. However, there was one dark spot to it. Oifeye didn't join us. So, after talking more with the soldiers, explaining policies and answering questions, I checked the kitchens to see if Oifeye had gotten anything to eat. Upon learning that Oifeye hadn't even had breakfast, though… well, I had a couple hours free.
"My lady, is everything well?" Of course, me being 'free' didn't mean it wasn't an odd sight to see me carrying a tray ladened with food down the hall. "Does that need to be delivered to someone?" the soldier asked. Their name escaped me, but I knew they were a newer recruit, from a neighboring village. "I can… er…" I could tell they were new for one big reason; Hestia made them nervous. Older soldiers were at least used to her presence. "Um…"
"Hestia won't bite unless she thinks you're a threat," I reassured, smiling reassuringly. Hestia did her best to look as innocent and sweet as possible… for a giant wolf who could crush people's spines between her jaws and looked it no matter how sweet and cute she was. "But no, I can handle this. I'm just bullying a certain father into eating because he forgot he possesses a stomach that needs food."
"Uh…" They blinked slowly. "So…"
"Oifeye skipped breakfast and lunch. I'm guilting him into eating." I giggled and, tentatively, they smiled back. "Sorry. Oifeye raised us Tirnanog kids, so we joke he's our 'father'."
"Oh, I see, my lady." They bowed and their smile was a little warmer. "Good luck then. I had to do the same with my father and some days, I had to all but cry to get him to remember."
"Thankfully, Hestia is more than willing to mess his papers up before I have to resort to such things." I laughed when Hestia barked in agreement and, to my delight, so did the soldier. "We are her dumb humans, you see. Her pack."
"I think I understand a bit more. Even if she's a wolf, she's still a little like my family's dog. He's basically family, like she is to you." They crouched a little bit, looking at Hestia. "I'm sorry, fierce one, for being afraid. You are very big and very fast." Hestia wagged her chair and yipped, panting happily in a wolf's smile. "Thank you." They straightened and bowed again. "Ah, but I am keeping you."
"No, it's fine. I think this is the first time since Ganeishire one of us had to feed Oifeye, so the sight is unusual." I winked and they smiled. "I'll see you around, okay?"
I kept my poise and dignity until I turned a corner, and then I did a little half-skip in excitement. Little conversations like that were more and more frequent, and I loved it. Little things like that really helped the army feel like it was coming together, or at least, that we were becoming respected and trusted. Hestia joined me in the little happiness trot, because more people who liked her meant more treats, and so, she practically leapt for Oifeye's study door, opening it and rushing inside. And jumping right on Oifeye, based on his yelp. And knocking him over based on the loud 'crash' I heard.
"Hestia, in case you have someone forgotten, you are not a puppy anymore…" Oifeye wheezed, the sound barely carrying outside the room. I walked inside and saw Hestia had more than 'knocked Oifeye over'. She'd tackled him out and over the chair itself and had him pinned not just with her body, but with the chair as well. "Ugh… I thought it was locked…"
"Nope, it wasn't," I cheerfully noted, doing my best to not laugh. Oifeye just groaned. "Hestia, sweetie, let him up, will you? I know you love him, but he's right. You're very heavy." Hestia barked and instead began licking Oifeye's face. "Hestia, sweetie."
"Can you not pull her off?"
"My hands are full." I whistled, though, and Hestia finally got off and, sweetly, pushed the chair off of Oifeye too. "Aw, what a sweetheart!"
"Yes, she's so affectionate." Oifeye groaned and stood up slowly, wincing a bit. "I am too old for this."
"You're not that old, Oifeye!" I grinned. "You're younger than Aideen!" If I recalled correctly, Oifeye would turn thirty-six soon. ...Very soon, actually. We'd need to get him a present as soon as we could. "Anyway, you may think of it as her also scolding you."
"For what?" He eyed me skeptically, and then noticed the tray of food I was carrying. "Why do you have…? Surely, it's not…" He looked out the window, blinked slowly, and sighed, dropping his head a little. "Or it could be far later than I thought."
"Staff working the kitchens today also outed you for skipping breakfast, so I made you a lot of food." I giggled, and held the tray out. "So, let's get some space cleared. Surprised your stomach didn't keen bitterly to remind you it needs meals."
"Considering how many times you all tried to whimper your way into and out of trouble, I suppose I got an immunity." He cracked a smile and I laughed. "Okay, okay… what can be moved? And let me get this chair back in place."
It took a while to clear Oifeye's desk enough to safely set down all the food and drinks, to the point that Hestia outright stole some of the papers and dropped them to the side. Since it was my wolf who caused that little problem, I stayed in the room to reorganize the papers for Oifeye while he ate. And conveniently let me stick around and make sure he ate. So, win for me?
"I'm surprised you used your precious free time to make this," Oifeye teased after he ate about half of the food. Which was normally enough for three people, but it was fine. I made sure Oifeye had some teas good for digestion with the meal. "You're not with Seliph?"
"Oh, dear father, how cruel of you to think that your daughter would forget you once she found the love of her life," I deadpanned, not even looking up from the papers. I wished I knew what they said, but a lot of them were in Oifeye's weird shorthand. "Truly, I am aghast that you think so lowly of me." Hestia whimpered then, though her tail wagged too much for it to be an actual sign of worry. "See? You've even made Hestia sad."
"So sad that her tail wags to make her feel happy again." Oifeye's tone was equally dry. "No, that wasn't it. I just remember how, when the various couples in the army got together, they would spend a lot of time together, especially at first. And you two are quite busy typically because all of you have forgotten how to rest."
"And think of how devastated all of us would be if you faint from hunger." I gave him a look, doing my best to emulate Aideen's 'Mom Look'. "I also don't think you're one to talk about 'forgetting how to rest'."
"Do as I say, not as I do. It is the job of a parent to make sure the children don't take on their flaws." Oifeye smiled a bit, eyes dancing in amusement. "That's in the rules."
"Blech, rules." I stuck my tongue out and he laughed. "Anyway, since you brought it up first, sort of, what would Mom have thought about my being with Seliph?"
"Alicia might've laughed herself sick, truthfully." He laughed again at the thought. "Before we met Deirdre, there were quite a few people who wondered if Sigurd and Alicia would become a couple. The two of them laughed themselves to tears at the thought, or so Quan and Deirdre told me. They found it ridiculous."
"Oh. Huh." I set the papers on his desk, now freshly organized, and nudged Hestia up so that I could pet her without having to bend in two. "Then, what about Dad?"
"By the time he joined-"
"No, not about Sigurd and Mom." Though, admittedly, I was a bit curious. But I wanted to keep focused. "About Seliph and me."
"I'm not too sure on Chulainn, truthfully." Oifeye sipped his tea, clearly thinking. All of the plates were empty. "I believe that he wouldn't have much of a reaction, save being happy that you were happy. He was always doing his best to make sure you and Conall were happy and knew you were loved." He laughed suddenly. "He'd let you two get away with a lot of things. Staying up past your bedtimes, splashing while taking baths… once he scared Alicia into tears because he let you two play with a wolf, or so Claude told me in secrecy."
"He did?" At first, I was shock, but then there was an… impression, I supposed the word should be. Too vague to be a memory. But I felt an impression of warmth and safety, of soft fur, and the smell of the Ephrelas oil used to help maintain swords. It was a distinct smell, calming and like the forest after a good rain, mostly because only Isaachians used that particular kind. Other countries used different types to tend to their blades. "Ah." I wished I remembered more. I really did. But if we talked of 'memories', then it was just that scent and Dad singing Isaachian lullabies. "And Sigurd? What would he have thought?"
"Sigurd also would've laughed himself silly, and teased you both relentlessly." Despite the smile, his eyes became sad. "The Deirdre I knew would've been delighted. Alicia was her best friend, after all." Which made me wonder what 'Diadora' would've thought. And what Mom's relationship with 'Diadora' was. I wished I had thought to ask Ishtar about Mom's life in Belhalla. "I wonder… what their graves look like. If Sigurd even has a grave."
"The songs say he didn't have a body once Arvis was done." Because, of course, there were songs about it. And I was inclined to believe this particular part of the songs, because he'd been killed by Valflame, infamous for leaving nothing but ashes, if that. "I wonder why he didn't have Tyrfing. Would it have protected him?"
"Possibly." Oifeye sighed, sipping his tea. Hestia walked around the desk to press herself into his leg. "All of the physical Holy Weapons have extra abilities, possibly to balance how the magical Holy Bloods grant additional abilities outside of the 'boosts'."
"Like my fire and Seliph's light."
"Correct." He closed his eyes, thinking, and absently petted Hestia. "Mystletainn drains the life out of those it slays to heal its wielder. Balmung is said to allow the wielder to 'disappear', like a spirit."
"Tyrfing blocks magic, right?" I leaned against his desk, remembering the lessons. "Or… wait, Mystletainn can do that too, right?"
"Both help their wielders resist magic, yes. Tyrfing is known as the Holy Weapon second only to the Book of Naga in divine might, and will prevent its wielder from dying." Meaning it would've been really useful if Sigurd had kept it in hand, back then. "The stories say that Gae Bolg will obliterate the heart of any target if thrown, and there's other stories of its destructive might. Helswath will return to its owner's hand without fail, no matter how far it is thrown. Yewfelle will heal the injuries its owner sustains continuously, and fires arrows of light."
"And the arrows go straight through, right?" We had heard many stories of Yewfelle, mostly because Aideen knew most of them by heart. "So, the wound won't be plugged up by anything."
"Precisely." Oifeye opened his eyes again, smiling slightly. He still petted Hestia, who had all but attached herself to his leg. "The last of them is Gungnir. As can be expected, the stories surrounding Gungnir are similar to Gae Bolg's, though I think the descriptions differ slightly."
"That's because they're specifically known as 'twin weapons', right?" The thought made my heart hurt. Conall… I hoped we would not fight… "Regardless, though, it's only really been in the past twenty years that you've had Holy Weapon users fighting each other, aside from Gae Bolg and Gungnir. So, I don't know if Tyrfing would've saved Sigurd or not. Fjalar didn't exactly attack Baldr."
"Right…" If the stories were in any way accurate, then Fjalar and Baldr had been as close as siblings. Shame that didn't continue. "Hey, Oifeye?"
"Yes?"
"Why won't you visit Aunt Ayra and Uncle Lex?" I probably shouldn't have asked so bluntly, but while we were on sad topics, I might as well. "I'm sure they would love it."
"As would I. But I made a promise." He set his empty cup down and focused solely on petting Hestia. "On that day… the last day I saw them… we all promised we would see each other again when things are 'safe'. And it is perhaps a fool's logic, but…" He shrugged. "I will visit when things are 'safe'. When this long war of ours finally ends." Oifeye smiled sadly, eyes distant. I thought of how, in many ways, this 'war' of ours had been fought for over nineteen years. ...No, it had been fought for twenty-two years, all the way from Verdane's first assault on Jungby. "I will visit after I stand in the same city Sigurd and so many others died in, and see the last victory."
"Oifeye…" I felt like crying. If I thought of it like that, then Oifeye had been fighting this 'war' since he was fourteen years old. "We don't know how long that'll be, though."
"I've waited nineteen years, Riona. A few more won't matter much." He chuckled and shook his head. "Ah, but where did such dreary talk come from? That's not a good way to spend time with you."
"That's true." I desperately tried to think of a way to change the subject and came up on one that I thought sounded fun. "So, what's Grannvelian courting like normally? Seliph asked Iuchar, and I want to get him back."
"Ah, so that's why Seliph is practicing his poetry." He laughed when I groaned. Because I knew that would get me. Because that was just so… so cheesy and the like. "Sadly, when it comes to what women can do during traditional courtship, you are much better off asking Aideen." He smiled, however. "That said, I do remember some things Aideen did for Midir."
"I'll take that!" And I'd take the stories that would no doubt go along with them. "Tell me, tell me!"
"Well, you're enthusiastic." Oifeye petted Hestia a bit more and then nudged her back over to me. "Let's see… ah, yes, there was the piano bit…"
A few days after Larcei left for Isaach Castle, we got packages from Tirnanog. Lots of packages. And even more letters. There was so much that we had to designated a room just to keep it all and only then actually distribute everything. It felt like the entire town had sent everyone packages. Eventually, due to the amount, Seliph announced that everyone, including we leaders, was to take the day off to relax and read letters from home. Or write letters. Whichever.
"I think they used every bit of paper and boxes that had been in Tirnanog!" Lana laughed once our group was sequestered away in Seliph's room, after dropping off all of Larcei's stuff in her room since she wasn't here. By 'our group', I meant all of us on the War Council, minus Oifeye, but plus Yuria. He'd wanted to read his stuff in private. "Goodness!"
"Is it… uh… normal in Tirnanog to just adopt strangers?" Arthur asked, looking at his own pile. It was smaller, of course, than say… Lester's, but he still had one. So did Yuria, Fee, and Iuchar. "Because if so, so much of your personalities makes sense."
"Well, it's not like we haven't written about you guys."
"You have? Why?"
"Well, we're friends, yes? And family." Lana beamed and Arthur blinked slowly before glancing at me. I just grinned and continued looking through my stuff. "Anyway, let's see what we got!"
Of course, most of us had already tore through the packaging to get the presents, and helped Hestia get to hers so that we didn't have pieces of paper all over the place. Because all of Tirnanog had sent Hestia treats from them, along with little notes that we read aloud so that Hestia knew just how much she was missed, with the result of Hestia being so happy that she only stopped barking to chew on some of the bones and I half-feared she'd somehow wag her tail off!
But once she was settled, we looked through ours. Trinkets and treats that traveled well, of course. Muirne had made us lotions and makeup, each one personalized with scents she knew we loved, as well as flowers she had carefully pressed and wrote poems for courage to go with them. Creidne had sent us clothes she had made, with a little note apologizing for 'too many' because she'd found that sewing helped her not remember her rape and helped her not worry so much about us. Dalvin had sent us charms to put on our belts (or quivers or bridles or whatever), each one meticulously woven and carved to best symbolize 'us', while also incorporating good luck and protection. Deimne sent us sketches of the town and of the people there, with little notes about how everyone was doing (and a tongue-in-cheek note of 'making sure you don't forget us!' as if we ever could).
Aideen had sent us medicines she had made, as well as blankets and cloaks she and the other townsfolk had made for us, since the desert could be brutally cold at night. She also sent little items we had left behind that she thought we'd might want, like books or jewelry. Plus some things of hers that she was 'letting us borrow', another quiet promise that we would see her again, alive and well. Mine was actually a pair of diamond studs, and I immediately slipped one of them on, replacing my other stud. I couldn't take off Dad's earring, but now, I'd wear something from them both. It would be like both were protecting me.
In that happy mood, I opened up the last package I had from Aideen, intending on joining the laughter and conversation from the others. However, all sound washed away when I saw there were tomes inside. Three of them, to be specific, and right on top was an Elfire. Well, it wasn't right on top. There was a note on top of it. Which I picked up silently, wondering just why….
'I am sure that you are wondering why I sent this to you. You're also probably very silent, frozen, and not paying attention to your surroundings at the moment as well. Take a moment to breath and calm yourself, Riona. Then come back to the letter, okay?'
Laughing quietly at myself, I did as she instructed, taking some deep breaths and just being amused about how right she had been. It made sense; she had known me all of my life and had raised me for most of it. But it was still quite amusing to see that in a letter. And, of course, once I had calmed down, and once the laughter and squeaks of everyone filtered back into my hearing, I returned to the letter, now more curious than anything.
'Feeling better? You're probably more curious than anything at the moment.'
...She really did know me well. I glanced around and caught the others giving me concerned looks. I smiled, waved them away, but did move back just a little to silently convey that I wanted to 'not be in the group' to read this. They nodded and shifted a bit so that I was safely hidden, given me the privacy I needed.
'These are tomes I found over the years. Too complicated for me to really use, but I held onto them anyway. Because I knew that one day, if you wanted, you could use them. Of course, you don't have to. You have dear Arthur and, while I'm not sure he can use Elwind yet, I'm sure he can use the Elfire and Elthunder tomes. But I do hope that you will, Riona. But not out of any sense of obligation to me or your soldiers. I hope that you will because the magic is part of you, Riona.
I know you worry about your fires and how they can burn the very things you wish to keep safe. But just as fire burns, it warms. The flames you have conjured in the past… they have sterilized the needles I use to make sure no one gets sick, and boiled the waters I use to make medicinal teas. They have kept us warm in cold months, and let us cook the foods we love so dearly. And so much more. Because they are your flames, Riona.
Again, you don't have to use these tomes. You don't have to learn. I only wanted to encourage you, and remind you of the warmth of fire, since I am certain I did not do that good of a job with that while you were growing up. Make the choice you think is best for you. Even though you will be my 'baby girl' forever, you are an adult, walking a new path. One you felt obligated to walk, but I hope that you will find joy and wonder in it. Remember that despite expectations, you are allowed to pick your own direction. I'm sure Oifeye has been doing what he can to encourage that, but I wanted to make sure.
Fight this war as you choose. Pick what weapons you wish to use. I know they will be what's best for you. After all, I raised you.
-Love, Aideen'
I read through the letter a couple of times, mostly to make sure I understood it. Then I looked at the three tomes, just… staring at them for a long while. Then, sighing, I pulled out the Elthunder tome, dropped Aideen's letter back into the box, and crawled over to where Arthur was also away from the group, reading through the notes he had. He glanced up at me curiously and I passed him the tome before sitting beside him, just… trying to think. Not out of obligation… but that had been the reason I had been pushing myself. But, then again, I did realize recently that the soldiers didn't necessarily need my best. They just needed me to be me, and open with them. So, I wasn't 'obligated' to pursue it for them. And Aideen had said that I shouldn't be 'obligated' on her part. So, why…? Well, I only had an idea, and it was basically what I'd told Seliph a few days ago.
"Hey, Arthur?" I called softly. He nodded, showing me that he was paying attention. "Can you teach me how you learned to love magic?"
"I can show you, sure," he replied with a sad smile. He tucked the tome under his arm. "You'll have to find your own reason."
"That's fine." And honestly, what I'd expect. "So, when are you free again?"
"I think we're going to be building this around your schedule."
"Okay, point."
The two of us hashed out a tentative lesson schedule, going alongside the sword lessons I gave him, before we joined the others in the group, laughing and giggling. The others knew that something was bothering me, but recognized that I didn't want to talk yet. So, Lana just pinned me on one side, Diarmuid leaned on my other side, and we all joked and smiled. They knew I'd tell them later.
That evening, Ulster asked that I'd spar with him. He wanted more practice with using an axe, especially since swordsmen tended to give axemen trouble. I agreed, of course, because I knew I needed the training. Besides, it had been a while since I had time alone with Ulster. We'd all been far too busy. It was almost frustrating, since we used to be able to spend time together whenever we wanted. Now? We had to schedule it in.
"Ah, that was a good workout," I breathed, stretching out as best as I could while laying on the ground. It was delightfully cool, and I needed the break. "How's your shoulder, Ulster?"
"I popped it back into place," Ulster replied, not moving from the ground either. It was just nice to lay down. "I forget your damn axe kicks."
"I'm sorry for retaliating like that."
"To be fair, I flipped you. Didn't mean to, but I definitely fell into habits." He nudged my leg with his foot. "How's your knee?"
"Aching a bit, but I think it's fine. I'll have Lana or Yuria check it over in the morning." I'd been the one who stupidly landed on one leg instead of doing the smart thing, like rolling. "I wonder what the sky looks in the desert."
"Same sky. Same stars."
"Ulster, there's such a thing as too sensible." I elbowed him in the side, and he rolled his eyes before scooting a little closer. "But I can't get over how weird it is. To be heading to Yied. I swear it's come up over a thousand times with us, but…"
"Yied is important. Yied was the last place our parents saw us, really. Where we last saw them." Ulster reached up towards the sky, tracing out a shape. Probably a constellation. "I find it weird too. It's always been this 'dreaded land' for our family."
"It has." It was in Yied when Quan, Ethlyn, Altena, and their knights died. It was in Yied where everything started falling apart for our parents. If we looked back even farther, it was in Yied where Isaach lost the war and its independence. "There's supposed to be dark mages there, right?"
"That's what the rumors say." Ulster let his hand fall to his side. "Wonder if there are children we'll need to save."
"Yeah…" I winced, thinking again of the child who died in front of me. Last I'd heard, we still hadn't learned who they were. There was just too little to go on. "Hey, Ulster?"
"Hmm?"
"How did it feel to visit your parents' graves?"
"It…" Ulster fell silent, thinking of the words he wanted. I waited patiently, knowing there was no point in hurrying him along. "It felt… final. But not entirely in a bad way." He pushed himself up slowly, sitting and looking up at the stars. "There was the answer. Nothing more to hope for. Nothing more to wish for. Nothing more to wonder. I can use that energy now for other things."
"I see." Maybe because of how tired I was, but my brain instantly jumped to a certain thought and I was saying it before the thought was even complete in my head. "So, like courting Lana?"
"Riona!" He scowled. "I'm being serious!"
"You're always serious."
"Did you seriously ask just to tease me?"
"No, I was genuinely curious." I just had no impulse control at the moment. "I do think you've got a good shot, though."
"Romance isn't a contagious disease that infects everyone, you know."
"As if Lana is the type to be in love with love!" I swung up so that I was sitting to, and I glared, offended on Lana's behalf. "Seriously?"
"That's not…" He glowered right on back. For two seconds before we both just burst into laughter. "I think I should be asking 'seriously' about that subject change!"
"Sorry! I emulated Larcei too much! We need her around to remind us to not put our feet in our mouths!" I covered my mouth to muffle the laughter, shaking my head. "No, I was genuinely curious, and then my mind jumped to a happier topic. But I had a reason for starting that conversation too."
"So, we should continue with the seriousness?"
"Sadly. For now." I managed to calm my laughter and I pulled my knees to my chest before resting my cheek on them to look at him. "Did you have any hesitations about taking up axes, Ulster? Because of everything House Dozel has done to Isaach?" Because everyone knew. It wasn't just what Danann had done. This all started because Langbalt taken advantage of one lord's greed and twisted it into a war just to open up the opportunity to assassinate Prince Kurth. Of course, the 'official version' was still Byron and Ring, with Sigurd conspiring, but Isaach knew the truth. Or, at least, more of the truth than Belhalla was willing to say. "I know I joked about it, but…"
"Why would…? Oh. Oh, wait, I get it now. Probably why you've been moody since we've gotten the packages too." He rolled his shoulders before slowly stretching out his arms. "I think you're overthinking. Again."
"That… that's not what I asked!" I huffed and poked his cheek. "Come on. Did you?"
"Not really. Though, then again, I didn't take up the axe until I had Father's. But when I had it, I didn't hesitate, no."
"I see." I sighed, letting myself slump. "I can't… Mom used her magic to heal. But I am no healer. I can pull a shift in the infirmary and stitch up wounds, but…" I couldn't do it all the time. I couldn't be neutral and heal all who came my way. I couldn't just wait for my loved ones, wondering if they'd return as corpses or people I had to heal. I wasn't suited to such things. "Mom also never fought, really. There's no tome from her." Aideen said that they tried to get Mom to learn how to fight, but she always refused. Shanan said it was because Mom could keep her poise and maybe get one or two hits in, but ultimately, she'd hesitate. You had to get her really angry to even make her consider hurting someone. And you couldn't hesitate in a fight. You couldn't always fight angry.
"You don't really have any items from her, do you? You've the earring from your father and his sword, but…"
"None of us really have anything from our parents, remember?" It wasn't as if our parents planned on that being the last time they saw us. "But no, I don't. And I'm trying to work through the whole magic thing via the Fire Sword…" Because 'swords' were Dad. I had a 'bond' with them because of him. By connecting it that way, I hoped I could push through. "And I'm going to try to work through it with Arthur." Because Arthur was family and it both gave us a good excuse to spend time together and helped 'even out' our relationship in my opinion. "I was just…"
"Kind of hoping I had advice?" Ulster shrugged. "Could just be easier because I have never thought of them as family. Iuchar… I'm slowly getting there. Because Iuchar is nice, if a bit weird."
"Fits in well with us."
"That he does!" He laughed, but soon became serious again. "But Danann? Nothing but a criminal. Iucharba? Nothing but someone who chose to fight us. Brian or whatever his name is? Don't give a damn. If he fights us, he'll fall." He pulled me into a one-armed hug and kissed the top of my head. "But you're not like that. You may never call him 'uncle', but you acknowledge that Arvis is your uncle. You accept him as 'family', even if you hate him."
"Well, yes…" Because Mom had loved him. Because it was because of him that Yuria was my family, that Julius was my family. "So…"
"In that case, I think my suggestion is just to declare it. Own it. He's your uncle. You are the niece of the man who thought he could hold the sun and didn't notice it scorching him until it was too late." Ulster smiled at me, rubbing my shoulder. "And so, learn the same magic, and show him how to actually utilize the sun's flames."
"Uh… Ulster?" I gave him my best skeptical look. "He's the Major, remember?"
"So was Danann. But I beat him. At axes. With help." His smile grew. "Oh, now what's that thing you like reminding Seliph again?"
"...Ah…" I had to laugh. Because he was right, and I was an idiot. "Our strength comes from each other. We watch each other." Oifeye had told me that it wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing to be 'like Arvis', because unlike him, I had friends. I had people willing to stop me if I went too far. "Even if I reach for the flames, you all will stop be before I burn everything we're fighting for."
"Way before." His eyes danced and now he grinned. "If, you know, you can stop making out with Seliph."
"You make it sound like we're always kissing each other!" I groaned, scowling. As predicted, Lester had told freaking everyone. "We have to steal moments, damn it!"
"We really need to figure out how to delegate better so that we have more time to just be our goofy selves. But we're getting distracted." He went back to smiling. "You've used your magic often to keep us safe, and to make sure we were warm. Just as I have used the defensiveness of the Neir blood to keep myself and others safe by blocking weapons." He patted me on the back. "We are our own people, Riona."
"True, true." I sighed. "Maybe I am overthinking it. I should just seize the prey like Hestia." I was the daughter of 'Death's Hound', sister of the 'Reaper's Wolf'. And no matter how much I loved Mom, I was definitely Dad's daughter through and through, which meant that the flames I inherited from her… they would burn my enemies in the hopes that the ash would help the plants grow. Which was like Arvis. But that… that would be okay. Because my friends, my family, would make sure I didn't go too far. "And speaking of being stubborn like Hestia…"
"I'm suddenly very terrified."
"Back to the possibility of you courting Lana. Because I'm not letting that go."
"Oh, gods damn it, Riona!"
I continued making suggestions until I got Ulster to blush, and then I dragged him inside to make him a snack. It felt like the least I could do to thank him.
Some nights, I wondered if I should just hold off on sleeping until after Hestia needed to go out one last time. That way I wouldn't be sleeping all peacefully and then have to wake up and stumble about in my pajamas to take her outside. I might be able to get extra work done too, and free up more time during the actual day for me to do what I wanted. Then again, sleep was nice. And wandering about in the middle of the night did let me observe interesting things. Like pretty owls flying silently through the skies, kitty cats chasing squirrels, and Yuria and Diarmuid talking in the garden.
"You have been bouncy ever since you left the infirmary," Diarmuid laughed, smiling warmly. Yuria simply giggled, and I ducked down behind some shrubs to shamelessly eavesdrop. Hestia was running about anyway, hunting for a midnight snack. "So, what has you all giddy? Is it because Lana left you in charge of the infirmary by yourself for the first time?"
"No, but I am very proud of that!" Yuria giggled, kicking her legs back and forth. She was short enough that her legs didn't touch the ground while sitting. "No, it's because Seliph asked me to teach him light magic! Me!"
"Well, who else would he ask? You're our expert." Diarmuid's smile warmed, and I had to smile as well. I knew she'd be excited. "Still, it is nice to know you can be depended on."
"It is! I'm so grateful that I'll be able to help him! And… you know…" She looked around cautiously and I ducked down more to make sure she couldn't see me. "Spending time with my older brother."
"How are you doing about all of that?" Diarmuid gently touched her shoulder. "I know you keep saying you're fine, but…"
"Oh, but I am. I'm not alone, and I'm surrounded by wonderful people!" Yuria laughed. "Even if all of you are much too pretty and good-looking. It's so easy to become flustered!"
"Going to point out that you're extremely beautiful yourself." Diarmuid smiled warmly, and Yuria blushed a nice bright-pink. "But you're certain?"
"Well, there's still confusion and disorientation. Making connections without a 'base' is difficult. But I'd like to focus on the good parts. Not because I want to ignore the bad stuff, but because I do not want it to overwhelm me and take this joy that I love so much."
"I should try to take that advice. It's quite wise." Honestly, all of us should try to do that. "Well, if you are certain, I'll try to stop pestering you about it."
"Oh, you're not pestering me in the slightest. I know you and everyone is simply very worried, even more so because our duties do not let us see everything." Yuria sighed. "Riona and Seliph haven't even had a chance to go on a second date."
"You're even more invested than the rest of us with that!"
"I like it when all of you are smiling. You all work far too hard, so you should have all the happiness you can. At least, that's what I think." She clapped her hands. "Ah! I got distracted. I wanted to ask you something."
"That you did, and I apologize for the tangent." Diarmuid leaned forward slightly, mostly to look her better in the face. "What is it?"
"Well, you've done such a wonderful job teaching me herbs, so I was wondering if you could help me figure out how to teach Seliph?" She clasped her hands in front of her. "I know teaching magic is different than teaching herbs, but please?"
"Of course, though I'm not so sure how good of a teacher I am. I think it's more that you're a good student." Diarmuid laughed softly and Yuria beamed. "You can also talk to Arthur. I think he's going to teach Riona."
"Oh, that's wonderful! I'll be sure to talk to him." Yuria giggled. "Thank you, though. I mean it."
"Of course." Diarmuid stood and helped Yuria up. "Still, the hour is very late. I think I see Hestia rushing about, which means she's been let out and Riona is no doubt grumbling curses around here somewhere." Normally, he'd be right, but I was having far too much fun eavesdropping at the moment. "Shall we head inside?"
"I think I'll say 'hello' to Hestia first, but please, go on ahead. It is very late, and I'm sure you have an early meeting." She smiled softly. "Good night, Diarmuid."
"Good night, Yuria." Diarmuid smiled at her one more time and then left, thankfully not walking past me. Yuria, for her part, didn't go after Hestia. Instead, she just stared after Diarmuid, watching him leave while blushing slightly.
So, I carefully crept out from behind the shrub and, seeing she hadn't noticed me, casually walked over and rested my elbow on her shoulder. "Diarmuid's got a very nice ass, doesn't he?" I noted blithely, leaning on her. She promptly squeaked and jumped. "Nice back too, but riding really tones that ass, you know?"
"R-Riona!" Yuria hissed, now blushing badly. Her eyes darted back towards where Diarmuid was, but he was out of sight. "Where did you come from?!"
"My mom." I poked her cheek, grinning. "Diarmuid told you I'd be out here."
"I… er…" She whimpered and covered her face with her hands. "Oh, darn it."
"Surprised you don't curse, considering us, but I suppose that's just the next stage of corruption." I whistled to let Hestia know where I was and moved to hug Yuria, cuddling her because she was just so cute~! "So, do you have a crush on him?"
"I have no idea." She glanced up at me hesitantly. "I have amnesia and only had contact with Lewyn until I came here."
"That is a very good point." I kissed her head and hugged her tighter. "A very good point."
"I do feel warm when near him, though, and his smile makes me happy. But I can't say for sure until…"
"I understand." I kissed her head again. "I'll make sure to not tease. Too much. And if it does become too much, you tell me at once, okay?"
"Okay."
"And I'm not sure if anyone else has noticed, but if they have and they tease, you also tell them to stop. Or tell me, and I'll make them stop. Or have Hestia do it." I grinned and she giggled. "Remember, we are family and we want everyone to be as comfortable as possible."
"I know." Yuria leaned into me. "Many times, though, I feel like I need an adult."
"I know the feeling very well."
The two of us chatted about lighter things before Hestia returned, muzzle bloody because she'd caught a squirrel or something. Afterwards, we headed inside, still chatting and cooing over Hestia, because she was doing her best to be cute. And then we promptly got ambushed by Larcei. Somehow.
"Finally, found someone!" Larcei cheered, clinging to my back. She'd jumped on my back, and I barely caught her. "Yay~!"
"When did you get back?" Yuria asked her, startled. I was more surprised Hestia didn't warn us about her, since Hestia normally charged us when separated. "You were…?"
"Oh, I got back just now."
"Just now?!" Now her voice got squeaky. I just kept on walking, deciding this was just Larcei being Larcei. "It's after midnight!"
"I wanted to get home to everyone!" Larcei giggled, so tired that she was loopy. "Riona, you smell nice. Did someone buy you perfume?"
"Muirne made us new lotions," I explained, pausing so that Yuria could catch up. Hestia fell in step with me, licking Larcei's leg in welcome. "Packages arrived. Yours are in your room."
"Really? Awesome!" Larcei laughed. Yep, she had gone crazy with exhaustion. "Hey, why is the ceiling swirly?"
"That's what left of your mind spiraling away."
"Good riddance!"
I carried Larcei to bed, Yuria helping me tuck her in. After Hestia made sure to lick Larcei enough times for a proper 'welcome home', I walked Yuria to her room and waited while Hestia got her fur all over Yuria as a 'good night'. Then I decided to check on everyone, making sure they were asleep. Even Diarmuid was, showing he'd been much more tired than he'd shown because he had barely changed into nightclothes and hadn't even bothered with a blanket. I tucked him in and wrote a note to let him know, while Hestia checked on some of the others.
Satisfied that everyone was fast asleep, I returned to my own room and sat down on the bed. Hestia laid down at my feet, and I snapped my fingers, producing a small flame. A sign of my Fjalar blood… something I used without the slightest hesitation… Ulster was right. I had been overthinking it. And Aideen was right in that it was a part of me. If I stopped focusing so much on my fear of being 'like Arvis', focusing on how negatively everyone has viewed magic all my life, then I could admit that I'd used magic all my life. Warming things, starting fires, burning clothes to get an advantage… all of that came naturally to me. And denying this magic… it meant denying Mom, who I loved dearly. Who I respected highly.
"I am a big silly sometimes," I whispered, dismissing the flames and flopping onto my back. Hestia immediately jumped onto the bed with me and burrowed into my side. "And you have been taking advantage of me being tired to scold you for doing things you're not supposed to." Hestia yawned, licked my cheek, and rested her head on my chest, pointedly closing her eyes. "Yeah, I know. Sleep time for Riona and Hestia."
Tomorrow… tomorrow, I would start learning magic. Not out of obligation. But because it was what I had inherited from Mom. Because it connected me to my family. And even if I hated Arvis, would always hate and never forgive him… I loved my family. So, if I thought of it like that, then I was sure I would come to learn to love magic too. In time. Maybe.
Author's Notes: So, Seliph actually has a decent magic growth (30%) thanks to the Naga blood. The only way he can take advantage of this in game is via magic swords, but hey, this is a novelization and there's nothing that says I can't have Seliph use magic instead of lances, so we're taking advantage of that Naga blood in this story. As for Hestia closing the door… my dogs have done that. All the 'El-' spells are B level spells in FE4, and Aideen (as a High Priest/Bishop) only has a C-rank in the elemental magics (and, in FE4, weapon ranks are set) which is why I chose to have her state that she couldn't use them. If Arthur is Azel's son, you can get Elfire at this point in the game via inheritance. If Arthur is Lewyn's son, you can get Elwind (and Forseti, meaning Elwind is rather useless on him). You can't get Elthunder at this point in the game as it's not available in Gen1 at all. But novelization. Again, I get to have fun.
'Oil' is put on swords to keep them from rusting, typically some sort of clove or mineral oil (or Choji oil, which is a mix of both). Ephrelas is a completely fictional plant. Tyrfing gives the most 'boosts' to stats outside of the Book of Naga, and it also grants the 'miracle' skill. There's nothing about the other weapons having extra things, really. I just added that in for fun.
Next Chapter - Interlude, Storm
