"Oh Beeeelllll"
Bell stopped in front of the line of carriages, ticket in hand, as an almost singing voice called out to him.
"Lord Hermes?"
The Messenger God was walking towards him, making his way through the crowds of people with long confident strides. Behind him, Asfi followed closely, her aquamarine dress flowing neatly around her.
Wow...
It was hard standing there by himself. A farm boy from somewhere outside of Orario, doing his best to blend in with his fancy black coat and shining black shoes. It was like watching a boy play dress up.
Upon arriving at Ganesha's hall, he had immediately felt out of place. All around him, Gods, Goddesses, and famous Adventurers walked as easily as if they lived there their whole life.
Handsome men and breathtaking women donned the most expensive and glamorous clothing he had ever seen as if they were a second skin to them. One after another, glittering carriages pulled up and away, each one carrying people who could be mistaken for gods and goddesses of beauty - in fact, Bell was quite sure that there were several deities of that particular trait.
"You look lost, Bell. Where's your partner?"
Bell snapped out of his thoughts at the mention of her.
"A-ah... so you've heard?"
"Oooh Bell, Bell, Bell. I think all of Orario has heard by now."
Hermes threw his head back in a boisterous uproar, his entire body shaking with genuine laughter.
"To think that the Sword Princess, Ice Queen and all, the "Breaker of a Thousand Hearts", the "Fearsome-"
"Hermes be nice."
Asfi spoke up from his shadow, grasping his shoulder with a tightly gripped hand.
"Ok, ok, I was just teasing..."
He wiped away a tear as he calmed himself down.
"But anyways, where are your fellow guild members? Did you not all come together?"
Bell felt a tinge of anxiousness pull on his heart as he responded.
"I'm not exactly... the most well - liked person at our familia right now... so I came alone..."
Hermes sighed dramatically, burying his face into the palm of his hand.
"Well, you might as well just stick wi-"
He stopped himself before he could finish the sentence.
"Well, well, never mind. I guess your partner has arrived after all."
Bell followed the God's eyes past his shoulder, turning around to see what he was staring at. All around them, eyes turned to the same direction as Hermes'. Right to the couple that walked through the door.
It was like seeing a princess from the old stories come to life. She stepped out from Loki's shadow, anxiously peering around at the crowds around her, which in turn stared at her. Her light green dress was adorned with sparkling crystals that seemed to give her a glowing spotlight. It ruffled and swirled as she turned nervously, the white lace lining spinning with her every movement. Her hands were held together at her waist, her fingers woven together. She wore black glossy gloves that reached up her arm before cutting off at her elbow with a point. Her hair flowed neatly down her back, with strands of silk adorned with sparkling gems interwoven in her golden locks.
Bell swallowed his punch nervously, feeling his face heat up just watching her stand by their Goddess, Loki, who obviously seemed pleased with the attention her favorite child was gathering due to her no expenses spared motif. It was clear, Loki did not hold back a single valis in showing her love for the Sword Princess. But it was even more so evident that Loki was enjoying the stares of envy cast upon her and her knight. Whenever a God or Adventurer alike seemed to be just borderline courageous enough to try and approach the Sword Princess, they were instantly smothered by the sweltering glare of her fierce deity.
Bell watched in wonder as Loki moved her gaze around the room, seemingly homing in on anyone who dared take a step in their direction and staring them down. But then, her vermillion eyes fell upon Bell. He tensed up, flinching as he feared for the worst, but the worst never came. Instead, Loki only smiled mischievously, sticking out her tongue as her eyes glowed triumphantly. As soon as her gaze fell upon him, it left, moving on to hone in on another unfortunate target.
What… was that about…?
"My, my… and what are you looking at, little Rabbit?"
Chills ran across Bell's shoulders as a gentle voice sounded from behind him. Turning around, Bell instantly regretted tearing his eyes away from Ais. A intense dizziness overcame his mind, numbing his body as his legs threatened to buckle and give out. Before him, a familiar Goddess stood too close for comfort. He didn't even have time to register her appearance as his gaze was completely drawn in to the Goddess of Beauty's gleaming purple eyes.
Freya...!
"I-I… uh…."
Speak Bell! Say something!
"What's that, child?"
Damnit! I can't feel my face…!
Behind him, the loud laughter of a certain red headed trickster goddess snapped him back to reality, forcing an image of Ais in that dress back into his mind. Biting down on his tongue, Bell winced slightly as he opened his mouth to speak.
"I… was just watching my Goddess' entrance. You see, she really enjoys attending events such as these, and making as big a splash as possible."
It wasn't completely false. Loki obviously enjoyed making entrances like this. Bell didn't need to have been a veteran member of the Familia to realize that, he just needed to sound like he was.
"Hmm… is that so…?"
She smiled slyly at him, her eyes slowly blinking behind long, elegant lashes.
Wow… she really is… worthy of her title...
Without taking her eyes away from Bell, Freya spoke again.
"She appears to be busy, so why not mingle with those around you?"
Her words were lathered with honey, her silver tongue spilling out enchanting words that sounded as if a symphony was playing in his ears. But still, he forced himself to speak.
"Lady Freya... I know you weren't there directly, but I just wanted to thank you-"
"For what?"
She flashed him a dazzling smile that shone brighter than-
No! Focus!
"Well... Allen said that he wouldn't have taken me in had you not told him to... so..."
"Ah... did he now? Well then, if you insist on thanking me, there is one way you could pay me back..."
She smiled again, stepping even closer to him.
"Would you care to da—"
"Lady Freya!"
Another voice tore Bell away from the Goddess' gaze.
"Lord Hermes?!"
The Messenger God appeared at his side, bowing deeply in a flashing white suit. He stepped forwards spreading his arms as he spoke, his left hand brushing in front of Bell as he did so.
"What brings you to this magnificent banquet? The last time I heard you stepped out of the tower, was the Denatus back a month or two ago."
What is he…
He turned to Bell without bothering to wait for an answer from the the less than pleased Goddess.
"And Bell! You must be excited for the expedition tomorrow! I heard that since you've joined the Loki Familia, you've grown leaps and bounds!"
His words sounded light, energetic and beaming with joy, but his face said otherwise. Unlike every other time Bell had run into the God, his lips were always turned into a joyous smile, his eyes wide and inviting. But now, his smile seemed to be grim and absent of any positive emotion whatsoever. He eyes were darkened, serious, and unwavering, as if warning him to stay away.
Once again, without waiting for Bell's reply, Hermes moved to face Freya, turning his body to face her. In the end, Bell found himself peeking over the God's shoulder at the silver haired Goddess of Beauty.
Woah… she does not look happy…
Her smile wavered, her purple eyes gleamed with apprehension as she stared down the Messenger of the Gods.
"My apologies, Lord Hermes, but I've forgotten something direly important. I expect you'll keep Loki's child company in my absence?"
"But of course..."
With that, she smiled once more before excusing herself and turning to vanish into the crowd.
"Lord Hermes…"
"Bell. Sorry about that… it's rather dangerous to…"
He stopped mid-sentence, trailing off as he looked around almost nervously at the chattering gods and goddesses milling about the hall.
"Here… come with me…"
Under a blanket of music and voices drifting in from surrounding conversations, Hermes beckoned Bell to follow him towards the grand windows overlooking the exterior gardens. Along the way, several other deities stopped him, hoping to catch up or maybe simple "mingle", but the messenger god deflected their conversation with a certain fleet-footedness that Bell couldn't help but find admirable. He pushed open a glass door, tipping his hat to the Ganesha security operative who stood motionless by the exit, his tall egret plume waving above him as he did so. As soon as Bell stepped outside and closed the door behind him, the sounds of conversation fell to but a distant whisper.
The noises from glasses clicking and the laughter of deities and humans alike seemed so far away, even though there was simply a mere pane of glass holding back the wave of sound.
"What's so important that we had to step out here for, Lord Hermes?"
Bell turned away from the glass, stepping out onto the stone patio to join the Messenger God. Hermes didn't respond right away, only offering a grin before gesturing out to the scenery before them. Just a few meters across the stone patio, a railing stood overlooking the grand gardens outside. Meticulously trimmed hedges and bushes decorated the freshly cut lawn, with bright flowers blooming across the greenery. A staggered stone path led further into the garden, looping around a magnificent fountain surrounded by benches several tall gem powered lamps. It truly was a beautiful sight to behold.
"Why get to the serious stuff right away? Lets have some fun first."
With a grunt of effort, the God hopped up onto the railing before stepping out over the side. He fell through the air gracefully, disks of blue light inscribed with glowing runes appearing every so often under his feet to ease his descent. Bell only stared as Hermes hopped a couple times down to the garden below, one hand stretched out for balance, the other holding his hat in place.
"Come on down! I swear it's completely safe."
Bell stared doubtfully at the glowing blue disks, dubious of their capabilities. He glanced to the left, spotting an elegant staircase that descended gently and quaintly to the grounds below. With a sigh, Bell stole one last wistful glance at the stairs before hopping the railway to follow the much too cheerful god. The first disk blinked a bright blue as Bell stepped on it. Upon closer inspection, it appeared to be several rings layered within each other with intricate runes bound between. The magic circle was solid, holding firmly with no signs of it giving way.
"See? What'd I tell you?"
Bell stepped down quickly to the remaining blue disks before landing gently in the garden.
"Was that really necessary, Lord Hermes? I could've just jumped down, or taken the stairs right over there…"
"Nonsense, Bell! A God's magic is one of the greatest displays of power a mortal might ever have the pleasure of laying their eyes on! But, with my being so heavily limited by Lord Ouranos, this amount of power is near all I can muster outside of Heaven."
"But… all you did was make a couple floating disks…"
"Yes. And they were magnificent, weren't they!"
Hermes laughed playfully, slapping Bell's back several times as he leaned back, turning his eyes to the darkening sky.
"…"
He came to a stop. His arms fell back to his sides, and his smile vanished from his face.
"Now. About Lady Freya…"
He turned to face Bell, a serious look covering his usually joyous expression.
"She's always been… difficult… to deal with, to say the least."
He crossed his arms, huffing lightly as he continued on.
"Much like Lord Apollo, she... collects... people she finds interesting. Rumor has it that she can see the color of mortal souls, and appraises the value of the color that is given off. Once she has her eyes on a mortal, whether they be a normal adventurer or another Familia's child, she will not hesitate to go to the ends of the planet to get what she wants."
A tingle rolled across Bell's shoulders as he listened intently.
"Now, I believe she has set her eyes on you."
Bell looked up in shock, his eyes widening as he processed what was being said.
"Me...?! But... why?"
Hermès shrugged lightly, closing his eyes as he responded.
"I dunno, beats me whatever her criteria is. Maybe you got a shiny soul or something. All I know is that Hestia once asked me to carry on a warning to you if anything were ever to happen to her, so I'm assuming at least she knew the full details of the situation. So, as a warning, stay away from goddesses of beauty. They're nothing but trouble."
He clenched his fingers together and brought his hand up to his chin, appearing as if he was lost in thought.
"There are a lot of things that you don't yet understand about us Gods."
He looked up, his eyes glinting with a cold, serious gaze.
"We all have our fair share of secrets, Bell. The Guild, us Gods, even the Dungeon itself. None of us are without faults. Not all of us are as pure as the title sounds. The title is just that, a title. Don't be deceived by our divine power and abilities, there is always room in the belly of the beast for young naive adventurers like yourself to be swallowed up by. Don't idolize us too much. We'll only let you down."
Bell stared back at the God as if he was looking at an entirely different person. Hermes, the playful cheerful god of mischief was gone. In his place was someone almost unrecognizable.
"This city, is much, much bigger than you can ever realize. The potential for greatness and achievement is limitless, but so are the bounds of darkness and secrecy. How much you delve into these two opposing worlds is up to you, and you alone."
Hermès' words echoed in his ears, resounding inside his head, reverberating through his very existence.
"The journey ahead of you shall be long, and filled with twists and turmoil - as is the start of any adventurer's life. But, the ones who can come out on top those forces of darkness untainted by the evil lingering in the shadows of this grand city, they are the ones who will go down in history - their names forever remembered for the virtue, honor, and courage they represented. If you so choose to do so, embark on your own journey, conquer your inner demons and walk in the path of the righteous. That, is what will make you the coolest hero."
He placed a hand gently on the young adventurers shoulder smiling lightly as he spoke those familiar words. Images of Finn, Riveria, and Gareth flooded his mind. They stood together, cloaked in light, illuminating a path in the shadows. Together, they carved a way through the darkness, leading behind them their merry band of executives and eager adventurers yearning to be the next to engrave their names in the text that is history. Bell stood behind them all, watching their backs as they trekked into the unknown, fearless, untouched by doubt and hesitation.
That's it. I remember... I... really do want to become a hero...! I want to be like them!
Hermès stood back up, removing his hand and adjusting his feathered cap.
"Whichever path you choose, I'm sure the Gods will be pleased. With our desire for entertainment in this vast and empty cosmos, we pay attention to more than you know."
His eyes flicked up and past Bell for a second, focusing on something above and behind them.
"But for now, it seems you still have some growing up to do. Some experiences to explore, pleasures of your own to enjoy."
"Bell?!"
A familiar voice sounded from the patio behind them. Bell turned quickly, his heart skipping as he placed a face to the voice.
"A-Ais!"
He looked back towards the hall to see Ais standing at the railing, one gloved hand holding on as she peered out towards him. The lights from the great windows shone down on her as she gracefully made her way down the stairs and out across the grass to meet him.
—
"What are you doing out here alone, Bell?"
"Oh! I… I was just talking to…."
He turned back to face Hermes, only to find that the messenger god has vanished. Only a single feather gently floating to the ground had been left behind.
She approached him, smiling as she did so.
"I thought you were to be my escort tonight…?"
Once again, heat flared across his face.
"S-sorry, I-I didn't…want to interrupt you…I mean, it's not your fault, it's just that… Lady Loki, w-wait, I mean… ah…"
He looked down to cover his embarrassed face, shame, spreading across his cheeks. But the sound of laughter brought his attention back up to Ais. The girl stood before him, one gloved hand covering her mouth as she giggled lightly, her body shaking.
"W-what's wrong, Ais?!"
Bell straightened immediately a worried expression coming over his face. While her laughter was amongst the most beautiful sounds he had ever heard, it was still something new and out of character for the girl before him.
"Nothing, nothing… sorry… it's just that, you're… always so nervous."
Bell stood, shocked, before his mouth curled into a smile.
"Yeah… I guess I am…."
As soon as the moment passed, in the ensuing silence, the sound of strings begun to leak out from the hall, filling the air with the tune of a slow waltz.
"You know... I never did get a chance to dance tonight… with my partner missing and all..."
Ais tilted her head, her hands clasped together in front of her stomach as her body swayed back and forth under the gentle moonlight. Shff. Her dress followed her movements, elegantly flowing and spinning across the grass.
Is.. she.. asking me…? Oh!
Bell's heart leapt in his chest, and a new wave of panic spread throughout his body.
What was it that that man did inside… That's right! He —
Bell took a half step back, a smile still on his face as he bowed and extended his left hand, his heart rate increasing with every passing second.
"Can I…. May I — have this dance…?"
Sneaking a peek at her face, Ais, clad in that beautiful dress, his heart nearly exploded at the sight of her bright smile.
"…gladly."
He felt the weight of her hand in his own, and summoning every ounce of courage in his body, he closed his fingers around hers.
My heart… my pulse…. can she feel it in my fingers…?
Doing his best to keep his breath steady, he led her to an open spot in the garden. Slowly looping his right arm behind her, Bell placed his hand on her back as Ais placed her left on his shoulder. All that was left, was to dance.
"Uhh —"
"Ah —"
They weren't in sync at all. He stumbled, she tripped. They were fighting just to keep balance. Ais was first and foremost a warrior, so it was clear that dancing would not come so easily her.
But I'm a man, and I'm failing to lead… how pitiful…
Thump.
Ais' head hit him square in the chest.
If I don't do something, this'll be a complete disaster…!
But then, he remembered. With a flash of realization, the scenery changed. For a moment, he was back on the wall. Training with Ais day and night, clashing blade against blade. Their eyes met, and a confident smile was shared between them. She had remembered as well. They listened intently to the music, and their feet started to line up, and together they began to sway across the garden. He desperately tried to read her movements, to figure out where she was coming from, and how to properly react. How would she follow, where is she aiming for? It would all come down to the first step - and what movement goes from there. He looked into her eyes, glistening in the moonlight.
-Right?
-L-Left, please.
Uneven at first, but slowly and surely, they finally began to move in unison. They didn't speak, instead, their eyes and subtle movements did all the talking. They continued to sway under the moonlight, gracefully dancing their way around the fountain and past the flower beds.
"This… is my first…"
"What?"
"My first time dancing… I always wanted to try, when I was little…"
"R-really?"
"Yes."
It was unexpected. It felt strange, but a smile grew on his face. He could feel his lips loosening with each passing moment.
"So I'm happy I got to dance… Thank you."
She shyly glances down, before looking back to him with a glowing smile. For a moment, she looked like a child instead of a knight. The hardened warrior was gone, and Bell found himself lost in the sparkles of her golden eyes. The mask of refinement and grace she always wore was gone, replaced by the smile of a cheerful little girl.
Maybe, no, definitely - this is the real Ais Wallenstein.
He was pretty sure he was smiling. His face was feeling funny, but he was so happy he wouldn't have even known is he was making a weird expression. She smiled back, her gaze slightly trembling. His hand on her waist, her hands on his shoulders. Her golden locks flowing and bouncing in perfect time with the faint music. Their steps in sync, and gliding across the grass, spinning in place. A orange glow spread across the grounds as the magic-stone lamps illuminated the garden, as if lighting the floor just for their dance. Above them, the starry night sky twinkled and sparkled, and the moment continuing to feel like a dream.
"The music has changed…?"
The waltz had slowed in tempo, and inside, pairs begun to leave the dance floor as couples stepped on. Bell and Ais watched intently, waiting to see what type of dance would be started next. Much to their surprise, the couples that remained on the floor had abandoned the traditional steps of a waltz and had opted for…
This is…! Couples… dancing?
He had completely forgotten. The last few songs of the evening were always slow songs meant for couples to dance together. But here he was with Ais, alone, and completely terrified.
"Uh… Ais…d-do you…"
He was cut off. Ais had released her hold on his shoulders, and moved in close, throwing her arms around his neck and pulling them closer together.
"A-ah!"
Out of surprise, he nearly stumbled backwards, but he recovered by leading it straight into the smooth steps mirrored from the couples inside.
That… was lucky… I almost fell!
"…hands…"
Ais looked down and away as she mumbled quietly.
"S-sorry, what?"
"Your… hands…"
His heart jumped from his chest, and his hands recovered from shock and regained their sense of feeling.
Soft…?
"AH!"
He nearly screamed, no, he did scream.
"S-sorry!"
His hands were wrapped, not around her waist, but slightly lower. Their faces flushed red, and Bell hastily corrected his grip, moving them around her waist instead.
W-wait… when did we… get so… close?
Her body was pressed against his own, her dress flowing over his shoes as they slowly swayed and and spun. Her breath was warm against his neck, and her hair smelled faintly of cinnamon.
T-this is…I…I can't believe it!
Their faces were mere inches away from one another, their eyes locked together.
"Bell…."
She gently whispered his name as they leaned closer together. He felt her name pass over his lips, but he couldn't hear a sound. All he could hear, was her soft breathing, the gentle ruffling of her dress, and the light tapping of their shoes as they swayed slowly. All he could see was her eyes, trembling slightly, golden and sparkling. His eyes flickered downward, momentarily watching as her lips slightly parted, her breath gentle and soft.
Could it be…? Is this it….?
His gaze softened as it rose to meet hers once again, and his heart nearly melted away.
"Do it Bell! Now's your chance!"
A distant voice screamed his name.
G-grandfather?
But his body made no movement. They simply continued to sway gently, their faces - their lips, inches away from contact. His mind had long gone blank, and yet his body continued to move on its own.
Words… Words! Say something!
Barely thinking, he started to speak.
"I… never thanked you…"
"For what…?"
"For allowing me…. to escort you tonight…"
She blinked slowly, looking up at him through her lashes. Both their faces had a slight red glow - even more accentuated from the glow of the lamps.
"Oh…of course…"
She responded half heartedly, as if not sure of what she was even saying. The music had stopped, and the dancers inside has slowed to a stop, yet they continued to sway slowly, staring into each other's eyes. His arms pulled her closer, her arms wound tighter around his neck. Their hearts beat as one under the moonlight.
"I…I've been wanting…to…"
His head leaned forward slightly, as if being pulled closer by an invisible string. Her eyes sparkled and shone, almost trembling in the dim light.
"Bell…"
Her voice, a mere murmur in his ear.
Then, contact.
Time slowed to a crawl as his lips captured hers, pressing gently against her as his heart jumped and soared, threatening to break free from his chest. They stopped moving, his arms holding her against him as she moved her hands from his neck to gently hold the sides of his face. He had stopped thinking by now as she pulled him deeper into the kiss.
As she relaxed in his arms, he felt his shoulders fall loose and his hands cease their trembling. After what seemed like for and eternity, they pulled away, opening their eyes. She moved her hands back around his neck, and he left his around her waist.
Only after they had broken apart, had he realized that he had forgotten to breath. And, that a line of tears had fallen down his face. Two single streaks that fell across his skin, slowly falling to the grass below them. She looked into his shaking eyes, her own still trembling and sparkling in a beautiful golden light.
As he watched, speechless, she pressed her lips together, rolling them slightly before parting once more. They stayed like that for a moment. Silent, and just gazing into each other's eyes - Rubellite and Gold - before he spoke.
"….I…I'm… sorry… I don't know why…"
He lowered his eyes, blindly several times as he struggled to find the words to say.
"It's….okay…."
Bell looked back up at her words.
"That…. was my first… as well…."
She laughed a little at his stunned reaction. A light giggle that rang clearly like a bell throughout the empty garden. He smiled at that. His lips curled upwards as she continued to laugh quietly.
"There it is…."
"What is..?"
"Your smile… one that finally matches your eyes…"
"Can I…. May I…. Kiss you again…?"
She laughed lightly and nodded. In that moment, with her golden hair flowing alongside her light green dress, her smile widening across her face, Bell swore he had never seen anything more beautiful.
—
Above them on the balcony outside the great hall, Riveria leaned her arm across railing, her face resting in the palm of one of her hands propped up on her elbow. A smile was spread across her face as she watched the two figures sway gently below her. Beside her, Gareth and Finn stood quietly, a similar smile on their own faces.
"It's nice watching the young 'uns like this, isn't it?"
Finn nodded in agreement.
"It is a nice sight to see Ais smile like that, wouldn't you say, Riveria?"
The royal elf merely smiled deeper, her eyes softening as she watched the girl she viewed as her own daughter sway back and forth.
"Whatcha looking at?"
She turned to her left and saw Loki leading Tione, Tiona, Lefiya, and Bete up to them.
"Hey! Isn't that Ais and the Argonaut?"
Tiona opened her mouth to yell a greeting, but Tione clamped a solid hand over her, silencing her voice.
"Can't you tell they're busy?"
Tiona blinked and squinted her eyes, peering into the low light at the couple.
Her eyes widened in disbelief at the sight, and her mouth dropped open as she turned to look at her sister.
"No… way…!"
"Aiiiiissss noooooooo!"
Beside them, Loki was slumped over the railing, tears spilling from her eyes as she cried at the scene. Lefiya stood next to her, patting her shoulder reassuringly, barely maintaining her own trembling face as tears also streamed from her eyes.
"Pfft, it's about time he made a move. It's been tiring watching him moon over her all the time anyways."
Bete crossed his hands behind his head, scoffing at the events unfolding below them.
"Huuuuh? Weren't you the one spilling your guts to Ais a few months ago at the tavern?"
"Wha— That was like forever ago! Don't you ever forget anything!?"
"Not when it's as stupid as that!"
"I'll show you stup-"
The group laughed at Bete and Tiona's quarreling, but Riveria silenced them with a hushed tone.
"Quiet! I think… I think he's—!"
A collective gasp rose from their mouths as they leaned over the railing, eyes glued to the two below them.
"Captain, are you watching this?!"
"Yes, I'm standing right next to you."
"Go for it Argonaauuut!"
"Ugh I can't watch this…!"
"Heh, the boys got some spunk in 'im!"
"I… think I'm gonna cry some more…"
"It's okay, Loki! I'll cry with you!"
The young group of executives, and Loki, huddled together. Each expressing their own feelings on the scene that had gone on before them.
But Riveria remained mostly silent, still watching Ais and Bell.
"…Riveria….?"
Finn looked up at the usually calm and stoic elf with a teasing smile.
"N-Not a word…."
She remained facing forward, a light blush on her cheeks as a tear threatened to spill from her eyes, hints of a smile coming on her face.
You're all grown up now, aren't you, Ais…?
