Once upon a time, Amelia was a happy young girl who had a full life.
Then, you know, her father died, her mother was kidnapped and her home village of Silva fell victim to bandits like everywhere else. And then Grado fell knee-deep into a war that they persistantly started and the rest is history.
Unlike most though, who would only cower in fear in the wake of such events, she only felt her core blaze brightly. Amelia swore that she would become the greatest knight that Grado would ever see, and it's a goal that spurs her on to this day.
Even if now she doesn't fight for Grado; she fights for the people instead, doing her due diligence to ensure that no one else falls victim to what she had. A noble journey, one that she'll happily lay her life down for.
She hopes it won't ever come to that.
And Amelia has worked so hard to get to this point- the one where she relies less on others and they rely on her instead. What a fantastic feeling. She's so small and slight, and yet she's made such a comeback from her useless younger self.
The time has come, she thinks with a smile, smoothing her hand across the shiny surface of her newly commissioned General's armor.
"You ready?" asks Franz once he steps into the tent.
"Yes, sir- er, Franz." She's still getting used to the casual feel of the company, even now. Old habits die hard. "Aced the class-up, you know? All that's left is-"
"The armor," says Franz, shooting her a wide grin.
Amelia returns it heartily, her cheeks a smidge flush with excitement. And, you know, because Franz is a little cute, not that she pays attention or anything.
"I don't really know where to start," she murmurs.
"That's what I'm here for," says Franz, "Takes a bit to figure it out but I know you will in no time. Until then, we'll all help you out."
And so, Franz helps her belt piece after piece. Shows her the best way about it, and how to do it alone in a pinch. Amelia soaks up the information like a sponge, eyes practically glowing with excitement.
"You know," she says with a wide smile when they're done, "It's not really about the armor. I mean, it's nice and all." She pauses to shift around slightly, testing its weight. "It's all about the axe."
Franz gives her a puzzled look. "The axe?"
"Yeah! Can't be the best knight around without the best of weapons. Axes are truly second to none. No one would ever let me touch one- always said that I was too small, too feminine, too-"
"I thought you were a boy the first time we met."
"Exactly," says Amelia in robust agreement, "The entire point is that everyone else is dumb. Women can most certainly wield the same heavy-handed things as men. Like this armor."
Franz nods, a crooked little smile on his mouth. "And axes," he says.
Amelia looks at him, biting her lip, trying to keep from breaking her face with a smile. But she can't help it and nearly squeals in response. "Okay, okay, I can't wait anymore- Let's get to the weapons tent!"
And to the weapons tent they go, Amelia whisking through the camp briskly with Franz close on her heels. The candles inside light the place in a dim glow, but Amelia itches with excitement, her fingers stroking along the gentle curve of the first Iron Axe she finds.
Gotta start somewhere.
She hefts it, surprised at how easily it fits in her hands, how little effort it takes to hold.
Years ago, that wouldn't have been the case. It's truly a testament to how much she's grown and how hard she's worked to get to this point.
"How's it feel?" asks Franz with a chuckle. "Like you're the best of all knights?"
Amelia's mouth curls into a smile, but this one's gentler than her others, more calm and subdued as she just enjoys the moment. "You know, at this point, that doesn't matter much. As long as I can protect others, that's enough for me."
Franz hums in response, leaning against the weapons repair table, watching her. Amelia holds the axe out, taking a tentative swipe. She can feel the power of it within her grasp, relishing in the way that it feels.
Then, she looks at Franz and asks, "Well? How do I look?"
His arms are crossed over his chest and he pretends to think for a moment. "Just like a General, but that's no surprise. There isn't one more deserving."
Amelia cracks a devilish grin right back.
