If one asked who the clumsy, worst cook, and cleaner was, everyone would immediately say Felicia was the one. Ah, but when it came to skills in fighting, she was the superior one to all the maids in the household, even her older sister, Flora. Ah, but when it came to ice magic, it was her sister that was superior. As of right now, since it was her day off, she wanted to try practicing cooking.
"Oh, did you hear?" She was one her way to the kitchen as she heard a few of her fellow maids' gossip, " Seems Lord Jeralt's daughter has befriended the children. I saw them all in the library. They all looked so adorable." One maid said.
"I saw her heading to the kitchen. They were following her like little ducklings. It was cute sight." The other responded.
"Eh...? The kitchen?" Felicia went pale.
No, no, no! An important guest should never be in the kitchen! Felicia of the Ice Tribe took her job seriously and ran to the kitchen as she could but trips on her feet easily.
"Kyyaaa!" She yelled out and was quickly caught by a familiar gloved hand.
"Goodness Felicia! You need to be careful! You are lucky I caught you on time!" A man with silver colored hair in a ponytail, pale skin, gray eyes and wearing a butler's clothing, said as he helped his friend up.
"Sorry Jakob. I was heading to the kitchen. Our guest daughter is heading to the kitchen to cook! I cannot allow such thing!" Felicia said.
Jakob sighed. Felicia was a young woman with light pink colored hair in a high ponytail dressed as a maid. Truthfully, she also had daggers hidden under her clothing. She isn't the only one though.
"Look, usually your sister would be in charge of the kitchen today, but she was ordered to accompany Lord Jeralt and his team to guide them through the snow. How about we both go check? I'll make you a coffee to help you calm your nerves." He said.
"Thank you, Jakob! This is why you and my sister are engaged!" Felicia said.
"Ssshhhhhhh! I don't want the other to find out!" He hushed her.
She covers her mouth and quickly apologizes. He sighed once more and the two headed to the kitchen.
- With Arisa -
"Mix, mix, mix, then add sugar, pinch of cinnamon, my own mix of honey. Milk, eggs, cream, butter. Tiny bit of baking powder. Mix it up, then add vanilla. Mix mix mix, here we have the recipe for pound cake!" Arisa said cheerfully as she used a chair to stand on to reach the counter.
The chef, who she learned his name was Toro, smiled proudly as he watched the girl bake. Honestly, she just asked politely is she could use the kitchen to make something for the kids, which he accepted because of how polite she was. Sothis smiled as she sat on the table while the kids sat on the chairs, all watching.
"Bet you 2 coppers she doesn't know what she is doing. Usually commoners or servants cook." Sylvian said as he leaned back in his chair as he watched Byleth ask Toro if he could hand her another bowl and a bag of powdered sugar.
"Come on Sylvain. She seems like a nice person." Ingrid said as she looked over and saw Toro putting the cake in the oven.
"I wonder how her food tastes like...?" Felix said.
"Well...at least it's not Felicia's cake." Ingrid said and all three of them shuddered at the thought of the Cake of Death.
Suddenly everyone heard screech so loud that Arisa swore her eardrums popped. Felix was used to it as was Toro. Poor Sylvian, Ingrid and Sothis were in pain.
"My Lady! Why are you cooking?!" The female voice screeched, and Arisa turned to the source.
Her eyes went wide as she recognized two familiar faces that she has seen appeared in the Fire Emblem series.
"Felicia and Jakob..." she mentally thought and seems Sothis heard her.
"Y-You. Know them...?" Sothis said weakly as she sluggishly floated over to her friend with her hand over her ear.
"Well..not exactly?" She answered back and saw Jakob using one of the plates to fan the poor woman, who looked ready to pass out at any moment.
Arisa sighed as jumped off the chair and walked over to the two. Toro watched with a playful smile as the scene was about to unfold.
"Hello there! I am Arisa Byleth! Sorry if I have caused you trouble. As an apology, please allow me to make you some tea." She said politely and gave a small bow.
"No, no, no, it's alright! No need to worry My Lady! I think Felicia has had too many heart attacks today." Jakob said a bit rudely.
"Well, him being rude was true." Arisa mentally groans.
"But I insist." She said and went right back to kitchen counter and started the kitchen stove to have water boil.
"Uummmmm...My lady...I don't think you should be making the tea. That's my job. Also, you are a guest!" Felicia said as she saw Arisa pick out the jar of jasmine tea and she smiled at her.
Seems she has recovered. One, the main reason Arisa was doing this was one, to save everyone from drinking Felicia's tea because it would mean the death of everyone in this room. Two, she wanted to poke at Jakob. Clearly the man was looking down at her. Well, challenge accepted. She will prove that she can make a delicious tea! Jakob is an expert in brewing coffee, she will prove that she is an expert in brewing tea! After all, she had a whole shelf of different teas in her old world!
"It's alright, mi lady. I've made tea many times. I like making it especially for my friends and family." She said as the water finished boiling and she picked up the 8-cup teapot.
Jakob narrowed his eyes as he watched the girl skillfully pour the hot water into the pot and then tipped it out. He raised an eyebrow. Felix, Ingrid and Sylvain watched from the table they were sitting at as Sothis was smiling smugly. Felicia suddenly turned her way and the goddess froze. The maid slightly cocked her head a bit and blinked.
"That's odd..." she thought, "I know there are only 7 people here yet...it feels like one more..strange..." Felicia thought as she rested her chin on her hand.
Sothis just let go of a sigh of relief. The maid then turned to Arisa who had now opened the small porcelain jar that had the sweet apple blend and put 9 tablespoons. 1 per person and one extra for the pot. Next, pouring in the hot water, she closed the lid and let it steep for 3 minutes.
"Here," Jakob sighed as he walked over to the kitchen counter and places the tea pot and cups on it, along with the plates, "I'll take it to the table for you. I don't want you to drop it." He said as she looked at him shocked as he took it to the table where the children were.
"Oh! Just a few more minutes until the cake is done!" Arisa said excitedly as she got off the chair.
"Also...thank you, Mr..." she pretended not to know his name.
"Jakob. The woman over there is Felicia." He said as he placed the tray down.
"But My lady! You even made cakes while I wasn't here!" Poor Felicia said as she processed what the girl said and looked ready to faint.
"Hahahah! No worries dear! Seems the little lass can take care of herself!" Toro laughed as he watched the exchange.
"You were supposed to stop her!" The maid cried and Arisa just smiled.
"Ahh, but it was fun helping her. All I had to do was put the cake in the oven. Don't be so harsh. Besides, the second one she made is for us. The little lass wanted us servants to also enjoy some food." Toro said.
"Oh! The cakes are ready! Mr. Toro, could you take them out for me?" Arisa asked as she began to serve the tea.
Jakob watched as the young woman served the tea professionally. How can a five-year-old know how to do such a thing? It takes at most 2 years to full perfect serving tea.
"Of course, lass!" Toro smiled as he walked near the oven and grabbed the wooden paddle.
Carefully, sliding it under the two pound cakes, he pulled them out and put them on a cake tray. The children all sighed in bliss as the sweet smell of vanilla hit their nostrils. Even more when they saw Arisa pour a white glaze over cake help it absorbed the sweetness. After 20 minutes of the cakes cooling down, and one maid that fainted, Arisa was happily eating pound cake along with her tea.
"Hmmm..." Jakob said as he held his cup.
Felicia was just face flat on the table, sobbing. Arisa chuckled a bit nervously as she gently patted the woman's head. The butler sighed and took a sip of his tea. His eyes widened. It was perfect. The right sweetness, bitterness, and taste. How?! Only professionals can do such a thing. A five-year-old child should not be able to do something like this yet.
Looked over to the children who were more than happy eating the cake and drinking tea, looking like they just received a gift from the Goddess. Arisa was able to gently coax Felicia and trying some and was glad she did because the woman finally relaxing eating happily. Even Toro was impressed. Jakob looked over to the young girl who made this wonderful concoction. She gave off...this strange funny feeling. How should he put it? Her eyes, they held the glint of some far more mature. He slightly narrowed his eyes. He needs to keep his eyes on this one.
- 40 minutes later -
"Ghhhaaaaaa! Sothis, please tell me I wasn't the only one that noticed! Jakob kept narrowing his eyes at me! Did I give myself out too much?! Especially when I was making the tea?!" Arisa screeched as she was alone in one of the guests living rooms.
She made a quick disappearance after everyone finished eating. She swears she felt Jakob's eyes burning his look into her soul. She honestly would pretend she didn't notice it at all. Sothis sighed to her as she floated in front of her.
"Trust me, you aren't the only one who nearly had their life scared out of them." She said.
"The maid...Felicia...seems she was able to feel my presence." Sothis said as she sat next to her.
The two were sitting on a couch.
"What, that's impossible. Even you told me no one should be able to sense you." Arisa said, worried.
"Correct. Not a single s-" She suddenly went silent and turned to look up to one of the doors.
Arisa followed her gaze as she spotted the other door and on it, was a metal bucket with sand, which clearly if it fell on someone, would gravely hurt them.
"That shouldn't be there." Sothis said and Arisa walked up to the door and pulled it open, quickly jumping as it fell.
The bucket fell with a crash and she stared at it. Clearly there was also glass shards and rocks. This was meant to kill.
"Tch. What the hell?" She turned to look outside the door and saw a young boy who looked about maybe around 7 years old. He had messy red hair and almost looked like an evil version of Sylvian.
"I beg thy pardon but why is this here? And who are you?" Arisa said as she narrowed her eyes at much older boy.
"Isn't it obvious, I wanted to prank my brother and his little spoiled brats of friends. Names
Miklan. What's a commoner doing here?" He said to her coldly.
Arisa's widen as she stared at older boy. This was the same man that would become a bandit and...
"First of all," she began, "This was clearly meant to kill. The sand add weight, the metal bucket, the glass shards are meant to cut. The rocks are used to break bones. This was clearly made to kill!" She glared at him.
Miklan glared at her.
"So what? Brats like them are the reason...if..he wasn't.." he gritted his teeth and glared at her.
"A mere commoner like you wouldn't understand." He growled.
His face suddenly turned to confusion as he saw her angry face turned to one of sadness but saw her sigh. She walked over to one of the closets and opened it, she saw there was a broom and dustpan, got it, and went back to clean it up.
"You shouldn't be cleaning that up. Make him do it." Sothis said and Arisa just shook her head.
"No, it's alright Sothis. Clearly he is in pain." Arisa mentally answered back as she bent down to clean it up only to suddenly hit with a wave of sand on the face, a few pieces cut her cheek.
She dropped the pan tray, broom and slowly turned her head towards the boy, who looked at her with a very punchable and ignorant smirk.
"Good, a commoner like you should clean up this mess. You dare speak to me that way?" He said.
"Sothis."
"Do it."
Oh, how Miklan regretted his actions.
[ - ]
"Okay, I got to admit that cake and tea was absolutely delicious. Not bad, not bad." Sylvian said as he walked in front and Ingrid and Felix behind him.
"By the way, I haven't seen...Miklan anywhere yet. I'm getting a bad feeling." Ingrid said and Felix noticed how Sylvian stiffen.
"Hahaha! I'm sure he's just playing around." Sylvian smiled but unconsciously rubbed his left shoulder.
Hidden under his clothing, was a big bruise that he got from his older brother.
"Sylvian..." Felix said and the older boy just smiled.
"No worries! I'm-" he didn't get to finish.
"GHHHAAAAAA!"
Everyone suddenly jumped back when the door to the guest hall burst open and out came rolling Milkan with bruised cheeks and Arisa on top of him.
"DO THAT AGAIN AND I SWEAR THESE PUNCHES ARE NOTHING TO WHAT YOU DO TO SYLVIAN! "Byleth roared as the boy pushed her off and lunged at her.
She lunged back those two were going at with punches. She pulls his hair and he pulled hers.
"TAKE BACK WHAT YOU SAID!" Miklan yelled back as she punched him in the eye.
"NO WAY I WILL! YOU ARROGANT PRICK! DON'T YOU EVER TAKE OUT YOUR ANGER AGAIN ON SYLVAIN AGAIN! I WILL PERSONALLY BREAK YOUR JAW IF YOU HURT HIM AGAIN!" She yelled.
Ingrid ran to get the adults to stop the fight between the two older kids. Arisa ran to the boy and her old instincts began to kick in as she began to use her martial arts go fight the boy.
"YOU BITCH!" He yelled out and swung a punch at her.
Felix was terrified by what he was witnessing and hid behind Sylvian. The said boy was just in shock to see someone actually physically fighting his older brother. He could not help but feel pleased seeing Miklan suffer the pain he inflicted on him. The two boys froze when Miklan stopped them and yelled.
"THIS IS YOUR FAULT!" Milkan yelled and charged at the two.
"DON'T YOU DARE HURT THEM!" Arisa yelled and threw herself on Miklan before he got to them.
"HERE!" Ingrid yelled as Jakob, Toro, and a few other servants ran down the hallways ran towards the two and separated them.
"LET ME GO! I'LL KILL THIS GIRL!" Miklan yelled as he was pulled back by Toro.
"LET ME GO! I'LL KICK HIS BLOODY ARSE (Sothis: Lan-! You know what, never mind!) TO THE MOON! DON'T YOU EVER LAY YOUR HANDS-ON SYLVAIN AGAIN OR I WILL HAUNT YOU TILL THE DAY YOU DIE!" Arisa yelled as she was being held back by Jakob.
Sylvain's eyes widened when he heard that. No one...has ever stood up for him like that.
"What is going on?!"
Everyone turned and saw Florencio had returned early today. Miklan huffed as he finally cooled down and Arisa hissed like a cat at the boy.
"My Lord, we...had to stop a fight between these two." Jakob answered as he finally as he let go of Arisa.
The girl had a busted lip, a bruised cheek, a few cuts on her face. Miklan looked ten times worse. The girl pointed her finger at the boy as if she was about to send him to execution.
"This prick put a bucket filled with sand, rocks and shards of glass on top of one of the doors in the guest room! He's lucky it didn't fall on me or any of the kids because it would have hurt them! I let it fall on the floor and decided to clean it but this...this...Arrrghhhh! Can someone cover the kids ears before I say my next words?!" She said and Felicia did just that as did two other maids to Felix and Ingrid, "Son of BITCH LOOKED DOWN AT ME AND KICKED THE SAND WITH GLASS SHARDS AT ME AS I CHOSE TO CLEAN IT UP! NOW HE BRAGGED HOW HE HURT HIS BROTHER! I'LL SKIN HIM ALIVE!" The girl roared with so much anger at him.
She understood his anger. She honestly hated the Crest System, and saw the flaws it has caused, the negative effects on society. But she also why it was established. She understood the two sides of the coins. That's why she always wanted to know the facts first before she made her decisions. But one thing she will never tolerate, is abuse. Especially that.
Florencio had never seen Byleth so angry before and saw the older boy glare at her. These two for sure were going to kill each other and left alone. Sothis herself was surprised. She was beginning to regret not stopping the girl from lashing out.
"Look here you commoner! You have no right to talk to me like that! Take back what you said about me being an arrogant prick!" Miklan yelled.
"Never!" Arisa yelled back.
Good thing they were being held back again.
"Okay that's enough!" Florencio said as he looked down at the two.
"Both of you apologize to each other this instant!" He said.
Arisa just gave one look that absolutely scared the hell out of Miklan that made him so silent and run a different direction completely. Felicia was going to go after him but stopped when Florencio said to leave the boy be.
Arisa growled as she was finally let go by Jakob and walked over to Sylvian and Felix.
"Are you two alright?" She smiled to them.
"Am I alright?! You look horrible!" Sylvian said and froze when she patted his head.
"This is nothing. I'm just glad you, Felix and Ingrid are safe. If I haven't discovered that bucket, you three would be hurt." She said.
Felix started crying as did Ingrid. Florencio sighs as he walked over to the girl and bent down to have a better look at her face.
"Look at you...already causing trouble and it's only the first day. Sigh...luckily my healing magic will fix you up." He said as his small magic circle appeared above the girl and her bruises disappeared, her cuts, and busted lip healed.
"Thank you." She said and he shook his head.
"Don't think you're free. You're in trouble young lady! You could have gotten hurt! Well...you did but that's not the point!" He said and she couldn't help but giggle.
Arisa turned to everyone and vowed to them.
"I'm sorry I caused everyone so much trouble today. Really." She said.
"My lady please raise your head!" Jakob said.
Today was just one thing after another.
- Later on -
Once again, she was in the guest room. Miklan had shut himself away in his while Florencio, after giving her a huge scolding, had to return with the rest of the team. He came to check on her to see if she was alright. Unfortunately, he was going to tell Jeralt about the fight she had gotten in. She begged him not to, but he did not budge one bit. So now, here she was, sitting on a couch and reading the story of Loog and The Silver Maiden. The girl sighed as she closed the book and groaned into her hands.
"I overdid it... I acted on impulse...I did too many mistakes...I acted like a child and lashed out...I'm such an idiot..." she muttered as she saw Sothis appear and patted her head.
"It's alright. I understand your anger, but you do the right thing. If you haven't intervened, those children would have been hurt by that boys' actions." Sothis said and Arisa chuckled dryly.
"Thank you...this is the second time I had encountered such a situation. I still acted impulse...To be honest...you saying I did the right thing...means a lot..." Arisa said.
"What do you mean?" Sothis said.
Sothis noticed that the children have come in and chose not to say anything and decided to see if the children would be silent and hear the girl talk. Seems they did.
"A long time ago...I saw a boy being bullied. My aunt and I were buying some things. We noticed a group of boys of ganging up on one. One of them was about to pull off a knife on them and we intervene. We made sure the boy was safe and made sure he got home safely because the others were on the verge of following him. Once we made sure the kid was safe, we returned to the store an encountered the brat there. He kept mocking us and I nearly lashed out on him. My aunt stopped me on time." Arisa chuckled dryly.
"Both my parents said I should not intervene and even my friend began to think the same. I kept thinking; did I do wrong? Was it my mistake? Should have I? Did I make things worse? I honestly started crying because they all began to point out the mistakes I made. I was just angry. Why couldn't they see that I wanted to help the boy? That I saved him from nearly getting killed? I was just...sigh...the situation reminded me of Sylvian and my baby brother. " she said.
Everyone was silent as they continued to hear her talk.
"I was picked on, my little brother was bullied and picked on...Sylvian is picked on by his brother...I just saw my baby brother in Sylvain and my siblings in Ingrid and Felix. That's how I am...no one messes or hurts my family or friends. Sigh...I'm just glad they are okay. That is what is important to me. I haven't met the kids long but...I care about them...more than anyone thinks." Arisa smiled sadly.
Sylvian was silent as he saw the girl degrading herself. This was the first time he had heard someone speaking truthfully. In his first 4 years of life, many have just seen him for his Crest. His brother blamed him for something that he had no control of. So, hearing someone truthfully care about him, and even his friends, going as far as to even get into a physical fight.
"I still have much to learn...incluso si soy mayor de lo que parezco..." she said.
Arisa turned when she felt a hand on her shoulder and eyes went wide as she saw it was Sylvian and the children.
"Sothis!" Arisa mentally yelled and saw the goddess was smiling.
"I think it would have been best if the children heard you." Was all the goddess said before she disappeared.
"Thank you." Was all Sylvian said.
He truly was thankful. The boy suddenly began panicking when she saw tears start falling from the girl's eyes.
"Sylvian made a girl cry!" Ingrid glared at him.
"I'm disappointed." Felix said.
"Oh, come on!" Sylvian said and they all turned when they heard Arisa started laughing and suddenly hugged all three of them.
"Thank you all. I truly am happy." Arisa smiled as she patted each of their heads.
"So..umm...can we call you big sister?" Ingrid asked.
"Of course! I'm your big sis Byleth!" Arisa said proudly.
"Wait, I'm older than you, aren't I?" Sylvian said.
"I'm 5 years old and you are four. Plus, I'm taller than you." Arisa snickered as she saw the boy's pride shattered.
But even Sylvian couldn't help but laugh. Indeed, Arisa was more than happy to see a real smile on the boy's face.
[ - ]
"Tag you're it!" Ingrid giggled as she tagged Felix on the back and made a dash from him
"No way!" Felix yelled out as he raced after the girl and Sylvain kept dodging his touches like some damn ninja.
Arisa couldn't help but giggle as she watched the children play. She sat at one of the couches as she watched the kids playing tag. She wanted to finish reading the book of Loog and the Silver Maiden. She's honestly glad to have such an opportunity to read it in person. She was still struggling a bit but Sothis was helping her reading it, correcting her on pronunciation and with words she couldn't read.
"It's pronounced like this, Za-na-dos." Sothis said as she was pointing to one of the words.
Arisa nodded and was going to continue reading when a voice called her out.
"Hey you!"
Everyone turns to look to the right, only to see Glenn glaring at her with arms crossed.
"Can I help you?" Arisa said as she closed her book.
She had a pretty good idea that he must have gotten the news that she got into a physical fight with Miklan. And she would do it all over- well may more on the tame tamed side. Glenn glared at her. Oh, he definitely heard about the fight. He was on his way to the library when he overheard Felicia and Jakob speaking to the other servants that the fight between Lady Byleth and Miklan should be kept among themselves. If the Lords of Gautier heard about this, there will be trouble. Then again, he had to agree, Miklan deserved that beating. He had passed by the boy's room and he had to take a step back after seeing how beat up the boy was before Florencio healed him. He witnesses the magician give the boy a scolding that was just as scary as the lectures his mother gave him if he got into trouble. The face Miklan had, was priceless.
"I don't know who you are or how you made my brother call you.."Big Sis", but I don't like you." He said.
He definitely didn't like it one bit. Maybe it was his pride? After all, the girl was younger than him and looked like a frail thing. How can this girl leave Miklan like some ragged beat up doll? Then again, Ingrid was the same. His future wife was beautiful flower but when wronged, she unleashed her thorns,
"Oh, now I remember. This kid is basically the version of Felix when he is older." Arisa thought as she put it down and just smiled.
"I beg thy pardon my lord. I just wanted him to be safe because he told he was lost and was crying." She said back in a sarcastic tone that she would use against Theresa when the two girls were roasting each other.
The burns are still there...sniff. Glenn didn't like it one bit. Who does she think she is?!
"So now you're mocking me?!" He said.
Arisa stood up and the children stopped to watch. Glenn stood tall as the two were the same height despite the age difference. The two had a stare down till she suddenly lifted her hand and had two fingers on his forehead. What came next, he did not expect.
"Ouch!" She flicked his forehead.
"Didn't your mother teach your manners? It is very wrong to be rude to a lady. The proper way to introduce yourself is like this." She smiled at him and did a small vow.
The boy hissed as he placed his hands on his forehead, hoping to smooth the pain. It hurt alright. His mother does the same thing!
"It is a pleasure to meet you Lord Glenn. I am Arisa Byleth, a mercenary in training. And now it is your turn to properly introduce yourself." She smiled to the boy.
Glenn glared.
"I am Glenn Ciron Fraldarius." he said to her coldly and then she suddenly smacked him on the head.
"That is not how to properly introduce yourself! You are using a cold tone what's more, glaring! Do want wrinkles on your face already?!" The girl said sternly.
Yeah. She definitely reminded him of his mother, and it was terrifying.
Hell, like no fury like a woman scorned.
Sothis had her hands over her mouth to keep herself from bursting out laughing, as did a few servants that were passing by. Glenn had turned red and looked down to the floor as the girl continued scolding him.
The next 2 hours were Arisa scolding Glenn and giving him lessons on how to properly speak to people. The poor kids (especially Sylvain and Felix) ran for their lives thinking they were next. Sothis was had broke at this point and was laughing the entire time as the girl continued to lecture the boy.
- With Jeralt -
"She did what?!" Jeralt said as they were scouting the forest near the road.
Lord Rodrigue was not too far away and just like him, many looked towards the mercenary's way. A young woman with blue hair, dressed a maid was a bit worried. That is Flora.
"Yeah...she beat that boy like a ragged doll. Also, I gave her a good scolding because of the number of curses she was saying." Florencio chuckled a bit nervously.
"Well, we know that the Captain's daughter can put up a pretty good fight." One of the men, Zack, said from one of the trees he was on.
"You're not helping, ne!" Rin yelled out from up above since she was using a wyvern that was lent to her.
"Sigh...I'll talk to her when we return. Did she say the reason why she fought the boy?" Jeralt said and Florencio smiled.
"Truthfully, she actually did state her reason. She confronted the boy because he wanted to hurt his younger brother and the children. And as you can tell, this angered her very much and she pounced at that boy." Florencio explained as he caught the dagger that Zach threw at him.
Lord Rodrigue just stared and Flora giggled. She knows a good Assassin when she sees one.
"Hmmm...I guess that's a good reason." Jeralt chuckled as he caught the next dagger that was thrown.
"That's two daggers found. Spread out the search. Seems our suspicions were correct about this area being a hide out for bandits and assassins." Jeralt ordered his team.
"Yes Sir!" His team yelled a spread out.
Lord Rodrigue was impressed as he watched the mercenaries scout the area. He had heard stories of Jeralt, The Blade Breaker. Truthfully, it was one of the main reasons why his friend and King, had chosen to hire such man. To see him in action.
"Yeah, just heard...his daughter left the boy like a rag doll!" One his men whispered to the other.
"You know what they say, never underestimate a woman. Their anger is the one thing no man wants to face." The other responded.
"Like how pissed off your wife and sister the other day by accidentally pouring salt instead of sugar into the coffee?" One snorted.
"It was an accident!" The other argued.
Rodrigue couldn't help but chuckle. Indeed, hearing the news of Jeralt having a daughter was a bit of a surprise. The girl was kind and his son Felix has gotten attached to her. The way she acts, she is polite. He wondered if she makes a good wife for his son. Perhaps he should propose such an idea to her father. Then again, Jeralt is a father and he knows very well how protective fathers get when it comes to their daughters.
(Cough! Seteth cough!)
Yeah, maybe not a good idea.
- Hours Later: Night -
"Hmmm...looks like dad is coming late today." Arisa said as she was in her room alone.
Her only company was Sothis. The goddess was still giggling over what had happened earlier with Glenn.
"That was spectacular show! I couldn't be more satisfied than watching you teach the child a lesson he needed!" Sothis wiped a tear from her eye as she saw Arisa sitting on a chair and writing in a journal at the desk.
It was a simple green leather journal that she had personally bought. She was also surprised it came with a lock, which she gladly appreciated. Arisa chose to write in Japanese so if one day someone discovered her journal, they wouldn't be able to understand it. She does hope it will be found one day far, far, far in the future. Pretty much when she is already dead, and her descendants live on. If she ever gets married. Back in her previous life, she honestly took classes to learn Japanese because she honestly wanted to have a better understanding of the culture. Yes, some of her friends teased her that she was doing it because of anime (maybe a little), but she wanted to try something new. At least she doesn't speak in broken Japanese. She is a tiny bit of a weeb but not so much so that people will cringe out or get annoyed.
The struggle with Japanese ...was real. Countless nights of studying, power points, projects, coffee, no food, and crying breakdowns paid off well. Seriously, who the hell invented kanji?! That was a nightmare to remember them all.
"Yeah, but now I'm worried I traumatize the kids." She said back with a worried chuckle as she continued to write.
Sothis smiled and floated to her. Her eyes became a bit confused as she saw the extremely foreign language though some of it did look familiar. Unfortunately, she could not read it. Curses.
"I never seen this language before. You humans have so many. It's amazing how much knowledge that brain of yours has." She said.
Arisa smiles to her sadly. Knowledge huh? Honestly, it's both a blessing and a curse.
"Yes, we do. I know 4 different languages and a little bit of a fifth one. I wanted to travel to different parts of the world and teach astronomy to many others." Arisa began and looked out the window.
"You be surprise how much there is out there. The different kinds of people. The incredible undiscovered lands, food, spices, cultures, so, so, so, so many things." She said.
Her eyes filled with sadness and nostalgia. Only now, the wave of "homesickness" was hitting her again.
"Child, why are you crying? What's wrong? " Sothis began to get worried as Arisa began sobbing lightly.
Home. Earth...she missed it all.
A few of the girl's tears had fallen in her journal, showing her pain. She couldn't say goodbye to mother, she wasn't able to say goodbye to her beloved siblings. She wasn't even able to say goodbye to her friends and the rest of her family. She died alone. Her last bit of life, alone. The cold hospital room, her eyes were becoming heavy as she laid, looking at the window, looking at the stars. Even if it hurts to move just a bit, she still reached out her hand, as if she could touch the stars. At that point, her eyes closed, and her hand dropped heavily down. The single lone tear that fell from her eyes, she was happy, seeing the stars one last time. She missed home. It wasn't the same exactly as her old home.
"I'm okay Sothis." Arisa smiled sadly and wiped her tears away, "I just remembered something. That's all." She said.
Truthfully, this was something she wanted to bare alone but one day, she may open up to someone. For now, she will write away her memories in books, because she does not want to forget them. Even if they were both painful and full of love, she wanted those memories of old to stay with her. They shaped her into the person she is. Sothis looked at her sadly and then hugged her tightly. It surprised Arisa, and the warmth felt like a mother comforting her child. Sothis for some reason felt she understood the girl's pain despite not fully understanding her situation. She only knew a certain amount like the girl. But for now, she shall comfort her. For this means so much to her.
"It's alright. I don't know what happened, I may never know, but if you wish to tell me one day, I will be here. I will listen to you cry. I will listen to you scream. I will listen to you when you are angry. So, one day, I do hope you can open up to me as I shall do without you." Sothis smiled kindly as she gently wiped the tears off Arisa's eyes.
Thank you Sothis. Really." Arisa smiled to her.
"Now, why don't you go to sleep now? It is getting late. Don't want your father to catch you now, would we? " Sothis said and Arisa nodded, closing her journal, and putting it in her bag.
"I do wonder how things will go tomorrow?" Arisa said as she jumped on her bed and laid down.
Just as she was going to close her eyes to sleep, she realized something. Should...the children remember her? Should she be involved in their lives? Should she...
She suddenly sat up as it dawned on her the impact is creating. One...what exact changes is she creating? Honestly, fear began to cloud her judgement. She was afraid. She really was. What danger would these children get into if they got involved with her? Especially since Rhea is still out searching for her. Seriously, at times, both Sothis and her feel shivers crawling down their spines. No... she needs to do something. But...it may be the most painful decision she will make.
"Ummm...Sothis...can I ask you something?" She said as she saw the goddess turned to her.
"Yaaawnnn...what is it?" Sothis yawned as she floated over to her and laid down next to her.
"Is it...possible for you to teach me a spell to erase someone's memories?" She asked.
The goddess's eyes suddenly narrowed as she sat back up and stared at the girl with pure confusion. Why would she ask for such a spell? Hmmm...the memories are foggy, but she knows she definitely knows a spell like that. Her knowledge is ancient, that she knows.
"Yes, I could. But tell me, why you would want to learn such spell? First of all, we don't even know if you are able to use magic yet." She said as she saw the girl avoid eye contact with her.
Arisa was hesitant but spoke.
"I...sigh...Felix, Ingrid and Sylvain should not remember me when I leave. I…..don't want "a certain person" to come after them. I won't erase their memories of me completely, but at most, for them to be a blur and not remember my face. They have forgotten me but yet have not." She said.
Does such spell actually exist in this world? Arisa remembered it because from one of her favorite manga she would read in middle school. Alice in the Country of Hearts. She loves that serious.
"Why?" Sothis asked sadly, "Why would you want these people to forget you? I know you grew to care deeply for them. No. You already cared deeply about them. As if you have known them your whole life! Why would you want the ones you love to forget you?!" Sothis said as she held the girl by her shoulders.
The feeling of being forgotten, it was fear that both had deeply rooted inside their heart.
"Because...because fate won't be kind to them! There will be a time where I may become their enemy instead of their ally! I...I...I just don't want them to be trapped in fragile memory of me! I...I may...have to take their lives one day..." Arisa said.
Sothis looked at this girl in bitterness and sorrow. Even her own feelings seem to merge with this girl. When the feeling of sadness, sorrow and even anger felt so familiar to her. This girl has seen the paths of time. Even if the girl did not let her see her memories, just the emotions, the inner turmoil this girl has, was enough to grasp the situation. The goddess sighed and understood. She gave the girl a hug before she looked her straight in the eyes.
"Very well then. I will teach you it if you are capable of using magic. We still have one more day before we head off to guard the king and his family. Tomorrow morning, you will wake up and go to the training grounds. Alright?" She said and Arisa nodded.
Honestly, what is that girl thinking?
- The Next Day -
Bright and early she got up indeed. Her father had come in late at night to check on her before he went to sleep. Sandy seemed almost like a walking popsicle stick. She must really hate the cold. The woman had gotten up an hour earlier than her, got dressed, git her supplies and headed out. Arisa snuck a tiny letter in her bag saying she wished them all good luck and to be safe. The girl sighed as she combed her hair, put it in a high ponytail and put on a gray colored winter dress that was easy to move in. She wore black tights with short over it and also black boots. As she quietly left her room, she spotted two maids whispering to each other.
"Time to hear the tea spill." She thought and like before, not a single sound was made as she walked over to them.
The words that left the two maids' lips, made her morning become bitter.
"Can you believe it? Tomorrow is the second anniversary of the death of The Queen Consort..." the maid smiled sadly to her friend.
"Sigh...this will be the second time his highness will attend the memorial. I wonder if the young prince remembers her?" The other said.
"The boy was an infant when she passed away. The memories are nothing but blurs." The other said.
"Even so, I'm sure the King has told his children of how lovely his wife was. Though, I admit, I still worry for their safety. There has been a rise of bandits lately." She said.
"I see...so that's why my father was hired." Arisa finally out loud, and a monotone voice.
The maid's eyes went wide as they slowly turned towards the young girl's voice, who smiled sadly, looking to the ground.
"I'll be going now. Thank you." She politely vowed to them as she turned away.
As she left, one of the maids fainted from shock and her friend caught her. This was information they should have not spoken!
After passing the library, barely escaping Jakob's wrath from stealing a few pieces of bread and fruits from the kitchen, Arisa arrived at the training grounds with a faint of heart. The room was made of stone, it reminded her of the Knight's hall in the monastery. One area was a big empty field that was used for sparring. There were target practice line up along with wooden and stuffed dummies. The walls were aligned with practice weapons. She could hear a few horses not too far way. Meaning the stables were close by. She should visit Red Hare after her training. As she walked a bit deeper into the room, she heard grunting and panting. At the other side of the room, near a wooden dummy, she spotted Glenn. The boy was practicing his sword skills as he trusted his wooden sword forward. She was very impressed by the skill the boy had. His charges were smooth, and his attacks hit hard. She swore she saw some chips fly off the wooden doll. Glenn stopped when he felt someone staring at him and turn to the direction, he felt it coming from. He saw it was the girl and glared.
"What is she doing here?" He thought as he narrowed his eyes.
Arisa merely sent him a small wave as she walked over to the other side, where there was a wooden dummy, mostly used by archers to practice. She also noticed a few burn spots on it. Seems it was also used for magic practice.
"Alright, now let's start with something simple." Sothis appeared and Arisa nodded.
The goddess was not blind. She felt the bitter mood the girl was in.
"What's wrong? Is this about what you heard a few minutes ago?" She asked and the girl nodded.
"Child, " Sothis floated to her and held her hands, "It's alright. I know you feel sorrow but being like this won't change anything. You yourself must be that change. So, will you remain glum like this or continue forward?" She said.
She honestly wanted this girl to be herself. Even if not one can see it, Arisa was constantly holding herself back. If she wanted, she could have easily hugged the hugged children and showered them in love and kindness like she did with her siblings in her old world, but she held herself back. The feeling that she doesn't any of this is still there. And it will be, for a very, very long time. Sothis couldn't help but smile warmly as she saw the light lit in Arisa's eyes once more. It was started for the long road that will come to head in the future.
"Alright, now, concentrate." Sothis ordered as the two turned to the wooden dummy.
"Stand straight, your back must not arch. Bend your knees just a little bit as if you are about to attack physically. Not too forward either. For now, we will start with a simple wind spell to see if you are capable." Sothis said as she saw the girl follow her instructions.
Arisa straighten her posture, and raised one hand towards the dummy, making sure she was at least 6 feet away. Next, she bent her knees a bit. The position she was in was like the palm technique she learned in her martial arts class. With her hand raised and her palm facing the doll.
"Good. Now, imagine there is a glass cup in front of you. Slowly pour water into it. But do not pour that water too fast. We don't want it to overflow. Concentrate that energy to the palm of your hand. Do not rush it. Relax. Clear your mind. Like a budding flower bud, gently let that flower bloom in your hand." Sothis said as she moved herself in front of the girl.
"Right." Arisa said and took a deep breath, closing her eyes.
Like a flower bud. She waited, relaxing herself, talking small but slow deep breaths. She imagined there was a rose bud in her hand. She wanted it to grow, to see it's beauty. But she didn't want to rush it.
"Sigh...sigh..." she breath slowly, concentrating on the flower.
"Tend it. Let it grow naturally..." Sothis said, watching the girl.
Glenn stopped his training and raised an eyebrow as he watched Arisa was in a foreign fighting position but seemed, almost relaxed. It was a strange sight.
"What is she doing...?" He thought as she stabbed his sword to the ground and leaned on it a bit.
His eyes widened a bit as he suddenly felt his Crest react. His hand was over his chest as he felt his heartbeat increase a bit. He had never had this reaction before. Especially his Crest. He looked back to girl and his eyes widened as he noticed it. A tiny green flicker a few inches from the palm of her hand.
"So magic. Ha, its tiny." He snickered.
Seriously? That was the sorriest excuse of a spell he had ever seen. Even Felicia could do better, and she was horrible when it came to ice magic.
Whoosh!
A gust of wind hit his face suddenly. That shouldn't have been that rumored ghost.
"What the?" He rubbed his cheek.
It now stung a bit. What the hell? Too bad he couldn't see that it was Sothis trying to smack him for looking down at the girl.
"Bigger...it needs to be bigger..." Arisa thought and the flicker was growing even more. It looked like a small flower bud and becoming much more...sharp.
Glenn's eyes widened which caused the goddess to turn back and grin proudly as she saw her teachings bear fruits.
"Open your eyes." Sothis smiled as she floated back to the girl.
Slowly, she opened them, Arisa's eyes went wide as she saw the transparent green colored shaped blade that floated near her hand. It looked similar to one of the blades that Jakob carries (yes, she found them and was very much afraid) but a bit more deadly.
"Not bad, not bad at all for your first try. Now, throw it at the dummy." Sothis pointed to it.
Arisa nodded as she took a deep breath and pushed her palm forward as if she was striking a person.
"Haayaa!" She yelled as she threw the blade and it stuck into the wooden doll.
It was a hit. The two girls couldn't help but feel prideful as the blade was starting to disintegrate but those expressions morphed into shock.
Crack! Crack! Crack! BOoom!
The blade dissolved in a small explosion that created cracks around the chest of the wooden doll. The wood cracked like it was glass and there in the center of it, was a miniature hole. They weren't huge, but if they did hit a real person, it could hurt them badly. At most, it would kill them. Arisa looked at her hands as they began to shake a bit. There it was again. Fear.
"Hey."
The girl smelled out of it as she turned to see Glenn looking at her with arms crossed. Glenn stared at her. He had an uneasy feeling with this girl. Like if she would best him.
"That was magic right?" He asked and she nodded.
"It's...my first time casting a spell." She whispered.
"Not bad." He said as he uncrossed his arms and pointed to the doll "But you're gonna need that blade to be bigger if you want to do real damage. Aren't you a mercenary in training?" He asked.
"Is that problem?" She responded back blankly.
That threw him off. She was the daughter of a mercenary, yet, he could clearly tell she hated fighting. He might as well hear what she has to say.
"If I could, I would sit in my room all day and read books, draw and sing. I enjoy learning new things. But I hate fighting and I don't want to hurt someone. Sigh...I don't know why you don't like me, and I get you got jealous of me that Felix called me "Big Sister," but," she looked at him straight at his eyes, "I don't plan on holding back to become stronger." She said.
Glenn was silent but smirked. Yeah, this girl was afraid. She wanted nothing to do with fighting but was forcing herself to learn the skills of survival. He could relate. He was once the same after all.
"Alright then. Good luck. You know, talking to you, it almost felt like I was talking to an adult." He said.
Honestly it did feel like that. She seemed wiser than she looks. Arisa twitched at that comment but nodded.
"I get that a lot." She smiled.
"So, how about we spar? I heard your dad has been teaching you how to use a sword." He said.
"I guess but I don't like the big swords. I want a rapier." She said.
She was dead set on getting her hands one or else she'll make one herself. Glenn raised an eyebrow at her but pointed to the sword rack to the right, next to the wooden swords. Arisa's eyes lit up like Christmas lights when she saw them.
"A RAPIER!" She said excitedly, ran to that rack like a rabbit and grabbed one that was the right size for her.
"Aaaahhhhh!" She shook excitedly as she looked at the slender weapon in her hand.
Sothis shook her head but decided to observe to see what happened next.
"Well damn, I never seen a girl this excited over a sword." Glenn said and she grinned.
"So, that sparring match? You still up for it?" She smirked.
He couldn't help but smirk back as he grabbed his own. The two quickly went to the shelves and put on the protective gear. Two sword styles, completely different. The boy held his sword in the traditional style of the Kingdom and Arisa held the practice rapier like she was taught.
"Ready, set, en garde!" Both yelled and charged at each other.
[ - ]
"Thank goodness that ended early today! That blizzard looked like it was brutal today!" Jeralt said as he and Lord Rodrigue and the rest of everyone came back, all groaning and perhaps some just let themselves fall on the floor and refused to get up.
"Captain...don't ever...make me go up the snow hills again..." Sandy said from the floor.
Rodrigue laughed as did the rest of his men. They were already used to this landscape and temperature.
"Don't worry, you get used to it at some point! I'm sure you are all looking forward to a warm meal. I can assure you; the chefs make the best meals here in Faerghus!" Lord Rodrigue said as Florencio helped his sister up.
"That I believe!" One of his men yelled out.
They all began to walk to the training room to put away their weapons, but opening the doors, they did not expect the sight they witnessed.
"Not bad! You're better than expected!" Glenn yelled as he grinned through his mask as his sword clashed with Byleth.
"Not bad yourself! Finally, a worthy opponent! Our battle will be legendary!" Byleth grinned as the two were locked in a heated sparring match.
Neither of them noticed that their fathers were at the door.
"Well, now..." Jeralt said as he crossed his arms and smirked proudly as he watched the two kids sparring, "seems my sword lessons have been paying off." He chuckled.
Lord Rodrigue couldn't help but chuckle as he saw the two still going at it.
"Seems your daughter is quite the sword. I'm impressed. She would make a fine sword Master one day." He said.
Jeralt nodded and then both turned when they heard a yelp and saw Byleth's wooden rapier pointing down the knocked down Glenn, who glared.
"My point." Arisa smiled proudly.
"Dammit! I was so close!" Glenn growled.
Arisa giggled as she reached her hand to him and he took it, as she helped him up.
"Wonderful match!"
"Not bad kiddo!"
Both turned as they took off their masks and saw it was their father's. Jeralt ruffled his daughter's hair as Rodrigue placed his hand on his son's shoulder and nodded.
"We're impressed. It has been awhile since I seen you have that much fun Glenn." Rodrigue said and the boy grinned proudly.
"Yeah, I guess it was, but I got one more thing to say before we head off to breakfast." and he turned to Arisa like an executioner.
"On this day forth! I declare you my rival!" He yelled.
Arisa was just trying to process what was just said as she heard Sothis snicker.
"WHAT?!"
Sothis was now a laughing mess as she saw the two kids begin to argue with one another. The adults couldn't help but laugh at this predicament.
The day was no longer bitter but had turned sweet.
- The Following Day: Death Anniversary of the Queen -
Once again, this time she got up early with the entire house. Everyone got themselves dressed. Felicia, Jakob and Flora will be going with them also. Arisa had gotten dressed and headed to the stables to quickly check on Red Hare. The little pegasus snorted at her angrily, and he could he demanded why he has not visit him.
"Sorry Red. Been busy." She apologized to him as he shook his head.
She saw him flap his wings and both her and Sothis squealed as they saw him fly up a bit and circled around them. She had a pretty good idea the other pegasus had been helping him. She didn't want to leave him behind, so she begged her father to let her bring him along. Jeralt gave in and let the little foal come along, but he will stay inside the wagon because they will be going a very long distance to the royal cemetery.
She heard the formations discussed on how the royal carriage would be guarded. The formation was, the king's carriage in the middle, Jeralt, Rodrigue and six other knights with their horses would be guarding the front. Rodrigue and Jeralt leading the front group. Sandy was in charge with the group in the back. Florencio was at the right side of the wagon with three other people and there was another group of four on the left. There were also two wyverns and pegasus riders. The formation was meant to heavily guard the royal family. She watched in silence as she was feeding Red Hare in the back. Arisa wore a green colored fur cloak for extra protection from the cold. After all, the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus was built in a harsh cold environment that forced the people to survive. Underneath her cloak, she wore a long sleeve winter dress that went all the way down to her ankles. She wore boots that she could run in. Looking out a bit, she was amazed by the beautiful white snow that covered the trees. The royal carriage was in the center and she could see there were a few glass windows that were covered from the inside with curtains. The was a small back window and she did see a bit of movement. She giggled as she saw a small hand wave from the inside, and she couldn't help but wave back. Her bet it was Dimitri or one of his siblings.
"Neigh...neigh..."
"Huh?" She said as she suddenly saw Red Hare shaking.
"What's wrong?" She asked as she gently hugged the little one, worried. She had never seen Red Hare this scared. The last time she saw him this scared was when she first met him. Suddenly, she felt this strange sensation at the back of her neck. It felt...dark. She didn't like it and gulped as she turned her head to look through a small crack in wagon's cloth. There. It wasn't visible and none of the adults could sense it. She noticed a shadow hidden between the trees and her eyes narrowed it. She isn't a fool.
"Sothis, I need you to do me a favor." She said.
"I see wasn't the only one to notice." Sothis appeared as she floated next to her and petted the foal to calm him down.
It worked a bit.
"They aren't hostile right now, but they clearly plan on attacking their target, which is the king and his family." Arisa said.
"If they attack, I need you to use your time pulse. The first time they attack, we have no idea from where or time." She said.
Sothis nodded and understood. Seems this girl is learning fast.
"Very well then." She smiled.
"Think you can stir up some... warning?" Arisa grinned.
Sothis smiled as she flew out of the wagon and the sky. All the creatures noticed her and a few of them got scared.
"Whoa! What's wrong?" Lord Rodrigue said to his stallion as it took a step back.
The shadow twitched at this. Sothis smirked as she raised her hands and the wind began to pick up suddenly, shaking the trees violently.
"WHOOOOAAAAA!" Many began to yell as the wyrens, pegasus and horses began to get scared.
Sothis grinned suddenly as she made the trees shake violently at the direction of the shadow.
"Arrghh! Curses! Fall back! Some mage noticed us and is creating this wind!" The shadow whispered and they withdrew quickly before the wind got worse.
"Take that!" Sothis said and flew back to the wagon.
"Why are the animals suddenly glaring at me?!" Sandy said as she saw all the animals glaring her way.
"What did you do?" One of the knights said.
"Nothing! Seriously, I did nothing!" She said back.
Sothis felt bad for Sandy but quickly flew out and apologized to all the animals, which seems to have worked and they just turned away.
- 2 hours later -
For a cemetery...it was a beautiful white color because of the snow. Yet, Arisa could not help but feel the air filled with sadness. Even Sothis could feel it. Spirits of those that have passed away. Some have chosen to keep walking this world while others have passed onto the next life.
"Kyuu!" The fluffs all quickly flew inside Florencio's cloak, and into their little cage he has.
She existed the back of the wagon with Red Hare behind her, who flew out.
"Alright. Just stay by my side." She said softly to the foal.
Arisa ran to her father's side and stood next to him as everyone stood in formation. She put on her hood to hide her face but also to protect it from the cold. Trumpets sang their song as it was announced the King and his family had existed out of the carriage. She couldn't help but be awestruck as she watched the royal family enter with such grace. King Lambert Egitte Blaiddyd, in all his glory, dressed in his royal clothing stood quietly as he sent a nod of approval to Rodrigue and Jeralt. Next to him, was two young boys and a little girl. One boy caught her attention in particular.
"Dimitri..." she whispered to herself.
The young Dimitri was a small boy short blonde hair, azure colored eyes, light peach skin with a bit of blush on his cheeks. He wore the usual clothing of children of the Kingdom to protect them from the cold, it was also the color blue.
"He looks adorable!" Sothis said and she couldn't help but agree more.
He was adorable in person and she honestly want to run up and hug the boy but then she didn't want to get looked at weirdly, so she held back a lot.
Arisa smiled as she saw the boy run over to his group of friends, Ingrid, Felix, Sylvain and...who is that? Confusion filled her features as she squinted her eyes to have a better look. There was a little girl with light cream orange colored hair, her eyes were a gray color. Her hair was in a long braid, similar to Mercedes. Her dress was... oh god...who was the horrible person with the sense of fashion that chose feathers went well with the dress?!
"Your highness, it's an honor." Arisa heard an all too familiar sickly female voice that thank the heavens no one saw her gritting her teeth.
Arisa began to look around and noticed there was only a few chosen selected people here. Plus, the guards. Of course, there had to be one of the most despised women in the game here. Cornelia. Truthfully, the woman had a lot of potential to be a more fleshed out villain in the game, that she admits but she will never like this woman for the hell she put Dimitri through.
"Thank you everyone for coming. It has been two years since my wife has passed away. I thank you all, friends and family." The King said as Dimitri ran back to him.
His little sister giggled, and his older brother sighed. She could tell the older one didn't like being here.
"It is an honor your highness." Everyone said and vowed.
Arisa silently watched as the knights surrounded the royal family and the guest, leading them to the grave of the First Consort. Arisa noticed that there was a church priest who saluted the king. Jeralt and his entire team internally frowned as they had a closer look at the priest. He wore the typical clothing of those of the Church of Serios.
"Byleth, keep your face hidden." Jeralt said and she nodded.
"You two, look!"
Arisa turned towards the direction of the excited voice. She couldn't help but smile as she saw the older prince point to Red Hare. She saw the excitement fill Dimitri's and his little sister's eyes.
"Red Hare, go." She whispered and the little foal neighed happily as it flapped his wings and flew towards the three royal children.
It gently stopped in front of them and proudly let his mane flow. The king couldn't help but chuckle and sent her a smile as he knelt.
"Can we pet it?" The little girl said and that was more than enough for Red Hare to walk up to her and nuzzled her cheek.
The little girl giggled at this as did the boys. Dimitri backed up a bit.
"Dimitri, it's alright. Look." King Lambert said as he reached out his hand for Red Hare to come closer.
The little foal nuzzled his hand. Dimitri was hesitant but did the same. The worried face turned to one of bubbling laugher as Red Hare fully snuggled to him.
"Whoa, whoa there! Hahaha!" Dimitri laughed.
Many of the adults could not help but smile at the adorable sight but a few of them sent Arisa a glare. That glare of theirs quickly turned to fear when they saw Jeralt and Rodrigue stand in front of the girl.
"(Whistle!)" She whistled as she heard the priest cough to have Red Hare return to her.
"Sorry." She mouthed to him and he chuckled and said it was alright.
She saw the children pout (oh, is that Glenn glaring at her?) as Red Hare return to her but nodded to the children that they will get to play with him later. Seems that cheered them up a lot. Reminding her, she needed to learn the other two siblings' names along with that girl with the horrible feather dress.
After a few minutes passed the memorial mass began. The priest began the speech and spoke the holy prayers. Honestly it reminded her a lot of the catholic masses she was forced to go on Church Sundays with her mother. To her, they were boring as heck but she respected her mother so she would go with her. The typical speech plus songs sung. The one of this world was similar expect the songs were towards the Goddess and the 4 Saints. She mentally groans at this and was trying hard not to fall asleep. She swore she heard someone snore and saw Glenn smack Sylvain and Miklan awake. As the speech finished, flowers were placed one by one on the tombstone, to show respect to the queen. Words said by family and friends, showing how much, they missed the queen and hope she is doing better. A few females were crying, and Arisa could tell a few of them were fake as hell.
Seriously...
She sighed as a few more minutes passed and saw the adults talking to one another. King Lambert was speaking with her father and Lord Rodrigue. She spotted another familiar face. She saw a man with orange colored long hair tied in a ponytail with a neutral face. He carried a little girl in his arms. She recognized the child was Annette. Then the man must be her father, Gustave Eddie Dominic. Next to him must be his brother and his wife. Her eyes then followed over to the children, where Felix, Sylvain, Ingrid, Dimitri's two siblings, the unknown girl and Glenn were. Miklan was far away from them, of course. Sandy and Florencio were talking with Jakob, Felicia and Flora. She saw Flora blush about something that Sandy whispered.
"Huh? Where's Dimitri?" She thought as she noticed the boy was not with the groups.
She made a quiet escape as she began to walk around the cemetery. Before she did, she had Red Hare go to the children to distract everyone from her. It worked, because the children were a giggling mess. Heck, even Miklan cracked a smile. She shivered as she kept walking deeper into the place. The tombstones were either made of marble (fancy as f-*slapped*) and other expensive stones. She saw a few names. She nearly screamed as she could have sworn, she saw a woman dressed in white look at her void of emotions and then disappeared into the mist.
"Hmm?" Finally, she had found that the boy had wandered to a barren tree.
She let go a sigh of relief and stared at him from a distance. Unfortunately, she could not tell what tree it was because there were no leaves on it. The boy stared at the barren tree sadly as if he was looking for something. She smiled sadly and quietly began to walk toward him but...
Shing!
Crack crackcckrkrfk!
Her blood ran cold.
"DIMITRI!"
The tree branch suddenly broke and fall towards the prince.
"NO!" She screamed and that caught the attention of everyone, including the prince.
Arisa ran as fast as she could and barely managed to push the prince out of the way.
"Ghaa!" Dimitri yelled as she pushed his chest and his eyes widened as they met forest colored ones.
"BYLETH!" She heard her father yelled as she finally noticed the tree branch, was only a few inches falling on her, and the look of horror Dimitri had.
The voices of adults screaming and gasping, and the one that broke the tree branch, laugh.
"Damn..." She mentally cursed and closed her eyes.
At least he was safe.
"You fool."
Chapter 5: Snowy Blue: Part 3: Lukewarm Thoughts: End
Now, before every single knife and pitchforks are thrown at me, let me clear a few things up. First off, it will be very rare for a character from a different Fire Emblem series to appear. In this case, I chose Jakob, Felicia and Flora from Fates. Why you ask? I wanted this chapter to be more on the light side and have some fun. This chapter was also meant to expose the thoughts that are going through Arisa's mind and the fear she has. I wanted to have a different take on the approach of my OC. We begin to see a bit of her childish side, which died off during her first 12 years of life. Being turned into a child again, but this time being healthy. She is beginning to experience what it is like to have a childhood. So, at times, you won't see her maturity but the more childlike side of her that she had closed off.
Jeralt, Florencio, Sandy and his team were the first ones to make her open up and show the child side of her. As the story continues, we begin to see more and more, but also how much she grows more. Honestly, she is still holding back, by a lot.
Next, we have Miklan. Now, the game didn't give much detail, but it is mention that Miklan has tried to kill Sylvain and physically hurt him. Meaning abuse. As you play the game, to see more and more of the small details and who each character was fleshed out. As you saw, Arisa did lash out on the boy. She pointed out each mistake she made.
Now, this is actually based on something that did happen to me just recently. It really did affect me badly. The version in this story is a summarized version. If you want the full details on that, please read the full version in my art book on Wattpad.
Now, Glenn. We honestly don't know much about him. I wanted to create a character for him based on the information we have. Now, why did I make Dimitri have siblings? It is stated in his character info in the game that he does have siblings, but we don't know how many. To flesh out his character more along with his father, I decided to give him two siblings. An older brother and a twin sister, who is younger than him by 5 minutes.
Do they have Crest? I am not answering that question till later on in the story.
Cornelia. Yeah...I really do hate that woman but seriously! She had really good potential than the roles Nintendo gave her in the Azure Moon and Crimson Flower Routes!
Will Arisa be too OP? Not really. But her main focus will be reason, swords, and riding, bow, brawling, and the enlightened one classes. Sadly, the dancer class can't be unlocked for Byleth in the game, so I'll take advantage and have her learn it in this story. Now, as for the others, yes, Female Byleth in my game I have her Master those classes. Currently working on Assassin class. Her weaknesses are axe, lance, heavy armor and faith.