- 1 month later -
After returning to Remire Village, Arisa was welcomed by good yelling from the village elder, Bara. The old woman was a bit taller than her and had tan wrinkly skin, wore a red cloak, and had a cane with an eagle head carved on it. The old woman was beyond furious once her eyes landed on the young girl that mounted off the young red pegasus. Her grandson, Zach, began praying to the sky gods to protect Lady Byleth from his grandmother's wrath. A few of the villagers by were watching and they too, began to pray but to the Goddess of Fodlan. The minute the Elder and Arisa made eye contact, the girl bolted and hid behind her father.
"Young youngsters these think you can sneak away?! Why I ought to throw you into the boat and send you Fodlan's Fangs at this rate!" The old small woman barked as she pointed her wooden cane at Arisa, who desperately hid behind her father.
"Grandma...I am really..really sorry..." Arisa said as she peaked from behind her father.
A few of the villagers laughed while a few were a bit nervous because of the harsh way the old woman was scolding the child. No one blamed her though. Elder Bara has been the village elder for over 50 years and unlike other elders who were very well open that they hated outsiders that were not from Fodlan, she was a kind but strict woman that had Fodlan and Birgid blood running through her veins. She looked more like her father minus her reddish purplish pale hair. She was caring woman who took care of the children in the village. She also greatly respected Jeralt and his company for the things they have done for the village.
"Don't let it happen again!" Elder Bara said.
Jeralt sighed at this and spoke.
"Elder Bara, I can assure you that this won't happen again. If my daughter sneaks away again, I can guarantee she will be punished properly." Jeralt said.
"I hope so! Honestly, she reminds of you in your younger days! Seriously, I hope she doesn't get your drinking habits!" The elder said and sighed.
"Papa, what does she mean by your drinking habits?" Arisa asked and saw Sandy and Florencio cover their mouths.
Truthfully, the two were trying not to laugh because they knew very well how Jeralt gets when he drinks. The man coughed and just ruffled his daughter's hair.
"Nothing you need to know kid." He said.
"Grandma, can I make it up you?" Arisa said.
Elder Bara smiled a bit too cheerfully and all the villagers along with Jeralt and his team knew that smile far too well.
"Actually, you can." She smiled.
Arisa swore Florencio was going to make a run for it but was grabbed by the collar of his neck by his sister. The man wept and his doom was set.
"I am traveling to Birgid in two months. I think it's a good opportunity to teach you a lesson." She said.
Sothis was watching through the girl's human eyes and truly it was a sight to behold. The village elder was an interesting one. Strict yet kind. Harsh yet gentle. Cold yet warm. Someone the goddess could relate to.
"Oh. Umm...did you want me to watch the house and do chores while you are away? I can do that! I promise to also feed the cats and I won't let Red Hare near the garden!" Arisa said and the said pegasus just neighed.
"Nothing like that child. You're coming with me." The elder said.
"It was nice knowing you Byleth!" One of the village kids said and the other children told him to shut up.
"Pardon?" Arisa said shocked.
"You heard me child! If you're going to be a mercenary like your father, you need experience! Faerghus was one thing but the world outside Fodlan is a different story." The elder said and turned away to head back to her home.
""Don't spend your days sitting around waiting for something to happen. Get outside and make it happen! Live like a warrior, be at one with nature, fearless in the moment... because this moment will never happen again so don't waste it!" Elder Bara said and left with a satisfied grin.
"What just happened?" Both Sothis and Arisa said as they looked over to Jeralt.
The man sighed as he heard Zach laugh at bit nervously at what his grandmother just did.
"I am... very sorry about that. Grandmother has always been like that." He chuckled a bit worried.
"It's alright Zach. I'm still worried that now she's making us go. When was the last time Elder Bara had hired me for a job?" Jeralt sighed as they headed back to the wagons to unpack everything.
"I think the last time you were hired was 10 years ago. Still...things between Fodlan and Birgid are tense since..." Florencio said as he trailed off.
Arisa was looking through her own memories again to find information on Birgid.
"If I remember... Petra was just barely born. Time to redo math again. I'm currently 5 years old. Born in 1159. I arrived at this world on August 26th, 1164…. it's been two months? … So that makes this year and day... October 5th (Sothis:Wrong?), 1164. Petra is 15 in 1180. The war between Birgid and the Empire ends in 1175. 11 more years... till that day comes." Arisa thought and heard Sothis sigh.
"The amount of information you just spoke. I admit, it hurts my head, but its information needed. Despite things being tense, we'll see how things turn out." Sothis said as she appeared before her friend as the two headed to the forest nearby.
Her father said for her to go play while he and the others unpacked the wagons. Arisa walked to the lake nearby. It was a small spot from Byleth's memories that she loved to disappear to. The place was relaxing, calm. Red Hare followed her and Sothis gladly seated herself on the pony.
"(Snort)" Red Hare glared at her and Sothis stuck her tongue out.
"Don't worry, I'm light as a feather." Sothis said.
"(Neigh!)" Red Hare said.
"I beg thy pardon! I do not weigh like a potato sack!" Sothis growled.
"Well those two aren't getting along..." Arisa thought as she made it to the lake.
She could hear Sothis and Red Hare arguing. Honestly, it was a funny sight. She sat down near the lakebed as she let those two argue away and took out her journal. She began to write all that she experienced in Faerghus and her encounter with the children. This journey honestly also helped her fully understand the language of Fodlan. Goodness, it was nightmare to remember. She sighed as she flipped through the pages and found the one, she was originally looking for.
Search for information. Remember to write all the routes. Don't forget.
It was the lone sentence that made her worry more. She already had 4 journals written with all the information of the four routes in the game. Crimson Flower, Azure Moon, Verdant Wind, Silver Snow. She had to. She must. She wrote like a mad woman that first week she arrived and locked away those journals to make sure not a single person ever got their hands them. Only she knew the true location of them. She had that fear that she will eventually forget her previous life and wanted to be prepared if that fear did come true. She sighed once more and touched one of the plants next to her. She giggled a bit when she managed to make the small dandelion bud on it bloom.
"Sothis, what do you think Brigid is like? I read that the place is full of beaches, and tropical forest. The people there practice shamanism, which let them use powerful curses and communicate with spirits." She said and her face became blank as she saw the goddess and Red Hare still fighting.
So much for a conversation!
Arisa just groans. Oh how she wished Wi-Fi existed in this world...
- 2 months later -
"Uuuuuurrghhhhhh!"
"Get used to it child! Eventually you will earn those sea legs of yours!" Elder Bara smirked proudly as she was at the high balcony of the ship, they were riding in.
Poor Arisa now had to get reused to riding on a boat and it was an utter nightmare. Jeralt gently rubbed his daughter's back while Sandy stood proudly at the crow's nest. It was a two-week journey through the Empire to reach the Fodlan's Fangs dock to take a ship to Brigid. Of course, the sailors there warned them to be careful but also heard some very discriminating remarks made by a few. Jeralt's and Sandy's glares was more than enough to silence those fools who knew nothing. Elder Bara had told them to stop it and that she was used to such remarks already. Arisa didn't like it one bit and when she made sure none of the adults were looking, she sent a mini lightning bolt at those fools. It was a sight to behold to see them scream and embarrass themselves. Also, she wanted to take her anger out on them because she couldn't bring Red Hare with her. Tch.
"You sure Florencio will be alright taking care of the company?" Sandy said.
They brought Zach, Ili and Ra with them this time.
"He'll be perfectly fine. Besides, the others are there to help him out. Have more faith in him Sandy." Jeralt said to the tan woman from high above.
Sandy sighed and shook her head.
"I'm more worried that he's going to forget that we have at least two trading routes proposed to us by a noble from the Alliance and also Almyra!" She said bitterly.
"Funny how a former Almyra citizen speaks so coldly of her homeland. Maybe I should remind of the history between Fodlan and your homeland?" Zach and and Sandy narrowed her eyes.
"Zach." Elder Bara said and the man kept on going.
"Hey, I still haven't forgiven the people of Almyra for the death of my parents." He said back.
"That's enough!" Sandy said and jumped down, landing in front of the man.
"You still have anger then you might as well take it out on me since I am a former citizen. Unfortunately, we're on a boat is wait at least a few more days till we reach the land. Tch. (I swear this son of bitch! I why I got-)" the woman turned away cursing in her native tongue and went back to the crow's nest.
A few of the ship's sailors rolled their eyes. It was expected of their common customers. Especially Sandy and Zach. Those two don't exactly get along despite the older woman being the man's General. Elder Bara sighed as she looked out to the sea. Truthfully, that anger should be directed to the Empire.
"We'll be making a short stop at Dadga in two days! We need to get supplies to repair a part of the boat. They found a leak." The captain yelled out and Jeralt walked over to the man.
"How bad is it?" He asked.
"Unfortunately, bad. One of the sailors screamed at the sight of an octopus while the chef just caught it and said it was today's dinner." The captain said.
Both Sandy and Zach cringed. They aren't fans of seafood. That much they can agree on.
"I'll go check it out." Sandy sighed as she went down below the deck.
"(WHAT IN THE BLOODY HELL?! WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH THIS WOOD?! WHO MADE THIS F-)" The rest of sentence were curses in the Almyran tongue.
"I'm going to go help her. She isn't exactly a fan of water." Jeralt said and ran down stairs.
Zach just groans and left to the rails. Arisa followed him and was struggling to have a better look.
"Here. This should help you." Zach sighed as he picked up the girl and put his over shoulders.
"Wwwhhhhaaaa!" The girl squealed excitedly as she saw how beautiful the ocean looked.
The bright colors of blue and green, the reflection of the light in the water surface. She could see a few schools of fish and a few unknown species.
"Amazing isn't it? Brings back memories when grandma used to bring me out here a lot." Zach said.
"Zach, out of curiosity, are you from Brigid or here on Fodlan? Or a mix of both?" Arisa asked.
"Hmmm. Truthfully Lady Byleth, I was raised here in Fodlan. But my father is from Fodlan and my mom is from Brigid. I was born in Brigid but raised in Fodlan." He said.
"Amazing! So, you know both cultures then?" She asked.
"Sort of? Grandma loved the ocean and would bring us here to go spearfishing. Thus, my specialty is water magic. Which, is extremely rare." He said a bit bitterly.
"You sound like you don't like water." She said.
Zach shook his head.
"I wouldn't say I don't like it. It's more towards I'm worried." He said.
Why is having this conversation with a child?
"Then, why are you mean to Sandy?" She asked.
She is pushing it, she knows it. Zach frowned but looked out to the ocean.
"My parents went to serve the Empire army to help fight off the Almyran soldiers at Fodlan's Throat. They didn't come back. I was...your age. Grandma held no grudge, but I did. Yeah, I know Sandy wasn't there, but I still can't help but feel angry when I see her! She's from Almyra! A former warrior of that place yet she...speaks of it so coldly...like she hates it." Zach ranted.
"Ow!" He screeched as he felt his grandmother's wooden cane poke him in the ribs.
"What was that for!?" He said.
"Honestly, ranting in front of a child! Then again, she is wiser than her looks say." Elder Bara said as she looked over to Arisa, who blinked like an owl.
"Grandma Bara, what's it like in Brigid and Dadga?" Arisa asked and the old woman smiled fondly at the memories.
"Forest green as the eyes could see. The spirits of the land would sing their songs. The people live in harmony. Fruits of different colors. Unknown tastes. Colors both bright and dark. Spells of unknown. Hmm...brings back memories of my younger days." The old woman smiled.
Sothis appeared and was silent as she listened to woman as her eyes looked over to the ocean.
"It's funny how much the spirits of the land pass through these realms. I'm a shaman after all. And you girl," she pointed her wooden cane at Arisa, "A kind spirit protects and watches over you. I can't see her unfortunately, but she's here, watching and listening." Elder Bara smiled and walked away.
Sothis was frozen like a statue while Zach was nervous. He was afraid of ghosts.
"Arrghhh! I hate seaweed!"
Both Zach and Arisa turned towards the stairs that lead below the deck and Zach could not help but burst out laughing seeing Sandy completely wet and pieces of seaweed stuck all over her.
"Whoooaaa Zach!" Arisa screeched as the man nearly dropped her off the ship by accident.
"Whoa! Sorry Lady Byleth!" He said and quickly put her down before Jeralt cut off his head for nearly dropping his daughter.
"Sandy, when are we going to eat, ne..." Ra said as he laid on the wooden floor.
He was hungry and absolutely had the worst sea sickness ever. Thus, to try and calm down, he lays down.
"My aren't we desperate for food...pig." Ili said with a snicker.
"What was that you spoiled princess, ne?!" Ra glared at her.
"Oh, nothing pig. Just that a certain man has been smuggled too much food lately." Ili said.
Ili was a former noble from Morfis. At times, her bratty and snotty personality came out but only at certain people. In this case, with Ra.
"Just f-" he didn't get to finish his sentence.
"AHEM!" Jeralt said and the man froze at the glare his captain gave him.
"I mean..just kiss already!" He said quickly.
"Just fuck already, is what he wanted to say. I'm surprised to hear the curse words from my old world here." Arisa thought and smiled.
Sothis gave a glare and the girl flinched because it felt like Sothis was her mother when it came to her cursing.
"I will never kiss this pig!"
"Curse you Zach, de!"
Elder Bara could not help but laugh at these interactions. Oh, the memories they brought. Especially when she challenged that beast during her younger years. She traveled to Sreng and her foolish self has chosen to challenge the beast in the desert. He called himself Macuil. The only reason she didn't proceed further to challenge him because of the young woman that was with him. Her hair was beautiful mint color and dark forest colored eyes. Her hair was long to her knees and her clothing was that of a Saint.
"Please leave! My husband does not like humans!"
She sighed and wondered how that young woman is. Melody was her name if she remembered correctly. She was kind and always apologized for the hostile attitude her husband had towards her. Speaking of that, she looked over to Byleth. The girl had that green colored hair. She frowned and looked over to Jeralt. Only a few selected know the real reason why Jeralt left the Knights of Serios and she was one of those selected few.
"I fear time will eventually catch up soon..."
- Two Days Later -
"LAND! SWEET LAND!" Arisa screamed in pure joy as she ran off the wooden stairs that were placed for everyone to get off the boat.
"Watch it Byleth!" Ili yelled out as she got on her wyvern.
If Ra, Fiona and Zach are the owners of Pegasus, then Ili, Sandy and Rin were the owner of wyrens.
"Got you!" She yelled out as she scooped the girl up.
"Scrreee!" Her wyvern, Damayo, roared happily.
"Oh, come on Ili!" Arisa pouted as the woman just giggled as she seated the girl in front of her.
"How about a fly up?" The woman grinned.
"Whoooo!" Arisa yelled happily as they flew above the clouds.
Jeralt shed at this while Ra just groans.
"I can show you the world ~" Ili sang.
"What the fuck...? That song exists here in this world?" Arisa thought she was going insane hearing a familiar song from her childhood.
"Shining, shimmering, spl--ow!" A pineapple came out of nowhere and hit her right at the side of her head.
Arisa caught it and saw it was a few birds flying nearby.
"Caw,caw,caw!" It was freaken cockatoo group that laughed.
"Arrghh...you brood chickens! Get them Damayo!" The grown woman yelled angrily as she pointed her finger at the group.
Damayo just shook his head and dove down to return to the others, no matter how much his Master wanted to kill those damn birds for ruining her moment.
[ - ]
"(Good evening Elder Bara! It's been so long since you have come to visit here in Dadga! What's the occasion?)" One of the shop vendors said as he recognized the old woman.
"(Ah! I see Zach is here as well. You grown boy!)" He said.
They were all talking in their native tongue.
"(I guess I have. Grandmother said she wanted to visit the temple for the Shaman festival. You know, to pay respects to our ancestors.)" He said.
"(Baaaa! You speak too soon Zach. Did you forget it is also your magic revealing ceremony?! You are turning 25 soon.)" She said.
"(Eh?! It's that time already? Also..umm...)" he pointed towards the sky and Zach instantly began groaning as he saw the raging Ili screaming at the group of cockatoos in the sky as her wyvern landed on the sand, "(Is that your...friend of Fodlan?)" He said.
"(Unfortunately, y-ooww! Grandmother!!)" Zach screeched when Elder Bara poked him in the ribs again.
"(Yes. The woman and the others are from Fodlan. I wanted to show them around our homeland. I think it's a good opportunity for that child to learn of the world.)" She said referring to Byleth.
"(I guess. Also, I keep a look out if I were you...)" he whispered and Zach narrowed his eyes, (Those...messengers of the Church of Serios are in Brigid. Be careful. Especially the man Jeralt...I don't know the situation since he never talks about it, but I know he does everything to protect his daughter.)" He said.
Elder Bara sighed and looked over to the ship.
"(I know...and if those damn followers try anything...)" she muttered and only Zach and the vendor felt a shift in the energy of the forest.
"(The spirits of this land will show them their place.)
- Later at Night: Inn -
"And I swear those damn chickens ruined my moment as I flew to the sky and sung my song!" Ili said angrily with arms and legs crossed, pouting.
"Yet used to it, ne." Ra snickered as he ate his dinner.
They were all currently in the dining room on the first floor of the inn. It was Arisa's first-time trying food from Dadga and the girl loved it. She was more than happy eating the meat, stews, the different dishes and spices mixed in these foods.
"She has the stomach of a black hole...this is her fifth plate of tamales..." Sandy said as the girl happily continued eating.
"She's Rosa's daughter alright..." Zach thought as he took a sip of his beer.
"Eat more slowly!" Elder Bara scold the girl and Jeralt laughed.
"How can I?! All this food is delicious! How can I not give my thank you to this amazing land with this amazing food?!" Arisa said with her mouth full of rice.
Everyone laughed at this as the girl continued to devour her food. It really was a joyous sight.
[ - ]
Dark purple eyes watched the table with a bored expression as they looked at each person at the table one by one. There was the Elder Shaman, who she has only spoken to once. She sighed as she continued to eat her food. Well, they are going to Brigid soon, might as well sneak onto the ship. Her parents were away to Fodlan anyway. Two days of planning. Should be enough time.
- The Next Day: On a Fodlan Ship -
"Brother, look at all these different colored fish!"
Light mint colored eyes looked excitedly to the ocean waves and schools of fish swimming near the ship. Her medium length curler hair bounced happily as she skipped excitedly over the wooden floor. She was beyond excited! This was the first time her brother has allowed her to come out of hiding after so long! Oh, she wonders if she will ever get a chance to meet (her) again! She was like a mother to her. Well, technically her brother is father pretending to be her brother for her safety but right now that does not matter! She was just beyond excited to have fun!
"Flayn! Be careful! I don't want you to hurt yourself!"
Flayn puffed her cheeks as she stopped running as she turned to her brother. With short length pristine combed green hair, a small gold chain on his head. And a bit of a goatee, and pristine blue clothes a representative of the Church of Serios, Sir Seteth, advisor to the archbishop, Lady Rhea.
"You worry too much brother! Besides-" she suddenly stopped speaking as her eyes went wide and turned to look out to the sea.
"Flayn? What's wrong?" Seteth worried.
"Sniff...sniff...this scent...I know this scent!" Flayn said she sniffed the air.
"Umm...Flayn?" Seteth said as he saw the girl run around a bit till, she pointed to the direction of north.
"Sandy! I smell Sandy! She must have been on a boat to Brigid also!" Flayn said cheerfully.
Seteth froze the mention of that name. He never introduced Flayn to anyone. How...?
"Flayn, how do you know Sandana? I don't recall ever introducing her to you." Seteth said.
Flayn smiled and shook her head.
"I met her many years ago. She would travel a lot and stayed in Zanados for some time. True, at first, she was cold at first, but she eventually opened up. She was very kind and would tell me stories of the world and Almyra. The different cultures and plants. Oh! Especially the different kinds of fish there is! She...she's...she's like a mother to me." Flayn said.
"Oh! See these hair ornaments! She made these for me!" She said excitedly.
Seteth's mind suddenly began to swirl with millions of questions. First off, he made sure that his sister was well hidden! How on earth was anyone able to discover her location?! Second, why was Sandana in Zanados? Was this before she became part of the church or after? Now that he thinks about, during her time in the church, every month she would leave on a one-week trip. She would always take with her books, trinkets and other things. It was strange. Then it dawned on him. She would leave to Zanados to visit Flayn.
"It's been so long. I hope I get to see her again." Flayn thought as she happily looked out to the ocean.
She was heartbroken when Sandada said she won't be able to come and visit her anymore due to some very difficult situations. But even so, every month through the past years, she still wrote to her and sent her amazing gifts. It was more than enough and Flayn loved her more than anything. She was like a second mother to her.
"Oh, brother. I forgot to ask, but how do you Sandy? Is she an acquaintance of yours?" She asked.
"More towards...an old friend?" He said.
If he said that the two were dating for some time and it did not work out, he doesn't want to imagine the disaster that would happen.
"Oh...I see." Flayn said a bit disappointed.
Why did she sound so disappointed...?
- Back at the Inn -
"Achoo!" Sandy sneezed as she was getting her bed ready to take a nap.
Jeralt, Zach, Ra, the sailors and captain went to go buy the materials needed for fixing the ship.
Elder Bara decided to take Lady Byleth around town to show her the culture of Dadga and perhaps try to teach her the language of Brigid. Ili went to go help the cooks in the kitchen since the woman loved cooking new dishes. She had a rivalry with Fiona when it came to cooking. The woman sighed as she lay on her bed, thoughts swirling through her head. The argument she had with Zach was still bothering her. A lot. Usually the arguments the two have wouldn't bother her at all, but today, it just...really...really did. She raised her bandaged right hand and gently unwrapped it. On the top skin of her hand, revealed a beautiful gold color symbol that looked similar to a peacock feather. She stared and stared at it. How many memories this symbol had.
The Crest of Serios.
She was born with no Crest. She was born with no inhuman sight and heightened smell like a wolf. She hated blood. She hated fighting. She hated... her own people. She hated her own homeland. Those fools of the royal family accused her mother and father of treason. The result, execution. She remembers the deaths and screams of her beloved siblings and mother, father. She hated Almyra for the false accusations that were placed on her family. They served the royal family for generations yet...in the end...the result was bloodshed. She sighed once more. She had no memory of how she received this Crest. Just that woman shares her blood to her. Her brother damaged his pride for her sake. He was proud Assassin, but he was willing to throw that pride of his away for her sake. She chuckled lightly.
"Sure, brings back memories..." she couldn't help but smile at the old memories of how she met Florencio.
They were 10 years old when they met. As she closed her eyes to sleep...
"Sniff-!" Her eyes suddenly shot wide open as a two all too familiar smells entered her nostrils.
She quickly sat up and bolted to the balcony on the second floor. Many of the people there were confused at the woman suddenly running but shrugged their shoulders. Once she was there, she looked out to the ocean, eyes narrowed and widened as she an all too familiar ship with a certain symbol on the flag. She re-wrapped her hand and narrowed her eyes as she jumped down from the balcony. A few people screamed but it was normal to others. She needed to find Jeralt and the others, fast.
- In town -
"This spell is used for the protection of the spirit. It is said to bring good fortune to those you have a heart of gold." A young woman said to Arisa as the girl was looking at the different varieties of charms that were being sold.
It reminded her a lot of the Japanese, Mexican, Chinese, African and bunch of other charms from different countries she loved to buy as souvenirs, however these charms had actual spells. Elder Bara smiled proudly to the young woman.
"(You done well Fui! The charm spells are mastered, and your business is doing well. But don't get cocky.)" The elder said and the woman smiled, nodding.
"(Thank you Elder. If I may ask, is that your granddaughter? I been hearing her whisper to herself and she has a decent amount of knowledge of charms and incantations.)" Fui said.
"(Florencio has been teaching her magic. She's quite the quick learner.)" Elder Bara said happily.
"(I see. Then how is Zach? He...has been gotten over his fear of... water...?)" Fui asked and the Elder sighed.
"(It's difficult...but I have faith in him. The ancient spirits of the waves will guide him. I'm sure of it. And maybe the child as well.)" Elder Bara said.
Fui nodded and saw the young girl walk up to her with a small green little string doll with seashell eyes, a small peridot heart shaped gem in the center.
"I like to buy this one please!" Arisa said.
"Oh? Interesting but good choice. It's a common one parents buy to protect their children." Fui said as Arisa looked at her confused.
"Ufu. The gem in the center is a peridot. They are said to be the tears of the volcano goddess, Pele. They symbolize strength but they also are said to keep nightmares away. This one has no spell, but it's the natural spirit of the stone that will protect you." Elder Bara smiled as she looked at other charms.
"Oh! Spell of love! Charm of good luck! To bring fortune and gratitude! Ooohhh! There are so many! Arisa, I can't choose! To think that humans created such things!" Sothis's excited voice rang in her ear as she looked over to the overly excited goddess who went back and forth looking at all the charms and other things.
"Seems your friend is excited." Elder Bara said to Arisa and she nodded.
"She wants a charm but can't choose." Arisa said.
The fact that Elder Bara can tell Sothis is protecting her is a bit scary but at least she couldn't see her, only feel a certain amount.
"Hmm...maybe...oohh! This one!" Sothis said and pointed to a small pendant with a strange colored stone.
Arisa picked it up and Fui raised an eyebrow.
"That's a moonstone. I'm...very surprise you spotted that. You know, those that wear moonstone are said to be protected on earlier life. They said to bring peace, protection and wisdom. Your friend has a good eye. " Fui smiles while Sothis beamed with pride.
"I made an excellent choice! So, you will buy it right?" Sothis said.
At least Arisa was not looked at weirdly when she would speak out loud to Sothis. Apparently, it was common here for people to speak to spirits. The culture is shamanism after all.
"Well, since you chose it. I will. Plus, I love collecting things like this. How much for them?" Arisa said and Fui fisted her right hand and had two fingers out on her left.
"20 copper coins." Fui said.
Arisa internally cringed.
"So, the same price as the souvenirs in my old world. Well, since this is my first time here, I'll make an exception." Arisa thought as she nodded and paid for the two charms.
Fui helped her put on the pendant and Arisa wore the little doll on her purse. Both girls, goddess and human, beamed with joy as they wore their charms with pride.
- With Jeralt, Zach and Ra -
"What do you mean this is 2 silver coin, de?!"
Ra was arguing a on old friend who lived in Dadga. He was vendor of wood and a bloody expensive seller. Also known as the RIP OFF! The man smirked proudly at the red wood he had.
"Ra, de! You still haven't learned the value of wood, de! Ought to study!" The vendor laughed.
"Studying my arse! You bloody ripping us off, de!" Ra said and the two men began arguing over the price of wood.
Jeralt couldn't help but laugh watching this and Zach shook his head.
"Captain, should I intervene or just leave them be?" Zach said and Jeralt just nodded.
"I trust Ra will get us a good deal. For now, let's just get the rest of the materials. The captain of the ship and his crew are at the docks checking the rest of the ship to make sure there isn't further damage. Besides, we're getting a good reward to protect them from Pirates." Jeralt said as the two began to walk through the town market.
"I guess but seriously that friend of his is a rip off. Red wood, yes, it's rare but it doesn't cost that much! Well...at least not here in Dadga and Brigid." He said and Jeralt chuckle.
"That is true. Also, how are you feeling? I noticed you been tense these last few days. Is this about your coming of age ceremony?" Jeralt said and Zach avoid his eyes.
"If you don't want to talk about it, that's alright." The captain said and Zach shook his head.
"No..it's alright. Might as well talk about it. Umm, do you mind if we stop at one of the food stalls to sit down and eat while we talk?" He said.
"I don't mind. Besides, it's almost the midday so might as well." Jeralt said.
The spotted a pho stall and decided to eat there. They paid for their food and sat down to wait for their orders.
"You remember when I first met you right?" Zach said.
"Of course, I do. How can I forget you nearly drowning? You were 15 back then." Jeralt said.
Zach met Jeralt 10 years ago on one of his missions through Brigid. He was on his way back to meet his group of knights when he encountered a group of boys push someone off the docks and into the water. The sound of gurgling and screams of a child were heard and when Jeralt yelled at them, they ran, and he quickly jumped into the water to help the soul. He managed to pull Zach out. The boy was bruised, cuts, and what was worse, his hands tied. That was also how he met Elder Bara and earned her respect and gratitude for saving her grandson from those boys. Since then, the boy grew a fear of water and refused to even go near a lake, pond, beach or ocean ever again. He used to love swimming but now...
"Since then...you know my fear of water. Honestly, it's ironic." Zach laughed dryly as he took a sip of the drink he ordered, "I love my magic. Especially because it was considered an extremely high rarity and could grant me the status of a noble, but I don't want any of that. Being born of both Fodlan blood and that of Brigid, is difficult. I'm ostracized on both sides yet the only ones to have accepted me are those of Remire Village and only a few of the church... Even before we left the church, many of the knights didn't like me. It made even more afraid and as you seen before, I fell into a depression." Zach said with a bitter smile.
Jeralt understood well. To be an outsider on both sides, it was difficult. He had seen many things through the years, both sides of the coin. There were times he chose to ignore it but other times he spoke. It wasn't until he met his wife, Rosa, that truly opened his eyes.
"I know there are times the past haunts you and I understand that. It isn't something one can forget, and it can never be erased. The question is, will you continue to let it chain you down or break free?" Jeralt said to him and Zach chuckled.
"Funny. You sounded like my father there. He would say those words often." Zach said.
"Found you! Oh, thank goodness!"
The two turned to the right to see Sandy looking out of breath and a little pale. Zach was very confused. He had never seen Sandy this worried before. The last time he saw he like this was years ago when she was nearly caught by Almyran forces during a job.
"What's wrong?" Jeralt said.
"Fodlan Church ship. They are stopping here in Dadga for a day." She said and instantly Jeralt gritted his teeth.
"Who was on the ship?" He said and she nodded.
Zach knew what this meant and stood up. He had one of the servers pack their food so they can take it with them.
"Thankfully Rhea is not there. But there are still bishops with power there." She said.
"Unfortunately, we can't leave immediately. The captain said the repair will take at least all day and we won't be able to depart till tomorrow morning." Zach said as he had the food packed.
"What do we do? I'm worried they will recognize you Jeralt! Or worse! Me of all people!" Sandy said.
"Calm down. For now, let's all go meet up at the inn. Thankfully they aren't staying there and will most likely sleep on their ship because too many of them think they are higher than others. We'll tell Ra and Ili. You go find Elder Bara and Byleth. For now, we'll continue things normally. Sandy, you have that device your brother gave you right?" Jeralt said.
"Of course, I do." She said.
"Good. Also, make sure to use your cloak." He said and she nodded.
[ - ]
"Aahhhh! Look at this fish brother! It's orange and has black stripes! It's so cute!" Flayn said excitedly as she was looking over the wooden dock to a small coral reef nearby.
Truthfully, she was looking at a clown fish with small school of other fish.
"Flayn be careful there! I don't want you to fall-!" Too late.
"Whaa!" The girl accidentally fell into the water, sigh.
"Flayn!" Seteth yelled as he ran over the deck but what he did not expect was a water bubble to float up with Flayn looking confused but also giggled as it popped and dropped her on top of her brother.
"Heheheh! Be careful next time lass!"
Seteth was groaning in pain because she landed on his back. The girl's eyes widen as she saw a strange small creature laugh. They had webbed feet, scales, and a tail. They laughed as they flew to her and circled around them.
"What is this creature?!" Seteth said angrily as Flayn got off him and she giggled.
"You never seen water spirits before? Yeeessshh! And I thought that girl from the Empire was shut it! Anyhow, welcome to Dadga!" It giggled as it spun circles around Flayn.
The girl giggled excitedly.
"What is your name? It is a pleasure to meet you!" Flayn said.
"Can't say my name but seeing a fellow spirit is nice! Rare seeing those of the dragon kin too!" It laughed.
Seteth and Flayn froze hearing "dragon kin" as the water spirit just smiled to them.
"Don't worry. I won't say anything. It is a promise of us spirits after all. Good luck! Bye bye!" And the spirit smiled and disappeared into the waves.
The two siblings looked at each other worried at this. They need to be careful.
[ - ]
"Burn in the eternal flames! Mwhhahahahaha!" Arisa cackled as she tried to cast a fire spell in a small pot filled with herbs.
It was an epic fail. That's what she gets for mimicking time skip Dimitri's line. The Male vendor laughed hard at this and Elder Bara could not help but chuckle.
"And fire magic is not my best thing..." Arisa sighed as Sothis laughed.
"You can cast fire magic, but it isn't as strong. It'll take a few years to build it up. You get used to it." Sothis smiled.
Arisa groans and Elder Bara patted her head. The vendor smiled and casted the spell for her into the pot and had fire burning in it. Arisa couldn't help but stare at it. But what she didn't expect...
Her head hurt...it suddenly began to hurt. Not at full force where she is screaming. But still pains, where she hissed and placed a hand on her head. She heard...voices...they sounded familiar but one...she didn't completely recognize.
"You abandoned us! You Abandoned me! You hid who you were!"
"Please understand! It had to be done! Even if it hurt me, I wanted the safety of you all!"
"I'll make you regret making us forget you..."
As if arms came from the flames, they wrapped around her neck and began choking her.
"Ah-aahhh!" She couldn't breath and she raised her hand to try and reach to the person choking her.
Her eyes widened as her hands seemed larger, the voice more adult like.
"S-Stop." she croaked.
Her body froze as void eyes investigated her own.
"I'll make you regret P-"
"Byleth!"
She snapped out of it and was shaking. She looks around her and saw Elder Bara looking at her worried as well as the vendor and Sothis.
"Are you alright?!" Sothis said and quickly cupped the girl's cheeks, looking at her beyond worried.
"(I think the child saw some sort of vision. It's...an extremely rare thing to occur.)" The vendor said in his native tongue and Elder Bara sighed.
"(Most likely. Do you have that protection charm of the conscious?)" She said and he handed her a small red gold chain that goes on the head.
"(Keep it Elder Bara. I think that child needs it more.)" The vendor said as he nodded, and the elders thank them.
"Byleth dear, come here." Elder Bara called out to her and the girl walked up.
She placed the gold chain with the red gem on her and the girl blinked.
"Don't take it off. Believe me, it's for your own good." She said and the girl nodded.
"Why don't we head back to the in? It is midday after all! I think Ili may have finished cooking!" Elder Bara said cheerfully.
The two waved goodbye and began to head back to the inn. Unfortunately, the two went past Sandy without even knowing it. The woman was wearing her cloak.
[ - ]
Scared? Yes.
Horrified? Yes.
Angry? Yes.
Hurt? Yes.
Sandy was just in a turmoil of emotions when she saw the ship of the Church of Serios. She had many good memories but also so many hurtful ones. The fact that she was able to see that Seteth and Flayn were here made it much worse. She loved Flayn. She was like a daughter to her. She was 23 when she was still an assassin and had chosen to break into Zanados to see if she found any treasures there from the rumors. There was also news of demonic beast in that area, what's more, it was greatly closed off by those of The Church of Serios. Her mind had chosen to go and see if she could take anything worth of value. How that backfired. She found nothing but ancient ruins and wanted nothing more but to leave until the unexpected happened. She met a young girl there. She was confused to why the young girl was there she told she lived there and that was her home. Sandy was more than confused by this and called her naive. The girl was stubborn but kind. Guess that was what made her live in Zanados with the girl for a year. At first, she was cold to that girl. Even lectured her on how she had not known much. The most Sandy was able to do, was able to teach the girl to make medicine because making actual food meant that Sandy was going to die from food poisoning. She continued to walk through the marketplace, looking for the Elder and Byleth, but sighed in relief as she finally caught their scents that were heading back to the inn.
As she continued to walk, she did notice the sound of running footsteps heading her way as she continued to walk. She needed some time alone from every. So, the forest was the perfect place to relax in. As much as she hated Almyra, the tropical forest always brought her fond memories of her time with her siblings. They would always go to the forest to escape their studies of military tactics. Now she finally heard running footsteps but assumed they were going to go past her until she heard words, she never thought she would hear ever again.
"Mother!"
She spun around like a tornado and time slowed down as she saw the familiar mint green hair and eyes. The owner of the eyes smiled in pure joy as they jumped towards her and caught them quickly. Her hood came off, and she thanked the goddess they were near the edge of the forest.
"Gasp!" Sandy gasped as she caught them and quickly put them down, by holding their shoulders.
But their arms hugged her tightly and she felt their head on her chest.
"Sandy it's you! It's been years! How I longed to see you again!" They cried.
"Flayn..." Sandy muttered as she was debating to hug the girl, but she did.
Sandy smiled sadly as she hugged the girl gently and rubbed her head softly as Flayn cried on her chest.
"It's alright. It's alright. There, there..." she said and Flayn finally calmed down and sniffed.
"It's been so long! Look at you! You're so beautiful!" Flayn said finally letting the woman free and she looked beautiful.
She had grown into a wonderful woman.
"Thank you F-!"
"Flayn! Where did you run off to?!"
Sandy gasped and quickly grabbed the girl's hand and ran into the forest. Sandy is not ready to see Seteth. Absolutely not.
"Sandy, wait. That's my brother!" Flayn said and Sandy looked her way.
"Flayn I know but I can't let him see me. Please understand." The older woman said.
Flayn was confused but she could see the pain and sadness the older woman had. It reminded her of Rhea. Once Sandy knew they were far away, she let go of Flayn's hand.
"Sandy, what's going on? For you not to see my brother... did something happen?" She asked.
Sandy looked at the girl unsure if she should speak but decided to, but at most, what happened between her and Seteth.
"Flayn...just...promise me you won't say a word to your brother that you saw me here. That is all I am asking for."
Chapter 7: Tropical Winds: Part 1: Stop at Dadga
[ - ]
Now we will start to see some drama starts. So, for this story, I decided to have Flayn and Seteth have some interactions with our characters. I wanted to do a quick double check on some information and on chapter 2, I will be fixing some errors I made.
Seteth came to the Monastery in 1162 and Flayn came there in 1179. Now, truth be told, Sandy met Seteth before he came to the Monastery. A 10 years before Arisa/Byleth was born. As we all know, the player (Byleth/you) can be set to the month and day you were born. In this case, I chose August. Yeah, it's a mess when it comes to numbers unfortunately. Though Flayn was kept hidden, I decided to have her come to the church much earlier. Of course, Seteth doesn't let her leave the church grounds at all, like in the actual game but there will be a few rare moments where he will bring her along.
The vision Arisa had. It's one of the small little glass shards that will begin to lead up to what I have planned for future chapters. Now, one of the characters I wrote here, the one with purple eyes. They are not an OC. And if you know only one certain character was born in Dadga, then you know who it is.
Elder Bara? She is mentioned around chapter 2 and 3. Arisa was supposed to stay with her, but our little witch chose to sneak away. Now, if you were a parent, grandmother, brother sister, etc., then I am sure you know how much in deep trouble someone gets when they sneak out someplace without permission? Elder Bara is inspired by Baba from Magi the Labyrinth of Magic. We also see things like spirit's and such, which the beliefs of fairies/fae did exist during medieval times and for many generations to come. Things like demonic beast, wyrens and magic such exist in the game, so decide to add a few more touches.
Brigid and Dadga. I did look up information on them from the game and it helped me build up this chapter and the next two I have planned.
And yes, my OC'S will have character Profiles and Paralogues. So, expect some soon!