- Two Years Later: Imperial Year 1167: Pegasus Moon: February -
Panting.
Running.
Listening.
Smelling.
Touching.
Her prey was running swift like a deer. That's because her prey was a deer. She wasn't going to let this one escape. She made a bet after all. If she could manage to hunt down one deer by herself, she would be allowed to have the first sip of the sugar cane cider from Sreng. Sugar cane did not grow in Fodlan after all, but thanks to her love gardening and help from her uncle, she was able to successfully have a few grow. Of course, they are nothing but seedlings, so they have yet to be harvested till fall.
"There!" She mentally yelled as she heard the cry of the deer get trapped in the extra net she had set up.
With a smile on her lips as she climbed up a tree and stood on a thick tree branch, she readied her arrow, aiming to do an instant kill on the deer.
"I still hate doing this no matter if it's an animal or human..." she muttered as she steeled herself and her face became void of emotions as she was set to release the arrow.
The woods became still, only the small rustles of leaves could be heard. The deer looked up to her direction, it's big brown eyes almost made her crack.
"May you be reincarnated in the future. Thank you and I am sorry." She said and released her arrow.
Truly, she really did look like an Ashen Demon but her other name she had earned...
The deer did not scream when the arrow pierced its heart. No sound was heard as it dropped to the ground. It was an instant kill, because she did not desire ever for her kill to suffer. All emotions came back to her as she let go a sigh of relief as she jumped down from the tree, landing on the tip of her boots because she used wind magic.
"Not bad, not bad. You improved in your form of landing and this time only a minimum amount." She heard the voice of the goddess as the said girl appeared before her with her hands behind her back, lightly swinging her legs.
"Well, I have a great teacher after all." She said and the goddess smiled proudly till she spoke.
"Florencio is amazing." She said.
"HUH?! How dare you?!" The goddess huffed till she began laughing.
"I'm joking Sothis! You're still my number one teacher." She grinned and Sothis huffed but gave her a small smile.
"So, Arisa, you won the bet then?" Sothis grinned and Arisa smirked smugly.
She turned back to the deer and smiled sadly as she bent down to remove the arrow from its chest.
"Thank you..." she muttered softly as she removed it.
She will never get used to the feeling of blood on her hands. She picked up the deer like it was a sack of potatoes and swung it over her shoulders. It was going to be a good 10-minute walk. As her and Sothis begin their journey back Remire village, Arisa couldn't help but look back at the memories of her past life and also this one.
"Look at you. Two years ago, you would turn stiff as a log at even the sight of an animal being killed, now you can hunt." Sothis said as she floated next to her.
"It's still hard to believe it's been two years. Time sure went by fast. I still hate killing. I'll never ever get used to it." Arisa said.
Sothis nodded to her and couldn't help but smile at the now 6-year-old girl. Arisa had grown quite a bit. She was much taller than the girls in her village. Since she was the 4th oldest of all the children in the village. Her once dark teal hair had grown long to her waist. It had streaks of light brown hair growing. The same hair color as Jeralt's. Everyone in her father's company was in shock when they saw she had begun to grow brown hair. It mixes well with her teal colored hair. Jeralt honestly had a swell of pride grow inside of him because she was growing the same colored hair as him. Her eyes had turned to a shade of both green and brown. The green faded halfway to brown. Truthfully, looking into the mirror, Arisa thought she looked like a fusion of her old self and Byleth, it was becoming more and more obvious as the years went by. Even her skin had turned a little bit of a tan but that was because of sun burns. Curses. She wore a simple black shirt with black baggy pants easy to move in. On her head, she wore the red jewel chain. And around her neck, the small little yarn doll and charm she got in Dadga. Arisa's black boots made no sound as she walked, both fortunately and unfortunately habit of walking silent like a ninja never went away. After a few more minutes, they arrived at the village and standing near the gate, were the village children and the three oldest ones.
"Dammit! She won!" The second oldest, a boy, screeched while the others laughed.
"I won the bet! Hand over that jug of cider!" Arisa grinned proudly as she ran over to them with the deer.
Florencio was nearby, his eyes went wide when he saw his niece carrying the deer and ran over to the group.
"Byleth, did you go hunting?!" Florencio screeched loudly and the entire group turned pale.
"Yeah..." Arisa grinned a bit nervously.
The man sighed and looked at everyone in the group one by one before he spoke.
"You are all lucky today is the Half Moon celebration! Now get your behinds back to your homes or help with the celebration! Byleth, you're helping prepare the deer because you hunted it down!" Florencio said Arisa groans.
She hated preparing animals they hunted.
"Don't you groan at me young lady!" Florencio said.
"Fiiinnneeeee." She said as one of the kids strapped on her waist a half milk jug size canteen.
"Thank you." She said to them and they wished her good luck.
Following her uncle, well godfather, to Elder Bara's houses, where many of the women were helping cook, one of the women smirked at the sight of the deer.
"So, you went hunting even though your father and a few of the men already went to search, ne?" Rin said with arms crossed as she walked over to her.
She was wearing an apron because she was in charge of getting the meat ready.
"Made a bet with the kids and it was worth it! Sugar cane cider!" Arisa said with a big grin as she put down the deer on an empty table.
Rin sighed as she took a step back as a little girl ran up to her.
"Aunty, Aunty! Papa and Mama are arguing over the potatoes again!" A little one-year old girl said as she ran up to her.
Rin groans into her hands and Elder Bara laughed not too far away.
"What I tell you child?! Something amazing did come from that marriage. They fight like newlyweds!" Elder Bara chuckled as she went back to cutting vegetables.
Today was the half-moon celebration during the month of the Pegasus Moon, also known as February. The year was now 1167. It was still hard to believe it had been two years since she had become part of this world. She learned many things. One, for sure was that Florencio would go to the Empire each month for three days to train a girl, or more specifically, Bernadetta. Arisa nearly fainted from shock hearing that, but nonetheless, was happy because she knew of Bernadetta's traumatic history in House Valery. The fact that Florencio was going those three days each month to check on her and much more, to make his presence known to Count Varley so the bastard wouldn't dare go to the extreme to hurt the girl. Learning that Florencio was one of the only 5 highest ranking Doctors in all Fodlan was reassuring. Also, because his pen name was Doctor Lilac. Arisa was looking forward to meeting Bernadetta in the future and possibly save the girl, have her join the house she will chose.
Another thing that happened was that Ili and Ra this time now had officially did fall in love and at first, they did regret getting married drunk. But that soon changed to joy and love, the two getting married the Fodlan traditional way. They now had the blessing of both Brigid and Fodlan. A year later, Ili gave birth to a beautiful baby girl who is named Kama. Ra and Ili were proud parents of that little troublemaker girl. Ili was on maternity leave for a full two years to fully recover along with Ra so he could be with his family. Arisa herself was trained by her father, Sandy (Godmother) and Florencio (Godfather). At age six, her father had begun to take her with him to their missions. Truthfully, like before, she will never get used to taking a life. Every time she did, she had grown the habit of muttering a small prayer to them before she plunged her blade into them. Those that managed to get away or survive, have given her the name that Byleth had, The Ashen Demon, but also... the Angel of Death. That other name she did not know about. Ah, and let's not forget Sothis. The goddess had learned so much of Fodlan through the young girl's eyes but also with being surrounded by so many amazing people. Sothis loved humans. She knew they could be cruel and merciless at times. They could betray and back stab, but she also saw the beauty and good of human life. She saw the joy and sadness, the ups and downs many went through. Being one with Arisa, Sothis had begun to understand humans more and more. It also brought her a few small fragments of her memories back. They were still foggy and blurry, but she knew, she once had a family. A long time ago. Though she could not remember them, she knew they were out there somewhere. For now, she enjoyed being with Arisa and her family. Another thing, Sothis was a monster when it came to training Arisa in ancient magic.
The poor human girl barely managed to survive the mental training. Reminding her, she will be turning 8 years old this year. As for her father, Jeralt was more than proud of his daughter. Though he didn't exactly express his emotions very well, his affection towards her and training was more than enough to show how much he loved her. He trained her in the sword, the skills of a merchant and mercenary.
By now, Arisa had now fully developed her own sword style. It was a combination of the fencing style she learned in her old world but also the sword style of Fodlan. She had her rapier modified so it can turn to like a chain whip, like the Sword of the Creator. She was damn she will prevent Jeralt's death and began practicing manipulating her sword in a way. What's more, Red Hare had grown beautiful. Zach had taught her how to properly ride a pegasus. A bit of a horror to Jeralt because Red Hare loved showing off his speed and Arisa loved going crazy fast in the sky. She described Red Hare's speed like it was a rocket. Her skills in dancing and brawling she loved. It scared a good portion of the boys because her martial arts skills. Sandy showed no mercy in training her in dance. Plus, being the fourth tallest in the village made things made things much more fun. She was 5'4 in her old life and just prayed that she would be tall when she got even older. Arisa experienced what it was like to have a childhood. She learned the names of all the villagers and everyone in the company. She wanted to forever have them in her heart. Truthfully, she just recently come to terms that this was her new life and finally accepted it. There will be times she will be lost in past memories, but she is finally taking the first small steps to move forward. Even with the knowledge of what the future holds, was still a huge burden on her back. She kept it hidden, far too well. Reminding her, she really, really, really, missed playing the piano and violin. Unfortunately, pianos do not exist in this world. Violins, sure. BUT THEY WERE BLOODY AS HELL EXPENSIVE THAT ONLY NOBLES COULD AFFORD THEM AND VERY FEW DO! She never wanted to forget to play them so in a separate notebook, she wrote down everything she could remember of music notes. She also would sometimes pretend she was playing them by air playing with her fingers.
"Alright, the deer is gutted, skinned, meet cut to the right sized and also the bones removed!" Arisa said as she put down the butcher knife.
Indeed, the deer was cut down well.
"Byleth, go help Sandy with the bread. She needs a few extra hands." She heard Fiona say as she was busy mixing the mash potatoes.
"Thanks Fiona!" Arisa said and went to wash her hands.
The girl made a few water bubbles float. Zach had been kind enough to teach her some water magic spells. She felt like Azura and would sing Lost in Thoughts All Alone at times. The girl arrived at the next room where Sandy was busy mixing batter in a bowl.
"Good Byleth! Need you to take out the sour dough bread from the oven and cut them up!" Sandy said in a bit of a rush as she was trying to get everything done.
Arisa nodded and went to do just that.
Another two hours passed almost everything was ready. During that time, her father and the hunting group had come back with a fine hunt. A nice big boar and a rare moose. It was a tradition of Remire Village to hunt only one moose every year during the Half Moon celebration. So, when Jeralt learned that his daughter went hunting without permission because of a bet, you bet as punishment he made the girl prepare the moose.
"I hate this..." once again, the girl was skinning the damn animal while Jeralt watched.
"Seriously kid, you went hunting alone over sugar cane cider?" Jeralt sighed.
"In my defense," she said as she cut a leg, "Sugar cane is extremely hard to get, and it doesn't grow in Fodlan. It took me 6 months to finally be able to grow a small seeding adapted to the soil and weather here." She said.
She turned to him and patted the canteen on her waist with a smug grin.
"I get the taste if thy sweets first!" She said proudly.
"Oh no, give that here." Jeralt said and walked towards her.
"Catch me if you can!" She giggled and ran around the table.
"Get back here!" Jeralt said and the man ran after her in circles.
Arisa giggled happily, dodging her father and Jeralt couldn't help but chuckle also.
"Got you!" He picked up the girl by the waist.
"Oh no!" Arisa gasped but giggled as he spun her around and then put her down.
"Now, hand over that cider." He said.
Arisa groans but gave it to him anyway because he knew she had a sweet tooth and would most likely drink down the entire thing for herself. That was true though.
"Good. Now finish cutting that moose. It's almost time to bring everything out." Jeralt said.
He had to go help set up the fires where the meat will be cooked. Sothis appeared and grinned to her.
"So, looks like you won't be having your hidden sweets tonight. Punishment for the bet!" Sothis grinned.
Arisa gave her a playful glare but shrugged.
"Come on! Got to bring the food out!" She said and ran to the kitchen to help out.
- 1 hour later: Stables -
After helping bring out all the food, Arisa was finally able to relax until the food was ready. The girl had decided to visit the stables to see how Red Hare was doing. She brought a full basket filled with vegetables he loved to eat. Once she entered, she heard a very loud neigh that she knew immediately it belongs to her friend.
"Sup Red Hare!" Of course, during her time alone, she would revert to old form of slang language from her old world.
Red Hare's eyes lit up as she walked over to his section. The girl giggled as he nuzzled his nose on her face. Like before, he had grown to a beautiful strong pegasus. He is technically still in his teen years but still, he was beautiful. He was especially prideful in his long mane red hair. Arisa took the liberty of braiding it and combing it so it would look shiny and clean. He flapped his wings and snorted lightly.
"I know. I got you your food. Enjoy it Red. You deserve it after putting up with me these past two years." She said.
Sothis nodded and sat were Arisa would sit on Red Hare. The said pegasus no longer minded and now had a civil relationship with the goddess. Remire Village had many stray cats and dogs around. Another thing about Remire Village is that Florencio has a barrier around the place. He isn't about to let bandits raid the place if her, Jeralt or Sandy were away. It also kept away the spies of the Church of Serios so they could never locate them.
"Stop it." Arisa giggled a Red Hare chewed a bit of her hair.
She took out a green hair ribbon and used it to put her hair in a high ponytail with her right and left long bangs lose on both sides of her face. They display how the brown hair transcend to the teal color. Her eyes especially.
"Enjoy the food. I'm going to go change!" She said and waved goodbye.
"Wait for me!" Sothis said and flew after her friend.
- In Arisa's Room -
With the door closing shut, Arisa ran to her closet and began to look through her clothing of what she will wear. It was still winter after all and it wouldn't be spring till next month. Sothis looked in and pointed to a simple blue dress with her dark green cloak. Arisa had many cloaks.
"Why not this one? I haven't seen you wear it in a long time." Sothis said and Arisa picked it up.
"I haven't worn this one since my trip to Faerghus 2 years ago." Arisa thought as she looked at it.
She smiled sadly as she hugged it to her chest. The faces of Lestia, Zander, Dimitri, Felix, Sylvian, Ingrid and the rest appeared in her mind. She did wonder how they were doing and if they are well. Especially Dimitri and Sylvian. She really did think of the all as siblings.
"I miss them..." she thought as she looked back to the dress.
She was far too small for it back them and now she finally fit in it perfectly. The girl nodded and began to remove her clothing. Of course, Sothis sighed as she looked over to the mirror. Arisa had a few scars but the main one that always stung was the one at her chest. It was a slash mark over her heart. The girl swiftly changed into her dress and put on her other black boots. She grabbed her green cloak with fur and did a twirl in front of the mirror.
"You finally fit in it! Wonderful!" Sothis said and the girl did a small bow.
"Let us go my lady. I shall escort us to the food!" Arisa and Sothis smiled.
"With pleasure my dear student. Ooohohoho!" Sothis and Arisa instantly cringed at the rich people laugh.
"Really?" The girl said and the goddess just looked at her confused.
"What is wrong? I saw one of the village girls doing it. Thought it would make me look better." Sothis said as the Arisa began to walk down the hallway of her home.
"Unfortunately, that laugh is usually used when you are being a brat. Sorry Sothis." She said and goddess pouted.
"I thought it made me look good!"Sothis said.
"I guess...? Just, don't do it again. Please." Arisa said.
Sothis grumbled but agreed. Perhaps it would be better to wait for when the time was right.
- Later at night -
"HHHHHEREEYYYYYYYAAAAA! WHOOOOOO!" Florencio yelled out completely drunk with his mug of ale high in the air.
The man had a horrible alcohol tolerance and was dead drunk by the third mug. Many of the villagers laughed as the watched the calm and graceful doctor turn to a complete drama queen. Sandy had covered Arisa's eyes as she watched her fellow friend's get drunk as heck. Tonight, was a day of celebration so it was alright. Arisa just happily ate her deer ribs. She showed them the recipe for barbecue sauce and looks like everyone liked it. It was their first time eating it. To Arisa, she didn't know how much she missed this familiar taste. It still felt strange eating it on deer meat, but it still tasted as good as the one on the boar meat. She saw her father got in a group with a few men along with poor Zach dragged on along with Jorah. They were all drunk and were singing and at some point, Fiona joined them till Rin pulled the drunk woman away. Now she understood why Jeralt was embarrassed when ever one of his past drinking episodes was mentioned. If she had a phone, she would totally be recording it to show her father the next day. She giggled she pulled out the canteen with the sugar cane cider she managed to snatch back and took a big long gulp of it. Luckily Sandy had went to give the group water to help them sober up a bit. They were going to have a horrible hangover tomorrow. The half-moon celebration was to celebrate the winter harvest and also to thank the Goddess for protecting them through the winter. Arisa let go of a blissful sigh as she finished her giant gulp. The girl could not help but smile as she wiped her lips, watching Sothis dancing happily with a few fire aerials near the big bonfire that was made. She looked around and saw a few the wyrens had fallen asleep because of the warmth of the flames. One of them had a few of the children under its wing as if protecting them. It was cute. She wouldn't trade anything right now for this amazing moment. She yawned a bit, seems like sleep was coming to her. Arisa was starting to feel a bit cold and walked up a bit to the fire and sat near it. She saw Elder Bara nearby and smiled warmly. Once more, the girl could not help but stare at the fire, lost in her thoughts.
"On an ocean of stars
Lo, an angel they see
Untouched by the war
That the waged..."
Sothis turned towards her as she saw the girl seemed to be in her own thoughts as she had begun to sing a song she had never heard. Elder Bara went silent as she listened.
Lain low by their scars
A people wounded, but free
Seek what lies beyond
This dark age
The seasons they turn
Winter to spring
Dulling the pain and
Erasing the sting
The seasons turn
Summer to fall
Time's warm embrace
Begins to heal all
On the wild, at first light
The jasper lion will run
Hark an anthem he drums
Can you hear?
The people fresh from the night
Rise and listen as one
The land that they were promised
Is near
And though I am gone
Just ash in the wind
One life surrendered
So yours can begin
Courage my children—
This is your song
I am the Earth—
I will make you strong
A world riven by pride
Repaired at last
And now its makers can be at rest
Our vision come to pass
The seasons, they turn
Memory fades
But when my name has been lost
To the grey
I will sustain you
Year after year
I will protect you
When dangers appear
And though I am gone
Just ash in the wind
One life surrendered
So yours can begin
Courage my children
This is your song
I am the Earth
I will make you strong
Arisa has zoned out completely as she had sung the song and just finished. She sighed and noticed both Elder Bara and Sothis staring at her.
"Something wrong?" Arisa said as she sat up straight.
"I never knew you could sing so beautifully but...the song was also filled with sorrow. I'm curious, what's the story behind it?" Elder Bara asked.
"Well...it's about a goddess who surrender her life to allow her people's lives to be lived anew, free of the influences of the gods. She finally laid to rest with her brother, the goddess expresses her belief that their vision for their people's happiness can finally come to pass. She refers to herself as "the earth", who will "sustain you year after year"." Arisa said a bit sadly.
Truthfully, she was talking about the story of Mila and Duma from Fire Emblem Echoes, Shadows of Valentia. She loved listening to that song especially. Elder Bara nodded and turned to look at the fire.
"Quite a story. You read it in one of your books?" Sothis and Arisa nodded as she saw the Elder about to speak.
"Knowledge holds many things dear. Be careful who you share it with." The elder smiled warmly to her and Arisa was a bit confused.
"By the way, your father didn't tell you this, but they will be heading out to Duscur in 3 days. Just a heads up because knowing you….just make sure not to get discovered." Elder Bara chuckled and left.
Both Sothis and Arisa blinked like owls to each other but grin.
"You ready for another adventure?" Arisa said and Sothis nodded.
"But of course! I am always ready for some fun." Sothis snickered.
"Same! But for tonight, let's get ready for bed. I'm getting tired. Yyaaawwnn." Arisa said and stood up to head back to her room.
Indeed, tonight was wonderful.
What Arisa did not notice, was her shadow wavered only just a bit. It wasn't just hers. Elder Bara's eyes narrowed at her own as she saw it ripple. She placed her hand on it and frowned.
"These feelings of sorrow and pain...Who are you? Who are you calling out to?"
- Dream -
"Where are you...?"
"Please come back..."
"Don't leave me!"
Dark. The place was dark. She could hear a female voice screaming and crying. Her forest colored (green/brown) eyes kept looking around everywhere.
"Hello?" She yelled out but only heard weeping once more.
"Papa...mama...I'll kill...you..."
Her blood ran cold as the voice suddenly became filled with malice. But not towards her, but to someone.
"You'll pay...you'll pay...how dare you take them away from me!"
The shadows began to form in a giant creature. It almost looked similar to an Elder Dragon Namielle from Monster Hunters. But...this one looked more sinister...shadows covered all its body as it rose it's head and roared down at Arisa. The girl screamed so loudly as it brought down its jaw over her.
- End of Dream -
Arisa shot awake from her bed and her heart beating rapidly. Sweat running down her face as she shakily got out of bed and went to the table near her desk. There was a jug of water and she poured herself a glass. She gulped it down and let go a deep breath she had been holding onto.
"Yaawwnnnnn...good morning." Sothis's voice was heard the goddess appeared and yawned.
She looked at the girl confused, noticing the girl was in almost a shock state. There was still sweat running down her cheek and the girl taking deep breaths to calm down her pounding heart.
"Arisa, are you alright? Did you have a nightmare?" Sothis said as she gently touched the girl's cheek.
She also noticed the red gem on the girl's gold chain had a crack on it.
"I'm okay...and yeah...a nightmare." Arisa said as she heard to the restroom to take a bath.
"What was that dream...?" She muttered to herself as she filled the tub with warm water and opened jar filled with dry lavender.
She threw a small handful in. This bath should help her clear her head.
- 1 hour later -
Dressed in her usual long-sleeved button up shirt with her ankle length black skirt with black tights underneath, black boots, her rapier on her waist, and her green cloak, Arisa headed out to the company to get some information on the trip to Duscur. She put her hair in a high ponytail like yesterday. It felt more comfortable and decided to tie like that from now on. She walked into the building and grabbed an apple from the fruit bowl that was near the entrance. Sandy placed it there in case anyone wanted to have a snack during the time of days.
"Morning Acia and Helena!" Arisa said as she walked up to a front desk where the two women, she called out were at.
"Morning." Was all Acia said and Helena smiled.
"Morning Evergreen! We're just getting some paperwork done. Plus, the new shipment of umbral steel is heaven!" Helana said happily as she was counting a few silver coins.
Acia and Helena were part of Sandy's team. Acia is a former criminal from the Alliance. She had stolen money from House Gloucester to feed her younger siblings. That resulted in her getting arrested till Sandy made a deal to set her free. Truthfully, the woman bribed the guards with gold. Acia and her siblings were then taken in by Jeralt's company and since then, Acia was more than grateful. She no longer lived a life of thieves and her siblings now lived happy lives here in Remire Village. Helena was a Gremory from Albinea. She left her home country to travel the world and eventually chose to settle down here in Fodlan. Thus, the woman was an amazing merchant but a bit on the greedy side. Arisa wondered if she would get along well with Anna if she ever met her. Also, the woman had a strange habit of putting nicknames on people. Evergreen was the nickname she put on Arisa because of the colors of her hair and eyes.
"Oohhh! So, who's the one making weapons with the steel?" Arisa said.
Helena and Acia both sigh in sadness as they looked at each other then back at her.
"Unfortunately, we do not have a blacksmith that specializes in this rare metal. Till then, we'll just have it stored in the warehouses until we hire a good one." Acia said.
"What about Zoltan, the Master Swordsmith?" She said and Helena spit out the tea she was drinking.
"I'm surprised you know about him." Acia said.
"Well, yeah. Dad told me he was the one that made his lance after all." Arisa said.
Acia nodded and slapped Helena on her back to help her out. That just made the woman cough more.
"The man is a stubborn bloat. He lives in the Kingdom. Difficult to get a hold of and consider yourself lucky if you even manage to get a hold of any of the weapons he has made." Helena said, now recovered.
"Okay then. Then who made my rapier?" Arisa asked.
"Zoltan, of course. It was your 7th birthday present after all. Plus, it was very difficult to make it like a whip. I'm still surprised you came up with that plan. Zoltan honestly loved the challenge of making a sword like that. It is made with umbral and wootz steel like your father's lance. Anyhow, why are you here so early in the morning, Evergreen?" Helena said.
Arisa smiled to them cutely.
"I overheard Ares say that they are heading out to Duscur in a few days. So, wanted to know a few things." She said.
Helena and Acia looked at each other blankly and shrugged.
"4 in the morning. Make sure not to get caught. Your best spot to hide is in the barrel where the clothing is since hardly anyone checks it." Helena said as she went back to filing paperwork.
"Thank you!" Arisa said and left with a smile.
Once out the door, Acia turned to her fellow friend.
"Was that really a good idea? Sandy and Florence will have our heads if they learn we told her the time of Jeralt's departure." Acia said.
Helena giggled.
"Might as well see what goes down. No one can stop that girl when she sets her mind on things. Reminding me, how did that date with Ares go?" Helena smirked to Acia who just gave her a blank face.
"Please just shut it. And yes, it went well." Acia gave her a small smile.
"So are you still a v-"
SLAP!
- 3 days later -
"Bag of Black Holes?" Sothis smiled.
It was the name Sothis gave to her friend's bag because you could literally find anything in it.
"Check." Arisa grinned happily back to her.
"4 months of clothing?" She said.
"Check!" Arisa's smile seemed to grow.
"Finally, do you have everything you need?" Was what Sothis said.
"Of course! We wouldn't be in this barrel if I didn't." Arisa said.
It was 4 in the morning, Sothis and Arisa were inside a well size barrel. She wore a black fur cloak that was made by Florencio to completely hide one's presence. She stole it from his office. Florencio had a talent for designing clothing. This cloak in particular was created using the feathers that ariels had shed and also some, wyvern scales, and wootz steel. It was designed to hide a person's presence but also protect them from danger. The wyvern scales were a bonus because it made it fireproof. Plus, it was so warm and comfy!
"So, two weeks we hide again huh? Sandy and Florencio are staying behind this time. Your father is taking Ares, Teme, Yofos and Jorah. Not a bad team. I overheard it will take at least 4 months to get to Duscur. So, any information?" Sothis said as she sat down next to her.
"Let's wait two weeks before I tell you anything. Still wish I could have brought Red Hare with us, but he would attract too much attention. I have yet to master the shirking spell I learned from Helena." Arisa said and they felt the wagon begin moving.
"I personally agree that he was not brought. Though I must admit, he would have been a great help. You two make an amazing team together. If you had joined the knights of either the Kingdom, Empire or Alliance, I do believe you would have been a highly respected one." Sothis said.
Arisa nodded as she took out an apple and began to eat it.
"I do agree with you on that but there is something I don't like the glorification of death in knighthood. I don't want to die, people believing I died for the sake of a country. If I die one day, I want it to be for my own beliefs." She said.
Sothis was silent as she heard this.
"I know it sounds like I'm cold but still...I think I understand a bit better now of Felix's mentality when he is older." She said.
"Of c-wait, what do you mean when he is older?" Sothis said and Arisa mentally slapped herself.
"Oh look!" Arisa laughed nervously as she pointed to the red gem on her gold chain, "Elder Bara fixed it." She said.
Sothis knew the girl was avoiding the question but shrugged. She'll know the answer eventually.
- 2 weeks later -
"Sothis, the time has come." Arisa grinned widely as she carefully crawled out of the barrel and quietly walked towards her father, where was sitting at the front of the wagon, steering the horses.
Sothis snickered evilly as the girl got closer that's when it happened.
"Off to an adventure we go! Yahooo!" Arisa yelled happily as she jumped on her father's back and pointed to the sky.
"WHAT ON EARTH?!" Jeralt was completely shocked as he saw his daughter suddenly appeared out of nowhere and had climbed on his back.
The girl had wide grin and the men were all having heart attacks.
"SHE SNUCK INTO THE WAGON AGAIN!" Ares, Yofos, Jorah and Temes all yelled in union in absolute horror.
"We made sure to check every single barrel and crate! How the f-" Yofos was silenced because Jorah slapped his hand over his mouth before he finished his curse.
One does not simply tell Arisa to stay behind at home to study. Oh no no no. The girl has been having a thirst for adventures since arriving to this world and no amount of isolation is going to keep her from doing that. Jeralt groaned into his hands as his daughter simply giggled and hugged him. At this point, it is to be expected. This time the job was taking place near Duscur. Duscur is a peninsula on the northern coast of Fódlan, to the west of Sreng. It is part of the territory of the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus. This adventure takes place way before the Tragedy of Duscur. This was during the time it was still an independent country.
Sothis finally burst out laughing and the horses looked her way and glared. One of them shook their head. It was Yofos's horse, a wonderful black female stallion that was often called the mother of all the horses because she was the oldest. Sothis smiled as she floated near the black stallion and giggled.
"Come now all of you! You should all be aware that she is a wild child!" Sothis giggled.
"I'm excited!" The girl cheered until she got a smack on the head by her father.
"Ow!" She screeched as she held her head and glared at him with puffed cheeks.
She'll take full advantage of acting like a child despite having the mentality of an adult. Tantrums unfortunately are something she can never bring herself to do. Dammit.
"How many times have I told you not to sneak on kid?!" Jeralt said to her.
Arisa pouted and pointed to him, a twinkle in her eye that reminded Jeralt of his wife. That was not a good sign.
"You can't keep me in the village forever! My coming of age ceremony comes 8 more years! I found out about the village tradition of allowing their children once they turn 15 to leave on a journey on their own if they desire! I spoke to the older boys! I want practice!" She said.
Stubborn was the word used to describe her. Exactly like her mother. Oh, well you look at that. Seems Temes has looked away at the mention of the village tradition. So, it was him who mentioned it.
Have kids they say. It'll be fun they say.
(Chapter 9: Duscur Dawn: Part 1: Road to the Shadows)
[ - ]
And a two-year time skip has happened! Yup! It's time for the appearances of one of main OC's who will stand by Arisa's/Byleth's side. Her appearance will be made next chapter. Now, some of you asked when will our protagonist meet Edelgard and Claude. Well, Edelgard will be actually more towards 13 or 14 possibly? Claude will be more towards 16 or 17. Now, before all the you unleash Time Skip Dimitri on me, I have a plan laid out. That's because there will also certain reunions and a possible encounter with a certain Archbishop.
That's all!