The copper key in her hand felt much heavier than usual as she trembled to put it into the keyhole. She gulped, carefully turning it, hearing the loud click. Magic circles began activating, they spread all over the door glowing in faint colors of green and blue. There, they remained for a few seconds before disintegrating. The door opened with a hiss before Arisa slowly pushed it open. Inside they could smell the faint scent of tobacco along with lavender candles that have most likely burned out a long time ago. Alexandra stepped forward, snapping her fingers to create ice crystals that floated towards the lamps. Once lit, it revealed a room filled with shelves, tables, a cauldron, magic tools, and different items displayed on pedestals. The fire Arisa lit up to warm up the place because it had been years since she had seen it. She let out a small breath as she rubbed her hands together to warm them up.
Based on how much dust was on the table, it looked like Florencio hadn't used the basement in a few months. She recalls learning of it growing up. No one but Sandy and him was allowed in. The girls once did try to sneak in because they were curious but that resulted in them experimenting with the lock. Amir electrocuted it. Alexandra froze it, she rammed it with her sword but no dent. Of course, the trio got caught and was grounded for two weeks. Florencio always said that he would let them in when they were older.
"Sigh..." she sighed a bit as she wiped a bit of dust off the table, the gray substance stuck on her gloves, "A bit late...but better late than never." She muttered as Alexandra closed the door and cast a barrier on it for their safety.
"This is Florencio's magic workshop? It's huge compared to the room he had at the mansion." Bernadetta awed as she walked around, "Have you three been here before?"
"We tried to break in a few times. We got grounded." Amir smirked at the memories.
"But, I honestly have a lot of questions." Alexandra said as she walked up to the bookshelf and began to look through, "How did all the people of Remire end up in Abyss? Elder Bara won't tell us anything."
"Honestly, I have the same thoughts," Arisa said and picked up a book.
"Maybe he, Sandana, and Jeralt made evacuation plans ahead of time?" Alexandra suggested.
"I think I found our answer," Amir yelled out as they all went towards the wall on the left side of the room.
Papers and pictures were pinned onto the wall along with strings connecting to different ones. Some papers were circled while others were crossed out. Maps and blueprints on the tables and even pinned on the wall. But what caught their attention was a full map of the monastery. Arisa walked up, placing her hand on it, tracing the light indents. First, the bottom half of the map was Abyss.
"Based on how brown the paper is and the faded ink, I think is map is around 70 years old. If not older." Bernadetta said as she stood next to her, "My father likes collecting antiques and when I would have the chance, I would study them." She explained as the others nodded.
"Hmmm..." Amir held her chin, "If this map is here..then it's possibly a layout of known underground tunnels. Crescent did say that the Abyss was built during the time the monastery was finished. Or was it before...?" She asked and that was another question they would ask later.
"There is also a map of Remire." Alexandra said as she pointed to one underground tunnel, "From the looks of it, this tunnel leads to underneath Remire. And if we follow the trail, " she traced the map till I landed underneath Elder Bara's house, "we have our tunnel."
"This means Florencio had a full evacuation plan should the Agarthans ever found him," Arisa said.
"But why were they after him?" Bernadetta asked.
"Do you remember the lecture he did a few weeks ago when he spoke a bit about his past?" Alexandra asked, "Good. Many years ago, when he was your and our age, he used to work for the Agarthans."
"WHAT?!"
"In his defense," Arisa spoke quickly after Bernadetta's outburst, "His adopted family and Sandy were being threatened to be killed. And those people would have killed them one by one the longer he refused to join. So...he had no choice." She explained.
Bernadetta hung her head, nodding to show she understood. Arisa kept looking at the map when she noticed a green-colored book on the table. She picked it up, opening to the first page to see more detailed notes on...hexes and curses. She slowly closed the book and put it back on the table next to the mini cauldron. Looking around, there were more papers and books everywhere but what exactly did Florencio want her to find? Two hours, three hours passed and they haven't found much, other than more books on deadly poisons. She sighed again as she stood up.
"Whoa!" Accidentally bumped into the potted plant tree, knocking it over. The vase shattered, dirt all over the floor, "Dammit!" Arisa hissed but...
"Wait, that's a box." Sothis quickly appeared and flew towards it.
Arisa quickly scrambled it, running off the dirt till it revealed a wooden box. The cravings one was ones she had never before and she went to the nearest table. The rest of the girls gathered around as she studied the font on it. The symbols looked similar to Russian yet there seemed to be old Archanea. Of course, she doesn't know how to read Russian or Archanea but she remembered what the languages looked like from all the artbooks she used to collect.
"Do you sense any magic?" Amir whispered as she saw Alexandra twitching.
"Can you open it?" Sothis muttered and when she tried, the hieroglyphs glowed, "Oh my."
A magic circle appeared above the wooden box, showing different symbols of the zodiac signs stars. All sorts of constellations and gears turning like a clock. The sound of clicking could be heard as the gears turned. Arisa cocked her head, this type of magic seal she had never seen before.
"Ara Ara~" Alexandra's eyes turned red as she leaned forward holding her chin, "I never thought I see this type of magic seal again. I thought Uncle Orion's celestial arts were extinct." Cirina said.
"Celestial Arts?" Bernadetta looked at her confused, "Is it similar to the astrology lessons Arisa gives?"
"Somewhat." Cirina said as Arisa moved to allow her to work with the magic circle, "Let's see..." the three women began silently screaming when Cirina began to turn the inner circle to the left and the outer circle to the right, "Turn this to the left and then to the right. Then turn the gear between the two giants clockwise. Next type in the constellation of the individual based off what year they were born and month." She muttered as she kept tapping on different symbols.
Suddenly the seal glowed and burst but what surrounded them were stars and cosmos. Everyone was awed as they saw what was forbidden in Fodlan, yet Arisa couldn't help shed tears of joy along with Alexandra when they held their hand out to the stars. Not only them but also Cirina and Sothis wept. For Sothis, it was as if she was traveling through the stars ago like a millennia ago and for Cirina, it brought back joyful memories she spent with her family.
"I managed it get it open." Cirina wiped her eyes, "Click on a star. I think that's where the data is stored."
Arisa gulped and touched on a red star that looked like Mars. The girl screeched when it turned to dust and images began playing before them like a film.
"Florencio! You should take a break!"
"Mother?" Arisa gasped as the image of a green-haired woman with cheeks puffed out and her hands on her hips, glared cutely at a young Florencio, who looked the same as the present.
"Sitri, I'm busy!" Florencio snarked as he turned his head a bit her way as he continued to work on his desk, "Besides, you shouldn't be moving around so much! Remembers your health?!" He pointed at her.
"And I am 8 months pregnant !"
Florencio became pale as paper once he saw the woman standing behind Sitri. Light brown colored hair, pink eyes, light tan skin, and she wore the clothing of a priestess. This was the woman she saw in the dream she had.
"Dolca!"Florencio screeched as the woman walked towards him, "I-I swear I was going to call it early to—-AHHHHH!" And a hard smack he received.
"That must be his wife." Arisa chuckled softly as they continued to look through the archives, "Hmm...what exactly are we looking for?" She muttered and let go of another sigh before Cirina flicked her wrist to make the box close.
"Let's take everything with us. We should keep it in our magic archives than just leaving it out here. Especially with..." Alexandra said and turned around only to see Bernadetta reading what looked like a letter.
"Bernie, what your you reading?" Arisa asked as she walked up to the girl and noticed she was crying, "Bernadetta?"
"In my dream...Florencio told me thought of me as his child. He told me he loved me and wished he could have been there for me more. His time was limited but..." she sniffed as a few tears stained the paper, "We're... related. He's my great uncle and not just him." She sobbed yet she had a small smile on her face.
"Can I see that?" Arisa asked and Bernadetta handed her the letter.
Arisa read through it and her eyes widened the size of plates. She remembered months ago Florencio had told her that he was originally from House Varley and that he and Bernadetta were related. What she didn't expect was that the girl is descended from his elder-half brother who was called, Ages. Doctor Robert was born to Florencio's younger brother named Adam. Adam had 14 fourteen children, four that were adopted. Robert married and eventually had children in his early years and one of his sons married Lila and had his grandson. But there is more. Florencio had friends that he consider his siblings. Unfortunately, one named Lucia and a young man named Gretel passed away at an early age around the same time Ms. Dolca passed away and his son. A woman named Evalyn was also a sibling to him and Sandy but was killed by a former partner of theirs that chose Agartha. There is also a woman named Kyli and a man named Cyrus, who had also passed away. However, they lost their lives during an ambush against Those Who Slither In The Dark.
The only one alive is Adam. Now that she thought about, an old man who was standing next to Elder Bara during the funeral. He had pale purple-colored hair and brown eyes. Still, seeing Bernadetta look happy knowing she has more family other than her father and mother, Arisa couldn't help but hug the girl tightly. Bernadetta cried in her chest, the others were silent as they let them have their moment. In the meantime, Alexandra began to use her magic to make the items in the room float into her bag while Amir carefully began to remove the books from the shelves.
"Hey, Bernadetta! Catch!" Amir yelled and threw her a book.
The girl screeched and quickly ran out of Arisa's arms to catch it. The book flung into her hands like a hot potato, trying not to drop till finally, she caught it properly. She let out a sigh of relief before glaring at the Duscur woman. Amir couldn't help snicker but pointed to the book.
"It's a book about the History of Magic of House Varley. I think you may find it useful." She chuckled before turning back to pack away the books.
Bernadetta's looked at the purple-colored book before putting it in her bag and began to help pack up the place.
[—-]
"Listen, Gina..." Chris sighed as he and his wife kept a safe distance from Shamir so they could talk in private, "Do you remember when we were imprisoned for a short time in Aegir Mansion?" He asked and the woman immediately scowled.
"Of course, I remember. It was a short while before I was transferred back to House Vestra for them to continue experimenting on me. Are you feeling guilty about the fire?" She asked as she held his hand, Heather sat on her shoulder.
"If we are keeping tabs...I and Claudia were kept in the Faerghus underground dungeons by Cornelia. Achilles and Jason were kept underground of House Ordelia by that mage Odesse. Chris, Edelgard, and Henry were safe in the Kingdom. However, Aquamarine, Nadia, and Solomon are kept in the dungeons of the Empire..." the vestal witch whispered as her sister-in-law looked at her worried.
"Were Lady Claudia, Aqua, and Nadia turned to vestal witches?" Gina wondered but the princess shook her head.
"With what little information I learned from Cornelia and Solon, Nadia and Aquarium went mad and turned to the demonic beast. They were killed because they went on a rampage and killed many of their soldiers." Heather muttered as Chris remained silent.
"Achilles and Jason...I was able to learn through The Fools of Aegir that they did die during the experiments. Heart attack and...the black magic backed fire and killed Jason. For Solomon...he hanged himself before he became a demonic beast." Chris said, taking a deep breath as he ran his fingers through his hair, "Claudia...all I know is that she managed to injure one of the Sages before she was killed. That is it..." Gina hugged him tightly as Heather mourned the loss of their siblings.
"My love, why did you suddenly bring this up?" Gina asked and Chris's lips became a thin line as he thought back to Pollux but now there was also the possibility of Castor, "Chris?" She whispered as his face became grim.
"Gina...what would you do if you found out you had a child you didn't even know of?"
"...Did you sire someone behind my back?"
"What?! No!" Chris immediately turned to her and held her shoulders, "I would never cheat on you! No! I rather die than be unfaithful to you! I would never do such a thing!" The thought of even being unfaithful to anyone made him want to puke because of his personal experience of being cheated on in his past life.
"I know. Heather gave me the idea to tell you that." Chris automatically glared at his sister on Gina's shoulder who just laughed, "But in all seriousness, does this have to do with TWSITD?" She asked and he nodded.
"Did Anna tell you what went down a few days ago?" He asked and the woman nodded, "Pollux said that she was created from white hair with brown roots that was found during the investigation of The Aegir fire. No one of House Aegir has brown hair. Which...leads to only one option." He said and was waiting for her to figure it out.
Gina and Heather remained silent till slowly the woman's eyes widened and Heather's flames began to change to the color blue, then the shout came.
"WHAT?!"
"Everything alright?"
The group turned and saw the group walking up to them, "We packed up everything and made sure not to leave anything. Are you three alright?" Arisa asked as she looked at her brother, Gina, and Heather.
Chris let go of a sigh as he shook his head and gave her a tired smile.
"It's private. We'll talk about it later. How were things on your end?" He and Arisa also frowned.
"There is...too much information and we need to sort it out. It would take us months to look through everything Florencio left so we decided it's best to take it and go through it over time." Arisa explained and he nodded, "But, I found this." She went into her pocket and pulled out what looked like a Rubix cube made of stone, "I don't think this is the one Anna had stolen from but...I think we should speak to Sandy about it." She said, her brother nodding.
"In the meantime," Arisa sighed as she crossed her arms, "We should head back before Rhea finds out we left. Gina, how are things in Abyss?" She asked and the woman smiled softly.
"I know our stay is temporary but everyone has been so kind. The people of the village are helping rebuild Abyss and honestly..." she couldn't help but looked at her husband, "I think we're going to have a good relationship with the people there."
"Let me guess, you're having fun teaching my class." He grinned and the woman nodded but also, her smile became sad.
"Do you think it's too early to speak to Hubert...?" She asked and he looked at her unsure, "Maybe...just maybe if I speak with him, he would try to speak to Edelgard." Gina still prayed that her brother would change his mind but Chris knew Hubert wouldn't do such a thing.
"...We'll talk more when we get back." Arisa said as she walked a bit past the, but stopped to pat Gina's shoulder, "For now, you should focus on working on controlling your magic."
"Sigh...I know."
[—-]
Shamir snuck back in by blending into the shadows. The others had to follow Chris through a secret passageway to get to Abyss. Arisa and the others hadn't been there in a while but as they made their way through the tunnels, they saw some of them were being repaired but once they got to the main place, it was breathtaking. Stones walls that were cracked had been repaired as well as some of the buildings. The plaza that was filled with broken boxes and clutter was cleared away, revealing the huge area as well as an old fountain that was being repaired. The market area felt so much livelier with the place being fixed up and stalls being built for people. Chris couldn't help but smile as he welcomed the four women to the place.
"Welcome to Abyss." He grinned and Gina couldn't help but laugh at their flabbergasted faces as they walked through the place.
The old magic crystal lamps that hung from the ceilings were fixed and illuminated the place. Children were running around but most of all, so many of the people looked healthier.
"Crescent, I and the Ashen Wolves have been exploring Abyss nonstop and marking out every new room and tunnel we find." Chris grinned as they walked past a vendor, "Thanks to Anna's help, we've been able to open trade here! Of course, Cresent here is beyond great full for everything our people have done. He comes out once in a while to teach some of the people, here how to work the pipes." He explained and both stopped when they heard familiar laughter.
"Haha! Well if it isn't my girls!"
"Elder Bara!" Arisa, Alexandra, and Amir couldn't help but run-up to the old little woman who smiled when they hugged her, "We missed you!" The old woman laughed as she hugged them and then did light taps on the floor with her cane to let them know they were holding her a bit too tight.
"Sorry!" They said and the elder just gave them a grin even if she was missing some teeth.
"It's alright. I'm 100 years old and still kicking, but look at you three." The elder looked at them one at the time, "You've all grown. Changed in your ways. Your eyes tell me so."
"How are you all holding up? Especially with..." she needed not to say more because they knew what she meant.
"It's...difficult adjusting." Alexandra muttered, "For now, we want to take it slow. How is Kaimu doing?" She asked and the old woman sighed.
"Jaden has been with him and the girl Marianne he has opened up to. Still..." he glanced behind her as did the other looked towards where she was looking.
They managed to catch a flash of dark green hair quickly had back behind the wall. Elder Bara let out another sigh as she looked back at them.
"The girl...Pollux has been keeping her distance from everyone. She feels guilty about what happened even if she didn't do anything to the man." She said and Arisa's lips became a thin line.
"Come now you three, let's take a walk. Amir, you mind lending this old woman your arm to hold on?" Elder Bara said and Amir quickly stood up her side, "You don't even have to ask." Amir said and the woman laughed softly.
"Ah, you." Elder Bara pointed her walking stick at Bernadetta, "You join as well. You're technically family considering Florencio was your uncle." She smiled and Bernadetta looked unsure but nodded, Standing on the left and giving her arm for her to also hold on.
The walk through the plaza was pleasant and silent. Chris and Gina said they had to help in the classroom so they excused themselves but not before greeting Elder Bara.
"It's been a bit past six months since I've seen you, kids. Your eyes hold a story of joy but also pain. That is expected as time catches up to you. Like the old saying, "Time waits for no one." The old woman chuckled as they walked.
"Graduation is upon all the students and even more for you three who have become professors of the academy. Have you all thought of the future?" She said and the four were silent.
"I..." Alexandra began but she was hesitant, "I want to help rebuild Fodlan's justice system." She said and the look Elder Bara gave meant she needed to elaborate, "During the past years, I paid attention heavily on how the lives of people affected by the Crest System as well as from own personal experience." The woman said, "Some are happy, others are fine with their lives, but the more I dug under the surface, I found many more problems."
She looked down to the ground for a moment before looking at the Elder, a bead of sweat running down her face.
"The people, regardless if they are rich or poor are suffering in any way. Children from noble families are discarded because they do not bear a crest and common folk that is born with crest are in danger because greedy houses would anything to save face. Progress, like advancement in technology, knowledge, even simple things like teaching children how to read and write are not allowed to the lower class. Students that do not come from a noble background have to rely on sponsorships to get any sort of education. Not to also mention the discrimination and hardships one faces. Children that were discarded aren't even given a chance to show that they are more than just a blood bank. And even more..." her hand balled into a fist, "those that do wish to help others are falsely accused of horrible things to shut them down."
"How many innocents no...people have to be put down simply because their beliefs are different? How many people have been struck down simply for wanting to improve their lives? It isn't just the Church that needs reform, all of Fodlan does." She said thinking back to the hardships she has witnessed and had been through.
"Hmmmmm..." The old woman hummed as she closed her eyes, "The path you have chosen is a dangerous one. Many will be after your life for doing what you believe is alright. It is a path of hardships and suffering." She opened her eyes and looked her in the eyes, "Do you truly wish to go down that path?"
Alexandra remained silent staring down at her eyes and not breaking eye contact. The old woman smirked softly and nodded in approval.
"I see. So that's your answer." Elder Bara chuckled, "You've always been a stubborn one. I look forward to seeing you grow." She said and turned to Amir, "And you, my dear, what do you want to do?"
"To be honest," Amir bit her lip, "after justice was brought down on my uncle, my next goal was to one day return to Duscur. After the tragedy, I've been thinking about it more and I wish to return to my homeland and rebuild it. I'm no longer a noble but I still have influence in my House's name, so I want to work with Zander and the others to restore the place. Especially with the survivors and possibly one day declare our nation's independence. Well," she couldn't help but chuckle as she crossed her arms, a small smile on her face, "It will happen."
"Change won't happen in a day. Alex and Arisa know this. I know this. It could take years for us to achieve our goals and we might not achieve them. But even if we don't, I believe those that come after us will learn from our achievements and mistakes to continue our goals in their ways." Amir couldn't help but smile softly as the thought of Zander came into her mind.
"Oh ho~ it seems my girls have found someone they like!" Elder Bara laughed and smiled at Bernadetta, "And you little one, what are your plans?"
"Y-You're asking me?" Bernadetta squeaked as Elder Bara nodded, "Truthfully...I'm not completely sure. I haven't exactly thought about the future...Especially with..., the wound of Florencio passing is still fresh. I don't want to return to my house but I also can't stay in the academy." She said and the old woman nodded.
"It's alright, dear. Take your time, for now, rest more days if you have to. A wound of the heart does not heal in a day." She smiled sadly as she patted the girl's hand, "One day those tears of yours will dry up but it does not have to be today. Mourn as you need to but know that Florencio lives on in our memories and heart." Elder Bara said, the girl looked at her shocked for a moment before nodding.
"Thank you, Elder Bara." Bernadetta was holding back tears as the woman patted her head, "Ah." The girl suddenly realized she was late for class, she had to go back to the Black Eagles, "Um, Arisa..." The woman raised an eyebrow as she turned to her, "Would it be too late to join your class?"
"Sigh...Unfortunately, because we have three months left, you can't switch over." Arisa sighed as she shook her head, seeing how the girl had a disappointed look, "But you're more than welcome to come to me to help you with your work and during my study sessions." She said and Bernadetta nodded.
"Alright. And thank you, everyone." Bernadetta smiled as she politely bowed to each of them, "And it was a pleasure to meet you Elder Bara! If you get the chance, Petra would like to speak to you!"
"Oh, The princess of my nation! Ah, I'll have to visit her." The old woman chuckled and Bernadetta waved them goodbye before she left.
"We'll head up before the others get suspicious. It was good seeing you again Elder Bara." Amir said and hugged her before she left, "Take care, Elder Bara." Alexandra smiled and also hugged her before she left.
Now it was just her and Arisa, who had remained silent but only spoke when Bernadetta asked her a question. Arisa stood on her right and extended her arm for the old woman to take. They walked in silence for a while before Elder Bara spoke.
"You seemed troubled, child." Elder Bara said as Arisa had a somewhat wary smile, "Is it because of the question I asked?"
"Elder Bara...I'm not even sure if I have a future." Arisa said and the woman raised an eyebrow at her, "I'm just...unsure. Perhaps it is the guilt I feel." She sighed and looked away, "I've protected everyone for so long and...I feel like I've failed Florencio." She said and suddenly a smack in the ribs, "Ow!" She turned to look at the woman shocked, "What was that for?!"
"You have a nasty habit of shouldering everything!" The old woman grumbled and smacked her again, "You may put on a tough appearance but I know damn well under that mask you feel like you are walking on a tight rope." She huffed and Arisa looked away.
"Tell me, my dear, why do you keep putting on a front? You've done so much for everyone yet at the same you shut out others. Guilt and pain I can see are eating you away but there is more. There is something you want to say but can't. Why?" Elder Bara looked at the woman with worried eyes yet Arisa let out a dried laugh.
"Elder Bara...Sigh. If I spoke what I know, it would only put you and everyone in danger. No, I think people would think of me like a madwoman if I spoke of it." Arisa said as the two sat down on a bench, "My family, friends, my beloved students...with the year ending in a couple of weeks and with the start of a new year, I ask myself what I should do?" She sighed as she looked out to the plaza.
"I want to help my people. I want to help my students grow. I want to protect so many but with the enemy becoming bolder each time, I feel like I'm being crushed." She watched the children laughing as they chased each other and a few of the cats and dogs joined them.
"Part of me feels guilty because the reason the village was attacked was that I exposed who the enemy is. That I know who they are...no matter how much Rhea denies it. And at this point," she sighed once more and looked at her hands, "not only do I have to worry about Rhea but also the enemy that lurks in the shadows. Solon, the son of bitch is alive. Cornelia, who finally was put behind bars, has escaped and is trying to spy on us. Odesse was responsible for the death of so many people. Pittacus left the deepest scars. And..." she gritted her as she balled her hands into a fist.
"It just feels like everything I've done to create the change I wanted...is crumbling away. That it's hurting everyone." She sighed and hung her head.
"With great power, comes great responsibility."
Arisa looked her way and Elder Bara's eyes were focused on the people in the plaza, "A common saying told to anyone no matter the age. We as living beings, regardless if we are humans or not, all hold some sort of power." The old woman said as she closed her eyes.
"There are times we feel the responsibilities that we have felt heavy on us. At times it feels like society is judging us and we feel even more pressure when so many look up to us." The old woman said as she gently tapped the woman's knee with her cane, "We fear that we will let them down."
"But what's more is that we also become paranoid of the world around us. The pressure grows and grows. You take on more than you should and then pop!" She slammed the but of her cane onto the ground, "You break because you took on more than you should. You fear that one moment of weakness or relaxation will ruin everything." She said and finally opened her eyes to look at the woman.
"My dear Arisa Byleth, it's okay to break and cry. You are human, not a hero."
Arisa remained silent before turning to look back at the place filled with lively people. Elder Bara was right when she said her question troubled her. At the rate things were going, Arisa feared the war was going to happen. So many people's lives were going to change the day the invasion happened and when Edelgard is revealed to be the Flame Emperor, Dimitri will snap. She let out a sigh as she closed her eyes and intertwined her hands.
"The future..." she muttered, the words for some reason felt heavy in her mouth.
If she does prevent her fall, she will do everything in her power to help Dimitri and Claude to fight together to stop Edelgard and TWSITD. She will do what does not want her to do, reveal the truth about what the Hero Relics are and the history of Nabataean. Of course, she won't do it at once, over time she will tell them, so they can process the truth. If she just blurted it out, Fodlan would just be in chaos. She has to watch her back in case Rhea wants to dispose of her.
But what about after the war?
Everyone else she knows is most likely going with the ending she knows from the games. Alexandra wants to work in reforming Fodlan and Amir wishes to rebuild her homeland. Both noble and difficult paths and she fully supports them. But what about herself? What would she do after the war? Of course, one is she wants to settle down and one person comes to mind. But the more time passed, the more she realizes that person is out of their league in a way.
Dimitri.
She loves Dimitri and Dimitri loves her. Status has never been important to them because they have always treated each other equally. But as they grow, their positions will change. Dimitri will become a leader, a king. He will work hard to heal the land and change things for the better. The Blue Lions will be his side and he won't be doing it alone. Lestia, Sadi, Dedue, and Zander will be there with him and all will work. The others uniting, he already spoke with Claude about doing trade with their nations and even spoke of him of what he wanted to do about Duscur, Sreng, and opening trade with those outsides of Fodlan. Claude was all for it even Petra was happy to voice her options. Edelgard had also spoken with them and there was still small hope she would change her mind there.
But what about the effects on her body?
Arisa knows her body is crumbling away because of the use of the Crest of Flames. The human body is not meant to host the power of the divine and the other thing that worried her was what if Rhea died. Despite no matter how estranged she and the dragon are, Arisa still cares for her in a way. If Rhea died, the power of the Crest stone would disappear but would she remain a manakete or a human? Arisa let go another sigh as she thanked Elder Bara for the talk and told her to take care of herself. The woman smiled softly and nodded, happy to have spoken to her after so long.
[—]
Arisa was silent as she walked through the courtyard and went to the graveyard. She saw there were others there and made her way to Florencio's grave. Bouquets were brought almost every day and Arisa would fix them up. Arisa remained silent as she looked down at the grave and pulled out the Rubix cube from earlier.
"I found it, Uncle. You left a lot. It's going to take a while for me and the others to research through the information. Bernadetta now knows about you. Sigh..." she sighed and looked up to the sky and put away the device, "Rhea announced the ball recently. I'm not in the mood for celebrations but I know you won't want us to wallow in misery." She couldn't help but chuckle softly as she opened her eyes.
"You know, I haven't done Christmas shopping yet. Miss Dolca, do you think she would like glaze likes if I brought her some?" She muttered.
"Miss Dolca would have loved them very much."
She turned her head to see an old man with pale purple hair and brown eyes walk up and stand beside her. He used his cane for support and smiled softly as he looked her up and down.
"You must be Arisa. Florencio talked to me about you." The old man said as he smiled softly.
"It's nice to meet you, sir. If I may, who are you?" She asked and the old man chuckled.
"My name is Adam. I am Robert's father." He said and Arisa's eyes went wide, "It's a pleasure to meet you, lass. I wish I could have met you sooner but alas, my health is a different story." The old man chuckled as he turned back to his brother's grave.
"It's sad honestly...I've nearly outlived everyone I knew. I remember the first day I met Florencio but he didn't tell me which house I originally hailed from till I was 24 years old. At that, when we were young, Fodlan was a very different place. Not the best but not the worst either. But one thing that kept us together is that we had each other." He said as he turned and slowly walked away but stopped.
"Come by and visit House Salterre in The Alliance when you have the chance. Tell Jeralt and the rest to come to visit. I miss talking to them and bringing Bernadetta as well. Have a good day." Adam said and Arisa watched him walk away.
The old man stopped for a moment when he saw Lady Rhea approaching. They stopped and both stared at each other before nodding and heading their separate ways. Arisa turned back to Florencio's grave as she listened to Rhea come stand by her side.
The silence between them was nothing new, perhaps their relationship at this point would only get worse. Rhea cleared her throat and spoke.
"It's good to see you, granddaughter." She said and Arisa remained silent, "I have you rested?"
"I have but I can't rest forever." Arisa muttered and turned to walk away but stopped, glancing her way, "My uncle...What did he mean to you?"
Rhea remained silent for a moment, unable to find her voice till finally, she uttered one word.
"A friend."
Arisa's eyes widened slightly. Rhea took a deep breath a small smile formed on her lips.
"He was a friend who was not afraid to speak his mind. He was a friend who was bold to point out the errors of their ways. He...was a friend who was greatly loved by all." She said.
Arisa remained silent and a small smile formed on her lips, "Thank you." She said and Rhea watched her walk away.
The Archbishop turned back to the grave and smiled sadly.
"She has your attitude."
[—-]
Another week had gone by and classes had resumed as normal. But there was one thing that all students of all four houses were dreading except the excited ones. Arisa was busy explaining the magic circle that corresponded to Fire when The Blue Lion classroom doors burst open, making the woman hot potato her book.
"IT'S THE FIRST SNOW OF WINTER!" Caspar, Derick, Raphael yelled out and before Arisa could make a move, all her students were running out of the classroom.
It wasn't just the Blue Lions, it was all the houses and even some of the staff. Cheers and laughs could be heard all and quite a few students were running around. Arisa stuck out her hand letting out a few snowflakes fall onto her and smiled softly.
"Yyyyaaaaaaaawwwnnnn..." A bead of sweat ran down her cheek as Sothis appeared, yawning loudly as Alexandra screamed out, "Hallelujah! Winter has truly arrived!" The goddess stretched herself and blinked, trying to focus her vision.
"Hmmm..." Sothis groaned, "So the first snow of winter had arrived...Hrmmm..." the goddess grumbled because she what was coming.
Their suffering.
It was no secret that reptiles were cold-blooded and this meant that Arisa and Sothis were going to be somewhat sluggish but that also meant...
"Ah! I can't wait for the White Heron Cup! This perfect for them even to be out at the stage!" Manuela pipped as she clapped her hands together excitedly, "Edelgard and Hubert, you two will be doing this year's dance!" The songstress said and Arisa raised an eyebrow.
"You look, confused professor? Did Lady Rhea not tell you about the White Heron Cup?" The two women turned and Professor Hanneman joined them, "Also, I'm glad to see you again. I hope you are doing well." Arisa muttered a thank you and nodded.
"I know about the competition but why are there two people participating in the competition? I thought it was one student per class." She said and Chris also joined them as Hanneman began to explain.
"Well you see, every two years during the month of the Ethereal Moon, The White Heron Cup is danced by two students as a way of celebrating the time the Goddess danced with her family, friends, and lovers to celebrate the Winter Solstice. The Goddess would dance to celebrate the blessing of life and would host festive events for people all around to come to join." Hanneman smiled as Chris and Arisa looked at her shocked, "So, two students are chosen. A man to represent the friend, family, or lover of the Goddess and a woman to represent the Goddess." He said and Manuela chuckled.
"Of course, the event isn't just for one specific couple alone. Ha! You should have seen it last year! These boys, from the Black Eagles, both wore dresses to the dance! Seteth looked like he was about to faint while we cheered them on! Obviously, the Black Eagles will take the win again this year!" Manuela smirked as Professor Hanneman scoffed.
"As if! You can't even keep your schedule organized and laze around! How many times have you arrived at the classroom drunk?!"
"Say that again you old geezer?! I'm surprised those kneecaps of yours haven't worn down yet!"
"Why you?!"
Arisa couldn't help but laugh as they bicker but suddenly she gasped.
"That reminds me! I already had made up my mind who I wanted for the White Heron Cup!" She said and all the Blue Lions of the main class froze, especially a certain prince, "Hmmm..." Arisa closed her eyes and thought for a moment, "Now that I've found out I need one more person...hm...hm...who should I choose?" She hummed.
"I already know who I am choosing." Chris smirked and he could hear Yuri cursing a mile away, "By the way, I also heard the town is throwing a festival on Christmas! It's been a while so I've been excited!" He said and noticed how Hanneman and Manuela looked at him confused.
"Christmas?" The two professors said, "Do you mean the day of blessings?"
"Ahh...My apologies." Chris coughed, "The Day of Blessings is called Christmas in another nation I traveled to a few years ago. The word stuck instead of calling it The Days of Blessings because I felt it was too long." He said and the two adults looked at each other before muttering the words to themselves.
"Christmas..." Manuela muttered, "It rolls off my tongue easily. I like it." She nodded in approval.
"Unfortunately, we can't call it that because we don't want to get in trouble with Lady Rhea," Hanneman said, nodding.
"Why would you get in trouble?"
Everyone jumped at the voice and turned to see Lady Rhea behind them. But what surprised everyone was the clothing she was wearing. A warm dark green long sleeve dress with fur at the edges of sleeves and the ends of the dress along with a fur hood and elbow-length cloak with gold embroidery. This was the first seeing Rhea out of her usually Archbishop clothing but the ones she was currently wearing also had an elegant and majestic look.
"Lady Rhea! You look beautiful! This is a first seeing you dressed this way!" Manuela chirped and the Archbishop let out an airy laugh as she waved her hand a bit.
"You flatter me, Manuela. I usually wear these clothes when the cold starts coming in. It...keeps me warm and helps me retain my strength during these times." She said and everyone was confused.
"Those from my family unfortunately are not fond of the cold and become somewhat sluggish and tired during the winter. Seteth, Flayn, Crescent are the same as me." Rhea explained and Arisa finally understood.
"So that explained why Flayn was carrying heat stones in her pockets today." Arisa gasped and Rhea nodded.
"We're still dragons, Arisa. Of course, the cold is going to slow us down." Sothis grumbled in a tried tone before yawning and fading back into her mind.
"Unfortunately, I'm the same way...Yawn." Arisa yawned a bit as Rhea chuckled a bit.
"Make sure to put some heat stones in your pockets to maintain yourselves, warm everyone. Seeing as the first snow of the Ethereal Moon has fallen..." she frowned a bit, "it won't be long till the first blizzard of the year hit. Most likely in a few days." No one missed how she grumbled that last part.
"Well, I for one am looking forward to it!"
Hai was quick to run up them and was wearing her usual uniform. The smile on her face said it all.
"I felt Fodlan is too hot so hearing a blizzard is going to hit soon has made my day! Ohh! It should get cold enough for ice skating!" The woman cheered before she went off to pounce at Mercedes and Annette.
Rhea let out a tired sigh as she shook her head and turned back to them with a small smile.
"All four of you, make sure to get your supplies ready. I spoke with Catherine and the blizzard should be coming in a few days. I'll see you all again soon, have a good day." The Archbishop smiled and excused herself.
"Well, looks we have work to do." Arisa couldn't help but chuckle as she waved her hand to switch her regular cloak to her warm fur one, "I'm going to have to pull out my sewing machine."
"Arisa, you already look like a puffball." Chris said and Manuela snickered as Arisa pulled her cloak closer to her, "Fine. I'll ask Anna to see she had sewing supplies."
And the group went their separate ways. Arisa watched everyone play around and used her cloak to cover the frown on her face. This month was crucial. This month she must do what needs to be done. This month...
She will stop Jeralt's death.
{===}
Name drops, lore, new meetings! Now, clear up some confusion I will do it as simply as I can. The names Chris and Gina speak of are his siblings and Edelgard's.
The Princesses:
Heather: The First Princess
Claudia: The Second Princess
Aquamarine: The Third Princess
Edelgard: The Fourth Princess
Nadia: The Fifth Princess
The Princes:
Achilles: The First Prince
Jason: The Second Prince
Solomon: The Third Prince
Chris: The Fourth Prince
Henri: The Fifth Prince (The One that lives with Emily)
[—-]
The other names, Adam, Gretel, Lucia, and such, will appear in Florencio's paralogue that I currently working on. As I said, that paralogue will not be posted here but as a separate story due to the amount of information and lore. Once it is finished, I will post the link here.