"Careful with the ladder, Lysithea. Don't want you falling~" Henry chuckled as he was busy bringing in the wooden boxes into the cottage.
"Oh shush!" Lysithea looked down at him from the latter she was on, "I'm being careful! Besides, I am not a child. I'm 20 years old!" She huffed as she finished putting in the last book onto the shelf.
"Whaa! Its looks so pretty in here!" Dana grins as he peaked in through the window.
He was outside with Sophia, picking weeds that had grown around the cottage.
"Hard to believe we're done. I never would have thought I would be actually living here." Sophia hummed as she fixed her straw hat.
Today, the weather decided to be a bitch. The sun was coming down hard but then again, it's always hot in Plegai. It's been 2 weeks since she was given permission to live in Farzad village and so far, it's been going great. Sophia was able to get to know each and everyone one of the villagers as well as meeting the kids. Honestly, she had fun playing with them. And like before, she will be the herbalist of the village and help out in medicine when she can. Lysithea also said if any bandits even try to set foot here, she would personally Dark Spike them. Well, that spell is her favorite. Around 6 of the villagers were wood carpenters and helped the trio fix the cottage up. The rooms have been fixed plus one more built. Lysithea personally took care of the underground greenhouse and Henry has been having fun teaching Dana how to use some magic. As for Sophia...
"Last herb jar in place." She nodded her head proudly as she looked around the room.
Shelves filled with jars of herbs. One of the walls was made similar to the herb shelf from Spirited Away. Books, scrolls, and such were also set up nicely. The window had an edge where flowers grew. Cute potted plants hung from the ceilings along with lanterns Lysithea personally made. There were also jars filled with sweets. The next room was the kitchen, then two bedrooms and of course, the bathroom. The stairs that led to the underground greenhouse, Lysithea showed that there was also another giant room. The girls were excited to see it used to be a magic lab and dragged Henry along to help clean it up. Tools were cleaned and polished till they sparkled. Books organized and cobwebs cleaned. Though Henry caught all the spiders in a jar and scared the girls with it. That man had to run for his life the minute Lysithea's hand started glowing black.
"Pull that stunt again and I'll use Death Γ on you!" Lysithea roared and the man just laughed as he ran away.
"Pfft! Hahaha!" It was rare for Sophia to laugh but moments like this always brought her joy.
"Now you two, calm down." She says with a small smile on her face, "Let's finish up here. By the way, Lysithea, you said there was another place you wanted to show me about the cottage?"
"Oh right!" Lysithea gasped and the girls went back to cleaning.
They made sure not a speck of dust remained as they cleaned and made sure everything was organized. 20 minutes later, the girls were proud of their work while Henry walked Dana home.
"Now come!" Lysithea took Sophia's hand excitedly, "Let me show you!" And the girl led Sophia upstairs and out of the back door.
The cottage also had a backyard, which Sophia appreciated. Flowers and trees that provided shade, even a small lake that the fae absolutely loved. They walked a bit more and soon arrived at what looked like an old stable.
"I found this old stable last year." Lysithea smiled, "Used some magic to fix it and have been using it for a while. Opal!" She yelled out a bit and snorts were heard.
Sticking their head out of the open area of the door, was a jet-black horse but Lysithea quickly went to open the door and that horse turned out to be a pegasus. This was Sophia's first time seeing a pegasus. Story book images were nothing compared to seeing it in flesh and blood.
"This is Opal! My trusted partner who I raised since I was a child." The pegasus had a beautiful black feather wings that reminded Sophia of jewels.
"She's beautiful." Sophia answered as she took a step closer, "This is my first time seeing a pegasus in person."
"Do they not have pegasus in your homeland?" Lysithea asked as she gently placed Sophia's hand on Opal's head.
The black pegasus gently nuzzled her hand.
"Sadly no. Pegasus, wyverns, dragons, griffons and magic and such are all things of fairy tales my homeland. Magic and such do not exist there." Sophia answered as she continued to pet Opal.
"So, you are basically saying your homeland had no magic whatsoever?! How is that even possible?! The flow of magic is through all Archanea as well as the world! Still, it is fascinating to hear that you and your people were able to live normally with no aid of magic." Lysithea looked at her shock as Sophia shrugged.
"I lived a decent life. Middle class in my old home. Pretty much a commoner. The world is run by commoners and the nobility has pretty much died out. Only one percent live and for royal bloodlines, those died out as well, but their descendants do live on. Living normal lives like all of us." Sophia explains and feeds Opal a carrot.
"Interesting. Somehow the life of your homeland sounds more relaxed and well. Was there war?" Lysithea asked and Sophia frowned.
"In my home...there are 7 different continents. All made of different people and governments. It wasn't perfect, but the world leaders created peace treaties and such. While there is peace, in some countries, wars still lives on. Sigh...I was someone who would be sent to the frontlines to help the wounded. I've seen death so many times, I'm almost numb to it. But...the deaths that left the most impacts on me..were my grandmother's, father's and two siblings of mine." She muttered as the two began to walk back to the cottage.
"I do not hear you speak of your mother. Did she also pass away?" Lysithea asked and Sophia stopped, turning to her with a sinister smile.
"Oh, she's dead. And I hope that bitch rots in hell." She says and turns back to go inside.
It was obvious to Lysithea with the way Sophia spoke, that the woman despised her birth mother and was happy she was gone. She did wonder if the woman treated her horribly. But for right now, Lysithea decided to refrain herself from asking.
"By the way," Sophia spoke up, "Henry is bringing a nice slab of pork over today. I was thinking of making a dish from my homeland. You are fine with spicy foods, right?" She asked.
"As long as it's not too spicy, where I am crying, I'll eat it!" Lysithea nods her head.
[-]
"I'm back!" Henry grins as he walks in and closes the door, "(Whistles) The place looks amazing!"
"We're in the kitchen!" Sophia's voice rang out from the other room and the mage went there, "Glad to see you back. I was getting a bit irritated." She says and Henry handed her the slab of pork meat.
She immediately began cutting it to bite size pieces and turning on the fire on the stove.
"No worries! I had to so a quick check up on the village." He says and both girls quickly turned their heads to him, "Don't worry. Everyone is safe. I usually do a round to make sure there are no bandits. If there are, well, you already know what will happen to them." He smiled but there was another meaning behind it.
"Let me guess," Sophia lightly tapped her lips as she stirred the meat on the pan, "you would use Swarn to make them suffer by being eaten alive by bugs till only their bones remain? Or would you use Hades Ω and have them have black magic seeped into their bodies and watch them whither in agony as their flesh and bones melt to liquid?" Lysithea had a completely shocked face at what she was hearing, "No no. How about having them skewed like rats with Dark Spikes T?"
"Ooohh~ All those methods you just said are amazing! I should try them out when I get the chance! Nyhahaha!" Henry laughed in glee.
"I think I'm about to lose my appetite..." Lysithea coughed a bit.
"Sorry Thea. I get excited when talking about magic." Sophia gave her a small apologetic smile as she was cutting chilies and tomatoes.
"You've improved a lot of the past two weeks. Fast learner you are." Henry smiled, "But too fast." He kept that thought to himself.
The past two weeks went by fast. It was now May and the building of the cottage went by smoothly. During that time, Henry and Lysithea both were teaching Sophia magic and how to do it. Sophia mastered the healing spells like Physic, Heal, Recover, and Restore. However, they were now reaching the more difficult spells like Nosferatu and Excalibur. The two mages had to stop Sophia multiple times from overworking herself. Sophia wakes up early in the morning (5am) and works out for about 3 hours. Her reason is because she needs to also maintain her physical strength because it also helps boost her magic strength. Lysithea had no idea what she was talking about, but Henry did. There are stories that the human body creates an invisible barrier within itself for safety. However, by working out in such, you break that barrier and it allows your body to become stronger. This was also supposedly a case for mages. Lysithea has horrible stamina while Sophia...leaves them all behind in the dust when she makes them run laps with her.
"Hmmmm...how about Rescue and Warp?" Sophia muttered as she finished cooking the dish and began serving it.
"Hhmmmmm~ Smells delicious!" Henry smiled as she brought the plates to the table.
Sophia called a mild spicy red pork dish with rice and wine for them to drink with. Lysithea was glad the dish wasn't too spicy. Sophia made it that way for the girl's sake she didn't want to send her running away.
"By the way," Lysithea spoke up, "I am heading to Ferox in a few days. The tournament for the next Khan is approaching and this is also the time a merchant that I am friends with will be there!" She grins.
Sophia smiled coyly.
"I have never been to Ferox. Sounds interesting. How long would it take to get there?" She asked.
"If we were to go by foot, it would take three months. But considering I have a pegasus and Henry can lend you a wyvern, it should take us about two months to reach it." Lysithea said and Sophia stopped her cup midway to her lips.
"Wait, I'm going with you?" She looked at her shocked.
"Well of course." Lysithea raised an eyebrow at her, "You need to learn more about the land as well the people. Staying here isn't going to solve anything. So, might as well. Also, you can take this opportunity to teach me your medical ways." She gave her a closed eye smile.
"Fine. But just to let you know, we need to stop at the capital to get clothing for the cold there. I hate the cold." Sophia huffed a bit and took a sip of her drink.
"By the way, riding a wyvern is the same as riding a pegasus. Except this one can rip you in half!" Henry laughed and both girls glared at him.
"Besides, flying is faster. You can get to the capital in 3 hours." He says and Sophia suddenly had him from the neck.
"You tell me this now?!" She shook him and the man just laughed.
"Anyhow, you do have a mercenary pass, right?" Lysithea said, a bit worried, "I ask because things are tense between the three nations. The Mad King is trying to purposely provoke war with Ferox and Ylisse by sending bandits to raid villages." She explained.
"I have no problem dealing with bandits. Especially if we come across a village being attacked." Sophia says and there was a look in her eye that made Lysithea shiver.
"Good." She says, "I may not look like it but I am also a Sword Master. I have an extra Leviathan sword you could have." Lysithea says and Sophia nodded.
"When are you girls heading out? Wish I could come but sadly I'm stuck at the capital." Henry grumbled as they finished eating their food.
"Tough luck." Both girls said in union and Henry just let out a loud groan.
[-]
For now, Sophia and Lysithea got on Opal and flew to the capital to go buy clothing for winter as well as a few other things.
"You're going to the castle?" Lysithea gasped as Sophia nodded.
"Don't worry. I'm hiding my identity. I want to snatch a few books from there." Sophia says as she looks at her knives on a shelf.
They were in a weapons shop. Sophia always wanted to buy at least a few daggers and needles to keep with her.
"Okay...just...do be careful. If you run into Aversa, run. I'm serious." Lysithea warned her and both women picked for their weapons.
Walking towards the castle while Lysithea went to the clothing store to get their winter attire. The walk was the same as usual except she wore a black veil that covered her face. Passing through the Grima skull, she stared at it. Negative emotions she felt towards Grima. How he brought hell upon the future. How he made so many people suffer. She bit her lip. Sophia knew she was being selfish and a coward for choosing to not get involved with the main cast as well as wanting to live a peaceful life. Even if she knew what the future would bring. The guilt of knowing that Emmeryn would sacrifice her own life. That Phillia will die. That so many unfortunate events will happen. And here she is, the one that knows it all, hiding away, because she is a coward. A coward she has actually chosen to open up to others for the first time in years.
"..." she stared back at the fallen fang and whipped out her miniature hammer.
Hammering away she began at the fang, taking baseball size chunks and putting them into her bag.
"What am I doing?" She thought and was satisfied with what she collected.
Once more, Sophia began to walk up the bloody stairs she hated because of how far it was. Reaching the castle took 20 minutes, a pain in the ass it was. Entering the palace, she always noticed how tense the atmosphere was. It always felt cold despite how hot the outside was. She made it one of the hallways and the guard stopped her. She held out the pass Henry gave her, and the guard let her go.
"Left hallway then to the right. This place is a bloody maze." Sophia thought as she walked the directions Henry gave her.
Arriving at a giant wooden door with the symbol of Grimleal on it, she pushed it open, her eyes going wide at the sight. The library was huge. Rows of shelves continuing as far as the eye could see. About two floors filled with books. Some even floated around. Mages especially were studying. As she walked, she heard a few females whining about the Dark Flier exam.
"Poor girls." Sophia thought as she made her way to a specific section.
Thankfully, she can read the language of Archanea to intermediate level since she wouldn't stop studying it every single day. She still remembers the scolding she got from Lysithea. Down she walked to book allied called "Dark Magic", hoping to possibly snatch a Warp Tome or Dark Spikes T.
"Hmmm~ Hmmm~" she hummed a soft tune as she climbed up a ladder and began looking at the books.
"Hmm...Fire...Gale...Ruin...there is also Silence...hmmm...Ah. Here you are." She muttered as she took the tome that said Warp on it, "Oh. And a book on how to make magic tools. I'll be taking you as well." She muttered and climbed down.
Sophia got what she wanted but there was something bugging her. She looked over to the next aisle of books that were on black wooden bookshelves. She did wonder if that was the restricted section Henry was talking about. She can sense something there. Her magic senses have improved (again because the woman is a workaholic) since she worked day and night to improve (bitch. You need a brea-SLAP!). It isn't sinister. Whatever it was, she had to admit, she felt drawn to it. She just kept staring at the area.
"Do I want to die...? Hmmm...no I do not. Guh..." she went into her thinker mode, completely unaware of the presence that was few feet behind her, "Hmm...well whatever it is, it's none of my business anyway. I'm not ready to have Sothis's, Naga's or any god's wrath fall on me." She shrugged and turned to walk away.
Now she senses it. The first thing in her sight were black robes. A dreadful sense of terror began to fill her as she slowly looked up, to see a man with pale skin wearing black robes with gold. His eyes held a look of cruelty as he only looked down at her. She knew who this was because of the goatee and tied up black hair.
"Greetings Lord Validar!" Sophia was scared and quickly vowed to the man to avoid getting killed.
Validar only stared at her and that when she also noticed that Aversa was behind him.
"Ah. It is you." Aversa smiled cruelly, "The mage that was with Henry. Despite wearing different clothing, the aura, you have is the same." She chuckled.
"What are you doing near this area?" Validar spoke in a cold tone that made her shiver.
"I apologize if I offended you my lord. I was searching for a Warping time as well as books and magic tools. I was told they were near this area." She needs to live.
Validar was silent and looked back to the area she was staring at then back to her.
"Who is Sothis?" He says and both females blinked multiple times, "I will not repeat myself."
"I fucked up..." Sophia internally cried and spoke, "Sothis...is the name of a fae, my lord. A fae who protects the people of the land." She lied.
"Hm." The man grunted but spoke, "Tell me girl, do you sense something in the restricted section?" He says coldly.
"Do not think of lying." Aversa warned in a cold tone.
Sophia gulped and nodded a bit.
"Yes...my lady and Lord. I sense... something." she internally was cussing them out.
Validar was silent and turned towards Aversa.
"Lead her through the shelves. She may take what she senses. In exchange, you are to write a report if it is something unknown." He says as he glances back at Sophia.
Aversa pressed her lips together but did a small bow.
"Very well my Lord." Aversa muttered and the man began to walk away, only briefly glanced her way, and left.
Sophia wasn't out of danger yet because the cold gaze Aversa was giving her spelled her doom. Aversa just walked past her, her signal to follow her. The silence was heavy as they walked, and Aversa suddenly turned to her.
"Find what you sense." The whitehaired woman ordered, and Sophia quickly obeyed.
Looking around the shelves, she slowly steered through the maze of shelves till she arrived at a specific shelf. Even Aversa raised an eyebrow since she did know of this shelf. But she took a step back. There was this ominous feeling she didn't like. For Sophia, the feeling for her was strange but almost ancient it felt. Like it is something she had known before.
"Strange." she muttered and walked up to a book in a glass case.
The color of the cover was a deep black with golden lettering.
"Is it okay if I can remove the glass casing?" Sophia asked as she pointed to it.
That's when her eyes slowly went wide as she noticed Aversa was...shaking. The woman quickly snapped out of it and gained her composure back.
"You have permission." Aversa nodded and Sophia carefully opened the glass case, taking out the book.
The feeling of it, the cover was made of leather, but it still felt ancient. She put it in her bag and for some reason Aversa seemed to relax once the book was put away.
"Good. Lord Validar expects the report in three months on this book so do be dear and turn it in on time." Aversa smiled and Sophia just stared at her for a minute.
"Has everyone ever told you that red lipstick would suit you better?" Sophia blurted out.
"Pardon?" Aversa hissed, ready to go at her neck.
"Please do take it as an offense!" Sophia waved her hands frantically, "It's just...you are very beautiful, and I can't help but think of different make up and clothing that would suit you. Perhaps not a dress that shows so much skin but amplifies your curves with a light touch of makeup to show the natural blush in your cheeks and lips." She quickly said.
Aversa went silent and thought for a moment. This was...a first. Even her own soldiers call her an old hag behind her back (those died a painful death). She's barely 25 years of age. Still...hearing someone compliment her looks...
"A rarity to hear this." She says and Spohia gulped, "But flattery will get you nowhere. Though..." Aversa thought for a moment, "Is...there a perfume you suggest?"
"A soft scent. Like chamomile or in your case...perhaps a light sweet scent?"
"I'll take that advice."
[-]
"I felt I was going to be killed!"
It been a few hours since Lysithea and Sophia left the capital and the females were speaking about what happened. Currently, Sophia was riding a pegasus that she bought from a merchant along with dark flier armor. She named the pegasus, Ingrid. Still, Sophia had to admit, riding a pegasus was the same as riding a horse. Apparently, the merchant was trying to rid of the poor thing because it was deemed "stubborn." Wouldn't obey orders. Has run away multiple times. BULLSHIT, Sophia thought because it was obvious the poor thing hated the guy. Thankfully, she decided to buy it from him and the pegasus got attached to her because of how gentle she treated it. Taking her time, feeding it carrots and apples. The merchant couldn't believe his eyes and before the man said anything else, she slammed two gold coins in his hands. She bought the pegasus, dark flier armor and all of the tomes and staffs he had.
"I am surprised how fast Ingrid got attached to you. Then again, you did say you are good with horses." Lysithea shrugged as they continued ahead.
"You poor thing." She petted Ingrid's head, "The bastard was just mean. Don't worry. You'll never see him again." She says and the pegasus let out a loud happy neigh.
"Anyhow, what was this about you getting killed?" Lysithea asked.
"Oh. I ran into...Validar." Lysithea almost fell off her ride when she heard that.
"He didn't hurt you, did he?!" The woman screeched and Sophia shook her head.
"Thankfully not. But the aura around him, I felt I was going to die. Aversa was with him and that only made things worse. I managed to get on her good side though. She liked the perfume I suggested." She muttered and Lysithea raised an eyebrow.
"I did not think Aversa was into." Lysithea says and Sophia shook her head.
"Let the woman dream. She's in her mid-20's. Ladies like her and us in my home would be more worried about paying bills, dating, finding a job, hanging out with friends and such. Heck even be a model! Pretty much we did whatever we wanted. Pursue our dreams, education, and such. Even if there were many obstacles in our paths, we refused to give up." Sophia says as the sight of the cottage came into view.
"Interesting." Lysithea muttered and they landed, "Changing the subject, we need to pack our things. We'll be heading out early in the morning. Also, I placed a barrier around the cottage. Should keep it protected." She smiled and they mounted off their rides.
Packing food. Medicine, clothing, among other things, Sophia admits, she is excited to travel outside of Plegai. Of course, she isn't going to stop helping people as she prepares her medical tool bag as well as her custom tome she made. The design was inspired by Brynhildr, Leo's Grimoire.
"Ara, ara." Sophia looked to her right shoulder and saw Sidi sit on it, "Heading to Ferox, eh... Make sure to take Aqua with you. That is her home after all. Also, I and the others went to meet your new pet. She is welcomed with open arms here." Sidi smiled.
"Something you need?" Sophia sighs as she picks up her staff from her bed and shrunk it to the size of a hair pin.
"Not much really." Sidi pouts, "But do bring some sweets. Or snow pears. Ferox is also known for a particular tree that grows fruit in the winter."
"Alright. Good thing I took out another 50 silver coins and gold ones today." Sophia muttered and then stared at the book that was still in her bag.
Sidi hid her coy smile with her wing as she watched the woman pack her things for the two-month journey. She knew what that book was. To think the stench of the fell dragon had it locked away. Oh, she was looking forward to what the future will bring.
- A week later -
It's been a week since the girls left the village and the departure was a bit chaotic. Dana began crying saying her didn't want big sis Sophi to go. Honestly, she was surprised to be called that. She has gotten to know the villagers better and has helped them with medicine as well as travel to nearby villages to treat the people. It was the same process while she and Lysithea traveled. Any village they stopped at and rest, Sophia would get to work by helping heal those she can. Poor Lysithea had to witness Sophia help a mother give birth to child as part her training as well as help with preparations and such. The violet haired girl has been scarred for life. For Sophia, this was normal. Sophia also showed the girl how make the medicines from her old world. Aqua was brought along and help fine substitutes for certain ingredients. So yes, Sophia was having a lot of fun experimenting with new ingredients. Currently, they were at one of the villages where merchants would gather every three months. Despite the hot desert like environment, this village specializes in spices. Spices that grow in dry environments, so of course Sophia was going to buy. She remembers during medieval times that spices were expensive during those times. Especially in trade because of their high value.
"Come one come all! For here I got some amazing weapons and merchandise. The finest in the land, I kid you not!" Bright red hair tied in a side ponytail, dressed in a crimson like clothing that was like the trickster class.
It was that of the trickster class, the signature cape is there also. Anna's bright red eyes looked around the place and sadly today she wasn't getting customers. She let go of a sigh till she heard footsteps approaching her cart.
"Excuse me?" She looked up and saw a woman with indigo blue colored hair, red emerald colored eyes, and wearing black and blue dark flier armor, "I wanted to know if you have any chakrams for sale?"
Anna had to keep herself from gasping.
"The appearance of the woman, it matches the one the girl gave me." Anna thought and put on her best smile, "Hey there! Glad to see something has caught your eye. Sadly, my last set of chakrams was bought a few weeks ago." She says and Sophia sighs.
"I understand." Sophia sighs and then notices a basket filled with strange red fruit.
"Umm..." she pointed to the basket, "What fruits are those?" She asked.
"Ahh..." Anna looked dejected, "I honestly don't know. You're welcome to look. I did try one and it tasted horrible! I don't see how this thing is edible!" Anna huffed and Sophia walked up to it.
"You realize this is a spice, right?" Sophia turned her head to her, and Anna gawked.
"Pardon?" Anna gasped and Sophia held the red-looking fruit.
"This spice is called Tsaoko. This is still in its raw state. The spice takes three years to harvest. It's not meant to be eaten this way. Let it dry out in the sun for at least a week and 3 extra days. Once dried up, pound it to fine powder and it can be used to flavor and preserve meat, fruits and vegetables." Sophia says and realizes she said some valuable information.
"Oops." She thought and covered her mouth a bit.
Anna suddenly had a gleam in her eyes as she walked over to her.
"Say...you seem to be really knowledgeable on this. Any other spices you could identify? By the way," she leaned down whispered, "No one else but me heard what you said. So, you are safe. I'll cut you a killer deal in exchange for more information on this spice as well as a few others I do not know about." She grins and Sophia gave her a rare smirk.
"Alright. First, where did you get this spice?" Sophia asked and Anna pointed to the mountains that separated Plegai and Ferox.
"There is a village between the borders that has no idea what these are. They were discovered recently. The environment is humid, a lot of green trees as well as greenery. Perfect for tropical plants. They also sold me these." The two walked behind her wagon and there were two more baskets filled.
One had green star anise and the other was nutmeg.
"This one is called star anise. Which can also be used for tea." She pointed the basket with quarter size star shape plant, "And the other one is called nutmeg. Used also for desserts but also meat dishes. Just make sure to not to consume too much because it can kill you and lead to medical problems. Let these out to dry for a week and three days. And if you're going to sell them, make sure you sell it by the pound. A jar of star anise with 8 oz, sell it for 20-30 copper each. Same with nutmeg and tsaoko. Each pound cost 30 coppers. The reason it's so expensive is because these spices, you have to wait three years to harvest." Sophia finished explaining and Anna was brimming with joy.
"Thank you! This information is very fruitful! Now, as a thank you, you can choose two things from my most expensive merch." Anna winked and the two jumped onto the wagon.
"I better not take too long or Lysithea will scold me." Sophia chuckled to herself and looked around.
The wagon was set up like a tent and inside it was huge. Like an actual shop. There were many crates filled with a different variety of merchandise as well as weapons. The two females walked to the other end and Anna walked to the red color crate. Taking off the lid, she smiled at Sophia.
"Here! Take your pick on two things! I'll also be giving you a bag of 50 gold coins as a thank you. Say, are you a merchant by any chance?" Anna asked as Sophia was looking through the box.
"No. But I am a doctor. But," she picked up a Bolt Axe that was to her liking, "I am willing to work as a business partner with you. I can give you information that can help you sell, and you get me information I want. Also, I would buy merchandise from you. Not a bad deal?" Sophia smiled.
"Ooh~ I like the way you think~" Anna smirked and extended her hand, "Name's Anna! I'm a merchant but I also called the Secret Merchant. And yours?" She asked.
"Names Sophia Zunino. Doctor and traveling mercenary." Sophia says and the two shook hands.
"Wait, your name is Sophia?" Anna suddenly looked at her shocked.
"Yes?" Sophia raised an eyebrow and Anna shook her head to clear it.
"Sorry. Your name is similar to someone I know. Anyhow! What did you choose?" Anna changed the subject.
Sophia held up a tome that read Agnea's Arrow and the Bolt Axe.
"I'll take these two. By the way, which country sells chakrams?" Sophia asked as they walked out the wagon.
"Well, if you're heading to Ferox, then speak to any of the blacksmith shops there." Anna handed her the pouch of 50 gold coins, "But the shop I recommend is a shop called Arox. They make the best weapons and are well known there. It is on the expensive side but hey, got make a living." She shrugs and Sophia nods.
"Thank you. Anyhow, I got to go. Have a safe trip!" Sophia says and quickly left because she was running late.
Anna's smile became a bit nervous as she looked the opposite direction of the mountains of Ferox.
"Looks like I found her."
[-]
"What took you so long?!" Lysithea puffed her cheeks angrily as she had her hands on her waist.
"Sorry, got some things we need." Sophia gave her small smile as they mounted their pegasus.
"No worries. We just-!" A sudden scream was heard, and villagers were running for their lives.
"BANDIT ATTACK!" A merchant yelled, "Evacuate the villagers!"
People ran for their lives as the bandits looted the stalls. Lysithea pulled the reins of her pegasus and quickly charged at them, Leviathan sword held high as she roared. Anna along with a few other mercenaries quickly charged to the bandits. Sophia was still as she only looked ahead with wide eyes. One bandit is cut down. The sword slashed at the chest, blood splattering onto the ground.
"Ah..." her eyes became half lidded, becoming void of emotion, "If you want a quick kill, aim for the chest and head." She thought and a lowl laugh left her lips, a cruel smile forming.
The staff she held in her hands as she pulled the reins. Ingrid neighed loudly and charged towards the gates where they were coming from. The speed Ingrid was going made her blood boil with excitement as she made her way there. Lysithea spun her sword then thrusted it down at a brigand, down the chest.
"Ugh." She thought and quickly maneuvered Opal to charge at the damn wyvern rider.
But it seems...
"PICK A GOD AND PRAY! HYYAAAAAHH!"
It was as if time slowed down before her eyes as she watched Ingrid charge straight at the wyvern rider. Sophia held the Leviathan sword in her hands, thrusting it directly through the heart of the rider. Blood splattered on her face and then again when she pulled out the sword. It was honestly a disgusting feeling Sophia felt taking a human life. She was a doctor. Her oath was to save lives, not take them. Then again, she was looked at as a murderer because there were times patients didn't make it through the operations. A bloody sword in her hand, she watched as the rider fell off the wyvern, falling towards the ground. It was a horrific sight yet there was some sort of satisfaction watching the body fall to ground then the head exploding because of the impact.
"Shit...I'm becoming Henry." Sophia thought and covered her mouth, "Honestly I feel sick, but I'm going to have to force myself to get used to-" she quickly pulled out a needle from her sleeve and threw it at an Archer in the trees.
It is in the center of the throat, causing blood flow to stop as well as breathing. Basically, suffocating him. The archer fell to the ground, dying on impact.
"How many bandits?!" Sophia yelled and Lysithea pointed to where Anna had just finished decapitating the leader.
"None! We won! But there are many injured so back down we go!"
[-]
"Needle." Sophia said bluntly as Lysithea handed her a needle and thread, the woman was wearing gloves, despite how she was still covered in blood.
Lysithea cringed as the poor muscular man Sophia was stitching up the giant gash on his back, yelled out.
"How could she do this so calmly?!" Lysithea internally screamed as Sophia smoothly stitched the wound.
"Cream." Sophia was just speaking one-word sentences and Lysithea handed her the tools.
Cream applied to prevent an infection as well as help heal it. Then it was bandaged up to prevent dirt going on it. Anna watched with a bit of amusement as the woman was done and kept moving onto the next patient. Thankfully, no civilians were hurt.
"Hey..." Anna eyes only glanced over to a group of mercenaries, "Wasn't there a rumor lately of a woman who could cure people without magic? Stitch wounds up with her hands, no magic involved." One whispered.
"Yeah...I heard that rumor lately. Especially from villages that have been hit heart. Supposedly the woman would also bring food, medicine and supplies to the villages." A woman whispered back.
"People are calling her The Saint. Another man whispered." Another man says.
Anna narrowed her eyes a bit. She has been hearing the same rumors lately. A woman who can heal others with her bare hands and not using magic at all. She spoke to one of her sisters and apparently the rumor also spread to Ylisse lately. And yes, it reached the ears of the Ylisse Prince and Exalt. She turned back to see Sophia treating another person. This time, she was using her knives to cut open a wound and take out the arrowhead. Whatever the woman was doing, the bleeding stopped, and she was able to properly close the wound. Poor Lysithea looked ready to faint when Sophia was holding onto a bloody arrowhead.
"That's the last one." Sophia sighs as she takes off her mask and goes up to one of the buckets of water a woman had filled up for her.
She took off her gloves and threw them in the air, which Lysithea gladly burned to cinders. Washing her hands, her voidless face kept staring into the water. She began scrubbing harder, trying to take off the blood that stained the edges of her sleeves.
"Hey." Sophia stopped and slowly turned her head to Anna, who looked at her worried, "That was your first time killing someone, isn't it?" And Sophia just stared at her with void eyes.
"..." Sophia just closed her eyes and took a deep breath, multiple to keep her emotions in check.
"Yes. Yes, it was." Her chin up, face facing the sky, "I'm a doctor. I made an oath to save lives... But I know that in this land...I have to adapt to fighting for my life. That means killing others." She opened her eyes, "I need a moment. Where's the nearest river?" She asked.
"5 minutes from here. I'll tell your friend you need some time alone." Anna says and turns to leave.
Sophia appreciated that. Her space being respected compared to others who kept insisting to her that she shouldn't be alone in difficult times. She always had a difficult time trusting other. The only people she ever trusted were her grandmother, father, and cousin. Her two younger siblings are dead. Her mother can go fuck herself in hell. She walked into the forest where she could see the sun setting a bit. She honestly looked like a serial killer with still blood covered armor. At least she wiped off the blood on her face. The scent of iron she was accustomed to, but it still made her sick. To take a life, the burden was heavy. Reality was a bitch.
"Urgh!" Sophia gagged and quickly rant to the riverbank, falling onto her knees.
She gagged, she wanted to throw up, but she can't.
Guilt.
This sick feeling of guilt of taking a life. She should be used to seeing death. Yet why was she feeling so guilty of killing someone? Oh, that's right, she is supposed to save a life does not take it. Sophia began laughing slowly as she realized she broke her oath.
"I need to throw up." She thought and quickly shoved her index and middle finger from her right hand down her throat.
Forcefully she kept doing the movement till she quickly pulled them out and puked. Gods, the scent was horrible, but she didn't care. She wanted this feeling gone. Guilt. Guilt she took a life when she knows those bandits have also been raiding villages to survive. Ugh. She hated this feeling. It felt like a string was wrapped around her throat as she stood up and coughed. A bit of saliva on the corner of her lips she quickly wiped away as she panted for air.
"I need to head back..." she thought and began walking down the trail, even if her lips were a bit puffy.
Arriving at the village took another 5 minutes and she went straight to the inn Lysithea and rented to sleep in. The poor reception went into a panic when he saw her enter covered in blood. Sophia reassured them that this was the blood of the bandits she killed and that she needs to get washed up. They told her there is a bathroom in their room they can use. She walked down the hallway and opened the door, seeing Lysithea in there. The violet haired girl quickly ran over to her.
"Are you alright?! Anna told me what happened and that you needed some time alone..." Lysithea muttered as Sophia gave her a small nod but a blank face.
"I'll live." Sophia sighs, "It's something I need to adapt. Yes, I'll never get used to killing but I must do it if I want to live. I'm not in America anymore..." She said and went to her bed, where her bag was.
"Bathroom is set up for you. I already took a bath. By the way, once you're done, we should get some food downstairs. I heard a few of the mercenaries are gambling." Lysithea says with a gleam in her eye.
Sophia couldn't help but laugh a bit. She knows that gleam. Iris had the same gleam when she watched the girl make a bet with one of their colleagues at a bar. The man lost and he had to walk back to his apartment in his boxers.
"Alright! Let me take a shower and change out of this damn armor. Then, we'll hunt!"
[-]
Hot water mint scented shampoo always made her day when taking a shower. Sophia took her sweet time, much to Lysithea's displeasure but Hey, gotta take advantage. 1 hours later, dressed in her red shirt and black pants, and Lysithea in her purple dress, the two headed downstairs to eat. The first floor had many round tables set up for customers to eat at. Thankfully, Anna spotted then and waved excitedly, she was eating alone. The girls got their plates and quickly went to sit with the woman.
"Heya! Feeling. A bit better?" Anna grins as they sit down.
"Yup." Sophia says as the crowd cheered because of an arm-wrestling match, "Still, I took some medication just in case. Anyhow, where are you heading off to after this?" She asked.
"I'm heading to Ylisse. Heard sales been good there so I go." Anna grins as she takes a bite of her stake.
"Ferox. Besides, I have a score to settle with someone there." Lysithea says as she takes a sip of her wine.
"Felix?" Anna smiled and Lysithea choked on her wine.
"So, he exists in this world..." Sophia thought as she just gave Lysithea a coy smile.
"I-it's not what you think!" Poor girl was blushing, " He's a mercenary from Chon'sin. Been living in Ferox for years with a friend of his. All I know is that his friend's name is Lon'qu." Lysithea grumbled.
"Speaking on male mercenaries." Anna grins and Lysithea already knew what was coming, "Any caught your eye? I got a hubby of my own."
"I have only been here for 2 months and two weeks, so I hardly know any men other than my friend Henry." Sophia says, "But I have heard rumors of guys."
"I know there is this one rumor that supposedly the descent of the Hero of Radiance is a mercenary traveling the land." Anna grins.
The girls don't notice that the group behind them went a bit quite to hear what they were saying.
"Oh! You mean the Hero Ike! I love reading his stories!" Lysithea says excitedly, recalling reading books about the hero in her homeland.
"I like reading stories of Prince and Princess Corrin." Sophia commented, "But hmm...hearing that rumor, I wonder if the guy is as good as his ancestor?"
"Wait, what do you mean?" Both females asked and Sophia chuckled a bit as she propped her elbow on the table, resting the check on the palm of her hand as she closed her eyes.
"Well, Ike, was a man blunt, yet passionate person, earning others' respect and trust easily. I remember reading stories of him in my homeland. He is admired by many there. You be surprised by the amount of fan girls." Sophia chuckled a bit, "Even so, I think he is a kind man. Maybe his descent is that way. I remember one of the books I read said that Ike, despite this love for tests of strength however, Ike takes no pleasure in war and is never eager to raise a blade. As war has cost him dearly, he hopes by his efforts to keep others from losing what he has lost." She smiled softly and opened her eyes.
"You sound like you knew the man personally." Anna says with a smirk and Sophia just shrugged.
"Nope. Still, I admire that strength of his. I do wonder if his descendant is like him or at least similar to him. He sounds..." Sophia thought for a moment.
She recalls a bit of Ike's descendant, Priam. He was a DLC character from the game and never appeared in the main story. Still, she remembers a bit of the support conversations the man had in the game. Her smile grew and unfortunately, she spoke the words out loud that she usually kept to herself.
"Hmmmm...he sounds...cute. Reminds me of a puppy."
"PPPFFFTTTTT!"
Lysithea began laughing loudly while poor Anna spat out her drink, and also began laughing loudly. Sophia just looked at them with wide eyes and coughed.
"Keep that to yourselves. No one heard anything from me." Sophia coughed.
God, how could she let herself say that out loud?!
Unfortunately, the said person they were talking about was behind them the whole time, desperately trying not to speak while his colleagues were all holding back their laughter, barely. Well, looks like he's going to have a word with her tomorrow.
- The Next Day -
"What?"
The man gawked when the man in front of the desk just gave him a raised eyebrow.
"Ya heard me. That lady and her companions all left already. Around 4 in the morning because they want to avoid the heat. Plegai's a nightmare in May." The receptionist said.
"Damn Priam! Look like you missed her!" One of his companions laughed while Priam just sent them a glare.
"She called him a puppy..." the mercenary group was desperately trying not to laugh.
"You guys are looking for Sophia?" The group turned and saw Anna walking up to them.
"You knew I was behind you guys and you never said anything." Priam walked up to her.
"Hmmm...maybe." Anna shrugged, "Besides, this karma for you trying make me cut my prices in half." She smirked.
Priam was a man with dark blue spiky hair with a headband, dressed in armor. The legendary sword strapped onto his back. Anna just snickered.
"But she is interested. I only spiced up the place. But, you'll meet her again someday." She smiles.
"Hmm. Maybe." Priam says and then it happened.
"Like a puppy." One of his colleagues whispered and a brawl ensued.
Anna quickly whipped out tickets,
"COME PLACE YOUR BETS! 2 SILVER COINS! I HEAR 3 SILVER!"
[-]
"Achoo!" Sophia sneezed as they were flying through the sky.
"You sick?" Lysithea asked as she was munching a scone.
"I'm okay. Why do I feel I dodged a bullet?" She muttered.
"What's a bullet?" Lysithea asked.
"Think of an arrowhead but made of metal and the shape of a marvel." Sophia replied.
Well, it didn't matter at this point. Hopefully, they get to Ferox soon.
Chapter 5: A Traveler's Start
[-]
Sophia's first kill. It's going to take some time for her to recover from the shock. Do look forward to the next chapter.