Art Room 4:45 pm

"Please be gentler."

"Ahm sorry! Oh, this is the worst thang!"

Nephenee lightly pressed ice, wrapped in a cloth, on Kagero's head. Clarisse had smacked the ninja on the head, likely because they broke Kiran's phone. With Clarisse, you could never be a hundred percent sure.

"It's not like we didn't deserve that, though," Kagero noted, "We really should've returned that thing, huh?"

"I could've taken that hit, y'know!" Nephenee said, her voice a little gravelly. "I have a strong noggin." The ninja softly ran her hand through Nephenee's hair.

"I apologize, I'm rather stubborn," she replied, "I promised that no one would harm a hair on your he- agh!" Nephenee hid her face with her hands, peeking through her hands. "Did I say something untoward?" Kagero asked. The spearwoman shook her head.

"Yer just r-r-really cool," She said through her hands, "Really cool." She felt Kagero move her hands away from her face.

"And where did the bold Nephenee I've seen recently go?" She whispered huskily. Nephenee felt herself move closer to the ninja's face. She didn't remember her eyes being such a deep mahogany-

"Neph, ya'll in here?" The door was swept open, as Donnel walked in. "I was gonna check on the greenho- Oh!" There was a short silence, and Kagero nearly threw herself off of Nephenee. "Well, I uh … knew you two got along, but ain't the art room kinda -"

"You were goin' to the greenhouse, ya say?" Nephenee interrupted loudly, quickly getting up. "Come on, Kagero! Let's get going!" She jumped from her seat, and was out the door before Donnel could say any more. He looked at Kagero. Her murderous gaze cut through him faster than his own mother's.

"Say a word of this, and your suffering shall be told in folklore."

"Mah lips are sealed, Ms. Kagero!" Donnel said nervously, "No talkin' from ol' Donny!"

"Good," Kagero replied, "Then let's catch up to Nephenee, hmm?"

"Maribelle, I've told you over and over …"

"And I have been telling you that you are too naive, Lissa!" Maribelle interrupted, "Pardon me, that was boorish; but if you leave someone on their own for two long, they will get restless."

"I'm pretty sure that's why Donnel took up gardening …"

"Ah yes, 'gardening' with some craven strumpet, no doubt," the troubadour muttered, "I shall set things right, Lissa! I will make him forget all about this 'Nephenee'!"

"I don't think you need to worry about that …" But Maribelle was already long gone. Someone had seen Donnel go to the greenhouse with two others, so this was the perfect opportunity.

"Hey mom!" Lissa and Maribelle turned around. Owain was running towards them, Elise and that new girl in tow. "Can we talk to you for a minute?" She turned to Maribelle, who nodded in response.

"I can handle myself, my dear." She said.

"I'm more worried about Donnel." Lissa admitted.

"He should be worried as well!" Maribelle replied, before storming off. Lissa sighed heavily.

"What's up, Owa- Odin?" She corrected herself, looking at Elise cautiously. She knew her son had kept his identity a secret for a reason.

"Don't worry, Lady Lissa," Elisa replied nonchalantly, "I know already." She gave Lissa a nervous smile and put her hands behind her back. Lissa and Elise got along great, and oftentimes would raid the pantry with Effie. So to see her look this … anxious was off-putting.

"Ah, so …"

"Yes, mother!" Owain continued, "We came here to humbly request of yo-"

"Just spit it out, Owain." Lissa said flatly.

"S-sorry mom." He said lamely. "To keep it simple, Elise and I have been considering starting a relationship for some time."

"Lady Lissa, we've actually been in a relationship for some time," Elise bowed frantically, "I'm so sorry for not telling you!"

"I-I see," Lissa stammered, "And why are you telling me now?" The two looked at each other nervously, then stepped aside to reveal the other girl. Upon closer inspection, she had the same unruly hair that the whole family seemed to have, almost the same length as Emmeryn's. Of course, Emmeryn took the time to straighten hers, something Lissa and this girl obviously didn't have patience for. Lissa looked into her eyes. They were the same grayish-blue as hers. "Ah, I see." The princess said, trying to process the information put out in front of her. "What's your name?" She asked softly.

"O-Ophelia."

"Do you …" Lissa hesitated, "Have a weird birthmark somewhere?" Ophelia looked at her blankly for a second, but then pulled out her right arm. On the inside sat a small Mark of Ylisse. Lissa sighed in relief, and embraced the young girl. "Thank goodness." She started tearing up.

"Mom!" Owain protested, "I have the birthmark too!"

"And imagine how Ophelia would feel if she didn't?" Lissa replied calmly, pulling away to look at the mage. Tears were welling in her eyes.

"Nana …" She whispered. Lissa frowned slightly.

"I'm a little too young for that, honestly," she replied, "But I am gonna spoil the heck outta you!"

Clarisse was pacing through the mess hall. A dark cloud seemed to hover over her.

"Yo!" Clarisse narrowed her eyes. Anna was approaching her, grinning widely. The commander was a good leader in battle, but she had a proclivity for less desirable things. "How's Kiran's favorite archer?"

"What did you want, Commander?" She asked harshly.

"You've been wearing a trench into the floor," Anna replied, "And you're messing with Kiran's phone. Did something happen to it?" Clarisse froze. She had seen her? "Is it not turning on?"

"Hold on, you know about?" Anna laughed, and held out her hand.

"Look, just for you, I'll take care of this," She said, "Kiran can get really upset about his phone, so I'll take the blame."

Clarisse squinted at her. "What's the catch?" She asked.

"No catch!" Anna insisted, "I'll take care of it for you!" Clarisse hesitated, but dropped the phone into the Commander's hand. Anna smiled. "Don't worry about a thing, Clarisse." And she walked away.

Clarisse practically melted into one of the benches, and exhaled. She was certain that Anna would try to do something idiotic, but she doubted that the Commander could actually do anything. The archer was worried about what she would say to Kiran later. There was a lot to unpack, and she was still uncertain about how she really felt.

"Clarisse?" Her heart dropped. She knew that voice, and it was only bound to complicate things.

" … Reese?"

"So, there's really no other option, then."

"I'm afraid not, Alphonse," Kiran answered, "It looks like a small assault will be the only real option."

"And what about you, Laegjarn?" Alphonse looked pointedly at the Muspellan princess.

"I cannot promise to stay out of your way," she answered, "But I will do what I can." The summoner nodded. It was the best they could do, given the timeframe they had.

"A team of twenty or so, with the map Laegjarn has provided, could get Veronica and Ylgr out and depose Surtr."

"By depose I assume you mean kill." Laegjarn's eyes flashed.

"If we have to we will." Alphonse answered simply. Laegjarn slumped in her seat.

"As long as Laevatein is unharmed, I couldn't care less." She muttered. The meeting was adjourned, and she stalked out, followed by Gaius and Saizo. Kiran and A;phonse looked at each other.

"You don't think this is a trap?" The prince asked. Kiran shook his head.

"I'm not 100% confident, but she seems to be genuine," he responded, "It's not like we have much of a choice, anyways."

"This is the best chance we have had." Alphonse admitted. "Speaking of, people are telling me that Clarisse has been very ornery today. Did something happen?" Kiran spluttered. "I'm assuming that that is a yes?"

"She, like, kissed me, dude!" Kiran broke his calm facade and put his head in his hands.

"Really?" Alphonse asked, "And then what?"

"And then nothing!" came the response, "I don't know what to do!"

"Do you like her?"

"I dunno!"

"Do you like her?"

Kiran paused. "I've never thought of her that way," he admitted, "She's always been my friend, but …"

"But?"

"I never considered us as a thing that could work." Alphonse laughed.

"Yeah, you're both much too temperamental," he said, "So what are you going to do?" The summoner shrugged.

"I'm gonna hear her out," he said, "She's my best friend."

"I thought I was your best friend."

"You're co-best friends." Kiran rectified quickly.

"DONNEL!" An unholy shriek echoed throughout the greenhouse.

"What the hell?" Nephenee whipped her head around. A dark silhouette was standing at the greenhouse's doorway, her shadow obscuring her face. She was holding something in her hand, which, at first glance, looked like a …

"Get behind me." Kagero ordered. The ninja rubbed her head lightly, but maintained a fighting stance.

"Wait a minute, I know that voice." Donnel protested, but it was too late. Kagero rushed the shadow, looking to disarm them. In a flash, Kagero lost sight of the weapon, and felt a sharp impact on the crown of her head.

Nephenee watched as Kagero clutched at her head, moaning in agony. "What on earth did you do?" She asked, approaching the figure. She felt something strike the side of her head, just as she remembered that her helmet was still in the art room.

"So … these are the strumpets that you are socializing with, Donnel?" The voice asked menacingly, Nephenee and Kagero at her feet. "Did you already forget about your loving -" She paused for a moment. Donnel was holding out a potted flower, eyes glistening with tears. "Donnel, why are you crying? And why did you plant Peonies? You know those are my favorites …"

"Yer finally here," Donnel croaked, "I can't believe -" An embrace cut him off, and Kagero and Nephenee heard muffled sobs.

"DONNYYYY!" There was that unearthly shriek again. "I'M SORRY I DOUBTED YOUUU!"

"All's well that ends well, huh?" Nephenee asked Kagero, who was still nursing her head. The ninja smiled at her girlfriend.

"I love how you can be positive for both of us."

Ishtar flipped through one of the books that sat on her desk. She had asked Oboro about how each hero could get their own room; the answer was essentially to not worry about it. And she wouldn't. After all, the room was cozy, and it gave her everything she needed. There was even a small stove to make tea with! All in all, a pretty wonderful setup.

Her tea was nearly done when she heard a light knock on her door. Nino and Eirika were standing outside, the latter smiling apologetically.

"I'm so sorry to bother you, Lady Ishtar," she began, "Nino has been insisting you read to her today."

"I'm sorry?" Ishtar asked politely. She knew she had promised to teach her magic, but … "I'm not sure I'm the best person for that."

"See Nino? How about we wait until next week, when she's actually settled in?"

"No! It has to be Ishtar tonight!" Nino said firmly. Ishtar raised an eyebrow.

"Nino likes to rotate around, and Marisa still doesn't like reading to her." Eirika explained, "You don't have to, though. We just thought we could ask." Ishtar looked at Nino, who's eyes seemed to be exponentially growing.

"No, I can read to her tonight," She replied nervously, "I just have never done it before." Nino ran into Ishtar's room and plopped onto her bed.

"Don't worry!" the young mage said, "I bet you're a … a …" She scratched her head, thinking about the word, "A nature girl!"

"A natural." Eirika corrected, before turning to Ishtar, "And don't worry, Nino wouldn't want you to read to her if she didn't feel like you could." Ishtar smiled a little bit at that.

"It seems I don't have a choice," She replied, though her manner was rather positive, "Have a good night, Lady Eirika."

Eirika smiled, and gave a small curtsy before leaving. Ishtar turned to Nino, who was blankly looking around the room. She turned to the Friegian and started kicking her legs excitedly.

"What book are you gonna read, Ishtar?" She asked, bouncing up and down. Ishtar looked at all the books she had picked. Magical technical manuals, local nature almanacs, and one romance novel. The novel itself was innocuous, if the discussion Cordelia and that new hero Sumia was anything to go by. She had flipped through it and found nothing objectionable. "Is it that romance novel?"

Ishtar quickly covered it with her arms, pulling it to her chest. "Have you read it?" She asked, "Is it inappropriate?"

"I dunno!" Nino replied, "Tana read that one awhile ago, and she was sighing a lot. That usually means it's a romantic book."

" … I see." She opened the book, nervously checking the pages for any clues to the novel's contents. "Do you have any objections to this book?"

"Nope!" Nino said, "As long as you're reading it!" Ishtar cleared her throat, and found the first page.

"Well, then," She began, "Are you comfortable?"

"Almost!" Nino leaned into Ishtar's shoulder. "Okay, ready!" She said.

Laegjarn walked through the main castle gate, towards the wyvern stalls. Apparently her wyvern would just be there, as if compelled by an unseen force. Breidablik is truly a force beyond comprehension. She thought to herself. The Muspellan took in the Askr castle. While she bore little ill will towards her father and her people, she found herself wishing that this wouldn't end. For it would end soon, in all likelihood.

She hoped she could see that archer, and apologize for her earlier words, at least. She had no real interest in the summoner, and her words were just to ignite a flame under the girl.

She turned the corner, and heard the chatter of two girls. A petite purple haired girl was holding hands tightly with a familiar blonde woman. She couldn't help but smile. "Ah, this is quite a sight!" She proclaimed. Clarisse whipped her head around, and sneered when she saw who was speaking to her. "I assume you haven't forgotten our little wager?"

The archer whispered something to Katerina, and the girl was off into the castle. Clarisse approached Laegjarn, and stared her down. "Let's take a walk." She said gruffly.

"Of course," came the reply, "I expect we'll have a good amount to talk about, yes?"

Clarisse only grunted in reply.

"You don't get to make fun of me for this."

"I have no intention to," Laegjarn replied, "This is quite the conundrum you have found yourself in."

Clarisse hugged her knees tightly. "You said it."

"So, you've loved this Reese girl for a long time, but you hardly ever expected to see her again?"

"In retrospect, it feels like our paths crossing would be inevitable," Clarisse admitted, "But come on, who expects that?" Laegjarn nodded sagely.

"It's always hard to think that way."

"But I just kissed Kiran," she continued, "And I don't know I'm in love with him."

"You don't know?"

"Yes, I think!" Clarisse exclaimed, "Or I thought? I don't know anymore."

"So now what?" Laegjarn asked. The archer clenched your fists.

"That's what I'm asking you for!" She shouted, "How do I go to my best friend and say, 'Hey, my other lover showed up, so that kiss really meant nothing!' It was a kiss, Laegjarn! A full blown kiss that can only mean one thing!"

"So tell him the truth."

"It just feels like a quick turnaround, don't you think?"

"It will only harm everyone more if you don't get it over with." Clarisse was quiet and mumbled something under her breath. "What was that?"

"I don't want to lose my friend just because of a stupid mistake I made!" She shouted. Laegjarn smiled, and patted the archer's head.

"I will not pretend to know something you don't," she said, "But if you're honest and kind about it, you can salvage almost anything. The truth is painful, but it's sturdier than a life-long lie." She pulled her cape around her neck. "I have to take my leave now," She said, "I hope our next meeting is in equitably kind circumstances."

"Wait," Clarisse said, "You aren't going to tell me why you thought Kiran was intriguing?"

Laegjarn shrugged. "He's clever, and he talked to me when I was first held prisoner by the Askrans."

"That's the reason why you like him?"

"Ah, that was just an exaggeration." Clarisse sat there, open-mouthed as the Muspellan Wyvern launched itself from the stable.

"Goddammit, that didn't help at all!" she screamed into the air.

Ishtar had only made it to chapter 4 when Nino started wobbling. By chapter 5, the girl was clutched to her arm, snoring slightly.

"I agree," Ishtar said softly, "This is a rather dry novel. Would you like me to help you to your room?" Nino didn't answer, now completely conked out. Ishtar sighed. Well, she could always order Reinhardt out of his bed if she wanted to sleep. She carefully lifted Nino into her bed, and tucked her in. Ishtar felt the girl tug at her hand.

"Mama."

Ishtar felt her heart pinball in her chest. She thought about all the children. The one's she couldn't save. How many of them were like Nino, and how many of them had families that knew they would never come back. As soon as the child let go, Ishtar took her lantern and left the room. She could feel the tears moving down her cheeks, rivulets of her past sin. "Just have to take a walk," She repeated to herself, "Just get outside and everything will be fine."

"Everything will be fine."

"Hey, Kiran."

Clarisse stood glumly by the mess hall doorway. Kiran was holding an apple, probably a snack before some late-night workload.

"Clarisse, that's perfect timing," he remarked, "I was about to come looking for you. Would you like to take a walk?" Clarisse sighed.

"Honestly? Probably the only way to talk about this, huh?" She replied. "Let's go."

The walk around the grounds was silent, both people mulling over what to say.

"Clarisse," Kiran began, "I don't know what was with the kiss earlier, but -" There was a long pause.

"But what?" Clarisse grumbled.

"I was giving you an opportunity to explain yourself, or express yourself, or whatever!" Kiran explained loudly.

"Yeah, that was real clear, genius!" she retorted, "Do you need a knock on the head too?" Kiran stopped for a second, than began laughing. "What are you laughing at?"

"You don't actually love me, do you?" He asked.

"W-what?!"

"Like, romantically," Kiran explained, "You don't see me as some sort of romantic figure, right?"

"Of course I don't!" She blurted out, covering her mouth as soon as the words came out. "I-I don't?" She paused for a moment, then looked at the summoner. "I guess I really don't." She admitted, before frowning. "I really messed up today."

"The kiss was interesting," Kiran commented, "But honestly, I was looking for a way to let you down gently." Clarisse grew red with anger and embarrassment.

"What's that supposed to mean?" She inquired, "You're too good for me?" Kiran laughed again.

"No, but imagine us as a domestic couple." The summoner looked at her and continued. "Clarisse, did you wash the dishes?" Clarisse snorted.

"No, that's your job, ain't it?" Kiran rolled his eyes and sighed dramatically.

"I stand in that room, summoning all day! Alphonse is a slave driver, and you won't even clean some dishes for me?"

"I hunted fourteen boar for the feast in two days," Clarisse continued the charade, "And this is the thanks I get?!" The two began laughing hysterically, before Clarisse hugged the summoner and began crying. "Thank the gods," She said, "I'm so sorry."

"Hey," Kiran said softly, "I'm just glad we didn't go further than the worst kiss in the world." He ruffled her hair.

"It wasn't that bad, right?" Clarisse asked.

"It was pretty bad," he answered, "But at least you have an excuse."

"Trying to kiss my best friend, right." She agreed lamely. "I was just worried."

"You're still worried."

"Yeah, you still don't take care of yourself." Clarisse pointed out. And the two continued their walk. After about a minute, Kiran continued.

"So who are you really into?" He asked.

"Huh?" Clarisse spluttered out.

"I can't imagine you would feel this guilty if there wasn't somebody else."

"There doesn't have to be someone else, Kiran."

"But is there?"

Clarisse sighed after a few seconds. " … yes."

"Ha! I knew it," Kiran said smugly, "Who is it?"

"Reese."

"We don't have a Reese here, I don't think."

"Short, purple hair?" Clarisse described Katarina to the best of her ability. "Really meek."

"Katarina?"

"She's Reese to me."

"That's a shame." Kiran lamented.

"What?" Clarisse hissed, "Why?"

"Oh, she's just such a nice girl." Kiran commented, earning a smack to the back of his head.

"Okay, walk is over. I'm heading in." Clarisse started heading to a side entrance of the castle.

"Clarisse?" Kiran called out. The archer turned her head.

"What?"

" … I'm glad we're still friends."

"Of course we are, you idiot," Clarisse replied, "You're one of the few friends here worth having."

Kiran watched the archer enter the castle, before continuing on his path. It was a fleeting feeling, but it wasn't something easily taken away. For as relieved as he was, Kiran still felt a little sad.

The path wound around the castle for another hundred feet or so before he saw someone sitting on the bench, hunched over. The cloak they wore hid their features, but Kiran approached either way.

"Are you alright?" he asked. The figure lifted their head, revealing Ishtar. Her face red and wet with tears. "Ishtar? What happened?"

"I can't …" She croaked out, before breaking down again. Kiran was on the bench next to her in a flash, and put his cloak around her. He doubted she needed it for warmth, but it was something he could do. She sat there, crying awhile. "I can't tell you, of all people." She finally said, her voice cracked and broken.

"That's fine," Kiran replied, "Do I need to get someone you can talk to?" Ishtar shook her head, but remained silent. They sat there for some time, before she spoke again.

"Have you ever done something so unspeakable, that you felt permanently tainted by it?"

"Honestly, I can't say I have …" Kiran admitted, "But I have been responsible for a lot of deaths. That weighs down on me occasionally."

"By now you know about what happened across the continent during Julius's rule," Ishtar said, " … during my rule?" Kiran frowned. He was afraid this would come up eventually, but as more of a protest from other heroes, who would've found the child-hunts to be unforgivable.

"I do." He said bluntly. "The child-hunts?"

"They couldn't even fight b-back," She said between sobs, "I saved who I could, but I could've saved more if … if I had just stood up to them!" Kiran was silent, mulling over his thoughts. "Why couldn't I stand up to them, summoner?!"

"I … I don't know," Kiran admitted, "I don't know what I would've done in that situation, either."

"I don't deserve to be here," Ishtar said harshly, "I don't deserve to be allowed to read to Nino, to have friends that care about me."

"Do you think those people think you don't deserve it?"

"They would if they knew the truth." she answered.

"If you had stood up to them, what would've happened?"

"Manfroy would've likely had me killed," Ishtar admitted, "But that doesn't excuse my weakness."

Kiran nodded, "I don't like the child-hunts either, and yeah, it doesn't excuse your weakness."

"So I'm right." Ishtar said despairingly.

"Well, at the end of the day, you're part right." He said, "If you're still alive, then you should live for all the lives you helped take; take care of the children you can save, and the people you can help. That's just my opinion though. You can take it or leave it." He began walking towards the side entrance Clarisse had entered an hour prior. "I'm glad to have you among our heroes, if that's worth anything."

"What?" Ishtar asked, "You are facing away from me, you know." Kiran stiffly turned around to face her. "What were you trying to accomplish?"

"I-I thought it would look cool," Kiran admitted. Ishtar giggled between her tears. "I said that I'm glad you're here with us, if that matters." He stated. The sorceress stood up and approached the summoner.

"It does, thank you." She said. Ishtar smiled slightly. "It seems we have a visitor."

Clarisse was panted as the reached the two. "Kiran, it's Anna." She said.

"Is she okay?"

"Yeah," she answered, "That's the probl … Hey, what the hell is going on here?" She grinned slyly, "Already on the hunt, huh?"

"That is not what is happening here." Kiran said with finality. "What did Anna do this time?"

"See for yourself, she's in the mess hall." The summoner rolled his eyes in exasperation. Ishtar looked at both of them.

"The commander? What would she do that is this upsetting?" She asked.

"Anna is a-" Kiran began.

"Money-grubbing double crosser." Clarisse finished angrily.

" … Not the phrase I was going for, but fair enough."

"Would you believe in a love at first sight …" The trio heard a chorus of drunken heroes around the corner to the mess hall. Kiran paused.

"I know that melody …" He noted, before gaining a realization. "She didn't."

The mess hall was covered in gaudy displays, with random words etched above piles of tomes. Anna was sitting at one table, taking in orders. Kiran looked around the room, horrified. Each display was a display of a band, and each tome was one of her awful sound-tomes.

"Oh, this is so embarrassing." Kiran muttered. "I've gotta put a stop to this!" He started moving through the heroes to Anna.

Ishtar giggled to herself. Who would've thought the summoner would be embarrassed by music, of all things.

"Hey." A gruff voice beside her said. Clarisse was glaring at her. "You're not trying to do anything funny with Kiran?"

"Whatever gave you that idea?" The archer rubbed the bridge of her nose.

"Look, I've had a really emotionally rough day, but I'm still trying to keep him safe."

"Are you implying I'm unsafe?"

"Every hero here is unsafe, technically." came the answer. Ishtar smiled. What an accurate statement.

"I have no intentions," Ishtar said, "He came to me when I was reliving my worst days, so I'm thankful for that."

"Yeah, he's annoyingly kind like that."

"You've done some bad things, I take it?"

"Oh sure," Clarisse replied, "I was an assassin by trade, killed a lot of people who probably didn't deserve it. What'd you do?"

"Um … helped my fiance enslave children to sacrifice to a dark god." Clarisse frowned.

"Damn, I only killed a man," she replied, "A … a few men." She began laughing.

"What's so funny?"

"Nothing, you just seem so damn … nice, y'know? Your fiance must've been a real piece of work to have that plan cooking up." Ishtar stared at Clarisse for a moment, before laughing herself.

"You do not know the half of it." She replied.

"Hey, do you want to look through that 'pop punk' section?" She pointed at a section of black and red tomes labeled as such. "Kiran seemed especially wary of that one."

"Ishtar! Clarisse!" Lute and Sanaki waved at the duo as they entered the room. Ishtar looked at the sniper.

"I think I would." She replied.

"You too, Reese," Clarisse called out, "Don't think I can't see you over there!" A squeaked emanated from under a nearby table, and Katarina peeped out from underneath. "I want to make fun of Kiran for a little bit!"

"Anna, why?"

"Oh hey, Kiran!" Anna replied jovially, "Isn't this great? We've made so much bank from this."

"It's embarrassing."

"Nothing embarrassing about sharing some fine art, bucko!" Anna said, sporting a wide grin.

"It's not your life choices being put out in public." Kiran argued.

"Oh, by the way, here's your phone back." Anna passed him the little electronic brick. It was nearly fully charged. "Apparently Nephenee and Kagero had borrowed it, so I gave them sweeping duty for the next three days, if that's okay."

Kiran sighed in relief. "That's not necessary, though I appreciate the thought."

"Thank Clarisse, she's the one who gave it to me."

"Really?"

"Yeah, she's dependable like that. Though I bet she'd actually kill you if you married her."

Kiran sighed, "Well, thank the gods that wasn't on the cards anyways." Anna put her finger on her chin.

"Well, anyways, were you planning on buying anything?"

"I am," came a voice behind them. Ishtar had loaded up on a large stack of 'albums'. Kiran blanched at the selection, but couldn't find the words. "How much is this selection?"

"Hmmm …" Anna calculated in her head, "Looks like 54 gold."

"Surely I can part with 40 gold." Ishtar said flatly.

"No haggling," Anna said firmly, "I set my prices and those will stick."

Kiran sighed. "Look, I'll buy them. Take the gold from my paycheck." He said. Anna thought about it for a second.

"Alright, I'll take it!" Ishtar looked satisfied, and tried to lift all the tomes in her arms. The stack wobbled a bit.

"Would you like some help?" Kiran asked.

"I would appreciate it, if it's no bother." Ishtar replied. Kiran nodded, and took a sizable chunk of the pile into his arms. He could feel Clarisse's mocking gaze the moment he grabbed the tomes.

"Ooooooo," She called out, "Helping a young maiden with her studies, Kiran?" The summoner mouthed 'shut up' at her twice, before quickly leaving the room. "Man, I like this so much better!" She said aloud.

"Is she your lover?" Ishtar asked casually. Kiran snorted.

"She was for maybe five minutes," he replied, "She's more like an older friend who likes to tease you."

"You seem like interesting friends." Ishtar remarked.

"I'm glad we still are."

"Hmmm? Referring to the time you were lovers?"

"That was around lunchtime today, she kissed me out of nowhere."

"Ah? That seems rather unambiguous."

"Right? But apparently she's just been worried about me," He sighed, "It's been a really long day." The summoner admitted. "We actually rebuffed each other right before I ran into you."

"I see." As they reached Ishtar's room, she took the tomes from Kiran. "Well, I'm not one to judge, but I think she made a major miscalculation when she rebuffed you."

"What?"

"You're a kindhearted man, Kiran," Ishtar said, "Thank you for everything tonight."

"It's just … my job, you know?"

"Say that all you want, but you didn't have to go that far for me; so I'm grateful."

"You're welcome, then." Ishtar smiled.

"I should see if Nino's still sleeping," She continued, "Please get some rest; if not for Clarisse's sake, for mine?"

"Okay, I can try." Kiran replied.

"Good night."

"Good night, Lady Ishtar."

As the door closed, Kiran found himself clutching his head. What on earth was going on today?

Ishtar felt her face. It was burning and she imagined it had to have been crimson. What was she thinking? This was no time for flirting, and with a man who had just been refused!

"Ishtar? Izzat you?" Came a sleepy voice from the bed. Ishtar didn't even notice the four steps she took to the bed, or how she sat delicately and took the girl's hand.

"I'm here, Nino." She said kindly.

"You look happy," Nino said, "Did somethin' happen?"

"I just really enjoyed this story," Ishtar replied, "I think it may have a happy ending."

"Oh good," came the reply, "I love happy endings."

Hey everyone, this chapter had a quick turnaround! It was really just a continuation of the previous chapter, so it was mostly done. I feel the need to explain the quick walkback on the Clarisse - Kiran moment. I really like Clarisse and Kiran being best friends, and I initially thought that a relationship would just be a natural continuation of it. After a couple of days, I realized that I couldn't see the two having a good relationship at all. I know it may feel a little jarring, but I didn't want to change the past chapter, and I didn't want to spend multiple chapters feeling forced to include the two, even if only on the back-burner.

As always, comments, questions, critiques are loved and appreciated! I hope you enjoyed this short chapter!

The next chapter is Chapter 14: Cherche's Ultimate Sewing Challenge!