Her eyes gazed calmly into the mirror, and her reflection stared back. Even covered by her lavender robe, her long-haired, beautiful figure was ever undoubtable. The lancer was beauty incarnate, even if her expression remained blank with a hint of lingering sorrow. If she but smiled with a twinkle of mirth in her eyes, any average man within sight would falter at the knees; It was far more common when she first arrived, but the staff have grown and adapted to her presence.
The bathroom lights glinted off the vial Brynhildr raised. Like every morning, she stared at the red liquid within. Though it was a necessity, she appreciated the extra steps Paracelsus went through in order to make this potion less of a hassle. Taste, crafting efficiency, and dosage had been fine tuned over time; On rare occasion, he joked he would develop a pill form at some point, so it'd feel more like a diet supplement.
As it was now, it was barely a sip. With the vile uncorked, she raised it to her mouth. The liquid quickly poured into her mouth, tasting like smooth and juicy fruit punch rather than an alchemical concoction. Nevertheless, her eyes squinted and she grimaced as she drank the drink. In truth, the drink was delicious, but she had partly flinched because it brought back bad memories of a distant, manipulative master.
However, this potion was a disheartening necessity because of her own rampant heart.
Some in Chaldea had quietly related it to mad enhancement, but it was not that simple. It was part of her very being, thanks to her history, and an impulse she could barely control. It was worse in this summoning, for whatever reason, but it had become more manageable thanks to this potion. At least the elixir was no longer a daily reminder, and with any luck, it'd only be a weekly dosage in the future. She didn't wish to hamper Chaldea's resources any further because of her personal issues.
The potion quickly renewed its effect, but it was barely noticeable. She only understood it was working because of the intensity of her feelings. They were strong, but they were not shackles which propelled her into automatic action; They were more like an urge then an order. She would accept this compromise, for the only two alternatives would be unsubdued emotion, or complete repression; The latter option used to entice her greatly, but that possibility became less appealing with every passing day.
It was thanks to this potion she was able to fully appreciate a chance at something she never dared consider before. Though Chaldea offered much in the way of a new life, it was the people who made this existence especially beautiful in her eyes. It felt like a reward after all the troubles of past experiences, and the only tax was to fight alongside wonderful heroes for the sake of humanity's survival. Although it had some rough spots for her, Brynhildr found it difficult not to fall in love with this incredible place.
This was the first affection she dared to wholeheartedly embrace.
¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨(¯ˆ·.¸ ¸.·ˆ¯)¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨
Fragment 74: Bleeding Love
¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨(¯ˆ·.¸ ¸.·ˆ¯)¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨
Even if the side hallways were empty, Brynhildr felt a thousand eyes upon her. Though she still wore her battle attire after the recently ended supply sortie, the Valkyrie felt vulnerable. With her voice temporarily caught in her throat, she turned away from Arash and allowed her composed façade to crack. Her eyes quickly filled with their natural, somber glint.
Her voice was a whisper. "…Does anyone else…?"
"Don't worry, Bryn. As far as I can tell, I'm the only one who suspects anything."
She breathed in relief, but the lancer's voice remained troubled. "How did you know…?"
"I don't miss much with my eyes," the battle-clad archer answered with a sympathetic smile. "And I'm extra watchful over my good friends."
If she wasn't so somber and forcefully composed, she may have offered the tiniest smile at his usual sincerity. Arash was one of the wonderful heroes she couldn't help but admire for his kindness, but that was what concerned her to begin with. Even with the potion in effect, and proven for weeks, she feared what may still overcome her; It was her remorseful concern that she did her best to conceal. The idea of love, in any form, always filled her with mixed emotions… but in Chaldea, it horrified her to an even greater extent.
The thought of destroying dear bonds she had come to appreciate was a very real danger… It was who she was. It was who she was defined to be, and so she continued to forcefully keep her feelings in check. That in itself was an impossibility when she was constantly tempted to indulge in a seemingly regular life. To enjoy time with others was to strengthen their bond. For her to appreciate someone more was to put their life at risk, and she didn't wish that. She remained terrified and remorseful of her own natural behavior.
Yet still, it was her problem, and no one else's. She didn't want anyone worrying over her more than they had, especially not her friends. Thus, she did her best to hide and restrain these problematic emotions a true Valkyrie would have never had… If only she hadn't helped that hero against her father's plans. If only the prophecy had never come to pass… but then, would she have ever come to this lovely place she was scared to appreciate?
Brynhildr didn't know. All she knew now, was that Arash had pieced together her lingering issue on his own, even if her actions portrayed otherwise. She glanced to him cautiously, but that worried glint and tiny smile of his remained. Sensing her turmoil, his smile fell just a smidge. "I'm worried that you're bottling this up, Bryn, but I won't force you to talk about it."
"…You? Forcing someone?" She stared at him, but allowed herself the tiniest, fleeting smile. She's come to smile a bit more often as of late.
"Maybe convince is the better word?" he offered as his smile grew a touch brighter. "I mean it, Bryn. If you need someone to talk to, I'm all ears. That's what friends are for, right?"
A moment passed as she pondered in silence. She nodded slowly, "…It is, isn't it? How lovely to have caring friends…"
Though his smile didn't falter, she saw the concern grow in his eyes. Still, she allowed herself to pause in thought. Maybe she did need to talk to someone about this, but it wasn't something she could trust with just anyone. Arash was easily one of the closest to her in her small tenure in Chaldea, and he was offering. It wouldn't be their first private, personal talk either since he did help convince her to take that potion.
Maybe… Maybe talking with someone would at least give her some extra light on the matter.
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Rena often teased Brynhildr's room was rather boring, but she liked it that way. She kept it stock, and only added two pieces of modern-styled furniture so she wouldn't be hassled with the design. Besides a large display cabinet with multiple shelves, she decided on a simple white couch in case her guests wished to lounge; It was great for relaxed reading too. A few of Serenity's paintings and a panoramic Sunscape window offered the only decorations she'd need beside her favorite souvenirs.
Brynhildr closed her closet shut with one hand while holding her translucent beach sarong in the other. She quickly tied it around her waist to cover her lilac bikini bottom. She'd don the black throw-over sweater when it came time to leave, but for now, it remained discarded neatly on her bed. Plenty of time still remained until her usual morning polearm class, so she was not in any sort of rush. She only wondered if Tamamo and Kiyohime would sleep in a bit since it was Saturday.
The Japanese servants also had a late-night party in their shrine, so it was even more likely.
With a fond smile she wore more often in recent months, Brynhildr stared at one of the many framed photos that were propped up in the nearby display cabinet. Like the others, this one showcased her with her closest friends, but this was the most recent. After Ozymandias casually demanded the masters must accept his proposal, their little grail group deployed together to help correct a malignant singularity. That deployment had made the records as one of the fastest resolutions to date.
The seven battle-clad servants posed side-by-side at the bow of an English tallship. Behind the smiling servants, a corrupted, combined Genoese and Castilian fleets could be glimpsed on the horizon. Regardless of the looming threat, they looked more like tourists on a vacation. Ozymandias claimed the center and stood proudly with hands akimbo. She wound upon the left of the photo between Arash and Arthur, smiling genuinely with her hands folded before her.
If she saw this photo months ago, Brynhildr would have wondered if that was really her. The lancer, often sorrowful in sight and presence, endlessly restraining herself for the sake of others… smiled genuinely without a hint of remorse. Those negative emotions still ran through her, but she routinely kept them suppressed if she wasn't alone. It became much easier to enjoy herself as of late, and she had these lovely heroes to thank for that.
She could count all of them as her closest friends, though she had been hesitant to open those doors wider at first. Were it not for Arash's reassuring words and belief in her, she would have still been fairly reserved and distant; She was glad she opened up to him and talked about her concerns that day, and then Serenity soon after. One by one, she formed beautiful bonds that finally gave her the courage to open her heart to this new Chaldean life.
Even still, the worry remained, for her affection came with the cursed impulses and promised tragedy.
The potion subdued her actions, but occasionally she could still feel the steady thump of her heart within. Though it was subdued, she was worried of what may still happen. She feared for the beautiful life she loved if the potion had an unknown limit. The idea that her senses and compulsions would flare to life like an inferno still terrified and saddened her, for she didn't want to tarnish any part of this beautiful existence.
Thankfully, she had some newfound leniency on how far her feelings could go, but sadly, there were still some roads she couldn't travel.
Nevertheless, she dared to test her boundaries like never before to make more lovely memories like the ones within this cabinet. Placing her trust in Paracelsus' skill as an alchemist, she dared to push the limit gradually for months, with each and every day, if only to grasp a bit more of this wonderful happiness that suppressed her endless grief. Because she still feared what may be, she still restricted herself at the known extremes, just to ensure she would experience more beautiful days within Chaldea.
Though Brynhildr was always destined to love, she held hope in her heart that it would no longer strictly dictate how she lived her life… nor bring ruination under her ever-restraining watch.
¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨(¯ˆ·.¸ IV ¸.·ˆ¯)¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨
With a small smile on her face, Brynhildr walked down the windowed hallway towards her destination. Elizabeth and Robin disappeared down a corridor further ahead, likely to get a head start on a new recording in the studio. With their absence, she was left in the comfortable silence of the empty hallway. She glanced out the darkened windows as the flurries assaulted the hardened panels. "…Quite the storm this morning."
Since she wasn't part of the team trying to study Solomon's hideout, her weekend was going to be very uneventful. Each morning would start off with one of her last classes with her lancer students. Besides a planned fiesta with their group of friends tomorrow evening, her schedule was otherwise empty; It was usually filled with spontaneous activities, however. Though part of her wished to do more to help prepare, she understood there were others better suited to the tasks that needed to be handled.
After a brief stroll in the empty hall, she finally approached Salon de Marie's entrance and felt her smile grow. She walked through the propped open door, and was met by the warm glow of the room's chandeliers. It was almost dead silent since the salon had yet to officially open. As expected, though, she sensed the first of Marie's staff were here, along with the most diligent of her three pupils. She expected her enthusiastic cheer, but it didn't come.
Her eyes spotted the uniformed Gilles as he finished uncovering the Grand Piano. He began folding the ivory-colored cover when he glanced to her. "Bonjour, Miss Brynhildr."
"Good morning, Gilles," she offered back. "I'm surprised you beat Janna this morning."
"It helps she fell asleep," the saber chuckled as he motioned towards the dining section. "You'll find her in the second booth against the divider."
"Oh?" she mused. She nodded in gratitude and walked over to the aforementioned table. After the little alter started taking polearm lessons from her, Brynhildr found out she always woke up too early out of eagerness to improve herself. Instead of waiting at the beach, she'd spend some of her time in the morning helping the salon staff. Today was the first instance she was supposedly asleep instead.
As she came up to the booth, Brynhildr couldn't withhold her smile. Janna was wrapped up in a light blue blanket covered in countless puppy breeds, which she obviously brought from her room. Her tuff of hair stuck out from the little cocoon, and it rose and fell gently with her slumbering breath. She smiled gently, but she wasn't certain if she had it in her to wake up the little alter. She looked too precious as she quietly napped.
She glanced over as Gilles walked over and smiled. "I know what you're thinking, so I'll bear that sin in your place."
"Thank you," she chuckled softly as she stepped away.
Gilles placed one hand on the table and leaned over gently. With a small smile, he gently shook the sleeping servant. "…Janna? Janna? Brynhildr is here. It's time to wake u-AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
The Valkyrie nearly flinched. Instead, her eyes widened in surprise and dripped with concern as Gilles crumpled to the ground while holding his eyes. She glanced to the bar, where Sanson gazed at them nonchalantly and shrugged; His lack of visible concern was more disconcerting than relieving. He merely smirked and chuckled, "You can say it runs in the family."
She glanced to the awakened Janna. The blanket had fallen into her lap, revealing her black one piece as she rubbed her eyes with one hand. The little lancer grumbled, "I kept my teacher waiting? Why didn't you wake me sooner!?"
"I wanted you to catch up on your rest!" Gilles complained as he writhed on the ground. "Every extra second of sleep is important for children!"
Janna pouted at his answer, but blushed. She crossed her arms over her black one-piece and huffed, "I-I knew that!"
Brynhildr glanced at Gilles as he continued to hold his eyes. "Are you going to be alright?"
"Oh, I'm fine," Gilles quickly reassured as he stood back up. Even though he smiled, his squinted eyes made her believe otherwise. "I'm used to this."
"I learned it from my big sisters!" Janna proudly proclaimed. Suddenly, her eyes sparkled and show towards Brynhildr. "Oh! Teacher! I've been practicing really, really, really, reeeally hard! I'm going to hit you today! I know it!"
Quickly, her smile returned to her lips. "Is that so? Care to show me before Tamamo and Kiyohime show up?"
With unbelievable speed and finesse, Janna quickly leapt out of the booth and folded her blanket neatly. She then grabbed her small backpack underneath the table and bolted towards the door. "Race you there, teacher! Thank you, Gilles!"
Gilles laughed as Brynhilder chuckled lightly. A child's enthusiasm was often contagious, and teaching Janna proved to be a great mood-setter for most days; Starting every morning with many smiles made it hard to feel down about anything. The effect was doubled because there was a sort of magic surrounding children, where their emotions became contagious illnesses. Without a doubt, Janna helped make the early hours that much lovelier.
¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨(¯ˆ·.¸ V ¸.·ˆ¯)¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨
The morning sun had long-since cleared the horizon, but still basked the resort in its golden hues. Asterios enjoyed a morning swim in deeper waters while Cu and Angra chatted on the distant docks with fishing poles in hand. The string trio were finishing up a new piece in their favorite, shoreline spot as Leonidas, Quetzalcoatl, and Valeria disappeared into the forest on their morning jog. Meanwhile on the sandy beaches, the polearm class was wrapping up as a flock of seagulls spectated nearby.
"HYAAAAAH!" Janna screamed as her practice staff threaded the needle in Kiyohime's defense. The berserker, clad in her favorite yellow bikini, gasped as she arched herself forward in an attempt to dodge the lunge attack. It grazed her back, and she quickly pouted in disappointment. It quickly disappeared with a smile when she glanced at the happily cheering, little alter. "Yay! My calculations paid off!"
"Mikon~! Nice hit, Janna!" Tamamo clapped from the sidelines. The caster in a blue bikini sat on the ground beside their discarded beach bags; She'd been defeated by both of them. Kiyohime and Janna had just finished up the tie breaker session, and the little alter wound up winning today's spar. Combined with managing to land a hit on Brynhildr, the little alter would be bouncing off the walls if there were any nearby.
Brynhildr smiled. "All your hard work is showing."
"Practice makes perfect!" she responded and puffed her chest. "I can't wait to tell my big sister!"
The little alter quickly skipped over to Brynhildr with an eager smile. Closing her eyes proudly, she leaned towards the older lancer and waited. Tamamo giggled nearby as Brynhildr slowly reached out, but didn't pat her head. She hovered her hand over the little alter, making Janna scoot closer in eager anticipation. Finally, Brynhildr patted her head, which etched a brighter grin on Janna's face. "Well done, everyone! We accomplished a lot today."
"Will we finally go into advanced strikes tomorrow?" Kiyohime asked eagerly. Brynhildr enjoyed her three students' wholehearted enthusiasm.
"I believe so. You're not quite intermediates anymore," Brynhildr suggested with a small smile. "You three learn quick. Especially you, Janna."
It was hardly an understatement. Though training in any specific weapon could take decades to master, these three were moving along fairly quickly. They weren't prodigies, but they were fare from average students. Then again, servant possibly held an edge on learning and adapting.
Brynhildr was just glad Tamamo and Kiyohime raised the idea of training them to begin with. Though they rarely ever used the skills in actual combat, she supposed it did serve as a nice potential fallback plan for range-oriented servants. She'd personally found out she'd been a much better teacher than she expected, though it was mainly those two who were happy about that; The other option was Scathach, and Brynhildr had heard some nightmare stories of what Gabrielle went through under her 'lenient' tutelage.
With sessions like that, no wonder Cu Chulainn turned out to be such a legend…
As far as teaching went, Janna had become her biggest concern. As a 'botched' summoning of sorts, she made sure the little lancer's unrefined techniques were quickly fixed since she actually used them in combat. Usually Jeanne, Gilles, or someone else watched over her whenever she deployed, but Brynhildr wanted Janna to be able to stand on her own. Thankfully, being the most diligent student wasn't just a toss away accolade, and she quickly proved herself capable.
Though she enjoyed watching the courage and heroism displayed by the heroes of Chaldea, she took a little extra pleasure when she saw her students shining. It was rarer for Tamamo and Kiyohime, but whenever they put their lancer training into practice, her heart swelled with some pride. It was different from the admiration of heroic deeds, but it brought a similar, warm feeling. She didn't even have to worry about its potential escalation either.
"Same time tomorrow, class," Brynhildr reminded as she watched Tamamo and Kiyohime pack up their bags. "Sorry we ran a little late today."
"It's alright~! Just a few more minutes of bliss for Osa-chan until we pry her out of that room~!" Tamamo quickly waved off with a small smirk, and Kiyohime giggled. "Thanks for today, Bryn!"
"We'll be on time tomorrow, teacher," Kiyohime smiled apologetically, but then quickly glanced to Janna. "Got any plans with your friends?"
"I'm helping Kuro and Jackie with their homework!" Janna proclaimed happily.
"Are they actually learning, or are you letting them copy!" Tamamo pondered aloud.
"They're learning! I'm insistent they do things the proper way!" she nodded in response. "Cheating isn't helpful! It will be a bad president for them later on!"
While Tamamo and Kiyohime giggled at her little mistake, Brynhildr couldn't help but smile as their relaxed conversation unfolded. Even though they waited on the final operation details, the atmosphere remained serene. It was hard to tell such a critical moment approached, but this carefree attitude no longer worried her. This was just how Chaldea dealt with stressful situations: By not allowing the pressure to get to them in the first place, or at least openly show it.
She glanced over at the nearby boardwalk as Joan casually walked over. With hands in the pockets of her black sweater, the avenger in jean short shorts walked over with a blank expression. It quickly turned into a light scowl as she gazed at her little sister, who glanced towards her with a small pout. Janna huffed, "Scowling isn't appropriate beachwear!"
"Good morning to you too, brat," Joan grumbled as Tamamo and Kiyohime giggled. Her light glare aimed their way did nothing to stifle their mirth as they simply passed her on the stairs so they could fetch their friend. Growling at them, she crossed her arms, looked back to her little self, and purposefully avoided eye contact with Brynhildr, as usual. "Jeanne is getting our breakfast."
"As expected of my sweetest big sister!" Janna happily teased, making Joan growl under her breath again. The avenger glanced to Brynhildr, but quickly looked away when she saw the lancer was watching curiously. The Valkyrie's small smile faded slightly with usual bewilderment.
"Well? Don't drag your feet. We're keeping her waiting…" the avenger grumbled on the stairwell.
Without further delay, Janna plunged her training staff into the sand by Tamamo and Kiyohime's, then quickly smiled at Brynhildr. "Thank you for today, teacher!"
"You're welcome, Janna." She watched as the little alter quickly scampered over to her backpack to dust the sand off, but caught Joan glancing to her again. As she looked over, the avenger quickly looked away. Though Jeanne was usually the one to pick up Janna, on rare occasion, Joan would come instead. Every time she did, the avenger would act strangely to the lancer. Every time she recalled them being near each other, Joan usually avoided any interaction like the plague.
After nearly half a year of noticing this, she couldn't hold her tongue any longer. "Joan?"
The avenger seemed to subtly flinch as her eyes looked over at her with… caution? That was strange. Janna looked between them curiously as Brynhildr took a few steps closer and folded her arms before her. "If I may ask… You've been acting strange whenever you're around me. Maybe I'm overthinking, but did we possibly meet in a past singularity? Is it a bad memory?"
Joan seemed to grow increasingly uncomfortable for some strange reason, and Brynhildr fell more confused. If they had a bad encounter, she'd definitely be wearing her signature scowl. She'd be tossing some offhanded, rude comments her way too… but instead she looked more uncertain than anything.
"…So no one told you?" the avenger asked with unusual… relief laced in her voice.
Now Brynhildr was completely bewildered. "About what? We were in the same singularity?"
"…We were, but I'm leaving it at that. Anything more will be irritating," Joan answered rather quickly. As Janna quickly skipped over to the middle sister with beach bag in hand, Joan glanced back at Brynhildr and scowled. "It's nothing personal… I'd just rather forget anything happened."
As they walked away, Brynhildr felt more bewildered than offended. Surely there was more to this story?
¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨(¯ˆ·.¸ VI ¸.·ˆ¯)¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨
"Sorry we didn't tell you earlier, Bryn… but uh… We figured you wouldn't want to know."
'Ignorance was bliss...' Brynhildr kept her face buried in her hands. She was filled with a new kind of regret she never expected: Absolute embarrassment. She knew she committed very regrettable actions when her love took form, but to think she'd even act so senselessly to Joa- No, no, no… She'd rather not think about what she and Joan could have done if Chaldea hadn't... Uh… "I pray I never get that memorial essence."
She sat at the outdoor cafeteria bar, where Paracelsus was practicing some bar flaring early. The caster in a cerulean polo and tan slacks smiled sympathetically at the horribly embarrassed lancer, quietly reached over, and gently patted her shoulder. "It's alright, Bryn… No one ever brings up that strange singularity."
"Good," she mumbled into her hands. There was no doubt some of the occasional stares her way may feel more like knowing glances rather than her divine beauty.
After a moment of embarrassed silence, something clanked onto the bar before her, and she peered through her fingers to look. Paracelsus smiled apologetically as he motioned to the tall glass filled with a delicious pina colada. There was even a second umbrella placed in an attempt to make her smile… and it worked. She dropped her hands and looked at the caster as he inquired, "Maybe it will wash the memory away?"
"Always giving me something to drink," the Valkyrie mused in good jest as she took the cream-colored drink. She smiled gratefully, "Thank you."
"Of course… I felt it's the least I can do after telling you… well… that," he stated, but they both chuckled. "I'll mix up another if you feel you need it."
"It's too early to be drinking heavily, but I'll consider it," she mused with a small smile. "Seen Serenity anywhere?"
"I only saw Jekyll getting dragged around by Mordred," he replied as he began subconsciously spinning a bottle with one hand. He glanced to the boardwalk, and his smile grew just a bit. "On the other hand, I just found Arash."
Brynhildr glanced over, and her smile instantly widened as she saw a mere glimpse of the newly formed family unit. Arash's arms were loaded with all the beach supplies as he followed Mata Hari and Paul down the boardwalk stairs. The archer, wearing cyan board shorts and a white shirt, glanced back towards them and smiled; He'd probably have waved if his hands weren't packed. He made a quick nod of his head to them, then dipped out of view.
As Paracelsus quickly began whipping up a silent order of drinks, Brynhildr smiled for her great friend. As considerate and kind-hearted as always, she was glad he entered such a lovely relationship. Their group occasionally teased him about it, but now that it was official, those jokes had been replaced with compliments and good cheer. The hero who helped gently push her past her formerly restricting concerns deserved as much.
"That's the family's order?" Brynhildr asked quietly as a quickly mixed milkshake appeared on the counter; That was an answer by itself.
"He didn't say anything, but I have a hunch they'll want something," Paracelsus presumed as he quickly placed a watermelon on the counter top. She watched the sudden show as he quickly sliced the watermelon in half. In one swift motion, he reached back with his foot, opened the freezer, tossed half of the watermelon back in perfectly, then closed it… all while his other hand spun a scoop into view. Brynhildr nodded quietly, "That was a new one. Creative too."
"I just get strange ideas that happen to work out," he joked back, and they both laughed. He quickly scooped out much of the watermelon and placed them onto a small plate. After a few quick chops and a toothpick barrage, the tiny snacks were ready. "Feel free!"
"Don't mind if I do," she mused as she plucked one of the pieces. She took a small nibble of the piece as she watched Paracelsus mix a non-alcoholic fruit punch. While he poured it into the watermelon, she glanced over to the beach again as Arash jogged over with a smile and wave.
"Morning, Bryn! Para!" he greeted happily as he glanced over at the curious concoction. "What're you making?"
"A drink I think you and Mata Hari would like," he responded as he quickly placed two straws and several umbrellas into the makeshift glass. "Did I assume too much?"
"I think you're psychic, because Mari wanted some fruit punch," he chuckled as he stared at the watermelon drink. He glanced at the milkshake, but he quickly snapped his fingers. "You thought of everything… and finished so quickly! Now where's my excuse to talk for a bit?"
"You can make up for it at lunch," Brynhildr suggested as she swirled her own drink. "Para just had you and your new family in mind."
"Guilty as charged," Paracelsus bowed lightly with a small smirk. "We can talk later, Arash. None of us are going anywhere."
"Sounds like a fair deal," he chuckled as Brynhildr picked up the watermelon drink and handed it to him. He nodded graciously as he took the milkshake from Paracelsus. "See you in a bit!"
"Tell Mata Hari and Paula we said hi!" Paracelsus waved as a grinning Arash walked away. He chuckled, "He's finally the family man we joked he'd be."
She watched him walk away with a steadily beating heart. Brynhildr smiled, knowing the emotion she felt as her heart pounded. It was a love of sorts, but more akin to admiration. As a Valkyrie who led countless heroes to the halls of Valhalla, she'd seen heroism in all its beautiful forms. She admired it, and loved it all. Prophecy or not, she would have even come to love Sigurd naturally because of how gallant he had been in their first meeting.
In her current summoned state, or under influence, that affectionate admiration for a hero would potentially become something worse. It'd blind her, and cause her to mistake a person for Sigurd the closer to that ideal they became; It also made her noble phantasm that much deadlier against them. To be someone she loved, meant that they were Sigurd, because he was her one and only love by which others were judged. He was her destined one, even if she was also destined to end him by the prophecy.
Thanks to Paracelsus elixir, it was no longer as dreaded and cutthroat as that.
She had come to accept admiration for what it was again, while keeping quiet watch of herself. As she watched Arash's retreating back, she smiled as her heart beat in appreciation for the wonderful hero she gazed at. It was platonic love for her dear friend. It was an admiring love for the beautiful hero, who was another she'd come to regard in the halls of Chaldea. It was a feeling to be wary of, but she was glad she could appreciate the feeling without overflowing remorse.
Love came in many forms, and though she was attentive of them all, she was glad many weren't as worrisome as others.
¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨(¯ˆ·.¸ VII ¸.·ˆ¯)¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨
Though her days in Chaldea were often relaxed, there were certain circumstances where Brynhildr was nervous. Caution filled her system, and she consciously made an effort to ensure she acted accordingly and properly. She made constant checks of herself to ensure nothing was going wrong, and the potion was working properly. It was obviously paranoia, but when the consequence was damaging the lovely life she'd created in this equally beautiful place, she'd remain obsessed with caution.
This was one of those occasional, but common, instances.
A spontaneous battle of cards, just before lunch, was waged at the table in Club Cove, but her guard was raised higher within herself. Brynhildr's heart beat in her chest rapidly, not out of excitement for her rather good hand, but wariness for any potential slip. Her pulse was rampant, half from her nervousness and the other from her own paranoia. Even with the potion, she must distrust herself and be keen of any signs. Even still, she still managed to enjoy the card game before her.
"Your luck shines through again." "Wasn't Lancelot coming to join us?" "Maybe he got delayed by another woman crossing his path."
As they laughed, she glanced around the table at the other heroes. Bedivere sat across from her at the ends of the booth seats, with a bright smile that matched his white tropical shirt; His poker face was terrible. Beside him, Karna's expression was perfectly even as he looked at his cards. His vibrant red sherwani matched the saber's polo across from him, who was the absolute cause of her mental vigilance. She glanced over to the stone-faced Siegfried, who placed a card down and drew another.
"You concern me," Siegfried spoke, and it rang through her body until she noticed the small smirk aimed at Karna. "You've got that glint in your eye."
Bedivere glanced at Karna as Brynhildr did; They couldn't see anything in his stoic façade. Karna spoke with a tiny smile, "I'm not sure what you're talking about."
"I'm feeling more confident about this round myself," Bedivere tried to intimidate, though it was hard for him to ever do so with his friendly smile.
"I think Brynhildr has the ace up her sleeve though," Siegfried pointed out as he glanced to her. It made her heart instinctively flutter against her chest, but she suppressed it.
She only gave a tiny shrug. "We'll see soon enough."
There was little doubt to anyone why she'd remain careful around Siegfried, even if they had formed a fair friendship. The saber reminded her so much of her beloved, who also held himself back from truly being himself. Their tales were similar, and yet, Siegfried had allowed his life to be taken rather than have it stolen by pure vengeance. It made sense they were similar, for they were born from similar stories.
Though her heart obviously admired Siegfried, she had grown interested with the small differences between him and her beloved Sigurd. Most of those differences had taken form in his stay in Chaldea, like his willingness to show emotion and follow his own heroic path. It made her wonder if Sigurd would also try something new if he arrived, but for her, there were bigger concerns associated with his arrival.
Nevertheless, despite their good friendship and comradery, she kept her guard up as high as possible around him. He was not her beloved, yet if there was any who could send her into a frenzy, and already did on her arrival, it was him. That wouldn't stop her from finally appreciating what she's found: Another admirable hero who extended a hand of friendship despite the possible consequences.
A robot floated over and delivered a drink for Siegfried, but everyone else still had theirs. Bedivere glanced around with his smile, "Everyone ready?"
"I got nothing," Siegfried responded with a small smile as he casually dropped his hand to answer. The others took it as their cue and revealed their hands.
Brynhildr glanced at Bedivere's hand, which held a three pair like hers. The knight sighed, "And here I thought I won."
"I believe Karna did again," Siegfried noted with a small chuckle as he looked at his friend's cards. Brynhildr peered over, and nearly did a double take. Karna had a royal flush of hearts, but that wasn't what bewildered her.
"…Wasn't that your hand last round?" a surprised Brynhildr asked.
Bedivere scrunched his eyes in confusion as Siegfried laughed. The timber of his voice sent a chill down her spine, but she checked herself as he spoke, "I did warn you of his luck."
They'd only been playing for ten minutes, and he'd only won twice. All his winning hand were spectacular though, and it was impossible for him to cheat since they changed dealers every round. She hadn't even seen luck like that when her core group of friends played poker. Bedivere chuckled, "If Chaldea runs low on funds, we should send you and Tristan to a few casinos."
She chuckled at the thought, even if Chaldea had enough servants with Golden Rule that money should never be an issue. She took her glass of water and quickly finished the drink. As she raised her hand to signal for a robot, a servant quickly bounded over to them. She barely flinched, mostly because she was still watching her feelings in paranoia.
"Fair shield maiden! I'll handle this task for you." She blinked in surprise as the newly arrived Lancelot took the glass from her hand gently as Bedivere sighed. The saber's purple tropical shirt was unbuttoned to showcase his chiseled torso, and his matching board shorts almost hugged his muscular legs. He was yet another of the heroes her heart admired, like all at the table… though admittedly, not quite as strong as many of the others for certain reasons.
"There you are! Did you get lost on your way here?" Bedivere joked while he tossed a quick, apologetic glance to Brynhildr.
"There are many places I may lose myself, Sir Bedivere, but Chaldea is not one of them," Lancelot responded gallantly before he glanced briefly into her eyes. Did he infer getting lost in her eyes or…? Brynhildr had to withhold a small groan. As much as many in Chaldea have grown accustomed to it, some things, like the overly flirty Lancelot, just didn't budge. "I shall be back with your drink, Lady Brynhildr, then I shall join you all for cards!"
"He's probably going to get you something alcoholic," Bedivere stated apologetically, and even Karna chuckled.
"I'll manage. I'm German in origin," she responded with a sigh as the heroes around her chuckled.
Their mirth was renewed, and she once more found it difficult not to lose herself completely in the situation. Unfortunately, as much leeway as the potion granted, she knew there were some boundaries she dared not cross. Even if she tested them with every new day, the returns had diminished as of late. There was a threshold she dared not cross, if only to preserve how much ground she'd gained.
It was a sorrowful acknowledgement that she couldn't be perfectly normal, but she counted her blessings for the luxury she'd been granted.
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The Knight of the Lake had been incredibly flirty, but it hadn't been too bad today. She was used to it too. Her natural beauty attracted a lot of attention, occasionally from Chaldea's known womanizers. That didn't stop her from being civil, though that cordial attitude did nothing to dissuade them either. At least time quickly flew by, and she soon found herself at the bar enjoying lunch with her core group of friends.
"Sorry about Lancelo-"
Brynhildr cut off the apology with a mirth-filled chuckle. "You apologize too much, Arthur."
"I can't help it! He's technically one of my knights too," the saber replied with an apologetic smile. It was more vibrant than his blue tropical shirt, which was coupled with white swim trunks.
She kept her eyes focused on her new pina colada as Paracelsus bar flared some open wine bottles nearby. "You're too courteous sometimes."
"And you say that too much," he countered with a chuckle, and she found herself smiling again. She glanced at him, and tried to distract herself with Serenity and Jekyll as they chatted beside him. It was useless. She found herself gazing at the handsome blonde beside her he sipped on his own drink.
Spending time among her core friends was a wonderful, yet usually paranoid-filled, time. She loved their company, and all the memories they formed. Nearly all of her favorite moments in Chaldea was spent in their presence, and yet things had gotten more complicated over time. In particular, it all had to do with the heroic and wonderful man who sat beside her.
Her heart hammered hard against her chest, with the same intensity as if she sat by Siegfried. She wanted their conversation to continue so she could distract her thoughts, so she asked, "How was the meeting with the masters?"
Arthur's brilliant smile faltered. "Not as great as we hoped… Tesla and Edison still can't peer inside the singularity."
Brynhildr's eyes lingered on him, and Paracelsus leaned in out of curiosity too. Arash was too distracted talking with Ozymandias beside her. She quietly asked, "But we're certain Solomon is there?"
"That's what they believe, yes. The magical energy readings seem to support that," he offered, but quickly sighed. "They're keeping it low key for now, but we've helped the masters come up with a deployment plan. Chaldea will have a meeting about it later."
Paracelsus hummed in thought, but it was drowned out by the outdoor cafeteria's ever-jubilant atmosphere. He pondered aloud, yet quietly enough for only them to here, "Medea and I had a discussion about the singularity the other night… We supposedly found Solomon, yet he's not doing anything. No attack, he hasn't fled…"
"Then it might be a decoy or a trap?" Brynhildr asked, and Paracelsus nodded slowly.
"Iskandar raised that possibility. He didn't like Solomon's unusual confidence in letting us see his workshop," Arthur commented in a calm tone. "But we don't have any other leads on where he might be. Roman and Da Vinci are analyzing the grails using the Sheba lens to see if they missed anything."
"A wild goose chase… Maybe Roman's right and he is toying with us," the caster noted, but Arthur surprised them by smiling. "If that's the case…"
"It's best not to think negative. Keep your spirits high! We're closer now then we have ever been at least," he reassured with that gallant smile of his. "At best, that really is his fortress, and he's doing all he can to ensure we can't see what he's up to. Either way, we've made a step forward."
She couldn't suppress the fond smile that drew itself onto her expression, nor the glint of admiration in her eyes. Most of all, she couldn't slow the pounding of her heart, especially when he grinned optimistically at her. She knew what he was doing to her, and she knew what she felt. It wasn't just a combination of heroic traits that reminded her of Sigurd. Even in a different timeline and under the influence of a helpful elixir, there was no denying it.
Brynhildr had somehow fallen for Arthur, even if Sigurd was supposed to be her only love. She fell for this brave, wonderful knight now like she did watching him and Arash take down Ozymandias in Tokyo Bay. She had to wonder if this was the same valiant charm that his subjects loved, which roused her own instinctual feelings. Whatever it was, after a long time of searching herself for an answer, she held no doubt in recent months.
Yet it was this love for him that terrified her above all else. Arthur was a charming man, an incredible friend, and a shining hero. He'd built so many lovely moments with her, and even spoke about some personal feelings he never voiced to most others. His fond thoughts of Ayaka… his remorse and acceptance over Camelot… even brief glimpses of nihilism that he often conquered with profound optimism. He trusted her deeply, like she trusted him.
They were almost unbearably close, and it was a bond she cherished and feared for. Above all else, she restrained herself from letting it grow any further out of possible ruination… that she may finally find the potion's limit… that she may mix him up with Sigurd, and wind up killing someone so very special to her. She also worried what difficulties may arise if she fell to her heart's yearnings and succeeded, only for Sigurd to actually arrive in these walls…
...and so, she straddled a fine line, where she dared no further, but her heart still tragically pined for a beautiful bond she could never have.
She smiled warmly, "My, how lovely you are..."
He blinked in surprise, but when Paracelsus laughed, he chuckled. "Ah, you're teasing me again, Bryn. I'm just trying to lighten the mood!"
"Well it worked," the caster pointed out as Ozymandias and Arash burst into laughter in their conversation. "It seems it was just us though."
Arthur took a sip of his drink, then offered it to Paracelsus so he could refill it. "Then to steer us away from that… Anyone want to join me sailing around four?"
"I'll have to pass. I'm helping my apprentice with her little project," the caster responded, and Arthur then turned to her with that curious smile of his.
The lancer smiled back, knowing her schedule was free. It was terrible difficult to say no to him, and she wouldn't. She couldn't. Even if it somehow wound up just them, she'd still enjoy herself as her heart fluttered within. It would not control her, and she'd merely appreciate their time together as friends. Though she pondered often recently if there could be something more, her fears applied the breaks. She'd still relish that time together, but acknowledged this was a rare exception where her affection dictated her course.
Though she'd made great strides, this was one case where she didn't trust herself to dare further.
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"You could always just… not paint them?" "But it's something I need to learn, Rena!"
Brynhildr's attention was torn between several things. She had occupied a beach lounger so she could sunbathe and read at the same time. Her appreciation of heroes' tales ensured that reading and watching movies quickly became activities she loved. With Chaldea's large library, there was no shortage of potential novels, though the cinema selection was unfortunately lacking. In her hands was her new endeavor, The Princess Bride, which apparently had a movie adaptation too.
However, though the book remained open, she had lowered it onto her lap.
Her intent to start it had been swiftly dashed by the scene before her. Serenity stood before her easel with one hand on her hip and the other gazing at her constantly moving subjects. She wore a small pout with her white sundress and accompanying sun hat. Rena floated nearby, switching its gaze between Serenity, the subjects, and the painting. The canvas looked like a mess of random scribbles, which was nowhere near the assassin's usual level of quality.
There was no doubt why as the smiling lancer gazed over to the children three dozen meters away, who were Serenity's targets. They continued their sand construction, all while Atalanta and Irisviel watched them and talked happily under a nearby palm tree; Mata Hari had disappeared to get them some drinks. Their smiling attention occasionally snapped back to their playing children as they worked in well-versed cohesion.
Jack giggled out of sight behind a tall sand wall, "We should make it taller!"
"Can we have more wet sand, Alice?" Yedda cried out from behind another rampart as the only visible child answered the request.
Most of Chaldea's children dipped in and out of sight, but that was expected considering the sand castle they were building… or more appropriately, sand masterpiece. Tuffs of white hair could be seen over the walls as Nursery Rhyme wet some nearby sand with a spell. The caster daintily began scooping some sand into a bucket, ensuring none stuck to her frilly black one piece. It was adorable how careful she was being, but not as charming as watching Serenity attempting to paint the child on her canvas.
With rushed yet precise movements, Serenity tried to depict Nursery Rhyme on a blank spot. Several other failed attempts were depicted nearby of the other child servants. Illya's rainbow bikini proved too much of a paint-switching challenge to properly depict. On the other hand, Jack in her blue and white striped one piece was a little easier… had she actually sat still for more than a few seconds. As Nursery Rhyme quickly ran out of view, Serenity sighed in exasperation.
This had been going on for the past ten minutes, and she'd been loving this whole show. "Is there a reason you're trying to paint them?"
"She asked Da Vinci for some painting tips!" Rena happily chimed in as it held the palette of paint steady.
Serenity sighed again, but smiled at her friend, "She suggested I challenge myself with larger moving subjects first."
Brynhildr smiled as Jack quickly zipped into view, scraped her bucket full of wet sand, then disappeared back into the massive castle walls. "You're starting off difficult."
"My current goal will be harder," she giggled lightly. "I want to paint the butterflies flying around the flowers!"
'Of course you would,' Brynhildr smiled. Serenity always did love those things, but there were a scarce few paintings that depicted them. "Now it all makes sense."
She glanced back at Serenity as she tried to paint a depiction of Kuro. The tanned archer's head peered over the walls with a small, plastic trowel. As she carefully etched designs into the walls ramparts, adding yet more detail to the intricate castle, Serenity tried to paint the same image. Thankfully, Kuro was too absorbed in her task, and moved very little as she made her way along the wall. It looked like Serenity had a more complacent subject for once.
"Hey! Quite the castle you kids got there!" Brynhildr looked a bit down the beach as Beowulf and Nightingale walked towards them. The female berserker had a lifeguard tube clutched against her red one piece, while her companion wore black swim trunks. He whistled as he came up to the walls, which were easily as tall as he was; Their sand castle was no joke, and it'd look even taller if he stood in the intricate moat. "There a contest?"
"No contest! We're just bored!" Paul replied as her smiling face peeped out from the top for a few seconds. Brynhildr was really starting to get curious what was inside those walls… besides the squeaking Gugalanna and Babe. "You can help if you want!"
"Maybe I can? Gale's working," Beowulf thumbed at his friend, but quickly stared as Nightingale casually discarded her inner tube and started collecting some remaining wet sand into empty, discarded buckets. "…or was working."
"I can multitask," she responded casually with a small smile as a bucket quickly flew over the walls towards her. Without looking, she snatched it out of the air and began filling it with sand too. Beowulf chuckled, shrugged, and knelt down to help her. Brynhildr looked over at Serenity and watched as she quickly began painting the newly arrived berserkers; They were obviously far easier targets for the moving subject practice.
"Special delivery! Someone catch!" Beowulf yelled as he carefully lobbed two buckets of sand towards the castle. They remained upright, a testament to the berserker's throwing finesse, and were caught by Jack as she leapt up to grab them.
Nightingale glared lightly at Beowulf. "Be mindful! Don't throw the buckets. What if you got loose sand in their eyes? Corneal abrasions and intraocular-"
Beowulf quickly raised his hands before his friend could spout more medical terminology. "Alright, alright, Gale! I'll hand them over next time!"
Simple moments like these made Brynhildr smile happily. She leisurely admired watching two other heroes being so kind to the younger servants. She also quietly enjoyed watching the children work on their masterpiece together, even if they were out of sight quite often. To top it all off, though, there was still much of the afternoon to enjoy reading if the scenery changed. After she glanced at George making his way over in the distance, Brynhildr closed her book so her thumb made a makeshift bookmark.
She loved that time was not often a commodity here.
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Light laughter filled the air alongside rising embers from their bonfire. Brynhildr kept her arms wrapped around her knees and relished in the warmth of the fire. It was a different heat, far removed from the endless flames that once surrounded her slumbering form. She never thought she'd enjoy bonfires so readily after that long experience, but she did. It was a moment of her past now, shadowed by far happier memories spent in weekend company.
She glanced around at her companions who joined her under the twilight blue skies. Paracelsus was quietly going over some lecture topics with the uniformed Janice, but also ensuring the accident-prone magus didn't somehow light the beach on fire with her smore stick. Arash sat beside her, holding almost perfectly still. Mata Hari was leaned into him in her slumber, wrapped in an orange beach blanket for extra warmth. In her arms, Paul quietly slumbered too.
Jekyll, Ozymandias, and Serenity were spending time with other close friends, but Arthur was only temporarily absent; He went to get their group drinks for their campfire. She glanced over at a nearby bonfire, where the Camelot group had sidetracked him from his task. He happily chatted with then while holding the large cooler full of drinks in one hand like a waiter, but she didn't mind the extra wait.
After glancing at his sleeping girlfriend, then at the preoccupied Paracelsus and Janice, Arash turned to her. "So how was the sailing?"
"As eventful as Chaldea loves to be," she replied easily. "Pirates tried to raid us, but we fended them off with water guns."
"Sounds terrible," he joked with a growing smile. "Any casualties?"
"Arthur took a squirt to the head. I thought he wasn't going to make it," she jested back, and he had to suppress his chuckles. "He tried taking a few more shots for me, but there were too many of them."
"At least your clothes dried off before dinner," he suggested. Their table had been rather large that evening since the masters, Da Vinci, and Roman joined them for the night. Conversation was all over the place, so she wasn't too surprised Arash didn't catch wind of their sailing adventures.
Noticing his silence, she glanced to him. He carefully shifted his position so Mata Hari's head sat more comfortably against him. She smiled wistfully at the sight, and her heart milked the scene sorrowfully yet happily; If only she could have a moment like this, but that asked for far more than she could ever be allowed. Arash finally looked back, but she managed to quickly mask her forlorn smile.
He barely suppressed his chuckle upon noticing she watched. "Sorry about that… Oh! I haven't asked in a bit, but… how are you fairing?"
As concerned as ever for her well-being. She smiled at him. "...I'm alright. I know my limits."
"Just making sure," he stated. She's come so far thanks to his kind, friendly efforts, but she knew what was impossible. There was no sense having him concerned over something she knew she'd never have a chance to safely hold. He smiled, "Offer always stands."
"That's what friends are for," she responded. He nodded his head and grinned as Paracelsus' small discussion fell quiet.
The group's heads turned at the sound of approaching feet. "Sorry I'm late. Lancelot was sharing a few dad jokes with Arturia."
"Dad jokes?" the caster asked curiously, but Janice lightly groaned.
The saber placed the cooler down quietly beside Paracelsus, then began fishing out glass cups for everyone. "They were particularly awful. I've never seen Mashu so embarrassed."
"But they're supposed to be bad," Arash offered, though he kept his voice down so his snoozing family could rest. "I learned some myself at Lance's recommendation."
Brynhildr graciously took the offered glass, but chuckled at Arthur's worried expression. He asked, "He got to you too?"
"He said dad jokes were mandatory for fathers," the archer insisted. "Paula enjoys them."
"They're corny but funny," Janice chipped in quietly, and nearly wound up somehow dropping her smore into the fire because of it.
"You're a father too, Arthur," Brynhildr pointed out with growing mirth in her eyes. "You don't know any dad jokes?"
He glanced back at her with a tired smile as he handed Arash his cup. "I know plenty, Bryn. Saying them is a different story."
"Teach me more, oh wise sage," Arash kidded, and Arthur chuckled as he sat down beside Brynhildr, which made her heart instinctively flutter. He fished out a bottle of sparkling cider, opened it, and poured some into her cup. He quickly filled the others' glasses, before they raised them together.
"Cheers!" The glasses were clinked, and he turned to her. They chuckled lightly and gently tapped their glances.
They all fell into relaxed conversation, a simple pleasantry she grew to love so much. So many days spent completely limiting herself, she never realized what a quaint life she could live. Even if she still had to restrict and prevent herself from passing certain limits, and dared not to tempt the safe bubble she's formed, she'd founded a lovely existence. It was a warmth in her heart that it couldn't direct into violent compulsions.
Though her friends were mostly to thank, she owed it to Chaldea itself. This wonderful place full of courageous heroes made it possible, and she owed it to them to ensure it would remain safe. As a hero herself, she looked forward to the battle ahead and all the heroics that'd shine in the struggle. She'd watch over her fellow heroes, like a Valkyrie was born to do, but did so in hopes she'd maintain the delicate and often fragile balance that formed here.
Preparations would begin in earnest next week, and though Brynhildr would miss these lovely and relaxed days, she knew in her heart they'd return after.