Fragments of Chaldea

by GhostXavier

Between singularities, there was plenty of downtime for the last bastion of humanity. Despite an uncertain future, they formed a semblance of a new life within Chaldea, their home of precious memories. Here they were a family... an unusual, hectic, and often imperfect one... but that's what made them perfect. [Slice of Life] [Short Story Cycle (Interconnected One Shots)]

108. Fragment 107: What Waits Beyond Fear

"Don't mind the delay, everyone! Just going over last minute stuff with Sky while we wait for our slowpokes~!"

It didn't look like many minded at all. The Deployment Chamber echoed with the quiet chatter of waiting servants. Even with such a festive month, deployments would always be a serious affair; One sometimes found it hard to tell unless the klaxons were blaring. Even now, it was something surreal to believe how relaxed many could be.

But the Valkyries always did concur this was only to be expected from a giant hall of heroes.

Among the backmost Leyshift rows, the battle clad Valkyries, wrapped in mithril and holiest white, waited patiently. With her hood up, their black-haired sister, Ortlinde, waited dutifully on the pad. The excitement permeated past her soft look, betraying how eager she was at the possibility of finding new heroes on a supply run. The long-haired, beautiful blonde, Thrud, wholeheartedly agreed with that feeling. It was a duty and delight shared among all three bonded sisters, though Hildr expressed it the most vividly by comparison…

…At least, she no doubt would be if she wasn't late. Thrud stared towards a large clock at the back of the room, and though annoyed, her elegant grace didn't waver. "…She said she'd be right here."

"We could call out to her." Ortlinde's telegraphed voice was still nearly a whisper over the chatting chorus. Lily's laughter in particular was more colorful and sweeter, yet that was probably to be expected thanks to the day's arrival: Another Knight of the Round. Who knew the heroic Gareth was so…

"Sorry, sorry! I'm here!" Hildr's telepathic echo made both of the present sisters turn towards the distant door. Hildr quickly ran through, then was consumed by a bright flash to bring forth her heavenly armor. Her golden wings shimmered bright like her usual smile… if the latter were present. She just looked rather ashamed she was one of the two servants they waited on.

The pink-haired Valkyrie did quickly smile and wave as she passed the master group on the walkway. "Hey, Gabs! Can't wait to see some heroics, Sky!"

"I hope it doesn't come to that… I'd rather not have an eventful deployment." Thrud would have offered the master a nod of reassurance, but she was currently too busy crossing her arms and levelling a displeased, noble gaze at their tardy sibling. Clear as day, the disappointment leaked both through their shared soul and the blonde's magenta eyes. Hildr's smile quickly cracked as she came up to them.

"Eheh… Sorry, Thrud. Marie was-"

"We have a duty, Hildr. It's not acceptable to be late for pressing issues," their defacto leader scolded lightly. Like a professor reprimanding a student, and certainly no angry boss. "You know this. Father Odin would be displeased if it were to become a habit… but, I admit, Marie does have a history of letting conversations drag on."

"And it's Hildr," Ortlinde commented quietly with a tiny smile, earning a partially dry stare from the pink-haired Valkyrie. Still, she also cracked a smile. Thrud didn't, but she waved it all off. With the message passed on, the three regrouped among their shared Leyshift pad. Large enough to encompass some of Chaldea's larger servants, there was more than enough room for their unique existence...

Yet that existence had only grown more unique as time ticked on, whether ordained or not. It was a thought often lightly addressed by the trio's leader, but never fully answered. It simmered at the back of their minds, even as their thoughts insisted otherwise everything was as it should be. Nevertheless, those sweet lies couldn't snuff out such bright signs: Their deviations were growing rampant.

An increasingly scary thought, for certain.

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Fragment 107: What Waits Beyond Fear

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They say home is a feeling rarely ever matched. Though they never had one, there was one place their duty always led them to. It'd remain a grand destination unrivalled by its residents. Yet, if any of them closed their eyes and breathed, they would find this air to be nearly identical. Perhaps the numbers differed, but the feeling each and every one of them chased lay entwined in the many facets of Chaldea.

Heroism. It was that which Great Odin's Valkyries were destined to seek, invite, and escort. Refined for their purpose, they could sense even the briefest glimpse of a lie when words weren't spoken. With but a glance, each one could ascertain the worthiness of a hero, and weigh any faults they may try to hide. There was no hiding from a Valkyrie, but to be chosen and meet with one was a high honor none ever turned away.

If they took any delight in their task, it rarely showed among the many. The present three, chosen as the best fitted for the combined saint graph, embodied the ideals of their duty. Even strangely summoned to this new place, that very order remained rivetted into their identical souls. Although they were bound to masters to help protect the human order, in the end, there was no escaping their nature.

It was simply what was ordained millennia ago by destiny for the End Times.

And so, for the third consecutive day since they arrived, the trio had hopped from one Chaldean servant to another. Meeting and greeting each one, they gauged their quality. They listened to tales when regaled, and asked questions aplenty just as they always had when escorting a soul to Valhalla. Like their past existences, they dealt with their quarries and acted perfectly to please their father.

Together, as they ever remained here, they sat in their battle attire; There was no need for anything superfluous. It was just another meeting right before lunch. Across the Club Cove booth, the handsome lancer met their three gazes evenly. With his black button up open to showcase his well-toned chest, Diarmuid was a sparkling diamond to many women. It was triply so for them, but their attraction was different.

Bathing in the feeling of his tragic but noble presence, the flanking two Valkyries remained silent. The blonde in the center did not. "So even now it troubles you… and you did not tell your lord?"

"…I feel he may know, but I'd rather not pry." The hesitation was growing strong in his voice; Very unbefitting of a hero, but his past was difficult. The underlying currents indicated no deceit: His remorse was profound, and possibly near-crippling. Even without deliberating amongst themselves, the Valkyries knew what needed to be done next out of sympathy to this wounded soul.

"Then we'll leave it there. You've already been kind enough to answer out inquiries to such an extent," the blonde Valkyrie smiled gratefully. The pink-haired one nodded swiftly beside her, though the black-haired one, still with her hood up, remained politely still. "No one likes to recount their darkest moments… But we'd love to hear more of your past. The grand hunts. Your noble quests. Even a new one from your time in Chaldea. Do you have a fond one you'd like to tell?"

After a pause, Diarmuid's dashing smile returned. "I've made plenty. Is there any sort of tale you'd like to hear first?"

"Tell the babes the one where you defeated a pirate by hurling a wobbegong at it!" The absurd comment, and quickly ascertained as a lie, drew a chuckle from Diarmuid, but incredulous and confused stares from the trio. Walking up beside their booth, the eavesdropper only snickered and waved to them. Looking proud in only a white speedo with a matching towel flung onto his shoulder, Angra Mainyu crossed his arms and leaned on the booth's end.

But his stare shifted to Diarmuid. "What? That definitely happened. Cu said so."

"Not a word of truth from your mouth so far," the handsome lancer commented, making Angra feign a hurt expression. The Valkyries weren't enjoying it as much as these two seemed to be. In fact, besides quietly pondering how such a heroic Celt could be on good terms with this enigmatic soul, seemingly All the World's Evil incarnate, was a darker mystery. One they felt compelled to be answer to gauge the true intent behind their-

"Hey, what's with the sour looks? I'm just joking around! You three looked so stiff," Angra pointed out with a raised eyebrow. They glanced to each other: There was no indication of deceit. "…Well. Maybe blondie and the shy one, but it looked like you snickered a bit. Ah, ah! Don't pull that face on me! I saw your lips twitch with humor!"

They couldn't help it. An absurd notion could only be met with incredulous stares. They were created fundamentally the same, and so deviation was nonexistent. Still, before the blonde could voice any arguments, Angra's eyes snapped to her. "Wait. You two really just let this Valkyrie do all the talking? Is she like your leader Valkyrie or… Wait, what was your name again? Thrum?"

"It's Thrud," she answered with waning patience. "But we prefer to be addressed as Valkyrie, because that's what we are."

"Well, suuure I guess, but that'll get confusing real quick. I mean even the Arturias and Jeannes have different names," Angra answered nonchalantly as Diarmuid nodded briefly. "Besides, names are like windows to the souls! Or is that eyes? …Either way, I see you're all different, so it's only right to call you by your names out of polite-"

"We're not different." Thrud's answer was final, and the pink-haired Valkyrie nodded eagerly in agreement. Again, the third one remained rather quiet.

"…Uh. Right." Angra blinked. "Because Linda over there definitely isn't shy or anything. And this one definitely has some pep in her step from what I've seen."

"Those are inconsequential actions," Thrud declared, and for the first time this conversation, her elegant voice was marred with lesser tastes: Aversion. Irritation. Disbelief. She didn't even try to address the butchering of Ortlinde's name. "We were forged by Great Odin for one purpose. Anything else is unnecessary for our pursuit."

"I mean, yea, sure, but what's so wrong with being shy? Or peppy? Or stiffly elegant? You're different, or at least that's what it looks like to me. Probably others too. Proooobably. You can play it down as much as you want, but it definitely shows you've got your own little quirks like Bryn-"

Angra stopped talking as soon as Thrud stood to her full height. With eyes narrowed, but retaining her noble stature, she glared down the avenger. "I'm uncertain what you're playing at, Angra Mainyu, but this will not go unremembered. Don't think for a second you will get to us with whatever machinations you had planned… Diarmuid. We apologize for the abrupt end, but we will be taking our leave."

"We're leaving, Thrud?" the pink-haired Valkyrie asked rapidly, only to be met with a final, brief stare from their defacto leader.

"Hey, if I'm bothering you, I could just leave, you know? You could've, oh, I don't know, asked me to?" Angra spelled out with flat disbelief. "No need to decide for all three of you like that."

As if looking to confirm outright support, Thrud glances to her sides. Her confident creaked as confusion pulled the rug out from under her; What should have been the stares of agreement were… mixed. Ortlinde felt obedient in the mental tethers of their joined graphs, but made no motion of agreement. Hildr just felt surprised.

However, the worst lay within. Masters of detecting intent and discerning qualities of a soul, this conversation had been secretly… startling. Since he raised the point of them being different, not once had Angra lied about his observation. His intent seemed genuinely unreadable and inconsequential: It was a nonchalant observation. Like describing the fluffy clouds over the resort's ocean were fluffy. Thrud may have said she couldn't see his intent, but to be more precise, she… they couldn't understand the differences he saw.

And that unsettled all of them far more than any would like to admit.

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It had been more than two months since that fateful day in October. Many others had commented on the peculiarity, but none had been as pressing or blunt as Angra Mainyu. It formed a crack that their shared thoughts often slipped through, and time had allowed it to widen. It was an idea that they began to question, both out of discomfort and uncertainty. Maybe even fear.

'Are we more fundamentally different than we thought?'

Yet, after much deliberation, Thrud insisted they found the answer they always knew: They weren't. Their purpose was the same. Their abilities and destines were intertwined. In the end, any noted differences were negligible when compared to their sisters, and so their belief remained adamant.

But the little things remained in the back of their mind like thorny prickles. Thrud was just a bit stronger. Ortlinde occasionally stuttered. Hildr was the most emotional. Some had even pointed out recently they've become more distinct with their personality traits, just like their beloved eldest Brynhildr… but if they did, none of them noticed.

…Or likely they all did, and dared not voice the thoughts they shared. 'Wasn't Hildr late just now?'

As if sensing the growing discomfort again, the three turned as one to some bright laughter that clawed across darker ground. Da Vinci and Artesia remained on the walkway with the three deploying Chaldeans. Gabrielle and Gudao were prim and proper in their laundered uniforms, but Skyler's was noticeably different. That much was to be expected considering the candidate's circumstances.

Still, though the coloring matched, it resembled black and white Vigil combat fatigues far more than it did the signature master's uniform. Then again, he wasn't a magus, rather a human soldier. He couldn't make use of any of the embedded mysteries like the three established masters could. They'd just have to see what kind of asset he would become, and if his current heroics could grow to become another of the grand tales that heralded the other three.

Silence quickly fell as the final servant appeared in the doorway. Wary and cautious, the eyes of many stared down Hessian and Lobo as they walked towards them. The flare in the massive avenger's eyes, far outshining any wild wolf, felt tempered. The irritation remained clear, but so was his very presence.

"Please rest assured everyone. Lobo just wants to stretch his legs," Da Vinci called out quickly. "Nothing to be worried about~!"

Though a beast, the Valkyries could sense intent well. The animal's gait, stare, and fur were mostly relaxed. The tinges of irritation and usual avenger wrath were present, but held in check. Yes, Lobo was definitely more cooperative at the moment. Maybe at least tolerant enough to get what he desired.

That still didn't settle it for most. The tension remained, and Lobo only seemed to grow more irritated the longer they gaped. He passed a sidelong glare towards the group of five on the walkway, who only waved back. The wolf didn't do anything else, but when he turned back, he did shoot an unnervingly angry glare towards Artesia. The alter didn't look very pleased with the development either, and the Valkyries collectively wondered if one of them would dare escalate the gripes between them.

"Puppy!" The mounting tension wavered slightly as Nursery Rhyme quickly skipped up to the wolf. Hot on her tail were Paul and Chacha, though the berserker only seemed keen on observing the larger avenger. Hessian immediately took a step forward to stop the trio from getting too close, but the caster had already come to a curious halt. "…So, is Lobo really friendlier now?"

"I wouldn't say friendly as much as testing. Perhaps lenient," Hessian's voice echoed telepathically as Lobo sniffed the air. As if to confirm, Paul and Chacha tried taking a step closer, the wolf growled briefly at them in warning.

Glaring, the berserker shot her finger towards him. "Know your place, wolf! You harm any of these kids, and you face the wrath of Chacha!"

Lobo's growls only continued. Still, he sniffed the air, causing some other servants to tense. The air grew thick when he eyed Nursery Rhyme, but his golden eyes fell… calmly perplexed? It took a few steps forward to stare at the young caster, eyed her visible ball joints, then sniffed again. As it stared at her, the Valkyries could tell his look gauged something of interest. Nursery Rhyme tilted her head. "…Um. Hi? Nice to meet you, Mister Lobo?"

The pause was long. To the surprise of many, Lobo only stared at Nursery Rhyme, made some sort of muffled bark, then simply walked past her. It was only when Chacha tried taking a step closer, likely to protect the caster out of motherly instinct, that Lobo's head snapped back to glare. The Oda clan girl flinched, but Lobo resumed his stroll to the last remaining Leyshift pad.

Confused but concerned, the Valkyries glanced to each other as their thoughts synced perfectly. Lobo clearly didn't like his situation, but he was cooperating to an extent. He had some desires of his own, and if they could find common ground on that, maybe he could be a good teammate in the future. Time would tell, but that wasn't something they'd keep an adamant eye over. No, the Peacekeepers were in charge of that.

They? They had possible new heroes and their vibrant qualities to seek and access.

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Chaldea's deployed force was large for a late-afternoon supply sortie. It was mostly for the sake of the candidate's protection, but it also meant supply gathering would be a lot more productive. With nearly a dozen servants gathering a plethora of raw materials, the warehouses were sure to be filled to the brim this time. Thankfully, the Valkyries weren't tasked with that, but placed among the offensive team for when the singularity's enemy was revealed.

Until the time came to act, they were simply on perimeter guard duty. Not exactly the most heroic of jobs, but a necessary one. And, as with all tasks, they'd meet expectations well. If there was anything that'd hamper them, it was the minute pulses of insecurity that surged in wondering thought.

Ortlinde stood atop the grassy hill overlooking the countless more. The lands of Scandinavia always felt like beauty incarnate, and even the rather reserved Valkyrie found herself smiling at its splendor. Hidden in the shadow of her hood, she clutched her weapon gently while sweeping her eyes across the rough crags and beautiful snow peaks of the surrounding vistas. The smells of spring fir… the gentle calls of the nearby flocks… Whispers of distant songbirds on the pleasant breeze…

If she were any less diligent, she may have fallen for the enticing wanderlust.

Hildr did. Even as Thrud stood dutifully by the nearby Skyler, interviewing his past for their collective to gleam over the link… the pink-haired sister had run off to keep the perimeter 'more secure.' Ortlinde supposed that was her way of saying she was going to be around the younger servants, who Chacha led in sheering sheep for fluffy wool. Just a scant hundred meters away, Ortlinde could see Hildr mirthfully holding a sheep in place so Miyu could sheer it gently; Nursery Rhyme's candy distractions seemed to be the most potent anchor.

"Lady Lily? Has big brother ever done this?" At another sheep, Lily was happily keeping it secure with a hug while an armored knight gently sheered its side. The blued-steel of the famed knight reflected the cerulean sea far above, rivalling the eager smile shared by both. Light blue eyes darted from companion to work as more wool fell onto the collection blanket and atop her brown battle skirt. "Oh. Better yet… Has Mordred?"

"I should ask Momo," Lily giggled as the sheep called out and tried to wiggle from her grasp. "Oh no! Please hold still! We're not trying to hurt you! Promise!"

"I believe we'd need someone to translate, Miss Lily," Sapphire replied as the blue mystic code floated calmly above Miyu's head.

"Or just let Alice appease them with more candy!" Hildr commented with a cheery smile. Ortlinde still wasn't certain candy was great for them, but then again, the caster's candy wasn't exactly normal to begin with…

Still, that thought was a mere nitpick compared to Hildr's glaring behavior. Even so long after agreeing minor personality differences didn't mean they deviated from what they were, Ortlinde could only stare in wonder at the growing number of breaches from the pink-haired sibling.

There was no need for differences. Tastes, likes, and dislikes… All of that was unnecessary when objectively judging a hero's qualities. So why was it becoming more prominent, and did her sister really not see how glaring their diversity was becoming?

In the bed of her mind, Ortlinde believed they should be dutifully following their task with stoicism… But wasn't Thrud the better example if that's the case? Many called Ortlinde quiet, but she talked a lot, didn't she? Maybe nowhere near as much as Hildr, but differing to Thrud to speak for them was simply a matter of order, convenience, and efficiency. No, clearly Ortlinde wasn't shy like many said she was.

"Not going to join anyone? You look pretty alone there." Ortlinde's eyes hesitantly gazed to the source of the voice. Assassins still unsettled her a fair amount: Their achievements were often far from honorable and their ability to sneak up on others. However, the ones in Chaldean were far more noble than the collective believed at first. Swiftly, she calmed and quietly reprimanded herself: The Hassans of Chaldea were friendly, maybe even quirky, wraiths.

Perhaps the head of the Hundred Faces wasn't as friendly and chipper as Serenity, but she certainly meant no harm. With a curious but calm expression, the unmasked woman walked up to stand respectably beside the Valkyrie. Ortlinde quickly glimpsed her toned form, but not before instinctively glancing back across the vast flocks of sheep. The growing silence between was finally dismissed, "I'm keeping watch, as ordered by the masters."

"They don't really give orders, but I understand," the Hassan smiled. "Enjoying the view, at least? This is as close to home as it gets, no?"

Though she fumbled with an answer, she finally nodded. "…It's a beautiful view. Heroes of all colors used to carve their legends in these lands."

After nodding, a silence fell between them again. It was comfortable for the Hassan, but Ortlinde felt rather fidgety. Hundred Face quickly took note. "You okay there?"

"Is there anything else you need?"

"Nah, just thought I'd have a conversation while waiting for an identity to report anything," she waved off calmly. "Am I bothering you?"

"You're not. No," the lancer answered a bit too quickly. Or at least she think she did? The assassin studied her for a moment before a little, amused smile slipped onto her face. Still, the silence grew again, broken only by raucous laughter from Hildr as ravenous sheep began to swarm Nursery Rhyme for more treats. "You two don't want to join your sister? She sure looks like she's having fun."

"That's not our assigned task," Ortlinde commented, earning a quick raise of the eyebrow and prodding stare from the Hassan. The Arabian's smirk questioned if it was really her answer, but Ortlinde was adamant. Mostly. "It's not… I should reprimand her for breaking protocol, but Thrud is better suited for getting that message across."

Hundred Face only nodded slowly, then went back to watching Nursery Rhyme on the verge of being fluffed to death by the merry flock. While some of the children struggled to keep sheering wool, Ortlinde gazed to Hildr, then back towards Skyler and Thrud talking further away. Upon glancing forth again, the gears of her mind cranked loudly as magenta orbs peered to the dark-skinned woman. So loudly, she worried she'd let the hidden thoughts, shamefully kept shielded for secrecy, accidentally slip for her sisters to gleam.

"…Asako?" The lead identity turned to Ortlinde as Nursery Rhyme's giggles grew to a crescendo. "Your identities… Um. Were they all the same when you were summoned? …Sorry, what I mean to say is…?"

"Each personality was different, but we are all united at our core," she replied keenly without looking to her. "At some point after being summoned, we grew more unique, but it went against our collective wish. Even now we still wonder where the jagged line in the sand now lies."

Then, she turned to Ortlinde with a tiny, confident smile. "How did I guess what you were getting at? You shouldn't underestimate what Chaldea's top scouts can learn. Am I wrong?"

No ill-intent detected: Just friendly reassurance. Ortlinde's hesitant silence spoke for her, but the Hassan only offered a reassuring nod. "I see. Well, our cases aren't exactly similar, you Valkyries and my identities. But… I guess I can relate better than most, huh? I can draw a similarity. You three have been holding back your own unique traits, but they show from time to time. Usually from Hildr over there, but there's nothing wrong with that. You're still the Valkyries, right? Those destined to search for the heroes worthy of Valhalla's Halls."

The way she put it was both unsettling and relieving; She knew and guessed pretty accurately. Though the fire of discomfort was waned in her own mind, Ortlinde wondered what kind of talking to Thrud would give. There was no doubt in their shared mind she likely glimpsed that openly shared conversation, as did Hildr. But maybe… maybe it settled some discomfort for her sisters too? No doubt she wasn't the only one troubled with the idea of their deviation…

They shielded some of their own thoughts too, right? She wasn't the only one hiding sprouting worries and fears out of discomfort?

…But the relation to Hundred Face was relieving on some level. Ortlinde couldn't help but smile a bit, thankful that her shyness and other little aberrations might not be as damning to their shared core as she grew to believe. "…We'll always be the Valkyries. That will never change. Our duty to Great Odin never ends."

"I guess so, but doesn't mean you can't enjoy yourself, yea? You're already doing that in Chaldea. What's a bit of load off here while the air is calm?" Though it felt like enabling at this point, Ortlinde's mind did grasp at those comforting words. The Hassan chuckled. "Right, but don't let me tell you what to do. It took me months before I started helping around the Furniture Department and hitting the gym. Only took Yedda a few days to find her hobbies and playmates…"

Ortlinde was about to ask more about why she grew interested in making furniture, but screams of panic from the children instantly put everyone on guard. A glimpse of blue fur made Ortlinde's mind spike with tension. 'Did Lobo-!?'

Yes and no. Upon glancing with alarm into the scattering stampede of terrified sheep, Lobo had clearly done something, but not to any Chaldean. In fact, the panicked screams turned into dismayed and offended cries from the younger servants. Even an incredulous Hildr was now jabbing an accusing finger towards the towering wolf only a dozen meters away. "Lobo! What do you think you're doing!?"

Lobo only stared back noiselessly, but Ortlinde and her sisters could see the words written in the air by the avenger's dumbfounded, irritated eyes. "Hunting sheep? That thing wolves do naturally?"

Limp in his mouth, a larger, poor, sheared sheep had fallen prey to the wolf's instantaneous charge. Though looking annoyed at the gaggle of accusing, young servants, his tail was actually wagging gently. He seemed mighty pleased with himself, though his rider, Hessian, looked far more embarrassed and apologetic based on his arm movements. "Please don't mind him! He was getting hungry for lamb!"

"Now we gotta coral the sheepies!" "We're trying to collect wool!" "No eat lamb!" "CHACHA IS VERY DISAPPOINTED! BAD WOLF!"

"I thought he's closest to you? Aren't you going to stop him?" Ortlinde and Hildr quickly turned to Thrud on instinct. Beside her, Artesia stood glaring with crossed arms at the wolf, but Skyler only stared blankly, clearly at a loss. "Master Candidate Skyler?"

"He's closest to me, sure. He just wanted a walk, sure. I'm not exactly his rodeo partner or anything," Skyler explained with a wave of his hand. "I mean… At least he didn't eat a Chaldean, right? That's progress, isn't it? I mean, the way I see it, he was putting that poor sheared sheep out of its misery. It looked pretty damn miserable without its coat."

Hundred Face snickered as Ortlinde watched Gudao rush over with the help of Ishtar. Quickly, she turned back towards the commotion, and pondered whether to help Hildr in her efforts to rally the sheep rather than stand adamant guard. They were more than secure to do so, but even after Hundred Face's words, the sense of diligence and duty echoed firmly within her psyche and their shared core. Deviation might not be as frowned upon to others… but…

No. Ortlinde was still too nervous for what would happen if she didn't keep herself in check.

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The trio's shared room was… sparse, to say the least. Large enough to comfortably fit three matching white beds, it lacked nearly every other accommodation. The closet was enlarged for storage. Three walnut dressers doubled as nightstands for the lancers. Save for the large mirror the room came with, the table, one panoramic Sunscape window of a cloudscape, and chairs, that's how it remained.

They were servants of Chaldea, but the daughters of Great Odin. Their combined tasks didn't need decorations or other little extras the other servants enjoyed. Why would it? They were gifted everything they needed with the growing company of heroes, and, of course, their beloved eldest sister who'd arrived well before them. Their companionship and tales sufficed for months, and that was as far as any personal like or interest should ever go.

Without any shred of doubt, that's the guiding belief the elegant Thrud wished to keep for her sisters.

Yet the deviations had spread unnervingly fast. Even now, she sensed Ortlinde shielding more of her thoughts, just as Hildr had begun to do so weeks before.

Quietly, the girls had changed into their clothes for the evening. Sleep was merely a convenience to pass the time, but if dearest Brynhildr found nightgowns comfortable, then it was a fair allowance; Thrud agreed with it quickly. In fact, of her two closest sisters, her drawers held the most variety of nightgowns. Most were gifts from dearest Brynhildr or the rather generous Nero, and it would have been dreadfully impolite to discard them.

So Thrud didn't, nor did she ever think to get rid of the other extra clothes that made their way into her dresser.

Quietly, she glanced to her sisters. Hildr had only just finished throwing on her violet nightgown before throwing herself under her covers. Another quick glimpse at Ortlinde showed her back to them feigning sleep. None had brought up the conversation from earlier yet, even if Thrud had been meaning to. She just had more important duties to attend to…

Like finishing brushing her hair. Then smoothing her white nightgown with gold trim. Finally, tucking herself carefully into bed so her waterfall tresses wouldn't wind up annoyingly tangled. That was inelegant, and Valkyries always had to present their best around the heroes they sought. With one final brush stroke, Thrud looked herself over in the mirror calmly, then-

"Hey, Thrud?" The room's unending, eerie silence was finally broken. Ortlinde shifted ever so slightly as the blonde turned to her pink-haired sister. Clutching her second pillow to her chest, she looked comfy under the blankets; Hildr's expression was far more troubled. "…About what Asako said earlier…"

"We are not Hassan of the Hundred Faces. We are the divine Valkyries," Thrud began in reassurance. "I don't see anything that needs to be discussed further."

"Why're you playing it off like it hasn't been bothering you for weeks?" Hildr's rather blunt retort took her off guard. Turning to face her sister, she noticed pink brows furrowed with annoyance. "Every time we try to talk about it, you try and end it before we can discuss a thing."

"Disagreeing so wildly in public isn't-"

"You do it in our room too, Thrud! We can't even talk in our minds without you silencing it!" Staring into equal magenta, Thrud felt a pulse of offense and anxiety. Through both of them… All three of them. Disagreements between the trio, and their greater collective, had been near non-existent since their births. They were united in mind, soul, and duty, thus understood their purpose forthright as decreed.

But weeks since they arrived, the disagreements grew like terrible weeds. Thrud would rather look at flowers and heroes. "The deployment went on far longer than expected. May we turn in for the night? We should sleep on-"

"See!? You're doing it again!" Hildr complained as she sat up. "I know this scares you too, but we can't keep avoiding it! What's happening with us and… Ortlinde! Stop pretending you're asleep!"

With a flinch and fidget, the quieter sister turned over with embarrassment to face them. "…I just want to sleep."

Thrud nodded in agreement; Vote of two against one. It should've been unanimous, however Hildr still didn't budge. "I just want to stop second guessing my actions and feeling so nervous! We're not doing anything wrong!"

"You aren't acting like Valkyries must," Thrud pointed out.

"You're not either! When did father say we need to be strictly elegant and beautiful? Can't we be excited when we find worthy heroes? I'm happy to find a brave soul worth inviting!" Hildr countered flatly, then pointed to Ortlinde. "And what about her? She only says what she must to do her duty. She doesn't shower them with extra flattery like we do! Is her way wrong too? The way she's been doing it since the beginning?"

For once, Thrud was at a loss of words. She, the usual deferred leader as the strongest, was taken back by the sheer front Hildr was pushing. This audacity was unprecedented, and it felt like yet another deviation that should be snuffed out or ignored. It could threaten their unified existence, challenge what was right and dutiful. Were these the growing rebellious thoughts that had been brewing in Hildr's shielded thoughts? Thrud felt compelled to do something, fueled by concern, elegance, and-

"We're all scared, Thrud…" Ortlinde's quiet comment snagged their gazes. "We're afraid of what might happen if we follow the path Brynhildr did. But is it bad to be more honest with… ourselves? We're still the Valkyries. So long as we remain diligent and careful, we shouldn't fall… Right…?"

"And if someone almost does, we'll be there to stop them. Like we always have been for each other!" Hildr agreed, and suddenly the two on one shifted against the leader. Thurd, at a loss, instinctively clutched her hairbrush. It was not loss on Hildr. "As proper as you always act, we never admonished your growing interests. What about all those dresses you have compared to us? The ones you still don't wear but I know you'd love to! Doesn't it make you feel good to look pretty?"

Eyes widening slightly, Thrud glanced to the hairbrush, then the mirror. Her sister was right. In her pursuit of elegance and proper appearance as great Odin's daughters, this act of tending to her hair had become a nightly, long ritual. How had she allowed that to…? Thrud wanted to admonish herself further, but the pang in her heart of giving such a simple thing up stopped her. Confused, the guilt welled. Fear bubbled.

She tried to shift it. "…Are you bringing this up to try and justify your own actions?"

"What's so wrong about laughing a little louder or joining in on some good fun?" Hildr asked without flinching. "Maybe it's not something you'd approve of, but there's nothing wrong with that! If you admonish me for not acting 'on needless extras', then scold Brynhildr too! She was the first!"

Such a stab quickly earned Thrud's glare. "Don't bring our eldest into this! Fate had decreed her tragedy! We have a choice!"

"And I choose to stop holding myself back too!" Hildr countered, stunning both her siblings. Yet, Thrud could see it. Feel it. Like a rampant river echoing over a quiet meadow, the uncertainty thrummed like Hildr's heart. The pink-haired sibling's thoughts were now unshielded to glimpse, in concern and uncertainty.

Sometime in the past weeks, Hildr made her decision, regardless of the unvoiced anxiety that still swirled through her sisters. Thrud was… astonished and scared for her. For all of them. Yet Hildr only appeared adamant despite her own palpable fear. She ended confidently, "I'm tired of lying to myself, Thrud! We may be more like robots than the humans, but that doesn't mean we can't feel too! And I just want to enjoy myself during all this downtime. And I'll start with a nice bit of rest! Good night!"

Leaving her sisters with those final words, Hildr tucked herself in again. Ortlinde fidgeted with discomfort, and for once, Thrud stared dumbstruck. Never had they had a disagreement so wild and vivid. They were one, and their little unique traits were only a splash of diversity on the canvas of their purpose. An extra to tailor themselves to the warrior heroes they sought. It should never have been allowed to grow this out of control. This apparent.

But Hildr's sharper words did not stop swirling in Thrud's mind to join Hundred face's own. "But what if we are mistaken?"

The fear of what may come pulsed through her again, as it did her sisters.

---

¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨(¯ˆ·.¸ VI ¸.·ˆ¯)¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨

---

Though it was unnervingly crass, Hildr did it. She actually did it.

After weeks of slowly letting her own emotions bottle and build, she'd had enough. Hundred Face's conversation was the spark, but she fanned it into an inferno between her sisters. Or, at least, an inferno compared to every other time it was mentioned. Her own words petrified her, and her actions did too. But not as much as before.

Dare she say, Hildr was finally seeing what their beloved elder sister had come to understand.

Her sisters possibly, but the hardest part was getting over the fear of what may be. They knew what happened to Brynhildr back then for deviated so far from Odin's creation, but Hildr fully held it was fate that tore her down. Yet, it was fate that reunited them all, then let the pink-haired sister admire the gorgeously serene smile their eldest now wore in these halls. If she could risk the greatest despairs, then the greatest rewards could also warm her heart.

Hildr held these beliefs in a warm heart she'd discovered, and she was well aware her sisters curiously glimpsed her thoughts and feelings if ever left unlocked.

Despite the recent weeks of unspoken concern and months of righteously upholding their images, taking that first step had only shown Hildr how far the trio leaked already. Even the simple morning act of assisting their sister with her polearm class was hard evidence of their own heretical aberration. Yet, was it so wrong to spend time with their beloved eldest?

Helping other servants learn a new trade on warming sands. The gorgeous view of a sunrise ocean with lapping waves. Amber-kissed clouds floating gently above without a care in the world. What wasn't to love about all this? At least Hildr now shamelessly enjoyed Fantasia's warmth for the first time.

Clang! Clang! "Great, Janna! Keep up that aggression!"

"Yes, teacher!" "Hehe~… She's really excited today." "Keep it up, Janna!"

Resting quietly on the sidelines, the trio matched perfectly in sets of white short shorts and tank tops. If there was any indication they were still sour about that private spat, it showed on the face or unguarded thoughts of none. Thrud looked perfectly elegant merely sitting on the beach. Ortlinde naturally shrank without her hood. Hildr was rocking back and forth.

All three smiled admiringly at Brynhildr, as always, while she swung her practice pole perfectly. In a new amethyst tank top and matching track pants, she was even more a jewel in their mind. Her long hair shimmered and danced past an offending strike as lithe arms guided her own weapon with elegant ease. The simplest step was made with such grace, and the pure enthusiasm her gaze showered down on her younger student shined brighter than her flawless smile.

'Big sis Bryn is so perfect.' Their thoughts matched as one, and they even sighed dreamily together. Kiyohime and Tamamo, in their favorite bikinis, glanced over from their own seated spot, then to each other. They giggled. If the Valkyries were ever aware of just how enthralled they were for their sister, Hildr was the most aware. But the reunion with Brynhildr had been blissful, hoped for, and long-coming.

Even eons later, Brynhildr's glorious prestige could never fade from their warmed hearts.

"Hyaaaaah!" Janna yelled adamantly as she slammed her polearm against Brynhildr's guard. A timer rang on the sideline, and Tamamo casually reached over to tap the little clock into silence. Breathing heavily, the little lancer took a step back, planted her polearm into the sand, and wiped her forehead. The morning sun painted her white one piece with amber hues, but failed to mar her pearly smile. "How'd I do, teacher!?"

"You overextended too often, but we'll chalk it up to your enthusiasm," Brynhildr smiled, reached over, and gently patted her head. Now Janna's grin was surpassing the beautiful sunrise on the horizon. "Just don't let that Christmas spirit get to your head."

"I'll do my best!" she cheered back. Hildr couldn't help but giggle as the little saint squirmed merrily on the heating white sands. Though the trio was far more invested in the real heroes, Janna had won a special place in their hearts; At least Hildr would admit that. The little servant with a botched saint graph did all she could to make up for setbacks with diligent, hard work and a sense of driving purpose. It helped she was Brynhildr's only child student, though supposedly her declared-rival Miyu may be joining them at some point.

For now, it was still just them, as it had been for a while. Hildr glanced back to the boardwalk. A few servants and staff were already starting to appear by the Outdoor Cafeteria. The sun was gaining distance on the horizon, and the melodies from the musicians had stopped minutes ago. It was a shame, but their current time with Brynhildr was over. Or at least, it didn't have to be.

"It appears that's all the time we have." The teaching lancer nodded, then glanced to the cooking pair. "You're not helping with breakfast today?"

"We're taking off. We have to relax too~," Tamamo sighed contently as she got up to stretch. "I could use a break before I help with fashion show prep… Hm? Um… Morning, Altera. Please tell me Nero didn't make you wear that."

The gathered class quickly followed the caster's gaze, but they didn't have to go far. Altera approached calmly in something that resembled her usual battle attire. Except it was red. Very festive by the looks of it. It even came with oversized Christmas mittens that looked entirely out of place on her getup.

Hildr didn't even bother hiding her incredulous giggles. Altera, theoretically family to the Valkyries because she was part of their origin, looked a bit ridiculous. Though she could probably say it and get away with it, Hildr wasn't about to poke fun of a close friend. It only felt natural not to since she emanated a familiar presence as befitting the entity they were molded from. Still… for a fragment of the infamous White Titan to look so silly… "Hey, Altera! In the holiday spirit?"

Altera smiled and nodded to all of them. A small parcel clutched in one mitten had Tamamo's name on it, which she quickly presented to her. "It was partly Nero's idea. She said I should do whatever I wanted for Christmas. This is from her too."

"Isn't it early for the secret Santa thing…?" Tamamo took the parcel but blinked. "So is this part of it? And if it's not all Nero's idea, then who-"

"This surprise costume test run was mine~!" The Valkyries instinctively jumped back at the approaching comet of divine energy. It held no hostile intent, but the sheer speed and surprise caught everyone off guard. Nevertheless, a vibrant, glittering rider landed perfectly on the sand, kicking up a small cloud in her wake. Despite nearly accidentally blinding some of them, the somewhat familiar silhouette spun and declared with wide arms. "She's my divine partner when the promised day comes~!"

This time, everyone blinked as Quetzalcoatl appeared. Her bikini outfit was a mess of Aztec cultural inspiration and Christmas spirit. Complete with resplendent feathered wings, she almost looked like a strange Christmas ornament. Then again, the terribly powerful deity often did strange acts with flimsy rationalization. Dare she say, that's why Hildr held her as one of her favorite divines in Chaldea: She wasn't afraid to do whatever made her smile.

"That still doesn't explain much," Kiyohime admitted as Brynhildr walked up to join them. "Partner for…? Is this some sort of surprise wrestling thing?"

"Not just yet~! But maybe~!" Quetzalcoatl winked as she struck a pose. "Altera and I share the same feeling! Christmas is like a beautiful festival! A warm piece of civilization, but it could be more festive! So that's what we're doing~! We'll help spread the Christmas cheer as additional Santas! How do you like the outfits!? Medea and Naomi finished them last night~!"

Hildr's eyes grew a bit wide, but only out of enthusiasm; Strange, but the real world supposedly used a lot of fake Santas to help spread cheer. Altera nodded happily as Quetzalcoatl beamed, "We'll do whatever it takes to add to the cheer, like Samba! Everyone could use a little Samba in their step~! Helps the bells jingle jingle… Eh!? Janna! What's wrong!?"

That's when Hildr heard the next sniffle. Brynhildr's attention snapped to her student faster than the others. Ortlinde looked a bit confused, but concern spread among the others like a wildfire. Hildr even felt her heart clench seeing the usually happy, upbeat, and determined Janna with tears forming in her eyes. It grew worse when her voice creaked out, "…Y-You're going to be… S-S…Santa…?"

"Janna, it's okay," Brynhildr was quick to move to her side, but following her own compulsion, Hildr was quicker. She was at the little lancer's other side trying to soothe her. Sure she wasn't the best at it, but after watching a few instances of cheering up children, she at least new a comforting hand hold, shoulder rub, or hug would help. She went for the latter while Brynhildr knelt down. "It's okay! What's wrong?"

"I was supposed to be Santa!" Hildr almost felt her ears split as Janna finally let her wails and tears fly free. "T-Teacher prepared m-me for…! It's my o-only pp-urpose…!"

"Ahhhh! No, no, no! It's not your only purpose! No, no, no!" Quetzalcoatl had nearly bowled all of them over rushing over to hug Janna. Altera sped over with the others, but Ortlinde and Thrud remained a few paces away in uncertain confusion. It was ignored as Hildr was captured in the rider's frantic, soothing hug. "Shhhhh! It's okay! We're not taking your job from you! You're the real Santa! The bestest best one!"

"Yea! We'll just be your helper Santas so you're not as stressed giving out every present!" Altera's quick comment was laced with panicked concern, but Janna's crying was starting to waver with every added declaration. "You're the Head Santa! Sorry. I thought Quetz told you."

Quetzalcoatl chuckled sheepishly. "It was a bit of a last minute thing~… Is it okay? Can your little temporary samba Santas help their leader? Would that be okay with you~?"

As Quetzalcoatl gently rocked both of them, Janna's hitching body calmed with every new comment. Trapped but relieved, Hildr then quickly tossed her gaze over to Thrud and Ortlinde. Still, they remained a few paces away. Though Ortlinde looked genuinely lost, Hildr could feel it from their blonde leader. Behind that elegant, pristine mask, her own perplexed concerns and confliction were running rampant as she failed to shield them from view. The pink-haired Valkyrie couldn't help but sigh.

At least she had the feeling Thrud wasn't going to give a few suggestive comments on how to act afterwards…

---

¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨(¯ˆ·.¸ VII ¸.·ˆ¯)¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨

---

Breakfast had been fairly uneventful, more so when their friend, Vanguard's 'Valkyrie', left early for a practice sortie. Even now, while the numbers thinned, the Valkyries sat at a table on their own, but within earshot of another they tended to loiter near. Of course, it was only natural for the Valkyries to want to stick together with their eldest; They were almost always together. As much as Hildr's outburst last night secretly inspired her, Orthilde knew well they couldn't drift too far from their fundamental nature.

Yet, Orthilde had to wonder if their overbearing watchfulness of dearest Brynhildr went beyond simple self-preservation of their kind. "It's not, Ortlinde."

Thrud's mental reply made Ortlinde shrink a bit in her seat. Hildr tossed a sidelong glance to Thrud, but the elegant sister only blew on her new piping hot tea gently before taking a sip. "We're all worried for her. That's all it comes down to. No one wants her to be used again."

"But the tale… Sigurd didn't…" Ortlinde's silent rebuttal earned a calm gaze from Thrud, and the black-haired Valkyrie felt herself shrink in her seat. It wasn't mean spirited. Thrud wasn't angry at her, no doubt. That frustration that spiked in her sister's thoughts was born from her still lingering distrust of that named hero… even if Brynhildr told them she held nothing against him.

"It wasn't his fault. It was his brother's. I'm only scared what I'll be compelled to do when he arrives…" Her smile after voicing that was tragic, yet hopeful. That memory flashed through all of them, and Ortlinde felt embarrassed she let her thoughts muddy the warm, tropical air.

"Relax, Ortlinde. You're overthinking things." Thrud's calming echo did soothe her. "We're just ensuring tragedy never befalls dearest Brynhildr ever again. From anyone."

'Especially her favorite company.' Thrud' last, unvoiced thought made the three of them quickly eye the table further away. There she sat, with a silver-haired man whose attitude resembled Sigurd. Siegfried had grown more open, even if that tempered strictness remained. As wary yet fond of him as the Valkyries were, it wasn't him they were truly worried about.

No. It was the handsome King of Knights sitting across from her, whom Brynhildr quietly revealed to them she'd fallen for.

Emotions… They were a terrible thing not kept in check. Ortlinde, like her sisters, always sought to do so, but nervousness got the better of her more often than them. Often enough, she wished she had Thrud's self-control and grace, but she drew a different hand. Their sister did too, and even after seeing what happens when cards were played, she still dared not cast emotions aside like ticking bombs.

Instead, their beloved eldest only looked relieved that night she revealed to someone else she'd fallen for the King of Knights. If any concern was to be had from her, it was the thought of ruining a friendship, or her own actions escalating to something far out of her teetering control. Not once did she say she was worried about the heartbreak, heartache, or even potential betrayal. It was… fascinating to Ortlinde. To see what could come, but risk going further from eternal duty for those fleeting glimpses of time.

Is that what Hildr was now openly rebelling for? What Ortlinde wanted to chase, but felt too nervous and scared to? What Thrud did everything she could to dismiss and hide behind her profound grace despite her own growing irregularities? Again, the words of many echoed in her mind like the devil's temptation.

Ortlinde turned to Thrud, hoping she would help silence the storm with her own guiding beliefs, yet she only quietly observed Brynhildr laughing and enjoying her time with Arthur and Siegfried.

The trio wondered, unified but more separate than ever before.

---

¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨(¯ˆ·.¸ VIII ¸.·ˆ¯)¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨

---

'We'd managed for months. Why now?' For the troubled Thrud, the answer never came from sibling nor self.

Lunch was approaching, and the trio had nothing to do for the day. They'd gone around talking to several heroes, asking for tales to be spun for them; Some would say listening was their sole hobby. Thrud would wave that comment aside, for it was not an interest but purpose. They were only doing what they were supposed to while waiting for Chaldea's call to action.

And yet, despite her seeming obedience now, Hildr's words made everything much harder. Hundred Face's chat could have been swept aside and forgotten as easily as the many other comments and conversation. Or at least, that's what Thrud told herself always happened. In the end, even that very first commentary from that tattooed avenger still secretly bothered her to this day, and had only grown worse… More obvious…

How else would it explain the little things? The inconsequential decisions, like walking inside to inspect Medb's finally opened Temptation Ravine? They were drawn in by curiosity; How ironic the place was. A facility of countless heroes, now offered a large accommodation built around vice and avarice.

There were no potential heroics to be found here, but Thrud had still been the one to suggest they take a glimpse to orientate themselves.

For one reason or another, they stood in the doorway of the vast room. Its size rivalled the Roman Theater, and it even included a specialized stage to contend with it, as if Chaldea's population was large enough to warrant both. Complete with a specialized runway down the center, the dark stage and black curtains were highlighted only by neon pink trim and fashionable lights. That was the first thing that caught the eye, but the next was the flooring just underneath them.

Or part lack thereof. During construction, they'd breached into a lengthy chasm that dropped a hundred meters below. Medb thought it'd be a cute idea to let it influence the name and scenery, so the floor was made of overly thick, magically reinforced glass to showcase the chasm as it stretched across the entrance like a threshold to hell. At least it had plush red carpeting acting atop a hidden bridge into the casino, though the chasm could use a bit of flare if Thrud were to admit it. It wasn't very eye-catching beyond the concern.

Along the outskirts, gambling options waited in mass. Slot machines, card tables, roulette wheels… The options were limitless. At the very center, hugging the runway, there were even tables for lounging and simpler buffet dining. With its compliment of robots, the room offered much, but Thrud and her sisters had to wonder the point of it all. Even among Chaldea's other amenities, this casino showroom, in all its vibrant nighttime flare, was easily the most outlandish and questionable addition yet.

But here it was… and here they were. "Oh! Hey there! Didn't peg you girls as the sinful sort… Well. Maybe Ortlinde has a secret or two?"

"None of us hold sin in our hearts," Thrud defended immediately as they turned to face two of the three owners. Comfy in her signature coat and an accompanying white side-cut skirt, Medb strolled up to them with an analyzing glint to match her smirk. Beside her, Suzuka looked prim and studious in a black pencil skirt and white blouse; There was a leather-bound clipboard nestled under one arm too, so it appeared her secretary look likely wasn't just for show.

However, her smirk was just as probing as Medb's. "So what brings you here? Our Grand Opening is later tonight, or are you assisting with the weekend Fashion Show setup? You weren't marked on the list."

"We're just looking around. Is that alright?" Hildr asked, and the two casino matrons nodded. "Great! Interesting place you got here."

Thrud was about to comment on Hildr's observation, but someone called out from behind. "Oh? So you've changed your mind about Nero's invitation?"

Though she retained her grace, Thrud spun around to meet the approaching Fashionistas as they waltzed through the door and onto the plush red carpet. Carmilla's eyes remained locked on Thrud, though the Valkyrie felt her eyes glide over the assassin's dress. Hot pink with silver frills, it hugged her form exceptionally, and the accompanying white sash made it feel younger. Fresh. Her mastered stiletto step only made her appearance pop.

Her gaze soon analyzed Semiramis beside her. With more royal elegance, the click of her heels was like the trumpets announcing a queen's arrival. Her entire outfit was surprisingly bright for her, but she pulled off the ivory off-shoulder with gold trim exceptionally. Perhaps it was her accompanying confidence, or the accessories like a beautiful necklace. It just seemed to click right in Thrud's mind, but she couldn't help but want to understand why…

In her analyzation, the lead Valkyrie remained oblivious at how much Hildr was silently watching her fail to reel in her own unaccounted deviation.

Upon realizing her pause by Carmilla's raised eyebrow, the blonde bowed lightly in apology. "…I'm afraid I must still decline the offer. My place in the fashion show would be questionable."

"Shame. More competition is exciting, and you seem to hold an eye for beauty and elegance," Semiramis commented. "Well, should you ever change your mind. You still have a few days."

"That's if she has a dress in time," Carmilla pointed out, and the fashionista queen nodded in admission. "Best not to rush the Stitch Witches' work."

"She's got plenty," Suzuka waved off with a giggle, making Thrud snapped to her. "I heard Nero gave her a lot, but she never wears them. I'm sure something in that wardrobe of yours would work and take everyone by surprise."

"Even if that were the case, I'm afraid-"

"Of what happens if you'd just enjoy yourself for once?" Hildr's comment crashed her train of thought and drew her gaze like a magnet. Her sister's expression was blank, but she could feel the waves of questioning scrutiny wafting through her mind. The others looked on in mild confusion, but Hildr only shrugged and sighed. "It's no sin to smile brighter, Thrud. Maybe see for yourself for once. Our eldest and new heroes don't count."

"…Sorry. You'll have to excuse me," Thrud apologized as Ortlinde shifted nervously by her sisters. Ignoring the concern and scrutinizing stare, she turned back to Carmilla. "Thanks for your offer. I'll let you know if my answer changes."

It was only after the words left her mouth that Thrud realized the possible intent: It wasn't a respectfully flat no. It was an inferred unlikely change, but the possibility it could shift was raised. Carmilla and Semiramis smiled lightly at her, and Thrud felt a pit form in her stomach. It nearly broke her elegant façade, but she was a master of staying composed among her sisters.

That didn't mean she didn't feel like she was suddenly falling through the glass floor into the unknown below.

---

¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨(¯ˆ·.¸ IX ¸.·ˆ¯)¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨

---

Lunch was winding up, but it was the furthest thing in their minds. Ever since leaving the casino, the silence had grown. The power shifted within, only to finally ignite when the collected Thrud seemed to implode so uncharacteristically. For any within sight, she only seemed to be staring blankly out into the ocean by the railing. For her flanking sisters, the damage control was like a ship in a storm.

"What's happening to me!? I should have just said no, but I…"

Ortlinde calmly interjected. "You did say no, Thrud."

"Why didn't anyone correct me!? I-"

"Why didn't you clarify yourself after?" Hildr's return comment did not resonate well with Thrud; All of them could feel that. Though the fear was rapping at Thrud's psyche, Hildr remained calm and reassuring. "This worrying isn't you. You're the best of us at keeping yourself in check. Why're you letting a simple slip bother you?"

"It's deviation. It's…" Thrud was at a loss of explaining. Ortlinde couldn't rationalize it either. Hildr wasn't even trying to. They were all well aware of that fear of deviant drift, but when had the rationalization weakened to this point? Since when did pursing little things beyond their fundamental purpose and drive become so unforgivingly heretical and dividing? Crippling with fear? "…It's… just a fashion show invitation. What's gotten into me? It's just an invite."

"Yea. And you're the most elegant of us. That large wardrobe proves it…" Hildr's voice echoed in all of them. "Not that you could hide how happy it made you when someone gifted you a dress you still haven't worn."

"I'm not going to participate. What's the point? It's unnecessar-"

"Fun isn't mandatory, but it'd be nice…" Ortlinde actually admitted, finally earning Thrud's stare. "It's… not wrong to smile. I'd like to smile more too. We're not deviating from what we are for smiling, right? We're still the Valkyries."

"We'll always be the Valkyries. The others will know too! There's nothing wrong with enjoying ourselves!" Hildr declared adamantly. "Stop lying to yourself and denying what's been there in all of us! That feeling to experience what big sis Bryn has been! Just look at how happy she is now!"

'And all the misfortune that indulging outside our purpose could bring.' That thought sent a shiver through all of them. The fear remained, even if Hildr took the first steps across the line. Ortlinde was nervous and conflicted. Thrud remained adamantly against it, even as she felt the whispers of her heart wanting to experience a bit more.

This was ridiculous. They shouldn't be this conflicted over all of this. They shouldn't have fallen… and yet they were. Was this the same dreaded path fated for their eldest? It was possible they were overthinking it now; Thrud's own words echoed within her. The anxiety had never been so ample, nor the confliction between the sisters. She wished for something to break the stor-

"Thrud. Ortlinde. Hildr." The soft call of their names made them swiftly turn to the relief. The calmness washed over them as Brynhildr approached with a peaceful smile. Clad in a flowing purple dress with a complimenting white cardigan, just the sight of their eldest helped cut their worries by the knees. They seemed further away now as they rushed over to fan the warmth in their hearts. Brynhildr giggled at their enthusiasm, "Arash and Serenity have other arrangements. I'm afraid I'm eating alone."

"Then you're eating with us now!" Hildr cried out eagerly, earning another soft giggle from the eldest. The declaration was obvious and always unanimous. Any time spent with Brynhildr made any moment brighter. Being reunited with her was enough, but basking in the blooming brightness she'd taken on was even better. It was only an unfortunate reminder the dread that rested tragically in her smile remained a melancholy companion.

…It grew worse when that smile was suddenly overtaken by its grave immensity. Confused and grappling with worry, the trio watched as Brynhildr's eyes seemed to shake with worry… and hope. "Sister Bryn!?"

"This… Has he…?" Those words alone tripled the dread and forged emotions unchecked. Uncharacteristic anger swelled in Thrud. Frustrated uncertain embraced Ortlinde. Even upbeat Hildr narrowed her eyes with anticipation. There were rumors a new servant arrived, but most of the talk had been on Thronebook; The Valkyries still didn't have phones, needless as they were.

By the growing silence, something was bound to break. The trio barely parted as Brynhildr took her first steps forward subconsciously towards the cabana. As she moved, she seemed to follow an unseen source through the walls as they moved closer, only for her to stop a dozen paces away from them. The trio, uncertain and wrestling to keep emotions in check, followed her eyes as a small group appeared.

"Uh. I really don't think this is a great idea so abruptly!" Uniformed and ready, Gudao and his cousin quickly appeared from the Club Cove doors. Gudao seemed to be throwing telepathic messages around, but his cousin was facing someone else; The Valkyries were almost certain who. "I know I said it's better to settle problems before they grow out of control, but… Awww geeez, there she is too!"

"There goes your master promotion," a battleclad Artesia commented dryly as she appeared beside the rumored new servant. The black mask was almost demonic looking, and betrayed the heroic and stalwart aura that emanated him like the sun; The Valkyries would have loved that presence if it wasn't frustrating them. Clad in a strange getup reminiscent of a black jumpsuit and silver trim, the figure appeared like no one from the past.

The Valkyries quickly ran up to Brynhildr's side. The melancholy air had evaporated from her as she stared at the caped man, who came to a stop just across from her. By the terrified and conflicted hurricane in her eyes, matched by the troubled waves that screamed from her, there was no mistaking who this man was. It was obvious to the other Valkyries.

Sigurd had just arrived, and the confrontation was dreadfully immediate.

However, the Valkyries weren't about to let things get any worse. Thrud quickly stepped in front of Brynhildr as they shifted to their holy battle armor. With lances in hand, they paid no attention to the number of arriving Peacekeepers and other servants. A few casters were already preparing to launch preemptive restraining spells for the worst case scenario.

By the time Arthur and Paracelsus burst through Club Cove's doors, Thrud's elegant demeanor had been thrown aside for a fierce glare. "Sigurd! You're Sigurd, aren't you!?"

Gudao, with hand raised to launch command seals, stared cautiously towards the masked saber. With just a brief nod, he confirmed it. "…I am."

"Valkyries! Don't do anything rash!" "Stay out of this! This has to do with us!" "Everyone, please calm down!" "Oh hell, are they going to throw down!?"

Were they? "Sigurd… Sigurd…"

The Valkyries passed a concerned glance to Brynhildr as she whispered under her breath. Her pupils trembled. Her hands, held just over her chest, shook. Confusion wreathed her like a plague, matched only by the terror crippling her body. Yet her eyes flowed with pure, raw emotion, the likes of which the Valkyries knew well. It was a glint beheld by many, and never should have been for Valkyries if not for fate. "…Sigurd… It's… It's you, Sigurd…"

"Yes. It's me, Brynhildr." After a whisper just as soft, the man reached up, grasped his mask, and let it seemingly disassemble itself. The lone tuft of spiky silver hair finally accompanied a handsome physique. Sharp feature like a beautiful glacial face, with experienced eyes that shined with genuine heroism… The winter-eyed saber was stunning, and somehow more so with the newly materialized set of rimmed glasses. His stare was profoundly composed, and levelled on their eldest evenly, not them. "…It was only a matter of time. I wished not wait."

"Would've been nice with more preparation…" Artesia cursed under her breath as a casually dressed Gabrielle came bolting through the doors with Anishka. The alter tossed a brief glance their way. "I guess nine command seals and most of Chaldea counts…"

Sigurd ignored hers and the many other mumblings before taking his first step towards Brynhildr. It was met with a fierce, automatic defensive line by the Valkyries. Lances raised, and putting everyone else on edge, they glared as one. Their conflicting troubles were cast aside in the name of self-defense. "Not another step closer, Sigurd! You've harmed her enough!"

"I believe so too. My hands are stained," he admitted bluntly… but his advance didn't stop. Even consumed by frustration, the trio gleamed the truth hidden behind a stoic tone: No deceit in his words. Only profound remorse. Guilt… A pure wish to right a wrong…

Stunned but ready, the lancers unanimously agreed despite the truth of the matter. If he got too close, they wished to strike, whatever Chaldea rules declared be damned. Regardless if it was against their own fiber. Still, his calm words dared them on. "But if I'm to be judged again, it will not be at your hands, Valkyries."

"Hey, hey! What're you saying?" "Is this guy suicidal!?" "Hoy, masters! Aren't you going to force this to a stop!?" "Someone give the call!"

"If you want a call, then we'll comply," Thrud declared as she levelled her lance and focused on Sigurd's throat. "This is your final warning, Sigurd! Halt!"

"I've had enough warnings. Enough guilt to match."

"Leave Sister Brynhildr alone!" Hildr snapped, even as the hidden truth roared before them vivdly.

"I can never," he insisted, making the trio flinch with sudden curiosity. "If I'm to be punished, it will be by Brynhildr. If it's as you say, and you're restrained by the urge to kill me. Then strike me down… Let it be."

The Valkyries eyes widened as Sigurd stopped a dozen paces away, but did not draw a weapon. He only spread his arms out calmly, kept his gaze focused on the shaking Brynhildr, and waited. "I won't fight back to spare Chaldea the trouble. Kill me if that is how you prove your love, but don't think I'll allow myself to die so easily. If it proves my love for you, Brynhildr, I'll survive any and all attempts, rather than wrong you ever again."

"…What nonsense did he just spout?" Blackbeard cried out from somewhere, and was instantly reprimanded with a smack from someone. The Valkyries didn't hear.

Floored and surprised by his undeniably sheer sincerity, they stared at the ridiculous new servant. He was willing to let Brynhildr attack him out of impulse? He wouldn't defend himself? His words and actions were outrageous but… it certainly resonated as truth in their shared core. There was no hint of a lie or treachery in his voice, eyes, stance…

No. Sigurd was a confirmed hero worthy of Valhalla, and no liar in their eyes. Their long experience judged that swiftly. So maybe it really was as the legends say, for a man of such heroism could only be compelled to such dastardly acts by extreme measures. Perhaps his hand was forced, as was Brynhildr's…

But that didn't stop what was coming. Even if Great Odin decreed they must protect and escort the souls of the heroic, the confliction rose again. Brynhildr advanced, and between them, they wished for their eldest to have her wrongs righted; With her own hands too. Step by step, she walked towards Sigurd and whispered his name, only for the murmurs and cries to grow to a crescendo. 'Was… Was no one going to stop this!?'

"He consented. If he's fine with it then…" Gudao grappled at his own hesitation. He turned to Gabrielle and Anishka, who looked equally confused. "But we should stop it before she kills him."

"…No. I don't think she's going to," Gabrielle pointed, even an eagle-eyed Scathach prepared a seizing rune beside her. "At least I don't think…?"

"Let them be," Karna supplied flatly at the other end of the surrounding crowd. Many turned an eye, but he didn't flinch. He hadn't even changed out of his favorite sherwani. "If Brynhildr were to strike him down, her will would have folded before the first words came."

Moments later, Brynhildr came to a stop within arm's reach of Sigurd. Before her, slender hands shook as she stared at her own palms. As her conflicted gaze turned to the stoic man, she shook. She sniffled. The tears were welling up as a crazed, confused smile embraced her. The Valkyries approached carefully, now just as divided on whether they follow their duty, or let the man who crossed their eldest suffer. Unanimously, they rationalized, again, Brynhildr should decide. "Sigurd… I…"

Looking at her hands again, Brynhildr finally reached out. Sigurd didn't move as she placed her hand over his heart ever so gently, sparking no reaction from the tense onlookers. The Valkyries couldn't sense a hint of lethal intent, nor uncontrolled impulse. Shocked, they were quickly realizing Brynhildr was… only shaking from confusion.

The loving caress on Sigurd's chest was joined by her other hand as her crazed smile filled with more disbelief. "I… Why… I should be… I feel I must kill you but… I hear the desire… I feel no forceful compulsion... I won't…I-I…"

Her voice was shaking. The Valkyries, concern running amok in their divided minds, watched as Brynhildr's eyes filled with tears… but her smile was the most beautiful they'd ever bared witness to. She sniffled, cried, and gently took a step closer. "I… S-Sigurd, my beloved… M-My husband… Y-You're here… It's really y-you…"

Before they knew it, Brynhildr had slid her arms fully around the taller saber's neck in a warm hug. The hero's eyes widened just a glimpse, but he did nothing. Not immediately at least. As Brynhildr's first tears of happiness slipped onto his shoulder, he finally allowed himself to slowly wrap his arms around her. His stoic, icy features seemed to melt just enough to let a smile finally slip through as she cried his name. "My b-beloved… Y-You're here…"

"…I'm here, Bryn. I won't go anywhere if you don't want me to." Stunned, the Valkyries watched as the tension slowly filtered from the air. Their own weapons lowered, they couldn't help but stare at the ears staining their happy eldest. Her smile flared brighter than the noonday sun that spotlight them between the clouds. Before long, a round of applause and cheers was growing into a thunderous waterfall around the embracing pair. "I'll set things right this time. I love you."

"S-Sigurd…" Brynhildr whispered again as she nestled her head happily against his. "Sigurd…"

Though conflicted, their hearts sang for their eldest. She was happy. After all the tragedy she'd lived through, they wished for her to have that. Thus, their hearts thought to question whether they could enjoy glimpses of happiness too, and their minds could only rally so hard against that heresy in the glow of this development. They'd certainly have to get to know Sigurd better if they are to understand why their eldest truly loves him, even if they already caught a profound glance into his heroic soul…

…But, as a more pressing curiosity, they had to find out who or what helped suffocate such powerful impulses from fate.

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"So it's like one of your stocked mad enhancement suppressants or something?"

"Similar, Gabrielle, but her curse is embedded in her soul. The former potion was designed to give her clarity so she didn't see others with Sigurd's qualities as Sigurd. The daily one we secretly supplemented it with is more akin to the one she took during our war. There's far more to it, but to summarize, it focuses on the violent impulses from her curse and dulls them to mere thoughts. It's far from the best solution, but her circumstances are difficult."

It was only minutes later they found the source, as two of Brynhildr's battleclad closest friends asked the masters to step further away for a moment. The Valkyries followed, even if in secret, hiding form. As much as they'd love to see Brynhildr was truly happy in the arms of her saber, the blossomed smile and gentle talk between the reunited pair proved it enough. The trio could settle accounts there later.

"...How intricate. I imagine it used a lot of expensive materials that went unaccounted for?"

"I'm afraid I can't deny that. We've deceived far more than we'd like just to give her a better chance."

...However, they were far more engrossed in this deep treachery they just discovered. Among the distant tropical flower gardens, the three masters, Skyler, and Da Vinci continued to discuss with Arthur and Paracelsus. Barely a minute into their talk, and they'd revealed their hand. The others listened contently, but the Valkyries…

Their ire and anger were stoked once more. These two were her dearest friends! She even loved Arthur, yet how did they repay her? Treachery with secret potions. Those two were even well aware how she felt about drinking concoctions since they influenced her past summoning so horribly. That was also supposedly why Sigurd forgot all about her in their past life! Such treachery couldn't be allowed!

And so, Thrud revealed herself first to startle all of the group. She ripped off her concealment cape just as her sisters appeared, only to jab her judging finger at Arthur. "You…! You dare call yourself the epitome of chivalry!? After all this sneaking around!? This betrayal against someone who loved you!?"

Though the masters and candidate looked confused, Da Vinci's calm gaze turned to Arthur. Though shame swirled in his eyes, his composure held. "…It was dishonorable. There's no questioning. What I and Paracelsus did was a vile breach of trust, and if Bryn doesn't trust me ever again, I deserve no less. But I only did what I thought was right."

"So did Sigurd, and look where that got them before." Hildr spat. "We'll still have to keep an eye on him just in case... but you too? I thought the King of Knights was beyond such scrutinizing judgement."

"I'm not as perfect as many make me out to be. Arturia can relate," Arthur's smile turned melancholy… So much so, it almost matched Brynhildr's. It didn't suit him, and they would've thought harder about it if they weren't so incensed. "I knew how she felt about me, and how much trouble it was bringing her. She's considerately stubborn, but I didn't want her to suffer more. If she were to choose me or Sigurd, I wanted her heart to be free to do so without fear of anything holding her back. I just didn't expect Sigurd to arrive so soon before we could be certain it worked, but we got lucky. The potion worked."

"And if it didn't? What if it went awry? Were you hoping Sigurd wouldn't show so you could be with Brynhildr?" Da Vinci inquired teasingly, but it only fanned the annoyance of the Valkyries. The Chaldean Director waved it off before Paracelsus could quickly interject. "No. Of course not. That's not who you are, Arthur. You're selfless to a terrible fault, and even if you possibly loved her back, you'd wish for her happiness and wellbeing over your own. Just like you and Arturia did for your people, yes?"

He nodded with a gallant smile, even as the Valkyries studied him with narrow eyes, grasping at any mean-spirited offense that would never appear on his soul. "I only wished for her happiness. She'd suffered far too much, and held on to too much sadness for me to ignore her plight. I'm happy to see that smile we got to see, but that doesn't erase my crimes. That's why I came clean immediately. This was all my doing."

"I agreed to it too, Arthur. If you are to be punished, I will join you," Paracelsus countered, even as Arthur was about to bat it away. The Valkyries watched on. "Da Vinci is right. You're far too selfless."

"Well, I guess that means you got to punish them somehow, right?" Skyler commented. The three masters turned to him, and he glanced about as if he said something wrong. "…What? Look, I know how Chaldea ticks on good intent and the best of possibilities, but I reckon you can't go forever without slapping someone on the hand for crossing a line."

"He's right. There should be a punishment to set a precedent, no matter how insignificant. We keep setting terrible examples and making exceptions for the rowdier arrivals to dismiss," Da Vinci countered. Gabrielle and Anishka were about to counter. They turned to Gudao to see where he stood, but he only nodded glumly in admission. Now the two girls were a bit more miffed, but Da Vinci shook her head.

"Roman would've been just as conflicted, I'm sure. I'll figure something bigger out and we'll discuss it. Maybe we'll put it to a wider vote, but first things first. You're ordered to reveal the whole truth to Brynhildr and Sigurd. That's one wrong you can now right."

"At once. She deserves that and far more," Arthur nodded, and Paracelsus joined him in agreement. Again, the Valkyries eyed Arthur quietly as the masters got a few more says in; Skyler remained quiet to observe and take notes. Though duty resonated at their core, and said they'd seen enough, the rampantly running emotions egged the Valkyries on. It convinced them all wasn't settled quite yet, and it grew to discontent even as the conversation slowly came to an end.

By the time the masters, candidate, and director were leaving, the Valkyries agreed. Hildr had stepped in front of Arthur and Paracelsus. The passing clouds made their flat stares dimmer without the sunlight, eclipsed only by Arthur's solemn stare. The king motioned to Paracelsus, "Please let him leave. If you take any fault, let it rest with me, the mastermind."

"I would've thought it was Paracelsus, but your intents were clearly nothing but good," Thrud explained, but then pointed a disappointed look at Arthur. "The truth lies before us, but we can't understand. Why would you do that? Why would you dare go behind sister Brynhildr like that and play with an emotion that ruined her? Did love not bring ruin to your beloved Camelot, King Arthur?"

Paracelsus opened his mouth to interject, but Arthur raised his hand so swiftly, it even stunned the Valkyries. They'd struck a chord. Even on his usually composed face, the glint of painful reminiscence now echoed. His soul even cried out… but a sad smile, like that of their beloved eldest, still leaked out. "…It did. I guess history repeats in different forms, but I was never the perfect king my people praised me as. I was far more human and flawed than I could ever hope to overcome. I couldn't help but chase the desire I always had."

"Arthur. It wasn't your fault," Paracelsus whispered, but the king shook his head.

They Valkyries glimpsed it before he even voiced it. "It was. Da Vinci is right. All I wanted was for those I cared for to find happiness. To feel safe and live at peace. I sought it for them, even if it cost me some of my own, because the smiles of the plenty outweigh my own. I did my best… but I wasn't as perfect as they hoped me to be. I guess it was inevitable. Merlin always reassured me it was, but that doesn't lift the blame or guilt. I only want to be better this time, and maybe find some for myself in the process."

"Then you loved sister Brynhildr?" Ortlinde asked quietly, but they already gleamed the answer.

Arthur paused, but then nodded. "In a way. She's close to me. Of course I love her, but it was not for me to choose whether it should become more than a friendly sort. I didn't want to do what Lancelot did… but I feel I understand him better now. That guilt and shame to possibly eye someone who is already taken. But that matters not. She would always choose Sigurd over me, and I'm happy she's with her true love again. That's all that mattered to me. All I could hope for is for others to be happy and smile freely. I hope I'm not mistaken… am I?"

The profound immensity of his emotions… The guilt, satisfaction, remorse, happiness, regret… hope… It all whirled inside him, but it didn't consume him whole. He balanced it well, even as they tried to pull him in different directions. They screamed to their shared soul and defined the hero further than they ever had; Were they that judgmental that the Valkyries only mildly accepted what they saw all along?

No. It was different from that. It was… confusing. Strange. Profoundly wonderful to see, but an almost incomprehensible sense of chivalrous character and duty. A hero who struggled to do what's right, even as part of him wished to grasp some happiness he always denied if it favored the masses. Stunned and speechless, they basked in the full weight of King Arthur's presence for the first time since their scrutinizing, biased watch began.

Beyond the prodding voices that pointed out that never-grasped biased deviation, their thoughts swirled together without a care. The Valkyries glanced to each other. Thrud's elegance was broken for surprise. Hildr was openly floored and sympathetic. Even Ortlinde couldn't hide how touched she was in the shadow of her hood. Arthur seemed to catch it all, but only smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't make excuses for myself… If you don't mind, I need to tell all of this to Bryn and Sigurd. I mustn't keep them waiting, and I need to brace myself for whatever they may say."

"I'll be there to share that blame with you," Paracelsus supported absolutely as he finally shifted from his battle attire. Now clad in his labcoat, he nodded apologetically to the Valkyries. "I'd like to apologize to you too, but if I may request, may I offer it afterward so we don't keep our friend waiting?"

As Arthur shifted into his casual clothes, a vibrant blue polo tucked into purest white dress pants, the Valkyries, conflicted but touched, could only nod in understanding. There was no further fault to stab at them, especially not Arthur. They were too much at a loss to even question Paracelsus further; For now, at least. Quietly, Hildr stepped out of the way, letting Arthur offer one last apologetic smile before the pair walked off.

Down the grassy paths of the tropical gardens, they walked quietly. Arthur's shoulders seemed lighter, yet heavy, even as the sun cleared the clouds to bask the gardens in splendid beauty. The Valkyries watched on, thought united but silent. It took them moments before they glanced to each other again.

As one, their shared, open thoughts confirmed absolute: Arthur was one of the most vibrant heroes any Valkyrie had the honor to meet. They'd failed to see him fully until today, and they couldn't tear their eyes from his retreating back. A tragic but hopeful hero, still pushing onward on his own path despite what had happened… One who'd uncharacteristically dipped his hands in deceit in order to bring another happiness. A man still fumbling to answer difficulties that he feels he can address.

'Flawed, chivalrous, beautiful…' The Valkyries watched him walk off, unaware and uncaring of the light blush that lit their cheeks.

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Even nearly half an hour after they'd left and rejoined lunch, the Valkyries remained thoroughly shaken.

"What if we missed something else? We know their pasts but what about their feelings? New feats? Maybe some heroes have been modest!"

"I understand your eagerness, Hildr, but we should do this right. We mustn't overlook anything."

"There's the recordings... If we ask we could...?"

For once, the Valkyries judged themselves for a far different reason. Sitting at their table, among the chorus of uplifting cheer, their eyes darted from hero to hero. Each one seemed just a bit brighter than before. Maybe even a bit mysterious, for what if they glimpsed over something with how routine and repetitive their duty had been? Were they not the children of Great Odin, who were born to bring worthy heroes to Valhalla? And what would one be worth if they weren't admired too?

They always thought they did, but only a blink before, they'd glimpsed a feeling of admiration beyond their widest comprehension. "We should ask them face to face. It's only right, and we can see if they're lying."

"We can watch the videos too, right...?"

"Of course we should! And I think I know who we should start with!"

While they conversed unheard, everything seemed dull around them, despite how joyous the air felt. Blurs moved about, but only a few clear sights remained among the pleasant glow of many heroes. One was just a table away, which offered glimpses of their happy eldest talking with Sigurd and the many others who'd come up to greet them. To congratulate them. The trio had too, but there was plenty of time to rejoin them; The new saber, a bit stiff as he remained, wasn't going anywhere. They weren't either.

Certainly not when their eyes had been opened further by the dashing knight king who joined that table. Eyes still filled with relief and satisfaction, Arthur chatted with Sigurd as Brynhildr eyed both of them blissfully. Though a rare showing, the handsome blonde was managing to crack smiles from the icy-faced man. All had seemed to settle well after his earnest admission, yet another sight that fed a hungering warmth within them.

One they mistook or didn't see... or maybe they didn't. "I can't get over how happy Big Sis is!"

"Maybe we should thank Arthur...? We left him on a rude note..."

"Ortlinde is right. We should apologize for our brashness when we get the opportunity."

Together, unified in thought and soul, their gazed lingered on the blonde saber a moment longer. When he glanced their way briefly, only to smile apologetically before turning back to Sigurd, Hildr giggled bashfully. Ortlinde shrunk a bit under her hood. Thrud twirled a strand of hair unknowingly. The warmth in them tickled within and on their cheeks, but, maybe for now, it remained misunderstood, unaddressed... or both.

Not long after, maybe they'd understand what happened. They would acknowledge their recent, rampant deviations, and Hildr would possibly take another step astray. Ortlinde may remain nervously hesitant. Thrud would likely attempt to dial herself back again, still uncomfortable and ashamed with straying thoughts and actions. Maybe not much would change after all in their pursuit of their endless duty.

And maybe, just maybe, they'd relish this flowering, warmed heart a few moments more. Together.

Was that so wrong?