Time…
Freya had not been wrong. In Asgard, although physical impression of time was not present, time grinded steadily forward no matter how their actions swam against its overpowering current. Whenever she had briefly been in Asgard the time she allotted to such a journey had been brief periods. In comparison to the rapid aging and expended time that she saw on Midgard, Asgard had always seemed untouched by steady passage of the ages.
Already a full day had withered since her parting with Mystina and Arngrim, only seeming to be a few hours to her. During her lessons Freya had been short, obviously NOT pleased with her decision concerning Mystina and Arngrim however she raised no verbal objections, choosing to make her distaste be known in passive aggressive actions. Liberated from her lessons and duties for the day she almost felt worn, a strange feeling for her, never had her physical exertions as Valkyrie ever made her feel as strained as being Lady of Creation in Odin's stead. However, independently Lenneth tilted her head up refusing to allow Freya to see such a damning weakness, to allow the second-rank goddess to make her feel all the more inferior, the more unworthy to succeed Lord Odin.
"You seem as if tired, Lady Lenneth," Lenneth was surprised to see the least bit of concern from the likes of Freya but she wasn't about to refute such concern if it was truly sincere, "You should joining the feasting in Folkvangr, as my guest naturally. You may be the All Mother, goddess of the First Rank; however you still need to stay strong to lead us all through such uncertain times."
The Valkyrie should have known that Freya's concern wasn't motivated by personal concern, such familiarity had been left behind the moment she and Freya confronted each other on the battlefield of Ragnarok, on Odin's deathbed. Whatever had motivated the concern, she was not one to turn her nose up to it in whatever form it had taken root, "I accept."
Freya didn't even wait for her to express any further words of gratitude or the like she simply rolled weaves of ether around them, making them melt out of Valhalla's confines only to melt into place among Folkvangr. Instantly a few terse Einherjar greeted her in well-practiced silent with a chalice of ambrosia. The fertility goddess arched a single perfect eyebrow, a frown coming easily to her face as she took the chalice and presented it to Lenneth. The remaining Einherjar scrambled with as much grace as possible to procure a second chalice, pouring the smooth soft liquid into an identical goblet and presenting it this time to their Lady.
"I expect that in the future you will be prepared for all eventualities. Do not shame my hospitality in the presence of the All Mother!"
Shame burned within the faces of the Einherjar but they didn't say a single word to their defense. Freya would not welcome such sedition, such insolence. If there was any who was free to reproach either the Einherjar or Freya, it would be her as the guest and goddess of creation herself, "I, for one, think they do you credit Lady Freya. If they were not prepared to greet my unexpected arrival they were surely prepared to remedy the situation in a swift fashion. They serve their Lady well."
Freya glanced over at Lenneth as if sizing up someone who was altogether difficult to comprehend. Just as she could not understand the casual negligence of her Aesir brethren nor could Freya understand her love of humanity, "You are too soft, Lady Lenneth. You are all dismissed," she said sharply to the Einherjar before turning to Lenneth, "This way, Lady Lenneth. Do you need time to get decent?"
The goddess' eyes glanced over her armor as if NOT finding it to be suitable attire for the coming feast but Lenneth had never been able to abandon her attachment to it, it was like an irrevocable aspect of her identity, one she was loathe to lose or give up, "No, I am well."
As Freya had noticed earlier, the only thing amiss about her personage was the feeling of one who was stretched thin, visibly tired and exhausted, something she hoped to remedy by enjoying the feasting and frivolity that took place nightly in Valhalla and Folkvangr. There was absolutely nothing amiss in Folkvangr, the place was ran into the ground and the result was sublime perfection that reflected Freya's expectations although Lenneth privately worried that it came at the cost of placing such demands squarely on the Einherjar. Lenneth vowed that she'd not become complacent over the years, she not allow the Aesir to degrade further into a depravity that made them more overbearing taskmasters and overseers. As the Freya led onward it was to be noticed that many Einherjar had already completed their tasks and training for the day. The Einherjar parted way to Freya's floating form, eyes riveted upon the goddess walking so plainly, so naturally behind her as they proceeded to the head of the table. Lenneth moved to slip into the seat to Freya's right recovering in the last moment as she realized that the second rank goddess had given up even her seat to her. She gracefully moved to claim the proffered head of the table when her eyes caught the glimpse of red.
For Lenneth, once she saw him, it was difficult to break her eyes away from Lucian, from his wounded expression as his eyes connected with hers. Once upon a time, not very long ago, she had thought that if she could bring him back that everything would be well and they could be together again. One of the first things he had told her, the one thing she remembered was that as Platina that had been her greatest wish, her death wish. However fate had been cruel and not at all inclined to bend even to the wishes of the All Mother. As Valkyrie she had known there was no fate between gods and mortals and even with her memory seal broken there was ground that could not be traversed. As All Mother she could not possibly give her undivided love to a single being. It was something that Lucian could not understand and could not forgive her for and thus the failure of their relationship came to impersonate the ideal that she knew to be true; as long as she was herself, her TRUE self, the goddess Lenneth Valkyrie she could never give any mortal her singular regard, her unfettered love. Even now she knew her regret wasn't from the fact she had hurt Lucian but rather from the fact she felt she had failed him. As Chooser of the Slain, the Valkyrie who had chose him; she had failed to fulfill the most crucial task – the one that would allow him to move on after death. Lucian had not and would not come to terms with his death, his unrequited love for her, and the denial of his future with Platina.
…I am not that woman, not anymore, but for your sake, Lucian….I truly wish that the goddess within could be as naïve as the mortal. However it is not so, this is not, was not, meant to be…
"Lady Lenneth," Freya's voice broke into her silent reverie, "If you will take your seat we will begin."
Her knees folded allowing her legs to surrender their rigid stance to give way to the soft seat. Lenneth was served and ate with reservation, allowing silence to fall between her and Freya until, "Lady Freya, if I may request a bit more of your time this evening, I would ask to speak to you, to request a favor."
"That is not possible tonight; I will be taking Hrist's soul to Lady Eir, to rematerialize the remnants. Surely you understand why I cannot give you any more precedence this evening."
The chance was upon her to acquire Hrist's soul but she had never thought she might be able to attain it legitimately. The thought of stealing repulsed her however she was willing to do it if necessary for the greater good. In this case she believed it was for Hrist's own good, "You are right, my request was remiss and selfish. Perhaps I should attend to her soul in your stead this evening."
Freya's eyes rolled sideways in suspicion, "That is unnecessary. You are the All Mother, to turn you into an errant….."
"It is not as if the tasks are foreign to me Freya. A goddess I was but I still was a servant of Lord Odin, the idea does not repulse me to the extent it does to you."
"No, you are greater than you were back then."
"I am still the same within, no matter the change in my task and duty. If you cannot wrap your mind around it then consider it the repayment of MY debt to Hrist, for how we, especially myself, have all thrived through her sacrifice."
The argument had the desired effect for Freya was realizing that her rebuttals only drew attention, the attention of the Einherjar. It was generally unknown to most that there was NO Valkyries that existed to walk upon Midgard or Asgard. It was certainly something Freya wasn't likely to share with the general populace. Her tone was level as she grudgingly agreed, "If you insist, Lady Lenneth, however after it is done Hrist's soul shall be returned to my keeping. You are not yet ready."
"I am not," she agreed, appeasing Freya however she had not promised to return Hrist's soul, only to admit her own shortcomings. Lenneth and Freya continued to idle at the feast until she truly felt well; although gods could not become ill she was sure her pallor was noticeably better than it was before, the color returning to her limbs and face. Freya's delicate golden strands started to fan out into a graceful halo that framed her face as she floated, excusing herself wordlessly. Lenneth stood up, pleased to feel strength in her limbs as her feet softly echoed in the empty hallways. Freya was a swift guide but Lenneth always kept pace with her without resorting to running. As they descended inward it was not missed by Lenneth that there was a curious lack of Einherjar letting her know that Freya did not trust anyone easily with the task of guarding Hrist.
"We are almost there, once you have completed the cycle of your chosen task I will greet you to at the entrance of Folkvangr. Hrist's soul, for safekeeping is housed in my hall of Sessrumnir, far from the knowledge and reach of others for her protection naturally. Here we are," Freya descending down, allowing her feet to touch the floor in front of Lenneth. Her hair settled into a fine cascade of gold that rested with flawless precision over her shoulders, her orichalon boots not making a sound as she stepped forward.
The room was dark but within Lenneth's eyes managed to find the only source of light within the room – a crystal. The dark amethyst shade, its very color mirrored and complimented the darkness that surrounded it however there was something altogether different that made it shine with vitality, giving it a radiance that made it shine. Freya stood aside allowing Lenneth to approach. Lenneth heard her hollow steps, she felt her throat contract as she swallowed, her gaze never breaking as she beheld the bewitching and fey gaze. It was foolish to expect that but somewhere within she knew Hrist was there and she felt as if for the first time she was seeing her sister for what she truly was. Her hands reached out, gently cupping the crystal within her grasp. Although it looked rugged, able to pierce her skin, the crystal's surface was unbelievably smooth. She was tempted to run her hands as well as her mind over it to probe its defenses. It seemed altogether impossible to shatter. She suddenly was aware of the presence of eyes, Freya's eyes, upon her and she managed to recover. Lenneth carefully cradled the soul close to her, "You will be hearing from me, Freya. Good evening."
Then, before she could be stopped Lenneth left, fleeing from the presence of the fertility goddess before she could revoke her decision.
"Lady Lenneth, we've been expecting you. Earlier we received a missive from Freya foretelling your arrival this eve, everything is in readiness. At this late hour the lady Eir has already seen to breaking her fast and dispersing her feast upon the patients. She expresses her regret that she has naught much to personally offer you however she has asked that you take evening tea with her."
"That is fine; Freya provided for my comforts within her own halls, the last thing anyone would accuse Lady Eir of is having no hospitality. Her offer is simple but gracious, I accept. Lead on."
The Einherjar smiled, glowing happily, "This way."
Eir's hall, Lyfjaberg, was poised upon a high hill in Asgard where the rays of the sun and moon cast every hallway, every room with its natural and invigorating glow. Its beauty was undeniable and its medium elevation provided cool, crisp air that contributed to the swift recovery rate of its precious patients. Eir's clean, pristine hall was the epitome of a practical and natural beauty, its décor was sparse but tasteful where it existed. It was a pleasant place that gave a feeling of tranquility, of peace to whomever walked within its confines.
"Here we are. Lady Eir, I have brought your guest, the All Mother."
"You may go, do not forget to break your fast before returning to your duties."
The Einherjar flushed, flustered by Eir's concern, "I-I will make sure of it. Shall I pour the tea?"
"No, I will handle it. Thank you," her gratitude was a subtle dismissal that the Einherjar took gracefully leaving Lenneth to marvel at the ally she had in the benevolent goddess when it came to the treatment of Einherjar, "If you will, feel free to take a seat, Lady Lenneth."
Lenneth stepped forward and sat down, "You are aware of why I have come this evening?"
"Yes, you have come in Freya's stead for Hrist's sake however the broken Valkyrie is functioning as well as she can when taking into consideration her circumstances of late. I must take time to prepare myself for the magic and it is unseeming that, in the interim, I should neglect my duties as hostess. Are you doing well?"
"I am…tired," she confessed easily knowing that Eir would have no ulterior motives to use her weakness for benefit or preliminary judgments about her person, "Freya's instruction is necessary however swift and merciless. Without an acting Valkyrie upon Midgard no Einherjar, no souls are being…to be honest with you, I fear that Hel is taking advantage of the lack of impersonal judge to seize worthy souls for herself indiscriminately. Such is the nature of our role – to act as an impersonal intermediary between Asgard and Nifleheim, Odin and Hel."
Eir poured tea for them both, dipping a bit of ambrosia into the amber depths before rotating her spoon. Her action did not make a sound, "Go on."
"Freya will not allow me to act as Valkyrie in the interim even if I possess the vessel; the body of Valkyrie and Hrist, her restoration is not coming soon enough. It made me consider, consider Silmeria."
"Have you asked Freya what she has thought of this?"
"I had wanted to however…ever since I have returned to Asgard for good Silmeria has been a subject that one does not speak of in polite conversation, as if she is the worst kind of evil to take root, to originate from our hallowed halls. I have asked and no one can or will tell me of what she had done."
"Very few will for little is known of Silmeria's crime. In Asgard she simply displeased Odin however I cannot believe the worst of her. I think that Silmeria learned something upon Midgard, something that changed her although I cannot say if it was for the better or the worse, Lady Lenneth. I cannot speak much upon this subject for I have not seen the Lady Silmeria once since that fateful rebellion. The Lady Freya was beloved to the All Father, his closest counsel and confidant, if you seek truth from your inquiries than you may only be able to direct them to Freya herself," she placed her cup down, "Now...you concerns are legitimate and not unwarranted considering your past duties. I think Freya would be able to see the logic of your argument, Lady Lenneth so do not allow my words to dissuade you from suitable recourse of action when it comes to the fate of souls and that of Silmeria's. However, I believe that once Hrist is restored you will find an ally within your elder sister. She has had the longest standing animosity with Lord Brahms throughout her years as Valkyrie. I do not believe that she wishes Silmeria to remain where fate's fickle grasp has set her, within the grasp of the Lord of the Undead. To that degree, I must express my regret however I cannot idle long in conversation, Lady Lenneth. If you will surrender Hrist's soul, I would see to my task in the cycle of her rebirth."
Lenneth was slightly taken aback by her abrupt switch, taking the shortest period of rest before reverting back to her tasks as goddess. It was enough to make Lenneth reflect and wonder if she had been negligent in noticing the passage of time that passed since her arrival. The younger goddess had to admire Eir's devotion and resilience to her task almost enough to inspire her to go to greater aims herself to embrace all the expectations of her office. A padded pouch at her side, she carefully pulled the drawstrings, opening the pouch to revealing the hollow crystal on the flat of her palms. A spark of warmth was felt when her hands exchanged the crystal to Eir's keeping, the goddess already embracing her innate abilities, "You will not be left waiting long. If you have need of anything, my Einherjar will attend you."
The healing goddess reverently curled her palms securely around the crystals surface as she left.
The idea of idling did not appeal to the likes of Lenneth thus she started walking down the path to the infirmary where all the injured Einherjar were. She hoped to see with her own eyes the magnitude of Ragnarok's effect on the health and morale of the Einherjar. The gods themselves had suffered losses in Ragnarok but she knew that was nothing compared to the losses of Einherjar. The infirmary was cast in a pale glow by the moonlight sifting through the pillars. The floor was mainly overtaken in room by beds, a few healers were bent over the wounded, using candlelight to give them enough light to work without disturbing the rest of the others. At the far side of the room she saw Mystina herself, with her leg folded over her other one, the same book she was reading the previous day within her grasp. Although her first instinct was to approach and interact with Mystina she kept her attention on the condition of each and every Einherjar. If they died here, within Asgard, if their souls were strong enough it would return to the cycle of reincarnation, of rebirth but if not than they could be lost altogether. Lenneth's lips curled into a thin, grim line. The ones who were deeper in the infirmary had healers on standby, healing them throughout the night, she soon came to realize that is why Mystina was at the bedside of a nameless Einherjar. Mystina's eyes flickered on the nameless Einherjar and finally saw her, "Valkyrie…what are you doing here?"
"Visiting…what has been going on here?"
"We are taking turns, shifts, in healing. I'm part of the first watch. We've lost seven alone this evening and we prefer to keep the number from increasing. The healers are competent but we cannot fight their internal battles for them. There is a point in which the responsibility of recovery goes from the healer's hands to the soldier's. I am well enough, I can rival any one of these support mages although I think they'd be better off without having to worry about the likes of me. Has Arngrim already been sent off? I don't envy him."
"No, not yet, soon though, very soon. I hope you understand why I don't believe your efforts are wasted here."
"I think my abilities are, a lot of these cases are so severe they are almost lost causes, however I can understand the necessity of the action you took. I'll do what I can and do it well."
That was likely the best she'd get from Mystina based on her personality. No doubt that she saw her time wasted when, despite her efforts, the Einherjar passed on. Likewise she felt a similar crushing feeling knowing that sometime when bound to a Valkyrie the fabric of an Einherjar's soul could be held together while recovering. Fingers brushed her stray strands of her azure hair behind her ear and she descended to kneel beside the bed of the Einherjar at Mystina's side. Her voice softly, wordlessly whispering to his soul, taking his weakness within and giving strength in return, the exchange solidified the emotional contact coaxing it to completion. Lenneth rose, feeling slight warmth return to limbs that had laid in frozen grip before, however she immediately froze as she came eye to eye with Eir.
The goddess' eyes were inscrutable, difficult to read or understand, Lenneth herself was hard pressed to understood if her eyes held reproach or respect. Eir was aware of what she just did, "Lady Lenneth."
"Eir, no. No matter what I have become this is what I have always been, that will never change. If you continue to have difficulties you will be sure to call upon me, at any hour."
"Yes, yes my lady. I will…," her voice affirmed the promise with compassion, knowing that although Lenneth was no longer a Valkyrie through technicality that her compassion would allow her to be nothing less than humane. Her actions could very well save every soul that they had the possibility of losing, something which made Eir grateful, "I have completed my appointed task. The artifact is yours," she extended her arms holding out the crystal which Lenneth took, "Thank you, Eir."
"My lady Lenneth, do tell Freya to speak with me as soon as convenient."
"I will. Good evening," she did not even turn to Mystina but she knew that death would not touch Lyfjaberg or its residents this evening.
Creator AND Valkyrie, I still govern the fates of others, I was a fool to neglect that responsibility. Forgive me…
Her silent plead went out to the seven lost that day.
When she arrived at Folkvangr she was surprised first by the absence of the second-rank goddess and secondly by the Einherjar who greeted her in Freya's stead, "My Lady. Lady Freya has had to attend to an emergency elsewhere however she made us aware of your return and has decreed that you are to be allowed to freely come and go from Sessrumnir in her absence."
"Very well, do you have any other messages for me?"
"Not, not that I am aware of. During your visit feel free to call upon us for anything."
"I have no need for anything at this time, thank you, you are dismissed."
"My lady…"
"If Freya returns than I will appraise her of the reason you left your post. Rest well."
"Yes, my lady," the female Einherjar quickly leaving as Lenneth descended through the halls towards the heart of Folkvangr – to the residence of Sessrumnir.
The path was easy to retrace and once she returned to the room she tried to materialize Arngrim only to feel her own mind slip against wards? In the brief time she had been here before she had not felt the wards placed upon the room. Wards that kept the Hrist's divinity hidden and the magic that sustained her contained. It was a good measure but such a stall tactic would not sustain Hrist indefinitely, she required contact with a body so that when hers was constructed she'd be able to accustom herself to flesh like an Einherjar had to get stronger in death to successfully materialize for any indefinite length of time without the aid of a Valkyrie.
Lenneth placed Hrist's crystal upon the pedestal while her mind probed for weakness in the structure of the ward – to allow her to touch her divine magic. There was no need to do away with the wards in entirety especially when they would be able to hide her manipulation of the magic. Lenneth would use Freya's own wards to her advantage, to guard herself against Freya's suspicions. Carefully the wards lessened more and more until she was able to feel her powers of materialization slip into her grasp allowing her to materialize Arngrim. She was gratified to feel that the room contained even her own divine powers, "Are you prepared?"
"I don't think an eternity could make anyone ready for HER. I am as ready as I am going to be."
A grim smile slipped on her lips in the darkness even though she knew that, like yesterday, she should have reproached him for such words, "I am not sure what kind of response you will get from Hrist however I am hoping that she will come to respond while within you. It is reason to worry if she remains silent and stagnant."
Arngrim grunted in a non-committable fashion obviously not sharing her wish for the Valkyrie to awaken in her vessel, "I am willing to weather her complaints about her inferior vessel pending the promise of relief from the recurrent headaches sure to follow as the result."
Lenneth did not turn to him or justify him with a reply however she did intend to make sure Hrist was tolerable and sensible to her host. Again her mind reached out, probing the crystal for weaknesses to exploit. She found it, near the heart of the crystal and as she placed pressure against that single place she was surprised to feel the soul within also placing pressure against that same place as if the soul within was desperate for release from its confines. However, as her work continued Lenneth began to realize that the soul wasn't trying to get out, it was responding to its rightful vessel, the body she currently inhabited. Lenneth felt her mind withdraw, instantly trying to find a way to make sure the soul would attach to Arngrim. However she wasn't given that moment, like a battering ram the essence of the soul shattered the crystal.
The wispy layers of the amethyst spirit soared up and curled against, away from the wards on the room and came down upon her. Instantly she felt as if that night within the Weeping Lily Meadow was happening all over again. The essence of Hrist's overbearing strength, her survival instinct was amazingly strong despite and perhaps because of the fragmentation her soul endured. As Valkyrie she didn't dare overpower Hrist's soul even though she knew that this time around her soul was much more powerful. The dark Valkyrie's soul started to settle within her and she felt the same conflict come to the surface as her mind travelled back to the memory in the meadow. Her mind vividly remembering the glow of glyphs upon the meadow's ground – the Sovereign's Rite.
I don't know the Rite, not yet however…perhaps…
Lenneth felt her mind bulk the soul continued to try to take precedence to her own soul. If she could fight back she'd win but if she won than she might undo the fabric of the weak soul. Her eyes were cast on Arngrim who stood ready, unsure of what action to take against the invisible assailant within. In desperation she beckoned him forward as she sank to her own knees. Gratitude washed through her when he came kneeling at her side without hesitation despite whatever misgivings he had about the situation. Pale hands rested on his neck and she dematerialized him, roughly collecting all her might to bear against the soul bringing it together, foisting it into contact with Arngrim's. Her grip was unyielding, allowing no opportunity for the soul to fight for any further control. It was slow to descend into tranquility, only giving way when there was no more strength to fight with until the soul was weakened, subdued by its own exhaustion. Only when she realized that it couldn't fight did she withdraw her contact with the soul, allowing herself to materialize Arngrim. He was panting himself from the effort, once he had been rejoined with her, her struggle had become his own; the fight to keep Hrist's rebellious instincts in check, to keep the soul from breaking free. She stood, her eyes falling upon Arngrim's taxed form. She wished she could give him time to rest before completing the ritual however she could not risk another uprising. To finalize the ritual of soul transfusion she watched as faint glyphs to fell into place at his feet, sealing the soul within its temporary host.
The deed is done…
"Arngrim? Are you alright?"
The Heavy Warrior opened his eyes exhaling a deep breath as if he'd been holding it back. His eyes noticed a soft, relieved expression from Valkyrie, from Lenneth as he pushed himself up into a sitting position, "What happened?"
"The soul tried to chose its own host. I held it off and when I brought you back within myself, I circumvented it efforts by placing and sealing the soul within you in my stead."
"So we were successful?"
"Yes, we were."
"Good, I was right."
"Right?"
"She is a pain the ass."
For the third time, to his satisfaction, he got away with his sarcasm though this time it was because he passed right out.
The absence of Hrist's soul…
The shattered remnants of the crystal…
And her placement within an avatar…
There was so much she had to explain to Freya once the goddess would find out. She hoped that for a long time the goddess didn't go down into Sessrumnir's deep confines, satisfied with the report that Lenneth DID return with Hrist's soul…..initially. Lenneth was in no means eager for Freya to learn the truth and right now her priority was to tend to Arngrim. She never saw the heavy warrior pass out cold like that. She didn't even leave him to other Einherjar. She brought him back to Valhalla and settled him down into a room, inside a bed, for rest before she made her return to Folkvangr. It was NOT her intent to tell Freya what had happened the evening unless she learned of it on her own. She had an agenda, her own agenda, and she would not allow Freya's fury to divert her from it if it could be helped. When she returned to Folkvangr she knew, she felt that the second-rank goddess wasn't back yet. Lenneth stood waiting at the ready at the entrance of Folkvangr. Her wait was thankfully not much longer as Freya soon returned.
"Lady Lenneth?"
"Freya."
"What are you doing here? Surely you did not just return now. Did Eir not attend to you, to Hrist, immediately?"
"She did, Hrist has been attended to."
"That is good. However why are you here?"
"I asked earlier for a moment of your time this evening. You said it was not possible on account of Hrist's own needs. I have attended to them and I would ask that you reconsider allowing me to voice my earlier request."
"Very well but within Sessrumnir, I do not speak in the presence the lesser hall."
"As you wish."
Freya seemed almost tired as she threw weave of ether around the pair of them teleporting them to what appeared to be an audience chamber. It was not as grand as Odin's in Valhalla although its design mirrored Valhalla's.
"I will not waste your time thus I will get straight to the point. I express concern that in the interim there is a lack of impersonal judge when it comes to the souls upon Midgard. It is not my duty anymore by your reckoning but I disagree. I was the last Valkyrie to hold that office, to practice that task. More than one Valkyrie cannot exist upon Midgard at one time however nor should NO Valkyrie exist upon Midgard at any time. In light of Hrist's absence and because Hrist cannot do this task alone indefinitely I believe we should recover Silmeria through the Sovereign's Rite if necessary."
"Silmeria's actions cannot be repeated, her rebellion contributed to our instability at the most crucial of times. What you ask for, it can be done, but the question we ask is if we WANT it done?"
"Do you seriously think that throughout the times that Hrist will be able weather the tasks upheld through the age by three? Especially considering her tenuous position of late? How do you know that when she is reborn that Hrist will be able to meet the demands of the future based on expectations from the past?"
Freya looked sour to be questioned however she relented, "Very well, I will teach you the Sovereign's Rite however the memory seal it shall remain. In this case it is clearly a necessity, a necessary evil practiced for the greater good. She will not be accepted back until she has yielded all memory of her past transgressions. I will not yield on this point, it is for OUR own good, Lady Lenneth."
