Sorry that this wasn't updated sooner, I was out all day and I just got home. AO3 got this sooner. I did not have access to my laptop until about 8 PM my time, so I truly I am sorry. I used to be able to use the desktop version of FF on my phone, but they took that away, does anyone know why?
As always:
"Speaking"
Individual thoughts/Mindscape talk with the twins
*Ability/Spell*
...
Both Irene and Riveria continued along the street, ignoring the looks, but Irene couldn't help but feel a little small walking next to Riveria. Being her Godmother aside, she was still horribly inadequate in comparison, magic-wise. Sure, having her new spell helped, but that meant nothing if she didn't know how to properly use it.
As it stands, she can literally use any spell, so long as she knows the chant and effects. Elf Ring was Lefiya's magic which allows the same thing, but the main difference is that if Irene becomes 'acquainted' with the spell, it is added to her spells. Still, she knew nothing major. Sure, she could use Isaac and Bell's Swift Strike Magic, but she had limitless potential now. Was it selfish if she wanted to learn some higher-tier spells? "Uhm, Ma… Riveria?"
Riveria turned, her heart soaring and dropping in an instant. Maybe after all the times getting teased by Tiona and Tione, she wanted to be a mother, a pleasure and privilege she denied herself for too long. The staff in her very hand was a reminder. "Yes, Hachimitsu, what is it?"
Whether Irene noticed the tone Riveria had or not, she carried on, "Where are we heading, since I know for a fact Twilight Manor is one street back from Babel, and Dia's Complex is three more to the left."
"The Guild. We're getting your rightful possession," Riveria said like it was the simplest thing in the world.
Well, that certainly was a surprise. Irene didn't expect the blunt tone, "Shouldn't we wait for Isaac?"
"Don't you want to say 'I told you so' to him?" Riviera chuckled once.
"Did you just make a-" Irene paused, "So you do have a sense of humor! I knew it!" Irene gained a small skip in her step as the two entered the doors of Pantheon. Most eyes were brought to the two of them.
Hey sis… I did it, her brother's voice floated in her mind.
Did what? You didn't cause a public disturbance, did you? Irene gently asked.
"Are you speaking to Isaac right now?" Riveria noticed the slight lapse in Irene's attention.
"Yes, he did something, and I'm waiting for him to get to the point," Irene sighed out.
Nope, but I'm courting someone now.
"You're what?"Irene spoke physically and mentally. It wasn't loud, but it still drew shock to the young elf's face and Riveria's curious glance. Explain.
Well, you know how I saw Mikoto, and then she came up to me, and then I asked to court her—well, I confirmed that she was about to ask me out just as I said the courting words—and about thirty other people, mostly demi-humans and other elves noticed, so expect me to be front-page gossip, and don't tell Misha! Isaac explained. Misha was an absolute bloodhound, no offense to the chienthropes, when it came to gossip.
Dare I ask where Mikoto is right now? Irene now completely tuned out to the physical world and focused on the mental one.
In my arms, running across rooftops, Isaac replied casually, but with a hint of guilt.
Irene snorted softly, Well, if you want to meet us, we're at the Guild. I'll let you know what happens.
That's actually perfect. His voice retreated from her head as the doors opened again. Irene, now finally paying attention to the real world, looked to see her brother gently setting a fair blushing maiden on the ground, her heels clicking on the ground. Her hair was slightly out of place and her brother had the damn decency to look somewhat embarrassed. "So, we doing this or…"
"Isaac, what did you do?" Riveria now took a slight parental tone, only noticeable to the twins. Mikoto looked between Riveria and Issac before her eyes connected the dots.
"Nothing illegal if that's what you're implying," Isaac defended. "Just professed that I have a crush on someone," he added as his hand twitched to hold Mikoto's.
The High Elf decided to let that one go, "Miss Mikoto, was it?"
"Uhm, yes, Lady Riveria?" Mikoto said, bowing slightly. Riveria was going to ask why she was doing that, but Isaac's head shake told her not to question it. "Glad you made him happy."
Both Isaac and Mikoto snapped their eyes to Riveria. Irene did too, completely unfazed, but a smile grew on her face. That's Mama Riveria for you. She just accepted it and coming from her as a High Elf, and as our Godmother, that's like all the permission you need. Irene didn't look at Isaac when she said this.
I think I must just call her Mom to see her reaction for that, Isaac thought as he took one step further in the Guild Hall, all eyes on him and the girl he had carried in. He spun on his heel, "Do you want me to take you to your home?" He could feel the awkward tension rising in her shoulders. His tone was apologetic, and Mikoto knew it.
"No, I can wait out here… Isaac," Mikoto said with a blush, making Isaac beam. Irene had to hide the giggles from her love-sick brother behind her hand. No one else commented on it, and conversations continued as normal, albeit they were slightly quieter.
Isaac quickly hugged her before he was by his sister and Godmother's side, clearly excited. Riveria had one eye closed as she looked at him. A memory flooded the High Elf's mind. She remembers a time back in Saumouth Grove, inside Sofia's workshop, where she heard scampering outside the area. Her eyes narrowed but saw two tiny silhouettes pressed against the glass, and it was that same beaming smile. They were quickly ushered off by their parents and the issue was never brought up. They were still toddlers at the time.
Quickly bringing herself out of memory lane, she turned to the counter and eyed a crimson-haired werewolf, "Rose,"
"Mistress Riveria," Rose responded in kind. Her eyes filtered to the twins, "How can I help you today?"
It was Irene who spoke, "I'd like to see my grandmother's records. I have an inquiry that only the official records can solve. Please do not be ignorant, I'm positive that we're a hot topic right now." Not a tone of arrogance, a no-nonsense tone just to skip the games.
"I know who you are and what you are after, but please verify yourself," Rose said. Then added, "This is only for Guild purposes."
"Irene Vlahos, descendent of Sofia Vlahos. I'd very much like to go see those records for myself, to ensure that they aren't lost in translation," Irene said, her tone suggesting that she would not accept anything but the bonafide item.
Isaac wisely kept his mouth shut, but added in only because Rose glanced at him, "Isaac Vlahos, also a descendent of Sofia Vlahos." Multiple pairs of eyes landed on Isaac and Irene—them being Harpe and Aspis respectively—with a confusing light. Mikoto was meditating, but her ears caught some of their whispers.
One of them just didn't get the hint, or they were ignorant.
"Why would they want to see that old hag's records, she's dead," one adventurer said with a cocky attitude. She was a Cat Person, who looked to be around level two at best. Mikoto already prayed for them as soon as they spoke.
She was proven right a second later. There was a silent thunk as something embedded in the wall, not an inch from their head. Mikoto opened her eyes and saw a shuriken just above their cat ears. "Would you like to repeat that for those in the back?" Irene's voice came out calm, almost bored, but underneath she was seething, her eyes glinting in the light. Isaac slowly rose his intent, all directed at the adventurer.
"I'd advise against disrespecting the dead," Mikoto said, her expression guarded. "And certainly not in front of the surviving relatives," and my… boyfriend. She never moved from her seat, but the demi-human realized who they just insulted. Were they not paying attention?
Riveria sighed, "If you start a fight in here, none of you will escape without injury and you will be paying for the damages. The Guild is neutral territory, and fighting is forbidden. I am positive that Lady Dia does not need more stress." Yep, just like the Hiryute twins. The twins stopped glaring, realizing that Riveria was right, of course, and mentioning Dia would get them to rethink their actions… most of the time.
Mikoto walked over to the stunned adventurer, reached up, and pulled out the shuriken, avoiding their ears. The samurai walked over to Irene and gently put it back in her awaiting hand. "Remind me to never make you mad, Lady Irene."
"As long as you and Isaac are happy, I could care less," Irene said, still burning a hole through the adventurer. The atmosphere was tense, so much so, that Royman Mardeel the head of the Guild, entered the lobby.
"What is going on?" The short, fat elf was wearing a very nice tailored black suit, a higher quality of any other Guild receptionist. Often called the Pig of their race, he represents the Elves' greatest shame. Aside from that… not much to redeem him honestly.
Riveria sighed for the umpteenth time today, and it was barely midday. "Royman."
The short elf regarded Riveria before nodding, but then his green eyes hardened when it landed on Isaac and Irene, specifically their ears. "What is the purpose of your visit?"
Oh, the contempt and resentment the twins felt was enough to raise their hackles. The expression lit a wave of burning anger inside of them both, one where even Royman felt the burning intensity of their unified glares. However, their expressions didn't change. That was the concerning thing. Isaac gently spoke, "If you have any ill-mannered remarks, I'd take a page from the receptionists and I'd advise you not to speak them. We came here to get records regarding our Grandmother. This all can be avoided if we get what we came here for, or do I need to pull the family card? After all, am I—a descendent of a High Elf—not allowed to see what made everyone revere her? Do we as her only surviving family not get to know this information? We obviously cannot ask her, her patron god, or any surviving familia members as they are nowhere to be found, or they're dead." Isaac's hand curled on the desk, the creaking audible to Rose's sensitive ears. Her eyes were wide at his display of veiled wrath. Those same eyes saw the same expression mirrored on Irene's face.
Royman was sweating bullets and a sense of familiarity arose from within him, "Definitely her children."
"Grandchildren, thank you," Irene said, dropping her intent and put a sweet smile on. Rose had to pick her jaw up from the floor in shock. Mikoto had gently taken hold of Isaac's other hand. Witnesses saw her debate this the entire time before she actually went for it. Isaac responded by gently squeezing back, in complete contrast to his other hand.
"Unfortunately, I cannot le-"
"Let them through," a voice boomed, one that shocked the very Guild. The reaction threw everyone, even Riveria who normally kept her expressions controlled, for a loop.
To some, literal history was being made. Adventurers aren't usually allowed back there unless escorted by a Guild representative, and the Deities are allowed through should they wish to speak with him. Lord Ouranos, the founding father of Orario, if the legend was to be believed.
The twins looked to Riveria who shook her head, "I am staying out here, it is your Grandmother's status you are looking at. I am not inclined to peek. I knew she was powerful, the numbers were merely that. Numbers and letters on a page. However, it may hold an answer to that of which you seek. Mikoto, would you please stay as well?"
"Yes, Lady Riveria," Mikoto said rigidly, knowing full well that one does not disrespect Nine Hell or any first-tier adventurer. Her being a High Elf was a small detail in that fact.
The Vlahos twins were now behind the Guild desk and heading down the long hallways of Pantheon. Rose and Royman were leading the way. Rose was only there because she's their advisor. But also leaving an elf with a very well-known distaste for half-elves already with quarter-elves was a bad idea. In this case, it was bad for the elf.
The werewolf opened up the conversation, "You wanted to see your Grandmother's records for what exactly?"
Irene, obviously knowing she was probing, decided to answer with some truth. "I have a new spell, and according to Lady Riveria, my grandmother had it, so I very much would like to confirm a theory." Isaac's eyes were glued to Royman's back, waiting for him to step out of line.
Knowing the Guild workers didn't have a blessing was one of the only things holding him back. The second was not knowing if he actually secretly had a falna.
Royman, completely oblivious—ignorant—to Isaac's glare of malicious intent, spoke, "I haven't the slightest clue what she is gaining from this."
"Ever thought about closure?" Isaac retorted.
Royman was able to hide his reaction mostly, "And what would a quarter-elf have to say about that?"
Irene sucked a breath between her teeth, that was a bad thing to say. Rose looked very uncomfortable, her ears and tail swishing this way and that. Isaac laughed, "Come back to me when everyone you thought you could rely on tries to kill you." A far less graphic version of the truth, but it allowed for the intended effect.
Royman's gods-damned silence, and as a negative bonus, Rose's horror. The crimson werewolf didn't know that. After all, she knew nothing of them until the day they entered and registered their familia. She was looking at them in a new light. Her distaste for dating adventurers aside, she does care about people but learned to never get attached as it only ended in grief.
"So, understand we only want to see what made her so legendary," Irene calmly interjected.
The quartet arrived at a storage room. Rose had led most of the way, having gone this exact way a mere six days ago in a haste. She knew the records were there.
The door now unlocked, Royman entered first, then the twins, and finally Rose. The werewolf immediately went to the drawer where she knew where the file was.
Isaac and Irene felt something was off in the room, We're not alone. They made no other motion to look, acting like everything was fine.
You think someone else snuck back here?
Positive, their gaze lingers. The file was placed in Irene's awaiting hand, and she immediately flipped to the end, looking at a very lengthy status sheet. She ignored most everything on the former half, concentrating on the lower half, while Isaac glanced at everything else. So, how the hell did she die? With stats like this, her dying of old age was less plausible, but still possible.
Possessing a falna from a God lengthens one's lifespan the higher level someone is. Their Grandmother, being level nine, would have been able to live for at least three hundred to four hundred years, easily. She was somewhere between her mid one fifties, appearance-wise, according to Riveria and she still looked like she was thirty, but the twins didn't even know how old she was.
"You can leave, we don't plan on taking this, we literally just wanted to look at it," Isaac said, not looking at their advisor or the head of the Guild, his tone one of exasperation for all the effort it took just to get here. "Oh, and thank Lord Ouranos for me." The two members of the Guild looked appalled that he would just say their founder's name so easily. "Lady Dia made us learn some history, and out of our desires do we know this."
"So, it looks like I inherited that spell after all. Riveria will be happy, but…"
"Shadow, right?" Isaac asked, closing his eyes. He knew he was right because of Irene's silence. "Well, we better be able to surpass her." A lofty goal, but entirely doable.
The two Guild members left, and as soon as they did, Isaac turned with a throwing knife in hand and threw it at the wall. "Come on out, Perseus, we know you're there."
The knife was taken out of the wall, now floating, "How long did you know I was here?"
Irene, without looking up, "Since we were let into the back. Don't look at your targets, especially since your targets already have watchful eyes on them."
The mask was lifted as Asfi Al Andromeda came into view. That was a handy magic item. She shifted her glasses on the bridge of her nose. "Apologies for the spying, but he insisted."
"Tell Hermes that he can stay out of our business," Irene said without looking up from the file. Some of the spells on here were very interesting, especially the one about Spirit Healing. What else can she learn?
"So, by coming here, you have that spell that rivals Thousand Elf?" Asfi posed as a question but sounded like she was stating a fact.
"More or less," Irene responded flatly before putting the sheet back into its file and putting it back into its proper place. "Let's go, your courted maiden is waiting, Isaac."
"Don't start," Isaac said, then looking to Asfi who handed him his knife back, "Not a word to Hermes."
"With how public you made your display. I will not be surprised if Hermes already knows about it," Asfi said with a small grin.
The twins exited the back without so much as speaking. Asfi left by a different route, and the twins couldn't be bothered to ask. However, what made Isaac almost slam his hand through the desk were the elves crowding around Mikoto, who looked so uncomfortable that Irene had to hold him back from decking all of them. Riveria watched them exit and waited to see how they would react.
The Eternal Shadow clearly wanted to lash out, but sat still, squirming. She hated how Riveria put her up to this, but the High Elf wanted to prove something. Isaac gently whispered to a receptionist, and it happened to be Eina Tulle, "How long have they been bothering my courted?"
Eina picked up the term and could see the fury hidden in Isaac's hazel irises. "Not very long, but she has asked them to move away, and they haven't."
Isaac looked to Irene, a small amount of pleading went into his expression, If you don't let me do something, this is only going to get worse.
Irene gently walked to Riveria before replying, Try not to break any bones.
"I see," Isaac gently put potions on the counter, voice calm, intent high, "Hold on to those for me."
Eina didn't see him move as he grabbed two of the offenders by the collar of their outfits and threw them out in the street, and by the time the others realized what was going on, they had bruises on their chests, "Make a move on my courted again, I will draw blood." Satisfied that they didn't start a fight, Isaac went back to Mikoto, who looked shocked seeing how fast he got rid of them. He held his hand out, with a gentle smile, "May I escort you home now?"
Mikoto stood up with his assistance before getting real close to his face, a bold move. She watched his confidence turn to nervousness in an instant, but his body language did not change. "Certainly."
With that one word, Isaac's heart soared and his head was in the clouds. Maybe he could touch Tenkai if he tried.
Irene immediately spoke, "You put them up to that, didn't you?"
Riveria did not respond, hiding a small smile with her hand. Who knew the High Elf had a mischievous side?
Isaac rejoined the pair soon after, having run into Ouka and Chigusa on the way. Isaac relinquished his grip on her hand reluctantly, something that Mikoto's companions and Takemikazuchi noticed as he was with them. He bowed in respect to him and turned and started jumping up to the roofs. Maybe it was because he was inspired or the fact that he was doing it so often that the roofs were less crowded.
He noticed them walking towards Twilight Manor and decided to stay close, but disregarded that plan, then disregarded that plan when Irene spoke to him, You best come on down here.
Am I in trouble?
We both are.
Isaac gulped. That depended on who said they were in trouble. He leaped off a couple of roofs before tuck and rolling to preserve momentum as he stood next to Irene. Riveria had already stepped through the gates, and the guards of the Loki Familia were looking at Isaac in bewilderment. "So…"
"You two have been busy," a voice said. The Trickster was leaning against the gate, surprising the guards and the twins.
"Lady Loki," Irene said, slightly shocked that she was here. "What brings you out of your castle of ahem hotties?"
"Had to see Mama Riveria's little Godchildren," Loki got right to the point, her eyes slightly opened.
"Did she tell you?" Isaac asked. This did not violate their oath to one another. If the information came out, then the oath was dissolved. Simple as that, but that doesn't mean they were going to discuss the information regarding said oath.
"Implied it, never outright told me, and made a guess but Dia would like to discuss a few matters with you, but after she gets mad at you," Loki grinned, a mischievous one that made the twins pause. It was only mid-afternoon, the distance traveled today made time fly. No wonder the Gods don't notice it. The days go by in like a second for them. In retrospect, Orario is pretty big for being the center of the world.
"Is it about the incident at the Guild or him courting someone?" Irene purposely didn't oust Mikoto, because then Loki would probably interrogate the Takemikazuchi Familia or something to that effect. Or maybe not, but that was a theory anyway.
"Oh, Isaac! Irene!" a very familiar voice called out to the twins. Dia looked at her children smiling, but that smile was slightly off…
The twins took one step back in unison, chuckling slightly. "H-Hello/A-Afternoon, Lady Dia." We're so screwed.
You think?!
"Did anything exciting happen today?" It was the child-like tone that made them step back even further and Dia took steps closer, arms behind her back. "If you run, then Riveria will freeze you." To punctuate the point, Riveria had a magic circle glowing beneath her form. "So, explain what happened."
So they did. In all of about five minutes, much to the confusion of Loki Familia. It was hilarious to see them confused that they could speak in gestures, facial expressions, and few words. Dia then flicked both of her children on the forehead. It didn't hurt, but they pretended that it did, rubbing the spot. Riveria rolled her eyes at the display; anything to keep the Gods entertained.
At their current level, they wouldn't be able to feel that at full force. All it felt like was being poked by a toddler. Both of them apologized. Then Dia turned towards Loki, "We will have to continue this discussion later, right now, I have another matter to attend to."
Riveria let go of her spell, the circle disappearing, but she had a look of longing in her eye. The twins smiled, reassuring her as they walked away with Dia between them. She interlocked her hands with one of theirs, not allowing them the chance to escape.
Loki gained a glint in her eye. The High Elf shut that down fast, "You say anything, I will freeze you in your office."
"Aw, but you have actual family members now, why can't I tease you?" The magic circle appeared again. "Fine fine, Riveria, I won't," Loki put up her hands. "But it is good to see you bring out that maternal side, it's a relief to see; it's been six years since I've seen it. Come inside when you're done, alright?"
Riveria chose not to respond, mulling over her patron goddess's words. Her eyes lingered on the trio 'happily' moving down the street away from Twilight Manor.
"On a scale from Goblin to Goliath, how mad are you?" Isaac asked first, walking hand in hand with his Goddess. She squeezed his hand in response, which meant he was in trouble, big time.
"Amphisbaena," Dia responded, having known the Monster Rex that resides on the twenty-seventh floor. "You need to keep yourself in a calm and conducted manner. That goes for you too, Irene. Riveria explained to me that you both were oddly cold. Isaac, I understand you have permission to court Takemikazuchi's child. One, congratulations. Two, you couldn't have done it in private? Three, I think you should apologize next time you see her. Four, get her a gift to couple with three. As an added notion, does Elven courting interfere with Familia operations?"
Isaac swallowed the nervous lump in his throat, as seeing serious Dia was only when he was angry or determined. In this case, it might be column A and column B, with a slight advantage to the former. "Thank you, one. Two, probably could have, but I think she was about to ask me, but it usually has to be the man. I think Dad actually learned the words just to ask Mom to court her. Three, and well, four, I will, eventually. I'll save it for the date. As for your last query: No, when Elves court someone, it is outside of business. Business, in this case, is Dungeon-related items and expeditions. So, while I'm in the Dungeon with her, if the opportunity happens, I will remain professional. I'll just need to explain it to her when I get the chance. I didn't because I think it would be overwhelming to her, with all the unwanted attention she is probably getting."
Dia nodded, accepting his explanation, "Irene."
The younger twin gulped, she wasn't off the chopping block just yet, "Y-Yes?"
"Did you really have to throw a shuriken?" Dia asked calmly, glancing over at her.
""She insulted our family,"" both twins said. Irene continued, "No one insults the dead, doesn't matter who it is. She was lucky that I purposely aimed for the wall. Had she moved, I would be helping heal her, but I would be scolding and lecturing her. That Cat Person was seemingly uncaring, and I reacted on reflex. Not to mention that Riveria was standing right there with us, so it was even a bigger insult to say such things in front of a High Elf."
"Aren't you both High Elves?"
"While we are Quarter-Elves with High Elf blood, we basically have the equivalent standing of Half-Elves," Irene explained.
"If you want a more crass explanation, we're like the bastard children of High Elves. Recognized as such, and not much else," Isaac said.
"You're slipping, Isaac," Irene chided. He offered an apology.
Dia took over, letting go of their hands, turning around, and grabbing their hands again, "Okay, when you come home tonight, I have important details to discuss. As for your punishments, no Dungeon today or tomorrow. It allows you time for apologizing and talking to the rest of your party," Dia ordered.
The twins nodded in affirmation, "So what did you talk about with Lady Loki?"
"They want an alliance," Dia said outright.
"Wait, what?!"
"I guess that Riveria wants to make sure nothing ever happens to you," Dia continued without acknowledging her children's outburst.
"What about the one with Lady Hestia?" Irene asked.
Dia gladly answered that with a smile, "Details are finalized, but I have yet to meet with Hestia to sign it. As long as nothing happens where it pits us in the middle of a conflict between them, we will be fine."
"Does anyone else see how badly that can go? Or am I the only one with a sense of foreboding?" Isaac commented randomly.
"Your punishment is still in effect though, so don't break it," Dia reminded them. That was considerably lighter than what they thought she was going to levy against them. Two days out of the Dungeon? Easily accomplished, but as for what to do with that time, well, they will make do.
That reminded Irene about something, "We need to find Lili and talk to her. Should you find Welf, Isaac?"
Isaac rolled his eyes skyward, "I've heard rumors of where his forge is, so I'll check around there. Then, Irene, we need to meet up in the shopping district." We need to find a gift.
"Sure thing, with your permission, Lady Dia?" Meet with Welf fast. I have an idea.
Dia looked critically at her children, having walked so far that they were at Babel, hovering around the entrance. The looks started again, and a few elves looked like they wanted something. Dia noticed and gave her permission, "Be home by nightfall, if one of you is, relay the message," Dia tapped their foreheads. "Now, Irene, before you have to decline about five or six courting offers, I'd make haste. Isaac, stop glaring and go."
The twins nodded before taking off in opposite directions, launching themselves to rooftops, using little step stools, for lack of a better term. Dia watched as the elves, mostly male but she spotted a few females too, chased after Irene. It seems they already know that Isaac is spoken for. As for the younger twin, they wouldn't catch her.
The petite Goddess looked up to the top floor of Babel, wondering what she was doing. The why was simple to answer, but also not. What was she after?
Isaac made his way to the rumored location of where Welf's forge was. He didn't ask around, but he overheard some adventurers talking about magic swords. The name Crozzo came up, but also his refusal to make them. Isaac had a few guesses but kept them to himself. So, he's going to be our contracted smith, right? We agreed to that, yeah? Isaac and Irene had a thoughtful conversation about gear repair. The last time they did was before they entered the Dungeon with the group. The kicker, they charged it to double the normal price. Instead of throwing a fit, they decided to blacklist them, not officially, but personally.
Yeah, ask him. Right now, I've had to turn down about five different courting requests during my run. It wasn't even the people chasing me! It was people I happened to run by! I don't enjoy breaking hearts, but they need to learn that I don't have a specific type. I need someone who can be with me on an emotional level.
Isaac knew this but hummed thoughtfully. That's the first time you've admitted that to me. The signs were all there, but she never outright told him. Her relationships were platonic at most, she never hinted at someone, never really made judgments on appearances of others. If she did, it was factual, not slandering. Then again, he's never seen Irene hung up about anybody.
I didn't already? Irene sounded a little frightened to him, probably realizing she slipped.
I never pushed because I was sure that you would clam up. Tell me fully when you're ready, just make sure you know how to pick 'em, Isaac thought back. Alright, I'm here, see you in a bit. Love ya, sis.
Love you too, Isaac.
As soon as he stopped talking with her, he felt a gaze on him, and he resisted the urge to look over his shoulder. No one was behind him, but it felt like they were stripping him with their eyes. This was definitely Freya, since he enjoyed looking at them so much. He didn't want to know what fantasies she was coming up with.
Suppressing a shiver, he continued on, eventually running out of rooftops. The shack he came upon had a stone foundation, wooden windows, wooden roof, but a stone chimney. The smell that perforated the air was distinctly metal. Isaac gently knocked on the door, somehow hearing the clang clang of a hammer striking something, either a weapon or something else.
Knowing it'd be rude, Isaac gently twisted the handle, and it opened. He peered inside to see the red-haired man hunched over his anvil, bandana around his head, jacket off. "Welf," Isaac spoke.
The smith turned and jumped with a shock, "Jeez, did ya least knock?!"
Isaac stared blankly, "Yes, but because of the bang-bang of Hammer McGee over here, he didn't hear me."
Welf cracked a smile, so did Isaac, before the two boys started laughing. Welf removed his gloves and gently wiped a tear from his eye, probably from being near such intense heat. Isaac was already sweating and he's standing by the door. "What brings ya here?"
"I have questions, and no that is not one of them. My previous statement stands," Isaac said, clearly showing he was not being disrespectful. "How many direct contracts can a smith have?"
"Depends on the person. Bell's the only one I have," Welf explained, setting down his tools before focusing on the forge and pulling out the item he was making.
Perfect, Isaac thought to himself. "So how about adding two more to that?" He had waited to ask until Welf set the scorching item down.
Welf's light ashen grey eyes whipped towards the quarter elf, "Say what now?"
"Irene and I decided that we want you to be our personal smith, like how Bell is yours. You had just said it depends on the person," Isaac said.
"You do know what you're asking for, right?" Welf turned it on Isaac.
"Exactly, which is why I'm asking. If Bell trusts you, and he does, I trust you. Plus, a part of me says that it seems like it'll be fun to go on adventures together, right? That, and it'd be nice to have another guy to talk to." The smith obviously did not expect that answer so quickly. It seemed like Isaac was willfully ignorant to the issue that Welf was subtly bringing up—or he already knew what it was. That was most likely the case. Isaac grinned, "Irene just spoke to me, she wanted to know what your answer is."
"How can you…"
"Magic spell, I'll tell you over a drink sometime," Isaac offered.
"Well, I can't exactly convince you otherwise. However, before it becomes official, I need her explicit word. While I know you can speak for both, I won't accept it until I hear both voices."
"That's fair, so how about it Welfy?"
"Don't call me that." Then, Welf snapped his fingers, "Oh, I also leveled up!"
Isaac beamed, but not like the beaming smile he has for Mikoto, but Welf didn't notice, "Hell yeah!"
After Irene had to gently tell off another pursuer and another courting offer, this time from an elven woman. Honestly, it was because she didn't want to soil a bloodline. After all, some elves were particularly stuck up. The last thing they needed was a quarter-elf. At least, that's what she tells herself.
Her heart, on the other hand, yearned for someone she could hold or be held by. Right now, she found nothing.
A part of her felt elated that Isaac found someone he likes, and even courted. Even better, she accepted. However, with each and every person who offered to take her hand in courtship, she hasn't found the one who made her heart race. The problem was she needed someone that she can emotionally bond with, and well, that was a limited pool of people. She felt ashamed that she was hiding it from Isaac. He did just inferred he knew but wouldn't press her. A part of her felt relieved.
Then, a part of her felt jealous. How was it that he was able to find someone? How was it that he had it easy? Does he even know the enormous amount of stress she's under now? She's the one who uses magic more, and she's the one who inherited the skill… she's the one that has to… Well, he only has one spell, so she can't exactly stoop that low. She did like the idea of being a fairy princess when she was a child. It was one of her dreams. Does Isaac even remember it?
His dream was to make her dream a reality, to keep his sister, his only family happy. So why wasn't she happy? Well… she hasn't met someone that can really see her for her. They see her as Aspis, and that's it. They don't see her as Irene.
With that thought, she paused on a highrise rooftop; well, highrise being a story or two taller than other buildings on South Main street. There were some good shops out there, but she actually needed to look. She wasn't at the end of the city, but a large mansion came into view, and with it, a wave of animosity. Irene turned almost instantly and ran. The pitter-patter of Irene's shoes on the rooftop was the only source of external noise, aside from her breathing.
Or so she thought.
...
I refuse to rescind this. You can't make me.