Isaac and Mikoto left the Graveyard with a far better understanding of one another's lips. They had to suppress their smiles of glee, otherwise, people might assume they did the…hanky panky…in the Graveyard. They did not, both remain pure. Isaac wouldn't have even gone forward with it if she offered. He certainly wasn't going to take the leap yet. Their date only just began after all! They still have to get to know each other before they get to know each other.
That would be a disrespect to her as a maiden and a one-way trip to death. Even though it was only mid-afternoon, both felt like they've known each other for years. "Now, are you particularly interested in anything?"
Mikoto thought about it, and she really did. "I mean, I haven't been outside of Orario in the time we've been here."
"Getting permission from the Guild though would be difficult, especially since I've been promoted to 'second-class' adventurer, it's harder to get said permission. The only way is to get a quest or mission that takes us outside of it. You'd have a much easier time," Isaac reasoned. He knew how much of a pain it is to leave. If he thought entering was bad, exiting will be far worse.
"Have you gone to this café?" Mikoto pointed out. It was close to the Pleasure Quarter but did not associate itself with the district. Silky Satisfaction Cafe? That was the name. For some reason, it felt associated with the district, or at least, there was an influence on it.
"No, but it has my curiosity, are you interested in finding out, Miko?" Isaac asked. He truly was curious as he's never heard of this place and he's walked by here a few dozen times. He should know.
"Honestly, a little, but I just have a feeling that we'll meet someone who will tick me off," she said but her face contorted into a pout.
A small tickling sensation bloomed on her cheek, making her reach up and trace it, she looked over to Isaac giving her a relieving smile, "I like to think of myself as faithful. Do not doubt yourself. My heart is yours and I do not want it back."
The pair began walking towards Silky Satisfaction as she prompted, "What would have happened if I had rejected you?"
"I would've self-isolated for three months," he replied instantly, much to her shock. "Elven tradition. If the courtee denies the courter, a three-month period occurs where the latter must not see the former. No form of communication at all."
"W-Why so harsh?" The notion scared her more than she thought.
"To allow the heart to heal. However, I am more human than elf, often called Half-Man, so I would have asked you out normally. The courting is a bonus, but nothing can top you," he replied smoothly. Not even you, Lady Freya.
The Far Eastern girl seemed pensive at this. Would this have affected him in the past? The butterfly effect that Lord Takemikazuchi mentioned would prove itself true.
"Don't think so hard about it. I'm just grateful that you even gave me a chance," Isaac admitted as they entered the door.
"Oh?"
"I happen to have my own personal tastes, and you've checked off every box," he said. Flirting, as usual, Mikoto deduced. Still, her cheeks and heart betrayed the calm façade she wanted.
They were brought out of their conversation by a waitress who seemed to be eyeing Isaac intently. He immediately felt sweat drip down his neck…it was an Amazoness. "Oh, as I live and breathe, Harpe is in the building." She was piling on the lust. "Such a strong man…the daughters we could have."
"I'd appreciate it if those comments were kept to a minimum. I am on a date with my courted and would like to enjoy my day with her," Isaac said, letting some of his anger out.
The Amazon waitress shuddered, feeling the strong vibes from him. "No promises." She was wearing a very skimpy maid outfit like one would dress up for in the bedroom. "Ladies, we have a special guest today! Harpe is in the building!"
Isaac rested his head on Mikoto's shoulder, withholding a groan. This was common, and his eyes portrayed that to her. She grabbed his hand and kissed his cheek, "Listen, I understand. This'll prove that you're as faithful as you say you are."
"You've got a strong man, don't let him go, Eternal Shadow," the waitress said, even as the others cooed at their PDA. "Anyway, just you two?"
"Yes," Isaac said. "At least I can say that this day will be interesting." As if it didn't get there already. I'm surprised that Mikoto is keeping a lid on her embarrassment. Maybe because I'm just as embarrassed that she is keeping a level head.
In actuality, she was freaking out, why did I suggest this place? I knew what I should have expected, but this was...a lot to take in. Is this what it is going to be like when we...no. He said he wasn't going to do that, and I believe him. She looked at his side profile, seeing he was probably even more squeamish about this. Neither wanted to admit it; they were both stubborn that way.
The two were seated in view of the minibar, but they faced one another. Their hands were connected on the table for all to see. It was only so that people understood that nothing was going to break them apart.
S̴̹͆o̸̼͠ ̵̤̏y̶̜͊o̴̜̕ú̷̩ ̶͉̓t̴̩̏h̴̻̓i̸̬̒n̸̳͛k̴̟̔…̷͔͝
"Do Amazons find you desirable?" Mikoto inquired.
"Honestly, I don't know, but I'd rather not find out. Tiona is the only one I can think of off the top of my head that would come close to finding me 'desirable' as you put it. But that's not important, what is important…is me spending time with you," Isaac emphasized. Right now, she was his highest priority.
"How are you so sweet?" Mikoto genuinely wanted to know. Isaac didn't respond, but he had a pensive expression plastered to his face.
"I…never thought of myself as a 'sweet' guy. Not after fleeing from our home," there was a pain in his eyes that spoke for him.
His lovely date knew that this was a topic that she shouldn't pursue yet, as much as her curiosity was begging her to ask. "Well then, consider me the first to think of you as sweet, handsome, and all mine." Her eyes sharpened when she noticed the Amazonians eyeing him.
"We can leave if it's bothering you," Isaac offered in a whisper.
"No, I'm rubbing it in," she replied before she closed the distance and gave him a chaste kiss. The giddy smile he had proved her point. She allowed herself to be smug.
Two menus were put on the table, "Sorry for the wait…well aren't you two a cute couple?" Her arms rested on the table. Both patrons turned to see a magenta-eyed, pale pink-haired Amazon smiling endearingly at them. She straightened herself up, clearing her throat, "My name is Oida, and I'll be your waitress."
The first thing they noticed was that she wasn't drooling over Isaac. The second thing was that she was wearing more clothes than some of the staff combined. The final thing they noticed was the very noticeable baby bump. That alone gave them thoughts they wished to not entertain…yet.
"Oh?" Oida looked down, putting a hand on her bump, "Yes, I am pregnant with a daughter. The man I'm with is my husband, despite popular Amazonian tradition. He's such a sexy, irresistible…sorry…I'm embarrassing you two love birds." The flushes they had were the most brilliant ones yet. Even despite that, they haven't let go of one another's hand. "Can I start you off with a drink? Elven spring water or coffee?"
"Spring water please," Isaac replied slowly, taking a moment to recover.
"Plain water for me, Miss Oida," Mikoto said with all the respect she could scrounge up in the short time she was able.
Jotting it down, "Alright, take a moment to look over the menu, and I'll be back with your drinks. Flag me down if you-wait…can't say that. Just call my name and I'll come waddling," Oida said, sighing dreamily whilst gently rubbing her baby belly. This did get two smiles from the young couple. It also brought a flush to their faces as they thought about the possibility—which both silently agreed that it was far too soon to think about that.
Their attention shifted to the menu, "Dreamy Creamy Delight?" Isaac had to hold back a snicker at the innuendo, as the whole menu was full of them…just don't get him started on the pies…
He had to make sure that he was able to breathe at the end of this. "This is certainly...an interesting place."
"You don't have to lie, ya know?" Isaac retorted softly. "Trust me, I'm as embarrassed as you. No elf would ever go here, in fact, I just might be the first." The observation was true, no patron in the café was an elf and this was a semi-popular resting place from the Pleasure Quater. Not to mention, the Amazons were wearing skimpy maid outfits, except Oida.
"Does your pride not allow you to?" Mikoto asked, wanting to know more about Elven Pride.
"Lost my pride when I was eight, and as you heard, my chastity is more important than anything I have, well, save my sister. Hopefully, I can replace something on that list."
Mikoto's slight ignorance came through, "Replace?"
Isaac flushed, but he had a flirtatious grin, "My chastity for you." It was too silent in the shop, and the Amazons were looking at him with more lust than before, knowing that Harpe was still pure. It was like a competition for Amazons, seeing how many virgins they could deflower. "Don't you have jobs to do?" Odia was watching with a smile that wasn't lecherous, but a knowing one.
"Those two will be cute together, I can see their love…" Oida said, rubbing her baby bump."
The two then ordered a light meal which was a sort of turnover. Isaac got raspberry and Mikoto got the apple turnover. They both tasted amazing, even feeding it to one another. The patrons were moved by how affectionate they were being. Those in the know of elven culture understood why.
Oida kept a close eye on them, reminding her of days with her husband when they were their age. That was a long time ago, not really, like less than a decade ago. She loved seeing young couples in love. It made her feel happy.
After getting them the bill, they left, Isaac's arm over Mikoto's shoulders and her arm around his waist. She felt like she was parading him around, but it was really what he felt like. He was trying to be humble but that wasn't working out for him, so he just accepted it as fact. "So, if it wasn't so bad with the lust, would you go back?"
"Hmm, maybe not, but Miss Oida was super nice!" Mikoto said, humming in content as Isaac snuggled her closer. Her heart was jumping.
Isaac wasn't faring much better. He was watching her face, seeing the quick turn of her lips, her cheek gaining a dimple, the way her eyes lit up as they walked the streets. He was pretty sure that he looked creepy staring at her, but she was his, right? She accepted the courting offer, she accepted the date, and that meant they were boyfriend and girlfriend, right?
Even the stare from Babel wasn't that bad, perhaps, it was actually soothing this time, like the Queen was happy. However, bits of lust and jealousy went through, making him refocus on the girl who stole his heart. They approached Babel Tower before veering off to the North-western Wall. He wanted to go see the Wall at this time of day, the evening, before going to a spot that would be romantic and private, just to sit for the night, at least until they are called back.
However, he didn't get to as an older woman stepped in front of him, looking at him critically. "Who are you?"
The woman cackled, making Mikoto get goosebumps, "Definitely her grandchild, my name is Lenoa, a witch. Oh, am I interrupting something?"
"Yes," Isaac said flatly. "Our date," He emphasized this by pulling Mikoto closer.
"Oh, dear me... well...there is a matter that I have been trying to get your attention on, and since your sister and Riveria already visited, I thought I'd get lucky in finding you."
"My sister and m-Riveria visited you? When?" Isaac asked, slowly letting Mikoto go, but still held her hand.
The witch scoffed, "Before the War Game, congratulations, by the way, but there is something I need you for in my shop."
The elder Vlahos looked to Mikoto, wanting a second opinion, "I mean, you could at least go see. I'll be right there with you, Isaac." Hearing her opinion, he went with it.
The Witch led them to her shop and went to the back room. Before she did, she turned around, "I'm sorry, Mr. Vlahos, but your courted needs to stay out here. Only a few people are allowed back here."
Isaac was ready to retort, but Mikoto squeezed his hand, telling him it was alright. He pouted but relented. "Fine."
"Splendid," Lenoa said, "If you move, girl, I'll curse you." She said it in such a serious voice that Isaac was ready to lash out, "Heh heh, just kidding." The Far Eastern girl just gaped at the Witch.
Isaac was tempted to drag himself and his courted out of there just for that, but as he stepped forward, he felt magic, and a lot of magic, almost making him falter in his steps. There were many sources of magic, and all of them had turned to him, but only two were truly interested.
The room was the same as when Irene visited it, but the fact that something was missing from a display. The staffs realized that another walked amongst them, but it was the swords that yearned for a wielder. "Hmm, it seems the swords realize that someone worthy is among them."
"This happened with Irene, didn't it?" Isaac asked straight up. He figured something like this would happen.
"Indeed, and she chose between three of them, however, you have to choose between two. Even in my old age, I can see that the two swords are feeling mighty anxious," Lenoa said, casting a glance at those swords. One was a Spatha or a double-edged longsword. The hilt was embedded with a crest that the young quarter elf should recognize. The second sword was shorter than the first, by a decent amount, so it was more of a knife or machete. In truth, it was a Ninjaken, the whole thing only being around a half meder. There were slight engravings on it, and Isaac felt like he's seen it before.
"So, what's the catch?" Isaac crossed his arms and looked at Lenoa, questioning her motives.
"Similiar, you two are. She asked me the same thing, and I'll tell you the same. I have no motives, as these items will just sit here collecting dust. Figured she'd appreciate it, even in death that I would take care of her grandchildren," Lenoa said, idly checking her nails, which were long by the way. Seriously, if Irene didn't say she met a walking cliché, he would have never believed her. So far, Lenoa has checked every box.
"Jeez, what didn't Grandma do?" he whispered to himself, not seeing Lenoa's sympathetic gaze.
"Well, pick one, grandson of Sofia," Lenoa urged. She was truly waiting to see what would happen. Each passing second, the magic energy rose, reaching out. The swords seemed to be competing for him. Isaac shuddered as he felt the magic, but it was the same feeling with Irene's staff, a sense of longing.
At first, he reached out with one hand, but much to his surprise...both hands had grabbed both handles. When the hell did I reach with my left hand?! Isaac pulled them both back to him, feeling the magic energy linger. These aren't magic swords...but there's magic energy within them. Both blades gave a sense of contentment, and it seems the secret rivalry they had was put at rest.
When Isaac looked back at Lenoa, her mouth was open. He saw her eyes flick down to the blades, then back to him. "Well, not what I expected to happen, but nothing can change it now."
"But-"
"No buts, young man, now, let's not keep your date waiting. Do you plan on taking her to a forest?" Lenoa asked, teasing the young Vlahos.
"I offered, but neither of us are ready for that step. It would selfish of me to force her…" he felt the hum of the blades as if pleased by his answer. "These are certainly unique blades…"
"They better be…"
"What was that?" Isaac heard her mumble but the words were not clear. He was, admittedly, distracted by the way these felt natural in his hands. There wasn't any way to describe it. They felt molded to him like he was always meant to hold them...so what the hell?
Lenoa quickly composed herself, "Welp, they're yours now. No takebacks and no payment necessary, now, go on with your date, I'll send them to your home. The Hearth Manor, yes?"
"Technically, Elven Tradition forbids me from living with my courted until marriage, so the Complex will do," Isaac said, placing the blades in a tarp that Lenoa laid out. "Are you sure that I-"
"No, now scram," Lenoa snapped, making Isaac quickly hightail it out of there.
Once he left, Lenoa quickly contacted her superior, "Bones for Brains, are you there?" Lenoa was speaking into a round orb, a sea-blue color, and it was docile until a voice came through.
"Yes, Lenoa, what is it?" a ghostly voice answered it, not at all upset by the nickname.
"He has the blades, and the girl the staff. I didn't think they would be active," Lenoa said, letting a note of panic slip in. The magic energy from when she looked at them was dull, almost dead inside. When the girl came, she assumed it was a fluke and hid her surprise well. Now that the boy came, she knew there was something else going on.
No response for a few moments, "I see, you said he has both?" A confirmed noise from the Witch. "She will need to be informed. I will inform Lord Ouranos. See to it that nothing happens."
"What about Lady Riveria? She is-"
Y̵̭͂o̵͖͈̍ū̵̩͘ ̴͎͎̏̍w̷͕̓ö̶̦͝n̴̦͂̾'̵̡͐̆ẗ̴̺́ ̸͈̥̈́̈́b̶̛̩̂ẽ̶̠̈ ̷̭̝͝ą̸̓̾b̷͔͊͝l̵̮̯̉͐e̵̯͌̚ ̸̹̻͛t̵̜͆͂͜o̴̯̼͐̋ ̸̹̊͋s̶̳̫̿ą̸̅̏v̵̨̩͒̑ȩ̷̛͈̌ ̸̡͔̍ḣ̵̗̪ȩ̸͎̚r̶͙̒.̶̨̫͝.̶̬͒͜.̴͓̆
"Their maternal figure yes. Those blades—and the staffs—were crafted by an ancestor of the Vlahos line, one I had the pleasure of meeting. At first, I was confused by the last words he said, but now, it was starting to make sense."
Lenoa quickly turned her head back around, like she was expecting Isaac to come back for some reason, "What were those words, Fels?"
A sigh from the voice known as Fels, "'We'll see these again...in the right hands; no matter how long it takes.'"
"You mean to tell me..."
"Yes, those weapons are Heirlooms of their family. Their name has popped up in history time and time again, dating back a long time, even before me. Most of those records are either exaggerated or lost to time."
The witch looked at the remaining staffs, "What about the remaining two? They did not seem like they wanted her."
"Perhaps her affinity for magic was different than her ancestors. Her parents were not adventurers. If they were, someone would know. Keep an eye on them, Lord Ouranos feels something is coming."
Or someone… Lenoa thought as the connection shut out. "You two twins best prepare yourselves."
As the date continued, Mikoto asked the real question, "Don't you have a contract with Sir Welf?"
"I do, yes, but it was really weird for me to hold them," he looked down at his hands, "It was like I was meant to hold them, and for the life of me, I can't figure out why...it was like this with Irene's new staff. Like the object itself had a soul. That kind of weapon doesn't exist, right?"
The samurai looked into her boyfriend's eyes, seeing the conflict within them, "No...not to my knowledge." She wanted to enjoy this date. Not that she's not enjoying her date, but this conversation seems like it needs to take place another day. "So, what else do you have planned?"
That got the elder twin to snap out of it, "Well, I did hear that there were some more exotic food stalls in the shopping area. So, how about it?"
"Well, it is getting late, do you think we'll make it in time? I know you're fast, but even you cannot get across three-quarters of Orario in a mere ten minutes," Mikoto said as a challenge, but also as a real suggestion.
"I will take you up on that someday, but since we're deciding that we've had fun, I got one more place...and it's not a forest. Plus, I think we can have a good talk," Isaac said, slightly fearful of what her reaction would be if he just left it at 'one more place.'
She either didn't notice or chose not to comment, "That would be nice. I've been...wanting to...ask you about the Far West." Knowing only a little of his background, I want to know what his home was like. Maybe I can visit one day...wishful thinking.
"I figured, as long as I can ask you about the Far East, I heard the four seasons were a sight that everyone should see," Issac said, securing his hand in hers.
"Indeed, Isaac," she kissed his cheek. There was something liberating about being able to show affection. Maybe she might be a hypocrite about moving too fast, but the small intimacies they can share that don't involve a bedroom or a forest are one thing she refuses to give up.
The moon was slowly creeping up the horizon, illuminating Orario from above while the shops, bars, and taverns turned on their magic stone lamps. "You really escaped with your best friend from her guards? Must have been real mischievous back then," Isaac laughed.
"We wanted her to experience the world for herself. She was sheltered, and when even the guards failed to catch us, they still tried to keep her inside," Mikoto gained a fond smile. There were a lot of things that Mikoto remembered about her times.
"She sounds important to you," Isaac whispered, a soft smile on his face. "What else did you do?"
The smile turned into an even bigger smile, "She had friends that would do anything for her. She was so...I guess ignorant to the world around her, but the way her eyes and ears lit up was so adorable. Her discovering new things made each 'adventure' even better." The smile slipped, "Unfortunately, we lost contact with her, and haven't been able to find her. If she was to come anywhere, it would be here."
"Well, I could always help you look," Isaac offered. "Maybe I could convince Irene to help."
"Really?!" Mikoto jumped a little with glee, her smile threatening to break her face.
"Miko, relax...but yes. I want to help my girlfriend and courted find her friend. Is that so bad?" Isaac said before taking her off the street, and up to a small tower. The guard there nodded at Isaac, which he returned with a thank you.
The Far Easterner did not notice the interaction, already taking in the sights. It was pleasant. The stars were out, the moon was close to being full, maybe around two days out, give or take a day. Isaac remembers the moments he shared with his sister, watching the stars, wondering where she was. Their journey to Orario was a long one, a lonely one too.
"So, what was it like in the Far West? I told you about the East, your turn," Miko demanded.
How could he reject her pleading face? Her wide eyes and quivering bottom lip sweetened the pot. Isaac quickly kissed her, lightly biting on her lip, "Temptress...anyway...the Far West is vastly different than the East. Instead of flat, terrain, we had mountains and deserts. The mountain ranges stretched from the ground—obviously—to piercing the clouds above. It's a glorious sight. At the lowest points, a raging river would slip between the cracks, like a snake. At some points, it was tame enough to cross, but it definitely was like a tourist attraction."
"Have you ever climbed a mountain?" Mikoto asked as it does sound enticing. She curled into his chest, hearing his heartbeat.
"Never got the opportunity. This may come off as surprising, but I was not the rambunctious child. That honor belongs to my sister. She would always beg me to climb the mountain, even a small hill, but again, these are mountains. They are not small. So, I had to be the responsible big brother and tell her no."
"Lady Irene definitely does not...give off...that sort of energy," Mikoto added, hearing his heartbeat increase, despite his calm voice. She allowed herself a smirk that showed she like having this effect on him.
Isaac scoffed if only pleading to keep his heartbeat from thudding out of his chest. He knew it was beating fast, something Mikoto definitely noticed, he spoke, "She used to be way worse, always throwing me under the carriage for stuff that wasn't even my fault, being an utter pain in my butt, and yet, she's still my family."
"And what am I to you, Isaac?" she asked, looking up at him with her violet-blue eyes.
His hazel looked down, and his lips formed a smile, "Well, you're the one that gets my heart going, the one I want to see every morning, and...who I want to make my wife someday…" he admitted with no small blush.
I could see that happening, Mikoto thought with a small blush as well.
Shit, am I going too fast? Isaac shoved the thought down. He's just broadcasting his plans to his date. He thought she deserves to know. "I'm reversing the question on you now."
"Someone who I thought would never come. I don't know how, but with how genuine you are, the lengths you'll go to protect someone…I think we should have met sooner."
Humbled, "Doesn't it feel like we've met before?"
"In a past life? Probably, but the general knowledge and confirmed by the Gods, when a soul rises to Tenkai, their souls are wiped of their memories and then reborn," Mikoto answered.
"Still, I felt like I have done this before, but this time, it feels like the first time…"
"I can see how you would…" she said, leaning back, looking up at him, his handsome face, his eyes that had a shine to them. Something she can fall into.
Isaac was by no means idle either. He was looking into Miko's eyes, seeing the hidden mirth. This time, he took the initiative, he leaned down and gently connected his lips to hers in a chaste kiss. He put a hand on her cheek, stroking it, while another wrapped around her waist, pulling her flush against him.
Mikoto immediately had a hand in his hair, pulling lightly. The feeling was great. Technique-wise, still needs work, he seemed hesitant.
He was really holding back, letting her dictate the pace. It's not like he's getting aroused with this…not at all.
Mikoto's hand slipped from his hair to his face, but her fingers caressed his ear, making him shiver. A low moan escaped his mouth, making them separate.
"S-Sorry…it was an accident," she looked up to see the building lust in his eyes.
"I-I know, but if you do that again…your maidenhood won't last the night…" he closed his eyes as he tried to get the images out of his head. Her squirming under me, begging…FUCK I need to stop!
Mikoto shivered at the tone, and gently placed both hands on his cheeks, "One day, I'll be ready for that, but not now."
"I understand, Miko, truly I do," he said before giving her another kiss, this time, he prodded with his tongue. Mikoto pulled herself closer, then backed away. She felt it. "Sorry, that's on me. Lust and desire are cruel mistresses."
She didn't respond.
"Are you alright?" His demeanor sobered, he looked into her eyes, then followed her gaze down. Oh…
"That's…"
"Yeah, I know. That's why I'm antsy around Amazons, they would jump me in a flash."
"No, Isaac, you're mine," Mikoto said, snapping out of her daze.
He smirked, "Possessive, are we?"
That got a laugh out of the young couple. "Time to go home, I'm sure Irene, Bell, and the others are back."
"Okay…" she said, grabbing his hand and pulling him along.
He looked up, Thank you…
Once Isaac left Mikoto's home, she was able to talk to Chigusa. The news she had was of the utmost importance. They had a lead on their missing friend.
So, during dinner, Mikoto went off to bed early.
Irene, along with everyone else, immediately sussed out on her behavior. Hey, Isaac?
What's up, sis?
Mikoto is acting weird. What did you do?
She could feel the accusation hurt him, I'm not going to answer that, but if you mean that she's currently outside the Manor with Chigusa, walking along to the Pleasure Quarter, then yes, she's acting weird.
Irene paused, where are you?
On a roof, like a bird, or that white owl with two different eyes currently looking at you. On your left.
Irene looked outside the window and saw the owl her brother described fly away. "Okay…" Should I get everyone?
Do I really need to say it, sis? Oh, and that old Witch stopped me and Mikoto today. Isaac hadn't had the time to decompress after today, one of the most memorable of his life.
Irene's trip in the Dungeon was as standard as one could get. Go in, reach floor twenty, stopping in Rivira, heading back up. On the way down, Riveria stopped in, surprising the younger twin. She wondered why, but when Riveria said Ladies Dia, Loki, and Hestia were all speaking…it had to be some intuition.
After that, she just accompanied her daughter, seeing if she could help get some experience with Concurrent Chanting. It proved to be fruitful as Irene did show she has a grasp of the technique. With more time, she could easily weave her magical prowess with ease.
She did? What, did you look at the swords? She did mention that she needed to speak to you, but I never brought it up. She was creepy.
Agreed, and I can see why you didn't mention it. She was throwing me off. Now, considering she gave them to me for free…yeah. I felt the same thing that you did in your staff.
Curious.
Isaac's mental voice was quieter, presumably further away. Better hurry, they look like they are about to enter. Isaac cut himself off after that.
Irene's voice raised up through the Manor, "Everyone in the common room! I got news and we need to be quick!"
Multiple confused voices were shown around the house. Irene found Lili looking at expenditures, Lady Hestia was lounging around, tired from her job. Bell was reading a hero story, and Welf was actually inside. Dia was helping Lili but also doing her own thing. She was writing something, it looked like a letter, but she never asked who it was addressed to. Knowing her Goddess, it was probably a friend from Tenkai that she wanted to connect with.
The only clue she had was the way she fiddled with her necklace, it made Irene smile as she saw Dia look down and smile at the necklace. As Irene turned away, she missed the single tear that fell onto the hilt of the sword and slid down the shield.
Within the next two days, Orario would see and hear some things that they never wished to hear ever again.
There would be some moves made, bonds broken and forged, and a whole new revelation.
...
I said the Ishtar Arc was going to be different. The events in canon will occur, so I don't think I'll cover them as much. However, there was still the plan Freya has concocted, and I know of it, I've had the scene written since the beginning of July. Even still, I have more to add/fix/rehash.
Little spoiler, that is 8k words at present, and that's not even close to being done. It might take two to three chapters...
Until then.