Chapter Restructured & Expanded: 14-02-2023.
CHAPTER II
Āswārnung
(Confused Shame)
XVI • CM Moldedæg of Sōlmōnaþ
(The 16th Night of Cake Month, Earl Day, 900)
"Shizuru, you can't just choose another Ánhere!"
"Whatever do you mean?" Viola arched a brow at her Ánhere before striding briskly down the corridor. The younger prowled closely after her, making Viola wonder what she had gotten herself into.
"Is my revived corpse not enough for you? Did you do it just because you can?" The woman halted, as did Viola. She passed a worrying glance at her Wælcyrge. "Where did the ruthless Viola go?" She asked, brushing away teal strands framing her face.
Leaned up to reach Viola's height, she brushed her lips delicately across the elder's. "Stop stressing over that… whoever she is." The younger woman breathed lightly against Viola's lips. She smiled as the elder's hands propped to her shoulders, but shrugged them away. "Don't treat her lightly. You weren't with me." The woman steadily removed herself, and departed. She headed in the opposite direction of the corridor where they had just come from.
"...Tomoe." Viola stood there, watching after the retreating woman. As the other turned the corner, she exhaled, sliding her fingers to her lips.
What is she going to do? Viola peered out of the crown-glass window beside her, the rain pelting against the glass. Running her tongue along her lips momentarily, she tasted a hint of Tomoe. Pausing midway through the notion, a guilt edged its way through into her stomach.
"The ruthless Viola." She murmured quietly to herself, crimson irises following a lone raindrop run down the window. What would Anh think, she wondered? But of course, such a thing is nonsense, for Anh's dead.
With her shoulders slouching, Viola massaged her temples. She's not like that anymore. She is now the Arcewælcyrge—Anh's replacement.
Viola had her own Ánhere now. It's reckless and inappropriate to act rashly.
Regaining her stride, she made her way through Guadeloupe Palace. Eventually reaching the top storey, she took no notice of the weather. It's pouring down a storm and the whole region is getting soaked.
For the past several days they had been undergoing heavy storms.
Honestly, how strange is this? They are so close to the Black Valley, yet a tropical storm seemed the norm. Were they truly a temperate-coastal country?
The door to Natsuki's temporary room came into sight at last.
Underfoot the floorboards creaked, but a burst of thunder disguised this. Taking hold of the handle, she opened the door, humming lowly. It had been several hours since she had been here. The only light came from the illumination of lightning outside.
Here she remained by the doorway, watching the rain splatter against the window.
Other than to check up on Natsuki, why is Viola here? The ruthless Viola. Really now? Closing the door, she floated towards the prone Natsuki. For a long moment, she simply studied her new Ánhere.
Fortunately Natsuki had finally fallen asleep. That is good, at least, and luckily, she had managed to eat all the broth.
Taking this tray from the side table, she remained where she was, falling into thought.
She has two Ánhere at last. The Palace hadn't had this many for a long, long while; not since Arcewælcyrge Shamrock's time. Perhaps their tide of misfortune is finally making a change for the better? She could only hope so.
"Shizuru?" Mai piped upon opening the door, poking her head through.
Calmly, the Wælcyrge glanced over her shoulder at the redhead. She regarded Mai for a moment, thunder shaking the room. "Yes? What is it?"
"You should sleep. It's going to be a big day tomorrow thanks to her arrival." She gestured to the sleeping Natsuki.
"You are correct. I am just making sure she is fine." Viola smiled. Taking one last survey of the Ánhere, she found no discomfort. "Could you perhaps help me tomorrow? We cannot have her wearing those rags of hers." They are literal rags!
"Certainly not." Mai agreed, shutting the door after the taller woman. "I think the uniform will even suit her." Her voice muffled, the two heading down the corridor unseen.
XVII • CM Mynetdæg of Sōlmōnaþ
(The 17th Day of Cake Month, Coin Day, 900)
"I apologise, but the Palace wishes to see you up and about."
Viola had attempted to reason with the officials, but they had swiftly refused.
As is the way with their Queen; they have no choice, unfortunately.
"I can't even stand without help?" Natsuki is sitting on the edge of the bed, hands grasping the mattress unsurely. "How do they expect me?" Shaking her head, Natsuki looked away from her. What is she, a show dog?
"Queen Mashiro insists."
"She sounds like a selfish brat."
Shizuru's eyes barely narrowed upon this comment. Did she dislike this comment? Viola isn't sure. Standing, Viola opened the bag beside her on the floor. "I have brought you some clothes. Please continue to wear these in the future. The Palace has a strict dress code."
'Of course it does.' Natsuki sighed, gaze following the neatly folded clothes being set down onto the bed.
"How are your bandages? Do you feel any better?" Viola asks her, keeping a careful eye on the Ánhere.
"It's fine if I keep still, otherwise it stings." Natsuki murmured, taking the clothes. A moment later, she realises that Viola isn't turning away. "S-stop looking." She grumbled, scratching her jaw through nervous habit.
Oh. Twisting around on her heel, Viola lowered her head slightly. "I apologise."
A tension atmosphere starts setting in upon their interaction.
Viola could sense it as she heard the rustling of clothes. But even so, not once did she turn around nor look over her shoulder.
There is a tense atmosphere upon their interaction. Viola could sense it as she heard the rustling of clothes. Even so, not once did she turn around or look over her shoulder. She kept her hands cupped before her, awaiting Natsuki.
This one is different from Tomoe; that much is obvious. Natsuki seems more reserved about her emotions.
Though, there is certainly time for this to change. Today will be Natsuki's first test.
What's this, a uniform? Natsuki picked up the trousers which were blue, tightly fitting and had a folded crease. Painstakingly she dragged them on, finding them to shape her legs out to appear more slender. Next is a plain white tunic; the rim splaying out to barely reach her trouser pockets. The sleeves for this shirt were long though. Knowing there weren't any bandages, she pulled the sleeves up to her elbows.
"Alright, I'm done." She mumbled, the brunette turning around.
"Is the outfit comfortable?" Viola eyed some bandages poking out the woman's shirt. She signalled to her own chest, Natsuki looking down to her own. Curiously Viola watched her, Natsuki stuffing the bandage underneath.
"It is, the clothes fit well." Did she secretly measure her or something? Suspiciously Natsuki stared before doing up another button of her shirt. Three remained undone—a preference.
Shizuru dismissed the alteration.. For a long moment they stared at one another again. "… Are you ready? We shall be meeting my co-worker in the hallway before heading to the royal chambers."
Co-worker? Royal chambers? Is her co-worker that redhead? Is she going to meet this Queen Mashiro or something? The taller woman eased towards her, and Natsuki edged away, cautious.
"I will help you, Natsuki. Do not worry." She stopped midway, instead offering a hand to the shorter woman. "I need to wrap an arm around you, is this alright?"
Natsuki hesitates, uncertain suddenly.
Mistrust is understandable. Viola relented immediately, standing her full height instead. "Tomoe?" She called, moving her attention to the door suddenly. "You may come in now."
Tomoe? Who's that? Natsuki didn't recognise this name. She too paid attention upon the door which soon opened.
In strode a similarly dressed woman, only making a stop once she's beside the brunette.
"This is Tomoe." Viola introduced. "She shall be helping you become more familiar with daily life here."
Teal hair… one side is longer than the other. She also appears mature for her age? Natsuki couldn't really explain it, there's just something about Tomoe that She too wore blue trousers and a white tunic. She, unlike Natsuki, kept the buttons done up with the sleeves down.
"Hey. The woman greeted Natsuki casually. "My name's Tomoe, I'm Shizuru's partner. When she is busy I will be in her place helping you."
Partner? Natsuki peered at both women wonderingly. As in like co-workers or something more than that? Alas, Tomoe interrupted her train of thought by saying:
"Shizuru, Miya returned from the forest earlier. She said it would be best to avoid it as she spotted wolves."
"Again?" Viola wrapped an arm around herself, musing. "Very well—as long as they are not starving, they should not be worrisome." Fixing her attention back to Natsuki, Viola continues: "We shall meet Queen Mashiro shortly once you are ready."
Pretty clearly she has no choice, does she? Natsuki heaved a breath, nodding to slowly stand up from the bed. Much to her surprise once before Viola, she noticed their height difference. She barely came to the brunette's chin. Huh. That's a surprise, isn't it? Natsuki had been sure they were virtually the same height?
Well, apparently not.
The Wælcyrge steadied her, her hands propped against Natsuki's shoulders. "I can carry—"
"I don't need to be treated like a Princess." Natsuki mildly panicked, pulling from Viola's hold then brushing past Tomoe. She covered the injured area with a palm, stopping by the door. "Which way is it?"
"Follow me." Viola glanced at Tomoe momentarily. "Catch her if she falls." She hushed, the younger woman nodding quietly. "It is this way." Exiting the room, she awaited the two women. "The chambers will be crowded. I recommend we cut straight through."
How crowded, exactly, Natsuki wondered? In this corridor two women were already making their rounds. They wore dresses and were nonchalantly chatting amongst one another. Were these servants? Her eyes followed them until she turned her head after them.
The trio travelled through a mass of corridors, rooms and staircases until at last, Viola stopped.
Were they here, finally? Natsuki looked around, seeing a set of double doors further down this corridor. Noise radiated from that chamber—from the sound of things, it's both busy and huge.
"A word of warning before we enter." Viola turned around to regard Natsuki, nodding to Tomoe who jogged on ahead. "The Queen can be rather… unsettling at times. She may demand answers which you do not yet have."
"Then what am I supposed to do?"
"I will answer for you, do not worry." She signalled for Natsuki to walk with her to the doors. "You will have a lot of information thrown at you at once. I will be able to explain thoroughly after you have met with her."
So from lying in a bed injured to meeting a Queen… This is certainly quite the occasion. Natsuki supposed she would simply have to go with the flow. "When I meet her, what do I say?"
"Your Majesty. Though she may demand her whole title."
"Her whole… title?" Like what? That isn't her full title?
"Her Majesty the Queen, Mashiro Blan of the Kingdom of Windbloom and Outer Territories."
What in the Gods' names is that title? Natsuki stared speechlessly. Unfortunately, she hadn't the time to recollect herself because the doors were opened for them. Cautiously entering this grand chamber, Natsuki is blinded by the bright lights of this hall. As her eyes adjusted to the piercing glare, it's like another world had formed. All around her were people roaming about, chatting, or simply standing around. She hadn't known what she expected, but it certainly isn't this?
Within the whirlwind of noise, talking, footsteps and clinging, waiters offered drinks amongst the crowd. There were such flamboyant dresses and armour! Wait, is that a literal knight? Her eyes tracked this knight—a woman?—as she followed Viola through the grand hall.
Quickly, she noticed something. All eyes were setting upon Viola; is she popular or something? Natsuki peered at each individual's face. Many, if all, displayed awe and respect. But there is also… something else present. Before she could decide what that might be, Viola spoke.
"We are here." Viola reported, ignoring the flood of stares. She turned to Natsuki, acknowledging only her pretence.
This seemed to irritate the crowd, oddly enough.
"Is that her?" Natsuki pointed towards the back of the room.
There Natsuki watched a group of people disperse to then amass alongside the walls. It seems they were getting ready for her to start something?
"It is." Viola eased closer to her in order to inspect her uniform. Every inch of the short woman she studied, searching for anything off-key. Spotting a few issues, she slid Natsuki's sleeves down, earning an odd look. The top button of her tunic hadn't been threaded either. She makes a motion to fasten it, but gets interrupted.
"I can do it myself." Natsuki muttered, doing up the button herself before pointedly staring at Viola. "What?"
The Wælcyrge said nothing for a moment. Her curiosity is seemingly getting the better of her because of Natsuki's personality. It's like day and night comparing both Ánhere.
"Arcewælcyrge Viola!" The Queen shouted out, catching both of their attention. She has just sat down at the far end of the chamber, staring directly at them. "Bring that new one here!"
Arch-what? Other one? Natsuki stared speechlessly for a moment. Other one, in meaning her, the Ánhere? Or whatever that is? But what is an Arcewælcyrge?! The crowd on either side of the walls became eerily silent. In fact enough so that Natsuki felt unsettled. Just deciding to remain quiet, she trailed after Viola sluggishly.
It isn't like she has a choice.
"Aoi! Come here!" The Queen insisted to a brunette servant below the throne's steps.
She quickly headed up these steps, easing close to the Queen's ear.
Natsuki almost felt sorry for her. Is that servant some kind of personal maid for the Queen?
Making a halt as Viola did, her eyes strayed down to the apparent Arcewælcyrge. She had knelt down; h-huh, she probably should too? Opening her mouth, she is about to speak, but is interrupted. Viola deftly caught her by the trouser leg. Natsuki would've protested, but the haunting stare silenced her. She quietly knelt, angling her head down like Viola.
"I am—" Mashiro stated, standing from her throne and propping her hands to her hips. Eyeing the maid, she cleared her throat. "I am—!"
"Ah—Mashiro Blan de Windbloom! Protector and Server of Our Lady, Himeno Fumi!" The brunette maid sheepishly stated. Her hands were clasped before her, laughing under her breath.
What the? Mystified, Natsuki glanced up for a moment. Mashiro is yelling incomprehensible nothing's at the maid. Ah, this maid looked like she's used to it. How long has she been tormented by this monarch?
"Anyway, I, Mashiro Blan de Windbloom will question you!" The lilac-haired girl pointed at Natsuki, glaring. "Who are you? Why did the Arcewælcyrge choose you? Are you a HiME? Where's your mark?!"
Natsuki could only blink, expectantly looking at Viola.
"Well? Look at me when I'm speaking to you!"
"She is an Ánhere I found in the Black Valley." Viola murmured, standing to fully regard the confused Queen. "Her corpse responded to my Anchor that only reacts to the worthy."
"So?" Mashiro mumbled, crossing her arms.
"She gives strong signs of being a HiME, however if so, she has not fully awake—"
"Just look at her mark then!" Mashiro waved a hand into Viola's general direction, pointing at her afterwards. "You have one, right? Just strip her then find out!"
"What?!" Natsuki bolted up. "No way am I-I doing that! And what's this about my corpse?!" Couldn't they see she is up and standing?! How could she have been dead?!
"The mark will appear. I am yet to see any signs of it." Viola spoke calmly, transferring her focus upon Natsuki. "As I said, I will expl—"
"You will!" Walking away from them, Natsuki paid them no mind, glaring all the while. Corpse?! A HiME?! What the hell even is a HiME?! In fact, what is Viola?! An Arcewælcyrge? What is that? It makes no sense!
"Where is she going?!" Growling in frustration, Mashiro yelled. "Aoi! Chase after her! Do something, don't just stand there!"
Laughing anxiously, Aoi threw an apologetic expression to Viola, bypassing her quickly. "Wait for me!"
The maid rushed through the double doors and completely missed Natsuki. She is crouched behind one of the doors, hiding. Watching the woman hurry past, she took the opposite end of the corridor instead.
Answer her questions? That Viola sure had a lot of explaining to do. Whatever, she is going to look around—
"—Ah, please wait!"
Natsuki heard the maid and cursed. Natsuki shot her gaze over her shoulder, spotting the brunette incoming. She quickly bolted, swiftly running through the corridor. What is even happening anymore—"Aghhh?!" She yelped, slamming straight into someone upon turning the corner. With the air pounded from her lungs, she choked.
"What the hell?! Who are you?!" The victim yelled, Aoi quickly catching up to them. "Hey, Aoi! Get this runt off me already!" The fiery redhead is sprawled beneath Natsuki on the floor, attempting to shove her off.
"I-I'm glad you caught her." Aoi gasped, clasping her hands to her knees and catching her breath.
"It's not like I had any choice!" The redhead retorted as she stood. "You're the one who Viola found?" She asked Natsuki, picking up her book which had fallen.
Natsuki didn't have time for this. Abruptly however, she remembered her wound. Unconsciously she covered the affected area, baffled. Why isn't it causing her pain right now? She would've assumed she'd be unable to stand, given she had slammed into… Wait, is she half blind? Her left eye is covered by a leather eyepatch—"—Who are you?" She muttered to the fiery redhead, said woman cocking a brow at her.
"You first, runt."
That insult again?! Opening her mouth, Natsuki is about to protest, but is interrupted. A hand clasped against her shoulder, keeping her quiet. Looking over her shoulder, her heart sank. Ah, Viola had caught up.
"I am sorry, Nao." The Arcewælcyrge murmured to the fiery redhead. "Her Majesty got out of hand and asked her too many questions. I will take things from here." Tugging Natsuki gently, she gestured for the shorter woman to follow her. "Natsuki, would you come to my quarters? I can explain more over a drink?"
It couldn't get worse than this, could it? "Fine." Natsuki mumbled. "It's not like I have a choice."
"No. You certainly do not."
