Hey everybody, I just wanted to say thanks for the support on the first chapter. I didn't know how it would be received but it was mostly positive which I appreciate. I just wanted to verify a few things. First, this is 100% AU version of Riveria and Bell, also Riveria is considerably younger in this story starting at 74 and Bell at 18. As a result, she wouldn't have the life experience she had gained since leaving the forest in the main story. But all that aside I hope you all enjoy, feel free to leave your thoughts I always enjoy reading them. - EG
P.S. I would like to thank a good friend of mine, he helped catch a few errors in my writing and inconsistency in the chapter.
Word Count: 5,679
Chapter 2: Becoming an Adventurer
I stood outside the Dia Familia home, it was a larger white building with green accents in the windows and the frame of the dark oak door, hands shaking like no tomorrow. "Why am I so nervous to check this familia?" I wonder as my hand barely managed a gentle knock.
I waited a few minutes and nobody came to answer the door, "I know, I know." As I tap the door hard enough to create a much louder sound that would be heard throughout the home.
After another minute the door creaked open revealing a fellow elf with longer blonde hair and sharp sky blue eyes. "You must be Riveria, please come inside goddess Dia has been expecting you." Holding the door open just enough for me to enter.
As I do, I notice the elf looking outside cautiously. "Miss…" I say trying to catch her attention.
"Sorry, Bell might not have mentioned me. I am Ryu Lion, captain of this familia." She spoke softly as she seemed to look into my very being. "Please follow me."
Turning down a narrow hallway with ten doors on either side, we stopped at the last door on the right-hand side. Ryu proceeded to knock lightly, "Goddess, I'm coming in." Without any wait for a reply the door opened to reveal an office with a wall filled with books, a desk in the center with a slender goddess sitting on the opposite side of an oak desk with greenish-gold accents on the edges.
The goddess smiles gently, "Welcome, you must be Riveria Alf. Bell talked about you yesterday and the day before. Please take a seat." She waved a small hand towards a dark oak chair with a green cushion.
"Thank you, goddess Dia." Giving a slight bow, before taking the proffered chair.
It was quiet for a minute, and a nervous bead of sweat began to roll down my spine before goddess Dia spoke again. "Now, Riveria, what brings you to our humble abode?"
'Is that a trick question? Surely Bell had said something about my interests.' Another minute of silence passed without even a whisper to break it. "I… I was interested in joining your familia."
Dia raised a narrow eyebrow, "Was?"
"Yes was, before I started to explore the city and learn about the various familias that call this city home, I retrieved a list from the guild as well as publicly known information about them." I take a moment to compose my thoughts before continuing uninterrupted, "When I was crossing familias off that list, I tried to find one that fit two preferred requirements. First, the god or goddess couldn't be too… eccentric." Dia nodded in understanding as I struggled to find the right word for a second.
"What was the second?" The slender goddess asks gently, "Though I should say that every god or goddess has their eccentricities, myself included."
"I understand that, even as every mortal has their quirks. The second was they had to at least align with my morals, even if loosely." I placed my hand on my chin as I spoke my mind. "Lastly, as nearly impossible as it might be, I had hoped to join a familia that would judge me based on who I am, not what I am." Even as my ears drooped slightly, I noticed the slightest of twinkles in Dia's single revealed forest green eye.
"What morals are you speaking of? Tell me yours and I'll explain how I run this familia and maybe ask a few questions." Her calm voice brought back an old memory. A memory of a caretaker reading to me as I fell asleep. "Everything alright?" Dia asked just as gently.
"Yes, sorry I had a memory that popped into my mind. Anyways, you asked what my morals are, right? As foolish as it is, considering what I am, I believe people should be judged on how they act, not what they are. For example, Dwarves and Elves don't generally get along. But I wouldn't speak extremely negatively of one unless something happens that makes me think ill of them." I sigh and take a deep breath.
"All of that is good and I agree with most of it, but what would you want? Why would you want to join My familia out of everyone in the city?" Her unblinking gaze never left me as her words rang in my ears.
"I had wanted to join a familia that explores the dungeon and risks everything for one another. I wish to learn more about the world." After a second I continued, "Artemis familia was a good fit… but…"
"Let me guess, you had wished to have a family, and being in a more restrictive familia proved an uncomfortable medicine to take?" She offered to which I nodded, with only the slightest bit of a blush on my face.
Dia nodded as if confirming something, then she sighed, "I want the children of my familia to live a full life before eventually returning to a pure state. After Astraea was forced back to tenkai, she and her familia helped to bring a sense of peace to Orario…" Dia's eye twitched towards Ryu who was standing towards the edge of the desk between them keeping an impassive eye on the conversation.
"Along with Ganesha that is. But as that void was left open, it became a little more dangerous as of late." I nodded remembering my own encounter recently. "My Seven children took a stand until only Bell was left standing. Well until Ryu joined us several months ago." Both of us turned to the elf who fidgeted slightly at their gazes.
"So I will ask you, does the possibility of potentially getting attacked frighten you?" Dia returned her hooded gaze in my direction.
"I would be lying if I said it didn't, even a little, but being afraid to do what you believe is right makes you no better than those who commit the crimes in the first place. I would be scared for my life but I would be more horrified by innocents being harmed because I did nothing." My fists clench as a wave of suppressed anger poured into my veins.
"Well said, I don't know what might have happened in your past but I agree completely… Now, do you have any questions for me?" The goddess spoke and like a cool stream of water washed away the fire in me, leaving me calmer than I was before.
I took my time to reply, I didn't want to make a hasty statement, "Many, but I think the most important question would be, What is expected of me if I were to join?"
"For now nothing, you have your own goals to pursue, all I ask is that you grow stronger. As time passes more things will be needed of you. Now can you give us a minute to discuss this? You can wait in the room across the hall." Dia said, shifting a wave of black hair over her ear.
"Of course. Please excuse me." I nodded in the chair before standing and making my way to the room across the hall.
Not having noticed it before, the interior walls were a calming green with hints of gold-painted accents of various designs. 'If Bell has been in the familia longer, then I would've thought that he would be the captain. Is Ryu that much more experienced and stronger, or is there something more to it?" I couldn't help but let my mind wander back to the white-haired human as I hadn't seen him yet today.
The room opposite was a smaller room with a pair of couches on either side of a squat oaken table with a glass top showing the symbol of a leaf with a full bloom flower surrounding the leaf. "Interesting symbol, is it the familia symbol? I haven't seen it anywhere else in the little I have seen of the house."
Looking out the window in the room, I was surprised to see the sun had shifted in the sky. "It didn't feel like we had been talking for that long. Must have been an hour or two." I muse as I hear a soft knock on the door behind me.
"Riveria, goddess wishes to speak with you once more." Ryu softly spoke as she opened the door.
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"I suppose I should get straight to the point. There are two requirements we have for anybody who wants to join the familia, the first being a decent moral compass, which you seem to have. The second is that not a single lie is told when we're talking. Which as a goddess I can tell if you had, but you didn't." Dia laid out a hand facing upwards, "Now the decision will be yours. Would you like to join this familia understanding the risks involved because of our nature?"
I was caught by surprise by the sudden amount of speech from the goddess, but my mind quickly caught up. Almost without a moment's hesitation, I nodded, "I would if you'll have me."
The goddess smiled brightly, almost as much as a white-haired human I know, "Great, truth be told I had hoped you would still want to. If you wish I could give my blessing now then go get your things or after."
After a moment of thought, "Let's do it now, then I can head to the guild followed by the rest of my things."
A gentle smile played across Dia's lips, "Alright, Ryu can you leave us for a minute? That way we can have some privacy."
"Of course, goddess. I'll be right outside if you need anything." Giving a slight bow, Ryu exited the room, closing the door behind her.
"Right, now Riveria, in order for a deity to give or update a blessing they need an exposed back. So, would you mind showing me your back?" Sounding so nonchalant, as if it was the most natural thing to do.
"I… if you say so, goddess." I removed a portion of my outfit to reveal my back with a blush covering my face. I quickly felt something warm and wet trickling down my spine as the room flashed in a blue hue.
"Let's see what we have here… Well, some good news you do have magic to start out with. Give me a moment to copy everything down." As she spoke I could barely feel a soft tingle on my back as it almost seemed to itch and burn followed by a soothing relief.
"I hope every update doesn't feel like that…" I whisper in a failed attempt to not distract the goddess etching divine glyphs into my back
"Don't worry, only the first time. It's your body adjusting to receiving a portion of my divine energy. Afterward, it should only give a soothing warmth." Dia explained as she placed a small piece of paper on my back."Here we go, take a look for yourself."
Looking over the paper, curious about my potential, I asked "So as I advance in the dungeon these stats should increase, correct?"
"Yes, the dungeon is the easiest way, but say you went for an extraneous run around the city, that would also add to your agility as well as your endurance. But less so for the latter." Dia explained as I started getting dressed again.
"Alright, understandable. So this magic I have, Frost Nova, I memorize the chant, and as I finish the chant the spell will be cast?" I simply ask, wanting to make sure the information I have is accurate.
"Yes, but I would ask either Ryu or Bell about that, they both have magic and will be able to better explain it than I could. Do you have this memorized or do you need a little longer to look at it? I don't want the information of my children accidentally getting out."
"Let me take a minute more and could I get a copy of the chant so I don't forget it easily?" I ask, taking a quick glance over to the sheet as a new question pops into my head, "This skill… what does it do?"
"Here is your copy of the chant, as for that skill… well for now I cannot explain it easily, but promise me you won't tell anybody about it. I will say this for now to satisfy some curiosity, it's a skill that everyone under my blessing has. More than that I shouldn't say for now."
Doing little to sate the itch, "I understand. I should probably get going to the guild to officially register." Standing, I turn to leave.
"Wait, take Ryu with you, they will need proof that you're actually in my familia. Her words should be enough." Dia explained as she set the status into a drawer at the desk.
"I will let her know."
…
Name: Riveria Ljos Alf
Race: High-Elf
Age: 74
Strength: I0 Dexterity: I0 Agility: I0 Endurance: I0 Magic: I0
Skills: Dia's Blessing
Magic: Frost Nova (I call upon the frosted winter of the north. The unforgiving wind of the tundra snow. Freeze my opposition so I might live another winter, for my name is Alf.)
…
"Ryu, can I ask you a couple of questions?" I asked, more than a little nervous walking side by side down the main road towards the guild.
"Of course, we are in the same familia now." She replied, still looking towards the road glancing upwards every few seconds.
"Where is Bell? Is he in the dungeon right now?" My voice was almost a whisper.
Ryu gave a warm smile, "If you're worried about him you shouldn't be, he has a unique ability to help him avoid danger. Besides, someone needs to help us have a constant source of income."
'I wonder what sort of relationship they might have if she trusts him so much…' I shake my head to dislodge an annoying thought, "If you say so… What is it like to cast magic with a falna, being what I am, I had been tutored in non-falna magic exclusive for elves."
Placing a hand on her chin, she looked over towards me, "The best way I can explain it is after you cast for the first time, it will feel like you have a lake of water in your mind. That lake will have a tap that you can adjust for use but only up to so much. But the longer the chant the longer the tap can be open allowing for a more powerful spell." She chuckled for a second, which surprised me. "Sorry, I had a memory of when Bell first obtained magic."
Rounding a corner Ryu posed a question that surprised me, "Riveria, what do you think about Bell?"
Thinking for a few seconds, "He seems like a nice person who wants to help people."
"Is that so?" Ryu voiced with a hint of sadness in her voice.
"Why do you ask?" Curiosity flooded my heart as we rounded another down a new street.
Ryu was silent for almost a full minute, "Sorry, I was lost in thought. You're not wrong, but…" she paused for a second and with a sigh continued, "I just hope you're careful. He picked up a terrible habit of mine. That has only escalated recently."
I wanted to inquire more, but before I could, the blonde elf beside me spoke once more, "Ah we're here. Let's get the tedious paperwork out of the way."
The guildhall loomed over me, looking the exact same as yesterday. Opening the door I looked around and saw Eina working with a Dwarf. I stepped in line with Ryu next to me as the Dwarf seemed to storm off. "Everything alright?" I asked quietly as we approached the counter.
"L-Lady Riveria… yes, just a former advisee wanting to talk." Looking at Ryu then back to me, "What can I help you with, did you decide to join their familia?" She nodded towards Ryu.
Remembering the caution in her voice last time, "I did, I received Dia's blessing and came to register officially. Ryu here needed to act as proof."
Ryu only nodded when Eina glanced at her once more, "Alright, let me go grab the paperwork." She shifted as she moved towards the back wall, opening a tall cabinet and searching for the correct paper.
I noticed Ryu rubbing her elbow as if in a nervous tick, "Is everything alright, Ryu?"
"Y-yes, I… I'm just remembering the last time I went into this building." Ryu replied, nearly choking on her words.
'What happened? I want to know, but perhaps I should avoid touching the subject. For now at least.' I think as I notice Eina moving back towards me.
"Right, just fill out this form and Miss Ryu can act as proof. Also if you wish I could be your dungeon advisor." She smiled gently as I took a thin quill starting to fill out the blank page.
Several minutes later, I put the quill down, handing the sheet back, "Alright, I need to get moved into the familia home. I can return either later today or tomorrow morning to talk."
"Tomorrow would be best. I wish you the best Lady Riveria." Giving a slight bow, she gave a strained smile to Ryu, "And you Miss Ryu." To which only a soft nod was returned.
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"Which room would you like?" Ryu said as we turned right at the entrance, showing a hallway full of rooms, with seven on each side. Pointing out three rooms, "This is Bell's," directly to its right in the corner of the building, "This one is Goddess Dia's, and this is mine." Pointing to the opposite room.
"I'll choose the one next to yours." Turning the knob, revealing a spacious room being roughly twenty by fifteen feet. (6.1x4.5 meters) "Wow, I'll be honest, this is larger than I was expecting." There was a simple bed centered on the opposite wall, a dresser to its left, and a writing desk and chair to the right.
"If you need anything, let me know. Tomorrow you should go with Bell to help get you outfitted with a weapon and try it in the dungeon after your lesson." Ryu gave a gentle bow and turned towards her room.
"Wait," I called out, stopping her in her tracks. "What did you mean by Bell learning a bad habit of yours?"
I noticed a hint of hesitation in her eyes as she took what seemed to be a calming breath. "He tends to take things too far." Before I could come up with a reply, she entered her room and softly closed the door.
"Too far in what?" I whisper as I enter my room.
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Maybe an hour later somebody was knocking at my door. "Come in" I responded as the door creaked open showing the white-haired human.
"Just wanted to let you know that food is ready. If you want I can either bring you a plate or if you wish to eat with me and goddess. It's up to you." A hint of sorrow filled his words.
"What about Ryu?" I ask standing to follow him.
Bell glanced towards the wall, which was connected to Ryu's room. "I checked with her and she's not feeling great at the moment. She rarely eats with us. How about after we eat I show you around the home?" Attempting to change the subject.
"Sure, that sounds great." I attempt after a moment of pause. 'What kind of familia did I join? The captain doesn't eat with everybody else.' The thought passes through my mind as I am led down the hall turning right as the building opens up to a living area with a kitchen connected to it.
Goddess Dia sat at the head of a large table able to fit twelve people, I sat to her left as Bell brought out the food, a simple vegetable stew, placing a bowl at each of the three seats.
"Sorry, I would have preferred to make something nicer as a welcome, but unfortunately this is what we had." Bell apologized, as he sat everything at the table.
"It's alright," A gentle smile spread across my lips. "Do you want me to take a bowl to Ryu?" I noticed Bell almost seemed to wince.
"You can, but when she starts to not feel great she normally will only eat breakfast and that's it. Let me go get another bowl."
Another moment passed, as he brought out a tray with an empty bowl. "Here, take a slice of bread as well." He sliced a thin piece of bread off the loaf sitting next to the warm stew. He then filled the bowl and slid it towards me.
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A quick trip around to the room's later, I stood in front of her door and gently knocked on the door. No response, 'Alright, let's try again.'
Another knock, again nothing. "One last try," I whisper as I prepare by taking a gentle breath.
Once again I knocked, "Ryu, you there?" A soft rustling sound could be heard. Before the door slowly opened, showing an elf whose eyes seemed exhausted from emotion, but her expression showed nothing.
"Yes?" She noticed the tray I held in my left hand. She sighed slightly, "Did Bell push you to do this?"
"N-no, I noticed that you weren't at the table and offered to bring it. He advised against it to a degree but, here I am." I couldn't help but wonder why she thought Bell pushed me to do this. "Would you like some stew and bread?"
I noticed her eyes flashed with an emotion I couldn't recognize, "Sure, but I make no promise to actually eat it." Holding out the plate, "I appreciate the effort though." She gave a gentle smile before returning to her room.
"If you ever wish to talk, please let me know." I voice through the closed door. With a sigh, I begin to make my way back to the table.
Dinner that night was quiet but pleasant, it felt like I was already part of a family, even if only a little. Never having received that feeling in my home forest, a warm feeling flooded my chest and heart.
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The next morning, I went straight to the guild excited, but nervous to see Eina again. "Hello, Eina!" I begin as I see the half-elf standing not behind the counter, but near the entrance.
"Hello, Lady Riveria. I'm glad to see you, I hope you are prepared. These lessons will be difficult, to begin with." I couldn't help but feel a nervous bead of sweat run down my spine at the gentle voice.
"I believe so." Trying my best to not let the nervousness enter my voice, only succeeding partially.
As we head deeper into the Guild Hall, Eina opened a thick wooden door to our left. "It helps to prevent information from being leaked out. Somewhat soundproof." She spoke up as I raised an eyebrow.
The table was dark stained oak, with the symbol of the guild emblazed onto the surface. There was a bench on either side, with a blue seat running along it. "So what are we going to start with?" I ask curiously.
"Didn't Bell tell you? I was or am still his advisor technically." She placed a black-gloved hand over her chin.
Thinking back over our dinner last night, "No, it was never brought up. Whenever I mentioned you were my advisor he seemed to lose all life and immediately became quiet."
I noticed a slight pout on Eina's face, "Is that the case then, and here I was worried because I haven't seen him in over a month."
There was silence for almost a minute, "Wait here, I am going to get all the materials we will need for the day."
"What could she be getting?" I couldn't help but wonder as she had been gone for fifteen minutes.
*Creek* The sound of a door, followed by a pile of books and scrolls being carried by a half-elf. I couldn't help but release an audible gulp.
Placing everything onto the table, "Now, shall we begin." She says with a slight grin. I would've sworn it was a mischievous grin if I knew any better.
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I stumbled out of the guildhall, muttering random information on goblins. Looking around I noticed a flash of white hair, "Bell…" I have to restrain myself as I approach him.
A small smirk on his face, "How was your lesson with Eina?" Despite the smirk, I noticed his face pale slightly.
"Six hours…" was all I could muster. I lean onto the wall for support.
"Six? Wow, she must really care for you. My first lesson was four hours. But she did help me a lot with the information." He whispered the last portion almost imperceptibly.
Regaining my composure I stood up straight once more, "I have some history with her family…" I pause for a moment, "You know she misses you right."
He could only nod, "Then why haven't you seen her in so long?" My curiosity was at a breaking point.
"I… I just can't, not how I am now. Please, I ask you don't inquire more. I'll tell you eventually when I'm ready." He placed his head against the smooth marble wall outside the guildhall. If I hadn't been paying attention, I never would've guessed or noticed a tear run down his right cheek.
"Right…" He said sharply, "I was going to get you armed, here let's get something to eat and talk about that."
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"Ah, Bell! What can I get for you, and who is this beautiful lady?" A portly waiter asked, a dwarf with Red hair and beard.
"Hello, Orik. I was wanting to get a private table. This…" Bell pointed towards me. "Is the newest member of my familia."
"Of course… follow me then. We actually have a private room right this way." I followed the dwarf through an immaculate establishment, not a single spec of dust could be found.
"Here we are," opening the curtain to allow us through, "Can I get you any refreshments before I bring out menus?"
"Can I get a cup of Green tea?" I noticed Bell adjusting his posture as he sat.
"Of course, and for you?" He looked at me expectantly.
"The same," I mutter as I sit opposite Bell as Orik left to make the tea.
"So I have a few questions I would like to ask, that way I can help outfit you better." He asked, looking out the table as if in thought.
"What would they be?" A nervous shiver ran down my spine.
"Right, first, what type of adventurer do you wish to be? Did you want to be magic only, or magic and weapons?" He said turning his ruby eyes towards me.
"I would like to focus on the magic I have, but I don't want to be helpless if I can't finish my chant in time. Plus being proficient with weapons, preferably a lighter blade, would help with mind conservation." I speak my thoughts without any hesitation.
"So similar but opposite version of Ryu but a lighter weapon. What about armor?" He placed a single finger on his chin. "Orik is on his way back. Let's order then continue after." I noticed his ear twitch slightly as I began to hear slight footsteps.
Not even a minute later, Orik opened the curtain with a pot and two porcelain cups. "Here are two menus. Just wave it out the blinds when you're ready to order."
"Right, thank you Orik," Bell commented, picking up the pot and pouring a cup for both of us. As I started to raise the cup to sip, "Wait, let me first." Bringing his cup up, taking a quick wif and a sip.
He then nodded, "Alright it should be fine. Quite good actually."
I only raised an eyebrow before taking a sip, "Why?" I tried to insert a portion of the worry I felt.
Scratching the back of his head before sighing. "I guess… over the past year, I have become more and more cautious. Plus…" he paused, taking a breath, "I would hate for anything to happen to you."
Taking a few minutes to look over the menu we both decided to order, Bell got a basic fish platter and I got a light salad. "Right back to the main point, either a short sword or a rapier might work best. As for armor do you have any preference? I have an idea for a type that would work well for you."
"Just something light enough to run in without wanting to die." I notice Bell attempting to hide a slight wince. "Sorry, I should've thought before I spoke."
"No, it's fine. Everybody makes jokes like that." Bell spoke but his voice felt hollow.
We sat in silence for a handful of minutes, "Do you have an idea of what you want to order?"
His voice surprised me after so much time in silence, "Yes, I'm probably just going to get a basic salad."
"Alright sounds good." To which I watched as he waved the menu out of the booth. Half a minute later the portly dwarf showed up.
"So what will it be?" His eyes flicked between the two of us.
"Yes Orik, we will just have a basic salad and a fish platter," Bell spoke first, preventing any more potential silence.
Taking our menus, he returned a few minutes later with two good-sized salads. "Now, where were we?" Bell continued after Orik left us, "Armor, I have an idea for two different sets. First would be more defensive but could slow you just a tad. Lamellar armor consists of several smaller square pieces of either leather or metal. Providing a decent amount of protection without too much hindrance."
I remember the great forests of my homeland, the many elves that called it home. Among which were the Edhelen Than, or the Elvish Shield, who wore armor similar to that described. 'Did he pick that on purpose, or was that a coincidence?' After a moment I nodded my head. "I believe that could work. How much do you know about elvish culture?"
I watched as he took a second to respond, "I know enough to get by if I ever happen to be in an elven forest. Although it would obviously be an outsiders' knowledge." Another few seconds, another bite of food.
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Having paid for the food, we left heading towards the massive tower in the center of the city. The immense size baffled my mind. Sure, I had seen it before, but being up close and personal is completely different. "How many floors are in this thing?" I ask unconsciously.
"Hmm…" I notice Bell place his hand on his chin in thought. "I'm not completely sure, but I would guess around a thousand. But luckily we are going to lower floors where a lot of Hephaestus smiths sell their wares to newer adventures. Be glad that you don't need to take the lift to the top. It's about a thirty-minute ride in a small box."
I followed him to the small lift entrance. After a few minutes' wait, a buzzer sounded and the doors opened to reveal a tall human with flaming red hair. "Oh excuse me." He voiced as he started to walk around us. Then he freezes and looks directly at me… he immediately begins to sweat heavily before bolting out of the room and out of the building.
"Wha…" I stop and stare at the entrance to the tower.
Through a slight but noticeable chuckle, "Come on. Let's get you geared." Bell managed as he entered the lift waiting for me.
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Several thousand valis later we exited the lift once more with me holding a box of leather Lamellar armor that had been dyed a deep forest green and a simple rapier at my hip. To my surprise, the box seemed extremely light. 'The effects of my status?' I assume as we walked down back towards the Dia familia home.
"Go get changed into that and we can head to the dungeon for an hour or two for you to get your bearings." Bell voiced as we reached the front door. "I'll wait out here."
"Roger!" I replied quickly, as I smoothly rushed down the hall opening my door with a single swift motion. I immediately started getting changed into my armor.
Ten minutes later I walked out the front door seeing a different Bell, his eyes narrowed extremely sharply, staring off to the distance towards a house several hundred feet away. If I didn't know better, I would say he seemed to be crackling with frustration. "Everything... alright?" I ask nervously.
Immediately his expression changed to a kinder and soft expression, "Yes, just keeping an eye on something. Looks like the armor seemed to fit you well, looks a little loose, turn around real quick, let me check the ties in the back."
I turn slightly as I feel a slight tug on a strap of leather, immediately a slight blush flushes my face. "There we go, that should be secure now. So shall we head to the dungeon?"
I nod my head, "Yes… yes, let's."
The sound of a clicking clock should've been heard but the sounds of screaming drowned out the sound. A single female stood surrounded by corpses, "There, that should be enough cleaning for today." A soft voice whispered, as it gently echoed through the narrow alley they stood in. A soft breeze wafted through the cramp walls bringing forth the scent of blood, the person hunched over starting to dry heave. "I need to go."
Review Replies:
RabbitHaremLover24: Thanks, I hope to continue this story for a while.
Huke: That was the idea, writing familiar characters in a different light if things worked out differently.
Shin Hyo Joon: Same, the idea of Bell and Riveria interested me greatly so I decided to take my own approach at it.
Jiuubi: A favorite pairing of mine in fanfictions that's for sure.
Argonaut32: Thanks, Truth be told I couldn't figure out how I wanted that scene to work out so I feel it ended up really lackluster. As for escaping the forest that is for a future chapter.
pix25: Great to see you checking out this story as well. Hope you enjoy it.
Cobb: I can understand that, it's the style I wanted to work with so we will see how it goes in the future. I plan on trying to be more descriptive in my texts in the future.
NotSerious4Fun: Same, I felt stagnant working on Sylphid's Happiness so I felt it was necessary to help me finish that one.
vanhellsing9000: That is what the tags for the story suggest.
Also is does anybody actually read my replies? :) Just curious.