It's a miracle, a new chapter for a story thought to be abandoned. But at last no, it is not abandoned not yet at least. I have some more words to say, but that will wait until after the chapter. Enjoy -EG

Word Count: 4824

Chapter 4 Recovery

Hours passed, both excruciatingly slowly, but also extremely quick. Locked in place by the embarrassing nature of holding Bell so close. Unwilling to leave because of my worry for him. I only noticed the passage of time as a muted glow began to emerge through the curtain blocking the window. "What time is it?" I wonder out in a whisper.

Moving my head around I didn't see a clock in the room. "Strange." Over the course of the night I noticed Bell fall into a deep sleep. As a light snoring emerged from the sleeping human.

Several minutes passed as I tried to decide on which course of action to pursue, stay or leave.

*knock knock*

A soft knocking sound came from the door behind me. "Riveria are you in there?" The voice of Ryu echoed through the door.

"Y...Yes." I replied, a new found embarrassment flooded my face.

The door cracked open revealing Ryu who looked haggard. A soft smile on her face at the sight of us. "Can you come with me real quick? You can return if you wish afterwards."

Giving only a brief nod I slowly released my hold letting Bell rest on the bed. With a silent sigh I stood careful to not make any noise.

I followed the fellow elf down the hall towards the opposite, towards Dia's office. I couldn't help but notice the short blonde hair, I had understood the meaning when I first saw her. "Goddess and myself want to confirm something about the events yesterday." Ryu explained as we moved a few doors down. Her voice brought me back from my thoughts.

A soft knock on the door emblazoned with the symbol of the Dia familia. "Come in." The voice of our goddess passed through the door.

Ryu opened the door, waving for me to proceed. Moving to the desk in the center of the room with Dia sitting on the opposite side. "Please sit."

"How can I help you Goddess?" I ask, unsure of how to proceed.

"Don't worry Riveria, I just want to ask you a couple questions." I gave a simple nod as she continued, "The first question, did Bell use his magic?"

A memory of him cloaked in lightning pushing me to the side flashed back to me. "If you're talking about the cloak of lightning then yes he did."

"Did he use his chant?" She continued, my hesitation must have given away the answer. She sighed before opening a drawer in the desk and bringing out a sheet of paper. "As a sign that I trust you I'm going to show you his sheet from the most recent update."

As I looked at the paper Dia continued, "The events of last night gave him enough to level to 3 but he won't be able to do much for a few days."

…

Name: Bell Cranel

Race: Human?

Age: 18

Level 2-3

Strength: A825-S911-I0 Dexterity: S934-S984-I0 Agility: S-974-S999-I0 Endurance: C723-B802-I0 Magic: C789-B899-I0

Developmental Abilities:

Hunter H

Enchanting I

Skills:

Dia's Blessing

Braegh's Fall

Magic:

Lampsi Astrapís

Astrapí Bálas

…

"Braegh's Fall?" I whispered, this skill seemed to be why they had shown me the sheet.

"Braegh's Fall, an extremely powerful skill but when used has a massive detriment to the body." Dia explained turning the sheet back towards her.

"What does it do?" My curiosity peaked even as a flash of worry crossed my mind.

Ryu and Dia looked at each other then nodded, "I'll tell you this out of trust that you will not tell anybody." I nodded as Dia continued, "It is possibly Bell greatest weapon besides his determination, it allows him to cast his enchantment without the use of a chant. As you can imagine, that is extremely powerful. But it has a nasty side effect, I believe Ryu told you that a chant gives you a chance to decide how much mind you wish to sacrifice in the spell. This doesn't give him the chance to place a limit and uses a massive amount nearly causing him a mind down just by activating it. But once active he can continue to have it active or stop."

Dia took a breath as she sighed and continued, "But once the spell ends then the side effects appear. It drains his stamina at a rapid pace as if trying to recover but that's not the worst of it. It basically makes his body feel like he doesn't have a blessing anymore, only his durability seems to stay. But his enhanced agility and strength fades for a period of time."

"So," I jumped in while Dia was taking a breath. "This skill has an almost immeasurable utility, but when it's over the cost is drastic?" I nearly parrot in disbelief.

She nodded before sighing, "That is the case, this downside normally lasts only two to three days, depending on how drained he was before he used it."

I could only nod in understanding as the memory of him jumping to save me from a flashing arrow, as I felt a new wave of self contentment, "I caused this, whether directly or not. He did this to save me."

I could feel a fresh wave of tears stinging my eyes as a voice broke into my mind. "Riveria…" it was Dia whose voice at calling my name seemed to help immediately. "I know this won't help much with how you're feeling but, he has a habit of using the skill often. Sometimes he is in bed more often than not." I could detect a bit of grief in those words. "It's his choice to use this ability, don't blame yourself for his choices. Just remember this you are just starting out, he has been doing this for a while."

I could feel my emotions seeming to smooth out as a ripple ran through the dark thought of my mind. "I… I understand, do you need anything else?" I could hear the hollowness of my words even as I spoke them.

"No Riveria, I think it'll be fine. Go rest now, I know you have been beside Bell all night." Dia commented, as I stood to take my leave. "Riveria…" the voice of my goddess stopped my in my tracks, "just… be careful alright?" I only nodded once as I left the room.

XX

Dia sighed, "Ryu… what am I going to do with them?" The voice sounded defeated.

Ryu didn't respond right away, but after a minute "Let me talk to her, for now I would recommend staying beside Bell for a while. He killed last night, I knew but I couldn't do anything as I have no right to provide support on that end. Riveria helped but you should go and stay beside him."

With that, Ryu moved towards the door and left, not waiting for the goddesses response. 'Ryu how long until you don't blame yourself? How many more until you find yourself at the end of a blade?' Dia thought watching the now closed door with a tear running down her face.

XX

"Riveria, do you mind coming with for a bit. Goddess Dia will be staying by his side for a while." I whipped my head around the voice, startling me as she spoke the instant I touched the handle to the door with Bell on the other side.

With a short mental debate, I nodded "Sure where are we going?"

A gentle almost unnoticeable smile touched her lips, "Let's go to my favorite spot on the grounds." Ryu nodded her head and started walking towards a section of the house I have never been to before.

It took a minute of silent walking, before sunlight peeked strongly through the window embedded into a door. Looking through the window I could see a small courtyard completely enclosed by portions of the house. With a strong sun cresting the walls around the courtyard.

My breath drew as I saw the area, trees and flowers peppered the small enclosed area. It looked like it had been meticulously cared for. "Why haven't I heard of this beautiful place before now? It's been a short time since I joined, this is amazing."

A small blush revealed itself on Ryu's ears as her back was to me, starting to push the door open. "I requested that nobody bothered me while I was in here. It helps to ease the pain. Besides, you've been extremely busy exploring the dungeon."

A soft breeze emitted from the opened door, a stiffness and soreness embedded into my body eased slightly. As Ryu passed through the door, my heart wanted to just stay standing absorbing the soft sensation. But thinking it would've been rude, I slowly made my way before closing the door.

I noticed Ryu moving towards a small bench that was large enough to hold two people. With the smallest hesitation she sat down and sighed deeply, and looked towards the sky, "Please sit, we need to talk some."

"What about?" My thoughts went through a few possibilities, but the soft embrace of the sudden change in scenery put me at ease with the feeling of peace, something I rarely felt at home.

After I sat down Ryu spoke up again, "Truth be told the view is much nicer at night. Perhaps I'll show you it at some point." She evaded the question, but took a deep breath of the calming aroma she continued. "You probably noticed that this familia is a bit different from what you had expected. I can tell by the way you act."

Without even thinking about it I nodded gently, "Good," she continued "Truth be told we are different, they used to be different before what happened two years ago." I noticed the change from We to They immediately, but decided to remain silent.

"As you know Bell actually has been in the familia longer than I have been. He was the captain of the familia for a few months before I joined. He relinquished the claim due to my experience." I nodded along, as her gaze fell from the sky and towards the small stone path from the door to the bench. "Though they don't agree, I blame myself for this change in the familia."

I was about to speak but was cut off, "Please I ask that you don't speak for now, I doubt I will be able to continue if you do." She sighed and rubbed her temples before continuing, "I took charge, at the time Dia familia had eight other members all of which were growing at a fast pace. I attached myself like a leach, due to it being similar to my old familia who nothing remains besides myself."

I could see the tiny tremble in her hands calloused due to years of sword fighting. "I thought I could prevent the collapse with the knowledge of what happened to Astraea familia."

I was fully focused on the elf who looked like she was about to break, my first instinct was to embrace her similar to how I did Bell. But I hesitated for a moment, elves with few exceptions are very reserved. So I decided to test first, my hand moved towards her hands that had been clasped in front of her.

She flinched but didn't pull away or strike back, 'Potentially' my mind thought. "I understand, not to the same degree you, Bell and Goddess Dia." I tried to put on a confident voice but it failed utterly. "When I had escaped from the Alf forest, I had help. Six people I knew would help… that didn't last long."

It seems my confession had at least helped distract the distraught elf. "What happened? If you don't mind my inquiry."

I shook my head slightly, my ears preventing my hair from covering my face. "I thought I had made the smart decision to attempt to bribe the guards that watched the castle. I offered them a small treasure to not say anything as we left. But they told my father anyway, that night we heard the horns. They signaled an army advancing. The first night three of the six died covering our escape." I could remember the screams as we ran away.

I took a breath to work up my courage, "We managed to avoid the pursuit for a week before they caught wind of us again. Two more fell the next day." I could feel the slow sting of forming tears. "Then right on the edge of the forest, we had been found one last time. She stalled dozens of soldiers to let me escape."

I heard Ryu take a deep breath, waiting to find a response. "Whenever I remember my failure to protect those I needed to help. This…" She moved her un grasped hand around the room. "Is the only place I can speak freely to them. I know they are not here. Many of the flowers here represent each of them."

I thought I noticed the flowers move if only for an instant, but I couldn't be sure. The tears I felt building began to fall slowly, looking at a lone tree in the out cove resembled the type from my home forest, not exactly but very close. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Ryu take a breath then nod.

I could feel my eyes widen in surprise, as arms wrapped around me in a comfortable hug. Before I could respond her soft voice flowed out. "I know this is rude, but please just let it out. This is a safe place, no harm can fall you here. So let the tears fall without restraint." After a few seconds of surprise, I couldn't hold them back any longer. They had started and I couldn't stop them any longer.

I noticed Ryu shed a few as the time passed.

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.

My eyes opened slowly, the first thing I noticed was the lack of sunlight, the second was I was no longer in the grove dedicated to the lost. No smells quelling the pain. "My room?" I shifted my head around and it was, the sun seemed to have long since fallen. I sat up as the thin blanket covering slid off my body.

My eyes burned from all the crying I had done, "Where's Ryu?" With a small effort I uncovered my body and the shirt I was wearing seemed ruffled from the tossing on turning in it. I took a brief moment to straighten it to little success. With a soft sigh I exited my room.

It was quiet as I started moving down the hall towards the main sitting room. The darkness seemed significantly less than before I had my blessing. I couldn't help but notice. There was a small light in the main sitting room. I softly approached and the fireplace had been lit, with Goddess Dia sitting reading what looked to be a piece of paper. "Goddess?" I spoke softly, trying not to startle the goddess.

She looked up towards me and I could see a small bag under her exposed eye. But within a millisecond a gentle caring smile touched her face. "Riveria, I would say good morning but it's around three in the morning. Is something wrong?"

I shifted my head slowly, "No, I was hoping Ryu might be out here. I didn't realize it was that late. She is probably sleeping." I noticed her hand grasping the paper tighten slightly before she had sighed.

"Yes.. she is awake, just out right now. The silly elf had some business to attend to." With another sigh she tossed the paper she had been reading into the fire, I managed to catch a brief glance before it was consumed in the baleful flames. 'Wanted: Vermilion Elf.' It had a guild stamp next to hefty reward.

"Is that…" I left my question out in the open for the Goddess to answer.

"No.. not how you're thinking. That isn't for Ryu but it is related." She confessed her one uncovered eye watching me almost unblinking. "Do you mind sitting? It's a little strange having a conversation while one person is standing. Plus, I think I should tell you the truth about the skill you have."

My mind shifted to my last update and the skills I have, "Dia's Blessing?" I asked as I shifted into a chair.

Dia nodded, "That skill, well it's one of the reasons our familia is often attacked. It helps the children grow faster than normal, but only if their first blessing is mine." I nodded that I understood and for her to continue. "I'm a Goddess of Forgiveness, Prime of Life and the main one Eternal Youth. Though the majority is given due to my other name Hebe."

My mind wasn't following, 'Eternal Youth' my mind wondered and itched almost remembering something. Dia continued before the pieces could connect, "Eternal Youth, that is impossible but there are ways to greatly extend one's life. The easiest is to gain a falna, our divine blood helps to extend lives. But it's not permanent."

"So in short, that skill gives 'Eternal Youth'?" I quoted the final part, "But you just said that's impossible." I could already see where this was going. "So, your blessing activates a skill called 'Dia's Blessing' which extends one's life beyond what a normal falna can?" I felt confident but I could be completely sure.

She nodded, "In short yes, but only if your soul hasn't been tainted by another god's blessing. You and Bell have that skill, while Ryu doesn't. While it does extend your life it's not stronger than an extremely high level falna. For example, a level 8 human could live for three hundred plus years. A level one with my blessing can live to about 250, though that hasn't been confirmed yet." I was the goddess slumping in her chair slightly, she seemed much more tired than before.

"That's not the only thing it does." She stared at the low burning fire for a short time. "In order for someone to gain 'Eternal Youth' and be in the 'Prime of Life' for much longer, they need to grow faster than they age. That skill also grants a bonus to growth. Not an extreme one like a dedicated skill can, but I would estimate around 20% faster depending on the person's hard work." In a whisper so quiet I wasn't sure I heard it properly, "I wish I could've given the elf that skill, she needs it."

"So people feared the possibility and rose against the familia?" I whispered, before placing my hand against my chin.

"Some yes, it's a part of my divinity that cannot be turned off. Much like how goddesses of beauty tempts people just by being in their presence. Around 80% of people who don't have my blessing were attacked and killed. The remaining were either forced or willingly left to join others." She took a gentle breath but I could see her hand clenching tightly onto the armrest of the chair. "I can only assume that's how the skills existence got out."

I shifted my eyes from the goddess towards the fire, we sat in silence for several minutes before I remembered, "Where did Ryu go? You said she had business but do you mind if I ask what?"

"I… I don't think I can answer that right now. The night weighs heavy on my body and mind. It's not that I don't want to tell you. But I don't want my exhaustion to say something that might make you think something else." She stood and gave a small bow, "I'm sorry Riveria, but I'm gonna have to pass. It's far too late for my body."

I paused at the abrupt end to the conversation, "As you wish goddess try to have a good rest."

After a few more minutes, I stood up in the silent building, got a small drink, and put the fire out before returning to my chambers to attempt to sleep the night away. I failed miserably, I spent the night wondering about the familia, "Judging by how Dia spoke, she seemed to think that whatever Ryu is doing could be considered badly if not worded right." I shifted my head towards the wall that Ryu should've been on the other side of sleeping.

My mind wandered to Bell, "I hope Bell is better tomorrow." I found myself genuinely wanting to go exploring the dungeon with him again. As the sun peeked through the green curtains my eyes felt so heavy that I could help but fall asleep.

.

.

.

My eyes shifted awake, blinds blocking the window were bright with the glow of the sun. Looking at the small clock the denoted time showed it was early morning. "Looks like I only slept for a couple hours." I mumble as the temptation to sink deeper into my pillows flooded my mind.

With a small grumble I forced myself to sit up and uncover my body from the thin blankets. "I should check on how Bell is doing. Then see if Ryu is back yet." Taking a quick shower, I headed first towards Bell's room and knocked gently. There was no answer. I tried a little harder but to no avail. I held my breath for a second listening for noises in the room, much like how I did with the goblins. But there was none, I did hear a clacking sound coming from the kitchen.

With a sigh of relief that surprised myself, I started smelling the soft scents of cooking food.

Bell was shifting a pan over a crystal powered stove as the sizzling sound invaded my ears, soon the scents became much sharper. "Please sit down, I should be done in a few minutes." Bell spoke without looking at me.

I could feel a small smile growing, "Glad to see you up." Speaking as I sat slowly in a chair at the table.

"I'm glad to be up, truth be told the boredom was starting to get to me. But I have mostly recovered." Despite the cheerful and joking manner of his voice I could tell something was off.

'It must be really bothering him. I can't fault him, probably feels extra bad that he leveled from those actions.' I thought as I watched him move the pan over to a polished stone top in the kitchen. He moved over to a cabinet and got a pair of plates.

"I made extra if you want any." Speaking as he placed the plates on the table.

"I would appreciate that, I haven't eaten much." I could my stomach twisting, "Truth be told I was planning on making something after checking on you. Is Goddess or Ryu around?"

He shook his head briefly before scooping a few pieces of meat and bread onto each plate. A few pieces of fruit were cut and divided between us. I noticed they were not smoothly cut, Bell must have noticed. "Sorry, I'm not used to my level up. The extra strength and speed makes things difficult for the first week or so. But back to your question, no. They went to purchase some supplies and stuff from the market. Normally I would before heading into the dungeon, but I haven't been able to." He sighed, before sitting opposite of me.

I noticed his hand shake slightly while taking the first bite. I followed suit, it was quiet for a short while.

"Can I ask you something?" I decided to break the silence, we had been close to finishing breakfast.

"You just did." He chuckled lightly at the face I'm sure I made. "I'm just joking, sure what's up."

I sighed, I couldn't help it. "Would you want to train with me today? I haven't in a couple days. I don't want to get rusty." I paused for a second, "If you think you're up to the exertion." I could feel my pointed ears shift at the phrasing.

"I can do that, but as I said I'm not used to the level up. It will be much harder to hold back. If you're alright with that, go put your armor on and grab your weapon. Meet me outside, the grass outside should be fine as long as we don't use magic." He stood taking my plate and moving them to the sink.

I bowed slightly in thanks and moved quickly to put my equipment on. After 10 minutes I was standing on a fairly small grass patch hand on my rapier watching Bell do some stretching. After another minute he had his hand resting on a wooden practice weapon. This time a longsword, something different from his usual.

"Right so are you ready?" He got into a stance, his side facing me but the weapon held in both hands right at shoulder level.

I nodded and blocked out the noise of the city just outside the walls of the familia home. I didn't strike, I shifted my feet around the grassy patch. Getting a better feel for the surprisingly smooth patch. I could see a small smirk on his face. He followed my path but opposite of me, I saw his ruby eyes shift away from me. I leaped with a piercing strike, a loud smacking sound echoed over the field.

My side burned, but my armor blocked much of the impact. He had stepped through my overextended guard and slapped the wooden blade against me. I could tell a bruise would quickly form. I yelped in surprise, but regained my focus on the practice quickly.

"Against most monsters that would've worked, but overextending yourself against a person will lead you astray." His wooden blade swiftly moved for another strike, I was barely able to react. Twisting my body as quickly as I could, I felt the wind brushing my long hair. 'Next time, I will need to tie it back.' The thought crossed my mind. That distraction proved a mistake, my eyes shifted seeing another strike approaching. Then a sharp pain on my head then nothing.

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The thick green trees parted abruptly, finally I was outside the cursed forest I called home. I shifted my head downward, my white gloves had splotches of red on them. The gloves seemed to burn my hands but I ignored the sensation. I was free, free at last, but I knew it wouldn't last. I needed to leave the proximity quickly. I know they were only maybe an hour behind me. A leaf bladed dagger, with a chipped blade sat unfamiliar in the traveling belt I had taken three days ago.

A small stream ran a mile away from the forest's edge. I knew I didn't have the time, but the burning grew greater. Tearing the gloves off I could see the red had bled through and now stained my skin. My vision grew blurry as I tried and failed to cleanse my hands. Only after ten minutes of scrubbing did I realize I had been crying. The red was gone, the stain had washed down the peaceful stream.

I stood looking back towards the forest and continued running, the burning never truly left.

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.

A warm glow outlined a white shape, it pulsed with the rhythm of my aching head.

A voice I didn't recognize spoke softly, my eyes barely opened and began gaining definition. "Seems you've awoken, sorry about the hit. How are you feeling?" It was Bell looking down at me. I tried to get up but failed as my head pulsed once more. "Wait just a few more moments. I hit your head pretty hard."

Following his suggestion, my mind ran at the memory I had, but all that was drowned out as I realized my head had been resting in his lap. I could feel my ears starting to burn. Trying my best to hide the embarrassment that had been showing on my face, "Why did you lay me down in your lap?"

I could see his head shift slightly in confusion, "I remembered Goddess suggesting it if something like this happens."

'I think some context is missing.' I thought as the pulsing slowed gradually over the course of a minute. When it was gone I sat up, "I appreciate it." Looking up towards the sky, the sun had definitely moved slightly since we came outside originally.

"Can I ask what you meant by burning? You had been mumbling it here and there." I felt my ears drooping slightly, my eyes focused on a tiny bird flying free from any restraints.

"I had been remembering when I left the forest with my hands stained red." I shifted my head to face the human sitting next me. As a single tear fell, "It was my last farewell to the forest I had once called home."

Welcome back, sorry this chapter took so long over a year in fact. The last chapter was November 13 2021. As some of you know, I had wanted to finish Sylphid's Happiness before moving on to this one completely. But That was a long and bumpy process. With the finally of that story, I started to feel motivated to work on this one more. I have a few ideas for this story that I hope to execute in time. I hope all of you will be patient with the slow progress of this series, and yes I know the characters are acting very much AU but I hope you give the changes time to grow and solidify from the rough versions they are now. Also let me know if you think I am revealing too much so soon. Thank you all again. - EG

Review Responses:

Joshiewoshy: No problem

pix25: I want to share more and hope I am not revealing things too quickly.

Angryhenry: I wanted the series to be darker but still have some light moments. I just had to set the environment before hand.

JintoLin: That is true, Ais didn't have her "Momma" and with the overall strength of the familia lower some of the members we know of never joined. But we will see how those things progress over time.

Guest 1: Thanks I plan on continuing.

Guest 2: Thank you.

Guest 3: I appreciate it, I hope the story holds up to what you think the potential could be.

jarry0923: More has now released.

Vadam: I hope you continue looking for more.

Ommadawn: That was the idea with the AU take. The story will continue, unless I post an official notice saying I am done with it.