The air was stale and thick. The tea had run cold from how long Vlad was sitting in his chair, tranced by the sudden realization. The road ahead for him was going to be a long one, filled to the brim with obstacles.
Lumera moved her seat next to Vlad, trying to comfort him with a hand on his shoulder. While the gesture wasn't lost on him, he was too preoccupied with the storm of thoughts within his mind.
None of those thoughts were pleasant.
"Do you need to rest?" Lumera asked.
Vlad let out a groan, hiding his face in his hands. "No, I need to blow off some steam."
She didn't answer. Instead, she looked beyond the small garden they were inside and eyed a set of doors barely visible in the plaza. She gave a small nod before tapping Vlad's shoulder.
"I think I know a place," she stated. "Come with me."
He raised his head and his eyes were bloodshot. He'd rather stay glued to his spot and brood, but he stood up and took the invitation anyway. Lumera guided him through the Somniel until they were in front of a set of wooden doors contrasting the marble appearance of the plaza.
Vlad didn't know what to expect, so he waited with bated breath. When Lumera pushed the doors aside, he still wasn't prepared for the sight. He thought it would just be another room that would look similar to the Somniel's entire structure, but his guess couldn't be further from the truth.
He found himself in an infinite shallow lake, illuminated by stray green fireflies. Rocky formations sprouted from the ground, none of them so tall that Vlad couldn't reach them in height. Each step he made sloshed, echoing more times than it should. He turned around and his eyes widened when he saw nothing past the doors they'd just come through.
It was like they were in a capsule removed from reality.
"This is the arena," Lumera suddenly spoke, her voice echoing as well. "Once it was a playground filled to the brim with young dragons. Now, it's just an empty repurposed room."
She let out a sigh before turning back to Vlad. "If you need time to think, this place should do."
"But why here?" Vlad asked, not meeting her eye to eye.
"I'll show you," she said before extending her hand. Blue light started emanating from her palm before she raised her arm. Ripples started to form on the lake's surface. A pillar of water emerged in front of them and a set of glowing eyes pierced the liquid veil.
Once the pillar collapsed, it left behind a person, equipped like a medieval soldier. It jolted its head up and took hold of its wooden axe before widening its stance, ready for battle.
Vlad instinctively took a step back. "What?"
"Don't be alarmed. It's just a puppet under my control," Lumera said as she lowered her arm, her head tilting in Vlad's direction. "You've faced some of the Corrupted already, have you not?"
He frowned. "Yes, but I didn't mention fighting as a way to vent. Besides, Alear was the one who did most of if not all the work."
To his surprise, Lumera suddenly mirrored his expression. "Then how did you fare in combat?"
He clicked his tongue. "Less than favourably."
"Then there's no time like the present, Vladimir" she stated, eyeing the still puppet in front of them. "This soldier should act like a regular Corrupted, and I need you to find your own way of dealing with them effortlessly."
"What do you mean by 'need'?" he pressed.
"Because survival is key," she explained before a pained grimace formed on her face. "Now that Alear has put her trust in you, I don't want to imagine what would happen if you perished in battle."
"Hold on," Vlad exclaimed as he swiped with his hand. "I didn't say anything about agreeing to your plea, let alone fight for you."
"This isn't a request, Vladimir," she said firmly. "Even if you didn't comply, how would you survive outside without at least an idea on how to deal with the Corrupted?"
He gritted his teeth, but only a hiss escaped his mouth.
"You know I'm right, so please, don't make it harder than it needs to be. Besides," her lips suddenly spread into a sheepish smile, "I actually don't know if I can offer anything else for stress relief."
Vlad wasn't expecting to form a flat look this quickly. He eventually let out a sigh. "I guess I was too optimistic for thinking I would get a racket and a tennis ball."
Lumera's eyes shot up. "A what now?"
"Forget I said anything," he said dismissively before giving the puppet a wary look. "But still, not what I would call an ideal choice."
"Don't worry. The construct won't try to hurt you," she reassured, "but it will still be like a real opponent."
"Leaving me on my own…" Vlad trailed off and Lumera hummed in response.
"I can't stay here. I still have work to do. Too much in fact," she turned around, facing the doors while her shoulders sagged. "This war doesn't allow me much leniency."
She took hold of the doorknob, opening her way out of the arena. She gave Vlad one last glance.
"Take as much time as you need, and please," she put a hand on her chest. "Don't think about your situation too much. I'm sure it will sort itself out eventually. Just stay focused on what's in front of you at the moment."
With a dull click, she closed the doors behind her, leaving Vlad behind with the puppet as his only company. He stared at it with his bloodshot eyes before scoffing.
"Giving things time," he said while unsheathing his sword. "Easier said than done when I've always fought against the clock."
Upon seeing Vlad's weapon reflecting in the water, the puppet sprung into action. It took a step forward before lunging in his direction, taking hold of its axe with both hands. While the puppet readied a swing, Vlad was completely caught off guard by its speed and was left wide open.
Once the axe was about to be brought down, the puppet stopped its attack mere inches away from Vlad's shoulder, staring at him with its empty glowing eyes. His breath hitched and grew as stiff as a board when he saw the axe almost bite into him.
It probably wouldn't hurt with the gear he had on, but still…
It's way out of my league, he thought bitterly.
He stepped back a few feet while the puppet stayed still as a statue, waiting for Vlad's next sign. He faced the creature with his shoulder and hid the blade behind his body, hoping to take the time to think of an approach.
He huffed. How could Lumera think this was a good idea?
His grip on his sword was tight, to the point the leather encasing the handle began to screech. He rubbed off the rest of the tears staining his eyes and cheeks before a fierce frown formed on his face. But what do I know? Maybe it's exactly what I need at the moment.
He took hold of his weapon with both hands and stomped, sending a ripple across the lake before charging towards the puppet.
{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}
Lumera was currently looking at a map sprawled across a large table in the cafeteria. Many wooden mock-ups of blue and red colour adorned even the smallest of spaces on the map. She experimentally moved four different bunches of blue pieces around, trying to find the most probable rendezvous point. No matter where they were, they were always surrounded by the red pieces like a king in checkmate.
She clicked her tongue and gulped down the rest of the tea she had left in her cup before sitting down. She leaned her head on her hand, intensely staring at the map.
"No matter where they go, fighting is inevitable," she said under her breath. "I could try to persuade Ethelwulf into moving out now, but…"
She shook her head. "No, they have just one Emblem ring. They will become a moving target, if nothing else. But being a sitting duck isn't helping either."
She pinched the bridge of her nose. "Even if Alear would be there with her own ring, it could just lead to an unnecessary risk between her and Ethel—"
Sudden hissing erupted from the kitchen behind her, and Lumera whipped her head towards the pot on the stove. She let out a sigh and quickly stood up from her seat. Before long, she was pouring the hot liquid into the jug with the same tea leaves she'd let steep earlier.
Meanwhile, she glanced at the doors leading deeper into the building and hummed. "I guess I have no choice."
Once she set the pot aside, she reached for the doorknob and revealed a small chamber made out of grey marble. A set of windows barely illuminated the thirteen pedestals, one in the center while the rest surrounded it in a half circle.
Each had a small slot the size of a ring, but there was only one pedestal that had its makeshift key. It was glowing in a warm blue light, and Lumera gazed at it with a contemplative look. She got a little closer before picking up the ring itself and clutching it tightly.
"Are you still there, Sigurd?" she suddenly asked. Before she could even blink, a flash of light took shape into a young man in a white royal garb and a long blue coat. With blue eyes and hair, his well-trimmed face offered Lumera a small smile.
"Yes, I am. I've come to wonder why you always ask me that question when you come here."
A sigh escaped her lips. "I'm quite aware. I've most likely become more paranoid as of late."
Sigurd hummed in response. "The state of the war hasn't changed much, has it?"
"Unfortunately no," she admitted. "There have been a few small victories here and there, but it feels like Sombron's army just keeps growing. Which is why I'm here."
Sigurd's eyes widened for a moment before he frowned. "So, is it my time as well?"
Lumera nodded. "Yes, I think I've been withholding you for long enough. Everyone has been trying their best to survive and I think it's high time for the march across Elyos."
"That's a very bold plan coming from you, Lumera," Sigurd remarked.
"It is, but this war has already lasted for too long," she stated before turning her back to Sigurd. "Come with me. I have a task for you."
"Hmm, and what is it?" he asked.
"To help a lost soul find his footing," she explained and marched back to the doors leading into the arena, Sigurd floating behind her just a few inches above the ground. Without knocking, Lumera entered, only to see Vlad sprawled on the ground, heaving. His fur coat was hanging on one of the rocky formations, leaving him with only the brigandine and a leather shirt, each with a few battle marks.
Lumera glanced at the puppet, its hands leaning on the pommel of the axe and patiently waiting for Vlad to get up.
"I…" she exclaimed and a frown formed on her face. "I wasn't expecting much, but this?"
Vlad let out a groan and eventually opened his eyes. "I told you this was a bad idea. I've spent more than half of my life either sitting or laying in bed."
He tilted his head to the side before his breath hitched at the sight of Sigurd. He was remarkably similar to Alear's ghost friend, but there was a sense of peace coming from the floating figure that Vlad couldn't place.
And the fact he wasn't glowing red, but blue.
Sigurd put a hand on his chest and offered Vlad a small bow. "I'm Emblem Sigurd. A pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Vlad stared at the ghost for a moment before eventually standing up. He rubbed his eyes and flicked his ears to ensure he still had his sense of reality.
So, they can talk now too? he thought while a sigh escaped his lips. I don't know how to feel about all of this anymore.
He shook his head before extending his hand to Sigurd. "The name's Vladimir. It's a pleasure as well."
A small smile spread across the knight's lips and he promptly shook it. "It's good to see someone young with good manners."
The deadpan look Vlad gave Sigurd made Lumera jump in place before dismissively waving her hand in front of her. "Sigurd, I think it'd be better if you refrain from calling Vladimir… that."
Vlad crossed his arms. "Lumera, I can speak for myself if it bothers me or not." He turned to Sigurd. "It's complicated, and I've heard that comment too many times to keep count."
His eyes shot up ever-so-slightly before he let out a huff. "Very well, I'll keep it in mind then."
"Thank you," Vlad said. "But why are you here? I wasn't expecting you to come here so soon."
"Ah, about that," Lumera opened her palm and showed the ring she got from the chamber gleaming with a silver sheen. Vlad's eyes glanced down and his eyebrows knitted together.
"This isn't an ordinary ring, is it?"
She nodded. "Yes, this is the Ring of the Holy Knight, Sigurd's Emblem Ring to be specific. I want you to have this for now."
"Me? Of all people?" Vlad exclaimed before clicking his tongue. "No, I don't want it."
Lumera jolted in place, instinctively balling up her fist with the ring. Her face morphed into a frown. "Is it because you already wore one, correct?"
"Yeah, and it almost felt like it took control over my body back then." He let out a hiss. "That isn't something I want to experience again any time soon."
"You have nothing to worry about, Vladimir," Sigurd interjected. "There's a difference in how Divine and Fell dragons summon Emblems. To keep it short, Fell Dragons use invocations to bind an Emblem to their will. On the other hand, Divine Dragons offer a prayer for our strength, and coincidentally give us a sense of freedom."
"That still doesn't explain what I'm afraid of," Vlad countered.
Sigurd nodded. "I understand your concern. An Emblem ring is already a powerful artifact. Alear's Emblem ring is still imbued with her invocation, so it doesn't surprise me it was overwhelming for you. The Fell Dragons forcefully unlock the rings' immediate power. That kind of surge can blindside anyone if they aren't ready for it."
"That's an understatement," he remarked. "Besides, even if I took your word for it, how can you even agree to Lumera's request? Me having your ring and all."
Sigurd hummed, putting a hand on his chin. "That is indeed a good question."
The two men turned their heads towards Lumera, and she offered them a smile. "Because Vladimir has untapped potential, at least in my opinion."
Vlad immediately scoffed. "Right, and the fact I was being beaten to a pulp by the puppet behind me for the past few hours is what then?"
"Wait, you haven't defeated it yet?"
"I did, just once though, and only because I was able to get in a lucky shot." He frowned in the reanimated soldier's way. "Then it quickly rose back to its feet and it never worked again."
"Then that means there's progress," she eased her hand, revealing the ring again. "Take it. You'll find more use for it now than I will at the moment. I still have several things to prepare before my plans are set in motion anyway."
Vlad narrowed his eyes. "What plans?"
Lumera shook her head. "That isn't important right now. You have to—"
"It is to me," Vlad interrupted her. "How can I make my decision and agree to your plea when you're planning things behind my back?"
Lumera's eyes shot open and her free hand moved to her chest. "Right, that. Have you… thought about it?"
He let out a tired sigh. "Too much in fact, and I haven't come to a conclusion just yet. But once you tell me what those plans are, then I should be able to give you an answer."
"You will?" she exclaimed and Vlad gave her a nod. Taking a deep breath, a neutral expression formed on her face. "Very well."
While Lumera didn't tell Vlad all the details of the march across Elyos, she quickly summarized what the future entailed for them. Despite that, Vlad tried to stay cool and listened to everything Lumera had to say.
It still troubled him.
Ethelwulf already mentioned the war was getting worse with each day, but to think the entire continent was afflicted by it didn't help Vlad in the slightest. In fact, he began to feel glad he found this safe haven so quickly.
"And that should be all," Lumera finished. "Now, it's just a matter of time before I talk with Ethelwulf to begin this march."
Vlad hummed while touching his chin. "Persuading him isn't going to be easy, though. Even if I don't know him that much, I'd wager taking risks is something he is allergic to."
A mirthless chuckle escaped Lumera's lips. "You aren't wrong."
She shook her head, interlocking her hands together. "So, has that helped you decide?"
Vlad didn't say anything at first. He turned his back to her and Sigurd, gazing at the endless emptiness of the arena, as if trying to find the answer. He started to tap his foot, and the splashes rang in his ears.
Once he let his hands fall limp, he raised his head. "Yeah, I think it did."
Vlad noticed his sword was submerged in the shallow lake, waiting for its owner to pick it back up. He knelt down, drenching his gloves in the water and grabbing the handle before swiping his weapon around to get rid of all the droplets staining the blade.
He shuffled in place and ended up facing Lumera again. "I agree."
Lumera's breath hitched. "You do?"
A nod was Vlad's answer. "Yes. The turning point was when I realised how lucky I was to even find Alear. I'd have probably only ended up as a bloodstain in some nameless forest if it wasn't for her. I should start counting my blessings."
A smile eventually adorned Lumera's face. "You have no idea how much that means to me. Thank you."
He shook his head. "No, don't thank me. I haven't done anything. Not yet at least."
She hummed and opened her palm with the ring again. "Then I think it's about time for both of us to start."
Vlad glanced at the gleaming gem before turning to Sigurd. "Are you really okay with it?"
The knight shook his head. "The fact you are even asking already proves you know what kind of responsibility this is. But yes, I don't think it's a bad decision."
"Well, as long as you don't object," Vlad remarked. However, when he was about to take the ring, a thought surged through his mind that made his hand stop. "Wait, wouldn't you be better with Lumera once the real fighting actually starts?"
To his surprise, a light chuckle escaped Sigurd's lips. "You'd be surprised how fierce Lumera can get when push comes to shove. She is still a Divine Dragon after all, and my strength would probably only get in her way."
"Oh," Vlad exclaimed, curiously eyeing Lumera, who jolted her head away before coughing into her hand.
"Can you please take the ring already? We're losing precious time here," she stated, and he gave her a quick nod.
"Right," he carefully took the ring from her hand and it was warm to the touch. Whether it was like this on its own or because of Lumera holding it tightly thus far, Vlad didn't know. He removed his left glove, and flexed his fingers, only for his breath to hitch.
"What's wrong?" Lumera asked.
"My engagement ring…" he murmured while turning his hand around. His shoulders sagged. "It's gone."
"Your—" Lumera choked, and hid her mouth. "Do you remember where you put it?"
"I never took it off," Vlad stated before hissing. "Of all the things that didn't come here with me."
He looked down at the Emblem ring. "Does it matter where I put it on?"
"It sadly does," Sigurd admitted. "If it isn't on the left ring finger, then it's nothing more than an ornament."
Vlad let out a groan and pinched the bridge of his nose. I'm sorry I lost it, dear. I hope you can forgive me.
He reluctantly slotted the jewelry, and a wave of pleasant heat surged through his body. It wasn't as overpowering as Alear's ring, but his body felt a slight difference. Instead of a shot of pure adrenaline, it was more akin to drinking a few too many cups of coffee without the side effects.
"Are you alright?" Lumera asked. "It felt like you adorned the ring a little too quickly."
"But there isn't much I can do about it now, can I?" Vlad retorted, his voice cracking ever-so-slightly. "Not like I can go back home and retrieve it."
He put his glove back with a heavy sigh. "Anyway, what do we… Wait, where's Sigurd?"
"I'm right behind you, friend," the knight said, and Vlad snapped his head to look behind so fast it almost gave him a whiplash.
"Why are you—!?"
"We Emblems reside within the rings," Sigurd interjected. "And since now you have the ring in your possession, it's only natural I'm by your side instead of Lumera's."
Vlad opened his mouth to speak, only to close it with a clap.
"Alright, but I'll ask you to always make yourself known. I might look young, but that doesn't mean I can't get a heart attack."
Sigurd smiled. "Noted."
AN: God, I love to write the banter between Vlad and Sigurd. Somehow, they mesh together surprisingly well and it's really enjoyable. I was debating over what kind of Emblem Ring he should get, but Sigurd was the most reasonable choice, and I'm glad it worked out so well. I hope you feel the same. With how difficult the last chapter was, this one, on the other hand, was quite easy.
As always, I'd like to thank Cavik for beta reading this chapter, as well as the Treehouse Discord server for being a great company to be around. Here's the link if you want to join: gg/u89gs745fn
Thank you for reading this today's chapter.
God's speed.
