Chapter 5:
That night, the Xenos left soon after Bell and Fels's conversation. Hestia Familia had to wake up early the next day to have enough time to both explore the twenty-fourth floor and return home for dinner. The twenty-fourth didn't hold much excitement, though. There were the usual monsters, with the only difference being that they ran into a Moss Huge this time. The damn thing led them on a merry chase, and Welf was not happy to participate.
The smith had things to do and materials to work with. He had finally made enough progress in his return to-do list that he had the time to work on Otohime's new sword. He also hadn't gone to see Hephaistos yet. That was only partially because of the work though, really, he was a bit of a coward. However, he was confident enough in himself to admit that he was acting cowardly.
When they finally defeated the Moss Huge, which was mostly possible through his magic swords, they started to make their way home at a quick pace. He was quite proud of the fact that his swords were saving the lives of his companions. He was also happy to see that the magic wind sword he had crafted for Ryuu was working as planned. Made from mithril, it functioned like other magic swords and allowed her to use her mind for the wind magic, just like his Kazuchi. She was already a powerful mage, so pouring even a little bit of her mind into the blade gave incredible magical ability. When they paused for lunch on floor twenty, he went to check on her and her weaponry.
"So Ryuu, how's the blade holding up?" asked the smith.
Ryuu nodded, a tiny smile gracing her features, "It's quite the beautiful blade, and it works wonders. It's nice to not have to worry about a magic blade breaking or to worry about the time it takes to chant my magic," Ryuu smirked then, "I'll admit though, as an elf, it's strange to use a Crozzo blade."
Welf snorted, "Ain't that the truth. I imagine if we really did start working with Loki Familia; you'd turn a couple heads, to say the least."
Ryuu shrugged, "If they have a problem, then it's theirs. If using this blade means keeping all of you safe, then I'd use it a thousand times."
That got Welf to smile, "I got to say, I like the sound of that. Let me know if there's anything else I can do for you. How's the armour, by the way?"
That got Ryuu to lift her arms and examine them in the light of the cave moss, "I'm not dead yet, so I imagine that means that it's working. Can't ask for much else."
Welf nodded, "Like the attitude."
"Anything else you want to ask?"
"Yeah, now that you've met them properly… what'd you think of the Xenos?"
Ryuu stopped talking then. Anyone who didn't know her would think she was refusing to answer. However, Welf had travelled with the elf. He knew that she was just taking her time and putting in enough thought for a proper answer. After a minute, Ryuu shrugged.
"Honestly, they're just like you guys said they would be. They seem like good people…monsters…creatures. I like them," said Ryuu.
Welf nodded, "Happy to hear it. Knowing Bell, we're gonna come back here and help them later."
Ryuu chuckled, "Yes, Bell is quite heroic that way, isn't he?"
"Oh, come on, you like that side of him, don't you?"
Ryuu turned scarlet then. Instead of responding, she stood up and started giving orders to begin their march to the surface. The rest of the party was confused by their vice-captain's sudden outburst of orders, except for Welf.
Instead, the smith said, "Man, she is way too easy."
Regardless, the Familia made their way back up through the dungeon. They worked quickly and efficiently, their moves becoming more in-sync as they fought their way through the dungeon. They passed through the eighteenth floor with barely a hello to Bors, and soon they were rushing up the upper floors. It took no time at all with their levels and skills.
Coming back out into the daylight, the group split up to accomplish their tasks. Rather, that was the plan. As soon as they stepped into the guild lobby, a familiar voice called out for their captain.
"Bell Cranel!"
It was the captain of the Loki Familia, the Braver: Finn Diemne. The prum strolled up to Hestia Familia, as calm as could be. He was by himself, without a weapon. Not that it mattered, though. After the great battle in Knossos, the Gods saw fit to recognize Finn's incredible role as the leader of the allied forces of Orario. For his bravery, tenacity, and leadership, he was granted a level-up. Finn Diemne, the hero of the Prums, was a level seven.
"Mister Finn!" replied Bell. He hadn't seen the prum since he had returned. In fact, besides the one moment on the wall, he hadn't seen anyone from Loki Familia. He was stunned into silence.
"What can we do for you, Mister Finn?" asked Lily. She noticed Bell's state in decided it was her job as his supporter to step in.
"Actually, the one I want to talk to is you, Lilliruka Arde. Would you be available for a conversation? I figured now that you're back, it would be a good chance for me to offer myself for marriage again," replied Finn.
He said marriage, but Lily noticed the way his lips curled. She nodded to the prum and gave her pack to Mikoto.
"Miss Mikoto, would you please go with Lady Haruhime to sell our magic stones. I have to go with Mister Finn to review…. marriage proposals," said Lily. She walked away with the captain of Loki Familia. Mikoto and Haruhime went to sell their stones, Bell went to talk to Eina and Ryuu took the new members of the Familia home. That left Welf with little to do. So, he decided to have that conversation that was long overdue.
As Welf made his way to the home of arguably the city's wealthiest Familia, he reflected on his time away. He had travelled under Lady Hephaistos's advice to study under the God of craftsman, Ptah, who taught him much. His work became more intricate, his creations gained complexity, and he learned a lot about the nature of magic weapons.
The Kingdom of Carien, where Ptah resided, was a great place of magic and science. Not only to Ptah but to Hecate and Iris, Goddesses of Magic. There were several other Gods and Goddesses, all focused on crafts and creation. Travelling with Ryuu was a good time as well. She had just become a member of their Familia, which meant it was the perfect time to get to know each other. The elf was a treasure trove of stories and wildly loyal. She made good company.
Welf was jerked out of his reminiscing, though, because he had arrived at his destination. The home of Hephaistos Familia towered over him, large and imposing. He walked inside and found a gaggle of smiths running back and forth. He had no idea who to talk to, to find Hephaistos, but then his least favourite smith saw him loitering in the lobby.
"Welfy!" cried out Tsubaki, "I was wondering when you'd finally get enough courage to come and visit!"
Tsubaki took his arm with her monster strength and dragged him through the house. Welf's former home was familiar but also frighteningly different. Furniture had been moved, people had joined, and the sounds of smiths at work had changed to his ears.
Eventually, they came to the office at the top of the home. Welf could feel the intense heat of the forge from behind the door. Tsubaki walked up and gave it a knock. Before the Goddess came to the door, Tsubaki nudged Welf.
"She's been expecting you, you know. When you didn't show up for the first couple of weeks, she almost threw a fit. I had to bring in Hestia to talk to her. I swear, you almost brought on a major bout of depression with your cowardice," said Tsubaki.
"Why are you telling me this?" replied Welf.
"Just warning you for what comes next," said Tsubaki.
The door cracked open, and Welf was face to face with his former Goddess. A year away had not dulled her beauty, and Welf felt his breath hitch when he saw her. Her one good eye popped open when they made eye contact. She looked at Tsubaki, looked back at Welf, and then dragged the young man inside. Hephaistos shut the door before Tsubaki could come in. Before Welf could open his mouth, Hephaistos grabbed him by his shoulders. She crashed her lips to his. The kiss was ugly, but Welf felt the passion behind it. After holding him there for ten seconds, she released him. Welf blinked a couple of times while Hephaistos returned to her desk. Her moves were jerky, as if she had more energy than she knew what to do with.
She sat behind the desk, her face as red as her hair. She took a couple of deep breaths, working to bring down the adrenaline. After a minute, she finally seemed to compose herself. Welf was left standing around like a dying fish.
"It is good to see you, Welf. I hope you'll excuse what just happened," said the Goddess.
"Excuse me, Lady Hephaistos, but what?" replied the smith.
Hephaistos blushed, "I don't know what you're talking about."
Even a thick head like Welf could read the room. Instead of trying to continue the conversation, he shook his and scratched the back of his neck.
"Alright, we can ignore that for now then. I don't have the time I want right now, so how about we continue this conversation a couple days from now? We can go get dinner," replied the smith. Hephaistos blushed even deeper in response and nodded. The two tried to have a normal conversation, but it obviously wasn't going to happen. After a particularly awkward silence, Welf told her he was leaving, and she nodded again. She didn't trust herself to speak. He left to go home.
At the same time, Lily and Finn settled in at a café made especially for prums. The small chairs and tables were perfect for the two of them. They sat across from each other, ordering tea and biscuits. Lily was apprehensive about spending money, but Finn said that he would foot the bill. The two of them exchanged pleasantries for a while, and the one time that Lily tried to talk about what Finn really wanted to talk about, he raised his hand to pause. Apparently, they were waiting on someone else. Eventually, an amazon came barging in to join them. She seemed distinctly out of place in the tiny space, but that didn't stop her. Lily recognized her as Tione, one of Loki Familia's executives and she didn't stop glaring at Lily.
"I must apologize, but is there something wrong, Miss Tione?" asked Lily.
"Tione, we talked about this," replied Finn.
Immediately, Tione pouted and nodded. Her glare relaxed, and she fidgeted in the too-small chair she was sitting in. Finn looked on fondly before turning back to Lily.
"So, Miss Arde, I have to say it has been a long while. Let me start with an apology for what happened a year ago. All of us in Loki Familia feel awful about our part in what happened to your familia and to the Xenos," said Finn, his face sombre. His voice was stiff and formal in contrast, though.
Before Lily could respond, Tione added on, "We really are. I know the captain isn't great at sounding sincere, but I can tell you that we all feel awful about the Xenos. When we heard about Ray…she saved Finn's life," Tione sighed, "What I'm trying to say is, and I know an apology doesn't cut it, but we're sorry." Her voice was much more sincere in intent.
Lily didn't respond for a minute. She sat here in contemplative silence, looking down at the floor. Finally, she said, "Is that all you wanted to talk about, Mister Finn? Worthless apologies?" The prum was shaking, "We saw the Xenos last night, in the dungeon. They're still recovering. All because you turned your back on us."
"Not our choice," retorted Tione, "That's on Ais." She obviously did not like anyone attacking her Captain, even if she sympathized with Lily.
"Enough, Tione," said Finn, voice firm. He breathed out, "I'm not here for just apologies; I'm here to help. You're too smart to not have a plan, so what is it, and what can my Familia do to help?"
Lily was taken back by the admission. She was partly relieved for the help and part angry that they only decided to help now after the worst damage had been done. No time for that though, Lily had a family to protect.
"Well, for now, the plan is to buy time until we can get to a place of strength. We're trying to win that big tournament coming up to gain some reputation. Lily believes that if we stay too much in the public eye, Freya won't have a chance to attack us. Her reputation already hangs by a thread. Even the guild hasn't forgiven her yet. That said, we are also looking to form alliances with bigger Familias. Lily knows that you aren't one to form plans in the daylight, but…" Lily trailed off.
"I heard you're going on an expedition. Ais and Lefiya are offering their services to go with you," replied Finn, "I also think that Tione and Tiona want to help you with your training for this tournament. Also, how about me and you start having regular meetings about what our Familia's can do to help each other." His list came quickly; it was rattled off so fast that Lily suspected he had practiced it beforehand.
Lily didn't know how to respond to that, though. The amount of help that Finn was offering was almost overwhelming. Before she could react, Finn spoke up again, "The reputation idea wasn't a bad one, but it would only work with a goddess that isn't Freya. She has never cared about her reputation. The only reason she hasn't attacked yet is because of her whims. You need to get stronger, now."
Lily nodded. Thank God that the Braver was here and could help her familia make a proper plan. She had been struggling on her own.
Lily and Finn set to work, making plans for what to do next. Tione chimed in, helping by offering a more down-to-earth view of things. Many projects were set to work, and overall, it was quite a pleasant way to spend the day for Lily. When she wasn't trying to glare a hole through her head, Tione was good company. After a couple of hours had passed, the three of them retired for the day. They left to go home to their respective Familias.
When Lily got home, she found her Familia taking a break post-expedition. Hestia hadn't finished work yet, but the rest were having fun. Welf and Urashima were sketching out weapon ideas, mostly creating totally unrealistic and impractical monstrosities. They were having a good laugh, though. Otohime was playing shogi with Mikoto while Haruhime watched. Elwin and Ryuu were deep in conversation about magic, and Bell was trying to start a fire.
Lily went over to Bell, thinking that he deserved to know about her meeting with Finn first. She knelt down to him and helped get the logs in order. They worked in silence, not needing to communicate. Eventually, he got the fire started with a light fireball, and the two of them left for the office. Ryuu peeled off to join them, understanding the importance of the matter. The three of them took seats in the office, Lily behind the desk, Bell in the chair in front, and Ryuu leaning against the wall. Lily took out their finance books so she could work while they talked. They had made a fair chunk of valis over the last three weeks, but they would need to save it all for this big expedition they were planning. Especially if the Sword Princess and Thousand Elf were joining them.
"Good news. Mister Finn is looking to set up a direct alliance between Hestia Familia and Loki Familia. He offered the services of Miss Tiona and Miss Tione to help train us," Lily looked to Ryuu, "I told him that their time would be best spent with Miss Mikoto and Mister Urashima."
Ryuu nodded, "Understood, they can have Mikoto in the evenings. I still want her training with me and the Hostess of Fertility girls in the morning. Urashima can join her. What else?"
Lily smiled, "Mister Finn offered to personally train me in the art of war and strategy. I'm going to begin taking meetings with him. Also, he suggested we scrap the reputation plan. It's more important that we focus on getting stronger. That said, nothing changes for this tournament."
Bell nodded, "Understood. I'll have to tell Mister Finn how grateful I am. Did he mention anyone else?"
Lily knew exactly what he was asking. He had been jostling his leg since the meeting began. She decided to put the poor boy at ease, "Miss Ais and Miss Lefiya both volunteered to come with us on our upcoming expedition. Adding them with the members from Miach Familia, Takemikazuchi Familia, and Miss Aisha, who is probably going to force her way in, and we have quite the fighting force."
Ryuu smirked at the remark, but Bell did not seem so happy about the circumstances. That surprised Lily; she thought that Bell would be delighted at the chance to work with his idol. Before she could pursue that line of thought any further, Hestia poked her head in.
"Time for status updates, you three! I'm doing Otohime first, but then the rest of you. Little Miss Supporter? You can go last and fill me in on what you were discussing," said Hestia before ducking back outside. The others followed her to line up outside her room. Otohime was practically bouncing next to the door. It was her first status update in Orario. Right behind her was Urashima and Elwin, also visibly excited.
Hestia walked inside, and Otohime followed. Before the door shut, there was an audible thunk and a yelp from Otohime.
"That's what you get for charging a green dragon without backup!" came the voice of the Goddess. Apparently, she had heard about that.
A couple minutes later, Otohime came bouncing out of the room, waving her status sheet around.
"Seventy-five points! I went up by a whole seventy-five points!"
Urashima and Elwin stood there slack-jawed. Growing up outside Orario, they were used to slow, meticulous growth. To hear of someone growing by that much did not make sense to them. That said, Otohime, in particular, was because she was always throwing herself into the way of danger.
One by one, the other members went through. Urashima and Welf had similar results, and Elwin had grown the same over three works. Haruhime was lower because of the supporter role. Ryuu had almost none because the monsters they had been facing did nothing for a level five adventurer. The last three were Mikoto, Bell, and Lily. Mikoto went inside next. There was a minute of quiet before both women inside let out screams of surprise. Mikoto walked out her face in shock.
"What is it, what is it?" asked Otohime.
Mikoto handed her paper over.
Mikoto Yamato
Level Two
Strength: C 769 – 799 Defense: C 751 – 781 Dexterity: B 850 - 880 Agility: C 771 – 796 Magic: E 538 – 548 Abnormal Resistance: G
"Holy shit, Mikoto went up by one hundred and twenty-five!" said Welf.
"In three weeks? No way," replied Urashima.
Ryuu tilted her head, "She has been fighting adventurers double her level for weeks now. It makes sense to me."
Welf scratched his head, "Still though. These are the kind of numbers I'd expect from Bell…"
"Does Captain Bell usually grow a lot?" asked Otohime, switching to a teasing honorific. Bell didn't take the bait.
The old members all nodded. Hestia waved Bell inside and gave him his status update. When he came out, though…
"Only seventy-five points of growth. That's only as much as the rest of us, though…" said Welf, thinking about Bell's expected growth.
"Still much more than me though," replied Ryuu, the other level five.
Hestia stood at the door, "Hey, why don't you lot go and celebrate the mini-expeditions success at the Hostess tonight?" she tossed a bag of valis over, "Consider it a treat from your wonderful Goddess. Me and Miss Supporter will catch up when we're done."
Hestia walked back into her room, and Lily followed. She didn't bother lifting her shirt up, though. The first order of business wasn't actually updating her status.
"Lily takes it that Master Bell's skill still isn't working?"
Hestia sighed, "No, it's not. I thought that he had patched things up with Wallenwhatsherface, but I think he's still hurting."
"The Sword Princess's betrayal ran deep, and Lily agrees with the skill. Master Bell shouldn't trust her anymore!"
Hestia levelled a look at the tiny prum, "Your one to talk about betraying Bell, how did you two meet again?"
Lily didn't have a response to that one. Instead, she dodged the question, "Do you think he'll be ok?"
Hestia shrugged, "I'll try and talk to him, but in the end, I don't want to force him into forgiveness. That's not how it works. He has to want this. I won't be like Hermes."
Lily swallowed before saying, "Lily hates to be the one to say it, but we need Master Bell to keep growing. If he doesn't get any stronger soon, then Lady Freya will destroy us, Loki Familia or not."
Hestia outright glared at Lily, "I will not force Bell to forgive Ais Wallenstein. If he falls out of love, that's his choice, but I will not force him to that decision. If he's forced to forgive, then it's worthless," Hestia stopped glaring, tears forming in her eyes, "More importantly, he's my child. You don't think I see his pain every day? I wish I could do more, but I have to let Bell has to fix this himself."
Lily nodded, "Lily apologizes for her statement. Lily is just trying to make sure Goddess Hestia understands our situation. That said, Lily does have good news."
Lily explained her meeting with Finn. By the end of it, Hestia was scowling.
"Great, now I'm gonna end up owing that flat-chested Goddess," then Hestia sighed, "I guess it's for the best, though. If Bell doesn't find a way to work through his feelings; Finn is our best bet against Ottar."
Lily tilted her head, "Has it really been a year of Liaris Freese not working?"
Hestia nodded, "A little over a year now, actually. The damn skill is fueled by his feelings for the Sword Princess, and if he can't figure out how he feels; the skill can't get to work," Hestia stood up and threw back on her shawl, "No matter! Sad thoughts for different times! Now let's go get drunk with our Familia!"
"Goddess Hestia, you didn't update my status!" cried out the prum.
The Goddess retorted that she would do it later, and the two bickered all the way to the pub.
When they arrived, they heard arguing from the inside. They walked in to find their half-elf mage shouting at a poor lonely bard.
"And I'm telling you, you pompous, self-absorbed, music-Familia-reject, stop playing that melancholy shit!" screamed Elwin, wagging a finger at Dixen, "It ain't art, and it sure as shit doesn't make you sound any better! Whatever happened to a good old-fashioned drinking song, huh?" The half-elf's face was an inch away from Dixen's.
"You ask me, a learned artist, to debase himself with your frivolous debauchery? One wouldn't think you had elven blood running through your veins!" replied Dixen, just as red in the face as his opponent.
The rest of the pub was clearly amused by the turn of events. Even Mamma Mia was watching the spectacle in delight. The rest of Hestia Familia sat around the table in varying degrees of embarrassment. Except for Otohime, she was enjoying the food too much to notice.
Eventually, Dixen gave up, "Fine then, if you don't like my art, then you play the music!"
Dixen thrust his lute at Elwin.
"Gladly!"
Elwin took the lute and set it to make sure the pegs were in the right place. When everything was set up, the half-elf gave a roguish grin before launching into song.
"When I was young and in my prime
And could wander wild and free,
There was always a longing in my mind,
To follow the call of the sea."
It was an old drinking song from his time with Hecate Familia. His current Familia was just as familiar with it and soon joined in. The mage was skilled and had a clear voice. He also very much enjoyed what he sang. His enthusiasm was infectious, and soon the whole pub was up and singing with him. The waitresses were dancing together, and adventurers pounded on their tables while swinging their ale. Even Mamma Mia got in on the fun, grabbing a reluctant Ryuu and taking her for a dance.
When the song ended, a call went up for another. A whole hour passed this way, Elwin singing, waitresses dancing, and adventurers having much too much drink. When the night got later, though, some extraordinary guests arrived.
"Hey there, everybody!"
Tiona popped in, her sister not far behind. The rest of the Loki Familia executives followed suit. They all took the state of the bar in with a single look. At the center of it all were some old acquaintances and new allies.
The top-tier adventures walked to the table, inviting themselves to sit. Loki was first, sauntering up to her old rival.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't Itty Bitty!" said Loki.
It took a second for Hestia to register that Loki was talking to her. Eventually, she looked up from the table and pointed at Loki before giggling. Then she said, "Hehehe, Loki, no bits!" before promptly passing out at the table.
Loki raged and made to smack the Goddess around a bit before Bete and Tione dragged her off to the bar. Gareth followed while he laughed. The rest of Loki Familia settled at the table. Finn started chatting with Lily, making plans for the future. Tiona and Otohime quickly decided that they were each other's missing half (of the brain, that is). Urashima was left alone to manage the two, while Welf laughed from the sidelines. Ryuu had been taken to the side by Helun/Syr. The two were deep in conversation. There might have been tears involved.
That left Ais, Bell, Lefiya, Riveria, and Elwin. Elwin's voice had grown hoarse, and he had given the lute back to Dixen. When he returned to the table, he noticed Riveria and Lefiya, and his eyes bugged out. Ais tugged on Bell's sleeve, who had managed to stay mostly sober, before gesturing outside. Bell looked nervous, but he nodded all the same. The two left, leaving Elwin with two famous elves.
Riveria broke the silence, "So you are the new mage?"
Elwin nodded, not trusting himself to speak.
Lefiya coughed before asking, "So, what magic do you use?"
"Oh well, ummm…" Elwin was nervous but definitely wanted to impress, "I use star sign spells…"
Lefiya tilted her head, "What are those?"
"My magic cycles through twelves spells, each pertaining to a different star sign," replied Elwin. He always hated talking about his magic; they always said the same thing.
"Oh, I don't think I've ever heard of an elven magic like that," replied Lefiya.
"It ain't elvish, so that's why," bit out Elwin. Lefiya shrunk away from his outburst. Riveria narrowed her eyes.
"Now, that was rude. I'm sure we'll all be working together soon, so we should all try to get along," said the high-elf.
Elwin snorted, "Yeah, figured you'd say something like that." The half-elf found his nervousness to be disappearing. Something much uglier was taking its place. He knew things would be complicated, but now that he was here, he was all twisted up.
"What's that supposed to mean?" asked Riveria, also growing quite annoyed with this conversation.
"Nothing that you'd care about, your highness," replied Elwin, his voice dripping malice. The ordinarily calm Riveria was blinking in surprise. Before she could respond, Lefiya slammed her hands on the table.
"Lady Riveria is royalty, in fact, and I do not appreciate the way you are treating her! She is the daughter of our king!"
Elwin stood to match the little elf girl, "Your king, not mine!" Elwin snorted, "Besides, you don't think I didn't already know that? Like I already didn't know everything there is to know about the great 'Nine Hells' Riveria? The hair's a bit of a giveaway, ain't it?" Elwin's human accent kept getting stronger.
Now, there were three factors at work at the moment, each making the situation worse. The first was that Elwin was hammered. Even though he drank less than the rest, it was still a considerable amount. His inhibitions had disappeared a long time ago. The second was that he had emotions that he had long repressed, bubbling to the surface. None of them were pleasant. Finally, he had not secured his cap as tightly as usual, which meant that it was coming loose in the mess. Elwin was one step from disaster before a friend stepped in.
"Hey, there, pal! Why don't we get you some food, huh?" asked Welf, very sober now. This was not a conversation that should happen drunk.
As the two walked away, Lefiya and Riveria were left in silence. Ryuu was quick to swoop in and smooth things over. She had apologized to Helun when she saw what was happening, but her priorities had changed.
"I apologize, Lady Riveria. My fellow Familia member is usually not so rude. He has had a…difficult childhood," said the vice-captain.
Lefiya stepped back, suddenly very abashed, and tried to remember her manners before asking, "What happened?"
Ryuu looked down, "He was born a half-elf, but he's only ever known his human mother. His father made it very clear that he'd rather not have him at all."
Riveria let out a humourless chuckle, "Not the finest moment for the great elven race, is it?"
Ryuu gave a sheepish nod. Then Riveria asked a question she shouldn't have.
"Why is he wearing that cap? We're inside. Not to mention, but that Crozzo boy was quick to try and pull it down. Is he disfigured on his head?"
Ryuu fidgeted in her seat, clearly uncomfortable. On the one hand was her loyalty to her race. If a high elf asked, she felt compelled to answer. On the other hand, it was her duty to her Familia. She was saved a decision by Hestia returning to semi-consciousness.
"Elwin hides his hair because it's full of secrets! Hehehe!" said the tiny Goddess before passing out again.
Riveria nodded, "I see then," then she looked around the bar, "I think I'm going to bed now. Thank you for your time."
Riveria left then, hoping to catch a good night's sleep. Something about the mage had left her deeply disturbed. When Elwin returned, he let out a deep breath of relief, then he grew red in the face.
He looked at Lefiya, "I'm sorry about that. You don't deserve that, especially with how you're helping us out."
Lefiya shook her head, "It's no problem. Sometimes we all have a bit too much to drink…I might be a bit guilty of that myself."
The half-elf sat next to the full blood and started answering questions about his particular magic.
"Wait, so you have access to twelve spells?"
"Yes, but not all at once. They rotate through my spell slots with every status update. I get them regularly from Goddess Hestia to make sure I'm properly equipped for the dungeon."
Lefiya's jaw dropped, "That's incredible, Mister Elwin!"
Elwin snorted before levelling a look over the rim of his glasses, "Says the little Lady with access to every elf spell there is. What do they call you again, the Thousand Elf?"
It was Lefiya's turn to blush, "Well, I'm still not nearly as skilled as Lady Riveria."
Elwin grunted, "I understand the feeling. I'm still chasing after the Captain of my last Familia. That woman was a monster," Elwin paused, "So, I hear you like to play tag with our Captain?"
Now Lefiya was red in the face from her rage, "That scoundrel was trying to get a look at Miss Ais! His behaviour was deplorable!"
"Wow, you are one emotional little elf, ain't ya?"
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"That the stick ain't so far lodged up your ass as it is her Royal Highness."
Lefiya gasped, "How dare you speak like that about Lady Riveria! Do you understand the level of disrespect you have brought? I will not tolerate this!"
Elwin smiled, "I'm only teasing. You sure do make some cute faces when you're angry, though."
Lefiya blushed even deeper, "I do not know what you're talking about! Besides, speaking of Lady Riveria like that at all is horrible!"
"Listen, I know I just seem unconventional, but I'm really not an elf. I've had enough people tell me to know. I don't view Lady Riveria the same way you do. I won't insult her no more, but don't expect to get down on my knees and bow," explained Elwin.
Lefiya gave a timid nod before offering her hand to shake. Elwin took it with vigour. The two then began chatting about the upcoming expedition that Lefiya had been volunteered for. Not much later, Ryuu decided it was time to stumble home.
Before leaving, Mikoto and Urashima arranged their training with the Amazon Sisters, while Lily and Finn planned their first lessons. Welf shrugged Hestia onto his back while Otohime hopped onto Urashima's. Haruhime was also carried. The poor renard had entirely too much to drink, so Mikoto was stuck carrying her home bridal style. Elwin had sobered up since earlier and began making his way home with the rest of his Familia. All except one that is.
Bell Cranel was still out, strolling through the city. Ais walked with him in silence. They had already discussed the alliance and how grateful Bell was, but the conversation had petered off after that. Ais bemoaned her inability to have a normal conversation while Bell was still trying to process his complicated knot of feelings. He had thought that he had worked through all of this when they first reunited, but something panged his heart every time he looked at his idol.
"You're allowed to still be angry at me," said Ais, eventually.
Bell was shocked. Was he really that easy to read?
"I hurt you, and I think I'm finally starting to understand that. Riveria's been talking to me too. She's been helping me realize what I did…"
"Miss Ais, I'm not angry!"
"Bell, please don't lie to me."
To that, the boy had nothing to say. So Ais did the bravest thing she could and kept talking.
"It's ok to say that I hurt you and that I disappointed you. You can say you don't forgive me too. I haven't. I don't want you to forgive me either," Ais looked up then. They had both stopped walking a long time ago.
"At least, I don't think I want you to. I feel like I want to earn it," the sword princess smiled then, "I'm always so strange with you. When I'm around you, Bell, I feel…things. Things that I don't ever feel. I don't feel them around Riveria, or Tiona, or Lefiya. I only feel these things when I'm with you. And right now, those feelings are telling me that I need to earn your forgiveness."
"Ais, it's ok, really!" replied Bell, scrambling for the right thing to say.
Ais looked at him, then made a little 'oh' with her mouth.
"You need to do it too, then?"
Before Bell could respond, Ais asked another confusing question.
"Bell…are there any girls in your life?"
That one stunned Bell into silence. The only time that came to mind was the night when Ryuu had drank too much, but Bell wasn't enough of a fool to admit that. So instead, he lied through his teeth and shook his head. Ais seemed relieved.
That left Bell totally confused. In the silence that followed, the two of them heard the Hestia Familia drunkenly make their way down the streets. Ais jerked her head towards them.
"You should go. We should organize training soon," the girl blushed then, "If you want…"
"Yes! I do!" said the boy, trying to convince himself.
He ran down the street, hunting for his familia. Eventually, he found them back home. He saw Welf clamber into the forge, muttering something about sleeping near a good heat source. Lily had taken Hestia, an arm slung over the little prum's shoulder, and supported the Goddess to her room. When Hestia fell into bed, she took Lily with her. The prum quickly gave in and drifted off in the embrace of her Goddess.
As Bell started walking to his room, he saw little snippets that warmed his heart. Mikoto had gently tucked Haruhime into her bed before taking her hand as she fell asleep. Elwin had taken off his cap without bothering to put a cover on for the night. For the first time in months, his hair was free.
The funniest was Otohime, though. She had pulled Urashima into bed, cuddling close. Urashima had no chance of escape; Otohime's level four strength kept him locked in place.
When Bell got to his room, the only missing member of his familia was there. Ryuu was leaning against the wall, her cheeks a rosy red.
"Hello Ryuu, you seem to be better off than the rest," said Bell with a smile.
"No, I'm drunk too," replied the elf, her words as unsteady as her feet, "Helun told me I was before I left. I am at a specific level of drunk!"
Bell tilted his head, "And what level would that be?"
"Drunk enough to do this."
Ryuu brought her lips to his in drunken fervour. The kiss lasted only a couple seconds, and then the elf was off walking back down the hall. That was the second time she had gotten drunk and kissed Bell. Just like last time, she probably would not remember. So, Bell resigned himself to never talking about it.
With that, the boy was left utterly bewildered and resigned himself to the fate of never understanding what went through the minds of women.
So, been posting these revised chapters for about a week now, and we already at 50 followers, which is huge for me. Thanks for reading folks, it means a lot! I hope you've been enjoying this, my ramblings on this purely hypothetical world, and my little OC creations. See you all next time!
