Chapter 7:
There was only a couple of days left before the tournament began. Everyone from Hestia Familia participating in the contest had already registered, and the city was starting to make preparations. More and more travellers came pouring in through the gates every day; some of them were tourists, here for the spectacle, while others were merchants hoping to capitalize on the festivities.
Ryuu didn't care about any of that, though. The only thing she cared about was making sure that her Familia was given all the tools they needed to succeed. Right now, that meant training Mikoto. In the yard of the Hostess of Fertility, the elf and the samurai duelled. Currently, Mikoto was using a pair of knuckle-dusters that she had borrowed from Lunoire. It was just the two of them though, the waitresses had to do their job, and Aisha had business with her Familia to attend to.
As Ryuu swung her wooden blade, she observed Mikoto's footwork. The young raven-haired girl had done well, switching to a fist-fighting stance. Her blows were quick, but they carried her follow-through. It was apparent that Mikoto was putting her everything into the fight. That said…
"OW!"
Ryuu had seen through Mikoto's stance and struck her unprotect abdominal. The young girl had overextended herself, leaving her open for attack. As Mikoto hopped back and prepared herself to continue, Ryuu motioned for her stop.
"That's enough for today Mikoto," said the elf.
"No, Lady Ryuu! I must keep training!" There was desperate light in Mikoto's eyes, out to prove something.
Ryuu shook her head, "We are only days away now. Rest Mikoto, your body needs time to prepare," Ryuu smirked, "That's an order from your vice-captain, understand?"
Mikoto looked like she was going to argue, but Ryuu was saved the headache when Helun came outside with sandwiches.
"Here you go, you two, I made breakfast!" said the girl with grey hair.
Ryuu almost thought it was her old best friend with her uniform and her hair tied up. Now though, she saw none of the playfulness in the eyes nor the upturned mouth that was always smiling. Helun looked like her old friend Syr, but they weren't the same. Thinking about it still made Ryuu incredibly sad. One of the only people she had ever learned to trust, and she had been lying for years. Ryuu's sense of betrayal to Freya, Syr, and Helun was more profound than she could describe. Even deeper than that between Bell and Ais. The young elf had not just lost her best friend; she had lost the person who helped her rise up from her darkness so long ago.
Upon the night that they had partied after their expedition, parts of which Ryuu still does not remember, the elf and not-Syr had sat down to talk. Helun, who preferred to be called Syr, told Ryuu her life story. She also explained the effects of her magic. All those years, she had felt Freya's emotions towards everyone at the inn, including Ryuu. Helun had begun to feel like they were her family, and she had come to love them, even though she hadn't met them. After Freya Familia's attack on the Xenos and Hestia Familia's subsequent flight from Orario, the young girl found that she had nowhere to call home. Freya Familia refused to let her back in, seeing as how her secret had been exposed. That's when Mamma came and offered her a fresh start as a true waitress. Now, Helun, who Ryuu could not call Syr, was trying to earn her place back with her family. It was slow going.
Ryuu and Helun had a long conversation that night. Helun apologized, begged for forgiveness, and said that she wanted to be Ryuu's friend for real. Ryuu tentatively agreed to give it a try. In reality, Ryuu loved her Familia with every fibre of her being, but she missed the best friend that had been like a sister to her. Maybe it was a bad idea to trust Helun, but Ryuu decided to be selfish, just this once.
Ryuu thanked Helun for the breakfast sandwiches and then scheduled a dinner to catch up with her later. Then, Mikoto and Ryuu left for home. When they got home, they found Bell already there, sparring with Urashima in the front yard. For whatever reason, Ryuu felt her lips burning when she looked at Bell these days. She felt as if there was a memory she was forgetting, but whenever she wanted to talk to Bell about it, he started blushing and said that he was busy.
Mikoto and Ryuu walked over to watch the two boys in action. Urashima was obviously more refined, coming from years of practice and training, but Bell's ferocity was absolutely frightening. It left Ryuu breathless, and her heart was pounding. There was something unbelievably erotic about the way he fought. It made Ryuu tremble.
In the corner of the yard, Ryuu noticed the wind pick up. A collection of leaves seemed to be disturbed. Ryuu nodded at the corner before turning back to watch the spar.
Eventually, the two sparring gentlemen noticed their spectators. Bell signalled a pause and nodded to Ryuu and Mikoto.
"Hey, you two, how was your morning training?" asked Bell.
Mikoto smiled, "I am starting to feel that I am ready for this upcoming battle!" Then she blushed, "However, I have been made aware that I need to rest and recuperate."
Urashima nodded, "Milady has been telling me the same thing. She says that if she sees me sparring anymore after today, she will tie me to the bed."
"Well, she's not wrong; rest is important to allow your muscles time to regrow," added Bell.
Ryuu snorted, "How often do you follow that advice, Bell?"
The boy blushed before scratching his cheek. He then mumbled his way away back inside. Mikoto began to move opposite Urashima, the two of them reaching an unspeaking agreement to train. That is until a young lady came bursting outside to tackle Urashima.
"Oh no, you don't! I said no more training! You are going to come inside and get pampered; you got that?"
Otohime used her empowered strength to throw her beloved bodyguard over her shoulder. She marched him back inside, taking the time to lecture him on proper health habits. Thankfully, she hadn't left for her dungeon journey today. Ryuu and Mikoto watched the two of them go before the elf turned to samurai.
"I hope I don't have to do the same to you?" asked Ryuu.
Mikoto blushed and shook her head, unable to meet Ryuu's eyes. She started to make her way inside, leaving Ryuu on the lawn. After the young far-eastern girl made her way inside, Ryuu turned to the shady corner of her home, where leaves had been disturbed.
"Well Andromeda, you can come out now," said Ryuu.
There was a shimmer in the air, and the captain of Hermes Familia materialized out of thin air. She stuffed her Hades Helm away and readjusted her glasses.
"Hello Leon," greeted Asfi, "When did you realize?"
"You mean, how long did I know you were following me? Since the Hostess of Fertility. I'm guessing you want to arrange the meeting between our deities?" asked Ryuu.
Asfi nodded, "That was the purpose of my mission. I was simply waiting for the right moment to talk."
Ryuu crossed her arms, "Alright then, what do you have to say? When and where does Hermes want to meet with Goddess Hestia?"
Asfi pushed her glasses up on her nose, "That's the thing. Lord Hermes has already left to go and talk to Lady Hestia at her place of work."
Ryuu didn't speak, the only indication of her anger being her narrowed eyes.
"Leave Andromeda, now," said the elf.
"Listen, Leon-"
"I don't want to hear it. I told you that Lord Hermes dropping in on Lady Hestia without explanation was unacceptable. Again, your Familia does as they please, doing what they think is best without considering the consequences," Ryuu trembled with anger, "Leave, now."
Asfi sighed before disappearing and hopping the fence. Ryuu waited all of twenty seconds before she took off to find her Goddess.
At the same time, Hestia was getting ready to open up shop for Hephaistos. As she finished dusting some shelves in the back, she heard the bell ring from the front door. She turned and said, "I'm sorry, but we're not open yet!"
Then she saw the hat on top of a golden head of hair. The well-worn traveller's clothes and mischievous smile made Hestia's blood boil. Her whole body started to shake.
"Leave."
Hermes tipped his hat up, revealing his golden eyes, "Now, now Hestia, is that any way to talk to an old friend?"
"I hate you, Hermes, we're not open, now leave," replied Hestia.
Hermes gripped his tunic in mock anguish, "You wound me with your unkind words, Hestia. What have I done to earn you such scorn? Did I not keep your travels secret this past year?"
"You sold us out, Hermes. You sold us out to Freya. She figured out where we were because of what you told her. All those Xenos, slaughtered because you sold us out," answered Hestia.
Hestia liked to think she was a kind and forgiving Goddess. She understood that people made mistakes; she had made plenty herself. The little Goddess also believed that there was good to be found in everyone. She didn't like to hold deep grudges, and she hated getting into fights. Now though, she hated Hermes.
Hermes dropped his act and gave Hestia a mocking glare, "Those monsters? You and Ouranos are fools for thinking that those things are anything more than what they really are. You probably believe that we can co-exist with them, don't you? Always so naïve, Hestia."
Before Hestia could respond, Hermes had regained his carefree smile, "As for selling you out, I had to! Freya was getting ready to lay waste to the city! Loki wasn't going to stop her, so someone had to do something! Besides, who do you think helped Fels clear a path for you and your Familia to leave? Who do you think helped little old Ryuu join up with you outside the city?" Hermes swept his arms apart, "Really, I had you and Bell's best interests at heart! I will always do whatever it takes for Bell!"
"Everything except ask him what he wants. You always say that what you're doing is for the best, but what does that mean, Hermes? How do you know about Bell? Why do you care so much about what happens to him?"
With every question, Hestia approached Hermes. Eventually, the two deities were nose to nose. The tiny Goddess was fury incarnate, though, and even the customarily collected Hermes was beginning to sweat under her interrogation.
"It's like I said, Hestia, I'm keeping an eye on Bell for a friend!" Answered Hermes.
"Who?" Replied Hestia, her voice growing in volume.
Hermes shook his head and his hands, "Now, now, you wouldn't expect me to divulge secret information like that, would you? It's sensitive stuff! I don't think it's anything you have to worry about, though! I swear to the gods!"
Hestia growled then. Hands-on her hips, she was a force to be reckoned with. Just as Hermes was about to start talking her down and worm his way back to what he wanted to talk about, he felt a rush of air pass by. Hermes had backed up before to give himself some space from the wrath of the tiny Goddess. Occupying that space now, though, was a blonde elf with piercing sky-blue eyes. Her whole body screamed, protect!
"Lady Hestia has Lord Hermes done anything adverse?"
Hestia shook her head while Hermes called out behind his shoulder, "Really, Asfi? There wasn't anything you could do to keep her away? You couldn't try distracting her?"
As materialized from thin air, "Pardon Lord Hermes, but Leon wasn't in a talking mood. She was quite worried about her Goddess."
"Well now, Ryuu, I must say it is good to see you again! Anything I can do to convince you that I am not your enemy?"
Ryu narrowed her eyes, "Answer Lady Hestia's questions, and I will consider it."
Hermes sighed, "Well, I can't do that. So, for now, I guess it's time for me to leave!"
Hermes started walking away, waving a hand behind him as he went, "We'll have to catch up next time, Hestia!"
Only when Hermes was gone from view did Hestia relax with a sigh. She turned to her vice-captain, "Thanks for coming, Ryuu! Nice to know that you had my back there!"
Ryuu nodded, allowing herself a small smile, "It was my honour Lady Hestia. I apologize though," Ryuu frowned, "Andromeda swore that Hermes wasn't going to surprise you like that."
Hestia sighed, "I wouldn't blame Miss Asfi in that scenario. Hermes is just like that sometimes. He's a real pain in the ass that way."
Ryuu nodded, "All the same, Lady Hestia, I would prefer to stay by your side today. If you don't mind."
Hestia let out a puff of air, "I guess you're right. It's probably for the best for me not to be alone," Hestia smiled then, "Still, though, this is a great excuse for us to catch up! It's been too long, my fine elven companion!"
Ryuu couldn't help smiling. Hestia was incredibly different from Astrea. Hestia was not overly concerned with justice, nor did she believe it was her duty to do good. The trait they did share, though, was their compassion and empathy. Whenever Ryuu had a troubled day, Hestia was one of the first to comfort her, and the little Goddess was often the best. Hestia made Ryuu feel safe and loved. She made Ryuu feel like she was part of a family again.
At the end of Hestia's shift, Hephaistos stopped by. The Goddess of the Forge strode in, hand on her hip. When she saw that it was just Hestia, Ryuu, and the shopkeeper, she let out a sigh of relief.
Hephaistos walked up to her best friend and ruffled her hair, "I heard that Hermes stopped by, so I thought I would come by and check on you. He do anything I need to know about?"
Hestia shook her head, "Not, just tried to interrogate me and beg forgiveness," Hestia pouted, "Not that I was in a forgiving mood, that is…"
Hephaistos nodded, "Good, you shouldn't feel pressured to do anything you don't want to," Hephaistos smiled, "Besides, it's about time someone put that cocky God in his place."
Hephaistos looked to Ryuu, "I'm guessing you came to keep an eye on her?"
Ryuu nodded, and Hephaistos walked over and offered her hand to shake, "I have to offer you my thanks," Hephaistos cast her one good eye over at Hestia, "My best friend might be a pain in the butt, but she's important to me."
Ryuu took Hephaistos's hand but shook her head, "It is my duty to keep her safe," Ryuu also cast an eye at Hestia, "That said, I am quite fond of her, and I know how quick she is to throw herself into danger."
After that, Hephaistos stayed to chat with the two of them well after the shop had closed. Ryuu mostly just hung around Hestia's shop, standing at the entrance. Thankfully, Hermes didn't show his face again, and neither did the other members of his Familia. All in all, it was a quiet day.
As the two of them made their way home, Ryuu felt compelled to ask, "Now that Bell is patching things up with the Sword Princess, has his skill returned to full capacity?"
Bell's skill deficiency wasn't a secret to the Familia's vice-captain. In fact, every member of the Familia, except Bell and the new recruits, knew about what was going on.
Hestia shook her head, "No, not yet, at least, not all the way. After meeting with the Xenos again, there was a bump, but it's nothing compared to before."
Ryuu hummed in agreement, "I thought as much. His growth is still definitely faster than mine right now, but I remember hearing what it used to be like from the others. Apparently, it was quite the spectacle."
Hestia chuckled, "That's one way to put it," Hestia put her arms behind her head, "Still though, we can't rush these things. Bell has to figure out for himself if he's still in love with Wallenwhatsherface," Hestia yawned before continuing, "That said, it sounds like things are getting better. At least, that's what he told me after training the other day."
For some reason, hearing that Bell was patching things up with the Sword Princess made Ryuu's heart break a little bit. It must have shown on her face because Hestia shot her a sly sidelong glance.
"Yeah, I know how you feel. I'm jealous too. My poor little Bell, falling in love with the Sword Princess again. Just when I thought I had a chance to win his affections. Sigh, life sure is hard being a Goddess in love."
Ryuu felt her cheeks warm, "I'm sure I don't understand what you're suggesting, Lady Hestia."
Hestia chuckled, "No need to hide it. You're in love with Bell?" Hestia snorted, "Join the club. This means that I get it," Hestia looked to the sky, "On the one hand, I want Bell to be happy, more than anything. If Ais Wallenstein is who makes him happy, then I'm all for it. That said, I am still just a little bit jealous, not to mention how disheartening it is. I mean, what other group of people have a literal indicator for when their crush is in love with someone else?"
Ryuu chose to examine the ground then.
Hestia put a hand on Ryuu's shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze, "You don't have to be so embarrassed; you know. I've talked with Lily about this, and I've even overheard Haruhime and Mikoto talking about it. We all want Bell to be happy; we just wish Bell was happy with us," Hestia shrugged, "No need trying to deny what we feel."
The little Goddess put her hands on her hips, "Besides, it's not like I'll be giving up my Bell so easily," Hestia glared at Ryuu, "That goes for you to got that?"
At the sight of the glare of her diminutive Goddess, Ryuu laughed loud and for all to hear. With a family like this, the elf found that she didn't care what others thought of her. Why worry if people thought little of her? If anyone tried to insult her, she had this small group of people ready to die for her just to prove how much they cared. They truly were the successors of Astrea Familia; they were heroes.
Speaking of which, when they finally got home, the two women found the object of their desire pacing in front of the house. When he saw the two of them, he came running up.
"You're both ok! Thank goodness! I was so worried!"
Poor Bell looked like he had been waiting for them all day. Ryuu blushed then, remembering that she had run off without telling anybody where she had been all day. As Bell fussed over them, a much stricter voice spoke up.
"Well, it's about time you two got home!"
Standing at the top of the steps was Lilliruca Arde, glaring down at her Goddess and Vice-Captain, her tiny arms crossed over her chest.
"Hey there, Little Miss Supporter! Funny story!" started Hestia.
Lily held up a hand in response and pointed inside. Any response Hestia had died on her lips. Instead, she hung her head and resigned herself to her fate. They made their way inside and were told that they would have dinner before being interrogated. The Goddess and the elf walked to the dining room where the rest of their Familia was waiting. Dinner had been served, and they had left two plates out for them. The one surprise waiting for them was that Lefiya Veridis and Ais Wallenstein were also sitting at the table. When Hestia tilted her head in confusion, Lefiya blushed and stammered.
"Miss Ais was training with Bell Cranel, and I was in the dungeon with the others. We were around when they learned that Miss Ryuu was missing. Then at the end of the day, when Goddess Hestia hadn't returned home yet…" Lefiya looked away, "We thought it would be a good idea to make sure that you were ok…" said the elf, "We worried that Freya might have made a move…" Then the elf sat upright, "Just because of the alliance mind you! No other reason!"
Being the airhead that she is, Ais looked at Lefiya in confusion, "Lefiya, you said you were worried about them; why did you lie?" Ais then looked at Hestia and Ryuu, "I don't know what Lefiya meant, but I stayed because I thought it would be the right thing to do."
"Awww, Wallenwhatsit! You're just too sweet!" proclaimed Hestia, ruffling the Sword Princess's hair as she walked to her spot at the head of the table. Ais looked confused at Hestia's actions, bringing her hands to touch the area that Hestia had ruffled.
"Goddess Hestia! Don't think this means you can ignore what happened!" exclaimed Lily, still not sitting down. Ryuu had taken her own seat, on Hestia's left side, opposite Bell. Next to her, Welf snorted.
"Calm your roll little bit. They're alive and healthy, and I'm sure if there was something wrong, we could see it on their faces," Welf jammed his thumb over at Ryuu and Hestia, "Not like these two are known for their lying."
Ryuu frowned, "I am a wonderful poker player, with a wonderful poker face!"
Welf snorted, "Yeah, but you're shit at lying in real life."
Ryuu looked insulted, but Urashima nodded sagely, "It's true, Lady Ryuu. Your skills at lying rival the atrocity that is Lady Otohime's acting."
For that comment, Urashima got a smack on the head. Elwin snickered from his spot across from Urashima, "Honestly, the only ones in this familia that can lie are Lily, Welf, and Ura."
Urashima shook his head, "Not true, Elwin; you are quite the skilled liar when you want to be."
Elwin smiled, "I know, but one should never name one's self in these situations."
As the banter between Familia members continued, Ais and Lefiya were totally lost. They had no way to participate in the conversation and could only re-enter when Haruhime took pity on them.
"Lady Ais, Lady Lefiya, you two seem lost. Does Loki Familia not talk at meals?" asked the Renard girl, her smile too beautiful to look at entirely. The rest of Hestia Familia quieted down to wait for their answer.
Lefiya paused to consider her answer, careful not to insult her familia when Ais spoke up. Since she was an airhead, she obviously did not care what she said. These people were their allies, right?
"Not like you all do. We're too big for everyone to talk to each other," then Ais smiled, "But I do enjoy talking with Lefyia, Tione, and Tiona." Ais looked at Lefiya. Lefiya's face lit up at the comment, humming in delight.
Welf shrugged, "Makes sense for a larger Familia. I remember, as a member of Hephaistos Familia, I didn't even know the names of all the other smiths she had working for her," Welf frowned, "Although, I guess that was because no one wanted to talk to me in the first place."
Then Welf stopped talking. He swung his head over to stare at Lefiya, "By the way, why don't you hate me, Thousand Elf? Most elves hate Crozzos."
Lefiya shrugged, "I am not like most elves then. Besides, the forest I grew up in had a lot of interactions with non-elf people," Lefiya made a dismissive gesture with her hand, "Anyway, not like you personally attacked all elves, right? Not like you're personally responsible. Also, didn't you refuse to make magic swords for years? Didn't you refuse to return to your awful family?"
Apparently, that response caught Welf off guard. Before Welf could try and respond, Lefiya turned to Elwin, "Ah yes! I just remembered! Mister Elwin, I know you never had any contact with your elf father, but I was wondering if you knew what forest he was from?"
Elwin looked away, a scowl forming, "I mean, not like I should, right? And why would I tell you anyway? That good-for-nothing can rot for all I care."
Lefiya nodded, "Exactly why I want to find him. I think he deserves a good thrashing for abandoning his son and bringing shame to all elves."
The dinner table was silent for a second, and Lefiya worried she had said something wrong. Then, Elwin broke down laughing. He was laughing so hard he fell from the table. When he picked himself up, he was still laughing. Lefiya made a little "huh" sound, her eyes wide in confusion. He tried to stop and catch his breath, but then he would look at Lefiya and start laughing again. Eventually, the little elf girl got mad.
"And what's so funny? I was trying to be nice!" cried out Lefiya. Here she was, trying to reach out and be friendly with this interesting half-elf…and he was…he was…he was laughing at her!
Finally, Elwin composed himself. The rest of the table just sat there quietly, taking in the spectacle before them. They watched in silence as Elwin walked to the other side and took Lefiya's hands in his own.
"I wasn't laughing at you, I promise," said Elwin, voice layered in sincerity, "That is quite probably the kindest thing you could have said to me."
The half-elf winked then, "Someday, I might just take you up on your offer."
Lefiya blushed at his response. The rest of the dinner went smoothly, Hestia Familia working harder to integrate their guests. Eventually, dinner finished, and they moved their way to the lounge. They started playing games; it was Ais's first time playing cards and chatting about nonsense. Ais lost at every game, but she seemed to be having a lot of fun. Every new game they played, Ais would sit there, her face lit up in fascination. She would share a hand with Bell for the more complicated games and let him play while she watched. Their heads were close together for the whole evening. Many laughs were had, but then, a knock came at their door. Haruhime left to check, claiming it was her duty as their maid and returned with her tail swishing nervously. Behind her were Finn Deimne and Gareth Landrock.
"So, this is where you two little lasses were," said Gareth, "You know, you've been here all day."
Ais couldn't look her adoptive guardians in the eye. She mumbled out, "We were having fun."
That got a hearty chuckle from Gareth, "No need to worry lass, you ain't in trouble. Just let us know next time."
Finn nodded with a smile on his face, "No need to worry, Ais. That said, Loki wants you home now. We have to go over our participants for the tournament."
Lefiya and Ais got up, both making their goodbyes as they went. Loki Familia left, and Hestia Familia chatted amongst themselves. After a minute of idle chatter, Lily stood up.
"Lily believes it is time that Goddess Hestia and Miss Ryuu explained what happened today."
Ryuu nodded, "Andromeda, that is Asfi, visited me today following Mikoto's training. She told me that Lord Hermes was going to talk to Lady Hestia at her work. I refused to let him interrogate her alone, so I left to protect her," Ryuu bowed her head, "I apologize for not informing any of you of my actions."
Lily whirled to her Goddess, "And what about you, Hestia? What happened with Hermes? Why were you late to come home?"
Hestia shrugged, "Hermes wanted to try and apologize for what he did. I told him to shove it up his ass and asked him some questions. He refused to answer, and then Ryuu showed up. We're late because Hephaistos stopped by when she heard the commotion. She wanted to know what was up."
Mikoto steepled her fingers, "So, Lord Hermes is back in the picture…"
The rest of Hestia Familia sat there in contemplative silence, digesting the news. Then, Hestia stood up with a stretch.
"Hey now, if that smug bastard wants to play his games, then we'll deal with it when it comes. Right now, we have a tournament coming up in a couple days. That is to be our sole focus! Now, it's been a long day for me personally, so I'm going to bed!"
With that, the tiny Goddess bounced away. Urashima snorted before following, Otohime happily in tow. Elwin nodded his agreement as he left. Lily didn't look happy about how dismissive everyone was, but Welf gave her should a pat and shrugged. The two decided there was nothing to it and went to bed. Mikoto and Haruhime were the next to follow, Mikoto helping her dear friend collect the glasses and teapot that had been brought out. That left Hestia's Captain and Vice-Captain sitting awkwardly in silence.
Bell had been quiet since hearing that Hermes was involved. His face a mask, Ryuu could only pick up on the distress he hid within.
Eventually, she said, "I haven't forgiven him yet."
Bell looked up. Ryuu continued, "I haven't forgiven Hermes, his Familia, or Asfi. She might be my friend, but I still don't agree with what she did. You don't have to either."
Bell nodded in silent agreement, then Ryuu spoke again.
"Helun's been asking about you."
That got Bell to blush. Ryuu smiled, happy that Bell was still Bell.
"You should go and talk to her. I think there's a lot that you both need to say," Ryuu stood up to go to bed, "That's just my opinion, though."
The elf left the boy in contemplative thought.
Meanwhile, on the Tower of Babel's highest floor, a Goddess of unmatched beauty drank wine. Her most devoted servant entered.
Freya smiled, "Ahh, you're back, Ottar. Tell me, how are things going with our friends?"
Ottar nodded, his head bobbing in the reflection, "Well, Lady Freya. They say that everything is in place for the tournament."
The Goddess of Beauty smiled, "How wonderful," she took a sip from her glass, the red staining her teeth, and declared, "I think this will be a most excellent festival!"
With that, unstoppable plans lurched into motion.
Another one down, and now Freya has officially re-entered the picture. We'll be starting to get more bits and pieces of what's been going on with her as the story progresses. Please, leave your thoughts below, it really does make a difference! Thanks for reading everyone, see you next time!
