Author's note : Thank you once again Goldspark for the time you take to review this story ! For exposition with the prince, right now she is just a teacher to him, none of them have the need for much conversation. For your other points, the story will tell sooner or later. Thank you also VGBlackwing for your enthousiasm !

And with this said, have a good reading !

The Fiery Queen of Nohr : Part 4

If there was a thing at Nohr that strangers did not know at all, it was the extent of underground construction. Due to the hostile climate and almost permanent twilight that served as a daylight on the western part of the continent, the people of Norh chose to bury most of their dwellings in the ground, thus creating villages and towns partly troglodyte. Most of the dwellings were built on only one exterior level and at least one interior level leading to a more agreeable underground space for shops and works, that furthermore allowed easier access to underground water stockpile. It was even more "daylight" than on the surface because of the many rock-oil lamps lit in the streets, and Windmire was no exception: Lora quickly learned that the real Nohr was not the one of the surface, with streets most often empty and desolate even in the capital, but the one under the ground, where it found almost the street of Lothric with the exception of the sky of rock. According to a merchant's own words in front of her stupefied face on her first visit, "Only strangers or rich idiots walk in the surface". Her silver and gold ornamented armor attracted attention and made the passers step aside with respect, allowing her to move without difficulty through the stalls in search of a specific place, the murmurs of the people preceding her. So she was not surprised when she came to the stall of master blacksmith Brion and found him ready to receive her, leaving her apprentices to take care of the curious.

''Milady. It is an honor to see you in my modest forge once more.'' He said while guiding her inside.

The interior was dark, barely visible by a single lantern and the hearth. And on a small table of metal were several metal gems of various shapes. The blacksmith immediately offered a stool and a cup of water to the general before speaking again.

"I tested each of them as you asked me. I am honored that you have entrusted me with such a task despite my humble...''
''Let's get to the point. What did you get from it?''

Brion wiped his hands on his leather tunic, noticeably nervous.

''These gems are made of a material that is completely unknown to me. They are harder and harder than silver, and the heat of my forge barely redden them. I do not know how your kingdom managed to use such materials, milady, unless they used magic. Forgive me, but these gems are utterly unusable for me, and I doubt that any blacksmith of Nohr is more capable of using these stones.''

Lora tapped the cup, pensive. She had hoped that the titanites she had preserved might be usable. The royal guard certainly had the best weapons that the blacksmiths could make, and armor fitting to each of them. But titanite changed everything. The titanite, who had made the fortune and power of the kingdom of Lothric, giving his knights weapon to continue cutting where the others were dulled, armor able to endure the breath of flame drakes. A bronze sword reworked with a titanite chunk would become strong enough to break an identical steel sword. That old senile of Andre, he worked for her with such speed and ease that she had underestimated the difficulty of the task for anyone else. It was true that although he had been able to manipulate ordinary titanite without difficulty, it had required special embers to heat the magic infused titanite. But she had hoped that ordinary titanite could be used here. And now she was announced that it was perhaps impossible.

''If you had a mage who could help you work the stones, would you be able to use them? She asked, trying to hide her disappointment.''
"To be honest with you, milady, I do not know.'' The craftsman replied, more and more nervous.''It is already difficult to forge a quality weapon using several different metals, but to incorporate the material directly into a weapon already realized has never been done to my knowledge.''
"Don't be so nervous, Master Brion. You did your best. What about my arrows?''
"They are ready, milady." He quickly replied, relieved.

Going up the stone staircase, he led her upstairs to show the result of several weeks of effort: two immense quivers of leather filled with arrows almost as high as a man, entirely made of metal and more alike lances than arrows.

"This is the first time I have done such a work, but they will fly straight and won't break."
''Good work.'' She said, revealing a satisfied smile taking the quiver slung over her shoulder, their weight reassuring on the purity of the metal composing them.

Dragonslayer arrows. Lora had gone back to the archery for some months and realized that her reserves of personal arrows were atrociously limited, and had since ordered some from the master blacksmith. She had never been an archer of heart, but had fallen in love with the power of these huge bows used by the silver knights of Anor Londo, created to pierce the scales of dragons. Such a bow was higher than she was and the force required to bend them was enormous, but their range and penetrating force was unparalleled. She had also acquired two similar bows: Oni slayer bow was lighter and more manageable. The bow of Breuil-du-Moulin is harder to bend than that of the dragon killers, but carrying an enchantment making the arrows detonate. But her favorite was still the dragonslayer bow of the silver knights.

''Here is your payment. Keep the titanite, I will find you a mage for the next tests.''
"A thousand thanks, noble lady." He said while leading her outside.

The subterranean freshness of the market was agreeable after the heat of the forge, though neither one displeased her. Taking the direction of the surface, Lora narrowly avoided a group of children who continued with animation and walked more quickly. The next tournament of Windmire was about to take place in a short time. But to compete with the best archers, she would have to train again. The prospect of venturing into a field where she could still improve gave her a thrill... A thrill that also ventured on a frustration that would finally be satisfied after several years of waiting. For she had never been able to participate in the great tournament of Windmire more than once, the year of her arrival in Nohr. Not since she had crushed the competition in the duel and melee events to the point that she found herself without an opponent, all the others having given up. Garon had been both profoundly pleased to see his new royal weapon master prove before the entire kingdom that her rank was deserved, and extremely annoyed that the tournament had ended in such a manner, forbidding her to participate ever again.

But this time, she had several arguments. To begin with, she competed in a field that was not her own, which should deter other competitors from giving up. Then her demonstration had a purpose, showing the court and the soldiers the power of her bow. For she was persuaded of it: it was possible to incorporate the use of great bow in the military strategy of Nohr. Their range and power would be a great advantage that would allow their archers to far surpass their counterparts on the battlefield. Although they were heavy and their fire rate was definitely slower and therefore prevented their use for infantry, horseback archers could benefit from their shooting and retreating tactics, or even wyvern riders. A single volley of those immense arrows of steel could stop a charge right away and demoralize the troops, or each kill a pegasus with a single shot, finally giving Nohr a counter to the bow-armed pegasus warriors of Hoshido, the Kinshis knights. But to get there, she had to get into the tournament and make a big impression.

It was when she passed the great doors of Krakenburg that she began to hear it. A crystalline voice declaiming a song, distinct despite the size of the citadel and the origin of the song, which she knew to be the royal quarters. The song was beautiful, the voice beautiful. But she could not appreciate it as she wished. For she who sang this song was Garon's new wife, Lady Arete. Not concubine. Wife. A distinction which was of the greatest importance, and which left her torn by contradictory feelings. It had been more than a year since Katerina had died, and Garon had been inconsolable, becoming drier and angrier, until Arete arrived a few months ago. The woman had come as if from nowhere, coming to the capital with two guards and her daughter. Lora was afraid for a moment that she might be a survivor of Lordran, but her fears were quickly dispelled at their first meeting. however from the start, she had understood that the beautiful woman did not leave Garon indifferent. She had the bearing of a queen, and wore a dress which, although worn, was made of fine and ornate cloth, long blue sky-blue hair, and her skin were untouched by any scars or imperfections. And while she performed a dance for the court, singing in concert with her pure voice, Lora saw Garon sporting a radiant smile for the first time since Katerina's death. Some weeks later, breaking his vows, the king had married, making the stranger the second queen of Nohr. She had not shown herself as just an exceptionaly beautiful dancer, as Lora had feared. Dame Arete had revealed herself as a strong and intelligent woman, someone no doubt capable of occupying the throne by the side of Garon. But…

When she entered the royal part of the citadel, a maid told her that the king was still absent, but that Lady Arete could receive her. Reaching the royal quarters and crossing the antechamber, she passed the door leading to the great lounge... And stopped before the scene that was in front of her. Dame Arete danced with closed eyes and a smile on her lips, a swift, passionate dance that made her hair and her blue dress robe sweep around her, to the rhythm of a music she was the only one to hear. The master of the weapon stood watching her, fascinated, a memory returning to her. Even though she was an enemy, she had admired the dancer of the boreal valley who had fought with the same grace, her blows continuing without rest in a mortal ballet which she had never managed to reproduce. The dance suddenly ceased when a voice full of surprise arose, making the golden eyes of the woman open. Lora scanned the room and discovered the little azure-haired child who had revealed her presence. Princess Azura, the daughter of Arete.

"I beg you to excuse my intrusion, madame; I was told that you were ready to receive." Said Lora while bowing.

Cursed be this servant, she must have been instructed to say that Dame Arete was busy and disobeyed. A month spent cleaning the stables should teach her respect. Even though, she thought sharply, it did not change the root of the problem. It was only the last of a long series of insults against the one which, in the eyes of the court and the people, had taken the place of their beloved Queen Katerina.

"You are forgiven a master of arms, do not you have full permission to enter these quarters?" Replied the lady, her posture straight and dignified as if she had just risen from an armchair. ''What business leads you here?''
"I come to ask his majesty for permission to take part in the next tournament."
''Consider your permission granted. No doubt he will accept such a modest request.''
"It's more than just a request from me, madam, and I have to talk to him about it. Should I wait for him in the antechamber?''
"Stay here. I rarely have the opportunity to speak to you.''

Lora accepted the offer and laid her two quiver on the edge of one of the velvet armchairs before sitting down after the king's wife, the little princess on her mother's lap looking at her with big eyes.

"You seem to like dancing, master of arms. It is a rarity among woman warriors.''
''I appreciate the beauty of the movement. An elegance that I find in the most graceful of warriors.''
''Yet, you do not practice.'' Dame Arete remarked. ''It's unfortunate. You have all the gifts to excel.''
"Dancing myself is of little interest to me, and would not serve me in my duties.'' Lora replied.
"And how far do you extend your duties?"

The question suddenly sharpened the attention of the arm master, who straightened up and glanced at his interlocutor.

''What do you mean?'' She asked cautiously.
"Would you protect those who are close to Garon if he did not give you the order?"
''It's my duty as a his knight.''
"Even if these were seen as enemies by the other powers of the kingdom?"

Lora needed a moment to understand where she was coming from. Dame Arete wanted to know if she could count on her support against the court. In the face of the underhanded war which was taking place within the walls of the citadel. Already several of the concubines and their child were dead, poisoned, slaughtered and worse, the women engaged in a merciless conflict to eliminate their competitors for the favor of the king. Lora understood why the wife of their sovereign was worried about herself and her daughter, between the hostility of the court and the murderous conspiracies of the concubines. Despite the orders, investigations and threats of the king, the guilty were impossible to identify, causing suffering to Garon day after day. Lora could not imagine seeing him lose a wife a second time.

"Madame, I have taken an oath to protect the royal family. You are the king's wife, and your child is his. As long as I live, I will support you.''

For a moment there was only silence, lady Arete examining her intensely, golden yellow eyes plunging into orange embers.

"Even though I am not the Queen to whom you swore fidelity?"
''… Yes.''
''Thank you, arm master.'' She said, rising. ''Your devotion is truly exemplary. This kingdom would benefit having more men of your own value.''

These words provoked a twinge in Lora's heart. She had already heard these words, practically the same, pronounced by Queen Katerina. She should have been proud to see her loyalty recognized.

- Thank you Mrs. Lora answered in a low voice, as the king's wife went back deeper into the royal quarters.

But Arete was not Katerina. No matter how hard she tried, she could not consider herself her queen. She did not hate Garon's new wife. But she could not form the same bond. She could not. It would be like having the queen die a second time.

Notre Sagesse. Also called the land of philosophers. A small island located on the south coast of the continent, midway between Nohr and Hoshido, a neutral land that has never been concerned about the conflicts of the rest of the world. His armed forces were non-existent, even simple guards were rare. But they did not need it. Notre Sagesse was not rich to begin with, making its value non-existent for the pirates. And its lack of military power made it an unnecessary ally in conflicts. As a result, the island was populated only by farmers, artisans and scholars. But Notre Sagesse had a peculiarity that made the country an incredibly important place. At the summit of Mount Sagesse, which gave its name to the island, was the sevenfold sanctuary. And in this sanctuary lived the Rainbow Sage, a man who was said to have lived for centuries, who would grant great power to those who would climb the mount to him. Many had attempted the pilgrimage to this mysterious sage, attracted by the promised power. Yet, rare were those who had been said to succeed. For the sage seemed to hold to his tranquility, and imposed mortal trials upon anyone who came near to obtain his blessing. And the legend was real. For the person who had sent her on the pilgrimage had done it successfully. And this person was Garon, the king of Nohr.

''Lora, have you ever made a pilgrimage to the Rainbow Sage?''
"No, majesty. I do not even know who the Rainbow Sage is.''

The conversation took place after a fierce duel between her and the king. Garon, foreseeing the day when he should bequeath Siegfried to his son Xander, had decided to cast his sights on the axe: his agility was what his body would lose most quickly as he grew older, and the axe would capitalize on his great strength without requiring particular quickness. A smart choice, the king mastering easily the power of the two-handed weapon. Without winning however, as always.

''Incredible. With your strength, I have for a time suspected that you have also passed the sage's trials.''
"What do you mean, milord?"
"You know that the legitimacy and strength of the royal lineage is supported by the blood of the ancient dragons that flow through our veins. We are stronger, faster, more enduring, and able to use the power of the Dragon Vein. One of us can defeat a hundred ordinary men.''

Dragon Veins. Waves of mystical energy circulating under the earth, which only those who possessed the blood of dragons could perceive and use. Lora could only observe twice their powers: when the king had created an immense stone bridge from the ground when they had to launch the raid against Hoshido years before and then creating crevasses to cover their retreat. The royal family of Hoshido possessed the same capacity, since they were descendants of another ancient dragon having offered his blood to men.

''However, the power given by the sage is even greater. I myself made the pilgrimage, triumphing over trials to obtain his blessing. If you were to get yourself this power, I can only imagine how immense your strength would become.''

And so it was how she found herself on a boat crossing the South Sea to meet the famous sage. Garon had refused to talk more in detail about the trials he had had to pass, telling her that they were likely not to be the same for her and that giving her false information could lead her to death. She had not been much pleased with the sudden decision of the king to send her afar, but couldn't do anything. Of course, she objected. That she was to continue training the royal children, that Dame Arete was counting on her presence, that she was to supervise the formation of the new archers armed with great bows. Excuses had accumulated, less and less convincing, until Garon finally poked at the true problem.

''Reassure me Lora, you are not afraid of water?''

''Of course not!''

''Then you know how to swim, don't you?''

''…''

The colossal burst of laughter of the sovereign before her reddened face was engraved with a red-hot iron in her memory. It was vexing. No she could not swim, Lothric was in the middle of the continent! She had never needed to approach a deep expanse of water to accomplish her mission. Water was to be drunk, nothing else. There was never anything interesting in the water! The boat trip was a suffering. Rolls, waves, water all around the boat, with no way to escape in case of storm or damage. For days and days she remained cloistered in her cabin, refusing to set foot outside. The relief on arriving on the mainland was indescribable. And she was going to have to endure the same thing during the return trip...

She stopped thinking, concentrating instead on the trials that awaited her. Mount Sagesse was nearby, she could already see the massive mountain in its entirety from the small village at its foot. The houses were simple, of wood and clay, and practically all of its inhabitants sturdy farmers. The thing she loved most, however, was the radiant sun. Nohr was constantly covered with heavy storm clouds, often so thick that even the noon was plunged in a kind of grisaille. But here, in Notre Sagesse, it was visible and resplendent, a vision that had something to comfort. Was it really surprising that Nohr attempted to conquer the neighboring lands of Hoshido, who bathed in the sun and bore so many harvests that they could feed both kingdom? But Hoshido was a land of isolation and traditions. No proposition of commerce had ever been reached between the two royalty, and even the hoshidian people lived as if the rest of the world did not exist. Even the neighboring nations of Hoshido had at best only very rare contact with the land of the dawn dragon. The conquest was ironically the easiest way to get in touch with them, albeit not in the way she wished they would.

The four soldiers who accompanied him were, in her opinion, redundant, but the king had insisted. She sent two of them to seek information about the sage and the sevenfold sanctuary before taking seat with the other two in a small inn, eating bread and fresh eggs. It took little time for the soldiers to return, empty-handed. Even at the foot of Mount Sagesse, people were unaware of the sanctuary itself, never climbing it and just pointing the way to those who wished to go. One of them, however, said that he had been told of an old man who had seen many candidates pass for the blessing, and who was generally found near the road leading to the mountain. Leaving the guards at their meals, she went to look for the famous old man. To her surprise, she discovered it with a certain ease while simply following the road. He was just sitting under a fruit tree and gently drowsing. The man was indeed an old man with a beard, a mustache and gray hair of an advanced age, dressed in a simple robe of greenish cloth, with a brown cloak on the edges adorned with golden threads now serving him as a pillow, with a coarse wooden stick at his side, which must have been used for walking.

''Hmm?'' He said in a sleepy voice as he approached, opening dark brown eyes.
"Forgive me for disturbing your sleep, elder." Lora answered as she sat cross-legged in the shade of the tree with her hands clasped. ''Can I ask you a question?''
''Oh oh oh, what politeness. It is pleasant to see that the younger generation is seeking the advice of its elders. What do you want to know, young girl?''
"What do you know about the Rainbow Sage?"
"Um, you're looking for the sage's blessing... Let me give you an advice. Give up. Almost no one survived the ascension of Mount Sagesse.''
''I know. My king, Garon, was one of those who survived.''
"Oh yes, the young Garon. I remember him. He is one of the three who never survived the pilgrimage.''

"Only three?" Lora was surprised.
''The first to succeed is the current sovereign of Hoshido, Sumeragi. The second is your lord, as you have been told. I also heard that a knight no one had heard of before had also completed the pilgrimage.''
"Could you tell me more about the sevenfold sanctuary?"
''Since you insist... You see this mountain to the front? This is Mount Sagesse, and at its summit is the sanctuary. The legend says that the sage resides in the highest room of the sanctuary. The trail is steep, sometimes treacherous, but it will lead you without fail to your destination.''
''I see. Thank you for this information, elder.''

"I must warn you once more, young girl. Most of those who set out to meet the sage have never reached the top. I heard more rumors about it than you can imagine: rooms full of poisonous snakes... trapped doors... I do not believe a word of it, but the only way to be sure would be to reach the top.''
"Do not be worry for me, elder. I have faced much worse in the past.''
''What confidence in youth.'' The old man amused himself. ''In this case, do you really think you need the blessing of the Sage?''
''No. Admit Lora. But it is an order from my king, and I must obey it.''

Something upseted her. The old man seemed to be the cause. As if she were missing out on something very important. He was... The realization struck her suddenly. She had already been in this situation. In a church, at the beginning of his journey. Another old person had sent her away, while her goal was just before her. She looked into the old man's eyes. An amused look, but ageless. The same look as Ludleth.

''You are the Rainbow Sage.''
''Oh oh oh! I who took you for a simple knight, but you are an actress moreover!'' He laughed, leaning on his stick so as not to lie down.
''And you're not human.''

For her who had spent so much time on the side, or rather fighting, beings possessing an exceptional soul, bearing on her and in her souls darker and more sparkling than she would have imagined before, to feel the shape of the soul of others had become natural. And even as she did not touched him, she felt the wise man's soul before her. A soul older than that of any one she had seen in this world. The look of the old man, no, of the old being changed. The amusement disappeared, leaving room for something else, something she had already seen. Lassitude. The immense weariness of those who have seen the centuries pass.

"I am afraid that I have revealed myself to you too soon, Lora of Lothric." He sighs.
"What do you exactly know about me, elder?" She asked with renewed caution.
"I know all there is to know about this world. I know what has been done like what remains to be done, although it is impossible for me to reveal that part of the story to you. But of your past before you came through the door, be aware that I know nothing, except that your heart is still heavy despite the passing time.''

Part of the tension that lived in Lora left her at the moment when the sage pronounced these last words. She was still unaware of the nature of being in front of her, but at least he was not hostile.

''I can nevertheless hear in you the past murmurs of innumerable souls, a multitude that have given you their strength to advance in your quest. I can also feel in you the warmth of a Fire. Weak and distant, tiny embers left by what was a great flame, slowly burning inside of you. I am afraid, however, that you will have many years left before becoming fully human again.''

The knight had to refrain from touching her face. She knew it. Since her arrival in this world, she had noticed it. Garon was ripening, his platinum blonde hair slowly pulling towards the gray. The concubines were aging, some concealing it better than others. The soldiers with whom she was fighting, the officers who relayed her orders, the servants who passed through the castle. All suffered the ravage of time. But not her. She always wore the same features since she had risen from the tomb, and since she had stolen the remnant of the Fire. The embers kept her body frozen in time. And she was less and less sure that it was a gift.

"Would you have the power to revive them?"
''No, such a thing is beyond the powers I possess, for the Fire of your soul is something unique. But you were right, my blessing is of no use to you. When those who come to meet me pass the trials of the sevenfold sanctuary, it is the efforts they make to triumph over the danger that strengthens them. For you who have already reached your limits, these perils are no longer of any use. Cultivate your talents carefully, and no one will ever surpass you among mortals.

Lora thought about what the sage said, and then nodded. As she suspected, she had already surpassed the ultimate limits that a human being could conquer. Only the primordial power of fire allowed her, temporarily, to obtain even greater strength. It remained for her to sharpen his talents, her mastery of arms and magic.

"Thank you, old sage. Whatever you are, I will remember your advice.'' She said respectfully, bringing a new laugh to the lips of her interlocutor.
''Oh oh oh. I like you, Lora. Never forget that life is a precious gift. Protect it, cherish it. And whatever path you take, allow yourself to taste happiness. It is already too rare, do not deprive yourself even more. Perhaps you will then pass to those who will come after you the light of a brilliant sun.''

She bowed again, then stood up. She was about to leave when the Rainbow Sage motioned to her.

''Could you keep the mystery about my identity?'' Asked the old man with a malicious wink. ''My legend would take a blow if it turned out that one could meet me anywhere.''
"As you wish." She agreed, bidding farewell to the wise being.

The sun had greatly advanced in the sky. Lora returned to the inn and found her guards there, who saw her arrive with an expression of surprise. Did they really imagine that she would not survive the ordeals of the sanctuary? Event though she didn't have to do them, she though with a little chuckle. She ordered them to take rooms in the inn. She would not go up in a boat until at least the next day, so they dined at the inn. One of the men came back from the counter with a cup of wine that she drank gratefully. Alcohol was something that she almost never took, partly because she didn't like the taste of ale and most of all because he could not allow herself to be drunk in service. But she could take a little in circumstance like those, and proposed the men a sip that they politely refused.

The dusk settled, and she climbed to her room, the soldiers taking one for all of them. Taking her armor off, she felt... tired. More than she should be. Was it because of the boat? Her temples were drumming as she sat on the mattress timber, removing the armor and only keeping her light tunic. She felt too bad. It was hard to think. It was unnatural. What was happening? Was she...? The door opened with a crash. Blades shone in the darkness. Roll. Blows in the wood where she had been. A dagger in her hand. A sliced tendon, then a pierced heart. Three left. A cold bite in the left arm. The iron stumbles on the bone. Grip the arm. A blow to the throat. One more death. A pain in the flank. Tear off the blade. Use the corpse as a shield. Deviate with the wounded arm the assault in pincers. Pierce an eye. Just one more. Her vision blurred. To the right. Bad choice. Pain, shoulder pierced. Headbutt. Again. Stumbling. Held his throat. Pressure, a crack. All killed. Removing the blade from her shoulder. Pain, awaking her a little. Burst of flame in her hand. Purple moss, white flower. Bite them. Swallow. Voice outside. No, must focus. One last flame. Golden circle at her finger. A faint warmth. Like a ray of sunlight...