Memoirs of the Holy War

by Naryfiel Lilith

It was a war that spanned across two generations. It was a war that tore Jugdral to pieces. It was a war between those who only did what they thought was right. It was a war manipulated by those who had suffered too much. It was a war filled with tragic mistakes and crippling hope. It was a war immortalized by the survivors, and this is their tale. (FE4 Novelization)

25. Interlude - Presentiment

Interlude - Presentiment

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Never has time moved so slowly for me. I felt like I'd been here for years, not days. I wanted to leave. I wanted to be far away from here. I wanted to be home. I wanted my friends.

I wanted many things back then. Maybe that was why I didn't see the obvious signs. Sincere trust was as blinding as the sun.

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By day four of this too long wedding, I understood why people pretended to be sick to get out of things. Unfortunately, I knew that wasn't an option in these circumstances, and so, I joined everyone outside on the lawn, for what were supposed to be a variety of games. I didn't know what they were, and I had no opportunity to find out. Once again, Bloom had stolen Chulainn and so, once again, I was immediately swarmed by a bunch of nobles who I didn't know and didn't care to know because they couldn't care less about me. No matter who chattered in my ear, they were all the same.

"What a beautiful shawl... I've never seen such fine lacework." Cathleen insisted on this one, and I hadn't protested because I liked it, but now I wished I had. Would they have left me alone if I'd worn a different one? "Is it Agustrian? Agustrian lace is always so hard to find. Where did you get it?"

"Thank you. Hellen made it for me as a gift after I tended to her fiancé in Mackily."

It didn't help that all their comments were about two things: my looks and my clothes. It was never anything I could hold an extensive conversation about. I knew too little, and I knew they'd make me feel wrong for not knowing, unlike Ethlyn. Their smiles glinted too much like Hilda's for me to even pretend they meant any of this sincerely.

"Your dress is so lovely today, such rich blues and blacks." I wished I hadn't worn the dress Cathleen picked out, a blue dress with black lace over the skirt and bodice. Maybe if I'd worn something like theirs, they would've let me be. "Is this also Agustrian lace? Another gift?"

"Yes, it is. Lachesis insisted on commissioning it for me when we returned to Nordion."

I felt like a doll. I already didn't like being around people, but I legitimately felt like I was just a doll, a toy, for them to gaze at and coo over. I wished they'd leave me alone and bother someone else who liked the attention, like Hilda. I could see her preening under everyone's compliments on the other side of the lawn, though she kept glancing my way like she was trying to gauge whose crowd was larger. Let her worry about it; I didn't care.

"Your hair is as pretty as ever, Lady Alicia." Today, Chulainn braided my hair in a 'half up, half crown braid' with a gold and sapphire hair ornament wrapped around the braid behind my head. I didn't know what it was called. I think Cathleen said something about it being a 'back piece'. Maybe she said 'tiara'. I didn't know. "Where did you get such a pretty hair ornament?"

"It was a gift from Eldigan. The sapphire is cut in the shape of a flina blossom."

This was torture, plain and simple. I hated it. I wanted to be anywhere but here. I wanted to go home. I wanted... needed...

"Ah, Alicia, there you are." Right as I was starting to feel dizzy and nauseous from all the attention, Kurth appeared at my side and offered me his arm. "I've been looking all over for you," he said, smiling kindly. My torturers immediately reeled back at his presence, gossiping amongst themselves. "Shall we go for a walk?"

"I'd be delighted," I agreed, and not just because I was relieved at being able to escape. It was nice to see a true smile, instead of the fake ones everyone wore while 'complimenting' me. "But will it be rude?"

"No one will protest." In fact, he was already leading us away, towards the gardens. The crowd of admirers drifted off like petals in the wind, hopefully to talk with better conversation partners. "There's an advantage to being the Crown Prince, after all."

"Don't abuse your authority for such things."

He laughed off my scolding, probably because there was no force to the words. I knew he would never abuse it for something serious. It was just a protection I'd desperately needed. So, we walked in amicable silence to the inner gardens, far away from the crowd on the grounds.

Only when we were firmly surrounded by flowers did Kurth ask, "are you feeling better?"

"Please tell me it wasn't obvious," I groaned, letting that be my answer. I was away from the crowd and with someone I liked. Of course I was better.

"No, not at all. In fact, many were commenting on your poise." Well, I was glad my mask didn't falter. "But I know how little you like social interactions with strangers, and I also know none of them would be talking about something you were interested in."

"It's always my looks. Why is it always my looks?"

"You are very striking, your maid purposely dressed you in ways you'd stand out and catch the eye, and they think you're a normal noblewoman who knows how to play the game."

"Well, I hope they have fun with their game. I've never seen such insincerity in my life." I might have continued, but he got a surprised look on his face. "What? Did you think I wouldn't notice?"

"No, I was..." He trailed off, considering his words with care. "I was startled. Sunna often said the same thing." She did? "It's... actually, it's why she went to Velthomer after her family died. Her exact words were 'it is better to be stuck in hell with the one genuine person in this world than to be surrounded by the masks and lies of the court'. She also said she thought Cigyun and I were the only honest people in Jugdral. In her eyes, everyone else always lied." That was... that was surprising. I wanted to ask more, but he had a pained look on his face. I wondered... if it was among one of the last things she said to him.

So, I chose to focus on an earlier point in the conversation. "Do I truly stand out so much?"

"You'd stand out no matter what, Alicia." He gave me a grateful smile for not pressing. "And not just because this is only your second appearance, so they're all trying to figure out what sort of piece you'll be on their boards." Could I be one that sat in the box and was never touched? "You've probably heard this already, but you look almost exactly like Sunna, and she was the second most beautiful woman I've seen."

"Was Cigyun the prettiest?"

"Of course."

"You are terribly biased, Kurth."

"Who, me? Never."

We shared a laugh and lapsed into silence again, until we reached one of the large open areas of the garden where many paths converged. Most would sit on the benches or perhaps even play in the fountain marking the center, but I chose instead to let go of Kurth's arm and take a closer look at the flowers. They were very pretty, ranging from camelias to primroses to pansies. But as I admired the flowers, I noticed something out of the corner of my eye. Though he always made sure to smile when my attention turned towards him, Kurth's expression was serious and grave whenever I pretended to be distracted by something. Coupled with how he had not been this silent even when we first reunited...

"Did something happen?" I asked, still facing away. He choked on a yelp but recovered by the time I turned towards him. "You do not have to tell me, of course, but if there is something I can help with..."

"Right now, I'm wondering if it was obvious," Kurth sighed, shaking his head. He mentally debated for a moment before nodding. "While I'm not sure if you can help, it is something you should hear sooner rather than later. I received word today that Chagall mentioned Mackily during negotiations."

"He did what?" My eyes widened, and my mind raced. That wasn't good. That wasn't good at all. Given what Arvis had said... "Was he provoked?"

"No doubt, but I'd have more luck convincing the sun to rise in the north than to get our diplomats to admit it." He offered me his arm again, and I took it so we could walk down a random path. "But, even so, Chagall should not have risen to the bait. Now Grannvale is able to demand damn near anything they want, and Agustria will have to endure whatever humiliation they come up with." The way Kurth described it hinted he fully expected the terms to be degrading. I didn't like this. I didn't like this at all. "I do not think there is a way to avoid Sigurd taking residence in Agusti."

"That's the very thing Sigurd didn't want. He wanted Evans, but we could've compromised with Nordion." We reached another open area of the gardens, this one with benches and statues scattered about, and I let go of his arm again to fuss with the nearby camellias. "I do not..."

"Hmm?"

"Is there a way I can help argue them down?" I remembered when we negotiated with King Jamke. He mentioned how he had to yield when victims spoke of mercy. "I was one of the hostages, after all."

"You were, but given everything, I fear it won't be much. It's too great an insult, and you're well known for your kind heart and inclination towards mercy." Still, Kurth became thoughtful. "Nevertheless, I'll mention it to my father. Talks have turned to extending the timeline, so…"

"We're only staying the year." I turned to face him, making sure my tone was firm. I remembered what Eldigan had said, after all. "I do not think Agustria will suffer us for longer, and I have little doubts our occupation will only breed resentment, not quell it, especially if the terms are as poor as you fear." I clasped my hands in front of me, remembering another thing Eldigan said. "We do not want to annex Agustria, yes?"

"No. Ignoring the moral reasons, it's an insult to the strong friendships between the Crusaders, and I have no intention of adding more papers to my pile. I dread returning to my desk; I'm certain the papers are stacked higher than my head." That shouldn't have made me laugh, but it did. "We will already have difficulties given Isaach..."

"Have things gotten worse?"

"It remains the same, a bloody affair where even the winner loses. I'm not sure if it's a testament to Sigurd's prowess or Mariccle's that Sigurd has fought and won two wars while we're struggling to win the one, despite our advantages." A dark look crossed his face. "I wish I knew why he keeps fighting. I don't want to kill him; he's only two years older than Arvis." I suppose it was disconcerting, fighting someone who was young enough to be your son. "But, at this rate, I'm going to have to send for the Book of Naga."

"You did not carry it with you?"

"No, I chose against it in the hopes we could negotiate." So, him sending for it was the same as him giving up on finding the common ground he'd been trying to find. "Forgive me, but has Princess Ayra..."

"No, she steadfastly refuses to talk about it." But I did remember what she had told Quan. Should I tell him? I didn't think I had the right, especially since Ayra and Quan both decided keeping silent was better. But this was too drawn out. How great was everyone's anger that he would drag out a war this...

...Wait. No, perhaps I was looking at this wrong.

"Alicia?" Kurth prompted, watching me worriedly. It was only then I realized how still I'd become. "What is it?"

"Please keep in mind that this is pure speculation," I began slowly, talking as I thought. I was focused too much on that conversation, on what Quan had said about 'bleeding out the anger'. I needed to keep in mind that Mariccle was divinely skilled, tactically brilliant, and nowhere near a fool. "But I think it's clear Mariccle does not, and cannot, trust Grannvale." And, thanks to eavesdropping, I knew why. They had trusted Grannvale, and his father had returned as a corpse. "It's also clear he knows what the outcome will be." There was no other reason to send Shannan, his hope, out of the country. "Given how Ayra is, and some comments she's made, I will also guess he is dutiful and protective of his people. So, his worries would only grow in the wake of the war with Verdane. It barely avoided annexation."

"Indeed, and it only did because Jamke played a minimal role in the atrocity. Isaach... no matter how hard I fight, I fear it will not avoid the same fate."

"And, historically, a conquered nation is not treated well by the victors. We know this from the Loptrian Empire." No matter what the stories tried to claim, 'monsters' had not ruled the Empire. It had been people, just like now. "Then there is Isaach itself. Based on what Ayra has said, they will continue to resist so long as there is a threat. That is what Tiamat of Beasts would do."

"Indeed, according to the tales, when it was time for the final assault, Tiamat of Beasts and Od held the castle gates alone, so Hodr and Baldr could serve as Saint Heim's guards during the battle with the last Emperor Gair. And they held even as the bulk of the empire's dark mages bore down on them."

"Yes, that is their way." 'Isaach never submits.' 'Isaach does not go gently.' 'We fight until the end, and make the enemy pay for every drop of blood.' Ayra had said all these things. "So, how do you ensure a country you cannot trust does not turn its blades on the people you wish to protect, the people who will fight until the heavens themselves fall?" I met Kurth's gaze calmly, and his eyes widened as he caught the thread. "You break their blades." I remembered thinking, long ago, that Grannvale might not have an army after the war with Isaach. Perhaps that had been how Mariccle always intended to 'bleed the anger'.

"You think he... hmm..." Kurth frowned as he thought, mulling over the words. "I will admit it makes the most sense. My question then becomes just what would break his faith so much."

"I warned you this was speculation." Ah, how should I give him a hint without admitting everything I overheard? There should be... wait. "Kurth, what happened to his father?"

"Hmm?"

"Mariccle's father, King Mananan... what happened to him?" I had not heard a single thing about how he'd died, other than what Ayra had told Quan.

"Illness, I believe."

"My, is there some sort of disease infecting only kings lately? He would be the third one to die suddenly to 'illness'." If we included Lewyn's father, we could even make it 'four'.

"That... huh." He frowned, tapping his fingers against his leg. "No, you're right. I didn't think of it at the time, since I first heard when Mariccle declared war, but given what happened to Batu and Imuka afterwards..." He switched to fussing with the hem of his sleeve. "It's beyond suspicious. Yet I doubt Mariccle killed him."

"I doubt it as well. Given what Ayra has said, they had a very happy family life." There was one hint. But I should give him another, about Dahna. How to... "Honestly, given how happy they seemed, I find it strange I've never heard her mention her brother-by-marriage."

"Xanthus, the lord of Ribault?"

"Yes, she never speaks of him. It's like he never existed. She's told me about her sister, but not him." I needed one last bit. This was the only thing I could think of to help while adhering to Ayra's wishes. "You'd think they gave his name to the fairies."

"Gave his name?"

"I heard Ayra mention it briefly, though I didn't ask for more." I wasn't lying. I wasn't. "I believe it's a judicial punishment in Isaach. They kill the person, leave their body to rot in the wilderness, and they never speak their name again."

"Sounds like what we should've done to Victor." He was silent for a long moment before nodding. "Interesting. I'll keep that in mind." And I hoped this was enough. It wasn't my right to tell, yet keeping silent felt like a betrayal. "I think I'll send my spies out to Ribault to investigate that matter further. The others can continue monitoring his forces." He grimaced and reached up to brush his hair behind his ear. "It may be speculation, but I'm certain it's based on different information than what I have, so I lose nothing in pursuing the line." His sleeve slipped down, revealing a faded, but noticeable, burn scar on his right wrist. "I think..."

Whatever else he said disappeared as a sick feeling plummeted into my stomach at the sight of the scar. Immediate and soul-deep, that alone screamed how he'd gotten it, but the way his eyes widened when he saw my focus and how quickly he hid it once more confirmed it. Why hadn't I seen it back in Velthomer? …It was a silly question. He'd done his best to hide and had been so subtle I hadn't noticed.

"So, I was once able to conjure flame," I finally whispered, my mouth dry. Kurth wouldn't meet my eyes. But it was fine. I knew. I knew, because this sick feeling… it was the same exact feeling I had whenever I tried to conjure magic before, a slightly less intense nausea compared to the thought of hurting someone. "Was I excited? Had I been upset?"

"..." Kurth didn't answer for a long while before sighing heavily and gesturing to a nearby bench. While I took the offered seat, he leaned against the tree next to it and crossed his arms. "The silver izelle had just bloomed," he murmured, eyes slightly unfocused as he remembered. "It was our normal walk through the gardens. Cigyun was carrying you, and I held Arvis's hand. Sunna was making tea nearby, so it would be ready when the walk ended. You saw the silver izelle had bloomed and you fussed and squirmed until you could lean out to pick one. Cigyun and I were worried you'd fall, so I'd reached over to steady you. And you grabbed my wrist."

"And I had been unaware of the fire in my hands."

"It was… it was the first indication you'd inherited Fjalar's blood. Your Mark was barely visible; we wouldn't have known what it was if not for the buzz of power all Marks give off." And I knew the story from there. "In retrospect, we should not have hidden you so quickly. While we did our best to reassure you in the immediate aftermath, you would've needed more support in the days after."

"Well, I imagine it was a shock." If it was still visible even twenty years later, then it had to have been a very bad burn. I was impressed they'd thought to reassure me at all. "But I suppose this leads to a question I'd had." I hesitated before pressing on. I had the courage to ask now. "Why… why didn't you use me as evidence? Couldn't Cigyun have…"

"That… hmm…" He hesitated, but not out of reluctance. He just wasn't sure the best way to answer. "Victor was brilliant, you know."

"I've heard. It remains the only compliment I've ever heard about him."

"It was the only good trait he had, and even that was twisted." He looked up at the leaves swaying the wind, trying to find the words he wanted in the skies. "But he was brilliant. And he was perceptive. That man saw more while soused than most could see sober. I once witnessed him verbally eviscerate a man while high on opium. And that meant it was very, very difficult to fool him." He fell silent again, thinking. "Sunna and Cigyun tried to escape, once."

"They did?" My eyes widened. I had never heard of that. "When?"

"Before Arvis was born." Cigyun had been eighteen when she gave birth to Arvis, two years after marrying my father. So, she must've tried running in that first year of hell. "Victor caught them quickly. Sunna was in the dungeon for weeks, beaten and whipped until she was on the edge of death. She bore the scars to her dying day. And Cigyun…" He smiled sardonically. "Sunna told me Arvis was born nine months later."

"...Of course he was." And it wasn't just because my father was a rapist. It would be hard to run and hide while pregnant. It would be harder to escape when you had a child with you, and Cigyun would never have left her child alone with Victor of Velthomer. "So, Arvis…"

"Please don't tell him." That confirmed it. Our father sired Arvis solely to bind Cigyun to him and keep her from running. "I'm only telling you because you deserve the fullest answer I can give."

"And to do that, you have to explain why you felt like you could not keep me safe long enough to make it to a trial." There was the possibility of Kurth leaving with me alone; he managed it when he gave me to Father Eirik. But even then, I had a potential counter. "How far was my father's reach?"

"It took us a decade to find all of Victor's operatives. The court was riddled with them." Kurth's smile was sardonic. "One of them was my father's most trusted advisor, who had been above suspicion until I found concrete evidence. Granted, most were blackmailed and threatened into serving, but the fact remains."

"Could he not have applied his thoroughness to something productive?" I'd be impressed if he hadn't been so petty. "I imagine that fear was also why you did not give me to Byron?"

"I did consider it, while it was being discussed. Neither Sunna nor Cigyun had many interactions with people outside of Velthomer, so the task of finding someone trustworthy to keep you safe fell to me. And, of course, I only had three people I trusted: Byron, Ring, and Eirik. Ring was in the middle of personal problems, however, so…"

"That left Bryon and Father Eirik."

"Yes, and I suggested Byron first since Sunna knew him. But she refused and, after some thinking, I agreed. If you had been in Chalphy, Victor would've still found you and, using the Mark, he could've claimed 'guardianship'. Legally, he would have that right, and if Byron refused, he could then accuse Byron of kidnapping you."

"Was this one of the laws that had to be changed because of him?"

"I think it would be simpler to list what laws weren't changed because of Victor. That man knew the law inside and out, damn him, and the few he didn't exploit had to be revised because we realized how it could be twisted." He sighed heavily. I could only think of how if he'd applied that knowledge for something other than selfish reasons, Grannvale might not have so many deep-set issues. "Regardless, that left Eirik."

"You trusted him that much?"

"If I'm to be honest, Alicia, for all his social and personality faults, he's probably the person I trust most."

"And this has nothing to do with how Father Eirik doesn't seem to think much of Holy Blood."

"You can tell the man was born in Miletos. Money is their god, not the Twelve." He shook his head, smiling faintly. I had a feeling he was actually quoting Father Eirik. "But no, that didn't play a part. He had to remind me of it when I worried about what would happen if Victor had followed me." Knowing Father Eirik, he would've told my father to his face how much of a child he was, and have some explosive mixtures nearby to ensure mutual destruction if fire magic was used.

"I see." Hearing all that made some sense. But why did...? "Why did my mother refuse to let Byron take me?"

"She never told me. Just said 'it could not be him'."

"How strange." She had trusted him with the letters. She'd known him. Why had she gone with a stranger? Yes, she no doubt trusted Kurth's judgment, but it still felt strange. "Kurth?"

"Yes?"

"Why did my father kill my mother at that time?"

"I don't know." He smiled bitterly. "I honestly don't know how Sunna survived as long as she did. If I had to take a guess, I'd say Cigyun used herself as collateral. 'If she dies, I will follow her.'" To be fair, that was what happened, more or less. "Victor never liked her, though. Ever since Sunna snuck into Velthomer estate to steal some flowers for her sick mother and ran into Cigyun by complete accident, he hated her. Once Sunna came into her life, Cigyun was never his alone again."

"You may not know, but you have a suspicion, don't you?" He'd cared greatly for my mother; there was no way he did not investigate.

"It was made harder since Victor insisted on destroying everything." He closed his eyes. "But I think Sunna was planning a second escape attempt. Just some comments she made, and a few things left behind made me wonder. And if he found out, then..."

"He would have killed her." A man like that would not have suffered a second attempt at 'theft'. "The timing would've also made sense. Arvis would've been old enough to know..." I trailed off as another thought occurred to me.

My mother was killed mere months after she and Kurth hid me with Father Eirik. If she had been planning an escape attempt, then it... did she hide me solely because of the potential danger? Had there been another reason? Had it been so the escape would not have been delayed further? Even if Arvis had been old enough at the time to understand, it still would've been hard. It would've been near impossible with a toddler also in tow.

Then there was the other question I had. If my mother had known Byron, had trusted him enough to give him the letters, then why hadn't she trusted him with me? Had she... planning an escape alone would be difficult. She would have needed someone else's help, especially since my mother rarely left Velthomer. Did Byron...?

Ha... listen to me. Two years ago, all I felt for her was anger, hatred, and a firm belief she'd thrown me away as soon as she could. Now, I was finding excuses. No, I was making them.

"Alicia?" Kurth's voice jarred me from my thoughts more sharply than the gentle touch to my shoulder. "Are you alright?" he asked, peering at me worriedly. "Should..."

"I was simply lost in thought," I reassured, smiling at him. The question I had about Byron... I didn't have the courage to ask that yet. I might never. "Did he kill her quickly?"

"He didn't use Valflame, so it wasn't immediate." Death by fire was painful. She must have suffered so, so… "She burned half his face off."

"Pardon?" I could only blink a few times, certain I'd misheard. But Kurth had the most disconcerting expression of forlorn and bitter pride on his face. "She…?"

"Sunna had a habit of tucking the pages of tomes up her sleeves or into her bodice in case she needed to cast a spell quickly." I should share that with Deirdre. "So, that day, while burning to death, she cast an Elfire and caught him in the face. His scream of pain was how we knew something had happened."

"Oh." I suppose that suited what I knew. She defied him to the end. "Will you answer another question for me?"

"As many as you want."

"What did my mother think of me?"

"What did she-?" He seemed surprised, and he chuckled. "You know; it's strange hearing you call her that. Mother, I mean."

"Did I not as a child?"

"You dubbed her 'Sunsun'." He said it so cheerily that I could only gape at him. "It was one of four words you'd say."

"That's not a word."

"It is to a child." It was still not a word! "'Owie' was another one."

"I don't think that is a word either." Yet now, I couldn't help but wonder. "What were the other two?"

"'Mama' was one. You called Cigyun that. And the other..." He trailed off, hiding how he averted his gaze by leaning back against the tree. "What was the fourth? I can't remember."

"Oh?" That was a lie. I knew it was, and I doubted he thought he was fooling me. After all, if I had known 'Mama', then why wouldn't I know 'Papa'? And there was only one person I would ever call that. "Well, tell me when you remember." But right now, when there was still this awkwardness, he would not say. He would fear pushing it on me. So, I'd let him pretend. "None of that answers my question."

"No, it does not, but it bought me the time to think of how to answer." Ah, that made sense. He'd try to make it as tactful as possible. "If you're asking if she loved you as a 'mother', the answer is 'no'. She never felt like a mother, never wanted to be one." This was already longer than I expected. I expected 'she hated you' or 'she did not care'. "But she loved you as she did Arvis. She loved you as Cigyun's daughter. With a caveat."

"Caveat?"

"She said she had to keep you safe above all else. Above me, above Arvis, above even Cigyun... she had to keep you safe, because she was the one who chose to bring you into the world."

"Wasn't she allergic to common miscarriage teas?"

"There's less safe ways." He said it gently yet firmly. "And I offered to smuggle her to Belhalla for other options." In that moment, I… I understood. She… she did choose. She did choose to have me. Why? Why, when she did not love me as a mother would? Why, when she conceived me in such a violent, traumatic way? I… I couldn't ask. I couldn't.

So, I asked something completely and wildly different. "What was her favorite book?"

"Pardon?"

"What was my mother's favorite book? I know Cigyun's, obviously." I'd even read it. "But what was my mother's?" I waited, but for some reason, he didn't answer. "Do you not remember?"

"No, I do." He coughed awkwardly, and I realized he had a faint blush on her face. "It's simply… she liked bodice rippers, Alicia."

"She liked what?!" I couldn't help but yelp because that did not fit the vague image I had of her!

"Your response mirrors my own when I learned." Well, he was laughing now at least. "She got terribly defensive about it. 'I may not be interested in the acts myself, but reading about them is fun,' she told me. Then shoved one at me and told me to read it because 'it would be very educational'." I wasn't certain sexual education should come from a fictional story! "If you're still curious, I do remember her favorites."

"In a strangely morbid way, I am."

"Then I'll send you them."

"Will you send your own favorites?" I asked without thinking, and he stilled. "And I don't mean just fictional. I would love to read your favorite history books. The one you sent me about medicinal history was terribly interesting."

"It's quite fun to learn from the past, isn't it?" He smiled shyly then. "There's a few I can recommend, but as for fictional…" He trailed off, strangely hesitant. "I've never been one for fictional tales. I think… I think the last one I read was the one I read you, truthfully."

"Oh?" So, he'd read to me too? "What book was it? You sent me one Cigyun read to me, so I want to read this one."

"I don't remember the title, but it won't be hard to find. I remember the story, and the protagonist's name was 'Conall'."

"I'll look forward to it." And that was all I could say. I'd asked all the questions I had the courage to ask. So, we should... "We should resume our walk before someone comes hunting for us."

"Yes, we should." He hesitated before offering his hand. I took it without hesitation and let him help me up. "How is Azelle's research going, by the way?"

"I fear with all the ideas he, Deirdre, and Lewyn have come up with, they'll never be able to complete anything. They get far too distracted, even more than Tailtiu." Still, I laughed because I found it all endearing. "He's making the most progress with the 'supplemental blessings'."

"The idea of extra abilities augmenting the Holy Blood?" He looked intrigued. "You know; this reminds me of something I read in Saint Heim's memoir."

"Oh?"

"He grew up in Verdane, you know. And his best friend was someone who had been 'blessed by a spirit'." This was already interesting, because I remembered what others had said about King Jamke, and Dew. "Specifically, his friend was blessed with a peculiar ability to leech the lifeforce of others through wounds he inflicted."

"He could use nosferatu?"

"Saint Heim crafted the nosferatu spell by studying his friend's ability. It was further refined by studying Mystletainn. That refined form is the one we use today." Oh, that was interesting. I'd heard the spell was Saint Heim's invention, of course, but… "Though I do not know if the ability could be inherited."

"Is there no way to trace the lineage?"

"Saint Heim's best friend did not wish for his name to be recorded. He did not want to be connected to the fame, and infamy, of the war. He wished for a quiet life, and Saint Heim honored this wish. I've scoured hundreds of books, and never found it." He sighed heavily. "Ugh, I just remembered. King Imuka lent me a terribly fascinating firsthand resource shortly before we heard about Dahna, and I've not been able to read it yet."

"What was it?"

"The personal journals of Queen Gwyneth. I glanced through the first entries, and it looks like it starts before she met the Crusaders. If so, they might be a record of the Holy War in its entirety." His eyes lit up and his expression brightened as he talked, in the same way Azelle and Deirdre's would. Scholars would always be scholars. "Full records are terribly rare, due to time and a fear of information making it to the enemy side. Most of what we know was written afterwards. So, if I'm right, it could redefine our knowledge of the Holy War and even the Loptrian Empire, and…"

Kurth went on a ramble, detailing the difficulty of finding information about the Holy War and how it even seemed like the Crusaders suppressed information for reasons unknown. I let him, content in listening, and asking questions when I could. All in all, it was the most fun I'd had at this darned wedding.

Next time, I'd ask for more stories of my mother, Cigyun, and him. I think I'd be ready to hear them, by then.

---

The very last night, I breathed a sigh of relief. Most of the guests went home after the lawn party. In fact, the only guests staying besides our party were Kurth and Byron, who would remain here a few days before returning to the front with Reptor. As such, things were finally peaceful. Even Cathleen had retired early. Now, I was sitting at a table by the window, reading as Chulainn brushed my hair. Once he was done, he planned on heading to bed himself.

"Why did you braid my hair in ways that would catch people's eye?" I complained, leaning back in the chair so I could frown at him. He pretended to be absorbed in brushing my hair. "You know I hate attention."

"Even if you had dressed as you wished, you would've drawn their attention since you are the Lady of Velthomer," Chulainn protested, running his hand through my hair to check for any tangles. There weren't any, of course. My hair rarely tangled. "I remembered my mother always telling me 'fashion is a noblewoman's armor', so..."

"I think Cathleen told me something similar." I still didn't like it. "How do you remember this much?"

"Mercenary work honestly isn't that different. You must learn how to read people so you know which jobs are safe, and you must know how to stand out because unknown mercenaries usually starve." That was... that was never something I'd thought of before. Then again, my experience with mercenaries other than Chulainn and Beowolf was 'nil'. "And the bulk of the work was done by Cathleen anyway. I only answered her questions so she could plot." He was silent for a moment, and I refused to break it. "Regardless, I'll admit the attempts to draw attention worked better than I thought they would. Someone must have been building up your reputation while you were in Agustria." Who would know me so little that they'd do that? "I also had anticipated being able to guard you better. Damn Bloom for deciding I was his new favorite toy."

"It might have been easier to endure if you were near." I sighed and returned to my book, the one Bishop Cowen had gifted me via Aida. "Next time I have to go to one of these things, I'm bringing friends. Edain would've been fun, or Ethlyn."

"Isn't there some ball in Nordion in a few months?"

"I... think so, actually." Oh, that was going to be exhausting. "Maybe I'll pretend to be ill."

"If you do that, you're going to have half the group fretting over you."

"I will not." Even as I said it, though, I could imagine how a few would react. "Er... it wouldn't be half?"

"Are we sure?" He chuckled, and I twisted to scowl at him. "And there we are." He, of course, ignored it to set the brush down and run his hands through my hair again. "Your hair is as soft as ever."

"So you keep saying." Still, I couldn't help but smile. I might not think much of my hair, but I was pleased he liked it. "Do you want to braid it?"

"Tempting." He tilted his head towards the door, hinting something had caught his ear. He then paused, frowning, but he shook his head. "You've a guest outside. What shall I tell them?"

"If it's Hilda, then I'm asleep."

"Did she come at you with her claws again? It seemed like you avoided her the past couple of days."

"I don't know." What did he mean by 'again'? "But she seems to dislike me." And I didn't know what I did or didn't do to spark it. "I suppose it's nice she's open about it."

"It certainly shows her pride. Few would openly admit to hating the Lady of Velthomer, who is so cherished by her brother. Especially when Kurth blatantly dotes on you." He shook his head, looking almost sad. "No matter how much they might loathe or look down on you, they'll try to win you over for their own fame and schemes."

"I don't understand how anyone can suffer through such attention, much less enjoy it." I thought again of the people who had done nothing but comment on my looks. Their false smiles unnerved me even more than Hilda's hostility, and the fact that none of them bothered to try and vary their approaches showed how little they cared about me. I was nothing but the newest doll for them to coo and fuss over until they found some flaw as an excuse to discard. "I suppose Hilda takes after her father-in-law. He had no qualms glaring at me."

"Funny how they both dislike you, and probably for similar reasons." All I knew was I wanted to head home as soon as possible. Perhaps we should have left with the others, instead of staying the extra day. But Arvis had asked for breakfast in the morning, since we did not know when I would next visit, and I could not refuse him. "Regardless, should I let whoever it is in if it's not Hilda?" I nodded and he brushed a kiss over my head before heading to the door and opening it.

Outside, poor Ethnia stared, gobsmacked. "Um... hello?" she squeaked, fiddling with her hands. She had a robe thrown over her nightgown, and her hair in braided pigtails. Had she been preparing for bed before coming here? "I... ah... didn't knock yet?"

"You've been pacing for over a minute," Chulainn deadpanned, opening the door a little wider. His attention flicked to the hall briefly, like something caught his attention, but he ignored it. "So, Alicia chose to let you in."

"Er... um..." A dark blush slowly crept up her face. "I..."

"Chulainn, she doesn't realize you're teasing," I chided, even as I smiled. Poor Ethnia was as red as my hair. "Did you need something, Ethnia?" I closed my book and set it on the table before standing. "Come inside. I'll make some tea."

Ethnia shyly stepped inside, ducking her head like it could hide her blush. Chulainn glanced down the hallway again, a slight frown on his face, and instead of leaving like I originally suspected he would, he closed the door and leaned against it like he did when Sigurd and I had our morning meetings. I thought it strange, but didn't ask. Instead, I focused on making tea, thankful the guest rooms had a set, and absently, I thought of the tea mix Chulainn and I were making together. We'd finish it once we were back home, but it was fun, striking a balance between what both of us liked.

By the time I finished with the tea, Ethnia's blush had faded, and she'd sat down at the table, kicking her feet as she waited. She looked up as I came over, and remained silent as I poured the tea and sat down in front of her. She remained silent even as she blew on the tea to cool it down, and silent while she sipped. Whatever brought her here, she was not in a hurry to say.

When I poured her a second cup, I decided I should try to prompt her. "Now, I won't force you to say anything," I began, treating this like I treated my more skittish patients. It was best to be gentle, coaxing the answers you needed. Many times, they were simply scared they would go unheard. "But if there's something you want to ask, please do so. I'm always willing to listen."

"That's what Tailtiu said," she mumbled, fiddling with her hands. She switched to fiddling with the mug. "That's why I... um..." She struggled to find her words and, eventually, she just blurted them out. "What is it like, being with someone?" I stilled, barely keeping from choking on my tea. "How do you make it work?"

"How do you make a relationship work?" I had to admit; I did not expect that question. "May I ask why you're asking me and not, say, Hilda?"

"Hilda's answers involved much more seduction than I think I'm capable of. And they're more about how to catch a person than being with them. Which, I mean, I suppose sort of describes my current situation, but..."

"Oh?" I tried to think back and remembered something from the Festival of Flowers. "I recall Hilda saying you were interested in someone."

"Yes..." She blushed again, but her smile was sweet. "Cian and I talked a lot that night, and he apparently told his parents so much about me that they began marriage talks with Bloom, as Father's proxy." Was it that simple? I know what Edain said, of course, but it felt strange. "It's nothing formal, yet. Father would never force me into a loveless marriage. But we're allowed to court and see how things go."

"It sounds a little complicated for me, but what I'm understanding is you are at the beginning of your relationship." Thus, Hilda tried teaching Ethnia tricks to hold his attention, but that hadn't necessarily been what she'd wanted. "Why come to me?"

"You and Chulainn look very much in love?" Did we? We were, but I didn't think it was so obvious since both of us were stoic. "And I didn't want to ask Father or Bloom. Bloom would go all poetic, which is blech." She stuck her tongue out, and I only hid my laugh by sipping my tea. "And Father might have a conniption. Asking Tailtiu is a lost cause because I don't want to deal with her denial. So... um..."

"So, you decided to ask me." I still wasn't certain why I was on the list to start with, but I suppose that didn't matter. "I fear I do not have any grand advice or secrets. I would simply advise you to take it one day at a time."

"One day at a time?"

"Yes. You're building something after all. If you rush, it'll fall apart. Take your time, and slowly learn what you like, what you're comfortable with. It's your relationship and, so, it's your pace." Thank you, Edain, for that little bit of wisdom. "As you learn, you'll find things that aggravate you, things that may spark arguments..."

"You have those with Chulainn?"

"His insistence on petting wild animals, pranks as a combat strategy, and climbing up the side of castles can be exasperating." I leaned back so I could smile at him, and he only arched his brow in return. "Oh, come now. We both know there's things you find frustrating about me."

"Running recklessly into danger because someone is injured," Chulainn immediately retorted. Ethnia squeaked, but I could only laugh and drink my tea. "Your inability to take care of yourself."

"I can take care of myself just fine," I protested, shaking my head.

His response was just as quick as before. "Who was it who performed surgery on a toddler while dying of poison and suffering from a broken leg? And kept walking on said leg afterwards and refusing pain medicines?"

"I did not refuse pain medicine. I refused further magical healing because it was unneeded."

"There's also you trying to go to work after your fourth hostage experience. And your first. And your second."

"There were injured?" I couldn't think of another response and, to my slight relief, Ethnia burst into giggles. "Well, you get the idea. The point is that you love an entire person, good and bad. So, learn both."

"I see," Ethnia murmured, nursing her tea as she thought. She fell silent again, slowly sipping, and I chose against breaking it. "I wonder..."

"Hmm?" I replied, tilting my head. "What is it?"

"Tailtiu said you were comforting to be around. I think I understand. You listen, as best as you can. Maybe that's why Duke Arvis is so relaxed around you." She smiled sadly, still sipping her tea. "I always thought him cold."

"Arvis?"

"Yes. He draws the eye, of course, and he has a charisma which pulls you in like a whirlpool. But he's cold. He spends most of the balls and banquets brooding in the corner. The court frequently compares him with Lord Sigurd because the two are such opposites." They weren't that different in personality, but I would admit Arvis was more inclined to brood. "And while he's polite, he's very curt to them. It's worse with women. Arvis has a reputation for hating them, but Bloom thinks it's only distrust. He automatically assumes anyone who approaches him wants something and is on guard."

"He's been chased as a marriage partner since he became the Duke of Velthomer at age seven."

"Yes, Bloom told me. Being able to endure such while still making Velthomer flourish... he admires Duke Arvis greatly for it. But I always found it sad. A child should've been protected. I don't know why no one served as regent."

"Everyone wanted to give up on Velthomer." Arvis told me that, once. The only person who ever even brought up a 'regent' for him was Kurth, and he was quickly silenced by the mob. "They enjoyed seeing a proud house wallowing in the muck. When one is considered 'divine', their fall is all the more entertaining."

"We're held to higher standards, and mocked viciously if we fall short. Still, they covet our power and favor. I hated Hilda for a while, certain all she wanted was Bloom's power." I refused to comment on anything related to Hilda. "So, I won't say I don't understand why Duke Arvis acts as he does. But it doesn't change the fact that he's well known for being the cold, dark, brooding Duke of Velthomer with a tragic backstory who is definitely waiting for some bright young thing to lighten his heart." She said it all dryly and I nearly spat out my tea. Chulainn, who usually did his best to pretend he didn't hear these conversations, choked on a laugh. "Yes, that's his reputation. Lord Sigurd's focused on the knight aspect until he married Deirdre." Oh, I was using that against my brother the next time he was ridiculous. "I honestly wondered if he could smile when I was younger. Then I saw him with Azelle, and the faint smile on his face. It was the first time I ever thought he looked 'soft'. And I thought Azelle was the only one who could spark that until now."

"Oh?"

"Some people joke you've been hoarding smiles. I've never seen Arvis smile as much as he has during this wedding, and for many, the dance you two had at the ball was the first time they'd ever seen him laugh." That sounded so strange to me. While I'd never call him 'cheerful', he was never... he laughed a lot around me, usually when telling me about some antic Azelle did. "Prince Kurth is the same. He's nice, and smiles a lot, but I'd never seen him smile so brightly. The older nobles say it's been twenty years since they last saw him this happy."

"Are they truly so different around me?"

"Yes. Because you are comforting. You will not judge them for not acting properly. And they need that sanctuary more than anything." Ethnia giggled then. "That's why I knew you'd take my question seriously."

"Haven't you heard? I take everything seriously."

"And that's what I needed, so thank you, Lady Alicia." She finished her cup, stood, and curtseyed much more elegantly than one would expect for someone wearing a nightgown. "And thank you for answering my sudden question."

"It was no trouble." I gestured to the pot. "Are you certain you do not want more tea?"

"No, I shouldn't take up more of your time."

"It's fine, Ethnia. I was already awake." I glanced at Chulainn, still wondering why he'd chosen to stand guard. His expression gave no answers, but that alone gave me a hint. Something caught his attention, and he did not know if it was a danger or not yet. "Would you like an escort back to your room? The hour is quite late."

"Oh, no, I'll be fine. I'm perfectly safe in my own home. Thank you, though." She turned and curtseyed to Chulainn as well, to his visible amusement. "You leave in the morning, yes? I'll see you off."

"Rest well."

Ethnia didn't linger, skipping out the door as soon as Chulainn opened it. I returned to my tea, deciding I should finish the pot, and Chulainn closed the door and headed for me, perhaps to braid my hair like I suggested. Two steps later, though, he froze, and before I could even think to ask why, he whirled back to the door and wrenched it open.

That was how we witnessed Ethnia be stabbed in the back by someone wearing the uniform of a Friege soldier.

"Ethnia!" I gasped, standing up so quickly I jarred the table. The tea spilt everywhere, and my book clattered to the ground, but I didn't bother to care. I lunged for my Mend staff in the corner and raced out the door to catch her before she hit the ground. I didn't worry about the assassin. Chulainn kicked them into the far wall before they had a chance to strike again. "Ethnia, can you hear me? Are you conscious?"

"I... I am..." Ethnia gasped, leaning heavily on me. I tried to give her a quick check, but there was something strange. The wound on her back... it was bleeding heavily, yes, but not at a rate you'd expect. "I don't want to be..."

"I know, but try anyway for me, will you?" I was never traveling without my medicines again. Never. "Where is the closest infirmary?"

"Between... between the wings. This way..." She tried to point the way, but winced, gasping. "Oh, I can't breathe... why can I not...?"

"It's shock. You're fine. It did not hit your lungs." I could tell that much, at least. Her lungs were fine, but there was something strange about her movements. They were stiff, jerky even. Paralysis? "I'm right here, Ethnia." A 'crack' behind me made me turn, and I saw Chulainn join us, carrying a set of knives. The assassin was against the wall, his neck at a decidedly 'not survivable' angle. "We're heading to the infirmary."

"I figured," Chulainn replied, holding up one of the knives. I could see the blood on the sheathe. "This is the one that hit her. Stole the other one in case there's more." Gods, I hoped not. But the previous two encounters hinted we would.

We had to move slowly. Ethnia could not get her feet to cooperate with her, and I had to half-carry her down the hall. I wondered if I should, but I needed to keep a hand on her injury to put pressure on it and I didn't want to risk tearing something while getting her on my back. And Chulainn couldn't carry her; he needed both hands free in case we were right. After all, Ethnia's wound still bled; there was a definite trail behind us, no matter how much I tried to stem the bleeding.

We had just gotten out of sight of my rooms when Ethnia tugged on my gown. "Just..." she gasped, her face pale and pinched from pain. Her movements were still jerky, but it did not increase. Was it a 'mild' paralytic, then? "Just a... a moment..."

"Ethnia, we need to treat you sooner rather than later," I whispered, even as I slowed for her. I kept a hand pressed firmly on her wound, but it still... it wasn't bleeding as it should. The wound gaped, but it was not pouring blood. Why? "Do you need us to carry you?" I'd ruled it out before, but if she needed it, we could make it work.

"No, no, this won't... won't take long..." She leaned heavily on me, using me as leverage to jerk up a shaking hand. Thunder magic sparked around her fingers and, to my surprise, she quickly swung herself into the wall to slam her hand against it. Before I could scold her for bruising herself, a very, very, very loud 'shattering' sound deafened the air. "Told... told you..."

"Is that an alarm?" Chulainn asked, visibly stunned. It was hard to hear him with the echoes still bouncing off the walls. "How is it so loud? I think that would've spooked even Hekate of the Crossroads and her wolves."

"There's metal threaded through the entire castle, and they lead to thousands of glass planes hidden way up in the ceiling," Ethnia explained, looking as pleased as someone with an open wound on their back could look. I did my best to right her, frowning at the scrapes on her side. "When thunder magic hits the wall, it'll conduct and shatter the glass. Then someone of Thrud blood can send their own spark to analyze the path and determine the initial point of impact." She became a little smug. "I may not have the hair, but I do have the blood. Our soldiers have to use tomes, but we of Friege can simply spark it."

"And only someone of Friege would be capable of reading the path. Those of Od might have the skill, but they couldn't send the magic unless they happened to also have Thrud blood." Chulainn blinked a few times, before shaking his head. "But, more importantly, it means reinforcements and the possibility the other assassins will either run or try to finish the job."

"They shouldn't know what it means. It's a closely guarded secret."

"The one that attacked you wore the uniform of your guard. You need to assume they're aware."

Ethnia grimaced at the reminder and did not protest further. We resumed our slow walk through the halls, and Chulainn kept glancing behind us, hinting someone was approaching. I didn't ask because I couldn't afford to know until they were on us. My focus was entirely on Ethnia, and making sure she didn't die in my arms before I could sit her down for proper treatment. As such, it was a relief when we finally made it to the infirmary, even if Chulainn nudged Ethnia and I inside quickly before closing the door behind us. I knew why. He had it shut to minimize any chance of them slipping past him and finishing the job. I hated it, but I knew it was necessary, so I made myself ignore it and focus on what I needed to do. Right now, that was helping Ethnia sit down at the center table and taking off her robe so I could examine her injury properly.

"Ethnia, this is a poor time to ask, but where is your castle's healer?" I asked, pulling her hair over her shoulder. We'd need to undo the braided pigtails and wash the blood out of her hair later; it was caked. "I haven't seen or heard anything about them."

"That's because he's on vacation," Ethnia admitted breathlessly. She was swaying as she sat, so I quickly hunted for anything that could be useful immediately. To my surprise, one of the higher cabinets had a complete first aid kit, one as extensive as the ones Edain, Ethlyn, and I made. "Elcmar is due back in the morning. We had Father Claud here as a guest, so..."

"Of course that would happen." I found a vial of antidote and popped it open for Ethnia. "Drink this."

"Okay…" She did her best, but I had to support her hands until she managed a couple of sips. "Oh, that feels better." Good, then perhaps this would be a simple fix. "Why would… eep!" She squeaked when we heard something thump against the door. "What was…?"

"We were right. There was more than one assassin." Please, Chulainn, be safe. "Ethnia, I need to look at your back." Oh, their first aid kit had a small knife. I should include that in ours. "Do you want to remove your nightgown or are you all right with me cutting the back?"

"Cutting is fine. This is ruined anyway." She was swaying more. "Why… why am I dizzy? Is that shock too?"

"It could be." But when I went to cut the back of her nightgown, I realized it was worse. Her wound… her wound was bleeding as expected finally, and she was rapidly losing blood. What in the world?

I immediately went to work, trying to figure out what was going on. That was when I found another surprise; the broad-spectrum antidote was less than half as effective as expected. She'd need another dose to fully clear the paralysis, but I could not figure out why her wound bled slowly, and then quickly. I tried to get it to heal, but my magic wasn't taking as it should. Her blood wasn't clotting as it should.

Nothing was as it 'should' be. What was wrong?

"Ethnia!" Tailtiu's voice jolted me out of my thoughts, and I looked up to see she had burst inside. Outside, I could see bloodstained Chulainn speaking with someone, hinting the immediate threat had passed. "It's going to be alright!" she reassured, crashing to her knees in front of her sister. I was impressed that was the first thing she thought of, given the copious blood. I was fighting an uphill battle to keep Ethnia from bleeding out. "Alicia's the best healer." Tailtiu took Ethnia's hands to squeeze, a bright smile on her face. Absently and inanely, I noticed she was half-dressed, like she'd been in the middle of changing when the alarm shattered. "She'll fix you right up." While I appreciated the vote of confidence, considering I had no idea what was going on, I felt it was undeserved.

"I have a question for you two," I began, still focused on trying to get this wound to heal. What was I missing? Clearly, there was poison, but what? "Does Ethnia usually have coagulation or bleeding issues?"

"No?" Tailtiu sat up a little so she could catch my eye. I saw the fear, and realized her reassurance hadn't just been for Ethnia. It was for her too. "Ethnia's as healthy as I am."

"I see." Well, there went the half-theory that this was actually normal for her. Then what was...?

Think. Think, think, think. I had to think. Was there something which matched all these symptoms? ...No. No, there was none I knew of. So, the most likely answer was a combination of poisons. What would combine in this fashion? While less effective than expected, the paralysis had still ebbed with the broad-spectrum antidote. Her wound began bleeding more rapidly at the same time, hinting the previous slow flow had been connected to another poison. Both could be treated with another dose, so I could identify them later, but neither explained why her body wasn't reacting as it should to such an injury. It was like her body's natural healing was suppressed, and even my healing magic was blunted. What would...?

Oh. 'Suppressed.' 'Blunted.' That was it.

Quickly, I handed Ethnia another vial of broad-spectrum antidote, and rummaged through the first aid kit, finding needle and thread. Now I needed a disinfectant, and a strong one since everything was blunted. So, the strongest one here was...

"What are you doing?!" Oh, lovely, I had Reptor yelling in my ear. When did he show up? "Why is she still bleeding?!" he demanded, seizing my arm. "Heal her!"

"Reptor, if you insist on causing a ruckus, can you please do so outside the infirmary?" I requested calmly, waving my free hand to try and shoo him out. Unfortunately, he held onto me more tightly. "But since you are here, is Arvis outside by any chance?" I needed fire and didn't want to hunt for a firestarter.

"How dare you ask when-?"

"And can you please let me go? I can't do anything with you clinging to me like a child throwing a tantrum."

"I'm telling you to-!"

"For once in your life, will you be quiet and listen?" I fixed him with the coldest look I could manage. He matched it with a death glare of his own. "Go sit in the corner and reflect on how you're doing nothing but delaying your daughter's treatment. I have work to do." The man had the gall to hold onto me tighter. Meanwhile, Ethnia was bleeding out. "Chulainn, I fear I am in need of assistance."

"How dare you call your dog?!"

"That's 'Death's Hound' to you, Reptor," Chulainn retorted, appearing next to us like a shadow. His eyes were just as cold as mine, and the hint of something wild showed just how angry he truly was. "And she dares because you're an idiot and a fool." Without another word, he twisted Reptor's arm off me, and behind his back, forcing him to kneel if he didn't want to risk his arm breaking. "What is it with lords and thinking they know more than the healer about how to treat things?"

"Please don't break his arm until after I'm done with Ethnia," I sighed, beyond exasperated. I couldn't blame him; his daughter was dying. But all he'd done was delay things. "Keep him out of the infirmary, will you? Is Arvis here?"

"Surprisingly, no. Everyone else is." Chulainn regarded Reptor coolly, reminding me of a phrase in Deirdre's favorite book: 'a wolf inspecting prey'. "Shock me as you are planning, Reptor, and see what happens." I only noticed the sparks in Reptor's hand then. Was he seriously...?

"Father, what are you doing?!" Thankfully, Bloom made his way inside then. He blanched at the amount of blood on Ethnia, and ducked down to hug her reassuringly. "Chulainn, I can handle him from here," he continued, moving to his father's side. "Please forgive-"

"Forgive what?" The infirmary was becoming too crowded. Now Arvis had joined, and he regarded the scene with a raised brow. I bit back a groan and went back to finding what I needed. Without Reptor slowing me down, I was able to find the disinfectant, and it wasn't long before I was stitching Ethnia's back. She'd lost so much blood... would she need usriane petals? "Well, this is an interesting scene," Arvis drawled, a spark of flame already at his fingertips. My own temper started to spark, frozen flames in my blood. "Alicia's arm is red, like someone had grabbed her, and Chulainn looks ready to snap his fangs into your throat, Reptor. Did you, perhaps, lay hands on my sister while she was trying to help?"

"Duke Arvis, he's not in his right mind, so I ask-"

"If you're going to continue this melodrama, please do it outside with an audience that will appreciate it," I snapped, glaring at all of them. Arvis tucked his hand behind his back like I hadn't seen the flames. "Arvis, why did you push your way inside?"

"I just arrived, since I went to the family wing first," Arvis answered, shrugging. Something about the statement bothered me, but I pushed it away for later. I almost had Ethnia stitched, so I needed to check how much blood she had and then... "I figured that's where the danger was. I was told you were in here, Alicia, so I came to check and found this. What is-?"

"Melodrama is to be held outside the infirmary." I focused my glare on Arvis and he took a step back. "Arvis, I need fire in..." I glanced around, finding the medicine making station quickly. It was right next to the tea. "I need fire in those two stations."

"Why do you need-?"

"Now."

"Right, yes, fire, got it."

"And Bloom, escort your father out of the infirmary and ensure he does not step foot inside again." I rounded on them, and Bloom nodded several times, already pulling Reptor up. Chulainn, for some reason, was amused by the sudden turn of events, enough to thaw and chuckle. "Tailtiu, you can stay where you are." She was the only one acting properly, helping Ethnia finish the antidote. "Now then, is this the storeroom?" I strode over to the door in the back and tried the knob. And, of course, it was not conveniently unlocked like Mackily's. "Bloom, would you happen to know where the key to the storeroom is?"

"The key?" Bloom repeated, shoving his father out of the infirmary. Hilda swayed into view long enough to catch him and pull him out of sight to whisper soothingly in his ear. "No, I fear not."

"Drat," I muttered, thinking rapidly. There was no time to hunt, so... "Is Byron here?" Chulainn had said 'everyone'. Did that mean what I hoped it meant?

"Yes?"

"Byron, can you break the door for me?"

"Break the-?!"

"You can send me the bill later," Byron quipped, slipping inside as soon as I called his name. He looked far too amused by all of this, but he turned somber when he saw the blood on Ethnia. "Well, I can't blame Reptor for losing his mind temporarily." He came over and broke the door open with a single kick. "Still, he could've at least not grabbed you so hard. That's already bruising."

"It's fine," I dismissed, ducking inside and hunting through the shelves. It was a shame their healer wasn't around, since I wanted to ask him about his organization. This was much more efficient than mine. "Just help Chulainn keep everyone out, will you?"

"It's not fine. You're hurt." My arm did hurt, yes, but Ethnia was dying, so it didn't- "Please remember to treat it later. Sigurd and Deirdre both write about how poor you are at taking care of yourself." I frowned at him over my shoulder, but he was already heading out, having said his piece. "Arvis, Chulainn, let's give them room now that there's no longer a threat within the walls. Prince Kurth has been investigating the bodies alone, so I'm certain he would appreciate the assistance."

By the time I left the storeroom with my arms full of every herb I'd need, Byron had successfully herded the rest out and left the infirmary blissfully quiet. The only sound at all was Tailtiu continuing to reassure Ethnia, and I made a point to smile at them before getting to work. I placed some chamomile into a pot to steep, and then I threw all my attention into making the medicine I hoped would work. Thankfully, this antidote didn't require any soaking or setting or anything which would take a lengthy amount of time. It was, as Father Eirik once said, a 'mix-boil-done'. It honestly took longer to make tea. However, most usually did take longer for one key reason, but unfortunately, we didn't have that time. Ethnia needed this now, so I could see if this was the correct treatment or if I had to wrack my brain further.

"Now, Ethnia…" I began, pouring the mixture into a mug. It looked like sludge and, worse, I knew it would taste just as bad as it looked. "This will be incredibly bitter." I knelt beside her and held it out. "I want you to drink only a little at first, so I can see if it has an effect."

"A-all right," Ethnia mumbled, taking the mug with shaking hands. She stared at it for a moment, screwed up her courage and her face, and took a sip. "Urk…!" She set the mug down on the table immediately and covered her mouth with both hands. I snatched up my staff and used my magic to monitor her condition. If I was right, then there should be a near-immediate effect. "Oh… oh, that was vile…"

"I warned you." I couldn't quite choke back a laugh, especially when I sensed my magic was already more effective. "Well, I have good news and bad news. The good news is that it worked, but the bad news…"

"I have to drink all of it, don't I?"

"I have some chamomile tea to take the taste out. Do you want to alternate?"

"No, if I try, I think I'll lose my will."

"How bad is it?" Tailtiu asked, voice light and curious. She stood so she could peer at the sludge, frowning. "Can I taste a little? Like, a dab?"

"It won't harm you?" I replied, not sure how to answer. But I knew it wouldn't. Father Eirik had once made me a small amount, to highlight why we sometimes took the time to make the medicines more palatable. "Please keep it small."

"Got it." Tailtiu tapped her finger in the mixture, enough to get a drop, and licked it. "Ugh…!" She immediately stuck her tongue out in disgust; Ethnia laughed. "Wow, that's so bad!"

"Usually, one would try to sweeten it, but given the circumstances…" I went to work boosting Ethnia's blood levels, and decided based on her symptoms that she wouldn't need to take medicine at all for the blood loss. Holy Blood truly was a wonder. "While you're up, Tailtiu, can you find me a rag and a bowl of water? Now that I know what's going on, I think we can afford to help Ethnia clean up a little."

Tailtiu eagerly leapt at the errand, though she wanted to wipe the blood off herself. I refused for the area around the wound, but once I was done, I let her take over to get the worst out of Ethnia's hair and where it had poured down her back. There were blood droplets on the floor that needed to be cleaned, but I would ignore it for now. Instead, I healed her up as much as I could, poured her some chamomile tea to take the taste of the antidote out, and found a blanket for her to wrap around herself with once Tailtiu finished cleaning.

Only then did I finally step out of the infirmary. Kurth, Byron, Reptor, Bloom, Hilda, Arvis, and Chulainn were standing over two bodies, discussing something. I didn't know what; the conversation stopped as soon as I approached the door.

"She should be fine," I told them, answering the unspoken question. Nearly everyone breathed a sigh of relief, the tension melting. "Did you find anything interesting on the bodies?"

"Only this," Kurth answered, holding up a small glass vial filled with a purple liquid. He held the bloodied dagger Chulainn stole from the first in his other hand. "We're running on the assumption this was their poison of choice, so we were discussing the fastest way to analyze it and the dagger to determine the components."

"Well, it has zaris root extract, as well as at least one other poison." There were only three people who didn't gape at me: Kurth, Chulainn, and Arvis. "Zaris root poisoning is very unique in that it suppresses healing, all healing. This ranges from the body's natural defenses to healing magic itself. Because of this, it is one of the few the broad-spectrum antidote does not cure outright, reducing the efficacy to about fifty percent." Byron recovered from his shock first, a slight and incredulous smile on his face. The rest still stared. "Since Ethnia's injury resisted my magic, I hypothesized she was poisoned with it, sewed the wound shut to prevent her from bleeding out, and made her the proper antidote, since we would need at least ten or so vials of the broad-spectrum antidote to otherwise cure it." I managed, barely, to keep from pointedly looking at Reptor. Byron did it for me, and Reptor scowled in response. He only calmed when Hilda soothingly patted his back. "Of course, there was more than one poison."

"But the zaris root is enough to start with, yes?" Hilda asked, frowning. She continued rubbing Reptor's back. "I mean; who would want something like that around? Should be easy to narrow the search by asking the apothecary."

"No, it won't," I replied softly, shaking my head. I reached up briefly to brush my hair behind my ear, but then remembered I was still bloody, and my arm hurt. Chulainn did it for me. "For one thing, zaris are common in Friege. They're used as natural pesticides to protect gardens and crops. You could find them easily on any hike, no apothecary trip necessary. As for who would want them…" I pointed inside the infirmary, to the storeroom. "There's some in the storeroom right now."

"What?"

"Zaris root used to be the treatment of choice for anaphylaxis. Srelia blossoms have replaced them, but zaris root remains the secondary option. Since anaphylaxis is so dangerous, most infirmaries will have a small amount stocked."

"I see Sigurd was not exaggerating when he wrote you were a walking encyclopedia on plants and their uses," Byron commented, his amusement fading. I could only shrug because how could I treat people if I didn't know plants? "No wonder Prince Kurth suddenly gained quite a lot of insight into medicines." Kurth actually choked on a yelp, and I couldn't help but tilt my head. I did write a lot about herbs and medicines in our letters, mostly to describe what I was teaching my students, but did Kurth do his best to learn too? "Regardless, you said the zaris was mixed with something. Do you have any ideas?"

"I'll admit it wasn't my focus," I warned, closing my eyes as I thought. Based on Ethnia's symptoms... "It's mixed with a mild paralytic and potentially something which slows blood flow. Those symptoms were treated with the broad-spectrum antidote, though the zaris root complicated matters." If I went with the assumption the broad-spectrum would've cured it without the zaris root interfering, then I could think of a plant. "It could be gluvonde?"

"Gluvonde?"

"It's a flower. Gluvone extract is used in field medicine for emergency surgeries because it helps immobilize the affected area and can slow blood flow. Often, it's mixed with a kind of topical pain medicine to keep the effect localized." I opened my eyes and smiled apologetically. "Unfortunately, it would also be a very common plant in any infirmary."

"Damn, then using the poison to track them isn't viable at all." Honestly, the only way they could've made it more difficult was by poisoning her with cerons.

"This is, of course, assuming they didn't use many which happened to have the same effect. Medicines usually utilize the fewest ingredients necessary, giving the maximum effect with minimal complications." Medicines were all about efficiency. Grannvale's teas had more ingredients than their medicines. "I'm not certain if someone mixing up a poison would have the same mentality."

"They might from a cost perspective." This was fair.

"Then perhaps we might have more luck determining who the target was," Bloom murmured, crossing his arms. I noted that like me, and unlike the dukes and Kurth, he and Hilda were dressed for bed. He'd need a new robe given the amount of blood on it. "They struck Ethnia, yes, but..."

"Reasonably certain she was the target," Chulainn sighed, reluctantly speaking up. Without thinking, I leaned into him to give him some support, and he blessed me with a faint smile in thanks. "The assassin struck her once and was moving to retreat when Alicia and I rushed out of the room. They disguised themselves as a soldier, but I don't think they've been here long. They mimicked the patrols well, but there were a few hesitant steps like they couldn't quite remember where to go. Only your newest wouldn't know it in their sleep."

"I fear I have to ask how you know that?"

"I'm cursed with keen hearing, and I've spent too much time in battle to not notice minute differences since it meant the difference between life and death." Chulainn's tone was perfectly dry, and Bloom wasn't the only one who winced. Arvis did too. "I could hear your soldiers patrolling through the guest wing every night. Tonight was the only time the rhythm was disrupted."

"Patrols are assigned based on the night, utilizing a rotating schedule. We can discover who was on the list, and go from there." Bloom sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Why would anyone target Ethnia, though?"

"People want others dead for the pettiest of reasons. I've seen plenty of that as a mercenary." He saw worse in the arenas. "Given the timing, I think someone wanted to write a pretty little story. The tragic death of the youngest daughter of Friege, right as the festivities for her older brother's wedding ended."

"Yes, I suppose so." Bloom's gaze hardened briefly, but he shook his head to rid himself of the thought. "Ah, before I forget, the shatter pattern showed the point of impact was in the guest wing. Why was Ethnia there at this late hour?"

"She wanted to speak with Alicia before we left in the morning. I noticed the odd patrol patterns shortly before she arrived. Not sure why they didn't strike while she was walking, but it could be her leaving threw them off and they had to catch up."

"Then I'll need to check the roster for both wings, and..."

"Forgive me for interrupting, Bloom," Kurth began softly, his tone firm and resolved. Reptor bristled at it, but the rest straightened, standing at attention. "But this has involved two Crusader Houses." Kurth himself held himself a little taller, shoulders back with his head tucked down so he appeared like he was talking directly to you, not down at you. "As such, Arvis, I task you, and the Royal Guard, to investigate." Oh, that was right. When matters involved multiple Crusader Houses, only the Royal Guard could investigate. It served to keep things 'impartial'. "I apologize for giving you more work, but given the circumstances..."

"I hear and obey," Arvis reassured, bowing formally. Reptor scowled once again, and Bloom grimaced. I couldn't blame them; they wanted to investigate themselves. But the law stated it needed to be the Royal Guard. "I would've requested it as the Duke of Velthomer anyway. Alicia and Chulainn were put in danger because of this."

"You have my thanks, Arvis. Now, knowing you, you will want to start immediately."

"Of course. Clues can vanish in seconds. Bloom, what's the fastest way to get those rosters?"

Talks turned to investigation, so I looked into the infirmary to check on Ethnia. She was chatting with Tailtiu as she sipped the chamomile tea, and though she was still pale, there was some color to her cheeks now. I lingered in the doorway, watching as she and Tailtiu laughed brightly about something Tailtiu said, and thought about what would be best for her. Chulainn nudged my hand to catch my attention, and nodded when I looked up at him. We were on the same page, then. So, with a thankful smile, I stepped inside to relay the offer.

"Have you finished?" I asked, gently touching Ethnia's cheek with the back of my hand. She was a little clammy, but that was only to be expected. "Do you need some ginger tea?"

"Tempting, but despite the taste, it actually settled well in my stomach," Ethnia replied, pointing to the empty mug for emphasis. I suppose she wanted to show she was a good patient. "My back hurts a lot, though. Tailtiu is distracting me from the pain."

"Yes, you'll need some pain medicine." I crouched down to look at her better. "I will also need to keep an eye on your injury in case something unexpected occurs, so why don't you stay with me for the night?" I smiled as kindly as I could, and she blinked a few times in surprise. "It would probably be safer than staying alone, but if you'd rather rest in your own room, I can simply come by regularly to check."

"Oh, I wouldn't want to bother..."

"From what Azelle and Lex have written, this is the bare minimum of what Alicia does for all her patients," Tailtiu kindly reassured, carefully hugging her sister and nuzzling her cheek. Ethnia giggled, relaxing. "So, if anything, it's less of a bother taking her up on the offer. I'm sure they need to investigate your room anyway for initial clues and the like." Ethnia pondered it for a moment longer before nodding. "Perfection~! Hey, Alicia, can I stay too?"

"I do not mind," I replied, barely keeping from laughing. Her cheer would be welcome, and Ethnia looked relieved at the thought. "However, Ethnia will need her rest, so no shenanigans. I don't want a feather explosion."

"Aw, why did Azelle tell you about that?"

"Azelle isn't exactly one to hide details, especially when he thinks it's funny."

"He thought it funny? He was lecturing me the entire time!"

"That was because of the trouble you caused the servants."

"Hey, I cleaned it up myself!"

"Feather explosion?" Ethnia repeated, tilting her head. Tailtiu's blank look hinted this hadn't been something she'd told her about. "What's that?"

"Nothing!" Tailtiu blurted, confirming my suspicion. So, to keep from accidentally revealing other secrets, I hunted for pain medicine for Ethnia. I hoped there were some already made, at least. "Nothing at all! Oh, hey, speaking of servants, we should send someone for a change of clothes for the two of us, yeah?"

Despite Ethnia's valiant efforts, Tailtiu refused to elaborate about the time she set off a chain reaction with a spell and exploded all the pillows in her room. I let their cheer wash over me, reviewing what all occurred so I could decide the best pain medicine for Ethnia. As I did, though, I remembered what had struck me as odd about Arvis's statement, and a cold seed of unease settled in my heart.

Arvis said he'd gone to the family wing first. But why would he have done that before checking on Chulainn, Kurth, or me? Even if he thought that was where the danger was, he would've prioritized us first. So, why?

---

There was no way to keep this quiet. Thanks to the shattering glass, everyone within a half-day's journey was aware something had happened. So, in defiance of common sense, Cathleen had rushed to my room to see if I was all right. Upon finding me missing and a blood trail leading away, she'd made sure everything in my room was safe and followed the trail right to the group clustered outside the infirmary. She stood quietly at the end of the hall, not wishing to intrude, and only made her presence known when Chulainn and I started leading Ethnia and Tailtiu to my room.

"Cathleen, you should have stayed somewhere safe," I chided, much later when I had the time to hear why she was there in the first place. My priority had been to get Ethnia and Tailtiu as comfortable as possible, and she insisted I take my own bath once they were. So, now I was drying my hair while Cathleen tucked Tailtiu and Ethnia into my bed. The two were fast asleep. "What if the attacker had still been here?"

"There would have been the sounds of fighting, of course," Cathleen replied instantly. She even smiled, smoothing the blankets over the two. "At which point, I would have left to ensure I could not be used against you. Remember, my lady, I used to be an orphan on the streets. I have a good sense of danger."

"That doesn't mean they weren't hiding." If I had to be truthful, I could admit I was the last person to be lecturing about 'rushing into danger'. But it was the only way I could think to react to her explanation. "Why did you come here anyway?"

"I figured if there was danger, then there would be fighting. That means injured and you would be right in the middle of it." Her smile sweetened as she turned to face me. "So, I figured you would need a bath and a change of clothes." She giggled at the dumbfounded look on my face. "My job is to try and anticipate your needs, my lady, even if you're used to fending for yourself."

"That…" I couldn't fault her. If that was her reason, I honestly couldn't fault her. "Well, you were right. The bath was nice. Thank you for drawing one for Ethnia first."

"Of course, my lady."

"And thank you for drawing one for Chulainn." That's where Chulainn was now, after returning from a patrol through the halls. He'd intended to just do a quick wash to get the blood off, but Cathleen wouldn't have it. "I know it's not easy, especially since I do not conjure flames." Yet she had hauled enough hot water for three baths. "Are your hands blistered?"

"No, they're not." She held them out for me to inspect, and while they were reddened, they were not chapped or bruised. "I'm used to hard work."

"That doesn't mean you cannot hurt yourself." I might have said more, but a knock on the door stopped me cold. "Who in Jugdral...?"

"Please stay by the young ladies, Lady Alicia." Cathleen went to the fireplace and picked up the fire poker before going to the door. She cracked it open, gripping the fire poker tightly, only to gasp and stepped back into a curtsey. "Good evening, Your Grace."

"Good evening, Cathleen," Arvis returned, nudging the door a little more open. He blinked at the fire poker in her hand. "Why are you carrying that?"

"Master Chulainn is bathing, so I armed myself to protect my lady," Catheen answered without a shred of shame. The only word I had for the look on Arvis's face was 'bewildered'. "While an assassin would not necessarily knock, you never know."

"No, I suppose so." It still took him a moment to recover. "Anyway, I finished with the initial investigations, so I came by to check on things."

"I see." Cathleen turned to smile at me, hiding the fire poker behind her back. "In that case, my lady, I believe I shall take my leave."

"Please, get some good rest," I agreed, smiling at her. She nodded, bobbed another curtsey, took my used towel since I was done drying my hair, left the poker by the door, and departed. Arvis closed the door behind her, still trying to process how he almost was hit by a fire poker by my maid. "And good evening, Lord Brother."

"You haven't called me that in a while," Arvis sighed, leaning against the door. He looked tired. "Then again, you've always only used it when you were particularly upset or teasing me. I suppose it's too much to hope for the latter."

"Indeed, it is." I raised a brow and he sighed again. "However, I will inform you everyone is fine. Ethnia and Tailtiu just fell asleep, so keep your voice down."

"Of course." He studied me for a moment before shaking his head. "You'll hate me saying this, but you really remind me of Sunna right now."

"How much of a troublemaker were you if I'm reminding you of my mother?" I crossed my arms, regarding him skeptically. Though, truthfully, I didn't hate the comparison. Certainly, I didn't hate it as much as I would have in the past. "Honestly..." However, remembering why I was cross with him only made me remember the unease from before. "Arvis…"

"Yes?"

"Why did you head to the family wing first?" It was unsettling to have this question, and yet I had it anyway.

"I thought I explained?"

"Arvis, whenever there's danger, your first thought is ensuring your loved ones are safe. The only reason you would deviate would be because they weren't in the first place you checked, but the danger was." I frowned at him, but he met my gaze calmly. "And no matter how much you prefer striking first and retaliating with everything, your second thought would've been duty. As Captain of the Royal Guard, that would mean ensuring Kurth's safety. This is to say nothing of how checking on us in the guest wing, where you are also staying, would've been faster." I sighed, forcing the unease aside. "You're lucky I know you so well, Arvis. If the others haven't thought about how strange it was yet, they will."

"I am indeed lucky." His smile became a little awkward. "To answer about Prince Kurth first, I already knew he was safe. He, Byron, and I had been outside talking-"

"Arvis, the three of you should've been asleep at this hour."

"Lecture later, please. I couldn't sleep." I was making sleeping tea for all of them. "Regardless, I headed inside to rest, but he remained outside to talk more with Byron. Given how the alarm sounded soon after I headed back inside, I was closer to the family wing than the guest." He shrugged and fussed with his cufflinks. "I did think to go to you, but I knew Chulainn was capable, most would think all the guests departed, and I doubted Reptor would send assassins after you again in his own home."

"Again?" I blinked a few times, startled. "What do you mean 'again'?"

"Aida traced the assassins from last year to Friege."

"And you not only failed to inform me, but we went to a wedding in their estate?" This was… "Arvis, you have to stop hiding these things from me. I need to at least be aware. For example, why is it I found out about the marriage proposals you burned from Edain?" I scowled at him, and he brought up his hands in a placating fashion. "Have a little more faith in your sister, will you?"

"I'm still used to you hiding. I'm sorry." I suppose that was fair. "And unfortunately, while Aida was able to trace them to Friege, we have no physical proof it was Reptor himself."

"It's just like the assassins who went after Shannan." I suppose that explained the similarities. I thought assassins just attacked the same way. "Why would he send them then, though? I hadn't angered him yet."

"Reptor is quick to attack anything he perceives as a threat. And, unfortunately, you were right about the trouble. Revealing the heir to Velthomer was not Azelle as many assumed disturbed the power balance."

"How did such a petty man raise people as sweet as Tailtiu and Ethnia?" I tapped my finger against my elbow and regarded Arvis stoically. "No, I don't want an actual answer. I know you tried to distract me." Arvis glanced away, proving me correct. "But I am glad you're finally trusting Chulainn, mister 'I am going to send a list instead of visiting to ask myself'."

"I've been busy!" He scowled, but softened when I laughed. "But yes, I trust him. He's a good man and, most importantly, he makes you happy."

"Now you need to find someone who makes you just as happy and have a child so I'm no longer your heir."

"Just for that, I should keep you as my heir even if I marry."

"You would be so mean to your favorite sister?" I shook my head, letting myself be playful. I couldn't say it fully settled the unease, but it was plausible and, more importantly, I knew he wasn't involved. He couldn't be. He wouldn't hurt Ethnia because she was Tailtiu's sister. He adored Tailtiu; he had since she befriended Azelle. Besides, I had another thing to scold him about. "While I'm lecturing-"

"Mercy, please."

"No. You need to fix your tendency of escalating things because you don't like them." I frowned at him again and he winced. "I told you before. If you're violently protective, people will seize the opportunity to drag you through the mud by comparing you with our father. It won't matter if your reasons are different if the action is the same."

"Alicia-"

"You will let me finish first." I already knew what he was going to say anyway. "I refuse to be used against you, Arvis, and I also refuse to be a convenient excuse for you to target houses who may be corrupt. Please do not think I'm not aware of what you've done for those who've insulted Azelle in the past." He glanced away again, and I sighed. I didn't want my visit to end on this sort of note, so I shouldn't bring it up further. "Just please try to curb it. If you burn everything you don't like, you're going to find yourself alone among the ashes."

"Not everything can be solved without sacrifices, Alicia."

"Of course not. But why should impossibility stop us from trying?" I was not certain why he replied like that, but I assumed it made sense to him. "Regardless, I'm not mad at you for forcing your way inside out of worry. It's a natural response, and you saw how the others were. But I will scold you for being so ready to throw flames."

"Your arm is still bruised." Yes, it was. I'd treat it in the morning.

"And ignoring how there are some medicinal components that are literally explosive, imagine how stressed I would've been if I had to triage burn wounds while also trying to keep Ethnia from death by exsanguination." I scowled at the memory. "Yes, you were only trying to be protective, but the last thing I needed was more injured. Chulainn nearly breaking his arm was bad enough." I heard the click of a door, and looked over my shoulder to see Chulainn stepping out of the bathing room. The mildly apologetic look on his face hinted he'd at least overheard the last part. "Bloom was attempting to deescalate the situation, and you nearly made it worse. You're not always right, brother."

"Just most of the time?"

"I refuse to dignify that with a response." I gave him a look, and he brought his hands up in a placating fashion again. "Just keep it in mind, Arvis, and get some rest."

"I'll take the obvious hint. Chulainn, are you well? You're the one who fought them."

"I'm fine," Chulainn reassured, drying his hair as he joined me. I'd given him a checkup before letting him take his bath. "They weren't expecting resistance."

"I've heard quite a few comments about it," Arvis noted, his tone a little dry. That hinted just what those comments were. "I think Reptor has a deathwish, saying them to my face."

"I've been called a beast before, Arvis. It's fine."

"It's not, but I'll let it go for now." He sighed. "Some of the stories are already fanciful nonsense. 'Eyes glowing' and the like. I'm sure there will be a lovely story in the gossips about how you protected Ethnia and Alicia by dawn tomorrow, so be prepared for that."

"Oh. Joy." Chulainn's deadpanned response made Arvis laugh. "Anyway, best escape before Alicia finds another thing to lecture about."

"Second obvious hint received. Though, Alicia, if those two are in your bed, where are you sleeping?"

"She's your sister. What do you think?"

"Chulainn, please try to get her to rest. It's been a long night and she needs her sleep."

"Dear brother, I hope you remember that I can pull more all-nighters than you?" I reminded him sweetly, doing my best to emulate Ethlyn's smile when Sigurd was being particularly obtuse. Based on Arvis's nervous look, I think I succeeded. "I wonder how that happened. I'm a Minor."

"Despite being the one blessing all those with Holy Blood share, the blessing involving stamina and health is the least understood, probably because there's no ethical way to test it," Arvis rattled off nervously, one hand on the doorknob. I think he was remembering the blistering lecture I'd given him when I discovered he was using stimulants. "Still, all of the blessings are a ultimately a boost to our capabilities."

"I suppose that means you'd have no stamina at all if not for the Major Blood. So, you need your rest."

"Third hint heard. I'll head out now." And he did, so quickly that he forgot to close the door fully.

"I get why you keep saying he's awkward," Chulainn observed, nudging the door shut. I could only muffle a laugh in response. "But I'm the same as you. Despite my Minor, I had more stamina than Mariccle. Our fathers joked it was my mother's influence. She didn't have Holy Blood, but during sparring matches, my father would always tire first. Partially because he held back, mind. He had to so they could get a good spar, instead of him ending it in a few well-placed hits."

"I wonder if I should bring it up to Azelle." If this was hereditary, then I suppose it was a trait I got from my mother. The thought did not bother me as much as it used to. "You're lingering by the door. Is there another guest?"

"Potentially. Can't tell if the footsteps are going to go past or retreat." He tilted his head, leaning closer to the door. Then he opened it, revealing wide-eyed Kurth. "Evening."

"...Alicia wrote you did this, so I don't know why I'm startled," Kurth sighed, waving some thought away. Chulainn smiled faintly. "And I'd dare say you enjoy everyone's reactions." Chulainn stepped back to hide how his smile grew, and I barely bit back a giggle. "But yes, hello, good evening."

"Good evening, Kurth," I replied, my voice wobbling with the laughter I tried to hide. I didn't want to wake Ethnia and Tailtiu. "Come on in. Would you like some tea?"

"Tempting, but I'll decline. I see the two are fast asleep." He stepped inside and Chulainn closed the door to lean against it. "I saw Arvis leaving as I approached, with a disgruntled look on his face. Is all well?"

"It is. He's just being contrite. I lectured him on a few things."

"He looked more annoyed than guilty, but I'll admit I didn't get a good look." Kurth shrugged and smiled. "You lectured him?"

"It's not the first time. He said I reminded him of my mother."

"Sunna handled the scoldings. For everyone, even Cigyun. There were more than a few times she had sat Arvis and me down for a lecture." There was something sad about how easily I could imagine it. I wondered if I had witnessed such a scene, before... "Did he happen to tell you why he went to the family wing first? I know what he said, but given how he is..."

"He was closer to the family wing, knew you were safe with Byron, and figured I was safe with Chulainn." Odd as it was to say, I was glad someone besides me thought it was peculiar behavior. It made me feel like I wasn't imagining things, even if I remained uneasy. "He said he'd been speaking with you and Byron prior?"

"He was. Yes, I know how late it was. Is." Kurth's smile became apologetic, and he brought his hands up in the same placating fashion as Arvis when I gave him a look. "I fear some nightmares kept me awake, so I went for a walk. Byron caught me and insisted on accompanying me. Never did hear why he was out and about. I think he was fretting about the situation in Agustria." Given Sigurd's close friendship with Eldigan, it would only make sense. "We happened to run into Arvis in the gardens and, to my surprise, he struck up a conversation. He's usually more awkward, never knowing what to say outside of an official capacity." Yes, I knew that. Arvis's feelings for Kurth were even more complicated than my own. However...

"Maybe he's trying to move forward finally?" I'd like that, at least. He'd been weighed down by our father's legacy and the fallout of Cigyun's departure all of his life. I'd be happy if he was able to set down that burden.

"If that's his wish, I'd be happy. He deserved much better than the mess we made." He said something similar to me, once. "Perhaps when this has calmed, I'll invite him to go hawking again. We haven't since he was sixteen and I taught him the aviaris spell."

"The aviaris?" I frowned, curious and worried. I knew a lot about magic; I didn't know this spell. The last time I didn't know a spell was dark magic, but this was Kurth. I highly doubted he would be connected. "That's not one of the common spells."

"It's not, because it's a spell Cigyun devised." He chuckled, brimming with pride at the memory. "She truly had the most fascinating view on magic. Most only think of magic in terms of tomes and offense, barriers and defense, and staves and support. She, however, focused on utility." He brought up a hand and produced a globe of light. It quickly spiraled out into a spell pattern, one that did not resemble any I'd seen. "One of the spells she crafted was something she dubbed 'Blessing', giving both minor protection and regenerative magic to its target. The 'aviaris' is a refinement, taking cues from the 'Seal' spell she and Sunna crafted together, so I can 'tie' people to my falcons, while also giving them some protection. That's how they're always able to find who they need, never lose their way, and never fail to deliver the message."

"I was wondering." From what I understood, training messenger birds was a costly and time-consuming affair. Arvis might have invested the time given the use, but given everything else he juggled, I'd wondered when he could have done it. "I'm assuming you have not shared it with others because of the potential for war."

"Yes." The answer was simple, but I understood. What little I knew about Cigyun told me she was a kind woman who did not like violence. It was the only explanation I had for why she never killed my father herself, aside from legal problems. "I think I still have my notes for them, though. Maybe I should send it to Azelle and Deirdre."

"They'd love that. Arvis gave Azelle some of my mother's research."

"Ask if they need help with the coded parts. It was a game she and I played."

"I will." However, since the conversation was running dry, I figured it was best to get to the point of this. "I originally thought you were here to check on things, but since that wasn't the first thing you spoke of, I'm guessing you're here for another purpose."

"Checking on everyone is part, but if things weren't well, it would've been the first thing you told me." This was fair. "But yes, I was curious if you and Chulainn had any further insights to what happened tonight. While Arvis does try to be objective, he seems to coddle you too much, like he tries with Azelle." Yes, he did, and it was becoming more and more irritating. Hopefully, this last talk would curb the tendency. "So, I figured I'd ask."

"Mmm... I'm not sure I can help with more than what I already said. I suppose I could write down the properties of gluvonde and zaris, but Arvis should already know. I've told him about them before in our letters." I turned towards Chulainn, noticing the pensive look on his face. "Did something occur to you?"

"Perhaps..." Chulainn began softly, looking almost uncomfortable for a split second. But he glanced at Ethnia and Tailtiu, still fast asleep, and the sight hardened his resolve. "Alicia, who knew you would be here?"

"Pardon?" I asked, startled. Why would he ask? I didn't know, but the immediate dark look on Kurth's face hinted he did. "It's hard to say? While Arvis only wrote Bloom and Hilda, it wasn't a secret by my understanding. Why?"

"As I said before, someone wanted to craft a pretty little story, and that story has three potential endings." He brought up his hand to count them off. "First, they didn't anticipate you being here and, thus, she would die. Second, they did anticipate you were here, but also hoped you would fail, and she would die. And three, they knew you would be here and gambled on you saving her." Oh, I did not like any of those.

"The first would make the most..." While that was my instinctive answer, I trailed off as I thought. The poisons used... "Chulainn, there's a slight error to those endings, assuming I'm correct about the gluvonde."

"Oh?"

"And I suppose it's also possible the employer wanted those endings, but if so, I think the assassins would've chosen..." I was getting myself in a tangle. So, I took a breath and started again. "She wouldn't have died before being found."

"Even if it wasn't until morning?"

"Yes." I tugged my robe a little more around me to try and combat the chill settling into my bones. The more I thought, the more uneasy I felt. "She would've been on death's door, and would've lost consciousness by that point, of course. After all, given the paralysis, she would not have been able to get herself help. So, she would've collapsed, and slowly bled. But the emphasis is 'slow'." I looked over at Ethnia, sleeping soundly next to Tailtiu, to try and reassure myself. It didn't work, and Kurth came over to rest a hand on my shoulder. "While the zaris root would ensure she'd continue to bleed, if it was gluvonde like I suspect, the rate of blood loss would not have been enough to kill her before daybreak. At least, I do not believe it would, since those of us with Holy Blood can lose much more blood before death is certain." While there was no way to ethically research it, it was believed a person without Holy Blood would die if they lost over forty percent of their blood. A person with Holy Blood could lose as much as seventy-five percent and still be saved.

"If that is the case..." Chulainn's voice was hard and cold as he caught the implication. "The motive would not have been to kill her at all. They intended to terrify her with a near-death experience."

"And that would imply this attack was meant to be a warning," Kurth murmured, squeezing my shoulder. I reached up to touch his hand, silently thanking him for the grounding. "'I could destroy you and all you love, but I choose not to.' In which case, Ethnia was only a means to an end, chosen because she is the least talented in combat compared to her siblings." What sort of sick and twisted person would do that? It sounded like something my father would've done. "So, the question then becomes who was being warned? It could be anyone who holds her dear."

"Out of those who love her, Reptor seems like the one with the most enemies," I whispered, trying to keep my calm. I managed, but it was hard. "Of course, it could be they didn't intend to torture her, but 'merely' trip up any healer who tended to her. That happened to me; Ethnia's condition deteriorated rapidly after I gave her the broad-spectrum antidote because I didn't expect such."

"In which case, they could have been targeting Friege's reputation. It will already plummet in the wake of this. They could not protect their youngest lady within their own walls. Their healer was due in the morning, and if their healer had failed..." If their healer had made the same mistake I'd made, after Ethnia had lost all that blood, she would've died. "Alicia, you said it was no secret, but how long ago did you decide to attend?"

"Pardon?" It took me a moment to think. "It hasn't been long? I think it's been a couple of weeks. We'd originally planned on being back in Agustria by now." Deirdre would be in her third trimester when we returned; I'd wanted to return before then. "Why?"

"Given all this, there will be some who think you are to blame, Alicia." What? Why and how would I? "Anyone who knows you would know it was ridiculous, but most of the gossips won't. And it only takes a single whisper to spark an inferno." I was frozen from shock, the wind knocked out of me. I could not wrap my head around it. "Your reputation is going to soar after this, Alicia, since you identified the poison and saved Ethnia. Chulainn's will similarly rise, because he protected you both. There are some who would engineer such things to make themselves look like heroes."

"Someone who does that is sick in the mind and heart, far beyond my ability to treat." I couldn't help but spit the words out. "Harming another just for fame..."

"I'm certain Arvis will find the true perpetrator quickly, but it's good you're going to Agustria. You'll be able to wait out the initial storm of speculation." He hesitated before reaching up and ruffling my hair. There was a flash of familiarity at the gesture, and I knew without a doubt he used to do so all the time when I lived in Velthomer. "Perhaps I should have kept quiet, but you should know so you're not blindsided."

"No, it's fine. I need to know these things now."

"Unfortunately, yes." He looked a little wistful, but he smiled before I could ask why. "Still, it will be fine. I'll be sure to write you whenever I receive a progress report."

"I appreciate it." I did my best to smile back. "But it's late. You should've long been in bed. Do I need to send you sleeping tea along with more of your tea mix?"

"I won't say no. Your tea is the best I've had." His smile brightened, and I knew my own became warmer. "But yes, I'll do my best to sleep. Are you still leaving in the morning, or will you delay a couple of days?"

"That..." I had to think and reluctantly concluded I'd need to stay at least one more day. "I need to meet with their healer and tell them what happened, so it'll probably be the day after. I don't want to delay longer."

"Of course. But, in that case, let's go for a walk tomorrow."

"Yes, that sounds good."

"Then I'll see you in the morning."

I walked him to the door, and kept the smile as Kurth left. As soon as Chulainn closed the door behind him, though, I sighed and said, "I must have looked terribly despondent."

"I wouldn't say so," Chulainn reassured. He almost sounded amused, but when I looked at him, he seemed hesitant. "Most..."

"Hmm?"

"Most fathers want to reassure their daughters when things are hectic."

"Pardon?" My mind and heart tripped over the statement, and Chulainn watched me closely for my reaction. "I…" I brought my hands up to my chest, clasping them over my heart as I looked down to try and hide my face. "Um…"

"That's just how I see it." His words were achingly gentle. "You can ignore it."

"It's not that." What a strange feeling this was. 'Pleased', 'saddened', and 'frustrated' all combined for a mix which churned in my chest and stomach. "...If..."

"Hmm?"

"If I had grown up with him as a father, I would have been very happy." That fact was the only thing which could float in this storm of feelings. "That's all."

"Ah." It was all he said, but he wrapped his arms around me in a comforting hug and kissed my temple. "What do you need?"

"Just…" Sighing, I leaned into him. "Stay like this for a moment, will you?"

"Of course."

We stayed like that for a long while, until I felt settled again. Only then did we resume our nightly activities, where I studied and he kept watch in the comfortable silence we both enjoyed. Despite Arvis's request, Chulainn made no effort to get me to sleep. The most he did was find a blanket to drape around me while I studied. He knew I wouldn't listen, just as I knew he would not rest himself. He remained alert for any other potential assassins, and I had to keep an eye on Ethnia's condition.

Staying up the night was well worth the peace of mind. But most wouldn't agree, so we would never tell.

---

Author's notes: Going to note that yes, this and the previous two were originally intended to be a single interlude. I think it's understandable why it was split. (Yes, this interlude is a single day.)

Bit of an in-universe explanation for Sol and its similarity to Nosferatu, and a slight hint at how Luna works (also hinted in the previous interlude). Explanations for how they and Astra work will be mentioned later. Kurth being around gives me a good excuse to dive more into Cigyun and Sunna. So, have some more tidbits, and the explanation for why Alicia doesn't conjure flames.

No, absolutely nothing about an assassination attempt on a Friege noble is in the game. Ethnia isn't even mentioned if Tailtiu's paired. But this lets me set up a few things~ And was honestly the reason why I featured this damned wedding