Interlude ~Base Convos Part 15~
Upon receiving a rather interesting tidbit from Anna after going to her for her wares, Ike approached the table where Erk was giving notes and guides to the Tellius Old Tongue to Canas, holding a big case. Canas's eyes were in amazement over the comprehensive notes written by Erk and his adoptive father.
"To think I would meet the student of Count Reglay. I recognize some of the signatures...It's an honor." Canas voiced out. "My wife would be ecstatic over receiving personal notes from someone so exceptional. Moreover, this new continent's language is so fascinating... my mother would also be over the moon over this new language." To which Erk nodded.
"Indeed, Lord Pent and I worked extensively to decipher and translate some of the writings within the tomes from the land of Tellius." Erk agreed. He pointed to the book he had in hand. "And thank you for providing me this book on elder magic in exchange, I can't wait to read its contents."
"It is no problem, feel free to have it if you like. If only I could receive Tellius's own catalog of elder magic spells..." Canas voiced out. "Tellius's nature magic are fascinating in singular focus, making them specialized in that regard. To think the communion with the spirit of all things could bring about attention to a single element..."
Now it was time for Ike to cut in.
"Got you covered." Ike called out as he approached them. Holding two elder magic tomes in hand and giving them to Canas after taking them from the case. Worm and Carreau. 4800 and 6000 gold respectively. The pair had their eyes widened at the Tellius elder magic tomes.
"Oh my... I still haven't worked to earn my pay... I can't-" Canas found himself interrupted by Ike's raise of the hand.
"Consider it a deposit, and to help us as the son of Niime, the Mountain Hermit." Erk's mouth gaped open at Ike's reveal of Canas's identity. "You might as well be skilled enough in helping our spellcasters in understanding the Old Tongue of Tellius. So I hope you can work with Erk to make it more accessible to our spellcasters."
Anna seemed to have an eye for some of Canas's books when he was out looking for passage to Dread Isle in Badon. Recognizing Niime's personally written books based on the handwriting that the books were considered priceless. He refused to sell them to Anna, considering it was more out of sentimental reasons or to connect with others with interest in elder magic. It was then upon inquiring from Canas that she found out he was the son of the famous druid. In any event, because of Anna's vouch for Canas's identity, it was less likely for him to be a spy.
In any event, it would be helpful to every mage to be able to use multiple branches of anima magic. That's why Ike gave Canas his share of his homeland's magic.
"To think I would meet the son of Niime, the Hermit. Lord Pent would be envious of my position..." Erk whispered out. Flabbergasted over the momentous occasion to receive something so priceless and bond with a fellow like-minded magic user.
"And to you..." Ike pulled out a stack of tomes from his case, emptying it of the magical books. Erk's eyes widened in jubilation of his set of tomes presented. "Fire, Wind, and Thunder tomes. Along with their El- counterparts. Anna also added as a bonus, long-range elemental tomes: Blizzard, Meteor, and Bolting."
Needless to say, the white gem was not enough to cover Erk's new tomes. But the amount of gold he planned to pay to Erk earlier as well as his insistence to use his pay to buy more tomes... Ike obliged.
Despite being more expensive in Elibe and twice the original value, the Tellius tomes had notes and annotations to help facilitate better understanding of the esoteric ancient language. Plus, she added long range element counterparts as a bonus. Apparently, they're notably cheaper than El- tomes and the only known long-range anima tome in Elibe was Bolting and that was not pertaining to the mastery of the thunder element.
"Ike... thank you." Erk gave the most appreciative smile towards Ike.
Canas stood silent, with an ever-present fascination towards new tomes he had with his curious eyes. The quest for knowledge had him strive for more. His curiosity may one day be his undoing. As one invites dark forces, so easy can one submit to its temptation. He already considered joining this group to Valor one of the best decisions he made in his life. He must also share some of the notes he receives and creates on his own of the Old Tongue.
Unbeknownst to Ike, "Dark Magic" tomes are negatively associated with the "Dark God". In Tellius, they cannot be sold or found easily because of that. Not only that, elder magic in itself is considered too difficult for most mages in Tellius unless they are well acquainted with spirits, and most likely requiring them to be spirit charmers to become adept at the branch of magic. Just like inviting darkness for shamans, one must invite spirits into one's being. But that in itself is a can of worms. Canas could possibly decipher and understand the meaning of Tellius's elder magic tomes to utilize them as a shaman.
"Very well. I'll do my best to decipher the tomes and create notes of this ancient language to a more digestible form. I'll share my notes upon studying these tomes alongside Erk." Canas explained wholeheartedly. "Please, if you see or are able to obtain any more elder magic tomes from your homeland, I would greatly appreciate taking them. Take it out of my own pay if you must."
It was unlikely the pair would spend it anywhere else. Their proficiency and experience in using the tomes will allow them to decipher the more difficult higher tier spells. For now, the pair had to remain dedicated to their study and leave it open to any aspiring mages to learn the secrets of the old language. In any event, they were happy in their own little world of books.
"Well, don't overdo it on studying. We have to head to the Dragon's Gate in Valor." Canas's eyes flickered at the mention of dragon from Ike. Ike took notice of it, but would leave it to Canas to elaborate another time.
Now then... Ike went towards where the Cornwell siblings might be.
Ike headed to the North, where the first person he saw was Matthew, who waited against a thicket with his arms crossed. Matthew then pointed to the five present. Hector, Oswin, Priscilla, Raven and Lucius. Ike awaited beside Matthew as the five conversed within the woods.
"It is good to see you, Lord Raymond and Lady Priscilla of House Cornwell." Oswin greeted to the siblings. "I'm glad the both of you found one another, even after that harrowing ordeal in Laus. Rest assured, we would take action to assist you then and now."
Raven narrowed his eyes at Oswin while his sister held a neutral gaze. But still politely nodded in response. Hector remained patient the entire time.
"You used to be posted as one of our knights, and now you're with Ostia..." Raven spoke out. "So talk, traitor..." Priscilla held her mouth in shock of her brother.
Hector narrowed his eyes at Raven. All the while Oswin closed his eyes in acceptance.
"Lord Raymond!" Lucius gasped out. Turning to Oswin he immediately bowed his head to apologize. "Please, forgive the disc-" To which Oswin shook his head.
"You may hold your grudges, but please hold your judgment." Oswin opened his eyes and continued: "But you could say I did not do enough to stop what happened to your house. For that, forgive me..."
Raven then narrowed his eyes and asked: "What do you mean?"
Oswin then looked into the eyes of Raven, seeing once again, the young boy whose sleeve was held by his beloved sister. Then it replaced itself with the bodies of their parents who loved their children. The wife and husband who remained holding one another in their final moments when Oswin came to announce their dissolution. His vision snapped back to the present.
"House Cornwell... embezzled the funds from the league." Priscilla widened her eyes while Raven gritted his teeth. "They took their own lives by the time we came to issue their House to be dissolved."
"Don't screw with me!" Raven shouted. Taking out his axe and pointing it at Oswin. "Tell me the truth, you dastard!"
Ike held with one hand at the hilt of the blade while Matthew did the same. Only to restrain Raven if it escalated.
"It's the truth. When I finally returned to Cornwell that fateful day two years ago, I saw the both of them huddled together, with a bottle of poison they shared." Oswin explained with a heavy face. "I assume it's why we never saw you present that day."
"I-I see... so that is why they sent us away that d-day." Lucius croaked as he closed his eyes with tears falling from his face. "In retrospect...I had a inkling..."
Raven became alert upon his remark. "You knew something...?"
To which Lucius immediately shook his head: "I... only felt it was a possibility. Despite my slight experience in bookkeeping, Marquess Cornwell forbid me from going beyond the simple house expenses... I obliged, not thinking further on the subject."
Raven breathed out, or rather, growled to himself. Barely able to keep control of his emotions.
This time, Hector stepped forward and spoke his piece calmly: "My brother, Uther, found out the Cornwell fortune was in decline. Out of debt. Your father assumed the debt of others close to him, out of kindness... They realized they couldn't pay back so easily. That's why your sister was sent away ten years ago to House Caerleon in Etruria. For eight years, they stole money from the Lycian League."
"B-but why couldn't they reach out to my adoptive family?" Priscilla asked while struggling to voice out her words. Her voice cracking as she was ready to sob.
"The amount they stole... was far greater than what they owed." Oswin replied with a heavy heart. "Your parents did not want to involve the daughter they had sent away."
"Father... ...Mo...ther..." She sobbed out. She fell on her knees, unable to fight back the tears.
Raven only grew more furious. Clenching his teeth and looking at Hector with murderous eyes. The man in question only patiently observing him. Only for Oswin to step in his path.
"I must express my regret for what our Ostia has done to House Cornwell. Your father did commit a grave crime. But the vilest sin was the issue of the order... that caused so much grief. Had your parents remained alive, perhaps much calamity could have been avoided. That is why..." Oswin kneeled before Raven on both knees as he spoke. His eyes widening at Oswin's action. "Please take your anger out on me... but do not harm Lord Hector."
"Oswin..." Hector voiced out with surprised eyes.
His actions to allow himself to be harmed shocked everyone. Lucius remained praying to himself, or perhaps to his former employers.
"I did not reach out House Cornwell despite being a former retainer. I should have reached out to mend their ways and have them consult with Lord Uther to reform themselves. They would not have been stripped of their peerage. That way... none of you would have been deprived of your parents. I am guilty, for I did not uphold the honor and responsibility towards your house to have them not be led astray by their desperation." Oswin voiced out. "That is why, please do as you wish..."
Raven became silent for a moment while trembling with his axe in hand, before putting it away to his side. Walking away from the woods, without a word. Passing by Ike who was waiting by the tree, he only glanced at him with sad eyes and continued to walk. In the direction of the docks it seemed. Everyone save for Priscilla, watched him go off into the distance. Lucius, who stopped himself from praying wanted to go after Raven, only to see Ike nod to him, and leave. Everything remained silent for minutes, a deafening silence permeated the vicinity. Even Matthew left, knowing there was nothing left to be said.
Finally, Priscilla shook her head and spoke out: "...No matter what we say or do, the dead will not return... But as long as I will live, I will remember that you... that Ostia... were honest and just..."
Upon saying those words, she quickly went out of the woods back into the town before anyone could stop or reach out to her. Matthew having already left the vicinity after Raven and Ike departed to be unable to stop her.
"Lady Priscilla..." Lucius whispered out.
Heath patrolled the area after the attack, flying above with Hyperion. The others were still cleaning up after the skirmish. Noticing Priscilla running into the same alley where the battle occurred.
"Please, stop! There's still blood on the streets!" Heath called out.
Priscilla kept running, unaware of where she was going. While tears kept falling from her face.
"Please! You'll slip if you keep running!" He warned to Priscilla. Other pirates and mercenaries took notice of her sprinting in their vicinity and wanted to stop her from blindly running.
She couldn't hear him, or she didn't want to hear anything. Shutting out all warnings until she finally ran and slipped upon a puddle of blood. Heath's eyes widened in horror. Her eyes finally widened in terror as she fell... until she was held tightly, preventing her impact. A familiar Sacaen braided boy rescued her gently.
"That was close... You OK, Priscilla!?" Guy spoke out as he held her stably. "It's still dangerous, we were about to be attacked some time ago. We were just trying to clean up the streets."
They were still cleaning up the mess after the Black Fang attempted their ambush. Raven finished up quickly without any wounds and went to discuss the truth with Priscilla at the time. He changed his clothing to be presentable and not alarm his sister of the blood from his enemies. Priscilla finally looked at her surroundings, there was indeed a battle that took place. Evident from the bloodstains and Guy's rough appearance from a struggle.
"I'm so sorry Guy... I-" Priscilla apologized, finally standing by herself.
"Hey, hey! It's fine. As long as you're safe..." Guy replied to reassure her.
"Guy!" Heath called out from above. "Is she OK?"
Guy held a thumbs up to him before Heath nodded. He decided to fly elsewhere to make sure no one else went into the same area.
Guy's eyes wandered to Priscilla's face and widening upon seeing her reddened eyes, likely from the crying. She quickly noticed his gaze and looked in the other direction to wipe her tears, only to wince slightly in pain upon the turn of her leg. He quickly looked to her legs, one of which were shaking despite her standing up. It was likely twisted a bit after her slip. He took a moment before gathering his resolve.
Priscilla found herself slightly panicking in the next moment, as Guy lifted her on his back, holding her legs. She quickly held him in a piggyback position to stabilize her upper body, realizing what Guy was doing. Despite being older than Guy, Guy was relatively taller and capable of carrying her on his back.
"Your leg is twisted, let's get you back to Lucius or another fellow healer." Guy replied. "This is nothing for me, you barely weigh anything..." He spoke while continuing to walk to the inn. The other pirates who were still in the vicinity chuckled to themselves and Rath, who could have helped carry her on his steed, backed away with a smile. They watched Guy carry her off into the direction of the inn.
Priscilla sniffed to recollect herself. "I'm sorry... I won't cry anymore..."
Guy only shook his head. "It's ok... you must be having a tough time, I heard from the others. I've been with Raven for year, so I know a bit."
Lucius explained the gist to Guy and Rath. Their parents were dead, and everyone related to House Cornwell found themselves in sorrow, including Lucius.
"But still..." Priscilla sobbed out, her voice still cracking from her melancholy.
"You know... I still remember a year ago around the time when we met your brother. Boss mentioned the dead receive blessings from the tears we, the living, shed..." Priscilla listened to Guy as she continued to cry. Her tears wetting Guy's back.
It was when Lyn shed tears upon avenging her parents and tribe. He can't really relate, as his mother and the rest of the tribe are still back in the Sacae, living happily and healthy as he could hope.
"That's why your parents are blessed... blessed to have their kids and Lucius to cry over them. With Father Sky and Mother Earth as their witness." Guy grinned as he explained while Priscilla continued to weep on his back. Nodding to him without Guy noticing. "Your brother tries to shoulder alot on himself... when we all shoulder one another's burden for the past year. Whatever happens... even if we get dirtied and struggle through countless hardships, at least we live true to ourselves. That's why... lean on everyone in the Greil Mercenaries, your friends... your brother... your family. That's how it should be. That's why I look up to alot of people in the group, I know if I be like the others while staying true to myself, I can become the world's greatest swordsman!"
Priscilla sniffled to herself, her tears continued dropping, but slowly smiling upon Guy's speech.
"Don't... push yourself too hard." She replied. She managed to voice out her opinion: "You don't need to try and be like the others. You're still young after all."
Guy's attention went to her. Albeit, in a more humorous manner.
"You don't have to treat me like a child! Besides, we're about the same age, aren't we?" Guy pointed out, while retaining his smile.
Priscilla finally stopped her tears, and smiling at Guy's question. Her spirits were raised by Guy's cheerful demeanor. She decided to answer him with her own question.
"Is that so? Then tell me... how old are you?" She asked with an expectant tone.
"Tch... I'm 15!" Guy responded truthfully. But there was no malice or annoyance evident in his response.
"As I thought... I'm indeed the older one." Priscilla remarked teasingly. Chuckling while still on his back.
"W-why are you boasting about it...?" Guy stammered at her remark. "Ah, I felt that! You chuckled now, didn't you? Don't you forget that I'm a warrior of Sacae!"
They laughed together as Priscilla held herself close to Guy on his back. She soon wrapped her arms and upper body in a tighter hold to him. Effectively embracing him from behind. Guy slightly blushed while carrying her to the tavern.
"Guy... thank you." Priscilla whispered quietly.
"No problem... Priscilla..."
Raven remained seated at edge of a pier near the Davros, watching the sea and waves with a bottle in hand. Ike approached him from the side, deciding to sit beside him. They looked off to the distance, enjoying the view.
"You must be real disappointed... having a wretch like me as your staff officer." Raven spoke to Ike, who held a neutral expression.
Ike remained silent to Raven's statement.
"I was so distraught at the time... I believed the rumors without question... without doubt. I truly did not care whether the lord of Ostia was guilty or not. I merely wanted to find a victim for the rage inside me..." Raven continued as tears began to fall from his face. "Turns out... it was all for nothing. My parents are dead because of the mess they've made. There's no one to hate. No one to blame, but ourselves..."
Raven took a swig of the bottle. Hoping to drown out his sorrows. Ike just sat beside him, silent and listening. Raven turned to Ike with an angry expression.
"Well, are you happy now? Seeing this whole farce with a front row seat!? You helped me, so now what? Brought us all together to watch us be laughed at for having stupid parents who offed themselves! You got what you came for!" Raven shouted at Ike who remained patient. Throwing the bottle to the side which broke onto the street.
Raven then grabbed Ike's shirt, lifting him slightly by the front of his clothing.
"Well? Laugh! Say something! At least make a fool of me or say how disappointing I am!" Raven yelled out.
It was then that Ike finally opened his mouth to speak. "Do you forgive your parents?"
Silence enveloped between the two of them. Raven widened his eyes at Ike's question.
"...What?" Raven replied.
"I said... do you forgive them?" Ike asked once more. "They took you away from your little sister when you were both little, they left the both of you to fend for yourselves without saying goodbye. Can you forgive your family?"
Raven trembled and let go of Ike. He stood up. Looking away from him. He finally gathered the courage to speak to Ike a minute later.
"I don't know... If anything, I'm ashamed of them..." Raven finally replied. "I watched as they took her to a new family. I had to endure watching her cry out to me when she was adopted. I always felt like we abandoned her in the end. I was angry at them for that in the end."
Ike stood silent at Raven's explanation.
"I still loved them... no matter how stupid they were... but I forgave them at the time, thinking they had their reasons..." Raven sobbed out. "But now... not after what they did two years ago, abandoning me..."
Raven then turned to Ike and shouted: "WAS I NOT ENOUGH FOR THEM TO LIVE ON!?"
His face reddened with mixed expression of fury, indignation, and sorrow. He was effectively swallowed by grief. Ike stood patient against Raven's emotions.
"Tell me, are you still proud of children of criminals? I lost my little sister for their mistakes, and now they're rotting away in a grave because they couldn't take it anymore. I would have fought to make sure they could live comfortably. Fight as a mercenary like I am now! Or maybe if they confessed and went clean with Ostia, I would have done everything I could to clean after their messes! At the very least, I would have taken responsibility for their mistakes! I could have shouldered that burden myself!" Raven pointed to himself as he ranted.
It was then Ike narrowed his eyes and Raven took notice of this.
Ike then closed his eyes and shook his head and spoke: "Lucius would have taken some of that burden with you."
Raven's eyes widened at the mention of the name. But Ike continued.
"Not just Lucius, even if Priscilla was all the way in Etruria, she would have come running to all of you upon hearing the news of the events. You would have never shouldered that burden alone. She's that determined to help her big brother, her family." Ike explained with an earnest expression. "That's why I'm proud of both of them, for looking out for you. And the same goes with you... for looking out for the entire group."
Ike closed his eyes and continued. "That's why I don't care how ashamed you are. I don't care about whatever your parents have done as I have no use for honor. You still strive to look out for your family no matter what. No matter how flawed they may be. That's enough to earn my respect."
Raven stood silent at Ike's heartfelt words and praise towards the family he still had. And to himself. Ike's mind flickered to his father's words and opened his eyes to Raven.
"That's why... continue to be under my command, Raven. I need men like you to keep a watchful eye for everyone in the Greil Mercenaries, it doesn't matter if you have blood ties. We're family. If you don't want to cause your family any grief, then live!" Ike ordered to Raven.
He finally understood what his father meant by those words he said. In the first time in his life, he can repeat those words proudly.
Raven closed his eyes, breathed in, and opened them again. At first, he had thoughts of leaving, telling Lucius or Priscilla to go back to Etruria. But deep down, he knew they would have never accepted abandoning him. They would go above and beyond just to find him. And the same can probably be said for Ike and the rest of his men. This was only family he had left in this world, something he wanted to earnestly cherish with all his heart like he once did. No... like he's always done.
"Aye... Commander Ike." Raven saluted.
Unbeknownst to the pair, Fargus was sitting on his ship, having heard every word. Musing over the conversation, he lifted the bottle of ale in his hand in cheers before drinking.
"Aye. The same sentiments goes to me crew... what mooncalves we all are." He voiced out. Looking at the stars from the deck. "But that's what makes it all the more beautiful..."
AN: Guy's back and forth with Priscilla is in their prototype beta support.