In this, the witch Renna (Ranni's teacher) is a Carian Princess and looks like fgo Scathach/Skadi but with blue eyes instead like her sisters.
"My Prince, there's still time to change your mind."
While the gremlin's, intentions are pure, that I'm reasonably certain of if nothing else, were I to follow the path of 'caution' as she calls it, it would lead to stagnation, and more than likely my eventual death.
Worst still, while my death is something I, as most reasonable beings, would like to avoid, even if I'm quite prepared to meet it if it comes down to it.
Worst still is the fact that dying means failing more than just myself, it means the eventual ruin of all that I hold dear.
First and foremost of course, being my dearest mother.
"And what am I? Chopped liver?!"
And of course, who can forget Lansy, my little dragon princess, or my loyal knight in Lucia, and my even more clingy knife, Tiche.
"Hmf! Meanie!"
Opening the door, I take a step, the clouds of steam and humidity embracing me as I venture deeper into what the memories of that future alternate self would call a 'Roman bath', a smirk finding its way on my lips.
"Perhaps I should leave you! Hmf!" the Outer Goddess that chose to attach herself to me says. And perhaps under different circumstances I would have believed her, or worried she might make good on her promise, if not for the fact that her voice all but cracks as she says it. "S-see how you like it then!"
Nodding and making sure to keep my mental voice calm, I nod on the outside as I move towards the still opaque pool and the warm water which after tomorrow and the arrival of my Uncle, I'm unlikely to have the chance to enjoy for quite a while.
If that is my goddess wish…
How curious, the sensation of my gremlin recoiling in…horror? Is an almost physical sensation.
Perhaps…Perhaps it would be for the best. After all I'm unworthy of a goddess of your stature.
"G-gah!"
Trust is a two way street as they say, and by deepening my bond with the gremlin, growing more and more certain of her intentions being just as simple and pure as they seem, its true that she's learned more about me than most know.
And yet, by the same token, I've also learned a few interesting things.
Like for example, the fact, that she's weak to honest praise.
A curious fact I'd noticed before but never looked into too deeply.
In fact, mayhaps it would be best if I sought the one… I make a show of frowning and scratching at my chin in thought. An act only partially feigned if for a different reason. My confusion somewhat real.
And owing to the fact that the bath is curiously quiet. Quiet and even if I've little reason to really push my eyes to peer past the fog, the lithe bodies of the knives as well as the forms of various other privileged servants and nobles should still be somewhat visible all around me. Even to a mortal's visual acuity.
Curious.
As is the fact, now that I think about it, that Alecto, merely grinned at me when I asked her for directions towards one of the repaired baths.
Gransax assault had done a number on the city.
The hag is up to something, isn't she…
"M-my Prince?"
Resisting the urge to curse, I smooth out my expression as I approach the edge of the pool, thankfully it would seem that my gremlin only caught fragments of that last bit.
I merely said that, it'd perhaps be best if I sought the one you called, a, 'feathery menace' was it?
"NO!"
The psychic scream, makes me startle, more out of surprise than any sort of pain but nonetheless my toe jerks, and instead of a gentle probe, water splashes near and around my feet.
"Not her. Never her!"
It would seem my jest was in poor form, and I'm clearly missing something vital.
For her disdain for most of her kin is well known to me by now. But the sheer terror, and this time I'm sure of it, at the mention of seeking the Outer Goddess of Rot…that's a new one.
Not that I have any intention to bond with that one.
In fact, quite the opposite. In time, through means I'm as of yet unsure off, I'll liberate my yet unborn sibling from the Rot Goddess clutches.
And the fact that Malenia will be born is all but certain, fate, while a force not as absolute and powerful as in the Pantheons gracing those distant shards of existence. Fate nonetheless is a thing here too, my studies and inquiries have all but confirmed it, even if unlike the 'Greeks' and the 'Nords', here it can be defied if one is strong enough.
Thus, my siblings will be born.
Gremlin.
"I know I'm not the best—"
Goddess.
"Or the strongest or the smartest—"
I can't help but sigh.
Elysia.
"E-eh?"
Pray forgive me. It was merely a jest.
"Y-you mean it?"
Of course! I've but one gremlin last I checked.
"…meanie! Stupid! Kowtow and make amends! I expect an extra kiss—no. A few dozen! With whole lot of tongue too!"
Ah, right. Elysia's 'demand' and payment for helping me against Gransax and…and my old deluded friend…
As mine goddess' decrees.
"H-hmf! Y-you better! I'll be watching!"
I can't help but snort.
Like that's anything new.
Still, the mater of the gremlin's worry in regards to Rot goddess can be left for another day and—
The fog vanishes with a burst of cold.
"I thought mine ears but played tricks on me."
And the reason for it becomes immediately apparent, as on the other side of the pool, half submerged, a black, or is it purple-haired woman glares daggers at me.
One hand raised and a glowing blue circle spinning lazily within it, no doubt the reason for the fog's dispersal while with her other, the blue-eyed beauty does her best to cover her impressive bosom.
"Alas it seemeth not, for mine worst fears are confirmed."
Indecision fills me as I stand there, owing less to the woman's cold beauty. And indeed, her beauty I've seen its likes scarcely half a dozen times in my years, but more so that even if half of me sees her for the first time…
…the part that awoke within me, or was perhaps transmigrated, the semantics matter little. Why, that part is very familiar with her.
Or rather not whoever this woman is, but her looks.
Glaring eyes of the deepest blue aside, this beauty is the crystal image of that immortal godslaying spearwoman.
"And being caught in the act, the sparrow hath caught thine tongue."
Once again I snort and grin, my posture relaxed. If nothing else this woman certainly has the sharp mouth the other me had come to associate with the 'Scathach'.
But my complete nonchalance only makes the woman bristle and growl, the sound, well, I have to say I like it.
"Thou are not just a fiend," she hisses and more circles spin into view next and around the first, drawing my eye.
If nothing else, whoever she is she is clearly learned in the mystic arts, so, perhaps, she can, if not teach me, give me a helping hand in regards to the Academy of Raya Lucaria.
Not that it matters much if she is less then agreeable in truth, for while the secrets of the Academy won't long remain unplundered…nor will my uncle's abandoned wife, Rennala will be mine.
The academy is not the first stop on our journey, nay, the Eternal Cities waiting far bellow the Earth hide secrets, or rather a certain item which I'm sure will be of great use.
"But an unrepentant one too, to ogle me so! Have you no shame? Tell me, why should I not blast thee right now you uncouth barbarian?!"
"My Prince, I think it'd be best if you choose thine next words carefully."
Meeting the woman's gaze unflinchingly, and no doubt the reason for Alecto's smug grin…
I let my gaze drop, catching sight of her surprise and then a flash of triumph—
"All natural, I see."
The woman's smile freezes.
"It suits you," I continue with a nod, crossing my arms and flashing her a smile. "Only enhances your beauty really."
"You…you…"
Indecision wars across her face as clear as day, the pleased blush fighting against the rage even as the sound of my gremlin facepalming reaches me through our connection.
Curious, why would such a crude remark have her blushing so?
And the answer hits me like my brother's hammer smacking tarnished in a future which I'll make certain will never come to pass.
If the woman shares enough physical similarities with that spearwoman, could it also be , that she…
"Ah, another hag…"
In an instant, one side is overwhelmingly crushed, the war was almost unfair really.
"Die!"
Summoning a staff out of thin air which rapidly grows the woman jumps out of the war, propelled by brawn and magic both, seeking to skewer me.
And I can't help but let out a delighted cackle as I too jump to meet her, heedless of my nudity.
"Yes! That's the spirit!
Resisting the urge to massage his nose, Fortissax, grandchild of the Dragon Lord, ambassador to the Golden Order and ally and friend to Godwyn, he instead chooses to glare and fix the hem of his kilt and not at his friend but a few feet from his side.
For like his friend he too is garbed in what Godwyn has said to be the most noble of attires.
That is, merely sandals and a kilt.
And speaking of his friend, he still can't believe the man somehow, somehow! Managed to stumble upon the ambassador from the noble Academy of Raya Lucaria and Carian princess' both.
The Lady Renna having chosen to 'scout ahead', if her words are to be believed, in order to see with her own eyes whether Leyndell will be a proper place. A safe place for her niece and nephews.
For if what his friend had shared in private about his Lord Uncle in the past weeks after the battle against Fort's sire...
The long-haired beauty, her blue-eyes even now glowering at Godwyn as she stands beside Mohg on the other side of the street.
Well, she is unlikely to take Sir Radagon at his word, not after that mess.
And you had to chance upon her… despite himself, his self control fails him, if only minutely and he sends an exasperated glance his friend's way.
Thankfully the Goddess standing in the middle of the street and between the gathering of nobles doesn't take offense.
Seems being in close proximity to his dear sister for so long…well, Lansseax might be rubbing off on him.
The thought is horrifying.
Almost enough to make him shudder.
But no.
Duty and honor demand he represent his people as best he can, to say nothing about respecting his allies.
So, despite how much he wants to march over to his friend and ask him to explain himself.
And there's little that can be done about the fact that Lady Renna is unlikely to have formed the best opinion of Leyndell and its people, not after meeting his friend.
Even if she too seems to recognize the importance of duty and honor, content to merely glare at his friend as she stands on the other side of the wide street amidst the gathered nobles…as does lady Lucia, standing on the other side of Godwyn.
No matter, there's little he can do about all this.
…but the desire to throttle Godwyn remains, and the urge is accompanied by what feels like a faint echo of his sister's chuckle.
Lansseax's duties to the still incomplete temple near the heart of Leyndell keeping her away.
At least one of us is here to make a good impression…
That is, if he doesn't give in to the dark urge first.
For it might have not been stated in such crude terms, but Godwyn, his dear friend. Was, is all but exiled for daring to free his siblings.
And Fortissax's personal feelings on the Goddess decision aside, the fact remains that neither he, nor his friend are strong enough to challenge her.
Not that he expects Godwyn wishes to do so, but that's beside the point.
The point being that until his friend completes his noble task of 'touring the provinces' and 'ensuring the stability of the realm', he, and by extension Fortissax himself, for he is unwilling to abandon Godwyn.
Nevertheless, they'll be allowed to visit and return but briefly.
Some of the Goddess' favoritism remained it seemeth.
Friend Godwyn, why, why did you have to make things more difficult for us both?!
Causing a diplomatic incident, or near one at any rate by fighting, and no, Godwyn terming it 'sparring' doesn't help matters, it is unlikely to have improved the Goddess' mood and disposition…
Before the increasing amounts of stress cause his carefully cultivated mask to collapse the mortals holding trumpets on either side of the street, but a few feet from the Goddess all the way near Leyndell's majestic gates thrown wide open to welcome the return of one of its heroes, raise the instruments to their mouths and the celebratory sound fills the air.
In the distance, beyond the open gates, his keen eyes catch sight of the arriving procession spearheaded by, and he has little doubt as to that, Sir Radagon upon a majestic massive horse who seems to glower at anyone and anything as it trots at an easy pace upon the stones, followed by heavily armored knights which seem to huddle around a carriage, one within which, more demigods reside. While behind the carriage the rest of the mortal army slowly marches to the tune of the returning lord.
Soon enough, the man comes to a stop and Fortissax can't help but be impressed, both at the fact that the horse the redhead rides upon is right to be so haughty and proud, for Fortissax scarcely remembers feasting on ones as big as it in all his years.
And by the lord himself, who dismounts with ease and a wide smile, the man being a bit bigger than his friend.
"Leyndell, I am returned!" he says and throws a fist to the sky, a brilliant grin stretching from ear to ear and once again Fortissax can't help but be thankful he's chanced upon a friend as good and true as Godwyn.
Who else would have shared the secrets regarding the workings of mortal minds so easily? Without guile?
Fortissax, and Godwyn's, attire truly befits nobility.
After all, Sir Radagon is dressed similarly to them both.
As the crowd cheers, Fortissax blinks, for as Radagon slowly spins around, arms spread as if to embrace the crowds…
He…seems sad.
But no, surely not, merely a trick of the light. Or Fortissax mistaking something or other regarding the mortals once again.
The man is smiling after all.
Why would he be sad.
But, his eyes…
"Thou have been missed," the Goddess says after a few moments, nodding. "Cold has Leyndell been in thine absence, come, and be embraced," she says and this time he is certain he is not mistaken.
The Goddess, despite her warm tone and open arms, her face lacks any warmth.
…Mortals are confusing.
Its harder than it should be.
Part of me remembers the man embracing my mother with barely veiled grief in his eyes as a favored Uncle who long had treated me well.
And yet, the knowledge that's proven correct so far, courtesy of the other part, fills me with a need to strike him down.
Not out of any moral qualms borne from the sensibilities of an alternate future or anything of the sort.
Nay, rather, the fact that he is embracing what should be mine and in time will…
Well…
My self control is taxed greatly, and only the fact that even if I manage to slay the man today it will merely make things worse for everyone I care about as well as the fact that I have something special for him in mind when the time comes.
And the fact that I plan to take everything from him.
Starting with his abandoned wife.
As well as the fact that, if things play out the way I hope, Radagon will be the one to bear the brunt of the Elden Beast's weight, so to speak.
Its still barely enough, but I manage to stop myself and view Radagon not as prey and a rival, but, for my favorite Uncle. If only for today.
"My Prince…"
I know, Elysia, I know…
My siblings need to be born.
But that doesn't make this any easier.
He'll pay, oh he'll pay.
Hypocritical of me, perhaps, and yet I care little. For I never claimed to be a saint.
Although…
The talent, the art of manipulating the gifts inherent to those with the blood of the Crucible. As well as the gifts of the Numen blood…
Even though my lineage technically all but guarantees I should, in theory, be able to manipulate said gifts for what I have in mind for my Uncle when the time comes…
My talent for Gold and, Elysia's power…to say nothing of my other sister's "gift" and her task for me.
They all but make it impossible for me to touch those parts of my birthright.
No matter.
I'll find a way.
How did that tale from that world put it, 'he who touches my woman shall become my concubine.' Or something.
"And who's this?" Radagon says, sending a frown my brother's way.
Mohg, for his part, merely blinks and gives a short bow…which still has him towering over our uncle.
"Mohg, my lord. One of Lord Godfrey's twin sons."
My fist clenches involuntary, forget long term plans. If he disrespects my brother he—
"Ah! I thought I sensed something different about you!" Radagon says, a brilliant smile spreading across the redhead's face and, to my surprise and Mohg's bewilderment, reaches forward and embraces my brother. "Tis good to see you hale and hearty my boy, I'd hoped for things to be different—" a heavy weight seems to blanket an entire section of Leyndell for an instant and my uncle tenses. "…but that is a matter for another time. Your brother is well, I hope?"
"Morgott? Yes, my lord—"
"Bah, call me Radagon, or uncle, boy!" the man says with a scoff, pulling back patting Mohg on the shoulder. "You're family after all."
"As you say, uncle."
"Good lad! I hope you have stories to share, my lad, for we've much catching up to do."
"Aye, sir, that I do, although how interesting they might be I know not, but I'm afraid I won't be able to share them."
"Pray tell why?"
"My brother and I are to patrol the realm—"
"Morgott?"
"Nay, Godwyn," he says and Radagon blinks, turning towards me at last, and I focus on remembering the uncle, not the soon to be motherfucker.
As my brother explains, a peculiar expression spreads across my uncle's face, almost what one could call aghast as he alternates staring between me and mother, no doubt realizing the truth in regards to my 'honored task'.
"And sadly," my brother continues. "With your honored return, uncle, we must away to see to our task."
Our uncle gasps, rage flashing briefly behind his eyes before he's all smiles again, although his eyes share the same coldness mother greeted him with prior.
"Surely not!" he says, shouts really. "This is a day of celebration!" before all but storming towards me and embracing in an admittedly somewhat painful hug.
I'd almost forgotten the feeling.
"I've missed you, my boy," he whispers before patting me once, smiling towards Lucia who stands still as a statue and then turning around. "For it marks not merely my return but also the addition of three new demigods to the ranks of the Golden Order!" and that's enough to make the crowd gasp.
And if anything, Mother's visage somehow turns colder.
"Surely my children deserve a chance to meet with the famed Godwyn before you undertake your 'glorious' duty?"
"Fair and true are thine words, my soon to be consort," mother says, her tone, had she been a mortal woman all but stating that uncle would be spending the days to come on the couch. "The realm shall survive for but another day. Very well. Tonight we celebrate and meet faces both new and old," mother's eyes flash towards the carriage and then me for but an instant, a warm smile appearing only to vanish as quickly as the gazes away. "Make merry and rejoice!"
Amidst the cheers of the crowd, the door of the carriage surrounded by knights opens and my siblings step foot on Leyndell for the first time.