Word Count: 9,708
Interlude 2
Eina was nervous, sure she had gear specifically made for her by Hestia Familia's smith Welf. Sure, she wasn't going to be alone for her first dungeon dive. Despite all the reassurances she had, there was a nervous tickle in the back of her mind. Part of it was how she didn't want to get hurt, despite knowing that it was going to be inevitable if she wished to be an adventurer in the Hestia Familia. But the larger part was her fear of disappointment. She was afraid of disappointing not only herself but also Bell who didn't even know she had Hestia's mark.
Eina descended the stairs cautiously as she examined her equipment, 'A short double-edged sword, straight and narrow to help remove weight. Value: 20,000. A simple breast plate with back protection. Value: 45,000. A small and simple magic wand. Value: 30,000.' She sighed at the price of her 'Starter' equipment.
But in truth they weren't even the most valuable piece that she was bringing into the dungeon. She had an escort with an extremely valuable set of skills. 'Mikoto Yamato: Level 2 that specializes in tracking and has a fast combat style. She had been told to only assist if it was necessary so I shouldn't expect direct help. The value of someone like that was... well invaluable, being able to detect any enemies she has fought before. She'll in short know of any danger before I would and can prepare to step in if necessary.'
The soft clack of her boots shifted softened when she stepped off the final step. 'Remember the lessons you gave Bell. The monsters that could show up, the layout of the first and second floors. I need to not rely on my magic even if it does have a shorter chant.'
She heard the soft clack behind her that let her know Mikoto was there. "How are you feeling?" Mikoto asked quietly.
Eina glanced over to her companion. "Nervous, despite having much better gear and knowledge than most starting adventurers. I think the extra knowledge is what's making me truly nervous."
Mikoto nodded, "Well, I'm here so you don't have to worry too much. Just be careful."
Eina looked over Mikoto who was wearing her battle garb and had her katana at her hip. She also had a small pouch on her other hip which she knew contained throwing weapons and potions.
Eina nodded, "Right... sorry for taking up your time. I know you all are preparing to head into the dungeon for several days on a mini expedition." She had been told the rough idea of what to expect.
Mikoto waved her hand to dispel the apology. "It's alright, besides I already have almost everything on my side prepared. I feel sorry for Lili and Welf. They still have so much work to do."
Eina sighed again, she realized she wasn't wearing her glasses as her hand rose to shift them. Not that she needed them, her eyesight was fine. "Right, I need to focus on the task at hand."
So, she slipped the sword out of its scabbard with a soft hissing sound. 'I need to be cautious. Still not used to the added strength having a blessing bestows.'
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She knew it was going to be slow, especially on the first floor. But they had been looking around for half an hour and had not seen a single monster. "Well... this is uneventful." Eina tried to joke.
Mikoto, who was right behind her, nodded. "You're not wrong. It seems we aren't the only ones on this floor. Not that it's a surprise. I've felt a few pings of monsters only for them to be eliminated shortly after. What do you want to do? We can head deeper, or we can return where I can spar with you. That way you can gain at least some practice."
Eina placed a hand on her chin, careful as she still had her sword out. "Let's head a floor deeper, if we don't find anything in an hour, we can head topside and spar. I just won't get a chance to get the feel of my magic."
Mikoto tilted her head, "You could just cast it at the dungeon wall. It'll give you a general feel as well as the speed and mind consumption."
Eina's hand slammed against her forehead, "Of course... Why didn't I think of that? Alright if I remember correctly there should be a dead end around the corner for me to test."
Mikoto couldn't help but chuckle. "Alright, I'll admit I'm curious about your magic."
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Eina stood there still as a statue; her small wand held out in preparation. She took a deep breath reviewing the chant in her memory. "May the Glacial, by my word and by my blood, destroy my enemies. Thus, bringing peace to my ancestral forest once more. Fror Gruidae."
Eina watched, slightly bleary-eyed as a glowing crane made of ice launched outward. Without thinking she shifted her hand to the side and the crane followed the direction her wand pointed. After a moment it collided into the wall and exploded leaving behind several small spikes of ice.
She felt the dip in a new source of mind that she never felt before, she panted a tiny bit. "Well... what are your thoughts?" She asked, glancing back towards Mikoto who was staring at the patch of ice that was starting to melt.
Mikoto shook her head, "I'm surprised. I only expected something like a blast of magic, but the fact is that it's a physical crane that you can guide. In the future, we'll just need to be cautious of the leftover ice patch."
Eina grinned slightly, then shrugged. "Maybe, but I have a feeling it only left the patch because it hit a wall instead of a monster."
Now she was ecstatic, she could actually cast magic. 'Remember... Elves are more inclined to obtain magic.' She silently berated herself. She chuckled, "Well let's head down."
Mikoto chuckled, "Alright alright."
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Dust filled Eina's nostrils, forcing her to cough. She had just pierced the stone of a goblin causing it to explode. They weren't there for money, so she didn't bother keeping the stones unless there was something special about them.
She squinted her eyes, even as another goblin charged her. She jumped back, watching the goblin swing its lanky arm scoring a scratch along her unarmored forearm. Eina reflexively slashed her sword and decapitated the goblin; she barely felt any resistance.
Crimson welled up from the narrow scratch, "tisk" Eina knew it was nothing more than a scratch but seeing her blood leaking from her scared her. But she shook her head to clear the thought and grabbed a fabric from her waist pouch wrapped it up. "No point in wasting a healing potion." She whispered to no one in particular.
Mikoto approached, "Are you alright?"
Eina nodded, "I am... it was only really a scratch."
She noticed Mikoto looking around, "Do you want to continue? We've been down here for a few hours."
Eina snapped her head upwards in surprise. "Has it really been that long already?"
"It has." Mikoto held up a small watch so Eina could see.
Eina's eyes widened. "Over five hours!? I... wow. Ok I'm going to need to apologize to Bell for all the times he was late to his lessons."
Mikoto chuckled a bit. "Maybe, although knowing Bell-dono I wouldn't be surprised if it was because he always got carried away in the dungeon."
Eina could feel an all too familiar headache forming. She rubbed her temples, "You're probably right. Either way let's go ahead and head back up. Thank you for escorting me on my first dive."
Mikoto shifted a bit, seemingly uncomfortable, "Think nothing of it. Now feel free to take the lead out."
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Several days passed in such a manner, either Mikoto or Haruhime would join her in the dungeon. Despite Haruhime's inability to really fight, she provided support. During those days, Eina would collect the stones to turn in. She would have Haruhime turn the stones in as she was ready for the guild members to see her as an adventurer.
Still, she split the small earnings evenly with the Renard, who insisted on taking a significantly smaller portion. But Eina was persistent and eventually overpowered Haruhime's resistance.
Eina sighed, "You and the others are going on the mini expedition tomorrow, right?"
Haruhime nodded, "That's correct."
Eina looked towards the sky; it was starting to darken slowly but surely. "Well... I know everyone already knows but... just be careful alright."
Haruhime smiled lightly, "Of course. We plan on being careful. Plus, we aren't going in alone, several of our allies are entering with us."
Eina sighed again. "I know, it's just... I've lost several adventurers, a couple I had called friends before." She whispered the last part, even thinking about all these years later still hurt a bit.
Eina jumped when Haruhime laid a gentle hand on her shoulder. "It's alright, besides we have several emergency measures."
Eina smiled at that; it was an obviously forced smile. Still, she tried to not let her worry show too much. "I know." Judging by the way Haruhime smiled and nudged her, she guessed the Renard saw right through her.
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Time passed slowly that night for Eina, she was worried that something would happen to the Familia she had started to consider friends. Her inability to go deeper with them due to her being a fresh adventurer didn't help.
Even with her latest update, her stats only went up by a few dozen points total. Still, she laid on her back without realizing it she was shifting her hands through her short hair, subconsciously remembering the reason she had cut it in the first place.
Still, she couldn't do anything to assist them, she had done what she could by making sure everyone knew as much as possible of the floors up too 23. Without Bell or Ryu, they wouldn't risk going further. Afterall they weren't going on guild orders, instead it was purely for money.
When Eina had asked why they needed the money as they seemed to have more than enough for daily needs Hestia shook her head with a sigh. She had claimed it was to help Bell that it was a chance to help him cope with whatever happened to him during their last expedition.
She looked up at the blank ceiling having just cleaned herself from the day's efforts, "Bell what are you thinking about right now? Are you reliving whatever happened to you?" She whispered the words, knowing there would be no answer.
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Eina was in a state of shock, words she had never expected to hear had been brought to life. Hestia had just started bursting into tears saying something about her connection to Bell. The Hestia Familia had been celebrating with a last meal together before the expedition, when out of nowhere the news hit Eina.
Eina didn't want to believe the goddess, 'He's on the surface there should be no real danger to him as he was level 4. What about Ryu, she was with him as well?'
Still hearing the news caused her heart to shatter, after a minute of violent sobbing. She declared that somehow the connection was restored, still that news didn't stop Hestia from crying. Without her noticing Eina had been crying, just letting the tears fall without reaction.
She noticed that everyone around the table had glistening eyes. "Wait how!?" Her voice broke the silence.
Hestia turned to face her; the look of extreme grief etched on the goddess's face. "I... I... I don't... know. It... was gone... then... it was reattached..." Hestia just shook her head. "I... don't know."
Several people asked more questions, but there weren't any answers. They would have to wait until Bell returned in two or so more weeks.
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Later that night, filled with anxiety despite Hestia's hesitant acknowledgement of her belief Bell was alive, Eina couldn't stay sitting around. So instead, she was wandering around Orario. Normally she would never do such a thing, but she had a falna now.
She also had her sword belted on, just in case something did happen. But nothing did, well until a voice called out to her. One that she hadn't heard in a long time. "Eina? Is that you? What are you doing out here?"
She turned to see the emerald haired princess Riveria. Eina put a hand on her chest and bowed, "Lady Riveria... sorry I just have something on my mind."
She knew Riveria was examining the fact that she had a weapon, and that she wasn't in a normal outfit that she would've been seen in before. She was wearing what looked like basic adventuring gear minus the armor. Leather based pants and a tunic made from Undine Cloth. It had been expensive, but the members were insistent on the fact that she get them made.
Riveria's eyes narrowed slightly, "Here follow me. The rest of my Familia is partying at the Hostess, and I couldn't take the noise anymore."
Without many options available, Eina followed Riveria. It took a few minutes to realize they were moving towards the Loki Familia home. "Lady Riveria... I don't want to be rude, but I don't think me entering your home would be the best of ideas."
Riveria stopped, they were still hundreds of feet away from the building. They had taken a smaller street to not attract attention. "I forget how sharp you are sometimes." She turned to face Eina, "I wanted to talk in private, but considering the way your dressed you probably don't have your apartment anymore, right?"
Eina could only nod, Riveria sighed. "Look, it'll be fine as long as I'm with you. So please just follow me and we can talk privately in my room."
Even with Riveria reassurances, Eina was still hesitant. She knew Loki and Hestia weren't on good terms. 'Maybe... this might be a good chance.' She sighed inwardly. "As you wish Lady Riveria." Eina could've sworn she saw Riveria eyebrow twitch at her response.
So, it was Riveria in the lead and Eina followed her, through the gate of Loki Familia Home. Down several halls and up a few flights of stairs. If it hadn't been for her falna and her recent change of life that caused her to exercise more, she probably would've been gasping with burning legs.
Riveria pulling out a key from her robe unlocked the door and waved for Eina to follow her. "Feel free to take the chair next to the desk."
As Eina entered, she was surprised, sure it was clean. But there were probably three dozen books just piled around the desk. She had to move a few so she could sit.
Eina heard the sound of a clack as the door relocked. Causing a nervous sweat ran down her spine. "Lady Riveria..."
Riveria sighed, "A certain Goddess has a tendency to try to open the door without knocking. They should be gone most of the night, but still."
Eina, let out a breath of relief, "Alright Lady Riveria."
This time Eina was certain that her eyebrow twitched as she spoke. "Eina, can you do me a favor? Just for tonight, please just call me Riveria?" She rubbed her forehead in exasperation.
Eina's eyes widened drastically, "I... I couldn't..."
Riveria cut her off, "Please Eina..." to her surprise she could hear a hint of desperation in her voice.
Eina sat in silence for a few seconds. "L... Riveria I'll try, but I won't make any promises."
Riveria gave a genuine smile. "Thank you... it... means a lot to me." Eina hadn't realized that Riveria had been holding in a breath. "Now... young lady you have some explaining to do. Why are you dressed as an adventurer?"
Eina sighed and rubbed the bridge of her nose. "L... Riveria, Royman had fired me on the accusation of me falsifying Bell Cranel adventurer documents and lying about the reports I filed."
Riveria sighed, "Of course that... elf would do something like that. Do you want me to talk to him?" Riveria did little to hide the disdain in her voice.
Eina panicked, waving her hands in front of her. "No no no. Please don't... even if you did, I wouldn't want to go back."
Riveria narrowed her elegant eyes, "Well... alright if you wish. Please continue."
Eina shifted in the beautiful chair, somewhat uncomfortably. "Well... after taking a couple days to... accept my new reality I started to think about what options I had. Either find another job, which considering I had specialized my learning around working for the guild, wouldn't exactly be easy."
Eina didn't want Riveria to know she drank herself into a stupor after being fired. So she took a breath and continued. "Or... I could become an adventurer."
Riveria sighed and collapsed onto her bed. "Alright... I understand. Did you at least write to your mother to let her know? What about your sister?"
Eina shook her head, "No... I didn't. I wanted to get situated before writing to her. It's only been two weeks after all. But I will write to her soon, I promise." Eina hesitated but continued. "As for my sister... That wouldn't be a good idea right now. So please don't ask."
Riveria raised an eyebrow and nodded, her emerald hair shifting over her shoulder. "Alright, I won't ask... for now at least. I'm sure your mother would be worried. Regardless, you ask didn't join Loki Familia. I could've ensured it if you asked."
Eina shook her head. "I know, and I did consider it. But after thinking about my options. I decided against it, if I was going to be an adventurer I didn't want to be overly protected and coddled. Can you honestly say that wouldn't happen if I joined Loki Familia?"
Riveria sat silently for a second, and eventually shook her head. "No... I would've made sure you were well defended in the dungeon. Whether by equipment or people."
Eina smiled, "Exactly..."
Riveria looked her dead in the eyes, "Before we continue. I... have to know which Familia you joined. I have an Idea but I want you to say it."
Hestia shifted slightly, "The Hestia Familia..."
Riveria made a strange mixture of a chuckle and a sigh. "I knew it. I'm assuming Bell has been watching over you to make sure you don't get hurt. How is that much different?"
Eina shook her head, but regretted it immediately as Riveria's ears started twitching. "Can you keep what I'm about to say a secret? From everyone? Including Finn."
She did her best to look as serious as possible. She needed to make sure of this. "You know that's impossible, but as long as he doesn't directly ask me. I won't mention anything. That's the best I can do."
Eina understood, she wasn't entirely happy but it was the best she expected. "Bell... is currently outside of Orario. He is traveling with someone, in search of someone else."
Riveria touched her temple, "That's why Aiz has been so upset recently. She expected to train with him, but hasn't been able to." She paused as if realizing something. "Wait... who is he traveling with and to find who?"
Eina winced and whispered in a deadly quiet voice. "Surely you've heard of the massive notice that Lord Ouranos himself posted."
Riveria nodded, "Of course, every major Familia..." she stopped in stunned silence. "Wait... he is traveling with Gale in search of Lady Astraea?"
Eina could only nod. Riveria stood sharply and started pacing around her room. "Riveria?"
The sound of Eina's voice seemed to bring Riveria back to the current environment. "Right... sorry. I'm just thinking what will happen if Lady Astraea returns to Orario."
Eina shook her head. "No... that's not it. Gale... Ryu wants to transfer over to Hestia Familia."
Eina watched Riveria stumble as she spoke. "Wait... No, that's impossible. The Gale I knew would never... no wait... so many years have passed. Times have changed."
Eina remained silent, while Riveria spoke. When she didn't elaborate any more Eina decided to ask. "What are you talking about exactly?"
Riveria flinched and stopped pacing. "Dark times... Evilus, they brought destruction and chaos to Orario. Even worse, they brought two monsters. Zald the Gluttony, Alfia the Silence. They were level seven, although severely weakened."
Eina watched Riveria shiver as she spoke, "We were high level 5 at that point. Silence easily overpowered both Gareth and myself despite being terribly sick. Regardless, Astraea Familia ended up defeating her somehow. I don't know all the details around that..." Riveria paused. "Ah sorry, back on topic. During that time Loki Familia worked closely with Astraea Familia. In a roundabout way, we were allies and I got to know a bit about each member."
Riveria sat back down, and seemed to be taking a few calming breaths. "Sorry Eina... I get distracted when I remember those events. So Ryu is trying to transfer into Hestia Familia. Do you know why? No... sorry you don't need to answer that, I shouldn't be pushing so much."
Eina sat for a second. 'Should I tell her what I know? I... it'll come out eventually I'm sure.' She sighed, "It's fine. I trust you Riveria, and I hope to attempt to help form a bridge between the Hestia and Loki Familia's. So I'll tell you what I know."
Riveria smiled, apologetically. "You seem to have a near impossible task with that."
Eina chuckled. "I know, and Goddess Hestia warned me about that when she gave me her blessing. Right, so from what I have picked up. Ryu has helped the Hestia Familia several times, she was the stranger during their War Games. She did something to help them shortly after Bell leveled, and I'm sure there is more I don't know about."
Riveria smacked her hand to her head, which silenced Eina in confusion. "Sorry... I just remembered. During that time an elf came to help Hestia Familia return to the surface when they were stranded on floor 18. Some things happened, and Lefiya and Bell were attacked. Lefiya told us that an elf with an incredible concurrent casting skill saved them. They also seemed to be extremely friendly with Bell. That makes sense now, even when Ryu was only level 3 she was superior to my ability to concurrent cast." She sighed, "Sorry... Please continue. I... just cannot believe I didn't put the pieces together. She was probably actively avoiding us..."
Eina waited for Riveria to stop rambling. It took a few seconds so she continued. "When Bell hit level four the Hestia Familia was tasked to an expedition. It went tragically, with several members injured or exhausted beyond tolerable levels, something happened and Ryu was down there for personal reasons I'm told. Bell ended up getting separated from the main party. They were found several days later, a dozen floors down on floor 37. Both had broken bones and were in a mind down state."
Riveria held her hand over her mouth. But Eina continued speaking. "Bell has refused to tell anyone what had happened. From what I've been told by one of the Familia members, he's had severe nightmares in the aftermath."
Riveria choked as Eina spoke. "Two Level fours stranded in the deep floors for several days... How are they even alive? From the things I've witnessed, Bell seemed like someone who was... determined. If it's true... then... I don't have the words."
Eina nodded, "I understand. From what I've heard that one expedition pushed Bell from a fresh level 4 to a point where he could level again. But he refused, probably smart if you ask me. He would've leveled in a week after hitting 4."
Riveria, crumpled onto her bed. It took a minute for her to recover enough to speak. "That's... sorry. That's just so much to think about. But that still doesn't explain why you were wandering around Orario, at such a late hour."
Eina could feel the color fading from her. Her body grew chilly, she swore she could almost see her breath. "No... it doesn't..." Eina looked towards the floor, doing her best to avoid eye contact with Riveria. "Goddess Hestia... while we were eating felt a connection to a child break apart. As every other member was at the table... that only... left one option."
Eina could feel tears beginning to fill her vision, blurring the image of a princess who knelt in front of her and held her close. "So that means... he's gone then."
Eina shook her head in the negative. "No... it should've been. But Goddess Hestia explained that after a minute a connection was reestablished, and that it felt... different then before. That's all she knew. I was so filled... with anxiety and heartbreak... I just started moving. I... needed something to do. To distract myself."
Riveria patted her on the head. "Eina... that's some good news at least."
Eina shook her head. "No... something happened again. Now the connection that binds them is different. I won't believe Bell is alive until I can see him. Which if all goes well, that should be in another two weeks."
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They sat in silence for a long time, Eina guessed that it had been half an hour. Eventually she found the strength to move again. "Riveria... I tell you all this in faith. Will you help me... at least attempt to build a relationship between the two Familia?"
Riveria backed away, and paused with a hand on her chin. But after a few seconds she nodded. "I make no promises, their... dislike for each other is ancient. But I'll see what I can do." Riveria glanced at a clock that sat on a far wall. "Oh... It's so late. Here let me at least walk you home."
Eina glanced at the clock, it was past midnight. She guessed that the majority of the Familia would be sleeping. "I would appreciate that... Riveria."
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The walk was quiet, Eina was sure Riveria had more she wanted to say or ask. Eina herself wanted to tell her about what was etched into her back, but she couldn't. Even if Loki Familia were to eventually become allies, right now that would be stepping over a boundary she wasn't willing to breach.
It took a few seconds until she realized she was being hypocritical. Didn't she insist on seeing Bell's back when he was wanting to explore deeper?
She sighed, "Riveria will you allow me to tell you something that was on my falna?"
Riveria stopped for a second, "Are you sure you want to divulge such information? I won't stop you, but I want to make sure you want to."
Eina nodded but never looked at Riveria. "I have a skill, it was there when I got my Falna. It's called... Alf Aett."
Riveria continued to walk, without saying anything. "It... enhances my magic in several ways. But that's not the point. Alf Aett, or Alf Ancestry. But that can't be right."
Riveria paused and looked directly into Eina's eyes. "Eina... listen it is true. Your mother and I share an ancestor. It was my father that demanded that she not refer to herself as an Alf. Why do you think she has hair extremely close in shade to mine?"
Eina felt dizzy, she had expected this ever since she saw the skill that was etched into her back, but even then. She... felt like vomiting for a minute. With pure effort of will she resisted the urge. "Riveria... that..."
Riveria patted her on the shoulder. "Come one, let's get you home. You need time... you have a lot to think about." Eina could only nod, as she forced her dizzy body to move
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Hestia was less than enthused, when Eina returned to their Familia home with Riveria in tow. It took a bit of explanation, but Hestia relented to the facts. "Thank you... Riveria for bringing her home safely. Truth be told we were going to begin sending my other children to look for her. I'm just glad she didn't do what Bell did when he ran off by himself."
Riveria chuckled lightly at Hestia's comment. "I doubt Eina would be... Reckless enough to do something like that. Adventuring into the dungeon without any preparation or armor."
Eina sighed and could only rub the bridge of her nose. 'I don't even have to ask if they are lying. I know it's probably something he would've done.' She was already exhausted.
Riveria gave a polite bow to Hestia. "Well Lady Hestia I should be off. It's getting late and I have much work to get through tomorrow."
Hestia smiled at the high-elf. "Of course, and thank you again."
Once Riveria was farther away, Eina spoke up. "I'm sorry Goddess, but at least she agreed to try to help."
Hestia huffed a bit. "While I'm not happy about you divulging Familia information like that. I'll let it pass unpunished this time. So go ahead and get some sleep. I'm sure you'll want to be up early to wave everyone off."
Eina nodded, her dizziness was minimal but it was still there. That rapid movement caused her to stumble a bit. Hestia had to catch her to prevent her from falling over. "Sorry... I just have a lot to think about. Riveria told me a fair bit and I need to sleep on it." With some effort she stood up straight. "Goodnight Goddess." She gave a small bow and quickly retreated to her room where she collapsed onto her bed.
She sighed, "Mother... Goddess... Lady Loki. So many things to consider." She closed her eyes, having them closed helped her ignore the lingering dizziness. She drifted into a restless slumber.
X
Hestia sat in the main sitting room. She watched a crackling fire that sat burning in the Hearth in the far wall. She was upset that Eina had told Riveria so much information, but she couldn't blame her. After what happened during dinner, and the challenge she forced upon herself.
Hestia sighed, "I should... probably try as well." The idea of being friendly with Loki caused her to shiver. They were like oil and water. "Maybe... I just need to find some commonality with her." She whispered watching as one of the logs broke apart in the hearth.
She sighed and stood. "Nothing can happen right now regardless. So I'll think about it in the morning after... I try to get some sleep."
She sighed, and put the fire out. It was a shame, but she didn't want to risk the fire spreading. She moved to her room, and as she walked she passed by both Bell's and Ryu's rooms. "I hope you are truly safe. The both of you." Despite Ryu not having her blood on her back, she still considered Ryu one of her children at this point.
Hestia opened her door, it was quiet and dark. The entire manor was quiet, there wasn't even a creek of wood shifting in the colder night air. Still she crawled into her bed and simply laid there for hours. Ever since Bell and Ryu departed, she hasn't slept well. She expected... knew it was because she was worried. Then with what happened... well she doubted she could get any sleep at all.
She glanced at the clock, it was already showing 4:23. She sighed. "Yup another sleepless night."
Still she laid there. As the clock shifted to six, she rolled out of bed. Got dressed and went to wait by the main entrance. Eina was the next to arrive, her hair was ever so slightly disheveled.
One by one the other members trickled into the room. Once everyone was gathered and gear equipped. "Right. I know you already know, but I'm going to say it anyway. Please be careful down there. Watch each others backs as well as out allies' backs. We might be small in number, but you all have proven the strong determination to face anything and overcome it. Now, all I have to say is good luck and stay safe."
The members of Hestia Familia, besides Eina, cheered then began to march out of the Hearth Manor.
Hestia stood there with Eina watching as they left. Hestia sighed, "Well. They're gone."
Eina nodded, Hestia could see how her fist was lightly clenched. "I've done all I can to help... as well. I think they know those floors better than most."
Hestia nodded, "True. I don't know how Bell went through your tutelage unscathed."
Hestia watched Eina blush slightly and turn to face her. "Well he was the only person that had managed the feat. But now all of them as well."
Hestia chuckled despite her darker mood. "You know what. I never updated your status after your last dive. Do you want me to?"
Eina nodded, "It might only be a couple points but I'm sure it'll help."
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Hestia glanced over her falna, watching the excilia trickle into her stats. Eina had been right, only a few points. 'Still seeing her growing is helping to calm my nerves.' Hestia thought as she made the last adjustment.
After Eina dressed herself she handed her the updated sheet.
...
Name: Eina Tulle
Race: Half-Elf
Age: 19
Strength: I24-I40 Dexterity:I29-I42 Agility: I19-I31 Endurance:I14-I39 Magic: I56-I74
Skills:
Alf Aett
-Increases Magic Potency, allows the user to hold a magic spell after casting with a heavy mind penalty. While holding magic, allows for further channeling of mind if holding a spell.
Magic:
Fror Gruidae
-Ice and Light Small area of effect spell.
...
Eina seemed to smile at the update, "More than I had honestly expected." She sighed quietly, "I suppose my progress is lagging behind even for normal adventurers because I'm trying to play it safe. I'm not pushing myself."
Hestia patted Eina on the shoulder, "Eina, I'm just glad that you are making steady progress. As a former guild advisor you should know the importance of that. Besides, I doubt you'll be growing at this rate for long. I expect that your growth will increase as you get more familiar with exploring."
Eina gave her a weak smile, "I suppose you're correct. Do you think I should head into the dungeon or will there be anyone watching over the Familia home?"
Hestia smiled, "Naza is planning on taking up the charge of watching over the home. She... can't enter the dungeon due to a past injury. So, you don't have to worry about it. You can enter if you want to. If not, well do what you want."
Hestia turned to make her exit, as much as she loathed it. There was paperwork that needed to be done, not to mention she has work at Hephaestus's shop today. "Goddess." Hestia turned to see Eina standing with her hand over her heart. "I'll head into the dungeon. I'll still be careful but I'm going to push myself instead of leaving the moment I start to get tired."
Hestia nodded, "Like I said, if that's what you want to do. I'll support you. Do you have potions and everything you'll need?" She had her hands on her hips as she spoke.
Eina scratched her chin. After a moment she spoke, "Yes. I still have two health potions and one mind potion."
Hestia watched as she spoke, 'Did she get that from watching Bell?' She silently thought, but she tossed her thought to the side. "Alright, well I wish you luck. Now I unfortunately have a pile of paperwork to attend to."
Eina stood, gave a quick bow and left the room down a side door. Hestia sighed once she was alone. Then gave a forced smile to no-one. "Right, time to get to work."
X
Riveria was exhausted. Not only had she turned in extremely late, due to some trouble that her Goddess got into at the Hostess. She also had to wake extremely early, she had lessons to prepare for her students.
She had just gotten done eating a light breakfast and was making her way to the Loki Familia Library. "Riveria-chan wait!" A voice called out to her; she couldn't help the involuntary sigh that escaped her lips.
She turned to see her Goddess rushing towards her. "Do you need something? I have lessons to review before noon."
Loki waved a hand up to the side of her head, "Ah don't be like that! I just wanted to apologize for last night."
Riveria narrowed her eyes, "And?" She knew her goddess too well. There was almost always more in a situation like this.
Loki feigned a look of horrible pain and clutched at her heart. "Riveria, you wound me. Why would you suspect I have more to say?"
Riveria sighed, "I have been part of your Familia for far too long to doubt there was more that you wanted." She could feel a headache forming on top of her general exhaustion.
Loki slumped forward, "Well... you are right. I heard from the guards that you brought a half-elf home last night. Was it Eina?"
Riveria clicked her tongue, "Yes it was."
Loki's eyes shifted open a crack, "Oh and how was dear Eina-chan?"
Riveria sighed, "Not great but still very much busy."
Loki twirled around in a circle. "Oh, that's a shame, what was wrong with her?"
Riveria really wanted to avoid talking to her Goddess about this subject. Despite the way Loki acted she was extremely sharp. "Well..." Riveria sighed, 'Well I can't really avoid it.' So, she looked at her goddess. "She is no longer working for the guild, and before you ask yes, she mentioned that she had thought about joining Loki Familia but decided against it."
Loki sighed and leaned her back up against the wall. "Well, I suppose that means that she joined the shrimps Familia?"
Riveria did her best to keep a neutral face. "Why would you think that?"
Loki chuckled lightly, "It's the mostly likely answer. If she even considered joining my Familia, then she was prepared to be an adventurer. With her being an advisor to the shrimp's captain. Well..." She just shrugged.
Riveria wanted to smash her head into the wall but avoided the temptation. 'Right... She was asking Loki about the Soma Familia because her adventurer was working with one. That and Aiz had interacted with her directly and basically confirmed it.'
Loki tilted her head, "What's wrong Riveria-chan. Cats got your tongue?"
Riveria sighed. 'There's little point in hiding it.' She spoke as she rubbed her temples. "Yes. Goddess Loki, she joined Hestia Familia. Now do you mind; I have lessons to prepare and review?"
Loki chuckled and waved her hand in front of her face. "Alright, I got all the information I needed. Don't have too much fun."
With that she twirled around and left Riveria in silence. 'Was that supposed to be a warning or a blessing?' Riveria sighed. 'Only time will tell.' So, she continued on the path she had already been following and worked her way towards the library.
X
Eina shifted violently as a Dungeon Lizard fell from the ceiling, in the same motion she thrusted her thin short sword outward a pieced another in one eye. It didn't kill it but still it stunned it enough to throw off its attack. She danced to the left cutting diagonally cleaving off the front left leg of the one that tried to drop on her.
Still, she didn't stop moving, jumping the full distance of the narrow hall she cut the leg off the blinded one and ran back two dozen steps. "May the glacial freeze, by my word and blood, destroy my enemies."
She chanted as fast as she could without stumbling over her words, still it was a bit slow. The one that had dropped on her was quickly hobbling and jumping with its three remaining legs. The one with the single blinded eye was trying to climb onto the wall and failing due to not have a front leg.
Still, she continued, doing her best to ignore the worry. "Thus, bringing peace to the lost ancestral forest once more." The lizard closed the distance and reached out it's with its beak like face and bit into her right thigh.
Eina groaned as pain flared through her body. She could feel her magic beginning to unwind. With pure effort she forced her voice to finish. "Fror Gruidae" Like a lance of blue ice it shot outwards from the wand she held in her left hand. The frozen crane swooped around and collided with the lizard that had bitten Eina in the back between its hind legs. The magic exploded out sending several spikes of ice into the monster rendering its hind legs useless.
It cried out in surprise and pain, taking the opening Eina's sword shot forward and removed its head. The body collapsed into a heap on the ground. Hastily she glanced around seeing the other lizard trying to flee.
She tried to leap out to finish it, but the moment she put her weight on her leg the damaged muscles failed sending her to fall over the slain lizard. "No, you don't." She cursed, "May the glacial freeze, by my word and blood, destroy my enemies." The lizard had started to round a corner, so she focused her mental resources and forced the spell out. "Thus, bringing peace to the lost ancestral forest once more. Fror Gruidae." She shouted holding out her want, the crane formed and shot towards the lizard.
She was too late; the lizard had just rounded the corner with only the tip of its snake-like tail showing. When moment was right, she shifted her wand, and the crane flew through the dungeon and curved around the wall hitting something that was out of sight.
A cry from the lizard echoed back towards her, as the sound of snapping ice and something heavy hitting the floor followed. She sighed, "Right... I need to get faster." She winced trying to stand, a wave of dizziness washed over her. 'Over usage of my mind.' So, Eina pulled two vials out from a hip pouch, one blue and one red.
Drinking the red one first, helped to repair the muscle that had been damaged. It took a few painful seconds as it felt like her skin and muscle was crawling as it stitched back together. Second, she drank the blue mind potion. Its effect was immediate as relief of the dizziness washed over her.
She looked at the dead lizard in front of her, sighed and cautiously walked down the hall towards where her magic had landed. What she saw disgusted her, the lizard was still squirming as ice punctured the spine between the front two legs. 'It's paralyzed...' Without any hesitation she pulled her sword and removed its head. Killing it.
She groaned as she pulled out a small knife and dug into the monster. 'Luckily, how to retrieve magic stones was one of the lessons I heavily drilled into Bell.' It only took a few seconds until the body turned to ash.
A minute later the other lizard turned to ash, she looked at the blood on her hands and she felt sick. 'Maybe I really am not cut out to be an adventurer.' She thought, then shook her head violently. "It's too late for that. You made your choice." She berated herself.
She stopped as she was retracing her steps, having used two of her three potions she didn't want to risk staying much longer. She had already ignored her own demands of Bell when it came to stats for the floors. She was on floor five, but something felt off. There was no sound, no distant scuttling of monster claws that she had grown accustomed to over the last few hours.
She focused her keen half-elven ears. There was a slight rumble that echoed in the distance. 'An irregular? But on floor 5 really?'
The sound of walls cracking distracted her, 'The dungeon is taking advantage of how I wasn't focused.' She ran, four dozen steps then turned, holding out her wand. "May the glacial freeze, by my word and blood,"
Preemptively she began casting her spell. She focused on the sound, and five more lizards started to crawl out of the walls. She gulped but continued her chant. "Destroy me enemies. Thus, bringing peace to the lost" The first lizard noticed her building for a spell and dashed at her. Her eyes widened, 'Shit, it's faster than the others.' She also noticed it was a different color; this one was red while the others before had been a teal blue in coloration. "Ancestral forest once more." She spat out forcing more mind to the spell. It was only a dozen paces from her, and she could feel a sweltering heat radiating off of the lizard.
She glanced towards the cracks and saw the other four were the normal coloration. "Fror Gruidae" She finished her spell, spending the majority of her mind into the one spell caused her head to throb painfully. Another crane of ice flew outwards, this time it was massive, almost the same as her. Normally they were the size of her breastplate max.
The crimson dungeon lizard leaped onto the wall causing the crane to soar past it. She twisted her hand awkwardly causing the crane to flip around missing the cavern wall by less than an inch. It flew back and the crimson lizard seemed to sense the danger as it flicked its tail causing it to connect with the tip of the tail.
The crane exploded on contact; shards of ice flew in every direction. Only half managed to connect with the target, with most of those connecting with the tail shredding it. Four shards landed in the left hind leg and another five pelted its back. A second after impacting, the shards began to melt leaving the numerous holes in its hide. "Shit" she shouted very un-elven like.
She readied her stance; it was a simple one that Mikoto had managed to teach her the basics of. She held the sword out straight and turned her body to give the lizard a smaller target. The lizard lashed out its front right paw where instead of sucker disks, there were several sharp spines. 'It looks like a tiny infant dragon.'
She dodged, taking a step forward towards the right, getting in close. She slashed downwards with as much force as she could muster. It managed to cut several inches into its hide as a splash of blood fell onto her feet. Pain was her first thought, as the blood burned through her boots burning the skin underneath. On instinct she stabbed and connected with its right eye.
The monster screamed and jumped back over the four lizards that had begun to charge.
Leaving no choice for her she got moving despite the pain in her foot. She rounded a ninety-degree corner in the opposite direction and pulled out the last vial she had. In a single motion she uncapped it and downed it in a single gulp. She readied her blade and noticed the edge was glowing red, with a grimace she shifted to the other edge of the blade. She was sweating heavily, but she focused as the first lizard's head peaked around the corner, she chopped with all her might, severing the head in a single swing.
She remembered Welf's warning not to do that as it will rapidly deteriorate the blade if you hit anything sturdy but at the moment she didn't care. She waited and another came, dropping from the ceiling behind her. On the sound of the impact, she swung and sliced deeply into its neck connecting with the dungeon wall. She noticed a small sliver of her blade fly through the air.
A third round the corner, so she leaped over the half dead body of the one behind her and raised her wand. Her head throbbed painfully so she placed the wand back into a holster on her left leg for it. She pulled out the small knife she used to retrieve stones and threw it at the approaching lizard hoping to distract it. The last normal lizard round the bend attached to the wall.
She grimaced and jumped to her right and in the same motion swung her damaged blade. It bit in with the chipped portion causing blood to shoot out covering her right arm in the warm liquid. She wanted to vomit at the unexpected sensation, but she managed to avoid what would be a tragic end to her life. The chip widened into a crack, so she turned to the original edge knowing the blade would probably only be good for a few more hits. 'Sorry Welf.' She thought, jabbing and piercing the skull of the one still attached to the wall. 'Only one more regular and the irregular.'
The one attached to the wall fell and landed onto the last regular one pinning it for a few vital moments. She stabbed with the tip that was now missing the point, it pierced the eye and dug deep into its brain.
She heard a crack run through the center of the blade. She took note of its condition as the irregular began to round the bend. 'Chipped edge, a broken tip, a crack running down the center and a warping from the heat.' Honestly, she was surprised that it was still connected to the hilt. Eina focused on the crimson lizard; her eyes widened as its jaw opened wide as a crimson flame began to build. Not even having enough time to curse her luck she dove diagonally towards the lizard as a cone of flame erupted from its mouth.
The heat was intense causing small burns over the exposed portions of skin. Still, she avoided the worst of it. Using the blindness from the fire she stabbed into its lower jaw from below piercing through the soft tissue causing the burning blood to run down the length of the blade it started to coat her right hand, burning her. But she held onto the hilt and pulled it out before turning it and stabbing it into the head of the monster.
The weapon shattered as it pierced its skull sending several shards into the brain of the monster, Eina breathed a heavy sigh as it fell to the ground. But she didn't have time to rest, she focused on cleaning off her hand. She took the near empty water skin she had and poured it over the blood that covered her hand. It took a painful second, but relief flashed through the damaged limb.
Second, she picked up the small knife and got to work, she was extremely careful with the irregular. But with it dead all the heat had seeped away, leaving it just as cold as the other dungeon lizards. With all the stones collected she made a hasty retreat back to the surface.
.
.
.
Eina sighed in relief as she finished using the adventurers' showers, she had several burns but nothing that need to be treated immediately. So, she with the greatest of hesitation traded the stones in glad that no one that she worked with regularly seemed to be working.
After receiving a hefty pouch, and a strange look due to the irregular stone, she started to return to her new home. 'I should stop by Miach Familia home and see if I can get a potion or something for these burns.' So, she changed directions. She had only been walking for a few minutes when she heard a voice call out to her. "Eina!"
X
Riveria was exhausted as it had been a very long day. First dealing with her goddess then she was moving into new material for several of her students, this didn't go well, and she covered only a fraction of what she had planned for the day. "I need a break." She whispered after the last magic user left the library.
Deep down she was glad that Aiz, Lefiya and the twins weren't around. She just didn't have the energy both physically and mentally to deal with them at the moment. "I need a break." She muttered again. So instead of preparing any more material as she still had so much prepared already, she decided to leave the Familia home and take a walk.
.
.
.
Hours passed as she walked with no destination in mind. She took what felt like hundreds of alleys as she traveled. She could never get lost with the Tower almost always visible to guide her back if she wanted.
She sighed, enjoying the nothingness that surrounded her. Sure, she would've preferred a silent Forest at the moment, but she would take what she could get. Glancing around there were thousands of people, 'I'm surprised there are so many out.' She glanced towards the sun and realized that it was around five in the afternoon.
She sighed this time in defeat, 'I should head back.' She turned to leave, ignoring all the attention her presence brought.
Out of the corner of her eye she saw a figure walking, well limping would be a better phrase. 'Eina?' She thought, then she caught the short chestnut brown hair with a flash of emerald eyes. Her short half-elf ears poked from between the strands of hair.
Then she noticed how tired she looked like she was in a state of near mind down. So, she approached quietly, 'She shouldn't be walking around if she is so exhausted.'
Before she called out, she noticed a few more details of her condition. An empty hilt, several small holes in her clothing, the red streaks running down her hand. 'Burns?' She thought.
The reason why she was called mama took over. "Eina!" Her voice came out a bit more forceful than she had wanted, and it scared Eina judging by how she jumped.
Eina's head snapped towards Riveria, a look of confusion on her face. "Eina!" Riveria grabbed her left arm and began dragging her onto an alley.
After a few moments the half-elf spoke up. "La... Riveria... What's wrong?"
Riveria stopped in her tracks. "What's the problem? Look at your condition. You said you started about two weeks ago. Those burns, what were you fighting? A Hellhound?!" Riveria didn't notice that she was starting to raise her voice. But she stopped when Eina took a step back and held her hands up between them.
It took a moment, but Riveria calmed herself. "Sorry, here let me heal you at least."
Eina sighed, "It's alright. You just started me, getting yelled at by a high-level adventurer..." Riveria could see a newfound sheen of sweat on Eina's forehead.
Riveria focused, closing her eyes and starting chanting. It was a lengthy chant, "Van Alheim."
She used far more mind than she knew the minor injuries would need, but even then, it was a sliver of what was at her disposal.
Eina let out a breath of relief. "Thank you, it wasn't necessary, but I appreciate it."
Riveria opened her eyes, and for a second, she swore she saw a sliver of an emerald tint to Eina's hair. She shook her head to clear her thoughts. "It's alright, can you explain what happened?"
Eina's shortened ears twitched slightly, "Sure..." she paused, and after a second starting speaking. "So, I was exploring on floor five. Sure, my stats might have been a tiny bit low for that floor, but I had gear equivalent to a high level 1. After a period of time, the dungeon seemed... tired of my presence and summoned several dungeon lizards, but there was irregular amongst them."
.
.
.
It only took a minute for the novice adventurer to explain her circumstances, including how she was on her way to Miach Familia who was an ally of Hestia Familia.
Riveria wanted to sigh but resisted the urge realizing that she has been doing it far too often nowadays. So instead, she placed a hand on top of Eina's head. "Eina, I'm proud of you." She could feel a rare smile growing on her face.
Eina smiled as well. "Well." Riveria spoke again. "Let's get you replacement potions and back home. I have a feeling your stats are going to increase sharply."
Eina nodded with Riveria's hand still on her head. "Alright."
Review Responses:
Tatonix: Hey, glad you enjoyed it. Incredible is a strong word, but still glad you enjoyed it.
Blazeburn006: I Think the idea of someone who is cold to most is often cuddling those they are close to. But yes, Bell not wanting to wake her was an idea I debated for a little bit but decided that is more likely what his character would do. Haruhime deserves to be on everyone's mind. Astraea... I find her difficult to write at times, but I'm mostly trying to write her as a mother trying to push them together. I mean, one thing that is nice when Bell strikes the ground and Ryu didn't even flinch because she just trusts Bell that much. Ryu is too modest to hold back normally so a small lie to force herself to proceed feels right. As for Freya... I have ideas. I think it will probably start similar but more then that I won't say.
pix25: IT DID HAPPEN!