Chapter 96: The Sands: Part 2: Back to Square One
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It's been at least two days since she arrived at Almyra. The first day was spent being shown around Inami's castle while also being introduced to the staff. Some people were kind, while some of the servants were wary of her, or straight up did not talk to her. She understood why. The bad blood between Fodlan and Almyra was there. Still, she took some of her time. But one thing was for sure, she had earned their respect for speaking their language.
"If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart."
An old quote from her world would ring in her mind. Even if some did not talk to her, she could see they were happy that someone from Fodlan could understand and speak their language. Theresa was also surprised to learn that Balthus also knew how to speak Almyran. The man had told her before that Kupala and Almyra had a close relationship and were on friendly terms. While his home may be isolated, only a few people like the Clans and Almyra they trusted to trade with. Balthus would at times help his mother and the village elder with trade.
It made sense why he was getting along with the people here. Now, on her way to the marketplace, she finally got to meet Mini Anna.
"Nice to meet you! I'm Anna! But my full name is Anastasia Aries Ernest! I have no Crest but that does not stop me! So you don't get confused with my name, just call me Anastasia!" Anastasia grinned playfully as she walked beside Theresa, "I heard a lot about you from sister."
"I didn't know Anna had a baby sister. I knew she had others but not a little one." Theresa said as Anastasia chuckled nervously.
"Mama wanted to protect me since I'm the baby of the family. So my existence was mostly kept secret from others." Anastasia said with a small pout and Theresa gently patted her head.
"Was your childhood difficult?" She asked and Anastasia shook her head.
"Nope! We were always on the move! Traveling to different worlds, meeting new people, and all that jazz. I met this one Lady who looked like a cold woman but she was nice! In Ylisse she's called The Crimson Witch!" The girl grinned excitedly, "By the way, where are we going?"
"I'm going to get a haircut." Theresa said, "I spoke to Inami and she said my hair could be sold for a pretty good price in the market for people that make wigs. Figured I sell it then throw it away." She said as they walked out of an alleyway and finally into the marketplace.
The marketplace always brought her a sense of nostalgia when she would walk through it. Men and women go on their daily lives buying nest cities and deals. The fish market wasn't so far so she could smell some salt in the air. There were many merchants and stalls with fresh produce and products. But Theresa made her way to the tent that had wigs displayed for sale.
"(Hello?)" Theresa called out and a woman popped out her head from behind a mountain of rolls of fabrics.
"(Hello! Are you here to buy fabrics?)" the woman said to the side, Theresa spotted a man working on a wig.
"(No. I'm here to sell my hair.)" Theresa said and the man that was working on the wig quickly looked up from his work.
The man stood up and looked her up and down as Anastasia was looking at the fabrics.
"(How much do you want to sell?)" the man said and Theresa smiled as she started to undo her braid and the man and his wife's jaw dropped.
The man was just too stunned at the amount of lushness, silky, healthy, beautiful, and foreign hair. The wife? The woman quickly ran out of the tent and a few seconds later, some men and women ran into the tent, surrounding poor Theresa. The comments kept switching back and forth between praising her hair as well as they were just stunned by how long it was. They asked permission to touch it, which she was grateful for and she let them. Because of how long it was, Theresa was planning to cut it up to her shoulders so it wouldn't get so much in her face. Her hair always grew fast since she already knew it was going to be the mid-waist length for the promised reunion.
"I'll give you five gold!" One man said and a woman quickly pushed him away, "I'll give you double!" And this is why she only wanted to do one seller.
The people started to argue with each other about who she should sell her hair to. Theresa sighed, because this happened a few times in the past in her old life, except it was when she was working in a jewelry shop. Theresa didn't want to leave the people unhappy so she decided to grab her dagger and cut it up to her shoulder herself. Gasps were heard and she held her hair as she spoke with a grin.
"I will sell to you all equally."
[—-]
Theresa couldn't help but hum in delight as she walked out of the tent with a sack of gold coins and Anastasia beaming in joy because of the fabrics that floated behind her. As for the people in the tent that left, they all had satisfied and happy faces along with the people she spoke to originally. Almyra shared the same currency system as Fodlan and the other nations, which she appreciated. During her time working with the police, she learned some things in the Black Market, which were very helpful throughout her life.
"You made a pretty good amount. Do you have experience in The Black Market?" Anastasia said which made Theresa raise an eyebrow, "Uncle Florencio would talk to mom about a lot of things and sometimes he would brag about his findings in the black market! All my sisters and I were always excited to hear his stories! Mom would smack him." She said which surprised the older woman.
It felt nice hearing about Florencio. She missed the man more than anything, she saw him, Jeralt, and Rensen as father figures. Now that she thought about it, the men of the company had always been father figures to her. She smiled sadly as the two walked through the town, buying food, supplies, and thanks to somewhat switching her method of casting basic spells, Theresa was able to access her magic closet again.
Only for small things...unfortunately.
Things like money, charms, some knives, and such, she could get. But to get bigger things like clothing, books, and such, she would have to cast the spell on a much larger scale, which her body was not prepared for. Speaking of clothing, she needed to get new ones. Ones that were for that would be easy to move around with but also help her keep cool. Summer in Almyra reminded her of California, which was a complete nightmare. She would have passed out a long time ago had it not been for the ice stones in her pockets.
"And I look like a tomato." Theresa whimpered at how red her skin and became, "At least I'll get a tan that I desperately need." She thought because she already had so many of the older women vendors she looked so skinny.
"Take this! You need more food! You are so skinny!"
"Oh! Stay in the sun! You are so pale!"
After buying so much, they finally arrived at the old blacksmith shop Inami told her would be hers. The blacksmith shop was a bit away from the marketplace and more towards the forest area of the county. Which, she honestly was happy for. Inami gave her the keys to the place and made her way there. The shop was built with an open area. The old forge was covered in dust as well as the shelves. Despite being closed for many years, the place looked decent. She spotted a wooden slab door that could be opened and pulled up, allowing light to come in. She went to open it and she could see the place better.
"Cough! Cough!" Anastasia coughed, "So mu—Eeeyyyee!" The girl screeched and Theresa turned to see her on top of the chair, "W-What are those things?!" She said and the woman's looked down to see thousands of little black balls with cute eyes.
"It's alright." Theresa said as she walked up and knelt, "They are soot spirits. Blacksmith shops are mainly their homes. In my father's old place, there were many." She said as the little ones all squeaked at her, "Hey little ones. I'm Theresa, the new master of this place. I'm just cleaning the place up. Sorry if we disturbed you." She said.
She reached into her pocket and pulled out a small jar of glass filled with colorful clumps of sugar candy.
"Here. These are for you all." She said and they began jumping excitedly as she poured some on the floor for them.
The way they all chirped excitedly and went to grab some from the pile made her happy. In Rensen's workshop, he had an area for them. They would help him on his job and in return, he would take care of them. As a child, she was put in charge of feeding them. Anastasia carefully crawled down and quickly hid behind her as she stood up.
"Now that I have a better look at them, they are kind of cute," Anastasia said as Theresa went to the table where she had set down their bags.
"Well, they were shocked to see someone come to the shop after ten years." Theresa said as she began to tie up her hair into a bun and then put on a head cover, "Now, come on." She turned to her with a rag, "Time to clean up this place."
"Awww! Do I have to?!" Anastasia whined.
"A good merchant must keep their place clean to keep track of their merchandise." Theresa winked and Anastasia grumbled but grabbed the rag.
They started cleaning the place little by little, and because of the sweets, the soot spirits began to organize the coal and clean the forge, which Anna cleaned area with the mouse hole that lead to their homes. From outside, people that were passing by were puzzled to see the shop open. Even more so seeing two girls cleaning the place. Theresa would greet them and answer any questions they would ask.
Cleaning the place took all day but by the end, the forge was back on, up in fire. The place was spotless. The old tools she found were cleaned and organized as well as the other side of the workshop which was a three-bedroom living space with a bathroom and kitchen, place with a storage and extra room. They also cleaned them and Theresa made sure that the pipes ran to get rid of the dust and grime in them. She let them run till the water was clean. Seeing how there was plumbing, Inami told her the man that used to own the shop was a wealthy blacksmith and had no children. Thus, leaving the shop alone for many years.
"I don't want to live in the castle. Just...I at least want to have my own space, if that is alright with you?"
"Alright. But I expect you to make it on time when for your lessons."
"I'm so tired..." Anastasia whined as Theresa went on to close the shop, the girl was slumped on a chair, "I'm hungry..."
"Thankfully the kitchen is in good shape, so I can make us a quick meal. The bath is already if you want to take one." Theresa said as Anastasia perked up, and some of the spirits jumped off her.
"Really?! Don't mind if I do!" The girl said and ran into the house and up the stairs, "Be careful! I'm not about to get in trouble with your sister!" Theresa yelled up.
"Okay!" Anna yelled back and Theresa chuckled as she went on to light a fire at the stove.
"Wait...fire." Theresa paused, "Maybe..." she gulped as she went back to the workshop and stared at the forge, she held her hand close to the fire, taking deep breaths as she called out the name "Firo."
Small flames began flickering in the forge but what threw her off was that the flames became blue, making her quickly back. They flickered and formed a small figure humanoid figure till finally, a cry was heard.
"Alexxxxxx!" And Firo jumped out of the fire and into her hands, hugging it tightly and crying, "WWHHHAAAA! MASTER, I MISSED YOU SO MUCH! I KNEW YOU WEREN'T DEAD!" The little fire spirit cried.
A normal human would have been burned by his touch but because of her new body, Alexandra was surprised to see that she wasn't burning. The blue skin of her hands was protecting her.
When she was in the marketplace, people asked about her hands. She replied that it was body paint she had recently bought and tried out. Some henna artists praised her and said it looked lovely. If only they knew the truth.
"Hey, it's alright." Theresa spoke gently, "I'm back from the dead. That's all that's matter." She said as she wiped their tears, "But please do not tell anyone of your world that I have returned. Some of the people of Fodlan can see and hear you guys. If one heard that I am alive, it could pose a great risk." She said and Firo nodded.
"Okay." Firo said and floated around, "Wooooowww! Is this your new workshop? I can sense this place was greatly taken care of." He said and greeted the soot spirits.
"Firo, is there any news on Falco?" She asked and the spirit nodded, "Is he okay?"
"Let's just say...he'll always be with you." He said and that answer puzzled her.
"Hey, Tere! I'm done! The bath is ready for you!" Anastasia called out from the kitchen.
"I'll be there in a bit!" Theresa called out and turned back to Firo, "Make yourself comfortable. We'll be living here in Almyra for a few years." She said and left.
After taking a nice warm bath, and making dinner, it was time to rest. Anastasia was staying with her because she had business to do with Inami. Balthus on the other hand was exploring the city and she was pretty damn sure the man was probably drinking and gambling. Thankfully the gambling part was going to be less because of the leash the princess had on the man. They lay on the bed, and Anna was on the one next to her, fast asleep. The place was pretty empty but soon, she hopped to make the place feel like home.
"Home..." she whispered, "I hope you guys are okay..." Theresa closed her eyes and fell into a deep sleep.
— Dream -
"Say?" Cirina said to Roman as they lay in a field of grass, "After the war is over, what do you think about having a family?"
Theresa wanted to choke or just look away. The dream or vision she was in she knew was a fragment because of the power she inherited. Still, seeing Cirina look so...normal felt strange. But Roman Reigan's face was blurred for some reason. Still, the man sat up from where he lay and looked at his wife, shocked. But he then smiled softly.
"Do want a son or daughter? Or both?" Roman said and Cirina burst out laughing and then turned to face him, laying on her stomach as she propped herself up and grinned.
"I don't mind either. As long as the baby is healthy, I am happy. I think the baby would look like you. He'll have your bushy hair and my eyes." Cirina said as Roman chuckled.
"I would like to see a little you running around to spoil them rotten," Roman said and Cirina smiled softly.
"After the war, what do you think about building a home near the sea?" Cirina said, "A nice view...close to the place you were born. And, the land is fertile, perfect to make into a land of our own." She said as Roman thought for a moment.
"Okay, but what do you think about building a county instead?" Roman said and Cirina sat up, "Think about it! A land we call our own. A place where not just us but friends and family can live as well. A place where everyone, no matter their race, religion, or where they come from, is welcomed. A place where even your people, non-humans, can live beside us peacefully." Roman explained and Cirina was stunned.
"...Roman that..." Cirina didn't know what to say but, she smiled, "It's a beautiful dream. It truly is. And..." she leaned in closer and pecked him on the cheeks, "I will help you achieve it."
"No. We will achieve it." Roman said grinning.
- End of Dream -
Theresa opened her eyes and just stared at the ceiling of her new home. The dream was filled with hope, joy, and love. A variety of positive emotions made her heart sweep with warmth. But there was also a tinge of sadness. Theresa sat up and grabbed her purse. The first thing she did when she went shopping other than selling her hair was buy journals. She looked out and knew it was pretty early in the morning. The sun had not risen yet. Anastasia was knocked out as a rock, so it was the perfect opportunity for the woman. She got up, not a sound from her steps as she made her way to the workshop, turned on a lamp, then hung it.
"Better feed them." She whispered and got some apples and pears from the fruit bowl, Cirina them up into small pieces before putting them on the plate.
"Psst! Psst!" She said and did a light knock on the wall where the mouse holes were and placed the plate there, "Morning everyone. Here's your breakfast." And the soots spirits all came out, groggy but their eyes lit up at the sight of food.
Their chirps and squeals made her day as she lit up a match and threw it in the forge. Firo was asleep in the other forge that was already lit up. She went to her desk and sat down.
"Sigh...it's going to be a long morning," Theresa muttered as she opened to the first page and began writing.
"The number one thing I prioritized when I arrived at this word was to record my memories," Arisa said to Alexandra.
"Record?" Alexandra said confused as Chris nodded.
"We wrote everything we remembered of our past life in journals." Chris said, "After I regained my memories, I traveled for a bit with Arisa. During that time I bought journals to write down everything I remember of my past life." He said as Arisa nodded.
"I filled up a total of seven." Arisa said, "And me a total of 10." Chris said as the forest-haired woman looked at him shocked but at the same time it made sense because Chris died of old age.
"I have not been recording my memories...I feel like an idiot." Alexandra sighed, "It's just...they feel like they are there but it's like when I am about to remember something it goes away. My mind feels foggy at times." She explained as her two friends smiled bitterly.
"It is like that sometimes."
The hours passed by and she didn't even notice. But by the time Anastasia woke up, it was already an hour before midday. Theresa let out a long sigh as she put her pen down and stretched her arms up. She looked at the stack of journals on her right.
"Fourteen." She muttered and looked at the one she left open and then closed, "Fifteen in total." She whispered as she stood up, "Hours went by quickly...and my habit of not eating for a long time has come back." She sighed and picked up her journals, opened a small portal to her magic closet, and threw them in.
She heard footsteps come into the workshop and saw it was Anastasia yawning, her hair was frizzy.
"Morning...Yawn..." Anna yawned as Theresa gently ruffled her hair and walked past her.
"I'm heading back to Inami's castle for training. What will you do?" Theresa said as Anna blinked a bit.
"Hmmm..." Anna thought for a moment before her eyes lit up, "I want to go see Alisf and Bial again!"
"Alright. Now go get dressed."
"Yes, Ma'am!"
[—-]
Theresa made it a habit to greet people when she would wake up to go on a morning jog in her old life. The town she lived in in her past life was peaceful and the people there were kids, despite being part of the hood. Her childhood in her past life was not good. An abusive father, a relative that tried to sexually assault her but thankfully even if her father was a shitty man, he protected her from that relative. Beat them to a pulp, and then used his connections to send them to prison. There were some good moments in those childhood days. The area she lived in was high in crime and gang activity, she had become friends with many of the young gang members there along with the children.
They taught her how to fight. They taught her how to steal. They taught her how to pick locks and break in. They taught her how to hide things and how to hide should danger come. Even so...they never let her get involved in territory fights or other things they would do.
"You're still a kid." Those were their words to her.
And every time there was a gang fight about to happen or a drug deal, they would warn her and tell her to leave for her safety.
"Sigh." Theresa let out a small sigh as she greeted some of the elderly that sat in front of their houses talking and drinking, "Reminds me of my old life." She smiled bitterly as she stopped and looked up to the sky.
Light blue, white clouds, and birds flying freely...In different worlds, and different nations, the skies all look the same. But the air...the air in Fodlan, in the forest...it felt calming but there were times when they traveled the air felt heavy. The air in her old world...felt suffocated, but in the woods, it was clean. And in Almyra...it felt nice.
"Warm..." she whispered and continued to walk with Anna on the rear of the way there.
[—-]
The first thing in her sight was...Balthus doing push-ups with Inami sitting on his back. Theresa was stunned as Inami's children cheered Balthus on and then Anastasia joined them. Inami fanned herself.
"1-150!" Balthus grunted as the princess smiled lazily, "1-151!" Theresa realized the princess was torturing him.
"You can do more. Remember, you need to push your endurance. The Crest of Chevalier heals but also gives you the ability to control snow. You specialize in ice magic, don't you?" She said and Balthus stiffened for a bit, "Aaaannnddd, down!"
She smacked him on the shoulder with her fan "Gah!" And down he fell and she got off him.
"Simple distractions like that will get you killed. Fodlan's military training I see a bit weak. But the training of those professors of yours, Miss Eisner and Sir Christian are very similar to ours." Inami said Balthus just groaned, "Then again, they were surrounded by a variety of people growing up. From the east, south, north, and west."
She looked up and spotted Theresa, "Just on time!" The princess said and strolled over to her, "I'm going to let you know right now I'm going to put you and Balthus through the military training our soldiers do. It is far more intense and difficult than those of Fodlan." She said as Theresa nodded, "You're not asking me why I am doing this?"
"I'm assuming the reason you are putting us through our training is to improve our magic but also physical endurance. Not only that, because you want our bodies to remove the limiters it has on itself when it comes to casting magic." Theresa answered and the princess grinned.
"Correct. You catch on quickly." Inami said and both looked at Balthus, "Endured pretty well. We have till the beginning of the Ethereal moon. I want you both to be ready for them." She said.
"Wait, the Ethereal moon? What do you have planned?" Theresa said as Inami strolled over to the weapon racks as Balthus stooped and then threw a wooden axe at her.
Theresa caught it and narrowed her eyes.
"You know how to use a bow, lance, and sword. Even sword. But..." Inami grabbed the biggest heaviest wooden axe, and spun it like it was a baton, "you avoid certain weapons. Not today. You're going to learn to wield that axe. From now on," she lifted it and pointed, "you're both soldiers of Almyra."
The two gulped as beads of sweat ran down their cheeks, and the princess just smirked.
"Almyra has a harsh environment. The heat, humidity, and desert. And the night in the desert is cold as the north in spring and fall and winter." Inami said as she put the axe down and leaned on it, "Your bodies are weak. You'll collapse easily in this environment. Especially you, Theresa." Theresa let out a heavy sigh.
"I know." Theresa said as she raised her right hand and stared at it with a half-lidded gaze, "My body has to become resistant to the heat." She said and looked up at the woman.
"I will be training you both physically. As for magic," Inami's smile became serious, "Theresa, you will have a personal trainer." Balthus and Theresa blinked.
"Wait, so we aren't training together?" Balthus said and Inami shook her head, "But I thought you would be her magic instructor?!"
"Oh, I still am. My training in magic is more intense. Theresa has been thrown back to the beginner level thanks to her body changes. So, what better way to have train is with someone who knows how to work with beginners in Almyran magic." Inami said, "But that will be tomorrow."
"Now." And she picked up her axe, and swung it, making both soldiers gulp in fear (Theresa felt she was looking at Camilla), "Pick up your weapons. We're starting today."
Theresa was nervous as she held her wooden axe and Balthus got his training gauntlets ready. Both went to stand in opposite directions of each other, around 12 fifteen feet away, Inami at the center. With the aura around the woman, with what little magic she had, she could sense that Inami was a very powerful woman. Stronger than her, stronger than Arisa, Chris, and Amir. If anything, Inami was at the same strength level as Emily, Florencio, Sandana, and Jeralt. Even growing up, the four could NEVER beat those four in a spar. Yes, she managed to survive a good amount of time in sparring sessions but in terms of combat, they still lacked. The matches always ended with their weapons knocked out of their hands, disarmed, knocked onto the ground, or with a blade at their throat.
"I can do this..." Theresa thought as she raised her axe, the weapon feeling odd in her hands.
She made eye contact with Balthus, both nodding and then charged. Inami just stood where she was dodging till Balthus threw a punch to the ground, making her move. But she wasn't even wielding the giant axe. Inami was shocked but their expression turned to an excited grin. She landed and then lunged at the two, grabbing her axe. She used it as a shield and then pushed them back, their feet dragging on the ground creating dust. Once she made them separate her weapon she threw her axe in the air, her hands raised, and suddenly, she was in their faces. They didn't even have time to react when Inami grabbed them and threw them down to the ground.
"GAAAH!" The force of their back hitting the ground knocked the air out of their lungs and forced them to drop their weapons.
There the two just lay, panting and gasping for air as Inami's hands were on their necks. The woman just smiled as she let them go and stood up, dusting her hands.
"Balthus is slow. And Theresa you have lost speed. Your movements were sluggish and slow, thus making it easy to disarm you both." The woman said as the two just groaned, "Alright, 20 laps around the training field! Chop! Chop!" Inami said.
Inami was not lying when she said the training was going to be brutal. The first two weeks of the military were hell. Now having experienced Almyra's way of training their soldiers, Alexandra realized that Sandana was going easy on her and everyone. The Church of Serios military training felt weak compare that what she was doing in Almyra. Inami's form of training strangely reminded her of how Arisa would teach. Strict, and brutal, but still knowing people's limits and not pushing them. But when needed, she would push it. They needed to rebuild her stamina and endurance so training in the hot sun was. The intense training didn't help either because she had her fair share of dizzy spells, vomiting and just wanting to run away for good. But her pride wouldn't let her. Theresa kept pushing herself, even if her body screamed for her to stop.
At the moment, she was doing push-ups. Before she could have easily lasted up to 50 but now, it was a struggle. Inami was going to put them through intense training till they could disarm her. She heard Anastasia cheering her on a bit and Anna not too far cringed at the intense training. The older woman had recently informed her that she had sent a letter to Jeralt and Amir to let them know she was alive. She was grateful for it. Now, she had to worry again about herself. It was going to be a long three months.
- One Month Later: Alliance -
"Hahahah! The man Holst was indeed joyous to meet!" Narder said as Claude looked ready to jump out a window, "Khaild my boy, you did well. Look at you now! You've grown into a fine young man!" He grinned as he raised his mug.
Narder, also known as Nader the Undefeated, gave Claude a hard pat on the back as the two drank and ate in peace in Claude's office, also with sound barriers active to prevent anyone from listening to them.
"While I am glad you and Holst had the time of your lives, I need to know what is happening on the other side." Claude sighed and Narder chuckled but his expression turned serious.
"It seems things have been going well on the other side. Shahid succeeded in the assassination of Irdabama and Jason." Claude's eyes went wide, "Of fourteen children...now only seven remain. You...Inami, Mathama , Shahid, Musa, Reza, and Marjan." Narder sighed heavily.
"Are Musa and Marjan safe?!" Claude asked because the twins, a girl, and a boy, were only 5 old years but were very smart.
"Do not worry. They are. Inami has them living with her. You need to worry about Shahid and Reza. Shahid I can see you winning against but Reza is a different story. That man is...truly tactful. There is a reason he is a Military General." Narder said as Claude shivered.
Now he remembered why Anacharis terrified him so much. His older brother reminded him of her. Reza was the first son of his father. If they go down the line, Claude is number four of the seven males in the family. Inami is first.
There are fourteen children in the royal family. Seven men, and seven women.
The first of the men, Reza. The second is Shahid. The third is Jason. Khalid (Claude) four. Mahatma fifth. Kamran is sixth, and the youngest, Marjan.
The first of the women, Inami. The second was Irdabama. Third was Jasmine. Fourth, was Leila. Fifth, Daria. Sixth, Jaleh. And lastly, Musa.
Of all fourteen children, now only seven remain. Concubines trying to ensure their children rose to the throne or gained the favor of the king. Claude remembered growing up in such hell. Reading the history of Fodlan, made him think of his childhood as Almyra's version of The Concubine Wars. Some of his siblings, like Jason, Jasmine, Shahid, and Jaleh used to get along with him. But as the years went by, they changed. They began to bully him, discriminated, and even attempted to take his life. All because of the things whispered to their ears... It is also why his mother made him drink small doses of poisonous to grow immune to them.
Claude will never forget the pain in his mother's eyes every time she fed him poison. Claude took a deep breath as he thought of Reza. Reza he hardly ever spoke to or even communicated with. The man always kept to himself, rarely speaking to anyone. He was one of the few that did not participate in tormenting him during his childhood. The man had grown, also trained by Narder but unlike Claude, he was a powerful mage and tactician. Claude had firsthand seen his battle prowess and skills when he was a teen. His father had taken him, Shahid, Jason, and Daria to one of the military forts to show them the type of training they would endure.
And it was there, that he and his siblings witnessed how fearful and tactful their elder brother was.
"By the way," Nader said, "I heard some interesting news about your sister." He said and Claude raised an eyebrow, "Inami has an apprentice."
"Let me guess, Scheherazade and Dunyazard." Claude said with an unimpressed look, "Those two have been begging her to teach them her infamous "Bloody Marry" spell." He said and picked up his cup to take a sip.
"No actually." Narder said, "No one knows the identity of this person that is now under her wing. Only that they are a woman." He said and Claude hummed, putting his mug down.
"Sigh...Narder, can I have your opinion on something?" The older man raised an eyebrow but nodded, "Has there ever been a time where you question your values, morals, your...vision of the future?" Claude and Narder looked at him with half-lidded gazes.
"Boy, as you grow, you see things that many others would not. You experience loss, betrayal, joy, happiness, and many other things. But you also see the different ideals and beliefs people have. You start to see the world in different ways. You start to think about how your beliefs and ideals came to be." Narder explained as he picked up his mug and stared at his drink as he swirled the liquid, "There's a saying that if you only think and not listen, you are choosing to remain ignorant." He said as Claude smiled bitterly.
"Thank you...It's just..." Claude sighed, "I've been wondering about some things so far. You know..." he paused for a moment, "Inami once told me to be careful where I tread. If I don't...I'll end up just like Edelgard. The journey through the forest made me realize what Inami was trying to tell me." He said and Narder looked at him surprised.
"What did you see in the forest?" Narder said as Claude thought for a moment.
"Before I answer that, do you know anyone in our family by the name of Vernata?" Claude said and Narder blinked.
"Vernata...Vernata..." Narder muttered as he held his chin, "Hmm...Oh!" His eyes widened, "In one of the royal archives, Vernata is the name of the mother, of one of the founders of our Kingdom. But anything else, I do not know." He said and Claude was shocked.
"From the information I gathered, Vernata was the name of Cirina's general. Not much is known about her other than that she died in the War of Heroes. Hmmm...I think I might ask Rensen."
[—-]
"Vernata?" Rense said as he was busy fixing Seteth's relic, "Vernata was Cirina's General and was known to be a faerie that once watched over this part of the lands before she left for war to defend it." The man said as Claude was shocked hearing this.
"You said that Vernata died in the war. And that her children left with Hades. Where did they leave?" Claude asked and Rensen raised an eyebrow.
"I said people don't know. But the most popular belief is they left for the East. What is known as Almyra today? Hades had a son and daughter. His daughter married Vernata's son, who founded a village. That village grew and soon became a capital. And as all stories grew, that capital grew and became what today is The Kingdom of Almyra. The son of Hades, after his father passed, chose to remain in Almyra to continue the legacy of House Illac, swearing their loyalty to Vernata's son and his sister, to protect their families for generations to come. But that promise has long been broken with the royal family turning on House an Illac. Gone with the wind..." Rensen sighed and went back to his work.
"Then, does that mean that...Sandana was the survivor of House Illac?" He asked and Hilda turned from her work, puzzled by that suddenly.
But suddenly Rensen's hammer halted. The man remained still and put his hammer down.
"Claude von Reigan..." Rensen took deep breaths, "Who told you that?" The archer gulped but he knew there was no point in lying, but...
"I...had my suspicions when Sandana told me about her family in the past. But...I thought she was a descendant of that survivor!" Claude said and Rensen pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Sigh...Yes. She was the survivor. She was...five years old. She escaped and made her way here. Met Florencio, Jeralt, and the rest is history. She was the last survivor of House Illac and...descendent of Hades." Rensen said.
"Wait, isn't she and the royal family distant relatives since, you know, the sister married Vernata's son?" He said and the man chuckled.
"Yes, some of the hades' blood runs through their veins but it is weak. They can wield the relic she does. And since their betrayal, they can't even touch it because it will burn their skin. It's as if one sibling was betrayed by the other. A sad story." Rensen sighed as he continued his work.
"I see..." Claude muttered, "Thank you Rensen." The man nodded.
"Wait, but how could Sanadana have lived for so long?" Hilda said and even Claude raised an eyebrow at the question.
"I'm too old for this..." Rensen sighed and looked at the two, "Those with Major Crest live longer lives. For example, your friend Felix can live up to 200-300 years, if he wanted to." He said as the two looked at him shocked.
"I could live up to 200 years or more as well but I chose not to. I chose to live a normal human life span. Immortality is a blessing and a curse. That's why the majority of us with Major Crest chose to live regular lives." He said and glared at them, "Not a word of this to anyone. I mean it. It's us with Major Crest that Anacharis hunts down. She's a cannibal. She kills and eats us to absorb our power if given the opportunity." He spat and went to work.
"Physically yes, you and I are at the close of the age. But mentally is a different story."
That's what Arisa, Alexandra, and Christian meant…
— One more Month later -
The changes in her body were slow, but she could feel them. Her stamina was increasing, so she was grateful for that. But when it came to magic, Inami had her do basic things like breathing exercises or going back to the very basics of moving droplets of water into the cup. The training was similar to what Sandana would make her do. There was a part of her that wanted to complain but she knew going back to the basics was crucial for her to have full control of her new power.
Results at the moment were what she was looking for and seeing she was able to light a fire without going to shock using Fodlan's method of casting magic, was the biggest relief in her life. Theresa let out a sigh of relief and wiped her brow. She currently wore a sleeveless shirt, homemade goggles on her head, her hair tied in a bun, tick cloth pants, and protection sleeves she made for her arms as she took out a hot piece of metal using tongs. Then grabbed her hammer, and hit it multiple times. In the month, Inami told her to make weapons. Any kind was fine. Daggers, axes, swords, just to do whatever she wanted. So she did. She made several and put them on sale like her uncle would. She also made sure to put her signature on each weapon. Each blacksmith had a unique style when make in a weapon.
Zoltan's had a shine of silver and gold, as well as golden patterns on the sheathed. Rensen would use silver and when the light reflected on the metal, it was a purple hue. Her, while working, she noticed that her weapons had a shine of blue. A soft blue that when reflected in the light would become darker. She wondered if it was an after-effect of using her magic and alchemy to make them. Thankfully using alchemy did not require magic but using basic magic spells with it was a bit troubling at first because of her condition. Once she got the hang of it again, she was able to work properly.
She didn't elaborate anymore but Theresa did it.
"Hey, Miss! How much for the Killer axe?!" A man called out and Alexandra stopped, to see him pointing at her weapon display.
"Seven silver!" The woman yelled out as she wiped her brow, "Or did you need a costume axe?" She yelled out and the man shook his head, putting seven silver coins on the counter, "Alright." She went to her weapon display and opened one of the drawers that had the leather cases she made for the axe. Her leather cases used a winter-inspired pattern with silver and blue, along with a sign saying, Skadi.
"Each blacksmith has their signature and brand. What will yours be?"
"Easy. Skadi." Theresa thought as she picked up the axe and gave it to the man, "Make sure to take care of it. For any repairs, send me a dove or an owl so I can prepare ahead." She said.
"Got it! Thanks, Theresa! Good luck!" The man said and left as the woman nodded.
Lately, sales have been going well. It had been a while since the old blacksmith shop opened and that news spread quickly among the people of the county and soon around the city. She hadn't had a chance to catch a break. Balthus was still being put through military training but at the moment, the man was fast asleep in her living room after a brutal training regiment with Inami.
Theresa let go of a sigh as she put away the silver coins in her magic closet and craned her ears to hear a conversation between two soldiers not too far away from her shop. She already knew of the topic.
"Is it true? That Prince Shahid is raising an army?" She heard them speak and the conversation continued with, "But, what will Prince Reza say?" That was a new name, "His Highness is already in a foul mood. Especially with the monsters attacking our land. Hopefully, things will be alright...
"Monsters are also attacking Almyra?" Theresa whispered and continued to hear, "Well you know with a fight between the royals for the succession on the throne. My bet is on Prince Reza. He's the most suitable." She heard, "Well, him better than Prince Shahid or the half-breed. A pity Princess Inami is not going for the throne. She is a good ruler." And they left.
This was the first she had ever heard of Prince Reza. Shahid, she knew because of three hopes, and Inami because she has met her. But the rest of Claude's half-siblings she has not met. The woman let go of a sigh as she placed her hand on her forehead, looking to the side. Should she ask Inami about her family? Claude never once spoke of his father's side of the family and it was a topic he did everything he could to avoid, even if they had grown together growing up. She opened up to him about her past he hasn't told her anything about his. The only basic knowledge she had was from the games. She could try to dig up information on him but it felt like she would be stabbing him, in the back.
Then again, he did the same to her.
"I'll just ask..."
[—-]
"My family?" Inami raised an eyebrow, "I have two sons." She said Theresa made a face as the woman chuckled, "I'm messing with you. But if you must know," the woman stopped what she was doing and crossed her arms, "there used to be fourteen of us in total. The main royal children. Reza and I were born to the same mother. We are a year apart. The next is Shahid and Matataha. Those two never go along even if they were born from the same mother. Jason, Jasmin, and Leila are triplets. Then we have Khalid, who is a single child. We also have Kamran, and Jehel, born from the same mother. Daria is a single child. Last but not least, the youngest twins, Marjan and Musa, were miracle children born five years ago. Their mother for a long time has dealt with fertility issues but their being born was a blessing to her. They are too young for the throne and Khaild, Reza, Mahatma, and I love those two." Inami said explained and Theresa's jaw dropped.
"So, 14 children in total?" Theresa said as Inami nodded, but her expression became sad, "What happened?"
"Almyra's version of the Concubine Wars." Inami said, and Theresa's eyes went wide, "We as women are filled with rich emotions, we can be kind but we can be cruel beyond anyone's imagination. The young twin's mother refused to participate and did everything she could to survive. Tiana did what she could to protect her son, even going as far as having him take small doses of poisons to help his body become immune to them. It...was painful to watch. Shahid and Mahatma's mother was truly a snake. She tried to kill Tiana only for the plan to backfire and for her second son to betray her. Shahid has since then despised him and has tried to get rid of him and Claude. Jason, Jasmin, Lelia, and Daria, their mothers teamed up together to try to get rid of us. Their children saw themselves above because they were "pure blood" nobles. Shahid the same. Sigh...I used to be like that too till reality gave me a bitch slap. Learned the hard way." Inami chuckled dryly.
"Jason, Jasmin, Leli, and Daria, they are all dead. They all killed each other for the throne. Jason died just recently because Shahid killed him. Now only, me, Reza, the twins, Mata, and Khalid remain. I, the twins, and Mata will not fight for the throne. That fight is now between Reza, Shahid, and Khalid." Inami explained but looked at the woman with an arched eyebrow.
"This is the first you are asking about my family. Did something happen?" She asked and Theresa bit her lip...debating if she should say something or not.
But...
"You said you are a seer, right?" She asked and the princess nodded, "Did you...see anything about me?" Inami's gaze became half-lidded.
"I did. I know your true identity." Inami said as the woman became stiff, "But do not worry. I will not speak of it. The one you need to talk to is Khalid, not me. You and he have a lot to work out. Especially because you both stabbed each other in the back." She said as Theresa looked at her confused.
"Me?" Theresa said and Inami sighed.
"First, he went behind your back and investigated you and your friends. He's most likely also trying to look for information about what an Outworlder is. That is how he has betrayed you. Hiding information and he wants to use you and your friends." Inami said and kept silent about another part, "He wants to manipulate you." Was unsaid.
"Now, how you betrayed him is simple. Like him, you hid information and told lies. Along with there was a time Cirina influenced you. You may love him but you also hold a deep distrust toward him. The betrayal is more psychological than physical. You also wish to leave him because you see yourself as dirty. You are emotionally sabotaging yourself. That is your betrayal." Inami said, not holding back as the red-blue-haired woman looked down at the ground in shame.
As a seer, her job is to guide people. It's to give clues and hope they take it to heart. Seers in Almyra, Sreng, Dadga, Albinea, Hydras, Brigid, and Duscur were respected and even worshipped. Fodlan on the other hand labeled them as heretics, mainly done by the Church of Serios and nobles because they could see through their lies and corruption. Seers still live in Fodlan but the majority of them live in hiding. At least in Abyss, they will live and prosper once again.
Here she is, telling Theresa the truth, something that she needed to hear. Theresa and Alexandra had two identities yet they were the same person, having lived twice. Their first life forced them to grow and become cunning, manipulative, cruel, schemers, and dirty their hands, to survive. In their second and current life, they had to learn how to hide and survive but grew to know love. Now, both of those lives have merged because memories of their past have returned. Theresa and Alexandra are now officially one person.
Now, the current woman in front of her has taken on her identity as Theresa but now her past morals were conflicting with her present morals. Not only that, Theresa's inner child wants to be loved, while her teenage self wants revenge, and now, her adult self just wants to live in peace.
"It's just...it's complicated..." Theresa let out a defeated sigh as she looked to the side with a bitter smile, "Changing the subject," her eyes looked back at her, "there...something I saw that...I want to prevent it in the future." She said as Inami narrowed her eyes.
"Khalid is at risk og going down a dark path ...because of a certain event." She said as Inami arched a brow, "It takes place on the Ethereal Moon."
Claude started going down a dark path when he killed Shahid in Three Hopes.
It was the turning point in his route in Three Hopes. Even though they are in the timeline of Three Houses, because of the events that have happened over the years, there was still that slim possibility of things taking a turn for the worse. Theresa knows she shouldn't interfere with the future. She shouldn't change it. But...that definition was already too late to apply to her. She, Chris, and Arisa have already fucked up so many things but even then...fate and destiny were making their head down a similar yet different path.
"You want to stop that event." Inami said as the woman nodded, "Alright. I'll help you." Theresa was about to let out a sigh of relief, "But," she stopped, "if you want to change the future, you need to pay a price." She walked up to her.
Inami held her chin and tilted her head up so Theresa's eyes would meet hers. Gold eyes stared down at red-blue gradients, turning a milky white. A sign that the powers of a Seer were in play.
"Will you pay the price, Theresa? Your friends have already paid theirs, now it is your turn. Are you willing to pay the price, no matter how painful it is? After all, to change fate, something of equal value must be exchanged." Inami said as Theresa took a deep breath.
"The saying is...my decisions determine the timeline. Then...I will gladly pay the price. I will take responsibility and the burned of my decisions." Theresa said, not breaking eye contact with Inami.
"Alright." Inami smiled, "I think you are ready to meet her now." How she loved the confusion that came on Theresa's face.
"Um...who are you talking about?" Theresa said as Inami let go of her chin and motioned her to follow.
"Just wait and see." Inami winked.
[—#]
"Um, so why am I here?" Balthus said as he followed the two women, "I feel like this is something I shouldn't be involved in."
"Oh, it involves you," Inami said as they walked through an underground tunnel and arrived at a door with a guard, who she greeted.
They opened the door and walked only, only for Balthus's and Theresa's eyes to go wide seeing the place. Music could be heard along with loud cheers, and soon, it all became clear.
"RRAAHHH!" Men cheered loudly from behind wooden fences or the balcony, some held up mugs and pouches of coins.
"Fight! FIGHT! FIGHT!" They cheered as Theresa and Balthus watched from the balcony that in an area of dirt, two fighters, a man and a masked woman, were circling each other before they lunged.
Cheers and roars erupted as the man threw punches, the woman would bend back a few times to dodge them before she raised her fist and threw her punch, managing to get him under the chin.
This caused the man to stagger because he wasn't expecting her punch to have so much force. The masked woman took the opportunity to pounce, used her body to get behind him, and wrapped her thighs around his neck, making them fall on the ground. The man tried to her off, clawing at her but he was losing air and soon, dropped unconscious, his hand going limp. Another wave of cheers erupted from the crowd as the woman got up and raised her fist in victory.
"Welcome to Almyra's fighting pits." Inami grinned as she sat on the edge of the balcony, "This is where I said we would be meeting the person." She grinned and already had a look of disappointment seeing Balthus had run off to join the pit fight on the other side, "Bastard."
"I've heard of this place from the taverns. But this my first time here." Theresa said as the princess chuckled, and motioned her to join her by the rails.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" The announcer yelled as he walked into the ring, "Our champion, Wyvern Slayer, is here! Today is a treat!" They yelled, "Come, anyone! Come to a fight!" He said and several men jumped in along with a few women.
"There's a reason I had you dress like that," Inami said as she looked at the woman.
Theresa was dressed in a plain black sleeves shirt, black pants that were easy to move in, shoes, and red and blue hair tied in a high ponytail. In the short seconds, they weren't paying attention, screams were heard and they saw a pile of men and women on the field, Wyvern Slayer dusting her hands away.
"Ooohhh...defeated!" The announcement yelled, "Anyone else w—-"
"AHHH!"
THUMP!
The room went silent as someone dropped into the pit, and quickly bounced up.
"WHAT THE HELL?!" Theresa roared up the field where Inami cackled, "Why push me off the damn balcony?!"
"Easy! I'm betting four gold on you!" Inami laughed, "I DIDN'T AGREE TO THIS!" Theresa yelled but they just laughed.
Theresa let out a snarl and felt a hand on her shoulder, "WHAT?!" She boomed and saw it was the announcer.
"So, you fighting or not?" He said and the woman looked at him, Inami, oh look, Balthus was now bettering on her.
"Fine!" The woman threw her hand up as she walked into the field.
"Seriously, you pushed her in?" Balthus said as the princess just chuckled, "She's pissed."
"I know."
[—-]
"Ladies and gentlemen! A new challenger has approached!" The announcer yelled, "Fighting Wyvern Slayer will be this lady!" Theresa raised an eyebrow seeing the piles of humans dragged away, "What's your name?"
"...Theresa." Theresa said and the man made a face, "Come on, think of a title!"
Theresa let out a groan but said it anyway, "Blizzard Killer."
"BLIZZARD KILLER WILL BE FACING WYVERN SLAYER!" The announcer yelled and boos were heard, "Now, let's get ready to rumble!" And cheers erupted.
Theresa wanted to punch Inami for pushing them off the rail and into the fight but not that she had a choice now. The men were cheering, drums being played loudly. "FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!" They chanted as she looked at Wyvern Slayer.
"Well, girl. What brings you here? You don't want to be here." Wyvern Slayer said as they began to circle each other, "You can leave if you want." She smiled.
Wyvern Slayer was a woman that was slightly taller than her. Theresa could see she was a fair-skinned woman based on how her arms were exposed and her dirty curly blonde hair tied in a messy bun. She also whore a tank top and pants, showing her muscles and well-built body. There were also a few scars.
"Ah, nice scars." Wyvern Slayer said as the two got in position, fist raised, "Now, tell me your story through this fight!" And she lunged.
The woman's speed completely caught off Theresa as she charged at her. If she had not made her head fall back, Wyvern Slayer's fist would have met her nose. Theresa could feel the woman's aura oozing with some sort of smugness. Again, this time Theresa dodged a punch coming from her left, and took another step back. Her opponent wasn't letting her have a chance to observe her.
"Boooo! Fight already!" The crowd yet as all Theresa was doing was dodging.
Inami was frowning as she watched the fight and Balthus was becoming worried.
"What's the matter, girl?! Afraid to fight back?!" Wyvern Slayer mocked and quickly turned her body, throwing a kick, which Theresa raised her arms to defend herself but the force of the kick...
"GAH!"
Sent her flying towards the stone wall. Cheers erupted but then died down as Theresa barely managed to stop herself from colliding with the wall. Her arms were crossed over her body. Her eyes squinted and gritted her teeth but...
"Ah. How disappointed." Wyvern slayer sighed but then, her eyes went wide when Theresa was suddenly in front of her and threw a punch.
"YEEEAAAHHH!" Now the crowd was cheering as Theresa was the one throwing punches and it grew more with Wyvern Slayer throwing her own.
The masked woman smirked and threw another kick, the movements reminded Theresa of kickboxing.
"Alright, now we're getting somewhere!" Wyvern Slayer laughed as Theresa twisted her body jumped, and aimed for the right side of her head.
"Whoa." Balthus whispered as a bead of sweat, Theresa now stood on her left leg, raised her right, and threw multiple kicks, and then Wyvern Slayer laughed and punched at her with one hand raised, and managed to hit her in the stomach but then Theresa dodge down also hit the woman where she aimed for her, "Those two are not holding back."
"Wyvern Slayer hasn't had an opponent that could take her on in years. So she was very excited." Inami giggled.
"Too excited if you ask me."
Inami and Balthus jumped, quickly turning around to see a man wearing a hood, but the princess recognized the voice.
"F-Fath-!" One cold look made her shut up, "What are you doing here?! I thought you be at the blacksmith shop!" Inami hissed as Balthus raised an eyebrow but the man in the hood chuckled.
"I'm here to pick up my wife. But," the man walked to rails and gave two gold coins to a man that was nearby, "I'm betting two gold coins on my wife."
"Nah! My bets on Theresa!" Balthus laughed, "You be surprised! She's so—-"
WHAM!
Drip...Drip...
Blood dripped from Theresa's nose and her lip busted. Wyvern Slayer managed to sock right in the face. Yet, Theresa was grinning like a maniac as was the masked woman. The last time Theresa was in some sort of fight was for her self-defense class when the newbies thought they could take down the small kids. Ha! The tell smug ones, she took them all down with ease, making sure they become humble. Theresa suddenly stood straight, but one hand behind her back raised the other, and flexed her fingers, taunting Wyvern Slayer.
"My bets on the red-blue!" A lady said and out of nowhere, Anna appeared and was taking bets as the cheering became even louder.
Wyvern Slayer burst out laughing, a feral smirk on her face, as she looked up the rails for a bit.
"Ah...Hassan is here along with Inami. Huh, is that Balthus? My, he was grown." Wyvern Slayer thought and looked back to Theresa, "So then this must be...Alexander's child?"
For a moment, the image of a man with pale blue hair appeared in her vision, with the same feral smirk the gradient-haired woman had, "Father like daughter."
"Alright girl." Wyvern Slayer smiled and got in position.
"Let's dance."
The wind suddenly became deadly.
[—-]
It was safe to say everyone in the fighting pits left beyond satisfied. The fight between Blizzard Killer and Wyvern Slayer had been the best they had seen in a while. But Theresa was fucken exhausted after an entire four fucken hours of physical fighting. So now, Theresa was in the infirmary, with a wet rag on over her head and eyes, letting out a groan as Anna shook her head and used Heal on her.
"I'm in agony..." Of course, her body decided to fuck her over at some point, "I need ice cream..." Anna rolled her eyes but chuckled, "Sigh...this reminds me of when I got into a fight with a friend of mine."
"Oh, care to tell?" Anna said as Theresa smiled softly.
"Sigh...back in my old world, I had a friend named Sophia." Anna twitched, "She was a doctor. Crazy one too. When we first met, we teamed up together to jump a group of punks that were bullying some of the younger kids where we lived. So, we found them and beat them up. Arisa joined at some point. The rest is history." Theresa sighed happily.
"...No...it couldn't be." Anna thought and glanced at her purse for a moment, "What was Sophia like? Oh, what did she look like?" She asked as Theresa thought for a moment.
"Sophia had orange-red hair, like Queen Celica from Valentia. Her eyes were a gradient red-green. And she was a surgeon." Theresa whispered, "She had a cousin named Iris. She had green hair and the same color eyes as Sophia. She was a nurse. We also had a friend named Unique, sigh...She and I went through thick and thin before she died." She smiled fondly.
"Lastly, we had a friend named Edith. Brown hair, and gold eyes, and she had a little brother.
We...we're close back in the old days." She said.
Knock, knock!
Theresa sat up as Anna finished healing her and the door to the infirmary opened. Inami poked her head in, with a grin.
"You made me plenty of money tonight!" Inami said as she walked in with Balthus, who he a smug grin.
"Fuck you." Theresa spat and laid back down as Anna laughed, "You pushed me into the lion's den. But I had fun..." she muttered as Inami smiled.
"I got to admit, I'm impressed by your brawling skills. I've never seen you use them before." Balthus said as Theresa sighed.
"Rarely had to use it. The only times I did was when we fought in Abyss." Theresa said and looked at Inami, "So, satisfied?"
"Very much." Inami said with a smile, "Now go get washed up, we're going to meet the person I told you about. You too, Balthus."
[—-]
Inami took them to Almyra's castle. The beautiful fortress of a castle was built with archers and domes, making it difficult to navigate, which was intended to keep from invading. Theresa was dressed back in her normal clothing, she had yet to get an actual full suit. She currently wore a white long-sleeve shirt, her long black skirt with tights underneath, shorts, and boots, and her hair tied in a bun. Balthus followed behind.
"Are we meeting Wyvern Slayer?" Theresa asked as Inami chuckled as they made a turn to the left and soon arrived at the metal door.
They opened it and in they walked. It was a beautiful greenhouse, seeing so many tropical plants, and strange types of small fae she had never seen before, and most of all, the climate wasn't harsh. Theresa could see a glass roof over the place, built to allow the sun to come in. The more they walked, she spotted a variety of fruit trees and flowers, along with herbs and some tropical birds flying around.
"Oh, who is that..."
Theresa paused and turned to look up at what was an apple tree. There, sitting on its branches were a variety of small little creatures with mushroom heads, and cute eyes, and then there were ones with a small humanoid bodies with butterfly wings or they reminded of d her types of flowers. Some even had feathers or wore clothing made of leaves, scorpion skin, and such.
"Cute..." Theresa said and the creatures let out squeals, realizing she could see them, and quickly hid away, "Umm..." she turned to look at Inami, who laughed.
"Those little ones are known as Pari, they have lived in this land for thousands of years. They have lived here in this land long before the founding of this kingdom. Some still live here because they used to serve Vernanta's daughter. We also have Djinn and Jinn. And—-" Inami gasped seeing the little ones appeared again and pounced on Theresa, causing the woman to screech.
Balthus and Inami were just shocked by the situation. Inami because the Pari always hid at the sight of humans except a selected few.
"The scent of stars! It's all over her!" One little Pari said as it picked up a strand of her hair, "No! The scent of ice and snow is all over here!" Another Pari said and the littles started to argue among each other, "I bet it was the child of moons! His scent is all over her! Even some of his magic!"
"Help..." Theresa whimpered and Balthus just laughed at the woman's situation because he had never seen so many faeries be so excited.
"Alright. Calm down all of you."
Clap, clap!
The Paris let out whines and all flew back to their trees as a female voice spoke. The trio turned and Balthus's jaw dropped. A woman smiled as she walked up to them. She had light tan skin, jade eyes, dirty blonde curly hair that was mid-waist, and she wore a loose yellow blouse with a long skirt with the split on the sides boots and crescent moon earrings.
"The Pari tend to become excited when they sense someone that sees them. Seeing how it's you, no wonder." The blonde-haired woman said with a small smile, "It's nice to finally meet you. My son spoke of you so much." The woman said and before Theresa could say anything.
"Tiana!"
Balthus yelled and ran to the woman, quickly kneeling and taking her hand.
"Tiana, it's been so long!" Balthus said as the woman looked at him shocked, "I'm not going to waste this opportunity so I'm going to say it now!"
"Oh no." Theresa thought, "Is he going to do what I think he is?!" She mentally screeched and frantically looked around to make sure no other man was in the building.
"Tiana in the past, I had a crush on you!" Theresa unleashed a silent scream while the faeries quickly gathered around, "You were the most beautiful girl back in the day! I wish I could have asked you out on a date!" Inami was now unleashing a silent scream because of who came into the greenhouse, "Tiana, I l—-" the man that came in raised his lance but...
WHAM!
Balthus was sent flying into the fountain of the garden.
"Is that a fact? Well, it'd be interesting to see whether my father can kill him before my mother beats him to it."
Claude's words rang in Theresa's head as Tiana huffed as she put her fist down, and huffed. Then stormed over to the fountain, and unleashed on the man as he struggled to get out of the waters. The Pari all gathered around to watch the drama.
"ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR DAMN MIND?! I AM A MARRIED WOMAN!" Tiana roared as the man flinched, "ALL THESE YEARS AND THE FIRST THING YOU DO IS CONFESS TO ME YOUR OLD CRUSH?! BALTHUS, YOU FOOL!" the rest was just a yelling and scolding that everyone watched as a bit of Balthus's soul left his body as the woman was screamed at him.
"Should...we help him?" Theresa said and Inami shook her head, despite her looking worried, "No. it's best to watch."
Tiana paced back and forth and then turned back to Balthus, furious.
"AND THE FACT YOU HAVE BEEN TORMENTING MY SON! I OUGHT TO SEND YOU TO THE PYRAMIDS OF KING Verethragna AND HAVE HIS DJIINS HANG YOU!" Tiana roared and the yelling stopped, gasping for air as she ran her fingers through her hair and looked back to him, "Have you now learned your lesson, Balthus?" The woman said with a sweet smile as the man frantically nodded, "Good. Pull a stunt like this again and my smile with a blade down your throat will be the last thing you ever see." And the man slumped his head in defeat.
"But," Balthus looked up to see Tiana smiling at him like an older sister who just finished scolding her brother, "it's good to see you again. We ought to catch up. Tell me everything that has happened." She said and Balthus had a goofy grin, "I got a lot of tea for you!"
"Ha." Theresa jumped and turned to her right where Inami stood, to see the older woman looking at the man standing on her right with arms crossed, "Looks like I have nothing to worry about. She got him good."
The man in question looked similar to Claude. He had olive tan skin, amber eyes, bushy shoulder-length brown hair with a beard. He was much more built, wore a mustard-colored tunic with a dark green coat, and wore a black draping over his right shoulder with a golden cape. On his waist was tied a pattered puskul, calvary pants with black seljuk boots. It was the lance in his hands that made Theresa's eyes widen the size of saucers. That man was ready to kill Balthus.
"Wait, if the woman is Tiana...then that would mean..." Theresa became pale and quickly got on one knee, bowed her head in respect, "We greet thy king of Almyra!" The fact that she automatically went into a such greeting.
The King of Almyra looked her way, eyes narrowed as he studied before he nodded in approval.
"Rise." The king said as the woman carefully stood up, and the two turned to see Balthus and Tiana arrive.
"Dear, what are you doing here?" Tiana said as she looked at her husband and then Inami and lastly Theresa, "Did Inami call for you?"
"Yes. I wanted to introduce you both to my new apprentice." Inami said and Balthus quickly went to stand beside the princess, "Father and Tiana, this is Theresa, my new apprentice. And..." she smiled, "the one that knows why the monsters are attacking Almyra."
The two royals turned to Theresa, who slightly shied away from their gaze.
Ultimately, Tiana smiled softly and looked at her husband.
"She looks like Alexander, doesn't she?" Tiana said and Theresa looked at the couple shocked, as the King sighed and nodded, "The way she fought you in the pits reminded me too much of him. Sigh…" the man pinched the bridge of his nose, "brings back memories of that day.
"Umm….excuse me?" Theresa spoke up, "I'm lost…and confused."
"Oh, don't worry!" Tiana said and went to hold Theresa's hands in hers.
Theresa was just so confused as she looked up at the woman, her jade eyes full of warmth as they looked at her own. She raised her hand and gently touched Theresa's cheeks. The way she was looking at her….a warm loving gaze full of love.
"We have so much to talk about. I always wanted to meet you, Alexandra."