Special thanks to Xenophos24 for their help with this interlude.
I don't own Arknights or Type-Moon content.
Ursus Empire's Western Heartlands / April 8th, Year 1094 / 7:00 AM / Overcast...
Within the encampment of the Reunion movement, the sound of hammer striking steel rang in an isolated smithy as the Vouvire remained hard at work early in the morning. Ofnir concentrated on the metal he was hammering, his eyes taking in every detail as he maintained a stable rhythm, unaffected by the heat emanating from the forge.
Submerging the hot metal in the water before taking out once more, the smith appeared satisfied with its state, placing it to reheat according to his usual routine. His attention shifted to his other pieces of weaponry and tools, a frown of disappointment gradually appearing on his face before he shook his head and banished any deprecating thoughts.
His progress was going smoothly, even if his works still paled in comparison to those two. Taking out the blade, Ofnir placed it to slowly cool down in the air whilst he observed it for any defects, his thoughts slowly drifting to his dreams. The sight of a man and a woman hard at work in a traditional forge with nothing but simple tools, working in mesmerizing harmony and skill.
Every time he found himself in their home, Ofnir could feel a welcoming sensation despite the fact neither of the two could see or hear him. He sat in their workshop, watching them intently each and every time akin to an apprentice taking in their master's work. It felt surreal to witness their skills despite the rather primitive environment they were in, the youth could even feel an infectious passion surrounding his heart as he watched the couple work tirelessly for days on end.
He bore witness as the woman sacrificed herself in order for the mysterious metal they struggled to melt to finally give, his heart aching at the sight of the mourning man. Ofnir couldn't tell how much time passed watching the now lonesome widow hammering, heating and cooling the metal until they took the somewhat familiar shapes of the married blades his brother used.
Gazing upon the blades in front of him, Ofnir could immediately tell they were simply above and beyond the ones he was used to seeing, incomparable in fact. The young Vouivre felt despondent and defeated each time he recalled seeing them, wondering how he could hope to rival even the imperfect versions, nevermind the real deal said to have reached the realm of the gods.
It always came down to the end of his dreams, the moment where the smith would always turn his way with a fatherly smile. He never said a word, only giving the young spectator the same encouraging smile before the dream ends.
It was not much, if anything. But to Ofnir, it was more than enough.
"Oh dear. I didn't think I'd see someone awake and hard at work this early in the morning."
Ofnir's musing was abruptly stopped as he registered the very close unknown voice. Turning around, he was greeted by the sight of a stunningly beautiful Draco in a very expensive-looking attire consisting of a black suit with a crimson shirt underneath, red interwoven lines decorating the right side of her blazer, forming the image of a ferocious bear. The woman's ruby eyes glinted with amusement as she approached the stunned youth, playfully twirling the few gray strands of her hair.
"While I am very flattered, I'm afraid you're far from my age group, young man."
"I'm very sorry! I didn't mean to stare."
Like a deer caught in the headlights, Ofnir's eyes widened as he immediately bowed and apologized. The woman smiled as she waved his worries off, instead she pointed to the weapons and tools hung around his workshop with her decorated cane.
"Tell me, young man, are you the one who made those?"
"Yes, I am."
The Draco approached his creations, her eyes observing them as she took a longsword and gave it a few test swings. Humming in thought, she frowned as she gave it a closer inspection, not realizing her shift in expression caused Ofnir to misunderstand it as disappointment.
"They're not the best as you can tell. I have a long path ahead of me."
Her eyes widened slightly as she turned to him, chuckling as she returned the weapon to its place. The young Vouivre couldn't quite describe how he felt when she smiled his way as she approached him once more, her kind, affectionate smile making him drop his guard. Ofnir stilled once the lady's hand gently patted his head, a shyness overtaking him at such an affectionate gesture in addition to the stranger's motherly smile lifting his spirits.
"Your creations are excellent, young one, especially for someone of your age. Well done."
Ofnir nervously laughed as he shyly allowed himself to be patted by the woman, his tail wagging excitedly. Noticing his growing embarrassment, the Draco lady elegantly backed off, her smile still on her face as she walked off.
"You should be more confident, little Vouivre. A smith's pride could make the difference between a mundane piece of metal and a fine creation."
"Who are you?"
Finally waking up from his stupor, Ofnir realized he never saw this woman before. Keeping her in his sights, Ofnir maintained his distance as he slowly inched towards his nearest weapon under the amused look of the stranger. Before he could grasp the spear, a voice stopped him in his tracks.
"Cease. You are not. her match. Child."
The two of them turned to the approaching Patriot accompanied by Yelena, Ofnir let out a sigh of relief before he put his guard up again. The Draco woman's eyes observed Buldrokkas'tee from head to toe and surprisingly moved towards him, much to the shock of both FrostNova and her sibling.
Standing in front of her, Buldrokkas'tee grasped his weapon tightly. The woman looked saddened as she took in the rags on the Wendigo's form, a sigh leaving her lips as she switched to a stern look and crossed her arms.
"It's been a while, Buldrokkas'tee."
"Indeed. Dame Agnessa."
Agnessa tapped her cane on the ground as she got even closer to the Wendigo, a knowing smile spreading on her face as she noticed Buldrokkas'tee shift his stance ever so slightly. Tapping her finger against the cane, the matron ignored Patriot's discomfort as she waited for a response. It took a few moments, but Buldrokkas'tee eventually let out a long sigh as he leaned down, his mask now within her reach and causing Agnessa's smile to widen.
"Good boy. It appears you are still a filial child, after all."
Before the astonished eyes of Yelena and Ofnir, Agnessa gently lifted Buldrokkas'tee's helmet just enough for her to peek through. The Draco peered under it without revealing his skull, her eyes meeting Patriot's before she leaned in and kissed his forehead gently before she backed off.
Turning her attention to Yelena, Agnessa made her way to the young Cautus. To her credit, Yelena didn't flinch under the older woman's oppressive aura. Her hand twitched near her wand, ready to use her arts at a moment's notice.
"So you are little Bul's daughter."
"...Yes."
All it took was a blink, and Yelena found herself hoisted up by her armpits by the Dragon lady like a baby. Agnessa smiled warmly as she spun around with Yelena still held in her hands, her soft laughter lovely and pleasant to the ear.
"Aren't you just the cutest little thing? How could such a ray of sunshine get stuck with a cardboard cutout for a father like that idiot?"
Ofnir and FrostNova looked on in shock as the woman continued to hug the Cautus without suffering so much as a chill. Yelena blinked repeatedly as she was finally put down and Agnessa patted her head and ears enthusiastically. Buldrokkas'tee sighed as he approached the two, mildly amused by how utterly stunned his daughter was.
"It appears. time has not. changed you. Dame Agnessa."
"As if! My legs feel so stiff from a short trip!"
Agnessa groaned and stretched, her prior energetic demeanor making her claims dubious to the Wendigo and his children. Yelena kept looking at the woman's hand, still gently laying on her head without any sign of freezing. Noticing her stare, Agnessa smiled knowingly before she ruffled the young Cautus's hair.
"You don't need to think too deeply, child. A little arts and ice are far from enough to affect me."
Retracting her hand, Agnessa shifted her gaze back to Buldrokkas'tee. The Wendigo could practically feel her overflowing excitement, the sight bringing a smile to his face.
"I heard you have a lot of children now. I would like to meet all of them."
"Yelena. shall guide you. I will follow."
Agnessa grinned and grasped Yelena's hand, the Cautus looking back to her father as she was all but dragged by the older woman as the Draco whistled merrily.
Ofnir approached his father, his eyes firmly set on Agnessa and Yelena. He couldn't shake off the worry he had for his elder sister, accompanied by such a person.
"Dad, can we trust her?"
Buldrokkas'tee coughed, the burning ache in his throat leaving him breathless for a few moments. Clutching his halberd tightly for support, he let out a long exhale and stared at Agnessa's figure with fondness.
"Had she. any intent. to do us harm. none of us. would be alive."
Ofnir's eyes widened, fear creeping up his back and causing the hairs on the back of his neck to stand at his father's somber voice. All knew Buldrokkas'tee wasn't one to jest or exaggerate.
If the Aegis was helpless, then none of them could hope to fare any better.
"Is she really so powerful?"
"Without question. She is. the one who. raised me. after all."
Turning to the shocked Ofnir, Buldrokkas'tee grew amused as he was reminded of his childhood and youth with his fiendishly strong adoptive mother.
"The Grand Swords. of Ursus. had a saying:. To stand. before Agnessa. is to stand. before a god slayer."
Buldrokkas'tee began following Agnessa and Yelena, Ofnir running after him once his father's words sank in and his heart calmed down. His mind in a chaotic state, the Vouivre trying to properly compute his father's words.
Looking at the elderly Draco sitting in the middle of his siblings as she was in the process of recounting some story or other with a friendly smile, Ofnir had a hard time associating such a figure with Patriot's claims. As the two approached, they took notice of Yelena's curious look as she seemed to be hearing what Agnessa was saying in stark contrast to her earlier cautious approach.
Once the group took notice of them, all eyes turned to Buldrokkas'tee. Before he could inquire about the reason for their stares, Petrova spoke out their thoughts.
"Hey Dad, were you really so small you could barely reach aunt Agnessa's waist when she first met you?"
Ofnir mouth was agape at the question before he quickly coughed and threw a glance in his father's direction. Buldrokkas'tee didn't talk about his past, and the yetis had no intentions of probing into such things for fear of touching sensitive topics. Having a source as knowledgeable as Agnessa seems to be about him only fueled their intense curiosity.
With such an opportunity presented to them, how could they not grow inquisitive?
"Yes. I was. a child. back then."
"But Lazarus told me Wendigos have longer lifespans than other races, is auntie Agnessa older than you?"
Some of the yetis gasped once their father nodded, their eyes turning to the motherly Draco in wonder. Agnessa smirked playfully as she leaned forward, her eyes staring straight at Patriot.
"He used to be a tiny little Sarkaz, clutching my coat and following me around like a chick. The only big thing about him at the time was his skull. Little Bul was much more affectionate as a child, hugging my legs and getting piggybacked all the time."
Buldrokkas'tee sighed and promptly began to leave as Agnessa began to tease him further, giving his children every embarrassing detail about his youth without mercy. He couldn't stand the looks Yelena was giving him, his daughter's smile bringing him joy and slight shame as she listened to Agnessa's recounting of his childhood.
The matron watched him leave with a soft chuckle before returning her attention to the children surrounding her. She knew all too well Buldrokkas'tee didn't like to speak of himself or his past, but it wouldn't do for his children to know so little about him.
Of course, the satisfaction she gets from teasing him is a nice bonus she plans to thoroughly enjoy.
"Come children, let me tell you more about Buldrokkas'tee."
15:00 PM:
Yelena was feeling very conflicted right now, her ears twitching as she was unceremoniously dragged around by their new visitor. For someone who was not a Wendigo and yet still older than her father, Agnessa sure had strength in spades. The Draco whimsically forced FrostNova to accompany her for the entirety of the day and had been glued to her ever since.
Yelena was never one to have such close physical contact with others due to her condition, the only one ever to give her some semblance of warmth was Edward through his shroud. Giving another look at the hand gently holding hers, completely unaffected, Yelena smiled at the warmth seeping into her body.
She noticed Agnessa stopping, her eyes looking ahead and spotting the approaching figures of Talulah and Alina. The Cautus noticed the lady next to her carefully observing Talulah, a thoughtful look overtaking her carefree visage.
"Hi there, FrostNova."
"Hello, you two."
Alina's eyes were set on Agnessa as Talulah greeted FrostNova, silently watching with a casual smile while the matron's eyes narrowed. The observant Elafia could tell the Draco in front of her was new, having spent most of her time talking with all sorts of people in their camp.
"Who's your companion?"
Before Yelena could respond, Agnessa got closer to Talulah. Completely ignoring the questioning look the movement's spokesperson was giving her, the elderly Draco hummed in thought as she circled around Talulah while observing her. Satisfied, Agnessa stepped back and nodded cryptically.
"Color me surprised, the snake's seed is indeed gone. I thought Alyosha was losing his touch, but I was wrong."
Talulah's contenance turned grim, her hand instantly moving to rest on her sword's grip. Alina gently gripped her friend's hand, easing her hand away from the weapon before turning to Agnessa.
"You must be Dame Agnessa. Alexander told us a lot about you, it's an honor to make your acquaintance."
Agnessa casually twirled her tuft of gray hair without any worries, her eyes focusing on the unremarkable figure of the Elafia in front of her. Returning her smile with a friendly one of her own, Agnessa placed her hand on her chest and bowed.
"I am indeed Agnessa. It's a pleasure to meet the young leader of the Reunion movement. Forgive me for my rude behavior, as a hunter, I had to make sure my prey was truly eliminated. Given your own exposure to the snake, I trust you understand my prudence."
"What did you just say?"
Agnessa's smile slowly disappeared as she lightly traced the top of her cane with her finger, her free hand rubbing her forehead. Agnessa quickly grabbed Yelena's hand and began running away while waving her hand at the stunned duo she left in the dust.
"It was nice meeting you, young Draco! Have a good day~."
Talulah watched the strange woman leave with a conflicted look, her hand reaching for the red thread on her finger as she thought back to Agnessa's words. A part of her still felt euphoric at the notion of the Deathless Black Snake's demise despite the memories it evoked.
"Come, Talulah. The kids are waiting for us."
Talulah remained still for a few moments, her eyes watching the distant figure of Agnessa as she dragged FrostNova away before turning away from them with a sigh, catching up to Alina and putting any thoughts of her tormentor to rest.
For her part, Yelena was beginning to grow tired of constantly being dragged around by the carefree Draco. She couldn't believe the stamina Agnessa had for someone supposedly older than her father, even she's starting to pant from the long walk and running she's been forced to go through during their little touring.
Is she even human at this point? She's not even sweating, for goodness sake!
Her thoughts came to a halt as she spotted Randt, the sight of him reminding her of the lessons she's supposed to have today. The former music teacher approached them as soon as he caught sight of Yelena, giving a respectful nod to Agnessa before focusing on his student.
"I was surprised you didn't come to our class. Do you want to take a break today?"
"Well, you see-"
Before FrostNova could fully answer him, a soft hand gently patted her head much to her growing annoyance.
"Little Yelena was showing me around since I'm new here. I apologize for the inconvenience."
"It's fine. We can have our class after she finishes guiding you, miss."
"Actually, we just finished the tour. I'll be taking my leave to meet Buldrokkas'tee. I'll see you tonight, little Yelena~"
Agnessa smirked as the young Cautus huffed and refused to meet her gaze, turning around and beckoning Randt to follow her without so much as a word. The matron was glad to see Buldrokkas'tee's daughter had such a childish side to her despite the adversity she faced up until now, chuckling as she took note of the constant twitching of Yelena's ears.
Easily navigating through the camp, Agnessa was able to locate her adoptive son's impressive frame. Once she caught his attention, she moved to the outskirts of the camp and sat near an isolated creek, certain Patriot would soon follow. True to her expectation, Buldrokkas'tee arrived not long after and sat next to her. It was easy for the matron to sense the hesitation and unease in Buldrokkas'tee, her smile unperturbed by the number of touchy subjects he could inquire about.
"What do you wish to know?"
Used to her straightforwardness, Buldrokkas'tee remained calm as he thought over the many rumors he heard from the Sarkaz mercenaries. He wished to know how her Majesty's forces crumbled so quickly, and the answers were far from what he expected.
Soldiers overtaken by sickness and hallucinations, their blades turning on their comrades.
Madness had fallen upon Theresa's followers as they turned into savage creatures only guided by their desire to destroy everything around them.
By the time the Sarkaz Queen was assassinated, her faction was completely decimated piece by piece.
Listening to their stories, Buldrokkas'tee found himself instantly reminded of one of his childhood's most terrifying moments as a simple Wendigo child following after Agnessa. His grip tightened on his weapon and shield as if taking comfort in the fact he was armed, pushing down the terror long since branded on his heart.
Vision of a male Kuranta sitting on a silver chair, the air around him saturated with an aura of madness, plague and terror. The vision disappeared in a blink, causing the Wendigo to involuntarily shudder.
"Mother. tell me. Did. the Mad King. cause the death. of Her Majesty?"
Agnessa's silence told him enough, a sigh leaving his lips as he felt frustration building up inside him. The Draco's eyes were filled with sympathy as her hand gently held his shoulder, her touch calming him down.
"Yes. Upon His Majesty's proposal, Alfonso attempted to make an alliance with Theresa…she refused his proposal. It took him a while to circumvent their strategist, but eventually he gave the Queen's brother the opportunity he needed."
"What. of the Regent?"
Agnessa shook her head, expression thoughtful as she met the Wendigo's gaze.
"As far as I know, Alfonso was pressuring their forces. I initially surmised he was toying with them, but he decided to let Theresis leave for Victoria and has yet to respond."
"He remains. dangerously whimsical."
"Hardly. He is never one to act in such a way, despite his aggressiveness."
Agnessa stood up and moved in front of Patriot, her face unreadable as she watched the Sarkaz she raised look up to her in silence. She could tell he was hurt by the Queen's passing, keeping his sorrow buried in his core almost masterfully. Wordlessly, she took his halberd from him and stabbed it into the floor before taking his shield and placing it against his weapon.
Agnessa knelt in front of Buldrokkas'tee, her eyes slightly watering as her heart ached at the sight of his defeated frame. Her hands gently grasped his own, her thumbs gently caressing them.
"If you want to cry, don't hold back. It's okay to just cry, my child."
Buldrokkas'tee remained unmoving, his figure as stalwart as ever. There was no trembling, no sobbing or tears, and yet the Wendigo slowly took off his helmet, almost too wary he might scare someone. Agnessa's smile remained radiant even as she beheld his skull, slightly marred with Originium, as her hand gently encircled his head and brought him closer to her.
His head laid on her shoulder, the woman patiently hugging Buldrokkas'tee. Her child never liked sharing his worries with others, preferring to foolishly shoulder his pain on his lonesome. Any other time, the Draco could have shaken her head with shame at the fact it was a trait he inherited from her, yet she could only console him as best she could at the moment.
"Truthfully, I want to know everything…but if you don't want to talk about it, then it's okay if you don't, little Bul."
Buldrokkas'tee remained silent and motionless for a few moments, before finally speaking.
"I wish. I had power like yours. mother. power to save. people."
Agnessa's grip slackened for a second, her eyes closing as she held back the pain in her heart. She caressed her son's shoulders as she tried to comfort herself with his presence.
"You are mistaken, little one. I cannot save anybody."
Memories of the past came to her. Visions of numerous battlefields flashing before her eyes.
How many tribulations had she faced? From armies bearing down on her, to the ancient demon deep within the farthest reaches of the Northern wastes…
…In the end, did she make a change? She who outlived so many of her children up until now, watching as the peace and prosperity they sacrificed their dignity and their lives for reduced to nothing over and over again.
Gritting her teeth, Agnessa banished such needless worries. Unaware of her dilemma and letting his sorrow getting the best of him, Buldrokkas'tee continued.
"You. whose power. annihilated the Wendigos. of Kazdel. and completely changed. my fate. and the fates. of so many people. How could I. ever explain. the depth of my envy….This potential. to defy my fate. and the fates. of entirely. other people. You. who slayed. the deity. of the tundras. How does it feel. to have such power?"
The dead silence following his question was tense, as the matron gently let go of Patriot and sat beside him. His words reignited her inner frustrations, the old dragon lady finally letting out a loud laughter, filled with mirth and disdain.
"I can tell you with certainty: it feels utterly helpless. It feels like a bottomless pit, no different than how I imagine you must feel."
"Helpless?"
"I crushed every army daring enough to stand before me. I slaughtered the Hippogryphs and their lords, flayed the Nightzmoras along with their ambitions, I even butchered the ancient demon of the frozen wastes in its own lair and consumed its essence, using it to hunt down the Ageless pests in Ursus. I saved countless lives, yet they always seem insignificant, like droplets in the sea…new sufferings kept appearing in my view regardless."
WIth each word, Buldrokkas'tee could see the very world around him gradually blackening until it became almost indistinguishable from a moonless night. He could no longer see the sun in the midst of this distorting space, the world itself bending under the overbearing authority of Agnessa's nation.
Buldrokkas'tee shuddered despite himself, the disturbing sensation of the shadows prodding his body bringing back terrible memories he had with the elder of Kazdel. Agnessa was quick to compose herself, the encroaching darkness receding as sunlight shone on their figures once more.
The pair sat in complete silence until the Wendigo moved closer to the despondent Draco, pulling her to lean on him.
In the peaceful creek, parent and child found solace in each other.
22:00 PM...
Agnessa sighed as she sat next to a small bonfire, silently chastising herself for what happened with Patriot earlier. She took another sip from the unassuming bottle in her hand, the refreshing taste helping her forget such an embarrassing moment.
Meeting the young yetis was quite the joy, each one more adorable than the last. The matron was very impressed by the Elafia named Alina as well, the village girl surpassing all her expectations when she observed her classes. The Elafia's natural ability to care for the children was enviable, considering how many years it took for Agnessa to reach a similar level.
Growing bored, Agnessa stood up and decided to walk around the area before heading to sleep. Passing by the sleeping quarters of the yetis, Agnessa met up with Yelena as the latter was in the middle of checking on her siblings. Luckily for the Cautus, she was not dragged around this time as the two of them sat down nearby.
Yelena subtly glanced around for anyone nearby, before she decided to start up a conversation.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Sure, what is it?"
"Can you tell me more about my father?"
Agnessa contemplated the Cautus's request, an annoyed frown appearing on her face at her child's negligence. She could understand his reluctance to recount the more sensitive parts of his past, but he could have at least shared his happier moments with his children.
A thought suddenly came to her, a predatory smirk gradually widening on her face and causing no small amount of concern from FrostNova.
Oh well, Buldrokkas'tee's loss is her gain. With that in mind, Agnessa turned to Yelena with a happy smile.
"I can tell you a lot, but it won't be for free."
Yelena sucked in a deep breath to brace herself, such a response within her expectations. However, such a thing will not deter someone like her so easily.
"What do you want?"
"I want you to call me grandmother."
Yelena blinked repeatedly at the statement, immediately convincing herself she misheard the matron's demand.
"...Beg your pardon?"
"You, along with these children, are children of my little Bul. I want you to call me grandmother."
The old woman chucked and gently patted Yelena's head, ruffling her hair playfully before pushing it back to see the entirety. Looking into her expectant eyes, FrostNova made sure no one was around before she decided to take the plunge.
"Please tell me about my father…grandmother."
Agnessa's smile turned positively radiant, her hand patting the young Cautus while nodding enthusiastically.
"Say it once more, little Yelena. Pretty please."
"F-Fine…grandmother."
FrostNova yelped as she was pulled into a tight hug, and then found herself laying her head on the Draco's thighs. Gently caressing her granddaughter's hair, Agnessa smiled at the yetis pretending to be asleep near them.
"Listen close child, I shall tell you more about your foolish father…"
In the little corner of the fearsome yetis, the children silently listened to the matron as she recounted the years she spent with their father. All the while, their eldest sister gradually succumbed to the lulling embrace of slumber under the loving matron's caring gaze.
Thank you for reading.
Have a Nice Day and Stay Safe.