Arcani 25th, 1451. The Sunai Residence. Merrygate District, Rigel.
Finding Mother's room was never that difficult. She always wanted to be the easiest to find of all of us. In the second story of our home, there were four other rooms each claimed by all of us. There were rooms on the bottom floor as well but house guests and their servants mainly used them. The Twins shared a room as they had most of their lives. Ophelia welcomed Isabeau into hers despite the unhealthy habit Isabeau had. Surprisingly Ophelia had never picked up Isabeau's swearing disease which was good for all of us. I'd been terrified to think how much she'd use such harsh language.
My room was the closest to Mother's who resided on the end of the left wing. I'm sure Isabeau organized my catastrophe of a dwelling before I'd gotten home though it was strange that she did not mention it. As I reached Mother's door I grew a bit hesitant. Initially, I thought of checking my room for a book I could give to Mother or maybe fetching her some water from downstairs. Yet I couldn't stomach making Mother wait a minute longer. So I took hold of the doorknob and knocked with my free hand three times.
"Come in," I could hear from the door's interior.
Opening it I waltzed into a pristine-looking bedroom with a large bed and a few dressers for clothes. There was a large window to the left of the room with a small tea table for four next to it. Above the bed usually housed Mother and Father's weapons from their days in Ars Nova. Yet today they rested on Mother's bed. Then there was Mother who'd been sitting up with a tray over her legs.
It always pained me to see Mother as she was now. Where she had muscle and her scales were colored a lively blue before she seemed a bit frailer now. Her scales slowly lost their color and the bags under her eyes continued to reveal themselves more. Mother stopped training after the day Father died. She could still function normally but since then she stopped wanting to do most things. The times I could see her lips form a smile was anytime she was around me or she'd been interested in something. As I looked at her tray she seemed to have eaten at least some of her food which was a good thing even after a nightmare. She'd been wearing a white nightgown that hung loosely around her shoulders. It wasn't very revealing which was a good thing considering she still managed to retain her looks. Sometime after Father died many of the male servants were reported trying to court her.
"Oh? Little Firelight? Isabeau said you'd be coming home soon, but I didn't expect this early. Please allow me to get dressed."
"No Mother... For now just rest. I heard from Isabeau."
Her smile nearly faded but it didn't seem to bother her too much. "Isabeau is such a tattletale. I'd wish she'd stop worrying so much.
"But Mother, these nightmares aren't good for you. They've been causing you to be restless. You look as though you haven't gotten any sleep in days."
"You worry too much son... I'll be over these nightmares soon. I promise."
"That's what you said last time Mother... Anyways what are you doing with these anyways? They should be back on the mantle."
I picked up Father's staff and as I held it I realized it wasn't as hefty as it used to be. That was likely because I was still a child but even then it felt a bit too light.
"You look so much like your Father with that," said Mother. "I remember when he used to wave it around for you, casting little light spells for you."
"Then there was the time we accidentally blew a hole through the roof of Father's study, I remember you were angry with us for weeks after that."
"The Maris it took to replace that as well the labor and explaining to the guards. You two had way too much fun at my expense."
It was nice to reminisce with Mother about what we called "Golden years" but I could tell it was hard on her to remember how they came to an end.
I began to sit the staff back down on the bed until I'd seen Mother shake her head. She then picked up her sword and held it to me. "If you're going to go off and become an Adventurer... Then you might as well have the proper tools."
"But... That's your sword... Your Razorwing... You said I'd have to best you to be worthy of it."
Mother smiled faintly as she continues to hold the sword for me to take. "Your Father said it was time... You would need them."
There was no way she spoke to Father. I didn't want to say it aloud but not because I thought it would upset her. The look she gave me was quite dire. It was as if she did have some knowledge of something she couldn't possibly be aware of. Her faint smile became non-existent. So without much further argument, I took the blade.
Now Mother's sword was much heavier than I initially thought. The skill and strength would normally have to have to wield such a blade would be far beyond anything I could imagine.
"How's it feel?" Mother asked.
"Something I'll likely need to get used to. How'd you swing this thing around?"
"By practicing... Razorwing is much more special than I originally let on... Its original name is Setesh. An Artifact said to have been Osirian's prototype."
"A Prototype... How come you've said nothing about this before?"
"It is because the blade simply doesn't work Little Firelight... No matter how much magic your father infused into the steel it would never activate."
"If Father couldn't activate the blade, what makes you think I could?"
"He said you'd figure it out when the time comes."
"Is that what your nightmares have been about Mother? Have you been seeing Father?"
Her gaze fell and she didn't seem so inclined to answer. Which in turn became an answer all on its own. It was useless to press the issue as well, no use beating a dead horse and all.
"Alright... Then let's talk about something else. You know you'll be living within the Castle while I'm gone?"
"Yes, Ragi I know."
"Good... Now..."
I placed both weapons against the bed and sat by Mother. I then gave her the biggest hug I possibly could. Leaving her behind like this felt as it did years ago. Yet if I didn't chase my dream and remained a Noble all my life, I couldn't live with myself. Then there was still the issue of my origins. An obstacle that I'd one day has to deal with.
The door opened and we turned to see it was Ophelia and the Twins. "Ragi! I see you've returned," Geru joyfully greeted. "Oh wait... Am I interrupting something?"
"Obviously," hissed Ophelia. "It's why I told you to knock."
"How dare you speak to me in such a fashion!? Had my respect for you not been so high I'd have had you flogged for that."
"Oh be silent you idiot."
"N-Now now... You two shouldn't fight in front of M-Ms. Sunai," said Zuka.
"Oh my... How I'll miss your bickering," Mother said. "Come my children... Hug your Auntie before you all run off and become adventurers."
Though Geru and Ophelia were quite irate with one another, my Mother's call seemed to charm them much like a muse. They relaxed enough to come to Mother's side and even share an embrace with her.
"My my... You two are the spitting image of your parents," Mother said. "It's almost as if I'm seeing Ester and Goro in our younger days."
"Come now Auntie," Geru blushed, "Even one as magnanimous as I could not hold a candle to my Lord Father."
"Come now Geru, you're as tall as him. You certainly have such dazzling golden hair much like he did in his prime."
"Father? With long hair?" Zuka nearly chuckled.
"Normally I'd chastise my sister's remark but it is difficult to believe," said Geru.
"Come on you two, Mother wouldn't lie to you like that."
"I indeed tell you," said Mother. "Ask him when you see him next. I'm sure he'll be embarrassed."
The Twins couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of their Father's long luxurious hair. Even Ophelia cracked a smile. As the levity in the atmosphere became like the wind. It appeared in one instant and was gone the next. The trio then stood at Mother's bedside and bowed.
Mother gripped her sheets tightly as she looked up at her nieces and nephew. The small shimmers of liquid began to form in her eyes as she smiled.
"We'll take good care of your little Firelight," Ophelia said."
Taking Razorwing or Setesh as it was formally known as I strapped it to my belt. Then I took up my Father's staff. I let out a deep breath as my mind seemed to accept that I was leaving now.
"Alright, Mother... I'm off to start my own adventure."
Mother smiled, and although tears seemed to fill her eyes I could see how proud she was without her even saying it.
As we left the estate an Earth Dragon carriage was parked outside for us with Isabeau waiting outside.
"Your chariot awaits oh great one," she said. "Everything is all packed inside."
"Thank you, Isabeau. We'll be back at dawn to come to get you."
"You sure you don't want me to come with? I have a feeling Lord Sunshine in the back might not be able to contain himself?"
"You crass urchin, Who gave you permission to speak of me in my presence!" Yelled Geru.
"Shut-up idiot." Hissed Ophelia.
"No, I will not be silent. This Daemon cur will get a taste of my wrath!"
"Ugh... Will the two of you stop bickering? You're ruining our big moment."
"Sorry..." Isabeau and Geru muttered.
Geru climbed in first, following Zuka and then Ophelia. As I climbed into the carriage I unhooked Setesh and sat it by the door. Plopping right down next to Ophelia, I looked out the window one final time.
I could see Mother standing on the balcony. She'd been waving us off as the driver cracked the reins and the Earth Dragon began pulling us along. As we left I did find myself thinking of Rory. But she and I have different paths I must walk tonight. Hopefully, she took what I said to her to heart.
As we passed through the gates of Rigel we crossed into the forest. It would be some ways before we got to our destination so now was the best time to fill everyone in.
"My Friends. I want to ask you all something."
Everyone looked at me, confirming that they were listening as well as wondering what I'd say to them.
"No matter what, we're friends right?"
"I'm offended you'd even presume otherwise," said Geru. "But go on. I'm sure this is serious."
"You sure? Even if what you might find out is pretty bad?"
"Come now Ragi," said Ophelia. I'm sure whatever it is it's not something worth leaving you over."
"A-after what you've done for us. It'd be an insult," said Zuka.
With their acknowledgment in mind, I steeled myself for what came next. "Alright... Six ago, after Father's death. I ran into this very forest. I was being chased by guardsmen and wounded up somewhere near our destination. One of the Sisters found me."
"That's right," Ophelia agreed. "You ended up finding a Sanctum. I assume that's our destination."
"Yes. It is where Lady Mana dwells."
"Lady Mana," gasped Geru. "Like Lady Mana, the Goddess of Magecraft. You've met her?"
"More like she's been my teacher for the last six years."
"We're going to meet a Goddess?" Zuka's breaths became shaky and I could see she was starting to panic.
"Zuka remember," Ophelia called out. "Deep breaths..."
Zuka held her chest as she tried to slow her breathing, which calmed her down.
"You must've met Lady Mana while you were gone," said Geru. "It does explain the ring on your finger."
"Precisely. Lady Mana granted me this so that I might better control my magic."
I thought Geru would be as excited or at least anxious to meet the deity. He narrowed his eyes as he examined my ring from where he was sitting. His mind seemed to work out some sort of problem.
"Won't Lady Mana not take too kindly to us? My Sister and I have our family's bloodline magic. And last I checked Lady Mana wasn't fond of bloodline users."
This was unfortunately true. The Twin's bloodline magic, Kagutsuchi allowed them to call phantasmal weapons from their home forge. Lady Mana has been shown in the past to have a negative bias toward anyone who used bloodline magic. But considering what we were going to her for I doubted that would be at the forefront of her mind.
"I wouldn't worry about it too much Geru. Besides... I've told her much about you two."
Whatever thoughts Geru was having seemed to completely disappear as a prideful smile took form. "Oh really? You've been singing my praises to her holiness? I'm sure she'll admire my prowess for magic then. Just as I will admire her beautiful form."
Ophelia hissed at Geru, her tail standing straight up and becoming frayed. I started scratching behind her ear. At first, she resisted and nearly swatted my hand away. But I learned the sweet spot to scratch and she eventually laid down across my lap. Even though she still looked like she wanted to tear Geru's throat out. Geru meanwhile had jumped and nearly gone for the door while I wasn't paying attention.
"My friend. You'll have to watch that tongue of yours. Speaking such Lecherous thoughts in front of a woman of the cloth is dangerous."
"Duly noted," Geru said as he sat back down. "Anyways, Why are we going to see Lady Mana before we set off?"
"I wanted to tell you all the real reason as to why I'd been going to her sanctum all these years. It'd be better to do so there than anywhere else."
"You've never been one to have secrets," Zuka mentioned. "Forgive my impertinence but even your puppy love for Rory isn't a well-kept one."
Wait... huh?"
Geru nodded and even Ophelia seemed to agree. I mean, it wasn't like I was drooling all over her or something. I tried to find something to defend myself but every time I opened my mouth to speak one of them would raise a brow. They seemingly had something prepared for anything I might've said.
"Well, I'll be damned, I thought I'd at least kept it hidden."
"You know it's fine Ragi," said Ophelia. "Rory's Father would've approved. You know he'd call you his son sometimes when you weren't around."
"He did?"
"Ophy, that was supposed to be between us girls," Zuka chastised.
"Oops... How careless of me."
"We're here!" shouted the carriage driver.
The carriage came to a stop right in front of the sanctum. As we got out I reached into my pocket and handed the driver a few gold Maris. "Remember, tell no one that you where you dropped us off. I care not if even the King decrees it." The driver nodded and as Geru and I retrieved our belongings from the carriage, the driver sped off into the night.
From inside the temple, Sister Superior Olivia and two other sisters emerged from the temple's entrance. "Welcome Ragi Sunai. We've been expecting you."
"And so you have. Sister Olivia, I know you've met Ophelia. But these two behind me are the Twins."
"Geru and Zuka I presume?"
"Well yes your grace," Geru said, "My magnanimity has even graced the ears of a Sister as renowned as yourself. Your attendants may applaud at my magnificence."
Ophelia elbowed Geru in the side causing the Elf to nearly drop to his knees. "My apologies Sister Superior, My comrade's boisterous ways have yet to disappear."
The Sisters giggled and even Sister Olivia managed a smile. "It's quite alright fledgling. I presume Sister Ester is doing well?"
"Yes your grace, Mother even sends her regards."
"I'm glad to hear that. Well then, come with us. We mustn't keep our Lady waiting." Sister Olivia and her attendants turned around now heading inside the temple. I helped Geru along while keeping Ophelia from burning a hole through the poor elf's forehead with her glare. As our group entered the temple we were led down the same corridors I'd gone through when I was a child. When we reached Lady Mana's door the attendants took their positions at the door.
"Well now Lord Ragi. This is where you and I will part ways for now."
"You won't be coming with us?"
"Unfortunately I won't. My Goddess has wished me to guard this temple for the night. I will see you once you return."
The attendants opened the door and inside sat the Goddess atop her throne. Though the room was much messier than any time I'd previously been here. There were books all around her throne. Then there was the Goddess herself. She'd been dressed in a more casual attire which consisted of shorts, a shirt, and a large jacket. Her normally long blue hair was tied up and she wore a pair of spectacles on her face. As she looked up she finally noticed we'd been standing at her door.
"O-Oh... Um... Ladies?"
The attendants quickly shut the door and for about ten minutes the four of us had been standing there absolutely flabbergasted. Beyond the door, I could hear the sound of spells being cast and the sounds of disrobing followed by some more magic.
The attendant on the right shook her head, "Sorry about her Holiness."
"It's not a problem... I think..."
"Well... At least she is studious," said Geru.
The sound of two claps managed to bring through the door and the attendants opened it once again. We were treated to nearly the same scenery although the books had disappeared and the Goddess was dressed in a neat blue dress adorned with all kinds of trinkets and jewelry.
She cleared her throat and then stood from her throne.
"Welcome to my Sanctum. My apologies."