Vvvmmm!!!
A deep resonance spread through the hull.
Rings of distorted air rippled outward from the ship.
The water ahead twisted like liquid glass. The ripples folding into themselves.
Krrssshhh!!! Fwooomm!!
A translucent veil swept across the bow.
The eerie waters of the Void dissolved behind them, replaced by sunlight, sea birds, and the distant outline of Terraka's coast.
The Terrakan coastline slowly emerged beyond.
Rolling green hills stretched along the horizon, giving away to the towering stone walls that protected the nation.
"Ahhhh."
Mar'gareth exhaled.
"Home." He smiled. "Finally…"
Arlen stepped beside him.
"It's been what? Three? Four? Five years?"
Mar'gareth chuckled. "Honestly, I don't know how long it has been."
He turned.
"Go get Arturia. Tell him we will be docking soon."
Arlen laughed nervously.
"Yeah… We don't want that situation again."
Mar'gareth stepped forward.
"Yes, we don't."
Merchants vessels drifted in and out of the docks while fishermen hauled in heavy nets, their laughter carrying over the gentle crash of the waves against the piers.
The moment the Terrakan flagship came into view…
A deep horn echoed across the harbor.
BWOOOOMMM!
Workers paused. Merchants did the same. The sailors straightened.
Terrakan soldiers stationed along the docks immediately formed two orderly rows, their spears striking the wooden planks in unison.
Thud!
Thud!
Thud!
"The Supreme Commander has returned!"
The announcement swept through the harbour.
The massive vessel glided into the pier. Ropes were thrown. Anchors splashed into the sea.
The gangplank slowly descended onto the dock.
Mar'gareth exhales.
"Home…"
Both hands rested behind his back.
He turned.
"Have you both packed up?" He asked.
"All good here." Arlen replied with a smile.
"I'm good too." Arturia said, adjusting his Claymore behind his back.
"Alright then."
Mar'gareth descended the gangplank, Arlen and Arturia following closely behind.
A Terrakan soldier ran up to meet him.
"Supreme commander Mar'gareth, Welcome!"
He bowed.
Mar'gareth patted his back.
"Thri'en. It's good to see that you're well and you've also managed to climb the ranks in three years."
"It's only because of your guidance, Sir!" He said.
Mar'gareth smiled.
"I do not wish to waste more time here." He turned. "Do you have my carriage prepared?"
"Of course, sir!" Thri'en answered.
Mar'gareth smiled softly. "Alright then, I'll get going."
He turned to Arlen and Arturia.
"Will you both follow me, or do you wish to visit your counties first?" He asked.
Arlen stepped forward, smiling, and hands tucked behind her back playfully.
"Hmmm. I do wish to return back to my county, but it's been a while since I saw Xilohe. I wonder how she's doing."
"And it's definitely not because I missed Yor's cooking." She added, smiling sheepishly.
Mar'gareth laughed. "Do not get my wife to make you a feast like last time, Arlen"
Her eyes shifted focus. "Come on. I didn't say that.
Mar'gareth laughed then turned to Arturia.
"What about you?"
Arturia faced away, and remained silent.
Mar'gareth sighed.
"I know you're desperate to meet this strange Emberia used. But you still need to rest." He said.
He walked up and placed both his hands on Arturia's shoulder.
"We've been on the ship for nearly a month."
His voice lowered.
"I advise that you rest for a day or two before doing anything. Even if it's to visit Zandren."
Arturia looked at him.
Mar'gareth turned and walked, stopping a few metres away.
"That's an order. Now come, let's go."
Arturia lowered his head.
"Tsk, fine." He murmured.
The carriage departed shortly after.
Arturia rested his elbow against the carriage window, quietly watching the harbour disappear behind them.
Arlen nudged him.
"Did Mar'gareth tie you down again, Sir Grumpy the third? Haha."
Arturia didn't reply.
His thoughts remained elsewhere.
Then he whispered.
"Zandren…"
"...Just what kind of person are you?"
—-
The carriage rolled through the iron gates of the Aevorah Estate, before coming to a stop in front of the manor.
A fountain stood proudly at the centre of the courtyard, surrounded by nearly trimmed hedges blooming yellow lilies. Beyond it, the grand estate overlooked a lake, its polished ivory walls glowing beneath the afternoon sun.
The massive front doors had already opened.
Several servants stood lined along the stairs that led to the entrance.
Waiting among them were those who counted the days until his return.
Yor, Xilohe, Eimira and the rest of the household including Ryona, Chichi and Tabbi.
The moment the carriage door opened—
"Papa!"
A stream of gold shot across the courtyard.
Mar'gareth barely had enough time to open his arms before Xilohe launched herself into him.
"Haha…"
He chuckled, patting her head.
"I've missed you too."
Arlene and Arturia stepped down from the carriage.
Arlene folded her arms.
"You're still running into your father's arms at your age?"
She shook her head.
"Tch tch tch. Still a baby— I see."
Xilohe rolled her eyes and looked up at Mar'gareth.
"Of all the people you could bring back, Arlen? Seriously?"
Arlen placed a hand on her chest and the other one her forehead, then slightly leaned back dramatically.
"Oh? Is that how you greet your childhood friend that's been gone for so long…?"
She wiped a fake tear off her eyes.
"I'm so heartbroken."
Xilohe smiled. "Tsk."
She spread her arms.
"Come here."
They hugged tightly.
Arlen exhaled. "I've missed you."
"Same here." Xilohe replied.
In a swift motion, Arlen pulled Arturia into the hug.
He didn't resist.
He knew it was pointless.
Mar'gareth sighed before turning his attention elsewhere.
A quiet pair of footsteps approached him.
A smile washed over Mar'gareth's face.
"There's my little snow flake."
He crouched and opened his arms.
"Come here."
Eimira slowly closed the distance between them.
She lowered her head…
…and quietly melted into Mar'gareth's embrace.
Mar'gareth wrapped his arms around her.
"Hope you didn't wait too long…" He whispered.
"You've done a great job holding up. I'm proud of you."
Eimira's shoulders trembled.
Yor stepped forward with a gentle smile.
"You're still wearing this old thing?"
Her fingers brushed against the edge of his weathered mask.
"I already crafted a new one for you. A return gift
Mar'gareth chuckled. "This one still works."
Yor shook her head. "You're impossible."
Then adjusted the strap.
Mar'gareth placed a hand above hers.
"It's good to be home…"
"Let's all go in. Arlen has been dying to eat your cooking again."
"Honestly, we all have." He added.
Yor smiled warmly. "Welcome home."
—
The dining hall glowed beneath rows of chandeliers
A long oak table stretched through the centre of the room, already covered with freshly prepared dishes, most of which were still steaming.
The aroma of roasted beef, baked bread, and warm soups filled the air.
The servants quietly moved between the seats, placing the final plates before bowing themselves out of the hall.
Arlen immediately reaches for the food before everyone else. Stuffing her face with whatever her hands managed to grab.
Arturia slapped the back of her neck.
Smack!
She coughed.
"Arlen, where are your manners?" Arturia asked, his tone restrained.
Arlen glanced around. Then quietly retreated her hands.
"My apologies." She murmured. "I just couldn't control myself anymore."
Yor giggled silently.
"It's alright, dear." She said, passing a slice of her meat to Arlen. "You've been on the ship for nearly a month. I'm sure you didn't have enough food on your voyage."
Arlen sniffled. "Yes ma'am."
Mar'gareth spoke. "Don't mind Arturia. Eat to your fill."
Arlen resumed stuffing her face.
"Miss Arlen, can you tell us about Nymirel?" Chichi asked.
Xilohe leaned forward, utensils in hand."Yeah, yeah, tell us everything."
"I heard Sir Arturia is famous for burning ships. Did he burn another?" Tabbi cut in.
"No, I did not." Arturia spoke, before putting a piece of meat in his mouth.
The others all turned to Arlen.
She blinked.
"Well, he isn't lying actually."
"Woooaahh" They reacted.
Arlen continued.
"He's actually gotten better at controlling his bursts. Plus, the commander tends to either start him or bring him in during the last wave of Veil hordes."
"Veil hordes?" Chichi asked, eyes widened.
"Yes, you heard me right…"
Arlen pointed her fork at Chichi, then struck a pose.
"...Veil hordes."
"That must have been hard." Tabbi spoke, then chewed her food. "Dealing with two or three is a hassle, but dealing with them in the hundreds or thousands?"
She exhaled.
"...I don't even want to think about that."
"But is it really ok for father to be here?" Xilohe asked, glancing at Mar'gareth.
The others followed her gaze.
Mar'gareth scanned around.
"Why are you all looking at me like I'm the Supreme commander in charge of Nymirel?"
Yor giggled.
"Come on, father. That joke ain't just it." Xilohe said, covering her mouth.
The others laughed silently.
Though, Arturia remained focused on his meal.
Mar'gareth continued.
"Don't worry, Nymirel will be fine since I'll be returning after tending to the matters here in Terraka."
He glanced towards Eimira…
…who hasn't touched her food.
Not even once.
She stared at the food, lost in thought. Quietly tapping the edge of the plate with her utensil.
Mar'gareth exhaled softly.
"Speaking of matters." He said. "The table is unusually too quiet…"
He glanced around.
"Where's Feona?"
Eimira jolted.
Mar'gareth noticed.
"Eimira, do you have an idea of where she is?" He asked.
"Oh, uh…"
Her voice lowered.
"She's with… Zandren."
"And why is that?" Mar'gareth pressed.
Eimira slightly turned her face away.
"She wants to make sure that he doesn't feel too…"
"...lonely."
The table fell silent.
The silence was broken only when Arturia suddenly placed his utensils on the table.
"Excuse me."
He stood and quietly walked out of the dining hall.
Thud!
Eimira slammed her head softly on the table.
"I-I'm such a terrible person…"
She continued.
"He saved me and I did that…! to him."
Mar'gareth stood up and walked over to where Eimira sat, then carefully placed a hand on her.
Patting her gently.
"I heard he was chained like an animal after being arrested. Without resistance or posing any threat to anyone." He said,
"That's something that's unacceptable to me. Those that did that will face their fair share of punishment."
He continued.
"For now, I'll have Arturia move him to a chamber in the High Council Hall."
Eimira slowly raised her head.
"Will he be facing trial?" She asked.
Mar'gareth exhaled. "Unfortunately, Yes. But not without me having a one on one with him."
"If I see that he poses no threat to Terraka…"
"...and to you."
"The trial will go in his favour. I promise you that, Snowflake."
Mar'gareth hugged Eimira.
"Now eat up, and go to sleep. It's evident that you haven't been sleeping well. You'll need the energy for when training starts."
A utensil dropped.
Clang!
"Surely, I'm exempted from such training, my loving father?" She asked, with a pitiful expression.
"Unfortunately, you are not, my lovely daughter." Mar'gareth replied.
Xilohe lowered her head. "Nooo."
Yor giggled.
"Come on everyone, let's eat. The food's going to get cold." she said.
—-
Soft afternoon light filtered through the narrow windows of my cell, casting short golden streams across the concrete floor.
The rays provided some sort of warmth, one I haven't felt in a while. Aside from that, the chains that held me had been removed, and I was also allowed to move freely inside my cell.
All thanks to Yor, whose words on my behalf made this possible
"Here."
Feona handed me a food flask.
"Commander Mar'gareth arrived today, so a feast was prepared."
I smiled. "Oh, thanks."
I opened it and was instantly hit with the sweet aroma of the Terrakan spices and seasoning bundled together in the flask.
"Yor made sure you got the first servings, hehe." Feona said, bring out another food flask, and a small ceramic jug filled with wine.
"Aw, she shouldn't have…" I muttered.
Feona laughed. "She also asked me to bring you this fine wine she made herself."
She brought out two crystal goblets and poured the wine into them. Then, placed one beside me.
"Feona…"
"Hmm?"
I smiled. "Thanks for this, truly…"
"...but shouldn't you be with the others?"
She stared at me.
Then—
Exhaled.
"Would you be lonely if I stopped coming?" She asked.
"Well, uh—"
I couldn't answer.
"Good, you can't answer." She smiled. "Then I'll keep coming, hehe."
She handed me a few slices of bread and a bowl of soup.
"Yor took her time to have this specially packed for you, don't let it go to waste—"
"Uhh, Zandren?"
I blinked. "W-What?"
She teasingly covered her mouth. "You're crying, aren't you?"
I laughed, wiping my tears.
"It's just that the spice got into my eyes, haha."
"So…"
"... You're telling me that you were originally a sword wielder?"
Feona stared at me.
"Yes."
I blinked. "Really? So, why'd you switch to bows?"
Feona leaned back on her seat, swallowing the food she had in her mouth before speaking.
"My family, Osa'eris, is a family of swordsmen. Both my father and mother were swordsmen."
She continued.
"My older brother and my three younger siblings also picked up their swordsman talent but…"
She lowered her head.
"I've always had an issue with close combat, haha."
"Oh. That must have been hard." I said.
"It was, Zandren. It really was." She replied, dramatically. "All my training was doubled…"
"...It was hell, I thought I'd die."
She took a sip of wine, then smiled.
"That all changed when I met him."
I leaned closer.
"Who?"
She giggled, then absentmindedly twirled her hair. "Marcel…"
I blinked. "No way. You have a lover?"
Feona stared at me.
"What? Do you think I'm some kind of loner?" She asked.
"No. No. I'm just surprised, that's all." I replied.
"Though we communicate through letters, since the arcstone can't send messages that far. Even so, he still shows his charms through his writings."
"How'd he influence your weapon choice?" I asked.
Feona took a bite of meat, and a spoon of soup before answering.
"I was out in the fields one random afternoon, Sylphaeris has a lot of those. I think I was frustrated about something then."
She looked at the ceiling.
"It was probably a bad training day, haha."
She continued.
"Suddenly, a wooden ball landed right under the tree where I sat…"
"...I grabbed it and scanned the fields for where it came from. That's when I saw… him."
Feona giggled.
"I remember vividly how he ran, screaming for me to hand it back. Already feeling angry that my peace was ruined…"
"...I walked forward and threw it in such a way that it landed right on his head."
She giggled slightly. "And he just fell."
I laughed.
Feona did also.
"He was so impressed by the throw, and kept pestering me to try his crafted bow." She continued. "I ended up agreeing…"
"...The moment I touched the bow." Feona smiled. "A wave of familiarity swept over me. I was easily able to channel Aeris into the arrow I fired. Something I wasn't able to achieve with a sword."
I chuckled slightly. "The same way I felt when Yor handed me the gauntlets."
"Your weapon is an extension of yourself." Feona quoted. "No kidding, haha."
I chuckled. "Yeah."
The laughter slowly faded.
"So, how are you feeling now?" Feona asked.
I sighed, placing the now empty flask beside me.
"I'm alright, I think." I replied.
"Now that Mar'gareth is here, I doubt anything would happen to you, and you'd just resume back to the academy." Feona said.
I chuckled dryly. "Even if I was allowed to resume, I wouldn't."
Feona blinked. "W-Why?"
"I just don't think I can face Eimira…" I answered. "Not after seeing the fear in her eyes when she saw me."
Silence.
Then—
Knock.
Knock.
The metal door that led out of the prison creaked open.
Slow, but heavy footsteps from the corridor approached.
A tall figure with a claymour strapped across his back stopped in front of my cell.
Silence.
I swallowed.
"What now…" I thought.
Then.
"Hi there…"
He entered the light. A small smile appeared on his face.
"I couldn't help myself…"
"...So I had to come see you earlier, Zandren."
Jingle.
The man brought out a set of keys.
"But first…"
"...Let's get you out of this cell."
Click.