Chapter Text
In the shadow of the World Tree, one final meeting was taking place. The forest beneath the four seasons’ leaves was occupied, full, but at the same time, as lurkers waited and held themselves back, it appeared just as solitary. A lone gazebo sat at the foot of the tree, a natural fountain live, and splotches of flowers spread out with purpose.
One by one, people came to the white gazebo. Stories were shared, loving arms embracing one as they went. Eventually, it was the warrior’s turn. She marched up, steadily breathing, steeling herself for the moment. Her resolve faltered, watching the raven fly off in tears, sobbing her bird song into the wind. Part of her wanted to chase after, but the other knew it would delay the inevitable, and she would forever miss her chance.
Stepping up to the arc of the gazebo, the Keeper of Nature sat. Already, a river of tears stained her pink cheeks. When their eyes met, she wiped them away, a gentle smile greeting the warrior. “I had a feeling you would arrive right after her.”
She chuckled, chasing away the pressure in her chest. “We tend to chase each other whenever we have the chance.”
“I’m glad you let her go this time,” the keeper mused, “so I could speak to you.”
“I as well,” she replied. “I… I just wanted to thank you, Fauna. Thank you, for giving such positivity and love and care. Your realm here has been so…” A breath. “So… comfy, for a lot of people, and you should be proud of the community you built here.”
Around them, the leaves of the forest rustled as if agreeing in union. The smile on the keeper’s face wavered, struck by the honesty in her words. “I could say the same for you,” the keeper reminded her. “It’s comforting… knowing you will be there to provide for the little ones when I go.”
She lowered her head. “Your space should not have to go…”
“I know,” weakly, the keeper agreed, turning her gaze towards the World Tree, towering and grown. “But there are things beyond our control, even for us in Promise.”
She understood that. They all did. Employed in an entertainment company of all things, they were still beings of great power and responsibility. Her fists clenched. “I’m…” She steadied herself. “I’m sure whatever… whatever path you walk will be absolutely amazing, just like you.” Dipping her head in a respectful bow, the warrior made a request. “And, if I may, please, keep singing, wherever you go. You have such a pretty voice, and I speak from experience when I say it is good for the soul.”
A wet laugh left the keeper’s lips. “Raise your head, there’s no need to shame yourself. Besides, you’ll hear me so long as the grass still grows.”
Time passed too quickly, seconds ticking like a raising guillotine ready to separate them. Both were aware of it, jests made in an attempt to abate the inevitable parting. The warrior, unable to keep it in any longer, muttered, “You are a princess, how can we ever go on without you?”
The Keeper of Nature giggled, “No, no. You’ll be fine with the others. You are a queen, after all.”
She staggered, casting her gaze aside. “I’m… glad you think so.”
Delicate hands grasped her own, drawing her teary gaze back to the water eyes of the World Tree’s mother. “I don’t just think it,” she affirmed. Rising, her warm arms embraced the warrior. “I know it. I see it, right in front of me.”
She bit her trembling lip. She would not cry.
They parted. She would not cry.
She guided the keeper back to her seat. She would not cry.
The distance between them grew. She would not cry.
She turned, going to leave. She would not cry—
“Elizabeth!”
The warrior did not turn around.
“I’m going to be cheering for you!”
Her lip trembled.
A stray tear joined the morning dew.
The sight was jarring. In the past, that smile was only ever reserved for jokes and acting. It was meant for the likes of Faelyn, a role, a facade put up for fans who enjoyed such content. Her departure was soon recent, fresh, but Elizabeth had to force those fond memories behind her.
For sat across from her was Ceres Fauna, Countess of House Ceres, Lady of the Trees, and one of the most dangerous love interests in Holo Odyssey. She remembered laughing with Justice at Gigi’s “She wants us so bad!” whenever Fauna uttered a word about strangling those who dared look at them the wrong way. The danger, however, was trapped behind a screen, contained in a character never meant to reach her. With only a measly table separating them, Elizabeth knew for a fact that this Fauna could strangle her with a mere flick of her wrist.
This had turned into a perilous situation.
“Why so tense?” Fauna’s smile was impish, knowledge behind those eyes Elizabeth could not fully perceive. If she recalled correctly, Fauna was just as shrewd a businesswoman in Holo Odyssey as she was in ENReco. “You’ve never shied away from speaking your mind before.”
“Merely collecting myself,” Elizabeth quickly replied. “No one told me you were coming.”
“Given Lady Bloodflame had your maid murdered in front of me in cold blood, I’m not entirely surprised,” she said, bored as if the revelation did not make Elizabeth sputter.
“You were there?!”
After a moment of observing Elizabeth curiously, Fauna nodded. “Lady Bloodflame was so very sure she had caught the culprit, she hadn’t even the thought of questioning why I had this on hand.” Hand dipping below the table, the green haired noblewoman revealed a vial of iridescent liquid, labeled with runes. Those were scattered around the manor and inscribed on a few of her belongings… Fauna’s grin grew. “Your secret is safe, little lady of the house. Your mother is none the wiser.”
“Huh?” Elizabeth dumbly let out again, making Fauna laugh.
“Now, now, no need to play dumb,” she insisted, covering her mouth daintily with a hand. Along her arm, a vine had slithered up, flowers along the green appendage ready to bloom. “My dear—” Who? Fauna isn’t engaged in the game— “—already made sure there were none of your mother’s spies to eavesdrop before I even stepped foot into your garden! Tell me, will you be seeking Kirin Co’s services again?”
“A pleasure to see you again, Little Lady Bloodflame. Tell me, how was the poison I gave you?”
Fauna wasn’t the one to slip holifeather into her drink.
She was.
Any decorum holding Elizabeth upright in her seat failed, her posture falling near limp against her seat, wide eyes boring into her lap. That dream— no, that memory— was supposed to be her last moment. She… She drank from that goblet knowing she was going to…
“The hell are you doing here?”
“If you continue to act in a way unbefitting of our house, I will be forced to be strict with you again. Do you want that?”
She clenched her fists and raised her head. Fauna remained, amusement twinkling in her gaze. You couldn’t take it anymore, could you? “That won’t be necessary, Lady Ceres. A brush with death was… quite educational. Was that all you came for today?”
“Now, now, don’t be so quick to get rid of me,” Fauna giggled. “Lady Bloodflame graciously invited me to lunch, and I have to give you this.”
Sliding over another vial, one not as tiny as the last, Fauna’s ever-present smile went somber. Turning it over in her own hands, bottle a smooth diamond shape, Elizabeth spotted the runes for sun and joy along the neck. With the sizable pills inside, it did not take a genius to guess what was in her hands.
Elizabeth slid them back across the table. “I won’t be needing these either.”
Fauna’s smile finally dropped, mouth briefly agape before settling in a frown. “Where did we first meet?”
“Wh-Wha—” Panic shot through Elizabeth. “Why do you ask—”
“Mumei.”
Faster than Elizabeth could hope to react, a jagged dagger pressed into her neck, tiny, yet strong hands holding her in place, ensuring she did not escape. Barely enough room to glance back, Elizabeth saw soulless hazel eyes boring into her soul, all beneath a little brown hood. On the other side, Fauna stood. “Refrain from struggling or calling for help. Mumei can move faster than either option.”
“F-Fauna, if you kill me this is a grave crime—”
“Do as she says,” came Mumei’s threatening voice. It sent shivers down Elizabeth’s spine, forcing her to still as the dagger came closer.
“Just hold still, my dear,” said Fauna as she circled the table. At the end of the vine along her arm, a white flower bloomed, reaching for Elizabeth’s face as if she were the sun. “This will only take a moment.”
“Wait—”
Ignoring Elizabeth’s pleas, Fauna uttered a chant under her breath, runes appearing along the side of the vine before pollen burst from the flower, coating the scarlet lady. She sputtered, shutting her eyes. This was poison— This was how she was going to die and the game hadn’t even started! This wasn’t even a scripted death, she just failed! She should have read through her counterpart’s journal instead of skimming the last two pages like a fool, and now she was as good as dead—
“Oh? Hm. Odd. You can let her go, Mumei.”
Gasping, Elizabeth caught herself on the table, no longer held back by the dagger threatening her neck. She spun around, finally getting a good look at her assailant. Dressed in brown leathers and a tattered brown cloak, was the love interest with the most blood on her hands, Nanashi Mumei.
“AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!”
“Dios santos!”
“Gigi, oh my god, shut up!” Cecilia yelled, slapping the head of the gremlin. “It’s not that bad!”
Elizabeth cringed, still staring at the gore on screen, “I’m not sure I’d agree with that assessment, Cecilia…”
Raora groaned, head stuffed in her chattino’s plush side, ears folded down, “They did not have to include those sounds… Ay, basta! Do not look at me like that, Gigi! Mumei can be so creepy sometimes!”
「Oh? Hi.」
“Ah, DIOS— CECILIA!”
“The look on your face—!”
Dismissing the memory from her mind, she spun back to Fauna who simply sat back down. “What the frig was that?!”
Mumei circled over to her lady. “Who knew the little lady could grow a spine?”
“Now, now, be nice,” Fauna insisted. “I thought you cursed, but I see now you might just have some selective amnesia. What an interesting case. I don't think I've ever come across this among the other Enclove nobility… You are the first person to survive, it would make sense to have such discoveries…”
“You…” Elizabeth held her face in her hands, groaning. “Could you have not told me that before you had a knife held to my throat?!”
“Huh, she forgot your love for theatrics too,” Mumei piped up. “Shame.”
Resisting the urge to just slam her face into the table, Elizabeth was stuck between the crossroads of relief and concern. On one hand, selective amnesia caused by holifeather was the perfect excuse; she could learn everything she needed under the guise of amnesia and no one would be wiser to the truth. However, if anyone ever found out the truth, that she was not the true lady of the house…
She shook her head. Best not to entertain the idea.
“Still, even if you’ve lost some memories, you should still take this,” Fauna said, once again sliding the vial forward. “Your old dose was two pills every morning. If you are feeling better, then go without them for a while. If not, start with one pill before moving onto two.”
Seeing as Fauna was not going to take them back, Elizabeth hid the vial in one of her skirt pockets— thank goodness this world had those. “Why do you care if I take these?”
“I don’t,” she said nonchalantly. “It would simply be bad practice for Kirin Co to fail an order. Our reputation would be ruined, and we all know dissatisfied costumers complain, and that simply wouldn't do, not with the royal family so high strung. Besides…” Her eyes glowed sharply, and suddenly the dangerous pressure from before returned. “I hold the ability to fuel your fire or snuff it out. It all depends on how you respond to my request.”
Comply or die. I should have known. “I wouldn’t dare, Fauna.”
She giggled, “Do threats make you lose all sense of decorum?”
“I-I just survived poison and you’re threatening to kill me,” Elizabeth sighed. “Besides, titles are stifling. I’d rather be addressed as ‘Elizabeth’ in private.” At least that way someone will call me by name...
“Oh? Who knew amnesia would make you amicable?”
Now that felt like a jab to her chest. “Thanks for that…”
“I assume your family has no idea you’ve forgotten?” Fauna inquired. Seeing Elizabeth nod, she let out a little snort. “That woman truly is blinder than a bat.”
“Albeit a dangerous bat,” Mumei seethed.
“How much do you have on Lady Bloodflame?”
“Oh? Curious about your mother’s misdeeds? I won’t give such information for free, dear.” Of course, Fauna was just going to dangle that information in front of her face like bait until she bit. Shoulders back, head held up high, Fauna looked every bit like a fusion of her ENReco character and Faelyn; powerful, cunning, and poised.
“What is your proposal then?”
A chill ran up Elizabeth’s spine as triumph stretched Fauna’s lips into a grin. Of all the people to get involved with in Holo Odyssey, Elizabeth wasn’t sure if the woman who doomed the whole world to the throes of Nature’s Wrath was the right choice.
But what else could she do?
* * *
The view from the world tree was grand. Wind dancing through her scarlet locks, Elizabeth took in all the light touched. She could see the awe-inspiring structures built by their resident blacksmith, the paths carved out by bustling travel, the humble shops propped up by their seniors…
“Am I interrupting?”
Fighting back a flinch, she turned, finding the Keeper there, materials in hand to cultivate her final project. She shook her head. “No, of course not.”
She stepped in line with Elizabeth, not an ounce of anxiety in the way she expertly navigated the branches of the tree. “Quite the sight, isn’t it?”
“Not even Justice Headquarters sports such a view…”
“No? I’m quite honored,” the Keeper giggled. “How are you, Elizabeth? I’ve not seen you much these days.”
The Scarlet Queen averted her gaze, her face suddenly a furnace. “W-Well, just busy doing my job, is all! You know, monitoring and all that…”
A knowing smile was all Elizabeth was met with. “Are you monitoring right now?”
She calmed her heart. “O-Of course! I’m always on duty! I am the leader of Justice, after all!”
“Oh, I thought you on break,” she mused. “Is Nerissa down there? I thought she was on the other side of the tree.”
“Ack— She— I am not—”
“There is no one here to admonish you for taking a break, Elizabeth,” the Keeper assured her. A gentle hand patted her on the back, golden wheat eyes shining with compassion. “And if the gods were to ask where their most dedicated warrior went, none of them would bat an eye if I said you were with me.” Fishing out a familiar gold item, she held it out. “Would you like a totem? Just in case, while you rest?”
“That is…” This time, she allowed herself a small, relaxed smile. “Yes. Thank you, Fauna.”
* * *
“Surely not!”
“Oh, I’m quite sure.”
“Please, if I was the one to throw that man in the lake, rumors would have spread across the kingdom by noon.”
Fauna giggled, “Then you best learn how to put your foot down again, Elizabeth, less the den eats you alive.”
An hour later, the two women remained in the rose garden. Elizabeth was relieved to see Fauna’s ability to talk about anything at all transferred over; the woman had a response for everything Elizabeth brought up, from plants to runes, all the way down to the smallest rumor circling around in court.
At some point, Mumei left, deeming it safe for her lady. Though she was alarmed at the idea of letting Mumei explore the manor, armed no less, Fauna insisted Mumei was trained well enough. Looking at their relationship, it was very much a classic act of master and mutt.
Oh, now I regret imagining it…
“I-I-I-I’m sorry, my lady!” Suddenly, rushing back into the gardens, Aqua stumbled, yelped, steadied herself, and then approached, near out of breath with a tray of tea. She placed it between them, quickly arranging the table for the two ladies. “I-I-I didn’t mean to take as long as I did! I’m really sorry—”
“Aqua, it is fine!” Elizabeth insisted, concerned at how frazzled she looked. It seemed to work a bit as Aqua took a moment to take a few breaths. “It’s fine, you aren’t in trouble.”
“O-Okay…”
“What occupied you for so long?” Elizabeth asked. “Are you alright?”
Her maid averted her gaze, fidgeting. “W-Well, I…”
Concern got the better of Elizabeth. Unable to stop herself, she searched Aqua with her eyes. Her uniform was long sleeved, very little skin showing besides her hands, neck, and face. Parts of her uniform looked crinkled, her high collar offset, and from it, Elizabeth spotted sickly purple.
She froze.
“Where did you get this?”
Aqua flinched, stepping back once she finished setting everything. “I-I got the tea from the k-kitchens…! L-Lady Ceres’s favorite, l-like you said! I-I didn’t go anywhere else, I-I promise—”
“No, no, where did you get that?” Unable to stop herself, Elizabeth reached forward, yanking Aqua by the collar to get a better look at the offending purple. It was sizable, the color indicated some sort of hold, the shape—
A hand.
Her flame burst.
Who dared?
Aqua was— is an idol! Call her an onion, a friend, shy, socially awkward; Aqua was a shining star in the dark for so many! This might have been a different version of her, another reality, but this was Aqua. How dare anyone hurt a hair on her head—
A sob brought Elizabeth back to her senses. Fat tears fell, rolling down the face of a woman Elizabeth greatly admired and onto her gloves. Her hold loosened, dropping to her side as if ashamed it was the cause of an idol’s tears.
“M-M-M-My lady, I-I’m fine!” Between strained hiccups, Aqua tried her best, and each time she did, Elizabeth’s heart broke. “I-I— I just— I just bumped into—”
“May I?” A soft touch drew Elizabeth to look back at Fauna, now at her side. “It looks rather dark, dear.”
She shook her head. “I-It’s okay—”
“Aqua, it is not,” Elizabeth insisted. “You… you are serving me, and no one in my service should come to harm. Please, let Lady Ceres look over you.”
Still blinking away tears, Aqua nodded, stiffly allowing Fauna to work her magic. This time, instead of willing a flower to bloom along her vine, she cut into it, gathering the excess in a handkerchief to rub gently on Aqua’s bruise. Multiple times, Elizabeth resisted the urge to bite— to bite her lip, her fingers. Aqua did not need her nerves, she needed comfort…
“There. Apply this,” Fauna handed her another vial from her pearly skirts, “every morning until this ugly thing disappears. Understood?”
“Y-Yes, m-ma’am…”
“Now,” she tilted her head as if the mere action was the key to everything, “would you be willing to tell me and your lady the truth so this never happens again? I would hate to bear witness yet another execution on the Bloodflame estate, people will talk.”
“Fauna—”
“Shush, let her speak.”
“That is hardly the issue—”
“I-I-It’s okay, my lady…” Aqua intervened. Composed enough to wipe her tears, her dear maid tried appearing as poise as possible. “I-It was wrong of me to l-lie… S-So, I— It—”
“Deep breaths, take your time,” Elizabeth tried. She was too forward last time, so instead, she reached out, offering Aqua a choice. Mauve eyes widened at her lady’s actions; for the first time, head up, Aqua saw her lady, whole and worried… about her. Biting her lip, hesitating, Aqua received her lady and held her hand.
Gradually, the pressure in her chest fell, and a heavy breath stuttered out of her abused lungs. Whispering a prayer of forgiveness, Aqua spoke, “I was… L-Lady Bloodflame called me— t-t-to c-clean a-a mess in her office, a-and Louella promised t-t-to have the tea p-prepared when I returned— Oh, a-and she did! I-It wasn’t— I-I just— I a-accidentally— Jeremy w-was there, around the corner when I bumped into him, a-a-and then the tea…”
Both Fauna and Elizabeth could infer what happened next.
If Elizabeth’s flame was not a bonfire before, it was now. The tips nipped at her chin, azure sparks threatening to implode the entire garden, but for some reason, Aqua did not pull away. Frightened as she appeared, not once did she pull away from her lady’s hand.
A great boiling fury rose like a phoenix deep in the crevasses of Elizabeth’s veins. There was no reason to hit Aqua— or anyone for that matter— for an honest mistake! In the time since her arrival, Aqua was at her side, assisting her in walking, answering whatever inquiries she might have had, staying without a single complaint even when Elizabeth insisted she take her day and make the most of it! Of all the people she allowed herself to meet over the course of the last few days, Aqua was the last person to deserve this treatment!
“M-My lady…?”
Breathing in deeply, Elizabeth reigned in her flame. “I won’t let this ever happen again. I promise.”
I promise.
* * *
Verbal battles were as fierce as real ones. Early in her youth, just assigned captain to fresh soldiers, Elizabeth remembered learning and failing to navigate the complexities of egos and ulterior motives. Bright as she was, she thought everyone was striving only for the prosperity of their nation. Instead, she found a cesspool of corruption, captains only seeking glory, and pride too impenetrable to pierce. It nearly ended up wiping out her entire battalion. Only later did she learn it was due to another captain’s refusal to assist because he believed it best to keep his position fortified after her’s fell.
To this day, just thinking about it made Elizabeth’s blood boil.
Those battles were no different from the duels Elizabeth conducted with Justice’s superiors. Every single word was ammo to be leveled, stolen, and shot back at an opponent; every ounce of hesitation was enough to turn a conversation around. Since Justice infiltrated Hololive, however, those meetings diminished in favor of their new “jobs.”
“Ready to duel, Little Lady Bloodflame?”
On their way towards the westward dining hall, Elizabeth rolled her shoulders back and put on her best, practiced smile. This was no different than the higher ups asking to meet her. To her right, parasol tightly bound, Fauna used it as a decorative cane.
“I’d rather we simply enjoy the meal,” she replied. Glancing around, she settled over Fauna’s shoulder. “Is Mumei…?”
“Damn, you sensed me.” Just as she predicted, the brunette hopped out of the shadows, displeasure barely tinting her soulless eyes. “You should scan her again, Lady Ceres. At this rate, the Bloodflame heir might have developed superpowers.”
“I’m sure we’ll find out soon enough, my dear Mumei,” Fauna giggled. “Did the little onion make it back to her room fine?”
Mumei nodded, putting Elizabeth’s heart at ease. “Got back and even locked her door.”
“You… didn’t sneak in, did you?”
“No.”
Elizabeth sighed. I’ll just have to ask Aqua later…
As the doors came into view, Elizabeth took a harsh intake of breath. She knew she was going to have to face him eventually, but on the same day as Fauna and Mumei? It was too much. Suit refined, fitted to suit his towering figure, iconic black crown missing, an older red haired man stood before the doors. A less informed individual would have mistaken him and the rest of the noble house as family, but if one were to look closely, without a flame and hair a darker shade than the Bloodflame scarlet, the manor’s caretaker was simply a servant.
She pursed her lips. There was no familiarity in those crimson eyes, not an ounce of the jolly soul capable of dragging her out of her office at a moment’s notice. Indifference just looked… wrong on Jurard. He bowed in greeting.
“Young mistress, Lady Ceres, and…” he paused, unsure upon seeing Mumei.
“My companion,” Fauna replied. “I hope we haven’t kept Lady Bloodflame waiting.”
“No, you have arrived on time,” Jurard assured her. Not once did he look Elizabeth in the eye. “Please, right this way.”
As the butler opened the doors, Elizabeth stepped forward and offered her hand. “My lady.”
Fauna hid her smirk with a hand. “Forward, but acceptable.”
At Elizabeth’s invitation, the two noblewomen entered the hall, Mumei following like a shadow. On the other side, the dining hall was a respectable place, though no matter where Elizabeth looked it seemed off putting. Off-white, a red seemingly too bright, the table in the center far too long for a family of their size. Despite the appetizing looking food, the arrangement just seemed too perfect. At the head, Lady Bloodflame lounged like a tyrant, her attire heavy in blacks and reds, golden choker far too lavish for Elizabeth’s liking. To her right, an impatient Derrick glared at their entrance. At least he was dressed normally, even if his golden trimmed blazer was probably worth thousands. Jurard bowed, making himself scarce the moment they crossed the threshold, too quiet for his face.
Still holding Elizabeth’s hand, Fauna curtseyed. “Lady Bloodflame. Always a pleasure.”
Under his breath, Derrick grumbled, “About time…”
“Lady Ceres,” Lady Bloodflame greeted her amicably. Her gaze then turned on Elizabeth. Behind her, the doors shut heavily like a falling guillotine. “My son told me you were not at the gates.”
“No one was there to escort me so I relied on your flora to take me to one of your children,” Fauna replied. Elizabeth was the only one to notice how Derrick’s fist shook, flame suddenly brighter than before. “I was fortunate to find your daughter first.”
The lady of the house responded just as quickly. “Indeed, very fortunate. I hope my daughter did not delay you at all.”
“Oh no, she’s been a dear, listening to me ramble all morning,” Fauna replied. She gave a small tug to Elizabeth, urging her to guide the countess to an open seat on Lady Bloodflame’s left side. “Thank you, Elizabeth.”
First names? Mumei caught her gaze from the side. For once, her soulless eyes seemed to shine with amusement. Hiding a smirk, Elizabeth pulled out the countess’s chair. “Any time, Fauna.”
From the corner of her eye, she caught a whiff, a barely hidden twitch at Lady Bloodflame’s lips, as if masking her satisfaction. Elizabeth was unsure whether or not that satisfaction was from her close relationship with Fauna, or if it was because she had “listened” to her command. Across from her, Derrick turned away and sneered. Elizabeth forced herself to keep smiling.
“Quite the pair two of you make,” Lady Bloodflame stated. “And first names already? You must tread carefully, Lady Ceres. My daughter’s fiance is rather physical these days.”
Internally, Elizabeth cringed as Fauna laughed, keeping attention on her. “Oh, I would never get in the way of the Third Ravencroft’s passion! Shall we dine? I’m afraid if I continue speaking, the meal your servants prepared will go to waste!”
“Yes, it would be a shame,” she mused, her smile not reaching her eyes. Elizabeth could practically see the lightning between Fauna and Lady Bloodflame. “I thank you for coming to dine with us, Lady Ceres. Your expertise saved my daughter. Please, enjoy our finest as part of House Bloodflame’s gratitude.”
Midday meal (lunch) was a lavish display of prosperity, but given Fauna’s standing as the Lady of the Trees, nothing on the table phased her. Pheasant, a fancy salad Elizabeth had no name for, fluffy bread, some soup; there was a variety to choose from, but Fauna, as Elizabeth knew her, stuck to her diet of greens. She measured how much she should take based on Derrick and Lady Bloodflame’s portions, a bit of everything and some to spare. Each action was measured, calculated, steady; Elizabeth felt like she was under strict surveillance instead of enjoying a meal with family. Any words traded either praised the food or were brief jabs, mostly through Fauna and Lady Bloodflame. Whenever she looked up at Derrick, he was chewing his food, simply staring irately between the three women in front of him. He probably didn’t want to be here in the first place.
“Truly? A hunter? Your father?”
Fauna giggled, “A surprise, no? Grandfather spun quite a few tales of him when I was younger.”
“A shame you never took up the practice,” Lady Bloodflame replied. “My beloved lord and I met at a function. Love amongst the hunt, some called it, and we had only come of age! It’s quite a… fruitful endeavor. Derrick here recently rode out on a hunt with our men. Remind me what you brought home, dear?”
For once, her brother finally looked in his element. His grin no longer looked like a cocky smirk, instead taking on a rather genuine excitement. “Only the finest of prizes, of course! The same as father: a bear! None of the knights would come close, so I brandished my great sword by my lonesome! I even took back its head!”
“Oh, would that be the one mounted on the wall just outside?” Fauna inquired. It was admirable how she could entertain any flow of conversation. “You certainly have a great talent for it. Both you and your sister are wonderful scions of the Bloodflame name.”
Derrick scoffed at her latter statement, but he sat a little straighter, proud. Seeing him like that brought a smile to Elizabeth’s face in spite of her brother’s, “Sure. Both. ”
“Speaking of your daughter, Elizabeth and I had quite the fruitful discussion in the gardens today, my lady.” Completely ignoring Derrick’s snide comment, Fauna returned back to Lady Bloodflame with excitement clasped in her hands. “Now that we know it is possible to survive holifeather, it would benefit us all to study the aftereffects.”
“Yes, Fauna and I were to iron out the details in my office once our meal concluded,” Elizabeth added, for once drawing the lady’s gaze. “Any findings published after our weekly meetings will possess the Ceres and Bloodflame seal united in solidarity.”
“And if you find nothing, Lady Ceres?” Lady Bloodflame once again differed to her fellow head of house rather than address her daughter.
“Then I will see our status equalized and a few… unsavory rumors removed from social circles,” she replied. “Does that sound acceptable to you, Lady Bloodflame?”
“How often will you meet?”
“Once weekly per availability.”
“The entire day?”
“Tests often run long, I’m afraid,” Fauna mused, “but if you wish for Elizabeth to return before sunset, I can guarantee such an arrangement.”
Lady Bloodflame chortled, shoulders slightly shaking at the suggestion. “Elizabeth is her own woman, she need not tell me everything, much less come home like a juvenile in need of supervision. I’m pleased to see such productive discussion between you.”
I will find out regardless, went unspoken.
“Would you excuse us then,” Elizabeth tensely requested, “now that we’ve had our fill? I’d like to draft this agreement as soon as possible, Mother.”
“Elizabeth,” Lady Bloodflame scolded. “Don’t rush our guest, what will Lady Ceres believe?”
“It’s quite fine, my lady,” Fauna played it off expertly, but under the table, Elizabeth bit back a grunt as the green woman pinched her hand. “I would be eager to get to work if I had missed an entire week’s worth.”
The stare off between Fauna and the lady of the house was stifling. It reminded Elizabeth of standing before the gods themselves rather than their proxies, the weight enough to flatten anyone of weaker constitution.
“I hope you find use in my daughter’s poisoning” Lady Bloodflame said. “ We may have brought the culprit to justice, but I look forward to your findings. It would certainly put my heart at ease.”
Elizabeth clenched her fist under the table.
Justice?
What was this horrid jest?
* * *
“Far too hasty.”
Elizabeth sighed, rifling through drawers and cabinets to find the stash of blank papers she “forgot.” She peeked over her shoulder towards Fauna lounging in her office sitting space. "What would you have me do? Wait for my mother to dominate our whole conversation?"
"It's called learning how to listen and redirect, dear," Fauna replied. "You may have to reacquaint yourself with such technique before you attend a function."
She sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Apologies, it was getting too stuffy for my liking.”
This was the first time in the space; Aqua insisted she stay out of the office in the days she’d been awake, electing to bring papers to her chambers. The office had more of a scarlet pattern, dark burgundy matching cream lounge cushions and mahogany desk. Just looking at her desk made it evident Aqua did not bring every paper to her, a sizable stack sitting lonely by ink and quill. Besides a dedicated lounge for tea, the office also possessed dual cabinets, shelves lined with books, diamond holds containing scrolls, and drawers for her to peruse at a later date. At the very least, her counterpart was just as organized, each section labeled across.
“Ingesting poison even made her flip her likes and dislikes?” Mumei once again popped out of the shadows, snickering. “Wow, holifeather must have caused some real brain damage.”
“Mumei, please. Insult our host enough and I'm afraid I won't be able to stop her from tossing you to the sewers,” her lady warned despite a brief giggle. “Why don’t you be helpful and assist Elizabeth in her search?”
“That won’t be necessary,” Elizabeth insisted, closing yet another drawer. “I will find it eventually, just wait a moment.”
“If anyone else were to see you now, they’d believe you stalling for time.”
“How astute, I am stalling.”
“Elizabeth, dear, we both know you don’t remember where everything is.”
“... Touche.”
Whether out of pride or to get it done, Elizabeth opened the last drawer roughly, jostling a few of the contents inside. No blank paper it seemed, just a few ledgers it seemed with a letter with blue lipstick popping out beneath it—
She quickly shuffled the papers on top of the letter and slammed it shut.
That…
That was not what she thought it was, was it?
“Found it!”
“Mumei, don’t lay your dirty hands on our host’s belongings,” Fauna scolded again.
“No, no, she’s fine!” Elizabeth hastily insisted, bounding over to the cabinet Mumei had opened on the other side of the room. Snatching a few, she gracefully took her seat at her desk. An inkwell and quill awaited her; it was a bit nostalgic, having to use these old tools again. “I will have this finished in a moment’s notice. Simply give me a few moments.”
“Oh? I heard from the lord of House Guinevere that your drafts take quite some time,” Fauna brought up, but the name bounced off Elizabeth like rubber. Who? “Are you certain I won’t be here all evening? Time is rather precious.”
“Positive.” If there was anything Elizabeth was confident about finishing in a timely manner, it was paperwork. In fact, as she explained, she was already writing the title of their agreement at the top of the parchment. “We specified the end of Winter, yes?”
“That we did…” She trailed off, but Elizabeth did not look up. Her writing hand wrote as if possessed, running across the page in neat, decipherable lines from years of muscle memory. Perfectly centered, done in commanding cursive… the only time Elizabeth lifted her quill was to reapply the ink or shake out the ache in her forearm. The lack of muscle was going to be quite the annoyance…
“How queer,” Elizabeth heard Funa mutter. “It’s almost as if you’ve become a different person.”
“Did you not observe that earlier?”
“I did. I’m simply curious as to how far this is to go,” Fauna hummed. “I will have to report your partial amnesia to your mother eventually, lest she get suspicious. But before then, I’ve only you to study.”
“Joy,” she chuckled. Her voice went high, vocal training kicking in as she continued to work. “See, she’ll just call me a disappointment and move on with her day. “Oh, did she now? The girl already has brain damage, what’s more to her list of defects?” Or something unoriginal like…” The moment Elizabeth paused to reapply ink, she was paused. Fauna and Mumei were staring at her unabashedly, the scene almost reminiscent of when she impersonated Calli and Kiara for the time.
“My lady, she’s a skinwalker,” she declared, already unsheathing her dagger. “I should kill her.”
“H-Hey! I am not!” Elizabeth protested. “I-It’s just…” Why did I do that?! How am I supposed to explain this if I do it again?! “Is it so odd for a lady to have hobbies?”
“Hobbies of impersonation?” Fauna replied. “What an interesting woman you are, Elizabeth.”
Laughing awkwardly, Elizabeth returned to work. She nearly opened her mouth to do the same thing before stopping herself. No, that would probably confirm Fauna’s suspicions of her being a different person.
“I’m, uh, nearly finished?” Elizabeth awkwardly said. To finish it off, she signed the bottom in advance, handing it over to Fauna when she approached. “What do you think?”
After a few seconds of scanning the freshly written document, Fauna lowered it to reveal a satisfied smile, one on a miner that just struck gold. “I think this partnership will go much smoother than I ever imagined.”
* * *
“Why is it that whenever I find you, you’re always alone?”
Behind Elizabeth, Fauna approached. This time, on a camping trip with the rest of their colleagues, she had taken a spot away from the group, sitting on a fallen log to stare up at the sky. So far from the light pollution of civilization, suns millions of light years away were visible to them, revealing their patterns to Elizabeth and Fauna.
“I merely stepped away to take a moment for myself,” Elizabeth replied before patting the spot next to her. “I would not mind company, however.”
The Keeper of Nature giggled, taking up on her offer to slide next to the Scarlet Queen. “Thank you, Liz, but we both know you didn’t come out here to admire the stars.”
Silence.
“What stopped you this time?” Fauna eventually asked. From the corner of Elizabeth’s eye, she watched Fauna gaze up at the universe as the question left her lips. “No one would object to you reciprocating. At most, Gigi and Biboo would simply tease you.”
Elizabeth’s gaze returned to the sky as well. “It’s not so simple.”
“You believe she would retract the moment you reciprocate?”
She shook her head. “No, I…” Elizabeth sighed. “We are coworkers, nothing more. It is my job to monitor her, and anything more than what we do on stream is simply a form of teasing. Nothing more.”
The wind became their silence this time, holding space for Elizabeth’s words and taking them to the trees until Elizabeth could will it away. Fauna merely sat there with her, just two beings in a forest, enjoying the breeze, the cool air, and the night sky.
“One day, then?”
“... who knows?”
* * *
“You didn’t need to escort us out, Elizabeth.”
“Nonsense! It’s no problem at all!”
“Must’ve lost her self preservation too.”
“Mumei…”
Guiding Fauna and Mumei to their awaiting carriage outside of the gates, Elizabeth felt the fresh air relax her. No matter how open, no matter how many windows brought in natural light, the manor was beginning to feel suffocating. Elizabeth hadn’t even been here a full week!
Watching Mumei briefly exchange words with the coachman, Elizabeth waited patiently. Fauna’s arm was looped in her own; she tried not to think of how it burned with searing regret. From the corner of her vision, she was the same, yet different. The same Fauna, cut and grown from the ground up, yet with unique paths and branches she had never seen. Their silhouettes did not match, the shadows they casted beyond each other’s knowledge.
She knew that now.
And the rest would be too.
“I know you were going to come regardless,” Elizabeth said upon clearing her throat, “but thank you for finding me. I… believe I needed that.”
The smile that stretched Fauna’s lips was an exact mirror of the one Elizabeth knew. “It was my pleasure.”
As she prepared to let go, winds picking up a curtain of leaves, they passed by her vision, and for a split second, she saw her . The white dress suddenly faded, taking on greens and pinks, filling the flowing canvas with colors Elizabeth saw fondly. Before the tree, four seasons hanging in delicate balance, was the Keeper with a shining smile.
“Elizabeth! I’m going to be cheering for you!”
Then, the leaves fell, leaving behind the Lady of the Trees and her murderous assistant. Loosely, Fauna’s hand fell from her grip. Elizabeth did not bother reaching for her, but she kept smiling. The two of them might have been different, from a different tree, but the leaves and the ripples left from them were like fractals.
“Fauna.”
She glanced over her shoulder, one foot already in the carriage. “Oh? Yes?”
“Thank you, for being there,” Elizabeth said, the words she longed to say falling from her lips. “I may not remember much from the times we’ve met before, but I greatly appreciate whatever you were willing to do in my time of need.”
Her eyes widened. Even Mumei regarded her differently, no longer focused solely on keeping a barrier between her and her lady. Extending her hand, the vine along Fauna’s arm snaked out, yet another flower blooming from the thick appendage. This time, no spores jumped out to assault her; roses bloomed, their light pink petals so full of life, offering themselves for Elizabeth to take.
“It was no issue,” Fauna mused. “Stay safe, Elizabeth. May we meet again next week.”
The moment she plucked the flowers, the vine slithered back. With one last wave, Fauna disappeared behind the carriage door, leaving Elizabeth with Mumei. She eyed her intently, then the roses, then shrugged.
“Not my place to question what you saw in death,” she shrugged. “Just try not to get on anyone’s bad side.”
Like a shadow fading into the sun, Mumei disappeared at the same time the coachmen urged the horses forward. She waved them off, watching, waiting, as it disappeared into the distance. Her jaw clenched.
I will see her next week. Her mind assured her heart. I will see her again.
As the knights closed the gates, Elizabeth pondered going outside herself, to the major town in their territory. Just staring at the obsidian gates reminded her of the Cell, iron bars a reminder of those wrongly imprisoned. Perhaps she could ask Aqua in a few days after regaining more strength—
“What, are you taking Ravencroft’s tactics and breaking your oath?”
Descending from behind, Derrick stomped over until they were shoulder to shoulder. She peeked just past them, spotting Jurard observing with a piercing stare. She clenched her fists. That man was not him. Smothering her longing, she faced him with the remaining embers of her social battery. “Brother, I'll have you know I would never—”
“Finally! You should’ve stopped taking shit from that woman ages ago,” he cut her off, nearly making Elizabeth stumble back. “Every time you let her get away with nonsense it was a stain on the Bloodflame name!”
What?
Though his smirk was condescending, the satisfaction seemed… genuine? “Can’t wait for the word to get around, the bitch’ll implode!”
What???
He turned back around. “I’m going to send pigeons to a few friends to get them riled up, no need to thank me.”
“N-No! No need to do that!” Elizabeth quickly stopped him. Seeing his irritation at being interrupted from his reverie, she cleared her throat. “I will see to it myself, you needn’t go to such lengths for me.”
“Tch, hogging all the fun.” Derrick made for the manor. There, Jurard was waiting for him, a sight her brother actually smiled at. “Do whatever you want. It’s not like you’re going to be heir to the house for much longer.”
Whatever she wanted…
Elizabeth slowly followed after.
She might do just that.
* * *
Miles away, in the hours of early morn, a splendid manor stood on the cliffs of the region overlooking their city as if a bird’s nest. Within the walls, music filled each room, heavenly and hellish melodies reverberating into a duet of limbo, the state normal for the youngest siblings of the family that resided there. The brother was busy galavanting with a peer, rapiers in hand, dueling without a captive audience.
Over a few rooms, however, the air was suffocating. Gripped in shaking hands was a letter, a response written in perfect cursive, almost mocking in her eyes. The runner did his best not to tremble, eyes constantly flickering over towards the door, but he was not yet dismissed. Dark imposing wings unfurled. Piercing blue light pulsed in dark horns. Wine red eyes glared until finally the tension was ripped asunder.
Her scream was as turbulent as it was quick. A wine glass she once held shattered against the wall. The runner flinched. He did not leave. He was not commanded to. Rising as if her outburst was nothing but an afterthought, she flashed a cordial smile at the man.
“Prepare me a carriage for Bloodflame territory. Now.”
“Y-Yes, my lady! At once!”
He scurried out, not looking back. In turn, she read the letter once over and scoffed.
“If you wanted a reaction, I hope you’re happy with the one you’re getting.” She ripped it up violently, and with only an utterance on her breath, blue flames erupted from her palm until naught remained but ashes.
“Dear fiance.”