Chapter Text
Their first few attempts at tracking down Hrotti–-a tome said to have been left behind by Saint Timotheos–-within the expansive labyrinth of countless passages underneath Garreg Mach Monastery were unsuccessful, but hardly fruitless. Each adventure felt a bit easier and more relaxed than the last, only further endearing Linhardt to Hapi and deepening Linhardt’s dedication to relieving Hapi of her crest-borne burdens. Their painstaking research and pursuit of the tome stretched on even past the end of the war, causing the pair to linger at the monastery somewhat longer than the majority of their peers.
On one particular excursion, though, Hapi felt a strangely familiar presence beckoning to her from beyond an unexplored passageway, causing their path to divert from its previously intended course. An ivory tome appeared in Hapi’s peripheral vision–-undeniably Hrotti, though Hapi wasn’t sure how she knew at that moment. It lay within an especially hidden passageway, seemingly untouched by time, and both were shocked at the immediate realization of why that was so: the tome, written of only in a sparse selection of tales from Hapi’s village and tattered scrolls from Abyss’s library, was undoubtedly a forgotten hero’s relic.
The find resulted in Hapi’s greatly increased involvement in the research, given that it was less dangerous and more cooperative in response to her crest than his. With the war over, it served little more purpose in even Hapi’s hands than research material, but the discovery was nonetheless the greatest breakthrough of Linhardt’s career thus far. Both were surprised by the bittersweet aftertaste of their journey’s conclusion but grateful to find themselves one step closer to a life of leisure together.
Now, the pair emerges victorious from Abyss; tome in hand, the excitement of their adventures all but a memory. They resolve to enter a short period of repose at Garreg Mach before embarking for Timotheos Village, Hapi’s hometown. Their research continues, but turns from exerting and unpredictable to idle and quiet. Though both considered themselves fond of or accustomed to silence, conversation seemed to always find its way into any space the two of them shared. On this particular evening, the topic turns to Linhardt’s past.