After a trip home to drop off a heavily inebriated vice-captain, Bell decided to head out once more to get a much needed errand done. Namely, procuring himself a new set of armor that would replace the one he lost against the minotaur.
He admits to feeling no small amount of regret for the loss of the armor, there was something about it that resonated within him on a deeper level that he couldn't explain. Was it the color? How light it was? How sturdy it was despite the weight? So many theories but no concrete answer. Bell just decided the most simple reason was the best one.
He liked the armor, that was enough.
"I must be honest Bell," Takeru said from his side, "I hadn't expected this place to be where you obtained that armor."
They had just arrived at the location where Bell received his armor, the store looking little different than when Bell was last here in the tower.
Takeru had elected to join Bell on this little errand, having had a desire to purchase a new blade to replace the old one she ruined during her last venture into the dungeon with Ibuki. She admits to being very impressed by the stores they passed and what they possessed in each of them. Swords that rivaled the finest craftsmen in her old world, armor that gleamed with material that she had never seen, and charms that were arcanely crafted in a way that made them more valuable than the other two, but she came here with a mission and a simple one at that. Find a better blade and one that could withstand her magic. Though the last part, she realizes, might be a bit more difficult.
Bell and Takeru both walked through the doors, each spotting or knowing where to go. Bell went towards the aisle where he found his previous set of armor, while Takeru checked out the section that contained a variety of blades.
"I'm telling ya, I just can't hold that space for you anymore. I'll still sell it for you, but I need something there that will actually sell on sight."
"The hell you talking about, old man?! My armor was bought here by someone not all that long ago. Don't try to play me like that!"
"*sigh* Your armor was bought nearly a month ago and hasn't been since."
"That's a good thing! It means it's lasting for whoever bought it!"
"Or they died in it."
"I choose to ignore that!"
Bell tuned out the argument he heard from the store owner and the stranger, focusing instead on finding an armor set that was akin to the one he previously possessed. Unfortunately, after looking up and down the aisle over and over again, he couldn't find the armor set he was looking for. In fact, he couldn't find the armor's maker's work anywhere as well.
Exhausting his options, Bell walked over to the front desk, passing by a thoroughly confused Takeru, who held a segmented sword of some kind that was dangling loosely like a whip.
Bell did not even want to imagine wielding that weapon.
When he reached the front desk, he spotted the stranger who was arguing with the owner.
He was tall, taller than Bell, with short fiery red hair He wore a blue scarf around his neck and wore a black kimono of some kind with a long sleeved shirt underneath, along with tanned white pants with a brown belt and long brown boots.
Bell saw his hands next, seeing the calluses and faint marks of burn scarring on them.
'A blacksmith?' he thought , 'Is he here because they took a product he made off the shelf?'
Realizing that it really wasn't his business to know that, he directed his attention to the shopkeeper and waited, the red haired man realized he was taking up potential business and simply stepped aside for Bell to come forward. He would continue his tirade after Bell was done in any case.
The shopkeeper gave the red haired man another unfriendly stare before turning his attention to Bell, "Yes? Can I help you young man?"
"I was wondering," Bell began, "do you have anymore Welf Crozzo armor?" he asked, remembering the signature inside his previous set of armor.
The shopkeeper blinked at Bell, as if he couldn't believe what Bell just asked, the red haired man perked up at hearing Bell and stared at him in brief disbelief, before a broad smile spread across his face. He turned that smile to the shopkeeper, who was looking at the man he argued with in disbelief.
"Well? There you have it," the man said, "there's at least one person in this city that likes my wares."
Bell blinked at the man, wondering what he met. With little preamble, the red headed man extended a hand to Bell, "Hey, nice to meet you," he began, "names' Welf Crozzo, I see you like my work. Care to see more?"
They had moved outside and some ways from the store, finding a bench to have a proper conversation on. Welf surprised Bell by showing him a chest containing a familiar set of armor.
Bell looked in the chest that Welf showed him, inside held a near copy of his previous armor, albeit with some improvements. He couldn't contain his excitement at seeing the familiar armor, a bright smile lighting his face.
"Like it that much, huh?" Welf asked with a smile, "Glad I found someone that appreciates my craft," he said sardonically.
Bell was surprised to hear this and looked up at Welf, "What? But this armor helped me a lot in the dungeon. I know I'm still new to some things but even I know this armor is amazing."
Welf gave a laugh, a genuine one, "I'm flattered, kid but even I have to admit, my smithing skills leave much to be desired," he leaned back, arms resting behind his head, "This level one smith don't even have the blacksmith skill yet."
Bell was actually surprised at that, he thought the armor was very good, the fact that Welf made it without one of the key skills a smith possesses just spoke of his abilities overall in his opinion. He was about to say something like that but Welf chose that time to talk.
"So," he began, "I just realized I didn't even ask you name. Sorry about that."
Bell shook his head, "No it's alright," he held out a hand, "Bell Cranel, it's nice to meet you Mister Crozzo."
Welf took the proffered hand and gave a firm shake, "Nice to meet you too but you don't have to call me 'Mister Crozzo'. That formal crap doesn't sit too well with me."
Bell nodded, "Alright Mister Welf," he replied.
"Still going with 'Mister', huh? Well that's still better than Crozzo," Welf again leaned back, "Still, glad you liked the armor and that you got some good use out of it," his face gained an inquisical look, "though, if you don't mind, could you tell me how my armor performed for you? It would help me out to know what I need to improve on in the next set."
Bell had no problems in doing so but glanced up and over at Takeru, who was leaning against a nearby pillar and looking out over the city. She turned and just gave a light nod to Bell, answering an unspoken question. There was no harm in telling Welf about his exploits in the dungeon especially if he was genuine in wanting to improve his craft.
So, Bell told him about his time in the dungeon since obtaining the Pyonkichi armor. From his generic encounters with upper floor monsters to his time at fighting a horde of killer ants. Bell did his best to give exact details that Welf could be looking for in bettering his craft.
Welf was taking in all that Bell was telling him like a sponge to water. He listened carefully and made mental notes when spotting something in Bell's words that could affect his plans for improving the armor in the future. Overall though, he was more than surprised and outright proud that his armor had served Bell well in his exploits in the dungeon.
Then Bell talked about his battle with the minotaur and suddenly Welf was focused on that detail and less on the armor. He listened as Bell recounted his battle with the terrible beast, describing the fight in great detail and earnest emotions. Welf was entranced by the tale and when his armor was brought up in the account, he was all the more surprised. He wasn't surprised to hear that it eventually got destroyed during the fight. As well as he made that armor, he did not make it initially with the middle floor monsters in mind for it to face.
He was surprised that it lasted as long as it did against the beast.
Bell finished his tale and Welf released a breath he didn't know he was holding, "A minotaur, huh?" he breathed a sigh, "I almost can't believe that even happened," he raised a hand in apology, noticing Bell's hurt expression, "easy there Bell, I believe you, the way you described it was too real for me to doubt."
He wasn't kidding either, Bell delivered concise details with expressive emotions. He was a very talented storyteller.
He then realized something, something important, "Hey Bell," Welf began, "What level are you?"
"I'm level two now," Bell replied.
"And what level were you when you fought the minotaur?" Welf asked, a few beads of sweat dripping down his face.
"I was level one," Bell answered with a straight and honest face.
"And how long have you been an adventurer?" Welf asked.
"Just about over a month and a half," Bell answered.
Welf had to visibly recover from that answer. He looked at Bell with wide eyes. He had killed a minotaur at level one, in just over a month and a half as an adventurer? Welf couldn't help himself, he let out a whistle, impressed by Bell's deed, "Damn, I could understand maybe inching out a victory at level two. I can't imagine fighting those things at level one, let alone not even two months as an adventurer. Must have been hell fighting that thing."
Bell gave a small chuckle, remembering his battle still sparked phantom pain around his body, "It was hard, for sure," he heard Takeru give a slight snort at that, "but I've had good teachers," he gave her a smile that she returned softly, "and good equipment to help me win," he gave Welf a smile, one that spoke of sincerity.
Well, that just settled it in Welf's mind. If he wasn't sure before, he was sure about it now.
"Hey Bell," he said, "how about forming a contact with me?"
"A contract?" Bell asked in reply, "For what?"
Welf smiled and pointed a finger at himself in emphasis, "A contract that I become your exclusive blacksmith. Any armor or weapon you want, I'll make at a discount."
Bell could hardly believe his ears. An exclusive blacksmith for himself? That was quite a boon, he wouldn't lie. Having an exclusive blacksmith to help provide custom equipment would definitely help in the long term. There was just one thing.
"What do you get out of it?" he asked honestly. His time training with Koukin on tactics taught him to be careful in moments like this. If it was too good to be true, chances are it was.
Welf just laughed at the question as if the answer was obvious, "You mean besides getting guaranteed work to put food in my stomach? I get the chance to have my work in the hands of an up and coming adventurer sure to make a name for himself," Welf smile turned a bit down then, "but there is something I want besides all that and I'm gonna need your help with it," he looked a bit sheepish now, "that is if you're okay with it?"
Bell stared at Welf, contemplating his offer. It was an absolute benefit to have a exclusive blacksmith but depending on what Welf would want, it may just not be worth it.
Bell, again, looked down into the chest that held the familiar set of armor that helped him greatly for the time he had it. He thought Welf was a great smith, there was no question of that. So maybe helping him with this 'something' will be worth it.
He looked over at Takeru, trying to see if she had an opinion on this, but she was back to staring at the cityscape. Not even reacting to Bell's stare.
He understood what that meant. Whatever the decision was, it was his decision and Takeru would go along with it.
"Alright Mister Welf," Bell began, "What is it that you need help with?"
Welf told him and Bell had to not laugh at the simple request. He shook hands with the grinning blacksmith after going over a few other things, with Welf's smile brightening as the offer he made turned out better thanks to Bell.
Takeru glanced over at her captain, finalizing the deal. A ghost of a smile played across her lips at seeing Bell act that way.
Slowly but surely,' she thought , 'you're starting to act like a proper captain.'
When Bell arrived back home, he had come bearing good news about his armor situation and the boon he felt he obtained for his familia.
What he had not expected to walk into was a pale and near catatonic Hestia staring off into nothing while sitting on the couch.
"How long has she been like this?" Takeru asked, moving beside Kallen.
"About forty minutes," she answered, "At first she was fine," she paused, a unsure look passing over her face, "mostly. She was talking in any case. Told us about her day at work and how a fellow God and friend of hers told her about the upcoming meeting of the Gods. The…" she paused trying to remember the word.
"Denatus," Arue helpfully added, reading a book from the opposite couch, "A stylish name is not so easily forgotten by the likes of me."
Kallen ignored that and continued, "Yeah that. He went on to tell her what to expect at the meeting. Then she kinda trailed off into gibberish. Said something about how important a name had to be or something?"
Takeru nodded, understanding dawning on her features, "She must have been told something similar to what we were told back at the pub," she looked over at Hestia, "and knowing her..,"
"She overreacted," Kallen finished with a snort of laughter, "I swear it's one thing after another here."
"But that's what makes it all so much fun," Ibuki said from her seat on the couch across from Hestia, "I'm glad for it! Makes everyday more fun!"
"Agreed," Hana said from her seat at the dining table, eating some potato puffs with a happy Elbia, "Variety is important for healthy everyday lives."
Kallen gave the artist a deadpan look, "We risk our lives everyday to earn a living in the dungeon."
"It is just another form of variety!" Hana exclaimed with passion.
Kallen just sighed at the response she was given. She wasn't going to win this argument and she knew it, better to just move on to something else.
"So Bell," Kallen asked her captain, "You find yourself some new armor?"
Bell found something better, or actually, someone better. He told them of his meeting with his armor's original forger and the deal he struck with him. Everyone was shocked and impressed by the news Bell shared.
"You made a deal that got our familia our own personal blacksmith?" Kallen asked with a grin, "Hell of a deal you struck there, captain."
"It was a simple negotiation," Takeru added, "but it was nonetheless impressive."
"Having some custom equipment for our further journeys would be paramount," Hana added, dabbing a napkin on her face, "and all he asked was for him to join up with our party so that he may obtain a skill?"
Elbia lifted her head from her food, a curious expression on her face punctuated by her ears twitching, "A blacksmith skill at that," she cocked her head, "isn't it funny that a blacksmith doesn't have the blacksmith skill? He must have had to work much harder if that's the case."
Arue nodded at the werewolf's words, "Indeed but given how effective and how long Bell's armor lasted for him. I believe it's safe to say that Welf is quite capable," she looked back down at the book she was reading, "though I have to confess, there is something familiar about his name."
Bell looked at her wondering what she meant, "How so? Have you heard of Welf before?"
Arue shook her head, "Not this Welf person, no. But rather Crozzo. His family name. I feel like I've read about it sometime ago. Can't recall it though, I believe that was when I was last at the library and I had much more important things to focus on," she gave a shrug, "my apologies captain."
"It's alright," Bell said, "If it was something important, we can just ask Welf."
Suddenly he realized something. Looking around he was missing one member of his familia, "Where's Chitoge?"
At his question, Kallen grimaced and he saw Ibuki do the same. He was worried at seeing their reactions but was reassured shortly after an explanation.
After their earlier meal and drink today, they all went back home. With Koukin being knocked out, they didn't have any issues in arriving. It wasn't 'until' they got home that Koukin decided that was a good time to regain consciousness and firmly attach herself to the closest person in her proximity.
That person was Chitoge.
At first the fiery blonde tried her earnest best at removing the still very much inebriated strategist from her person but Koukin kept a strong grip around her and just started babbling things about 'hot headed blondes,' which Chitoge took some minor offense in, then she babbled about various strategies for combat, some home made meal recipes, and eventually ended it all on talking about someone named Hakufu before passing out again, dragging a ever more frustrated Chitoge down with her.
It took them thirty minutes to disentangle the two. After which, they relocated Koukin to her room and kept a wide berth of Chitoge as she took a shower and went to bed early.
Bell was glad he wasn't here to see such a display, if only for his own sanity. It was crazy enough to see the usually stern Koukin turn into a drunken flirt. He didn't want to imagine how that would go with an irate Chitoge. Bell had been on the receiving end of her rages a few times. Once when he walked in on her changing, another when he beat her at chess for the sixth time before she lunged at him, and another when he accidentally ate a snack she had saved in the cupboard.
That last one nearly cost him his life…
He shook his head of any thoughts relating to that. Best to move to more important things in any case.
"Has anything else happened while we were gone?" he asked.
Ibuki raised a hand, "Oh yeah! One of Goibniu's members came by and started to do measurements outside and around the home. I asked him if he needed to measure the inside but he said they already knew the measurements inside. Considering they," she shrugged, "built it and all. After he got what he needed, he left and said they'll have the supplies ready to build in about two days and that we'll have to leave the house for almost a whole day for them to work," she scratched her head, puzzled, "seriously though? Do they really think they can build all of what Hestia asked for in just a day?"
"""They can."""
Ibuki jumped at hearing Bell, Arue, and Hana all agreeing at the same time. With voices that left no room for doubt.
"This place used to be an old ruin of a church," Arue gestured around herself.
"Goibniu familia arrived and renovated this whole place in just a night," Hana chimed in.
"I almost didn't recognize the place when I saw it," Bell said.
Ibuki had no real argument against that but still found what her allies said hard to believe. Sure there are some amazing feats done in this world, but getting ten bedrooms installed and a base level kitchen and bath? Even that would take several days to do and that's if you worked on it twenty four seven.
But still…Bell and the others sound very confident about it.
"Alright," Kallen clapped her hands, bringing attention towards her, "I think that's enough idle chatter. Time to move back onto the important thing," she turned her gaze to a still dazed Hestia, "namely, snapping our Goddess out of whatever this is."
No one could argue that and they went to work.
It didn't take too much time to finally snap Hestia back to her senses. Some sugary sweets and a gentle snuggle against Bell on the couch worked wonders.
"Okay," Hestia began, "So the Denatus is tomorrow. Which means I have to get ready for the hardest negotiation of my life."
"R-right," Bell agreed.
"This is all so sudden and quite frankly I don't know what to do," Hestia continued.
"Th-then why aren't you more nervous, Goddess?"
"Simple," Hestia answered, shooting a fist up, "I just have to focus on what I can control in the meeting," she gave her first child a kind smile, "which is getting you a good name for your alias, Bell. Besides…I think I got rid of all my panic when I was looking at nothing for a bit over there."
"That's good then, Goddess," Bell said with a smile, "and thank you," he said, feeling grateful she would do her best to get him a good name.
Kallen watched from where she sat, a comment on her lips, "Shouldn't you be good by now then. It's kinda hard to take you seriously when you're like that."
Hestia gave a huff and rubbed her head in Bell's lap, making the young captain yelp at the sensation, "Nope," she replied, "I still need more Bell energy if I'm gonna be right as rain," she turned her head and rubbed her cheek against his leg, "let me have this."
Kallen could only sigh at the sight before her. She knew Hestia favored Bell a whole lot but there was a time and place for everything and there was still a lot to talk about.
Thankfully, someone decided to get things on track, "There is also another matter of importance," Takeru began, "you will be going into this with other Gods and Goddesses," her expression turned firm, remembering the large boaz warrior and who he served, "there is a good chance the Freya is amongst the crowd."
Hestia's relaxed demeanor vanished at the samurai's words. She got up from Bell's lap and looked up to the ceiling, a frown on her features, "Yeah, more like a guarantee," she said, "any God or Goddess can attend the meeting. Whether their child leveled up or not. Just so they could offer their own two valis on things," she exhaled deeply, "and Freya has not missed a Denatus as far as I know. Probably goes there to entertain herself. Knowing her, she probably offers a name up to some luckless child and given how popular she is, she wouldn't get any pushback."
"Which is why it's all the more important that you do well in the meeting," Arue said, closing the book she was reading, "A name is powerful and should be treated well. You can't let Freya dictate what the name could be, for if you do, that might just be another step she can take towards our captain."
Hestia nodded, "Yeah," she agreed, "I'm not gonna let her or any other deity name my child. If Bell gets a name, it's gonna be from me."
Arue smiled at her Goddess's words. She struck a hand near her eyepatch, "Your words burn with the conviction of the sun. Let those who stand in your way be burned to ash by their might!"
Hestia sighed again but smiled at Arue's dramatic habit, "Thanks," she said, "I'm not gonna burn anyone though. I'm meant to keep the hearth warm, not burn people."
"Same principle."
"It is not!"
Some time passed and the Hestia familia just enjoyed the rest of their day. None went into the dungeon, preferring to save that for tomorrow. Though Bell was excluded from tomorrow's trip, given he was still recovering from his minotaur battle. Despite the boy's protestations at being fine, Hestia would hear none of it and tell him to simply wait a day longer before going back.
Bell caved in to his Goddess's wishes and agreed, besides, he was meeting with Welf tomorrow at his forge with the material he got from the minotaur battle. Welf was going to show Bell a demonstration of his abilities and craft a new knife right before his eyes.
Bell was excited to just see that, though he'd wish he could take it in with him into the dungeon day one, but that could wait an additional day. He shouldn't really complain much about not going yet. Even he could still feel some aches from his battle. Aches that were better healed with time than with a potion.
He was walking back upstairs fresh in his night clothes after taking a nice shower. It was pretty late and many of the others were already in bed.
Briefly he looked back to the stairs, more accurately, he focused his attention on downstairs in the basement.
Earlier, when walking to the bathroom downstairs, he passed by a very busy Hana and Elbia who were busy covering up some massive piece they had been working on. It had to be a painting of some kind given the dimensions and shape. Bell tried to ask about it but the two suddenly shouted and told him to look away.
"Captain!" Hana exclaimed, making sure a large piece of thick cloth tarp was duly secured, "Please don't look! We are not ready to display this work for the public eye, nor the private eye!"
Elbia nodded sharply, herself trying to keep some thick tarp in place in several areas, "She's right, captain! We need more time on this. It's a very special piece we've been working on for a good chunk of time," she gave him a look that melted his heart, her canid ears drooping and her tail gently wagging as her purple eyes moistened, "please don't look until it's all ready, captain. Please."
Bell did not argue or say anything, he simply turned to the shower in the bathroom, took his quickly, and left without another word or another glance at their concealed work.
He admits he was curious by what was under all those tarps, but Hana and Elbia were determined to keep it hidden until it was ready. He could respect their wishes.
Returning to his room, Bell just went to his desk and opened a book located on it. Ready to end the day with some light reading and a good night's sleep.
Far away from the Hestia familia home, high upon the Tower of Babel. An elegant, bewitching beauty looks upon the city below her. Seeing with her eyes things no one else could, for she was no mere mortal.
Freya, Goddess of beauty and war, stared down at the city as it approached the time for it to sleep. She saw the tumult of souls gradually calm down, colors and lights that only she could see, dimming with the oncoming rest that many were taking right now.
One light, one soul, caught her eye the most though. For a while now, her gaze continued to drift towards it whenever she looked out towards the city. Seeing its clean and pure light and color that never failed to take her breath away.
She gave a shiver, equal parts sensuous and thrilling. She thought back to last night, when she saw his and another's soul flare up before her very eyes, watching as they created a whirlwind of sensation before her eyes. Seeing that woman's, Koukin's, soul just blaze into one of the most beautiful displays thanks to being in a sensuous embrace with the other one.
Bell Cranel, the pure soul, the bright one.
Her Odr.
"What a wonderful light you make," she said, pressing a warm hand onto the cool glass of the window, its size like the walls of the room, "and how those around you just flare beautifully when in your embrace," she gave a laugh, "it just ignites my heart all the more that you can make those around you more than what they are."
Oh, how she wished she was one of them. To be in his arms, to feel his body, his touch, his kiss, his might, his love. Oh, what she would give to feel that on her, through her even.
Freya took a breath, exhaling deeply and fogging up the window where her hand was. She removed it, revealing the untouched area. Where right there, surrounded by the foggy glass, she could see the pure light.
Then she saw something else.
Her gaze, reluctantly traveled away from Bell Cranel's soul, a new sight, a new color, flashed just in her periphery. She looked out, not at the city, but outside it. Seeing the massive wall that surrounds and protects the city, or more accurately, protects the world from the city.
For a moment, nothing happened, the color she saw didn't appear again and for a moment she thought she just imagined it. Then she saw it again, dimmer this time, but she saw it now clearly.
It made her want to vomit.
Her eyes widened at what she saw outside the city walls. A faint soul was glowing, just inside the forest area, its light brightening and dimming suddenly in weird intervals. Its color was strange, like acidic green was being poured over metallic gold, a strange contrast to be sure.
What really made Freya sick though was what that soul was doing.
A normal mortal soul, be they human, pallum, elf, dwarf, or any of the wide variety of demi-humans, had one thing in common. Their souls were lights, that was all. Some showing vivid displays based on what amazing actions or emotions they felt, or others appearing dim when they experienced something more downtrodden and difficult. They all were just lights in the end, lights that did nothing but shine and dim in this world they called home.
The light she was looking at moved.
Not as if it were simply moving from one place to another, no. Its form was unstable, not a beacon like others, but an amorphous thing of an unstable shape. She could see its form twist and warp before her very eyes, she saw the light reach out around it, like tentacles from an octopus on a beach. She saw the 'arms' of the light change again, becoming talons like a predatory bird for a moment before changing again into the curious paws of a feline.
It changed several more times and she could only identify a few more shapes from the light before she gave up altogether when it became too difficult to describe.
It offended her, what soul this was, offended her on a personal level. She had seen her share of twisted souls in her long life. Even caused a few of those souls to be twisted in the first place. But this soul was different, it was an abomination to her eyes and she was wishing it dead this very second.
But there was something staying her hand. A new thought, a realization that actually sent a chill down her spine.
She knew it was a soul. Despite its nauseating colors, its barely describable shape, and the lack of typical brightness or dimness that most souls possess, it was still a soul.
A mortal soul.
"What are you?" she asked the twisted light in a whisper, trying to comprehend it. No mortal soul should even remotely look like what this one did. Yet here it was.
Freya continued to stare at this anomaly. Never taking her eyes off it. She saw it moving in the forests outside the city, sometimes drifting closer before retreating backwards again. Its unstable form warping and twisting before her eyes.
Her disgust was eventually put down in favor of a familiar feeling. Righteous anger and determined resolve. If this 'thing' even touched the walls of this city. She would shake the roofs of every building with her and her familia's response.
This wasn't a selfless action, this was the action of a matriarch who believes her territory was about to be intruded upon.
Some time passed, deep into the night and eventually, by some way that Freya couldn't name, the sickening soul she watched vanished. Disappearing from her sight in its entirety. Leaving not even a mote of light from its departure.
It was gone, she knew it was gone yet did not drop her gaze from where she last saw it. Eventually, she drifted her eyes aside, back to the lounge she inhabited.
She realized now that someone had been calling her name but so intense was her focus, she didn't hear. She finally gave her attention to the voice, "Yes, what is it?"
"Lady Freya?" her attendant, Horn, called out to her, "Is everything alright, my lady?"
Freya blinked her eyes and looked at the girl, regaining focus, "I'm not sure," she replied, "I thought I saw something that…offended me."
Immediately, her attendant's eye flashed, the other covered by her hair, "Shall I send our warriors out to 'deal' with this offense?"
Freya appreciated the gesture but now wasn't the time for that, "No," she replied, "It's late and I would rather sleep right now," she made to leave the room and return to her quarters, "and I wouldn't wish to disturb the others in their rest."
She knew that a great many of her followers still lay awake. Still watching over her home and herself in case any bold foolish God or Goddess tried anything. Regardless, she didn't want to disturb them tonight. Not with a problem she wasn't sure about in any case. Not yet anyway.
"Horn," Freya called to her attendant, who was walking just a little behind her, "What are your thoughts on tomorrow's Denatus?"
Her attendant blinked, surprised by the question. She wasn't too caught off guard in answering though, "It should go about as well as the others," she replied, "we've had a few level ups in our familia. A few ones to twos and a few of them have gone to level three. Will you be trying to get them a name for their efforts?"
Freya hummed as she walked, contemplating the answer, "I may," she said, "if only to prevent the other Gods and Goddesses in this city from giving my children a ridiculous name," she smiled, mischief coming to her eyes, "unless it's a cute one."
"Of course," Horn agreed amicably, before asking, "but I imagine that wasn't what you meant by the question, my lady."
Freya turned and shot a smile at her, " You are correct," she said, "I have a feeling the meeting tomorrow will have some surprises in store for us."
Horn nodded and said, "Already, we received word that the one you look upon, Bell Cranel, has already leveled up in such a short time of being an adventurer," Horn made a sound, something between approval and disgust, "he has talent," she said.
Again, Freya's heart burned with joy at the news, sensation banishing the disgusted feeling she felt just moments ago, "He does indeed," she agreed, "and he still has so much room to grow, too."
They reached the entrance to her room, as always guarded by two guards on each side of the entrance. Both level four and each choosing to do this out of their devotion to her. She never asked them to, she never did, in fact she was certain it was a duty they fought for, literally.
She watched as they opened the doors for her, she made to move and enter her abode but stopped just in the doorway. She turned and fixed Horn with her gaze, prompting the girl to stiffen in attention. Freya smiled gently at the girl and she gradually relaxed.
"You should get some rest as well, Horn," she said, "you work so hard that it pains me to see you exhaust yourself so," she waved a hand in a gentle shooing motion, "I'll be fine to get myself ready for bed. I encourage you to do the same."
Horn initially wanted to say something but found her words lost under the bewitching gaze of Freya. With nothing to say, Horn just gave her Goddess a dutiful bow and went on her way.
Freya finally stepped into her room, the doors gently closing behind her. She took in a breath and let it out slowly, relaxing her body. As she got ready for bed, stripping into nothing before crawling under her covers, she let her last thoughts drift to that pure soul she loved seeing before dreams eventually took her away to fantasy.
Tomorrow's problems could wait until tomorrow. For now, she will enjoy this night as she saw fit. With pleasant dreams that turned to pleasure.