The Elf and the Cait Sith

After assessing the dead and wounded, it was time for the knights to head back to Laplace. Some stayed behind to guard the now abandoned town of Cocola, as well as start on repairs.

Joining the returning party was Princess Lorica and Princess Mea. As Terrence wanted to get to know his fellow Heroes of Arum, he decided to sit in the same carriage as them. It was now just the three of them…and he had no idea how to start the conversation. They didn’t look willing to initiate either…

After a little while of uncomfortable silence, he said the first thing that came to mind.

“So…as I said before, I’m Terrence. It’s an honor to meet you both.”

Mea gave a simple huff of acknowledgement, while Lorica spoke in a condescending manner.

“Can’t say it’s an honor for me. To think, an unrefined boy like you is the Hero of Light we’ve been looking for.”

Terrence sighed. “I know, it’s even hard for me to accept. But I’m committed to fulfilling this duty, so don’t think I’ll run out on you.”

“It’s not a matter of you fleeing from your duty. Don’t you understand that all the Heroes before us were skilled warriors? I can already tell you’re not much of a fighter, just based on how you carry yourself. If you don’t shape up soon, we’re all doomed.”

“You don’t think I know that? That’s why I’ve been training since I got Bjartbrandr. I’m still not up to the standards of a Hero of Arum…but I’m set on getting better.”

Lorica crossed her arms. “Well, unless you can match us, there will be no hope for you. Your Sacred Treasure can only help so much with your lack of strength and skill.”

Terrence thought about earlier, when he and the others fought the Demon. For him to be able to match both Kayla and Elijah at once…was terrifying. Terrence knew for sure that even with Bjartbrandr, he would have lost that fight.

“...I know, and that’s why I’m training as much as I can.” He said firmly. “And I need help from the both of you, since you’re far more experienced than I am. So when we reach the capital, will you spar with me? I’ll even take you both at the same time, to gain more experience with multiple opponents.”

Lorica smirked proudly. “Who am I to refuse? When we arrive at Lucen, we can go for a few rounds.”

Mea inclined her head. “...I suppose I’ll join you. If only to see how competent you are, Hero of Light. Don’t think we’re the same as monsters.”

Terrence heard a slight bitterness in that sentence, but ignored it and nodded. She was right, people were different from monsters…from the ways they lived, to the ways they fought. Yet, even as he acknowledged that…it bothered him a little.

____________________________________

When the brigade entered Laplace, they were welcomed by excited shouts and happy cries. The refugees of Cocola gathered around, shaking the hands of the knights and the adventurers, and giving words of gratitude.

“Thank you so much!”

“Finally, we can go home!”

“Tonight, we’ll drink in your honor!”

Beads of sweat dripped down Terrence’s head, as he was feeling a bit of anxiety from so many people approaching him. Thankfully, General Howard had told everyone beforehand to keep the Prince’s identity a secret, so the reception wasn’t that overwhelming.

Before long, all the attention was on Lorica and Mea, as they had been recognized as royals. Terrence used the opportunity to sneak off to the inn, where he was finally able to get some private rest. He took a room and flopped face-down onto its bed, letting out a heavy sigh. Bjartbrandr appeared at his side and used one hand to rub his back, while speaking in a soothing manner.

“Rest for a while, you’ve earned it.”

“Thank you…” He mumbled, giving her a small smile.

She hummed softly, then leaned in to kiss him. He accepted, knowing how long it had been since she felt affection, and having been feeling her longing for a while. It made him wonder if Mai was feeling similarly…and he swore to himself to hug her tight and love her when he returned home.

But for now, he had to focus on his partner, his Sacred Treasure. He stopped the kiss so he could sit up, and Bjartbrandr laughed softly as she almost immediately sat on his lap.

“Hmm…I missed this. May I ask for you to indulge me for a spell?”

Terrence blushed slightly, but leaned in. “We haven’t been alone for a while, so…”

He froze as felt some familiar presences approaching. Bjartbrandr turned her head to the door, having sensed them as well. She lightly hopped away from her wielder, then went to stand at the other side of the bed. Not a moment after, the door opened and Lorica and Mea stepped in.

They glanced at Bjartbrandr, then looked at Terrence. Lorica placed a hand on her hip, and spoke in a formal tone.

“Ah, that must be your Sacred Treasure. Did we interrupt a conversation?”

Terrence shook his head, sweating a little. “N-no, you didn’t. May I ask why you’re here?”

“Mea and I figured we should all introduce our companions. Naturia, you may come out.”

Mea crossed her arms. “Lionheart, you heard her.”

In a flash, their partners appeared at their sides.

Lorica’s partner was just a young Elven girl, seemingly no older than sixteen. Her attire was a frilly green dress with black linings, and she wore a golden necklace with an emerald pendant. Her silver hair went down to her shoulders, and was curled quite fancily. Her golden eyes shined as bright as the sun.

“It’s nice to meet you, Sir Terrence.” She said in a slightly pompous manner. “The name’s Naturia, the Flowering Sword.”

Mea’s partner was a stark contrast, being a full grown man who stood two heads over her. He only wore a loincloth, but his bulky frame was covered by silver body hair. He had the appearance of a lion, even down to his golden gaze, fierce and intimidating. Strangely, he was also a Cait Sith, though with a more slender tail that had a tuft of fur at the tip.

“...I am Lionheart, the Lion’s Claw.” He grumbled.

Bjartbrandr smiled and clasped her hands. “Naturia, Lionheart, it’s good to see you again! Master Terrence may keep me company, but I miss my friends.”

Naturia stepped closer to Bjartbrandr, and let out a very noble laugh while smiling with pride.

“When I heard your wielder had been found, I urged Lady Lorica to make haste. I knew you would reawaken soon enough, and I couldn’t leave my best friend alone for long!”

Naturia then turned to Terrence, giving him a skeptical look.

“And you, I know Bjartbrandr looks happy, but you have been taking good care of her, yes?”

Terrence straightened up. “Um, yes. I care about her, so…I’m doing my best, even though I’m not much.”

As the Flowering Sword continued to gaze at him, Terrence noticed something else to her expression. Genuine concern…and sadness? But that faded as she smiled with satisfaction and nodded. She then turned to give Bjartbrandr a more serious look, speaking in a confident manner.

“From now on, I’ll be here. If you have any problems, you come to me.”

Bjartbrandr laughed softly. “Just as always, worrying about me like a mother hen, even though I’m the older one.”

“But that’s because…”

Naturia glanced down, and once again Terrence saw sadness. But that quickly gave way to a firm frown.

“I’m over 300 years old, so I’m just as much an adult as everyone else. I’m not some immature child.”

She flipped her hair as she walked back to her wielder, speaking more loftily.

“I believe we’re done here, Lori. Shall we head for the bathhouse?”

Lorica looked at Mea. “I suppose. Mea, will you join us?”

Mea narrowed her gaze on Terrence. “...In a bit. I wish to speak with him.”

Lorica looked skeptical, but she nodded and left the room, with Naturia disappearing behind her. Once they were gone, Mea approached Terrence and leaned close to him. He gulped from the tickling feeling of her breath against his neck, as she sniffed him thoroughly. He looked toward Bjartbrandr, who had a suspicious look on her face.

“What are you doing?” She said in a low tone.

Mea scowled and stepped back. “This scent…I knew it…You’ve been with a Cait Sith, haven’t you?”

Terrence backed away, confused for a moment. Then he realized this was the time to talk about Mai with another Cait Sith. Not wanting to let the opportunity go to waste, he spoke his thoughts.

“Yes, there’s a Cait Sith I’m betrothed to, and her name is Mai. Six years ago she was separated from your tribe, and she’s lived in my town ever since. Do you know anything about her?”

Mea’s eyes darkened, and her voice quieted. “So all this time…she was with you…”

She turned to the door, and gestured for Lionheart to follow her. He gave Terrence a deep gaze before disappearing, following his master out of the room. However, Terrence heard the man’s growl in his head.

“Be careful, boy. You’re about to be caught up in rather personal matters.”

And with that, he and Mea were gone. Terrence let out a heavy breath, weary from the tense conversation.

“What was that about…” He muttered, sitting on the bed. “Do you think…she hates that Mai is with me?”

Bjartbrandr sat beside him, looking worried. “I’m not sure…I wonder how she knows her?”

“Childhood friends, I guess. Maybe we’ll find out once we return to Lucen.”

She nodded, then smiled and kissed the Prince’s cheek. She hopped off the bed, heading for the door.

“Then leave that aside, for now. I’m going to join the others in the bath.”

Terrence waved. “I’ll be resting here. But if anything happens, call for me, alright?”

“I know, but you don’t need to worry. I’m capable of protecting myself. I shall return safely.”

Bjartbrandr went out, leaving her master alone. He sighed and laid back, closing his eyes and thinking about everyone he just met.

Lorica seemed strict and proud, and was obviously serious about her duty. Terrence knew he would need to work hard for her approval.

Then there was Naturia…Bjartbrandr’s best friend. The Flowering Sword had a bit of an attitude, but she seemed nice enough.

As for Mea, she was the hardest to approach. She definitely didn’t like Terrence all that much. Yet, she seemed to get along with Lorica just fine.

Once again, Terrence sensed something familiar about Mea. Not just because she was a Cait Sith, but because there was something about her face…

He then thought about her Sacred Treasure. A male Cait Sith was a unique sight. After all, Cait Sith only birthed Cait Sith, and they were always female. Though, there was a certain legend about a male Cait Sith…

Terrence shook his head and let his mind go blank. He was too tired to be thinking of all the complicated things. He could save that for later…

______________________________________

Lorica let out a pleased sigh as she sat in the water, which was hot enough to release steam throughout the room. The rectangular tub was big enough for several people to use, so the other girls went in with her. Naturia and Bjartbrandr sat close by Lorica at the edge, while Mea went to a corner far from them.

“Mmm…This is just what I needed!” Naturia said blissfully, leaning back a little.

Bjartbrandr nodded in agreement. “Mhm, it’s different from the royal bath, but no less enjoyable! I have to say, it feels better to bathe with friends.”

“Indeed, bath time is better with…familiar company.”

As Lorica watched the two Treasures interact, she remembered when she became Naturia's master. It was just a few years ago, when Lorica braved her castle's Sacred Dungeon and completed the Trial of Power, to prove her worth as a Hero of Arum.

“So you are to be my new wielder.” Naturia had said loftily. “What is your name, Miss?”

The Hero of Wind had bowed. “I am Princess Lorica VII. Naturia, the Flowering Sword, it is an honor to have your hand.”

The short lady let out a laugh. “It should be! Rest assured, Lady Lorica, that my power is unparalleled! With me in your hand, all shall bow before you!”

Lorica smiled to herself. Naturia was normally quite arrogant. Yet, she was being soft with Bjartbrandr. Truly, she was a maiden in love, and Lorica found amusement in that. She was also happy for her Treasure, as she had fallen for someone with a similar lifespan.

After all, love between a mortal and an immortal…could only end in sorrow.

Then Naturia called out, bringing Lorica out of her thoughts.

“Lady Lorica, why are you looking at me like that?”

The Elf Princess stifled a laugh. “Forgive me, but seeing you with a friend…is a pleasant surprise.”

Her Sacred Treasure looked mortified. “A-are you teasing me? Is it not normal for me to have a friend?”

“I’m just glad to see you having fun. It’s the first time I’ve seen you this relaxed.”

“Hmph, the nerve of you. Why don’t you fraternize with the Cait Sith? She looks like she could relax more.”

Lorica looked over to Mea, who was huddled at the corner. Her eyes were closed, yet her face was not one of calm. Rather, she appeared to be troubled, especially with how her ears were folded.

“I think we should leave her alone.” Lorica said in a more serious tone. “It seems like she has a lot on her mind.”

It always seemed that way, for as long as she could remember. The Hero of Thunder was never without that gloomy look, and now she was even more distraught. Lorica wondered if that boy, Terrence, had something to do with it.

She shook her head and tried to relax again. It was no use, thinking of the troublesome things at a time like this. Rather, she tried to focus on all the good things she had right now. The hot water, soothing her to her bones…and the beautiful girls near her.

She glanced their way, watching how they rested with content smiles. If she were any other person, she would have thrown compliments their way and tried to fluster them. But she knew better, so she didn’t say anything.

So Lorica closed her eyes and leaned back, thinking of her own relationships, and the feelings she’d never be able to return.