Second Sword.

My soul spewed Lightning as the Storm consumed the empty void. My heart hammered, the pace causing me to sweat and time to slow as I watched my savage Smith move. She leapt at Cassie with a wild grace, swallowing the small distance between them with a few easy and sure steps. The warrior, whose face could've been Tessa's own, faltered. Despite that, her reactions did not let her down, only reinforcing the skill I'd seen her display only moments before. Cassie's retaliation was instant and devastating, but my mercenary slipped through the blazing assault like it was nothing at all. My physical sight failed me then, unable to comprehend what was happening, but the Storm let me see.

Tess shone when looked through the eye she had Gifted me. I could only stare, dumbstruck, as she disarmed her sister with an almost casual counter before resting the tip of the practice blade against Cassie's throat. When she came to a stop, the light that had engulfed her faded away. I was almost sorry to see it go. For a single, glorious moment, my Tess had seemed like the sun itself. Blazing and incandescent, blinding me with her magnificence.

I felt my knees tremble, fingers soon to follow as my vision swam. I leaned against Elora, the Princess looking up at me with wide eyes as she silently supported my weight. Fuck, it felt like I'd just been kicked in the teeth. I felt the truth in Tessa's Technique, my soul screaming in adoration as she discovered what I myself could not. The attack I'd used in Yelmora to stop Tess cold hadn't been First Sword, nor was it some part of it I'd yet to understand. I was reminded of that night when we had dinner with the Augusts, how I'd had a vision of Tess fighting. She'd slaughtered those around her with exuberant glee, savagery made manifest, beautiful and terrifying in equal measure. Something clicked as my soul hummed in contentment, linking that memory with what I had just witnessed. I hadn't been able to replicate the attack since Yelmora, despite knowing the steps, and I finally realised the reason for why. It wasn't linked to Elora. First Sword requires me to focus on my wife, on the power she wields as one of the most powerful women in the world. Every time I reached for Space, every time I take that power and wield it as my own, I see my Princess standing before a sea of thousands just as I had when lost in that hurricane in the arena. All present are on their knees, their loyalty absolute and beyond contestation. First Sword was a demand, an edict from on high. It commanded the world to change and so it did at her whim, for her Element was Space, the undeniable force that touched all things both living and dead.

What I'd done when we sparred in Yelmora felt different. It was as though an uncontrollable energy suffused my very being. It was tempestuous, near uncontrollable, my instincts becoming dominant as my rational mind gave way. I knew where to step, how to move. I knew how to win. Was that what Second Sword was? A way in which to bypass thought? To allow the most primal part of yourself the freedom it needed to defeat your enemies? It would certainly line up with Tessa's personality, and the Lightning Element in her blood. I couldn't help but think about how it would present itself when we were Bonded and I felt excitement fill me at the notion. Speed was also important. When I'd used it I'd felt lighter, faster. More so than I should have been capable of while not Bonded. Now that I knew the D'viritazi were capable of touching Lightning without a Smith that part at least made some sense to me. Tess and I must have been unconsciously using that ability to fuel the Technique, which would account for the bout of exhaustion I'd felt after using it. I doubt it would have worked otherwise. This strange power of her Clan also explained, at least in part, how Tess was able to craft a Gift as incredible as Storm. Mastan had all but confirmed that theory during our first day of training, but he believed that his daughter's Gift could become far more powerful than anything he would be able to summon while not Bonded, especially so after I told him how it worked. A thousand thoughts whirled around inside my head, each more complicated and convoluted than the last. Despite having Second Sword confirmed and knowing that it wasn't just another part of the Technique Elora and I had created, I still felt like I was missing something. There was some step that I had overlooked, some secret within Tessa's incredible attack that I had yet to discern.

For a moment I thought I was right on the edge of a realisation before it retreated back down into the depths of my soul space. I wasn't discouraged by the absence of inspiration, nor was I angry at my own inadequacies. Today hadn't just been a big day for me, but for Tessa as well. We'd both taken massive steps forward as Knight and Smith. I would've jumped with joy if I wasn't so stunned by what I'd just seen.

The fact that she was able to use a Technique at all wasn't lost on me either. It made sense considering her family's power, but it also caused another idea to take root. I looked to the Princess at my side, who'd returned to giving her full attention to the two sisters. Would Elora be able to use First Sword if I gave her the Crown?

“You win.”

Cassandra D'viritazi's words signalled the end of their match as Tess dropped her sword to the sand at her feet and very nearly keeled over. I was moving before I'd even decided to do so, concern for my Smith spurning me to take action as I crossed the distance that separated us, the Storm aiding me in that regard and my previous weakness already forgotten.

I was acutely aware of the exhaustion that had taken hold of Tessa. As I passed back into the Nest after returning from the training ground, I felt a hint of something over the Bond. I was practiced enough in interpreting the emotional signals that flowed over our connection to know that she wasn't in any danger, but that was all. I took off, leaving Boldrin and Vera in my wake as I honed in on the location of my Smiths. It was so intuitive now. I didn't need to think, my soul led the way, guiding me down the winding corridors of the Nest to reach the arena that I assumed belonged to either Cassandra or Lilian. I hadn't learned much about Tessa's other sisters, but I was aware that they two were the only siblings with any inclination towards martial arts.

I arrived just in time to see Tessa avoid a blow to the head from Cassandra's sword and felt my heart leap into my throat as my hand fell to wrap around the hilt of my blade. For a fraction of a second, the Bond took hold and I prepared myself to protect her, a hint of red fog at the edge of my vision. I got a hold of myself in the same instant, taking in their practice weapons and the people watching. I'd breathed a sigh of relief then, thankful that my newfound control still allowed me to think rationally when it mattered most. I'd settled in beside Elora, my Princess barely acknowledging my presence beyond gripping my arm so tightly the mark of her touch was still present on my skin. I had to admit, the fight didn't look to be going well for my Smith. She was failing against Cassie, whose impeccable skill was undeniable. If not for Lilian's return to the fight I would have assumed she would lose.

Her subsequent fight against her oldest sister and defeat of Cassie kept my attention, my eyes rapt and fixed upon her as I gaze at both of them. The Storm made sure no detail was missed as I took in every step and flourish.

Ascertaining the identity of Tessa's sparring partner was also self-explanatory, especially when I noticed just how alike the two were. The similarities in appearance couldn't be denied, but there was also a certain wildness that was reflected in both of their excited grins as they clashed again and again.

I reached Tess in the span of a single second, wrapping my arms around her and lifting my Smith into the air. She laughed and winced in equal measure as Elora joined us, golden eyes shining as she beamed, embracing us both.

“You did it, Tess!” I shouted as I held her in the air, my joy for her victory all-consuming. “Second fucking Sword!”

“Second fucking Sword,” Tess repeated with a chuckle before she inhaled sharply. “Orin, my ribs have taken a beating and you shaking me about isn't helping.”

I immediately put Tess down, spouting apologies as I checked her for wounds. She'd accumulated a fair amount of bruises but I believed the damage to her ribs was the worst of her injuries. Her weariness was intense, breathing uneven and shallow, but it was displaced by the happiness she felt at being able to overcome her sisters. She sported a satisfied smile, stormy eyes sparkling with the rush of her triumph. It was only then that I noticed Elora was staring at Tess with wide eyes.

“That was what it was? A new Technique? I felt... something over the Bond. I thought it came from Orin's soul reacting to you in danger.”

“It did come from Orin's soul.” Tess grinned at the Princess. “You felt the same thing I do when you two use First Sword. A pulse moving from one to the next.”

“That's why you looked like you were about to faint...” Elora said softly to me, realising the source of my discomfort after Tessa used the Technique. She suddenly burst forward and embraced her Sister-Smith. Contrary to what I thought would happen, Tess happily returned the gesture, chuckling at my wife's enthusiasm. “You're amazing, Tess! I told you I had faith! What about your Weapon? Any closer?”

Tess nodded eagerly, “I saw it, Elora. Fully fucking formed right at the edge of my eye. I'm so close, I can feel it. Only one more push.”

Elora very nearly burst from pride, I saw it in her eyes as she all but danced in place. I laughed at my Smiths, touched by the moment, by the friendship that was developing between them. A far cry from the two of them brawling in the mud during our journey to Dunwellen. I was very nearly overcome with emotion at the sight of it. Elora hadn't any friends growing up as she did. She was the Princess of Venos and all but unapproachable in the eyes of many. Tess had the same problem but for different reasons. She'd spent all of her time focused on me to the exclusion of all else. For them to share a bond of their own independent of the one they shared with me only further solidified that Bonding with Tess was the right choice, not that it was ever in doubt to begin with.

I wrapped both of my Smiths in my arms, pulling them close. They both looked to me curiously, unsure as to why I was silent. I just shook my head and said nothing, drawing them closer still as I spoke to them across our connection instead of using words.

“I don't deserve you two.”

I sent a shadow of what I felt for them over the Bonds to accompany my message and immediately knew that I might have made a mistake. I still wasn't that good at successfully conveying my meaning without... well, overdoing it. Both of my Smiths flushed to their roots as they grinned foolishly, staring into the middle distance with wide and unseeing eyes.

“Shit,” I said, slightly panicked as I shook them gently, trying to rouse them from their waking sleep. I really needed to test this shit out before I just started using it so casually. Now that I actually knew what was going on, I was sure they would recover quicker than they had in Yelmora. Still, it was more than a little jarring to witness.

“They'll be fine.” The voice of Lilian drew my attention to Tessa's oldest sister as she rose from her place in the dirt, shaking her head as though to clear her mind of clouded thoughts. Her neck sported a rather nasty looking bruise from her battle with Tessa but otherwise she seemed mostly unharmed. She looked to her little sister with a chuckle, shaking her head as she gazed at Tess with nothing but affection in her eyes, the fight all but forgotten. Strangely enough, despite suffering the worst she seemed the most energetic of the three. Of course, it could have been her Knightly powers at work, healing her injuries, but even they took a toll on your mental state. My personal experience with Healing spoke to that.

“They're still conscious. They'll be back to reality in a moment.” Lilian said with a nostalgic sigh as she walked up to us, her eyes looking to the past. “You just went a little far. Don't worry, it happens every now and then. Never as severe as that first time, of course, but it can still throw you for a loop. Spirit, I just did it to my Smith the other day, near knocked him out for an hour. I'm proud to say that was the first in some years though. Sending emotions to each other can quickly get out of control.”

I sighed in relief, Lilian's words assuaging my concerns as I looked to the Smiths snuggled up against me. Lilian was right. Having silent conversations when Tess and Elora were in my soul was one thing, conveying meaning was quite another. I shouldn't have done it, but I'd been caught up in the moment. Considering the joyous expressions on both their faces, they didn't seem to mind all that much. Though I'm sure Tess would have something to say to me when she came back to herself.

“Thank you, Lilian.” I replied, smiling at the woman, “Are you well? You took quite a knock there.”

“I did that, Orin,” Lilian laughed as she rubbed at her neck, wincing as she touched the already fading bruise to be found there. “To think I would lose to Rainie. I don't know whether to be proud or disappointed. Perhaps both.”

“No shame in it,” I said, laughing along, “I've been losing to Tess for years.”

“Considering what mother has said of your prowess as a warrior, I will take that as a compliment.” Lily grinned.

I said nothing at that, but I was more than surprised to hear that Theadora had been singing my praises to her daughter. Tessa's mother clearly didn't like me all that much and I understood the why of it, even if I didn't agree with her assessment. I was pulled from my ruminating thoughts when I felt a sharp gaze upon me, the stare causing my Storm sight to send a brief warning through the wind. I turned my head to meet familiar and yet all together different eyes.

Cassandra D'viritazi's resemblance to Tess was truly uncanny. The curve of her nose and jaw, even in the way their eyes sat, the intensity to be found there. She was older, of course, and carried a darker skin tone, but that was the only differences I could discern. They could've been twins otherwise and this was even reflected in their love of battle, which I'd seen plastered on Tessa's sister's face just as surely as I'd seen it on her own.

Cassandra too carried signs of the battle she and Tess had raged, though she sported not nearly as many bruises as either of her sisters. Considering the way she fights, I wasn't surprised by that fact. She fought like Tessa in many ways, relying on her intense speed to see the battle through and to completion. She moved like a predator as she walked towards me, moving into my line of sight. Even that seemed like an act of positioning, as though she was preparing herself for an attack.

“Lady Cassandra,” I began politely with a nod, concerned with the way her eyes were pinned to my throat, as though assessing my weak points. “I am-”

“Orin of Myrin, my sister's Knight.” Cassandra said as she glanced to Tess in my arms. “I know who you are. Why is your eye shining?”

“It's Rainie's Gift, Cassie,” Lilian explained. “She made it for him.”

Cassie leaned closer. Uncomfortably close, nose inches from my face as she glared into the glowing Eye of the Storm. I tapered my annoyance, having known that of the sisters Cassandra was considered the most eccentric. Besides, I was hardly in a position to stop her considering I was currently caring for my Smiths.

“Step back, Cassie.”

The sound of Tessa's voice startled me as I looked down to see her once more in command of her own mind, staring at her sister from her place at my shoulder. She made no move to separate as Cassandra raised her hands before moving away slowly, a small smile on her face. “Apologies, Tessa. I was only curious. I've never seen a Gift like this one before.”

“No one has, not even father.” Lilian said, gifting Tessa with an adoring look, “Our Rainie is a prodigy.”

“In more than Smithing, given my defeat today.” Cassie picked up the wooden cutlass that had been ripped out of her hand by Tessa's use of Second Sword. She examined it as though searching for some meaning in her defeat before she met Lilian's sure stare. “I lost, Lily. I don't lose often. In fact, I don't usually lose at all.”

“Now that just isn't true.” Lilian protested, glaring at her younger sister. “I beat you just three months ago.”

Cassandra immediately shook her head, “Not a true victory. I was hungover, so I let you win. I wanted to return to my rooms.”

As the sisters began arguing the nature of a clean victory, Elora followed Tess back from the void, stretching her body as though waking from a deep sleep despite being out of it for only a few minutes. She blinked at her surroundings, confused, before she glanced up at me. Her bewilderment quickly gave way to accusation as she glared.

“For fuck's sake, Orin.”

I couldn't help but laugh at her betrayed tone, my wife's sweet eyes doing nothing to dissuade my mirth. Her use of cursing made it sound all the more adorable, the words unsuited to Elora in the same way dresses were unsuited to Tess. The Princess' glower became all the more intense as I continued to laugh all the harder, unable to stop myself. Eventually, her demeanour began to show signs of cracking, her lips lifting involuntarily. Tess clinched it though when her laugh joined my own, causing Elora to do the same.

“I-I'm sorry,” I spluttered as I finally managed to get a hold of myself. “I didn't know I was doing it, I swear.”

“Uh-huh.” Elora's reply was unbelieving. She kissed my cheek after a seconds pause, whispering into my ear, “I love you too, idiot. Just make sure that next time you say it instead of sending it over the Bond. It really is rather disconcerting.”

“At least it wasn't as bad as the first time,” Tessa sighed as she pulled away, punching me on the arm none too gently by way of complaint, though her indignation didn't reach her eyes. I barely caught the whisper that followed. “But it was nice. Thank you.”

Tessa peered over her shoulder at me, that real smile making a reappearance, one which never failed to make me respond in kind. It had been becoming more and more of a fixture these past days, more than it ever had before. For that I couldn't be more grateful.

“Your point is moot!” Lilian drew our attention as she all but screamed in Cassie's unflappable face, “You lost as well!”

“But I lost second.” Cassie enunciated, her small smile transformed into a mocking grin, “Therefore, I beat you.”

“You are impossible!” Lily replied, rubbing at her forehead, seeming like she was on the edge of frustrated tears. She finally looked to Tessa with desperation on her face, “Dearest, littlest sister. Please tell our other annoying, infuriating sibling that we lost equally and thus share the defeat.”

Tess looked a little taken aback about being put on the spot, her mouth opening and closing but no words forthcoming.

“I didn't say we didn't share the defeat. I just said that I am less defeated than you are.”

“That doesn't even make any sense! Cassandra D'viritazi, I swear by the Old Gods and the New I will-”

“That's quite enough of that, you two!” The voice of Tilia was the one of reason as she came bounding over to step between her sisters, giggling as she made a show of keeping the two separated. “There will be no more fighting today. Tessa won and is officially the strongest D'viritazi. Can you at least agree to that?”

Lily looked like she wanted to say more to Cassie but bit her tongue at the last second, inhaling deeply as she tried to get her emotions under control. “Of course. Tessa is the victor and to the victor goes the spoils. The title of 'best at kicking ass' is hers. At least, until I decide to come and take it from her.”

“That might take a while. You lost quite badly. Third place in a three person match is not a good result, Lilian.” Cassie quipped.

“Gods damn you, Cassie!” Lilian lunged for her sister only for Cassandra to skip away with a serene look on her face. What followed was Elora, Tessa and I watching, dumbfounded, as the two sisters proceeded to chase each other around the arena. For some reason, I didn't believe this was the first time and, considering the supremely confident expression Cassie was displaying, she was sure she could keep out of range of her sister.

“Ignore them.” The soft tone of Freida D'viritazi's voice drew us in as she walked towards us in lock step with Dawn, another woman I'd never met following behind them. “They do this every time they spend more than a few minutes together.”

“I remember.” Tess said with a gentle laugh, sharp eyes alight as she recalled the past, “Cassie only ever really opened up with Lily.”

“And you. She was always more open with you, Tessa. That's why it was so devastating for her when we thought you were gone. She's gotten a lot better these last few years, however.” Dawn said proudly as she watched Cassie backflip off of one of the large pavilion's pillars, barely avoiding the grasping hands of Lily who very nearly knocked herself unconscious once more with her reckless charge, clearing intent on flattening her nimble sister. “In no small part due to this young woman here.”

The stranger blushed and gave a small wave as we all looked to her as one, the young woman squirming under our collective gaze. She wore the same uniform that Cassie did, a black and blue affair that I'd never seen before with a strange siren medallion hanging from her neck. “H-Hello, Orin of Myrin. I've heard much about you. I'm Willow of House Merry, Cassie's friend.”

“And the reason Cassandra is far more open than she has ever been in the past.” Dawn said as she gave the woman a gentle nudge, “A feat, which I'm sure we can all agree, is akin to slaying a dragon.”

“I-I don't know about any of that, Lady Dawn.” Willow flushed all the darker as she waved away the pregnant woman's praise. “I'm just a friend. Though, seeing her now is making me regret that decision.”

The assembled daughters of the D'viritazi Clan all laughed at that, looking to the two squabbling siblings as they continued their game. Through the Storm, I caught sight of the way Willow stared at Cassie, her smile as the warrior narrowly avoided Lily's constant pursuit. It reminded me of the way Lencel looked at Vera, the way I imagined that I did when gazing at Elora. It was obvious to me that Willow of House Merry wanted to be more than friends with Cassandra D'viritazi.

“You were amazing, Tessa.” Freida said to my Smith, her expression hesitant and uncertain as she continued. “I shouldn't have tried to stop you.”

“I understand, Freida,” Tessa replied, touching her sister's arm gingerly. “I know you want to keep me safe, but I'm not the same person I was when I left here.”

“That much is more than obvious,” Dawn said as she stepped forward, pulling Tess into a fond embrace and laying her head against the young woman's shoulder, “You were astounding! I've never seen Cassie defeated so soundly before.”

Tessa grinned at the compliment. “Thanks, Dawn. She really is very good. The best I've ever fought.”

I raised a brow at that, a smirk on my lips as I folded my arms. “Excuse me? I beat you in Yelmora, Tess.”

“Using the Technique I used to beat Cassie.” Tess stared at me intensely, “I know how it works, Orin. Won't be able to use it a second time. We fight again and you are fucked.”

I frowned as I realised she was right. I could still use Second Sword, but it wouldn't be enough if Tess knew it was coming and had her own Technique prepared to keep up with the sudden burst of speed and sharp reflexes. That thought didn't discourage me, however. The idea of fighting Tess, knowing that we were both capable of near superhuman feats, only caused my anticipation for our rematch to grow all the more pronounced.

What would happen if we used Second Sword simultaneously? Who would be faster? Who would win? I was eager to learn the answer.

“We should fight.” Both of us spoke as one, both of us glaring at each other with a strange mixture of glee and wild bloodlust that seemed to immediately make everyone around us recoil. They paled as the air became charged, as my hand drifted to the hilt of my sword. So great was the change, so absolute, that it even made Lilian and Cassie stop in their horseplay, looking to us with curious eyes.

“I'll even let you get your daggers.” I said intensely.

“As if I need a weapon to beat you down.”

“No, no, no. Absolutely not.” Elora's voice cut through the tension like Rionna cuts through Space. “You've both been training, both been in intense fights. You two need rest.”

“But-”

“No buts, Orin.” Elora said firmly before pointing at Tessa. “And don't you start. You just used a new Technique for the first time, and I know you well enough to see that you're exhausted.”

“I didn't say anything.” Tessa protested, trying to sound innocent but failing so badly that it made me snort, drawing a glare from my mercenary.

“No, but you were about to. You can spar later,” My Princess stared into space. “I should join you as well. I haven't held a sword since the ship. I do not want to lose what little progress I've made.”

“Hardly little, Princess,” I said, kissing my wife's cheek. “You very nearly gave Tess a touch during your last session.”

Elora's smile was brighter than the sun itself as she whirled around to face me, delight blooming within honey-coloured eyes. “You saw that!? I thought you were too ill to notice.”

“Not a chance.” I shook my head firmly. “You nearly had her on your last pass.”

“I did, didn't I?” Elora crowed as she threw her arms around my neck. “I couldn't believe it when it happened. I just followed my instincts. I could barely contain myself it after it was over.”

I truly meant what I said. Elora had grown by leaps and bounds since she first started learning the sword. True, I had been leaning over the side and trying not to focus on the roiling of the ship when my Smiths were sparring, but I'd been cognizant enough to spectate many of their matches. The last truly was incredible, with Tess actually having to try. She'd been forced to move faster than she usually did when sparring against Elora, pushed into throwing her all into her movements, if only for a moment. The Princess wasn't quite ready for combat yet, but she was close.

“It was a good strike. We'll make a warrior out of you yet, Princess,” Tess interrupted with a chuckle. “Fine, we'll stop the fighting for today. I'm tired anyway. I think we'll switch up partners for your next session, Elora. I don't want you to get too used to fighting me. You'll fight Orin, he'll be a good wooden dummy to bash your blade against.”

“Oh, you are evil.” I said with narrowed eyes, which only caused Tessa's grin to grow all the wider. She knew I wouldn't be able to hit Elora. I just couldn't do it, the idea seeming repugnant to me. Shit, even the thought of crossing blades with my wife wasn't exactly met with boundless enthusiasm.

“Why is she evil?” Elora blinked at me, confused. “It makes sense. Tess says the majority of people I'll fight will be men. Who better to train against than you, love?”

“She knows I won't strike you.” I said to my Princess with a sigh and a smile, “Couldn't even if I tried, I reckon. Tess is setting me up to take a beating.”

“You can always fight back.” Tess smirked.

“Aye, you know I won't.”

“We should fight each other, Orin. Please try, for me.” Elora nodded solemnly as she took my hand in hers while the other stroked at my scar idly. Then she gave me her best impression of Tessa's predatory stare. “Just don't take it too personally when I beat you.”

The woman I love.

“Fine, I'll try. For you.” I grumbled. I couldn't say no to her and I was beginning to believe it was becoming a trend.

“Thank you.” My Princess said sweetly as she looked to the others, everyone having gathered around once more. Lily was still staring daggers at Cassie, who all but ignored her, but besides that it was like nothing had taken place between the sisters. Well, apart from their heavy breathing and sweat streaked faces. “I think you all deserve a break.”

“We could have some tea!” Freida exclaimed enthusiastically. Tilia and Lilian groaned at the prospect. I inferred from their reaction that this wasn't the first time the gentle woman had suggested such an activity.

“That would be lovely, Lady Freida,” Elora beamed. “I'm ashamed to say I haven't had the chance to drink any since Venos.”

Freida jumped forward, wrapping her arm around Elora's own, her smile joining with hers. “I'd be glad to share some with you, Princess. I actually have some from Venos, a blend originating from Sind, I believe. I'm sure you'll love it. Ragora is so very different from your country. A taste of home will banish all your fatigue and make you forget your troubles. At least, that has been my own experience.”

Of course. Cellus tea. My favourite.

“That sounds wonderful, Lady Freida.” My Princess said with a gleam to her eye. She'd clearly noticed my strained expression. “Though I believe my Knight will want something a little different. He's not too fond of tea, you see.”

“You can blame my mother for that.” I cut in with a sigh. “Whenever any of us were ill at the orphanage we were force-fed copious amounts of the stuff. Sister Erin seemed to believe that tea could heal almost anything.”

“A wise woman indeed.” Freida nodded reverently, her seriousness beyond reproach. “I would love to meet her one day.”

“I'm sure she would like that.”

“I have some honey mead from Ionostrum in the cellar, saved from the last time Tristan visited.” Lily said with a suddenly renewed sense of eagerness as she looked to me. “I'll bring some for you, me and Cassie, Lord Orin. We're not too fond of tea either. Besides, no better way to bond than imbibing a little drink.”

“How is Tristan?” Tess asked as she slipped her daggers back into their sheaths, fingering the hilts nervously as she looked to her sisters. “Have you had any recent word from him?”

The silence that followed her question was one which was tainted by sadness. I knew that Tristan was now the only member of the family that didn't know Tess still drew breath. My Smith had been close with her brother when they were still young, though I also knew they were separated early as he had to travel to the Empire to train with Alice.

Tilia was the one who answered, walking up to her sister and draping an arm over her shoulders. “We received a message some weeks ago now. He's doing fine, Rainie. Living the high life at the Hall of Tyra. His studies go well and Alice apparently managed to defeat quite the formidable fighter, placing her at the top of their silly combat rankings. A prince from Fero with a scar on his cheek, I believe it was. I can't quite remember his name.”

“Fucking Maric?” I asked, my eyes widening. “Alice beat Maric?”

“You know this Prince, Lord Orin?” Tilia looked at me, along with the others. Elora and Tessa's eyes inevitably drifted to the scar that peeked up from my collar, a white sliver of tissue that marked my most famous wound. Well, most famous until the mad jester and his spacial bullshit.

“Fucking Maric.” Tessa hissed as she clenched her hands into tight fists. “He nearly killed Orin when he first joined Boldrin's Brigade.”

“He gave me this.” I said as I pulled my collar down to briefly show my large scar to those present. Willow and Cassie seemed especially interested in the war wound. “I wouldn't exactly call it a fight. I'd only held a sword for a few weeks before we met on the field, but I learned a lot from our encounter. The first of which was not to get sliced up.”

“Oh, aye?” Tessa asked dryly. “How did that work out for you?”

“Granted, not well.” I mumbled defensively. “Still, he let me live, so that's something.”

“I was there, Orin. I remember.”

Of course she was. No doubt waiting in the wings to save my life should the need arise. The battle at the border with Yeles and Fero had been before I'd met Tess with the band, so she was still acting as my silent shadow, my protector. “Where were you?”

She sensed the pain in my quiet question, heard it in my voice. Her steely eyes softened, hatred for Maric replaced by her feeling for me. “I was fine, Orin. I kept myself to myself, stole some Yelesi armour so that you or the band wouldn't think me an enemy. I lost track of you in the crush. I... It was my first time being in such a large scale battle. I was a little overwhelmed by it all. When I found you again, you were being carried on a stretcher towards the caravans. I stayed with you for a while after, until you started to wake up, then I left again.”

“You should've stayed. I would've understood.” I was repeating what I'd already said a thousand times in a hundred different ways, but I needed to say it again regardless. I wished that I could have been there for her, wished that I'd known about her sooner. The sting of not noticing Tess for years was fading, but it flared when she reminded me of an event in my life that she had shared in without my knowledge.

I was once again in Yelmora, in the arena, seeing a vision of a little girl saving me from a thug on the streets of Venos before disappearing into the fading light of day. I should've followed her.

“We can't change the past, Orin.” Tess whispered. Elora slipped her hand into mine, comforting me silently as Tessa's family and Willow were muted by the sombre tone of Tessa's words. “We're here now. That's what matters most.”

My savage Smith had grown so much since Myrin.

“Aye.” I said, smiling brightly, though I knew it didn't reach either of my eyes as the Storm roiled with black clouds. “We're here now.”

Tess turned to Tilia. “I'm glad Tristan is doing well. After meeting all of you again... It makes me want to see him again one day.”

Tess knew as well as I did that the circumstances of that meeting would be significantly different to her reunion with her sisters. Tristan was a Smith of Alice, the only other Heir on the continent. Sister Erin had told me herself that many among the Hall had believed she was born to kill me, that I was the great threat to Ouros she needed to defeat to restore peace. I couldn't say if that was true or not. It all sounded like the desperate ploy of old men to me, eager to hold onto their power. A foolish notion considering that Alice was older than I was, if only by the span of a few months according to the Sister.

I shook my head of such thoughts. Dwelling on Alice and her place in my life was not something I liked to do, though I had been doing so more and more recently. Now she had defeated Maric, a foe who was once so far beyond me it was near laughable. I'd changed since then, the difference night and day, yet I couldn't help but feel my stomach tighten with unease.

“She'd still lose to you, Orin.” Elora said firmly, reading my thoughts as I smiled at my Princess in gratitude. “You can't be beaten.”

'Stronger than any Knight who came before or after'. Elora's belief was still absolute, I could see it in her eyes. My wife's faith in me was touching.

“Alice is a formidable warrior.” Cassie interrupted as she slid her cutlass home, brushing some of the sweat from her forehead. “I sparred with her once or twice when she, Tristan and her other Smiths came to train with father. She never won, but she came close.”

“A sweet girl. Intelligent, strong, and kind to her Smiths.” Freida smiled at me. “You perhaps have more in common with her than you believe, Orin.”

“Maybe I do,” I replied earnestly. “But that will mean nothing if the Hall of Tyra have been pouring poison in her ears.”

“It's important to remember that the Hall is not united in such matters, Orin.” Lilian stated. “I know a little of their politics, having trained there myself. They are rarely of one mind. Father said he has made significant headway in demonstrating that you were clearly born for a reason. They should see the value in you, not dismiss you as a threat.”

I bristled at that. “They killed my birth mother and father, slaughtered an innocent village and burned it to the ground, all with the intention of killing me in the crib. Lets not forget that they sent the most powerful Knight on the continent to hunt me down and take my head, forcing me to flee my family and my home. With all due respect to your father, Lilian, I hardly care whether they see value in me or not.”

That statement took all present aback, their faces turning pale. After a moment's pause, Freida walked up to me hesitantly, wrapping her arms around my body and pulling me into a hug. “I'm so sorry, Orin. We didn't know.”

I hadn't expected the display, chuckling as I returned her brief embrace. “It's fine, Freida. Thank you. I don't remember anything of that time in my life, nor the faces of my parents. My mother and father were farmers. Not Nobles, not great warriors. just simple folk living a simple life. I may not recall them, but I owe them a debt for protecting me to the last. I won't forgive the Hall for what was done, even if they decide that I am better off alive than dead.”

“Nor should you.” Dawn said firmly, speaking up as Freida and I separated. “I am not a Knight, but growing up in this Clan means you learn much of the Hall. I don't ask you to forget what happened, nor to forgive the crimes they committed, but Lilian is right in that the Hall is not unified. For the sake of my brother and my sister, I must tell you that the Hall is not entirely evil, just as no one alive is entirely good. You have allies even there, Orin.”

I said nothing to that, knowing that my answer would not be to Dawn's satisfaction. Continuing to talk about this was futile. My mind was fixed in my opinion of the Hall and I knew there was nothing the D'viritazi siblings could say to change that. They were just trying to help me, to ease my pain, and I was thankful, but it wouldn't give me pause. My relationship with the Hall of Tyra was one which I had only recently discovered existed, yet it had been there since the day of my birth. It would resolve itself, one way or another, this I knew.

I just hoped I had enough strength by then to put up a good fight.

“Enough talk of Halls and Knights.” Lilian suddenly cried out, slapping her hands together as she pointed to the door resolutely. “Now is the time for the drinking of tea and mead. To Freida's rooms!”

The tension was diffused, the dour air lifted as all smiled at the foolish Knight, who linked arms with Cassie and Tilia, leading them towards the doors with great purpose in every step.

Freida laughed as she grabbed onto Elora once more, pulling in Tess for good measure. “Lilian is right. We will have time to talk of such matters later. For now, let us enjoy the afternoon.”

My Smiths smiled which gave me cause to do the same as I followed after them. My thoughts were still clouded, but I banished my doubts for another day. We'd taken so many steps forward so quickly, even in the last few hours. I needed to focus on the present, on our progress, not on the dark possibilities of what the future might hold. Which reminded me...

“Your father taught me quite a bit while you were away.” I said as Tess and Elora turned to look at me over Freida's shoulders. “We need to exchange notes.”

“We learned much from Lady Theadora as well.” Elora said eagerly. “New methods for using our Elements. It'll be some time till we can practically use them, but its definitely a good start.”

From the way Tess winced upon hearing her mother's name, I knew that at least one thing today hadn't been improved upon. Clearly having a training session with her mother hadn't improved their relationship, but I wasn't giving up hope. It would take Tess time to sort out her feelings, and for Theadora to actually speak to her daughter candidly. I knew they could fix what was broken. I could feel it.

“A good start,” Tess said with a sigh. “Though I'm surprised I can remember any of it after you soul-talked us into a stupor.”

Dawn laughed at that, joining us as we walked. “So that's why Orin was holding you two for so long? Freida and I were wondering the cause. How did he take it when you first spoke to him? Lilian was so out of it she was walking around in a haze for hours, giggling at the walls. It made for some tremendous entertainment.”

That little nugget of information caused my Smiths to come to a complete stop, sharing a stare with one another as Freida glanced between her sister and the Princess, confused as to the reason they'd halted in their tracks.

“We can do that?” Tessa asked sharply.

Elora frowned, deep in thought. “Annabelle and Vera never mentioned it. But now that I think about it, we've never spoken to Orin when we weren't Bonded. How did we miss that?”

“I've felt your emotions before.” I said with a casual shrug, dismissing their concerns. “I wasn't effected all that much.”

As though they were completely of one mind, both of my Smiths gently pulled themselves from Freida's arms. The grin they shared was insidious and I immediately felt my hackles rise as I tried to convey confidence.

“W-What are you two up to?”

“It isn't fair that we haven't shown you what you've already shown us, Orin.” Elora pouted, her hands taking one of mine in hers as Tess did the same with the other. “I think a taste of your own medicine is in order.”

I shook my head immediately with a frown. Fighting against the strange wave of uncertainty that was crawling up my spine. “Y-you don't have to. I get impressions of your feelings all the time.”

“Impressions, yes.” Tess said softly, hesitantly. “But not how we feel. Not truly.”

“Come on...” I started a little desperately as I looked into each pair of unmerciful eyes, one golden and the other of steel. “This is a little unnecessary.”

“You've shown us how much you care.” Elora said softly, her smaller hands gripping mine intently. “I think its time we return the favour.”

“Don't worry, Orin.” Tess smiled, though it lacked the edge it held before. Instead it seemed strangely vulnerable. “We'll take care of you. Think of it as training.”

I snorted. “Tess, you want to turn me into a vegetable, I really don't think it can be called-”

Fuck.

A single word said, but one which seemed to capture the incredibly colossal feeling that struck at my heart.

I felt a great pulse from each of them carry across the Bonds, our shining connections glowing all the brighter as Elora and Tessa's messages passed along them. So swift was the assault that I could do nothing but watch as their energies smashed into my black flames with blistering speed, making them cry out in adulation as my Smiths emotions became one with the very core of my being.

I saw the way they saw me.

Words couldn't be used to describe what I felt in that moment. My mind shut down completely as I was inundated with feelings of warmth and comfort, strength and safety. Above all of that was love. Such love that defied the very concept of definition. It struck me like a hammer blow, my thoughts fleeing and willpower for naught as I was consumed by the sheer magnitude of Elora and Tessa's collective feeling.

If they spoke to me like they said they would, I didn't hear it. The blitz unravelled me, shredding apart my sense of self. All I felt was them in their entirety. They saw all that I was in turn, all that I had ever been. My successes and failures. My victories and defeats. All of it was laid bare. They accepted me absolutely.

I opened my mouth to speak only to find that control of my physical body had fled me. I floated through my soul space, tumbling through the dark as the obsidian fire's euphoric screams reached a fever pitch. Never before had I felt something like this.

I thought I knew how they felt about me, thought I understood. I realised then that I knew nothing at all. My worries, my fears, all of them faded away. I floated through the void of my soul cocooned in the overpowering presences of the two people who mean the most to me in all the world. It was breathtaking. Life-affirming.

A single thought crystallised before I lost all resemblance of rationality. Again it was only one word, but it contained more than enough meaning to make my soul shake with joy and the Bonds with my Smiths to shiver in delight.

Beautiful.