In a straight and narrow hallway illuminated by various crystals, walked a joyful young woman in a slow pace. It was most likely due to the hoodie that covered her face; however, if one were to look more carefully, it would be easy to notice that the robe she wore was not her size. It was of subtle blue color, with white linings on the front and back side, masterfully carved in with different shapes and patterns. Perhaps the most exciting feature of the robe was insignia that was visible on the chest which stood out from the rest of the clothing. It was made of metal that one would recognize as gold, shaped in the pattern of a circle with a tree inside.

The woman walked towards a large door and gently opened it. The door led her to an enormous bathing area that could comfortably fit up to 15 people. Inside the water was a young lady, who was gently washing her back with soap. As she finished, she started to rub her belly. Without further delay, the young nun greeted the woman.

"Good morning Mrs. Sofia!"

This act had caught the young lady by surprise. She quickly stood up and looked around. Her eyes showed a sign of worry; however, the moment she realized who it was, Sofia's expression slowly shifted from defensive to warm and welcoming.

"I have brought you some clean towels and clothing." (young nun)

As she said this, she slowly approached the bathing area and placed the items on a nearby stand.

"I shall go ahead and prepare a light breakfast for you, Mrs. Sofia. In the meantime, priestess Emma has asked you to visit her for a checkup."

Sofia blushed. She knew exactly why she was being summoned. Gently rubbing her stomach, the woman smiled and graciously thanked the nun. As she did, the holy sister smiled back, bowed and left the room.

"It is about time huh? Very soon my darling, very very soon."

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*Knock, Knock*

"Come in," said a gentle and calm voice.

Sofia entered the room, performed a slight bow, and joyfully greeted the woman that sat in her chair. Despite her being in her fifties, nobody would dare to tell her that she was old since she was rather beautiful for the age. Her physique was slim, her cheeks thin and soft. Her hair was still jet black. The robe that she wore was just like any other nun that Sofia had encountered in this village. The beautiful crown that only high priestesses would wear only added to the charm of this character, so much that even Sofia who was a stunning and attractive female would get jealous of her.

"Good morning Emma. I was told that you wished to see me for a checkup?"

"Indeed, I did. Take a seat my darling. There are some important things I need to talk to you about" (Emma)

Sofia did as told.

Emma moved her right hand under the drawer, took out a small bell, and rang it. As soon as she did so, a nun which appeared to be in her thirties entered the room.

"Ah Samantha, please be kind enough to bring the bakery that you and the rest of the nuns wholeheartedly baked for our guest."

As Samantha heard these words, her eyes lit up with joy. With a light bow, she backtracked and left the room, slowly closing the door behind her to not create a ruckus.

"Now then Sofia, how are you feeling today?"

"I am rather well Miss Emma, thank you for asking."

"What about your sleeping habits? I am aware that you were not able to sleep properly for the last two weeks. Has the pain subsided? Were you able to sleep yesterday? I am rather worried about your well-being Sofia. If there is anything I can do for you, please, let me know. Worrying while being in the seventh month of pregnancy will put a strain on the child you bear. If you need to talk to someone or need advice, then I shall provide."

Sofia shook her head without letting the smile leave her face. She knew very well that Emma was alluding to her husband's death. Her face had turned pale when the news was delivered, so much that she would not be able to eat for days and have adequate rest during nights. The entire world had collapsed on her. She was alone and miserable, but now was not the time to think about or dwell on it. Sofia made a gulp and calmly but firmly replied to Emma, who awaited a response.

"Thank you for asking, high priestess. I have slept rather well ever since the day before yesterday. My sleeping habits have improved and despite me still being rather sad due to the news that was presented to me a few weeks back, I still am feeling fine. I understand you being concerned for my well-being; however, I assure you that I am willing to move on for the sake of the child that I carry." (Sofia)

Emma seemed to be relieved. She was about to make a statement, however just as the words were about to leave her mouth, Samantha entered the room and placed a tray on the table. With a light bow, she turned around and left the room.

"Well then, how about we have some tea, Mrs. Sofia? The nuns have baked the raspberry cake this morning specifically for you. Your husband was known in this village, and everyone is grateful for the various deeds he had committed," said Emma in an attempt to switch the topic and ease off the tension.

"I sincerely thank you and everyone in this monastery for showering me with nothing but kindness," replied Sofia, moving her trembling hands towards the cup and barely managing to drink the liquid.

Sofia needed it. The entire world had collapsed on her upon receiving the grave news of her husband's death. She had suspicions and was willing to investigate it if not for her given circumstances. At that moment, there was not much she could do. However, she did make a vow that if a particular individual's involvement were confirmed, the revenge would be taken in full.

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Two months had passed by rather quickly. It was early in the morning. The sun had not risen yet. Sofia was laying on the bed screaming in pain. The nuns and priestesses were surrounding her, calming her down and helping with the delivery.

After the process was complete, Sofia's mind went blank for a moment. As she recovered, she was greeted with loud cheers and applauds.

"Congratulations Sofia, you are now officially a mother," said one of the nuns cheerfully.

Sofia started crying. Those were the happiest tears she had ever shed in her life. Overcome with joy she inquired about her newborn's gender.

"Sofia, we are happy to tell you that your child is a girl. We have taken her away to the next room to ensure that everything is fine. She already cried, which indicates her being able to breathe; therefore we are just going to check her mana well and her affinities towards different schools of magic." (A nun)

"But are the affinities not checked when your puberty normally starts?"

"Indeed. However, some children tend to show their affinities at a younger age. Therefore, they are always checked."

As the holy sister finished her sentence, a more familiar face entered the room. It was Emma and behind her was Samantha.

"Congratulations on becoming mother Sofia. I wholeheartedly am happy for you and your newborn."

"Thank you. Emma, may I please hold my child?" replied Sofia with a smile.

Emma froze. She quickly glanced at the child that Samantha was holding. Something was wrong. Her expression showed it. It was an expression of confusion and surprise.

Sofia picked up the disturbed look on her face and got nervous.

"What is wrong? Is my baby all right? What happened?" She started to tear up.

"No, no. Relax Sofia. Your child is fine. Its a rather healthy daughter. Her skin is a bit pale, but that is not what concerns me...." Said Emma.

Sofia threw a cold glance at the high priestess.

"What is wrong? Tell me! I have a right to know!"

"It is... well. Sofia, you are a half-elf, right?"

"Yes, what of it?"

"And your husband, Duncan, was a human correct?"

Sofia was confused.

"Yes."

"Well, you see... when we took the child to the next room to check her affinities and measure her mana well, there were three odd things we noticed. The first is that the child has unmeasurable mana well. To be more precise, she does not seem to have physical mana well. Secondly, she has no affinities whatsoever. Those will show during puberty when she reaches her 13th birthday, so this is not such a big deal. However, the first condition is what makes it odd...." As she was about to state the third oddity, Sofia cut in the sentence with an odd glance. Through her eyes, Emma could tell that she was scared.

"But if she has no mana well... How is she alive? She is alive, right?" (Sofia)

"Yes, she is alive and well. Do not worry about that. I am assuming that she has the mana well statistic hidden and that it will reveal during her puberty. However, there is one more oddity that I need to address Sofia. But, before I speak, swear on the grave of your husband that you will answer truthfully and won't lie to me!"

Sofia was confused. She did not know what to think, for the high priestess spoke in a demanding and judging tone. There was nothing she had to lie about, so she gave a slight nod.

Emma sighed.

"Your child... is, like you, an elf. What is odd, however, is that she is pure-blood."

Unable to reply, Sofia gave the priestess a confused look. How was this possible? Her husband was a human, and she was a half-elf. It was impossible. No, there must have been some explanation, but for now, she just wanted to hold her daughter.

"I... do not know what to say... right now I feel rather dizzy and tired. I beg you, please, allow me to hold my daughter for now."

"Yes, I understand. Very well. Samantha, please hand over the child to her mother. Also, please show her how to breastfeed her newborn," ordered Emma.

"Understood."

As she said this, she handed over the newborn child to her righteous mother. Sofia took her daughter and gently kissed her. Pure-blood or not, she was her daughter and right now, at this moment, there was no greater joy for her than that.

After hearing Samantha's instructions, she carefully placed her baby in her arms and began breastfeeding her. As she did so, Emma went on with her final statement.

"Sofia, there are a lot of unknowns, but I am sure that everything will be revealed to us in due time. Right now there is no reason to rush it. I witnessed you giving birth, and I can assure you that there is no mistaking it. The child belongs to you. She was born from your own body, from your womb. That said, I should let you rest. Before I leave though, may I ask what will the name of this child be?"

Sofia looked at her daughter and back at Emma. With a grin on her face, she pronounced Alviona.

"Alviona. The name of my daughter shall be Alviona."