The couple woke to a world transformed by the night's storm. As they rose from their makeshift bed near the fireplace, they moved towards the door of Pacificus's small hut. With the door creaking open, they were greeted by a scene of ethereal beauty.
Outside, the landscape was now cloaked in a thick layer of pristine white snow, untouched and sparkling under the early morning sunlight. The snow had blanketed everything in sight, from the ground to the roofs of nearby structures and the surrounding trees, turning the entire world into a serene winter wonderland.
The air was still and cold, with each breath forming tiny clouds that dissipated into the crisp morning air. The silence was interrupted only by the faint sound of melting icicles dripping from the eaves and the occasional rustle of snow falling from the branches.
Inside the hut, the warmth of the previous night's fire still lingered, though the flames had long since dwindled to embers. The dim light cast shadows across the rough-hewn wooden walls and simple furnishings, contrasting with the bright, snowy landscape visible through the open doorway.
Merina and Pacificus stood side by side, their hands clasped together, taking in the breathtaking sight before them. Despite the cold that seeped through their clothing, they felt a deep sense of peace and awe at the beauty of the winter morning.
Before venturing outside, Pacificus and Merina prepared Torrent for the cold. They fashioned a sturdy leash from supple leather, ensuring it wouldn't chafe or stress the young kirin. Merina's skill in quickly crafting a harness from spare materials impressed Pacificus, who watched with admiration as she gently fitted it over Torrent's sleek coat, mindful not to tighten it too much.
Once prepared, they stepped outside into a transformed world. The hut's single window, lacking glass, had kept them shielded from the storm's full force, but now they faced a landscape blanketed in snow. The air was crisp and biting, every breath turning into a visible puff of mist in the frigid morning air. The sun, a faint glow behind heavy clouds, struggled to cast any warmth upon the frozen land.
Torrent, curious and energetic, immediately tested the leash, attempting to dart away before being gently restrained by the harness. To encourage the fawn to follow without resistance, Pacificus tied a basket filled with vegetables to his back. Merina, holding the basket's handle, enticed Torrent with the promise of food, using it to guide the kirin along as they made their way toward a nearby shack.
The shack stood weathered but sturdy, its exterior covered with thick fur pelts. It promised a temporary refuge from the biting cold, a place to warm themselves and regroup before venturing further. As they trudged through the snow, each step sinking deep into the powdery drifts, Merina and Pacificus struggled against the resistance of the icy terrain, their boots disappearing almost up to Merina's knees with each stride.
Torrent, however, seemed unfazed by the snow. His slender legs and nimble hooves navigated the wintry landscape effortlessly, leaving barely a trace in the pristine white carpet beneath them. With each graceful step, he followed Merina's gentle guidance, occasionally pausing to nibble on the vegetables dangling from Pacificus's basket.
Thanks to Pacificus's sturdy frame and determination, he pushed open the door of the shack, the accumulated snow giving way with a soft crunch underfoot. The interior greeted them with a rustic warmth, the walls lined with thick fur pelts that offered a stark contrast to the icy landscape outside. Merina's eyes scanned the modest interior, her breath forming tiny clouds in the air as she took in the comforting sight of the fur-lined walls.
Inside, a variety of furs were neatly arranged, each offering its own promise of warmth against the biting chill. With deft hands, Merina set about outfitting Pacificus and herself in the available furs. She draped a luxurious pelt over Pacificus's shoulders, skillfully arranging it to resemble a crafted winter coat despite its humble origin. The fur, still carrying a faint scent of the wild, enveloped him in its cozy embrace, providing a shield against the cold that seeped through the cracks of the shack.
As Merina adjusted the furs, Pacificus prepared their sturdy cart for the journey to town. Crafted from robust wood and reinforced with metal fittings, it stood ready outside, its wheels creaking softly as he readied it for their trek through the snow. Beside him, Merina deftly fashioned a makeshift harness for Torrent, ensuring the fawn would travel comfortably as a passenger alongside her.
With meticulous care, Pacificus loaded the cart with steel weapons and armor destined for the blacksmiths. Despite his efforts to distribute the weight evenly, each piece added caused the cart to sink deeper into the pristine snow. The wheels groaned under the strain, leaving deep furrows in the soft powder that marked their passage through the wintry landscape.
Undeterred by the sinking cart, Pacificus pressed on with determined strides. His boots, now dusted with snow, left broad imprints in the path ahead, each step a testament to his strength and resolve. Merina watched in admiration, struck by his steadfast determination and the transformative power of the snow-covered surroundings.
The familiar road they traveled, flanked by tall, snow-laden trees and occasional glimpses of familiar landmarks, appeared transformed by winter's touch. The once-familiar landscape now wore a cloak of white, softening the edges of everything it touched. Branches drooped under the weight of snow, casting long, graceful shadows on the path. The air shimmered with a quiet serenity, broken only by the occasional creak of the cart and the soft whispers of the breeze.
Merina marveled at how the snow had altered their usual route, turning it into a new and enchanting journey. Every turn revealed a landscape painted in shades of white and gray, the world hushed and still under winter's spell. Despite the challenges posed by the deepening snow, Pacificus guided the cart with skill and determination, his focus unwavering as they navigated this transformed winter wonderland.
With Torrent settled and Merina snugly wrapped in her fur-lined attire, they set off toward the town. The pristine snow offered a challenge with each turn of the cart's wheels. Pacificus led the way, his boots leaving deep imprints in the powdery snow, while Merina sat on the cart, her gloved hands occasionally brushing the fawn's fur for reassurance.
Together, they navigated the winter landscape, their breaths visible in the cold air, the quiet crunch of snow beneath the cart's wheels punctuating the otherwise serene silence.
It didn't take long for Pacificus to reach the gates of the town. As they approached, he noticed the guards stationed there looked unusually small. Their oversized armor and dragging fur coats made them appear even smaller against the backdrop of the snow-covered landscape. The guards carried their weapons—spears and shields—as if they were still too heavy for them.
Upon closer inspection, Pacificus realized the guards were very young, appearing no older than ten. Their youthful faces were flushed with the cold, their breath visible in the chilly air.
"Why is it so cold?" one of the young guards complained, shivering. "W-winter just started."
"S-shut up," replied the other guard, her voice feminine and trembling.
Pacificus and Merina exchanged a look but said nothing as they passed the young guards, who didn't even bother to check them.
Their first stop was the orphanage. In front of the building, an old lady, her helpers, and several children were busy moving snow away from the entrance. The old lady's lined face spoke of years of hard work and resilience. She directed the children with gentle authority, her voice carrying above the sounds of scraping shovels and the children's chatter. The helpers, bundled in thick coats, worked alongside the children, creating pathways through the deep snow.
"Mother Leto," Merina called out as she ran towards the elderly woman who had lovingly adopted her. Her boots sank into the deep snow with each hurried step. Meanwhile, Pacificus grabbed hold of Torrent's harness, guiding the young kirin fawn who followed eagerly, likely expecting another meal.
"Mother Rina is back!" shouted one of the children, excitement bubbling in their voice.
"Oh, it's Mother Rina!" echoed the others, their faces lighting up with joy.
The old lady, her face softening with a loving smile, opened her arms to receive the embrace of her adopted daughter.
"I'm sorry I didn't return yesterday," Merina said, her voice filled with relief and apology. "There was this sudden blizzard."
"Oh yes, that made us really worried," the old lady replied, her tone gently scolding. "Especially when all the men just marched out towards battle."
"…What? Marched out? Mother, what do you mean, marched out?" Merina's voice was filled with confusion and concern.
"You probably didn't know it," Mother Leto said with a sigh, her expression heavy with worry.
"Mother Leto... Where is Father Lelantos? Where is Klaus? In fact... where are all the boys?" Merina's voice wavered as she looked around, noticing the absence of the familiar faces of the men she cared about.
Leto sighed deeply, the children around them looking down, their earlier excitement replaced by a somber mood.
"Mother Rina," said Apollo "when you were away, the Lord ordered all of the men to mobilize for an attack or something... I really don't know."
"The Lord… when?" Merina's voice was barely a whisper, her mind racing.
"Just a few minutes after you went away, dear," Leto explained gently. "We were going to tell you after you returned, but you didn't."
Pacificus looked around, taking in the sight of the town. The absence of men was glaringly apparent; only women and children moved about, tending to their daily tasks. He realized with a start that he was the only man present within the town's boundaries.
"Did the Lord go with them?" Pacificus asked, his voice heavy with concern.
"He claimed that he would lead the way," Mother Leto replied, shaking her head slightly. "Though... I doubt that fat man can actually lead a war. His guards and generals looked capable, at least."
Both Merina and Pacificus frowned at her answer, their worry deepening.
"Anyway, Merina, Pacificus, have you had breakfast yet?" Mother Leto asked, her old face breaking into a gentle smile.
"We did, actually. Some leftover stew," Merina answered.
"But you two could always eat. Come, my children, especially you, young man," she pointed at Pacificus. "These ingredients come from your farm, after all."
The two shared a quick breakfast it was a dish, carrots, potatoes, vegetables cut neatly and placed in a circular pattern and covered in a beautiful and mouth watering red sauce. Pacificus's eyes widened as he took a bite, savoring the flavors.
"What is this dish?" he asked, amazed.
Mother Leto grinned. "That, my dear, is a dish from the northwest called ratatouille." Her eyes were gentle as she looked at Pacificus. "I heard you've been feeding my children from your farm, so I think it is best to return the favor, young man."
"Thank you, Mother Leto. It is delicious."
"Oh my, getting praised by a young man for my cooking... he he he. It fills me with pride. I was a farmer before I became a priestess, after all."
Pacificus looked at the old woman, confused. "Can't you be both?" he genuinely asked.
"I'm afraid not. But being a priestess has its own quirks. For one, your lifespan is increased. Two, you can cast healing magic more effectively. And three, I can perform the ritual of blessings for anyone with the same faith."
"Oh... it is different from mine."
"Yes, my child. Merina here told me that you are also a monk. What difference does it make?"
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"Nothing... the voice told me I can also perform the ritual of blessing for anyone with the same faith... but I haven't really practiced it."
The old woman looked at him with a mixture of pity and amazement. She gave him a warm smile. "I hope you visit your temple soon, young man. You need to receive your blessings sooner or later... who knows, you might gain another level."
"I'm still level one, actually."
Merina did not react, but Leto and her other children nearly had their jaws drop to the floor. Merina had told them how Pacificus had beaten a group of assassins, forcing them not to return. The fact that Pacificus had accomplished this while still being level one meant he had done so with pure skill—not the abilities granted by the Voice of Creation, but his raw, honed skills developed throughout his life.
After that, Merina decided to stay at the orphanage. The warmth and familiarity of the place provided a comforting solace amidst the ongoing turmoil. Meanwhile, the children were utterly captivated by Torrent, the young kirin fawn.
Gathered around the fawn, the children eagerly offered him a variety of vegetables and leaves. Torrent, though initially confused by the abundance of food, accepted their offerings. His strong jaws made quick work of the vegetables, the crunching sounds echoing through the orphanage courtyard. The children watched in awe as he chewed, occasionally reaching out to touch his soft fur. Torrent, preoccupied with his meal, did not mind their curious hands.
Artemis, holding the reins, passed them to Apollo, her eyes wide with wonder. The fawn's gentle nature and exotic appearance fascinated her. "What is he?" she asked, her voice filled with curiosity.
"Mother Rina told me he was a kirin," Apollo replied, his gaze never leaving the fawn.
"What is a kirin?" Artemis questioned further, her brow furrowing in thought.
"I don't know. We are looking at one, I guess," Apollo responded, shrugging slightly.
"Is he a dragon or a deer?" Artemis pondered aloud, her eyes tracing the unique features of the fawn.
"Mother Rina says it was a horse-like dragon," Apollo explained, trying to recall the details Merina had shared.
"I see the dragon but not the horse," Artemis observed, tilting her head as she scrutinized Torrent's form.
"Me too, sis," Apollo agreed, both of them nodding in unison.
The children continued to feed Torrent, delighting in the simple joy of interacting with the mythical creature. The fawn, now more relaxed and accustomed to their presence, nibbled on the vegetables they offered, occasionally nudging them with his nose in appreciation.
Pacificus, pulling his cart through the thick snow, headed toward the local blacksmith's forge. He anticipated seeing the blacksmith's wife, as her husband and the other men had gone off to battle. Approaching the forge, he was surprised to see their young son hard at work. The boy, no older than ten, stood before the anvil, his small frame dwarfed by the heavy hammer in his hand. Despite his youth, there was a fire in his eyes, a determination that belied his age. His brown skin, already covered in soot, was partially hidden by an oversized apron. Each strike of his hammer was precise yet showed room for growth and improvement.
The boy noticed Pacificus and quickly straightened, wiping sweat from his brow with a forearm. "What can I do for you, sir?" he asked politely. It was only then that Pacificus took a closer look at the child. The boy didn't resemble his father much but bore a striking resemblance to his mother, with bronze skin, curly brown hair, and piercing green eyes. He looked like an Aserai, just like Pacificus's mother.
"Are you the child of...ahh... what was his name again... the blacksmith here?" Pacificus asked, his mind momentarily blanking on the man's name.
"Yes, sir. My name is Kaveh, son of Fornax," the boy replied with a touch of pride.
"Yes, that's his name." Pacificus cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure. "Can I trade with you?"
Kaveh looked a bit uncertain. "Trade what, sir?"
"I-I-I need a huge cauldron. A very large one in exchange." Pacificus lifted a barrel from his cart, revealing an assortment of weapons and armor. "You can have these."
The boy's eyes widened in astonishment, like he was looking at a chest of treasures. "Wait a minute, sir. I need to call my mom."
Kaveh dashed inside, and moments later, a woman emerged, bundled in thick fur and a shawl. Only her eyes were visible, but even through the layers, Pacificus could sense her presence and authority. He was aware of Aserai traditions, though his mother did not strictly adhere to them.
"Mr. Pacificus, what brings you here?" she asked, her voice warm but curious.
"He-hello. C-can I have a trade?" Pacificus stammered, slightly overwhelmed by her aura.
She removed the shawl from her face, revealing her beauty. It was clear that Kaveh had inherited much of her looks. She approached the barrel, picking up a sword. With a graceful motion, she swung the blade, testing its balance. It looked almost like a dance. "This is a knight's blade," she remarked, inspecting it closely. "From the count of—wait a minute? Where did you get this? This is the Rose of Aquitaine. Only level three knights have this blade."
"I-I beat the knight in a duel and he left me his sword," Pacificus explained.
She raised her brows, clearly impressed. "I'll accept because the steel is good. We can turn this into something else."
She continued to inspect each weapon and piece of armor meticulously, nodding with approval at the craftsmanship.
"So, Mr. Pacificus, what do you want with all of this metal?"
"A cauldron... a big one... a really big one," Pacificus replied.
She paused, looking at him with a mixture of amusement and disbelief. "That's it? No bronze, silver, or gold? Just a cauldron for cooking?"
"Yes," he affirmed.
She chuckled softly. "This trade feels unfair, and that is me talking, Mr. Pacificus. I tell you what, I'll give you a ladle for that cauldron to make the deal fair."
"That would be appreciated," Pacificus replied, grateful for her generosity.
The exchange concluded, Pacificus left the forge with a large cauldron and a sturdy ladle.
"Do you feel it, son?" The mother's voice carried a mix of pride and contemplation as she spoke to her child.
"Yes," the young blacksmith replied earnestly. "He is strong... really strong."
"That's because his mother is a sword maiden," she explained softly.
The young boy's eyes widened in awe. "He's a warrior from the south too?"
"No, son. He's a farmer, just like his father. Though I don't blame you for thinking that... he's just that strong."
"H-how could that be?" Kaveh asked, struggling to comprehend.
The woman smiled warmly. "Your father is a blacksmith, not a warrior, yet he defeated a knight in a duel with swords. How many times do I have to remind you, son? Don't judge a customer by their chosen profession."
"I understand, Mom," Kaveh replied, nodding solemnly.
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When Pacificus returned to the orphanage, he found a flurry of activity unfolding around him. Children darted about, running laps through the snowy streets, their laughter echoing against the wooden walls of the orphanage. Apollo and Artemis, the children he had given bows to, were deeply focused on learning to draw them, their small fingers grappling with the tension of the strings. Nearby, Hyankinthos practiced his punches on a sturdy punching bag, his movements determined and precise for a boy his age.
The adults were engaged in the arduous task of clearing snow from the roofs of the orphanage. They worked diligently, mindful to keep the children away from the dangerous job. Instead, the majority of the younger ones had gathered around Torrent, the Kirin fawn, feeding him various vegetables and leaves. Some were brave enough to tentatively pet him, their hands brushing against his soft fur and scales. Despite their attention, Torrent seemed unfazed, either too bewildered or too sated to protest. His large eyes blinked lazily as he accepted the treats offered to him.
Spotting Merina walking with her mother toward a small, round building—a temple—Pacificus decided to give them privacy. He turned his attention back to Torrent, settling beside the fawn.
Instantly, a swarm of curious children surrounded him, firing off questions with unbridled enthusiasm.
"Brother Pacificus, what is a Kirin?"
"Where did you get Torrent?"
"What does Torrent eat?"
"How big can Torrent grow?"
"Is Torrent a boy or a girl?"
Pacificus chuckled softly at their barrage of inquiries, kneeling down to be at eye level with them. Each question sparked a discussion, with Pacificus patiently explaining what he knew about Kirins, recounting the story of finding Torrent in the woods, and detailing the fawn's preference for various foods. He described the potential size Kirins could reach, though he admitted he wasn't entirely sure about Torrent's future growth.
The children listened intently, their imaginations sparked by the mysterious creature in their midst. Some eagerly shared their own theories and stories about mythical beasts they had heard of, while others simply marveled at the idea of having a Kirin as part of their orphanage community. For Pacificus, it was heartening to see their curiosity and excitement, knowing that Torrent had found a place where he could be both cherished and admired.
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Inside the ancient temple, the air was thick with the scent of incense and the hushed whispers of sacred rituals. Merina knelt reverently before the statue of a woman, her features serene and bathed in the flickering light of the torch that the venerable priestess Leto had set alight.
This was a familiar scene, a ritual repeated countless times, each instance a testament to the bond between priestess and goddess. With practiced grace, Merina shed her garments, the act devoid of shame or embarrassment, for within these hallowed walls, nudity was not a mark of immodesty but a symbol of purity and devotion.
"Oh, my child," Leto's voice, soft and wise, broke the stillness of the chamber. "Since when was the last time we checked your blessings?"
Merina's voice, tinged with a hint of regret, carried a note of acknowledgment. "The last time I checked was a year ago... I think? We've been too busy, mother."
"Indeed," Leto sighed, her expression reflecting the weight of the trials they had faced. "This ritual should be done monthly... but we faced a lot of hardships this year."
"Indeed," Merina agreed, a gentle smile gracing her lips. "But not all of it is bad, I guess."
Leto's smile, a reflection of maternal pride and affection, softened her features. "Now, my child, go to the water as usual," she instructed, her touch gentle as she guided Merina towards the pool that awaited her.
Despite the chill that lingered in the air outside, the water within the temple's sacred pool was warm, inviting, and pure. Merina took a deep breath, the scent of herbs and sacred oils mingling with the steam that rose from the surface, and submerged herself in its embrace. The water, a caress against her skin, enveloped her in a sensation of cleansing and renewal.
Emerging from the pool, her skin glistening with droplets of water, Merina knew the next step in the ritual. She knelt before the statue of the goddess Vesta, the torch's flame casting a warm glow that seemed to seep into her very being.
Behind her, Leto's touch upon her back was gentle, yet it carried a weight of ancient wisdom and power. A myriad of colors and lights danced across Merina's skin, forming intricate patterns that glowed with the essence of creation and the blessings of Vesta. These runes, symbols of divine favor and protection, were a language known only to the priestesses of Vesta's faith, a sacred gift that they held close to their hearts and souls.
In the sacred chamber, the atmosphere was charged with a mix of anticipation and revelation as Mother Leto delivered what seemed to be a momentous message to Merina. The runes, ancient symbols of divine communication, had spoken of a profound transformation within her, leading to a playful yet startling revelation.
"Oh my," Leto's voice rang out, a hint of mischief dancing in her tone. "Rina... the runes told me that you are pregnant."
The words hit Merina like a bolt of lightning, her initial reaction a mix of shock and panic. "WHAT? THAT CAN'T BE!" she exclaimed, her heart racing with a surge of emotions.
But before the tension could fully take hold, Leto's laughter filled the chamber, a hearty sound that echoed off the stone walls. "Just kidding! He he he he!" she teased, the humor evident in her voice as she reveled in her daughter's momentary distress.
"MOM!" Merina's protest was a mix of relief and exasperation, the tension dissipating like mist in the morning sun.
"Anyway, my child," Leto's demeanor shifted back to one of wisdom and guidance. "The runes told me that the gift of experience has elevated your body to greater heights. Close your eyes, my child, and look at your runes... You have grown."
With a mixture of curiosity and trepidation, Merina complied, closing her eyes to seek the truth that awaited her within the depths of her being.
As she gazed upon the ethereal canvas of her inner self, the runes shimmered and coalesced into a vision of clarity and purpose.
Merina Clíodhna Leto (II) Journeyman Tailor Tailor (Advanced Journeyman) Blessing: VESTA'S FLAME: Every time an invader invades the blessed one's home, the blessed 0ne becomes stronger. Design Philosophy: SOUL BOUND GROWTH (Unique): The clothes made by Merina Clíodhna Leto have the potential to grow stronger over time. The strength of her creations heavily depends on the user's gifts. Strength Dexterity Agility Speed Stamina Vigor Main Skills: Tailor (Journeyman) Mending (Journeyman Intermediate) Measurements (Senior Advance) Proportions (Senior Advance) Sewing (Journeyman Intermediate) Fabric Construction (Journeyman Beginner) Yarn Making (Journeyman Beginner) Leatherworks (Journeyman Intermediate) Cotton Works (Journeyman Beginner) Chainmail (Apprentice Basic) Knitting (Journeyman Beginner) Tailor's Intuition (Senior Advance) Soul Weaving (Unique)
A surge of joy and realization flooded through her, lifting her spirits to new heights. "I thought I was imagining it when the voice whispered to me, but I wasn't," Merina exclaimed with a mix of excitement and disbelief. "I finally found my design philosophy. And it's unique... I have a unique ability."
Leto's chuckle, a melodic sound that carried the weight of years of wisdom, underscored the moment. "Now then, my child, how do you want to spend the gifts of potential?"
Merina, caught in a whirlwind of newfound purpose, fell into deep contemplation. "I guess I'll spend it more in dexterity and stamina, I guess," she mused, her mind already racing with possibilities and plans.
A mischievous grin crept onto Leto's lips as she teased, "Stamina?... My dear, is he too much for you?"
Confusion clouded Merina. "What?" she asked.
Leto's grin faded, replaced by a more somber expression. "Forget it, you are still a maiden after all," she remarked, her words carrying a mix of teasing and gentle guidance.