"That's what happened," says Apollo as Merina patches the bruises on Artemis's face. She first cleans the bruises with warm water, then applies crushed herbs. It will take at least two weeks for Artemis's black eye to heal, especially given the swelling.
"That Zephyrus is a sore loser," Hyakinthos says, recalling the scuffle. "He lost a fight because he was careless."
"And stupid," Apollo adds. "They are all stupid. During training, I noticed they were running full speed while Artemis was jogging. Their attacks were way too telegraphed; even I could dodge them, and I'm an apothecarist, a healer."
"They were looking down on me," Artemis adds, her voice tinged with frustration and pain. "I don't like the look in their eyes. It's annoying."
"Is that why you threw your sword, Sis?" Apollo asks. "I've had plenty of spars with you, and you've never done that. I hate to admit it, but Zephyrus, in a way, is kind of right. You did cheat."
"WHAT?!" Artemis shouts at Apollo, her eyes blazing with fury and betrayal. "I DID NOT CHE—AH!"
"Sorry, Arty," says Merina, gently dabbing the herbs onto her face.
"I'm fine, Mother Rina," Artemis replies, trying to maintain her composure despite the pain.
Apollo sipped his tea, the warm liquid calming his nerves. Hyakinthos did the same, their quiet moment only broken by Artemis, who finally spoke up, her voice soft and filled with regret. "I'm sorry. I got us into big trouble, didn't I?"
Apollo and Hyakinthos looked at their sister, then exchanged a glance before chuckling softly.
"It's not your fault, sis," Apollo said reassuringly.
"It's Zephyrus's fault. He was the first to punch you," Hyakinthos added, trying to console her.
"Let's not forget that they ganged up on you," Apollo continued, a hint of anger in his voice. "They are cowards, sis. They know they can't beat you in a fair fight, so they chose to gang up on you."
"I know that... but still... If I was a bit stronger, maybe I could have defended myself better," Artemis lamented, her eyes downcast.
"You are at your weakest during the day, sis," Apollo reminded her.
"That's her flaw?" Hyakinthos asked, surprised. "Wait, why are you guys telling your flaws?"
"We trust you," Apollo and Artemis replied in unison.
"I am the opposite of Artemis," Apollo explained. "I am at my weakest during the night. Though I still have to practice the sword and bow, I mean, you are at your weakest during the day, yet you still won all the duels. Which means even I can still be defeated by a weaker foe even at my strongest."
"Those guys are too predictable... and Hyakinthos is faster," Artemis noted.
"Well, my skill is having my blessings multiplied by tenfold," Hyakinthos replied.
Apollo and Artemis looked at Hyakinthos, impressed. "That is strong," said Artemis.
"What is the catch?" asked Apollo.
"I get hungry really easily... I have to eat as much as ten people," Hyakinthos admitted.
"Oh," said Artemis, concern in her voice. "Are you hungry now, Haya?"
"I was, actually, but I lost my appetite," Hyakinthos responded.
"I'm sorry, Haya," Artemis said, her voice tinged with guilt.
"You did nothing wrong, Arty," Hyakinthos reassured her.
Merina, tending to Artemis's bruises, asked, "What about Lady Caecilia and Lady Augustus? Do they know what happened?"
"No, I don't think so," Apollo answered. "She was busy at the temple when it happened."
"Same here," Hyakinthos added. "Augus—I mean, Mother Augustus was also at the temple when it happened."
"Are they treating you well?" Merina inquired.
"Yes," the three children answered in unison.
"It feels wrong, to be honest," Hyakinthos confessed. "She is treating me like I'm her son, as if she really loves me, but... but I just feel guilty because I only see her as a... uhmm... ahhh... I see her as... as a stranger."
Apollo and Artemis sighed in unison. "Me too," said Artemis.
"Same here," added Apollo.
Merina chuckled at their answers. "That is why Mother Leto told you that you will only stay for a few weeks. So you could acclimate to your new parents... so you can learn to love them."
"Rina," Pacificus said as he approached, his tone serious. "Get them inside the basement, my love. Something is approaching."
"Oh no," Artemis whispered, her eyes wide with fear. "Did they come for us?"
Pacificus smiled reassuringly. "We will see, Arty."
----------------------------------------
A creature with the front half of an eagle and the rear half of a horse thundered toward Pacificus. This formidable being, known as an Alce or wingless hippogriff, was a sight to behold with its sharp beak, piercing eyes, and powerful hooves. The Alce's feathers glinted in the sunlight, and its muscular frame rippled as it moved with predatory grace.
Torrent, the young Kirin, emitted a low growl, sensing the creatures long before they came into view. His fur bristled, and his iridescent scales shimmered like a myriad of eyes, casting a judgmental gaze upon the approaching intruders. As the hippogriffs drew nearer, Torrent's agitation grew more palpable, his body coiling with tension.
Pacificus saw the full extent of the approaching group. Mounted on the backs of the Alces were robed soldiers, their spears and shields glinting ominously. These warriors were not ordinary men; they were women, each donned in the distinctive blue and green robes of Juno. The robes, adorned with intricate patterns, fluttered in the breeze, revealing glimpses of the armor beneath. Some of the women wore gleaming plate armor, while others were clad in lamellar armor with chainmail underneath, creating a symphony of metallic clinks as they moved.
One warrior stood out among the group. Unlike her comrades, she wore no armor beneath her robe. Instead, she was dressed in a glamorous purple blouse that contrasted strikingly with the utilitarian garb of the others. Her weapons, a spear and a round shield, were the most ornate and meticulously crafted, signaling her high rank or exceptional skill. The spear's shaft was inlaid with silver filigree, and the shield bore intricate carvings that depicted scenes of ancient battles and fearsome beasts.
Pacificus could feel the ground quaking beneath him as the hooves, claws, and sheer weight of the magnificent Alces pounded the earth, drawing ever closer. Each step sent tremors through the soil, signaling the approach of the formidable creatures and their riders. The rhythmic thudding of their advance was punctuated by the sounds of armor clinking and the whoosh of robes billowing in the wind.
Then, cutting through the cacophony, he heard a voice. "Lady Augustus," one of the women shouted urgently, "please slow down!"
The woman at the front, distinguished by her lack of armor, was the fastest among them. Her spear was poised, ready to strike down anything that dared cross her path. Though her face was hidden behind a veil, Pacificus could feel the intense killing intent emanating from her. It was a palpable force, a sharp contrast to the serene surroundings of his farm.
Torrent, the young Kirin, sensed the danger as well. The majestic creature's fur stood on end, and his scales shimmered with agitation. His eyes locked onto the approaching woman, and a menacing growl rumbled from deep within his chest. Torrent bared his fangs, ready to charge and defend his territory.
Seeing the Kirin's agitation, Pacificus acted swiftly. He stepped in front of Torrent, raising his sword to block the creature's path. The blade gleamed in the sunlight, a barrier between the Kirin and the oncoming threat. Torrent paused, recognizing the command and reluctantly obeying, though his eyes remained fixed on the veiled woman, every muscle in his body tense and ready for action.
Pacificus shifted into a high stance, his massive sword raised above his head, gleaming in the sunlight. Every muscle in his body was tense, poised for the imminent clash. As the woman in the purple blouse charged, her spear aimed directly at him, he stood his ground, calm and focused.
The moment her spear met his sword, Pacificus executed a perfect parry, using her own force against her. In an instant, she was dismounted, the momentum of her charge redirected with expert precision. Torrent, the Kirin, seized the opportunity. With a powerful swing of his massive tail, he struck the Alce the woman had been riding. The creature was sent sprawling through the air, landing heavily on its back, dazed but unharmed.
The woman quickly regained her footing, her movements fluid and controlled despite the sudden dismount. She aimed her spear at Pacificus, her face hidden behind a veil that did nothing to obscure the fierce determination in her posture. Her attacks came swiftly, each thrust precise and calculated.
Pacificus intercepted each strike with his sword, the heavy blows reverberating through the blade and into his arms. Her attacks were not only precise but also powerful, each one carrying the weight of her formidable strength.
----------------------------------------
Augusta rushed from the temple the moment she received the troubling news. Her son, despite adapting quickly, had already found himself in trouble. Alongside his siblings, he had confronted and defeated the champion, Zephyrus, and his friends in a heated altercation.
Arriving at the gymnasium, Augusta found her gardener and a scholar being questioned by her friend Caecilia.
"She defeated the champion," said the scholar, his voice steady. "And the champion, angered by his defeat, rallied his friends to retaliate against her."
"It's true," the gardener confirmed, nodding vigorously. "I saw the whole thing. The three of them fought off Zephyrus and his gang."
"She cheated!" Zephyrus protested, his face marred by a black eye and numerous bruises, his clothes and hair caked with dirt. "It wasn't a fair fight."
"Your instructor declared Artemis the winner," the scholar interjected, her tone firm. "You should have accepted your defeat with grace, young man."
"Don't speak to my son that way, you damned woman!" shouted a woman who bore a striking resemblance to Zephyrus. Her voice was shrill with outrage. "She and her friends assaulted my boy and his companions. I demand proper punishment and discipline."
"Bellona," Augusta called out, turning to her gardener.
"Yes, my lady," Bellona replied quickly.
"Have you seen my son?" Augusta's voice was sharp, laden with urgency.
"S-son?"
"YES, MY SON!"
"But, my lady, don't you have a daughter?"
"NO, I DO NOT! HE IS MY SON!"
"Haya is a boy?!"
"YES! NOW WHERE IS HE?!"
"They ran away after he punched champion Zephyrus and his friends."
"HE DID WHAT?!"
"He punched him. It was really a surprise; he sent young Zephyrus flying."
"Oh," Augusta allowed herself a brief, proud smile before her stern expression returned. "Do you know where they are?"
"I think I heard them mention running towards a man called Pacificus."
"The monster near the Ever Resting Forest? That man?"
"Yes, my lady. I tried to chase them, but they're just too fast. I'm level two. Those kids are unbelievably quick, my lady."
"They are?" Augusta smiled, proud of her adopted son's strength.
"Well, they both carried young Artemis while they were running. But they are still fast... like really fast."
"That's all I need to know." Augusta then rushed towards the stables.
"Lady Augusta?... Where are you going?"
"To my son!"
"TO THE MONSTER'S FARM!"
"YES, I'M GOING THERE!"
"Lady Augusta, please don't go there. That monster has defeated countless knights and stopped entire armies from invading this town. Whatever you are planning, my lady, it is not wise."
"I'm just going to talk to him."
"Then what's with the spear, my lady?"
"I'm just going to talk to him."
"A peaceful conversation doesn't require a weapon, my lady."
"Peaceful?"
"Oh no."
She rode out of town, determined to confront the so-called monster near the forest. A group of warrior monks followed her, shouting their concerns. "Lady Augusta! Please reconsider! This is not a good idea!"
Ignoring their pleas, she spurred her steed faster.
As she approached the Ever Resting Forest, she saw Pacificus already prepared. His massive sword was raised above his head in a magnificent stance. To her, however, the stance lacked the killing intent she expected, which she found deeply insulting as a warrior.
Without hesitation, she thrust her spear at Pacificus. In a blur of motion, he parried the spear, redirecting its force back towards her. The impact was so swift and powerful that she was dismounted, landing hard on the ground. Angered and determined, she launched a barrage of attacks, each one precise and powerful.
Yet, Pacificus parried every strike with effortless grace, his huge sword intercepting her blows with pinpoint accuracy. Each deflected attack sent shocks up her arms, threatening to break them with the force of his counters. She tried bashing him with her shield, but he merely pushed her back. She attempted to stab him again, but her spear was redirected, her momentum killed each time.
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Her frustration grew with every failed attempt, her breath coming in short, ragged gasps.
The warrior monks of Juno attacked in unison, their spears and swords striking at Pacificus from all sides. Each attack was skillfully parried and redirected, sending the women warriors sprawling from their steeds.
Torrent, the young kirin, chased the magnificent beasts, who bolted in panic, abandoning their riders. The air was filled with the sounds of battle: the clash of steel, the shouts of the warriors, and the thunderous hooves of the fleeing alce.
The brave women, undeterred, charged at Pacificus again and again. He moved with an almost otherworldly grace, dodging and deflecting each attack with ease. Augusta watched him closely, her eyes narrowing as she began to appreciate his brilliant swordsmanship. Despite her growing respect, she could not allow him to best her fellow warrior monks without a fight. She joined the fray, spear thrusting and shield bashing with relentless determination.
Yet, no matter what they tried, their attacks were all met with the same fate. Pacificus parried and redirected each strike, his movements fluid and precise. One warrior was sent flying as his sword struck her breastplate with tremendous force. She crashed into a tree, her body crumpling upon impact, unable to even scream as she lay motionless on the ground.
Another warrior soon followed, flung backward by a powerful blow. She landed hard on her back, the sound of her pained gasps filling the air as she struggled to breathe. Augusta and the other warriors could hear her labored breaths.
Augusta felt a tense respect growing within her. She tightened her grip on her spear, her knuckles white with the strain. The plate armor of her comrades had saved them from more grievous injuries, but it was clear that they were outmatched by Pacificus's skill. His mastery of the sword was undeniable, each parry and strike delivered with the precision of a true master.
The battle raged on with intense fervor. One woman clad in lamellar armor stumbled as Pacificus parried a forceful strike. The redirected blow slammed into her exposed jaw, the pummel of his sword catching her off guard. She crashed to the ground, dazed and disoriented, her helmet clattering away.
Another warrior, struck by the flat of Pacificus's massive sword, fell with a thud. The sword’s edge glanced off her helmet, but the impact was so powerful it sent her sprawling, her body hitting the ground with a resounding crash. Despite the protection of her helmet, the force of the blow left her incapacitated.
Yet another woman, also in lamellar armor, was sent reeling by a devastating counterattack. She clutched her stomach as she hit the dirt, gasping in pain. The punch from Pacificus had struck her squarely, penetrating even the layers of armor and padding she wore. The force of the blow used her own forward momentum against her, leaving her doubled over and gasping for breath. The counterattack was part of Pacificus's parry skill, turning her aggressive move into a decisive, punishing strike.
One by one, the warriors were thrown to the ground or sent flying through the air. The scene was chaotic—plates of armor clattering and groans of pain filling the air. A particularly heavy-set warrior in plate armor landed on a rooftop, her body sprawled awkwardly. Though she was out of sight, her muffled groans of agony assured Augustus that she was still alive.
In mere moments, all of the attacking women were defeated. The battlefield was strewn with the fallen, leaving only Augusta and Pacificus still standing. Augusta stood panting heavily, her sweat-drenched clothes clinging to her with each breath. Fatigue had taken its toll; her arms and legs trembled not from fear but from sheer exhaustion. In stark contrast, Pacificus remained composed, his enormous sword held casually in one hand, showing no signs of the exertion that had marked Augusta's struggle.
With renewed determination, Augusta discarded her heavy shield and gripped her spear with both hands, preparing for a final, desperate attack. She leapt towards Pacificus with a fierce stab. But just as their blades were about to clash, a commanding voice cut through the tumult.
"STOP!" the voice rang out with authority.
Both combatants halted, turning to face the source of the interruption. A group of figures emerged from the background. Among them were several children and women, some dressed in noble attire, and the familiar faces of the orphanage kids. Standing at the forefront was Leto, her presence serene and commanding.
"Pacificus, young man," Leto’s elderly voice was gentle yet firm. "Would you please lower your sword?"
"Mother Leto?" Pacificus responded, a note of surprise in his voice. "What are you doing here?"
"I’m here to speak with you and that woman," Leto said, gesturing towards Augusta. Her gaze remained steady, even though Pacificus’s blade was still poised to strike Augusta. The flat of the sword was aimed at Augusta’s head, its position enough to cause significant harm but not fatal.
Nearby, Caecilia stood with a weary expression, her fingers massaging her temples. Her annoyed gaze was fixed not on Pacificus but on Augusta, clearly dismayed by the confrontation.
"SISTER AUGUSTA!" Caecilia's voice thundered, causing Augusta to flinch as she heard her name.
"Sister Caecilia?" Augusta replied, her voice trembling.
"What makes you think that charging towards someone's home is a wise idea?" Caecilia demanded, her frustration palpable.
"I-I-I-I was confronting my child's kidnapper," Augusta stammered.
"THEY WEREN'T KIDNAPPED, YOU MEATHEAD! THEY RAN AWAY TOWARDS THEIR TEACHER!" Caecilia shouted, her voice filled with exasperation. Augusta shivered under the weight of her words. She then removed her veil and approached Pacificus, her demeanor apologetic. "I'm sorry for what my sister has caused, Mr. Pacificus."
Pacificus simply nodded, his expression unreadable.
"I am Apollo and Artemis's new mother," Caecilia explained, pointing at Augusta. "That idiot over there is Hyakinthos's new mother. We only came to see our children."
"Are you aware that Artemis was injured?" Pacificus asked, his tone measured.
Caecilia sighed, massaging her temples in a gesture of weariness. "I wish I knew sooner. I didn't realize that they would have a fight on the training grounds on the first day. It was my own oversight, Mr. Pacificus. I should have let Artemis train in a more private gymnasium."
Pacificus closed his eyes, taking a deep breath to steady himself. "They are still kids," he replied. "In my opinion, Arty needs to make friends with kids her age. Putting her in private training alone would isolate her from her peers."
"But that might cause more trouble," Caecilia countered. "I agree that kids her age should make friends, but based on the response of her classmates, it is safe to say that bridge was already burned."
Pacificus sighed heavilY.
"Please, Sir Pacificus," Caecilia pleaded, her voice softening. "Let me see my children."
Pacificus looked at the mother before him, her earnestness and concern evident in her eyes. He sighed deeply, then finally said, "All right."
----------------------------------------
After a few minutes, the three children stood in front of their mothers, their expressions a mix of relief and lingering tension.
Around them, armored women were being attended to by priestesses, with Pacificus lending a hand by carrying the injured to his carriage. Despite their wounds, all the women were alive. Those in plate armor bore the brunt of the injuries, many suffering from broken ribs and severe bruises. The women in lamellar armor fared better, having only been knocked out; they were already helping their sisters after a few minutes of rest, though they still dealt with lingering headaches.
As they worked, a newfound respect for Pacificus grew among the women. The tales of Pacificus halting entire armies seemed more believable now, even though Pacificus himself claimed that the largest group he had ever fought alone was only twenty.
"Its not my fault," Artemis said, her voice filled with a mix of frustration and defensiveness. "They were the ones who attacked first."
"Hypatia told me the same thing, Artemis," Caecilia replied, her tone calm yet firm. "I know it is not your fault that Zephyrus lost his temper, but you still need to apologize to him."
"Why should I apologize?" Artemis asked, her face scrunching in protest.
"Don't worry, dear. I'll make him apologize too," Caecilia assured her.
"It's not fair; he was the one who attacked first," Artemis grumbled, her frustration evident.
"But you must be the first one to end it, by apologizing," Caecilia explained, her voice gentle but resolute.
"B-but... ughh... fine," Artemis conceded, her shoulders slumping in resignation.
"Don't worry, dear. Zephyrus needs to apologize too," Caecilia repeated, her voice soothing.
"... it is still not fair," Artemis muttered, her eyes cast downward, reflecting her lingering sense of injustice.
Apollo sat on the porch next to Artemis, sipping his tea and observing the bustling scene around him. His eyes flitted over to Pacificus, who was busy carrying the armored warriors to his cart with a combination of strength and efficiency that never ceased to amaze. Nearby, Hyakinthos was being carried in the arms of his new mother, Augusta, who was still sweaty from the earlier confrontation. They seemed to be engaged in a quiet conversation, Hyakinthos’s head nestled comfortably against her shoulder.
Mother Leto stood with Merina and Caecilia, engaged in animated conversation. Apollo noticed that his teacher, Caecilia, was smiling—a rare sight that made the moment feel even more special. His siblings, meanwhile, were doing their best to help Pacificus with the more cumbersome tasks, struggling to get one of the warriors down from the roof of one of Pacificus's sheds. Torrent, the ever-hungry kirin, was preoccupied with a large pile of food, chewing contentedly as his scales shimmered in the sunlight.
Other adults were also busy assisting, lifting the fallen warriors and ensuring everyone was accounted for. The scene was a blend of post-battle fatigue and communal effort, with everyone pitching in to help.
Eventually, the group began their journey back to the noble's district. Pacificus led the way, guiding Torrent with a gentle but firm hand. Merina walked alongside, deep in conversation with Caecilia and Leto. The children took turns feeding Torrent, who eagerly accepted the treats, his large eyes sparkling with gratitude.
As they walked, Apollo, Artemis, and Hyakinthos recounted the events that had led to their current predicament. They spoke of the scuffle with Zephyrus, their voices animated and occasionally tinged with lingering frustration. Apollo described the way Zephyrus had lost his temper and how they had all banded together to defend themselves. Artemis added her perspective, detailing the unfairness of the attack and her mixed feelings about the situation. Hyakinthos chimed in with his own observations.
Once they returned to the noble's district, the three children faced a familiar sight: Zephyrus, flanked by his mother and friends, along with their mothers and an intimidating contingent of warrior monks of Juno. The monks were an imposing sight, some clad in gleaming plate armor, others in lamellar or mail. Their unique armor caught Apollo’s eye, featuring breastplates molded to resemble the contours of a woman’s torso, complete with sculpted breasts and muscles. It was a stark contrast to the simpler, more practical armor worn by other warrior women he had seen. Apollo couldn’t fathom the purpose of such designs, but these women wore their armor with pride.
Pacificus and Merina were still present, assisting with the injured women. Merina had been gently lowering a wounded warrior when the confrontation began, but the accusation from Zephyrus’s mother made her freeze. Pacificus, in the midst of carrying another woman, also halted, his attention now focused on the unfolding scene. Even Torrent paused his chewing to look at the woman who had spoken.
"You!" the woman accused, pointing directly at Artemis. "What do you have to say for yourself, young lady?"
Artemis stood her ground, her voice steady as she replied, "It's not my fault. He started it."
"Arty," Caecilia said softly, placing a reassuring hand on Artemis's shoulder.
"She is right, though," Apollo interjected, his voice clear and unwavering. "It was Zephyrus who threw the first punch."
The group of women turned their gaze toward Apollo. Caecilia’s smile was strained, trying to maintain a semblance of calm. In contrast, Augusta had a smirk playing on her youthful face, clearly amused by the situation.
"I saw it," Apollo continued, his eyes meeting those of the assembled adults.
"Me too," Hyakinthos added, "He punched her while she was praying."
Caecilia, now holding onto Apollo’s shoulder for support.
Hypatia then remembered something. She lean a bit to Apollo and she whispered, "How did you get down there so fast anyway?"
"I jumped out of the window," Apollo replied casually.
Caecilia’s eyes widened in shock, while Augusta’s smirk grew, clearly impressed by Apollo’s daring.
"I didn't do anything wrong," Artemis asserted firmly. "He punched me first, and I fought back."
"YOU CHEATED!" Zephyrus retorted, his voice rising in anger.
"No, I didn't. You lost!" Artemis quickly countered.
"YOU PEASANT!" Zephyrus's face contorted with rage, and he made a move toward Artemis. But before he could reach her, a warrior monk stepped between them, blocking his path.
"Lord Zephyrus, please," the monk's voice echoed through her helmet, resonating with authority. "Please calm down."
"MOVE AWAY! THIS PEASANT HAS DISHONORED ME, AND I WANT MY HONOR BACK!" Zephyrus shouted, his voice trembling with fury.
"Lord Zephyrus, please, not here," the monk insisted, her tone firm yet placating.
Artemis, sensing the escalating tension, took a step back, flanked by her loyal brothers, Apollo and Hyakinthos. The trio stood resolute, their solidarity an unspoken shield against the hostility directed at them.
Caecilia, witnessing the confrontation, sighed heavily. She decided to follow her children, who were already being flanked by her best friend Augusta and her guards. The warriors on both sides exchanged weary glances, a silent acknowledgment of the strained situation.
"Come, son," Eos said, grabbing Zephyrus's shoulder with a firm yet gentle grip. "You will have your chance someday."
Zephyrus, though seething with anger, allowed himself to be led away by his mother. His eyes, however, burned with a lingering fury, the promise of future retribution evident in his glare. Flanked by their own guards, Eos and Zephyrus retreated.
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Merina and Pacificus made their way to the orphanage, where Mother Leto greeted them with a warm, knowing smile.
"I'm sorry you were dragged into this, young man," Leto said, her voice gentle but firm. "I must have interrupted your plans."
"Not at all, Mother Leto," Pacificus replied, his tone respectful. "I can always leave tomorrow or the next day."
"Let me make up for it, young man."
"Mother Leto, there is no need."
"There is a need, young man. I know you're reluctant to leave because you don't want to leave your farm unattended. And I know you don't want to leave because you don't want to leave Merina alone."
Pacificus flinched at her words. The old lady smiled, her eyes twinkling with understanding. "I know a good man when I see one, Pacificus. Let me repay your kindness with ours, if you will permit it." She cleared her throat. "I can ask one of my daughters to take care of your farm while you're away."
"Mother Leto, that is dangerous."
"Oh, don't worry, young man." The old lady's grin widened. "I'm a priestess... a head priestess. I can ask our warrior monks to guard your farm. They are very strong."
"Mother Leto, I—"
"Oh, don't worry about it. You could take Merina with you if you want."
"WHAT?!" Merina suddenly interjected, her eyes wide with surprise.
"I know you want to go too, Rina," Leto grinned. "You're the type of tomboy who yearns for adventure."
"I'll only be dead weight," Merina protested, her voice wavering.
"Rina," Pacificus said softly. "Do you... want to go with me?"
Merina inhaled deeply, her expression conflicted. "I actually do... but... I'll only be bothering you."
"... it would be dangerous," Pacificus cautioned.
"I know," Merina replied, her resolve steadying.
"It would be miserable too."
"I know."
"We would be sleeping outside."
"I know."
"But it would be an unforgettable adventure," Pacificus said, a hint of excitement in his voice.
"Yes... it would be."
"The Ever Resting Forest is full of strange animals and plants. I get my harvest from that forest... who knows... you might be able to find new materials to make new cloth."
"Tha—that is actually the main reason why I want to go," Merina admitted, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of excitement and determination.
"Then let's go," Pacificus said, a broad smile spreading across his face.
Merina looked at Pacificus, her eyes wide with amazement. "Yes," she smiled back, her heart pounding with excitement. "Let's go."
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The next day, the air was filled with a sense of anticipation as Pacificus and Merina spent the day preparing for their journey. The farm was a flurry of activity as monks and farmhands arrived. Pacificus, ever meticulous, took the time to explain to the farmhands every detail about the harvests, ensuring they knew how to manage the crops in his absence. The act itself took the entire day, each harvest a testament to Pacificus's dedication and knowledge.
As dusk settled, the two found a quiet moment to themselves. The night was cool, and the stars twinkled above like a canopy of diamonds.
"I didn't know Mother Leto was a head priestess," Pacificus mused, his voice a soft rumble in the night.
Merina chuckled, her head resting on his arm, their bodies cocooned in a blanket she had made. The fabric was soft against their skin, woven with care and warmth. "She is... The temple was in shambles back then too... Oh, and those warrior monks."
"They look too young, Merina. I think they are just kids."
"Silly you, Pacy," she said, her voice filled with affection. "Those are Arty's elder sisters. Every priest and priestess in that temple came from the orphanage."
"I... I didn't know that," he admitted, a hint of surprise in his tone.
"We were starving back then, you know. The last siege hit us hard. I lost plenty of brothers and sisters during that siege... and the commoners' temples were looted... and the nobles were too stingy to give us aid."
Pacificus sighed, the weight of past hardships evident in his breath. "It's always like that. Those nobles demanded a lot of my crops. I'm surprised that they are actually paying me."
Merina chuckled softly, the sound a soothing balm to the night. The two drifted into sleep, wrapped in the warmth of their blanket and each other's presence, knowing they still had much to do before their departure.
The next day dawned with renewed purpose. Merina and Pacificus set about continuing their preparations. Merina began creating a sleeping bag with Pacificus, their hands working in tandem as they experimented with materials. They wanted to make it warm but also water-resistant, a task that required both ingenuity and patience. The project consumed their entire day, the pair engrossed in their work, the rhythm of their movements harmonizing with the natural world around them.
The next day, the serene morning was interrupted by the unexpected arrival of Artemis, her black eye completely healed. Behind her were Apollo and their mother, Caecilia.
"What is it, Arty?" Merina asked, putting her tools away.
"Zephy-lose challenged me to a duel," Artemis said nonchalantly.
"Who?" Merina asked, blinking in confusion.
"I'm sorry, Lady Merina," Caecilia said with a sigh of embarrassment. "It's just that... Zephyrus challenged her to a duel in front of the gods."
Merina's expression shifted from confusion to horror, while Pacificus remained calm, though his eyes were filled with worry. Merina looked at Apollo, who was surprisingly calm, and at Artemis, who seemed equally untroubled.
"What is the duel about?" she asked.
"The idiot still can't accept that he lost the last fight," Apollo said.
"Apollo," Caecilia interjected.
"Sorry, Mom," Apollo replied. "Anyway, that Zephy guy," he heard Caecilia sigh, "Zephyrus challenged her to a duel. I basically told him to do it at night because we're too busy during the day." He grinned. "And he accepted."
"Oh," Merina said, calming down. "Then we don't have a problem." She smiled. "Just make sure to have your blessings from Pacificus."
"That's why I came here, Mother Rina," Artemis said. "I'm going to punch his face for once... I can finally have my revenge."
"Oh, Artemis," Caecilia said, shaking her head.
"Of course," Merina replied. "You too, Apollo."
"What?" Apollo said, surprised. "W-why me?"
"Because Pacificus and I will be leaving for a while. We might be gone for months."
"Where are you going, Mother Rina?" Artemis asked.
"To the Ever Resting Forest," she replied casually.
The two children and their mother paled at her reply, not just because of the Ever Resting Forest but because of how nonchalantly she spoke about it.
"Oh," Merina said, "When is your duel, Arty?"
"Three days from now," Artemis answered.
"Hmm," Merina closed her eyes to think.
"I don't mind, Rina," Pacificus interjected. "You need a monk to witness the duel, after all."
Merina nodded thoughtfully, her expression softening. "Alright, Arty. We'll make sure you're prepared. And Apollo, you'll be there to support your sister."
Apollo nodded. Artemis looked determined, a glint of resolve in her eyes.
Caecilia sighed but smiled at her children. "Just be careful, alright? And remember, it's not just about winning. It's about showing respect and strength."
"We know, Mom," Artemis said, her tone serious.