Deep within the underground halls of the grand colosseum, surrounded by stonework and bathed in the flickering glow of torchlight, a young girl and her protector waited. As Elysia softly chuckled to herself at the scene, Ravina could feel every thump of her heart, mirrored in the rhythmic beat of her soft heeled shoes nervously tapping against the cold stone floor
The chamber door creaked open, and a lanky man with dark brown hair sauntered in, casting a glance over his shoulder as he coaxed, "Come now, don't be shy!"
Ravina's breath hitched, not at the sight of the man but at the sight of the woman he was ushering in. Even though she knew she was going to meet her here, she was still nervous. Varis had pulled some strings for her, allowing her to meet this world's heroine before she became the focal point of the very world.
The annoyance on Aurelia’s face became confused as her eyes fell upon Elyisa, the expression deepening when it fell onto the puppy-like excitement of Ravina.
“Ah, here we are,” the man proclaimed, his voice resonating with confidence. “I am Joena Bellarion, the esteemed Arena Manager of the magnificent Raven Wing Arena!" With a flourish, he displayed a smile perfected through countless encounters, accompanied by a bow executed flawlessly—a feat surpassing the abilities of most nobles. Every movement he made mirrored the immaculate precision of his distinguished gray attire. Extending his well kept hand towards Aurelia, he presented her with utmost grace. "And this, my dear ladies, is none other than Aurelia, the Azure Walküre.”
As Ravina’s eyes sparkled with delight, Aurelia chastised the man. “I told you to stop with the silly nicknames.”
Unfazed, Joena let out a jovial chuckle and took his leave, his polished leather shoes making no sound against the stone floor as he exited the chamber. "I'll leave you ladies to it. Please, enjoy your time!"
"Wait, what..." Aurelia's protest fell on deaf ears as the wooden door closed behind him with a muffled thud. Spinning back to face the women, she voiced her confusion, "What exactly am I supposed to do here?"
Elysia's lips twitched at Aurelia's lack of decorum, but she held her tongue. After all, this was Ravina’s show after all.
“Ah,” Ravina started when her deep purple eyes were cut into by Aurelia’s sharp blues. “Um, this is for you!” she trembled as she offered the hair ornament to the ready warrior.
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Like a blade, Aurelia’s eyes flicked to the small gem in the young girls hands. “Its?” she inquired.
“Well.” Ravina faltered a little. She had no idea why she was this nervous, her mind wasn’t working as it should be. It was as if she had just met a famous movie star. She swallowed her mouth noticeably dry. “A token…” she mumbled.
"A hair ornament," Elysia interjected, coming to Ravina's rescue. Her smile was strained as she moved to stand by Ravina. "Our dear Rina here bought it for you after she witnessed your bout yesterday. She's been insisting on presenting it to you before your next match."
Aurelia’s looked from Elysia to Ravina. “What… would I do with a hair ornament?” she tactlessly asked.
"What… am I supposed to do with a hair ornament?" she asked, quite tactlessly.
Elysia's gaze turned frosty. "You could start by accepting it graciously from a young admirer who wishes to cheer you on in the tournament. Is that too much for you to handle?"
"Ah, no." Aurelia appeared taken aback, gingerly accepting the jewelry. As she did she felt the girl’s own callus and broken hands scraping against hers, causing Aurelia's eyes to narrow slightly. Ravina, who'd been anxious about the warrior accepting the gift, felt a surge of relief. She hadn't anticipated holding onto the jewel for so long, and now, she lowered her hands, her face brightening with a broad smile.
"Who… are you?" Aurelia asked, her gaze flicking to the emblem of the Einzfeder Order stitched onto Elysia's bright green dress, turning down to the woman’s smooth, unmarred hands.
“Oh, I’m…” Ravina started, only to come to a loss of words. Her name was lost to her, Ravina was accurate enough but was it really her?
While Elysia perceived Ravina's silence as shyness, she moved in to assist. “This is Ravina,” she said, wrapping a comforting arm around the girl's shoulder. “She tends to be a bit shy.”
"I see, thank you," Aurelia responded.
"But aren't you going to introduce yourself?" Elysia asked.
"Huh? But Lord Bellarion already introduced me, didn't he?"
"But you haven't done it yourself yet. Come now, it's a matter of basic etiquette."
A silent confrontation ensued between the two adults, their expressions composed but their minds whirling.
"Right," Aurelia finally conceded, unsure why she was initially so resistant. Shaking off her confusion, she turned towards Ravina, "I'm Aurelia, a... wandering adventurer," she hesitated, feeling somewhat strange formalizing her introduction. However, her words caused Ravina's eyes to twinkle with anticipation.
“I’m… I am Ravina,” she responded, nodding her head in acceptance, acknowledging for the first time who she was in this new life.