“It’s good to see you up and about, Sir Joseph. Amber was beside herself with sadness when we heard of your death.” Iva, the Royal Blacksmith, smiled as I entered her workshop with Hilda in tow. The older woman leaned against the counter before us. Chin length hair, the color of the setting sun, with a pale green forelock in her bangs, was tied into a short ponytail framed a surprisingly lightly tanned face. Pointed ears stuck out from her hair, far more pronounced than what I’ve seen from Relona or Saelseris. She wore a set of formfitting, protective cloth-leathers with a lowered hood and mask at her collar.

I grimaced but managed to offer her a smile. “Rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated. How have you been, Iva?” I approached the counter with Hilda.

The elven blacksmith’s smile widened at my response, standing up from her counter. “His Majesty keeps me busy with supplying the Knights and the occasional commission.” She waved a hand to the side, motioning to the wall of weapons and shields, of all types. “I’ve made quite a bit of progress in the year you’ve been away, Sir Joseph.”

I studied the wall with an appraising gaze, searching for a potential weapon. “Pretty good work. I haven’t seen much in the way of metalwork, but all of this seems exceptional.”

She laughed, lips parting into a wide smile. “I’ve heard the same from Frederick, so I’ll take your ends favorably.” Her verdant gaze rolled onto the silently observing Hilda, who carefully studied the various lances and spears hanging on the wall. “I see you’ve returned, Lady Hilda. I suppose you’ve found what you were searching for?”

Hilda looked up upon being greeted. “Yes. I have.”

Iva’s smile widened as she rested an elbow on the counter. “That’s good to hear. With greetings out of the way, what brings a Hero and his Valkyrie to my modest workshop?” I looked over to Hilda as she opened the bag she had slung over her shoulder. Reaching inside, up to her wrist, she pulled out the oversized sword I had taken from Variak. She grasped in by the hilt and the cloth that I had wrapped around the blade, pulling it out of Sora’s bag and held it out to me. I took it from her and hefted it onto the counter. Iva blinked as she furrowed her brow. “What is this abomination, and why did you give it to me?”

“This is the sword I stole from the one who led the attack on Xadria. He managed to make it explode, which hurt like hell.” I said to her as I watched the blacksmith begin to study the massive sword, lips curling down. She placed a hand onto the pommel and another on the flat of the blade. A dim glow showed from her palm as she slid back and forth. “Anything?”

“It’s a powerful enchantment, but fragile. It won’t last too many more extractions.” She mumbled with a stern expression, pursed lips, a furrowed brow, and narrowed eyes. As she studied it, Iva began to speak again. “Sir Joseph, do you know how enchantments are made? Or rather, what they are?”

“No,” I said, wondering why she asked me that.

“Crystalized Affinities,” Iva said. “As I’m sure you’ve learned, everyone gains an Affinity when they come of age, an expression of their greatest desire and way to accomplish it.” She lifted her head and studied Hilda and me. “Crystalized Affinities are gems harvested from the recently deceased, who cultivated their Affinities during life. Some are utility based, used in daily life to make their chosen jobs simpler, like manipulating soil to till their fields or perceiving and controlling impurities in the metal. They are the predominate Affinities on Verum, found in the average person.” She then motioned to me. “There are also Combat Affinities, developed in those like yourself. While they can be used in everyday life, their use is best shown in conflict.” She tapped the sword on her counter.

I stared at her in slowly dawning horror. “How are ‘Crystalized Affinities’ harvested?”

Iva hummed as she grasped the sword by the hilt, grunting as she lifted it. “Hopefully, the person volunteers before their death and allows their Affinity to be harvested.” She motioned to the sword. “Such weapons are amongst the strongest forged because of their unique compositions. They gain traits that increase their lethality or utility, only limited by the wielder.”

“For a man like Variak to have one, then…” Hilda and I shared an uneasy stare, and my stomach churned.

“Either he had a subordinate with a unique Affinity that willingly sacrificed himself or…” Iva’s expression darkened, brows knitting together and lips pursing as she glared at the sword. “He kidnapped a poor soul and ripped it out of their fresh corpse. He has an alchemist in his employ according to the bodies you and yours fought, as no self-respecting blacksmith would dare forge this poor excuse of steel and iron.”

“Alchemists can forge weapons too?” Hilda asked her, a morbid curiosity in her tone as she studied Iva.

Iva’s lips curled as she turned a narrow-eyed stare at the Valkyrie. “You’re not informed of the difference, so I’ll forgive that heinous remark.” Hilda grimaced, but Iva waved her off. “No. Alchemists do not forge but shape metal through impersonal mystical hand-waving. There is heart, no soul in how they form their weapons.” She shook her head and placed her palm on the flat of the blade. An ethereal, iridescent glow emanated from her hand as it sunk into the metal; her fingers curved into the weapon. They dived into the weapon, reaching farther into the blade than what seemed possible, before she ripped her hand free, a pulsating gem in her hand. Then, before our very eyes, cracks and seams grew along the length of the weapon, stretching along the entirety of it before it crumbled into dust. “Weapons formed from alchemy are only held together by the enchantment held within them. There is more freedom in using the Affinity, but it leaves the weapon more fragile.”

Iva lifted the hand with the gem, opening it to reveal a multifaceted gem that glowed bright enough to illuminate the dim lighting of her workshop. She frowned as she studied it, cocking her head to the side. “It’ll survive one more use before it disperses.” Iva faced me, lowering her hand, her lips spreading into a knowing smile. “Am I right in assuming you’re here to ask me to forge you a new weapon?”

“Considering Variak shattered my weapon, it would be helpful.” I grinned at her.

The Royal Blacksmith nodded to me, placing the gem on the counter. “Then it is good that I still have Amber’s notes. She refined and copied them in another notebook so that I can forge you a sword to your specifications.” She tapped the gem with a finger. “With my experience, the new weapon will bring out another aspect of the Affinity in the gem.”

“Thank you.” I inclined my head to her, getting a smile and a nod. “How long will it take you?”

Iva cocked her head to the side, looking up and to the side. Her lips twitched as she furrowed her brow. Then she nodded. “Two days, at the most.” She smiled widely, eyes twinkling. “Just in time to miss His Majesty’s banquet.”

Hilda giggled as my expression twisted into a grimace. “Joey, you can’t escape the trials of a Hero. You have yet…no. We have yet to meet the nobility of Veritas.” She smiled playfully, placing her hands on her hips. “There are a lot of people who wish to meet you, the Fallen Hero.”

“Am I still the Fallen Hero now that I’m alive?” I tried to ignore the laughter from Iva as I focused on Hilda. “That seems like a pretty obvious misnomer.”

The Valkyrie shook her head, a smile still in place. “It is your moniker; the title that tells everyone we meet of you and your station.”

I pinched the bridge of my nose, holding back the exasperated sigh that threatened to come forward. “Well, that’s one more thing that’s stuck.” I shook my head. “Well, we’re going to leave you to it, Iva. You’ve probably got other jobs to get to with that.”

The elven blacksmith inclined her head. “You’d be surprised, Sir Joseph. I’ve recently fulfilled commissions from His Majesty, so it’s been slow.” She tapped her counter. “Still, I’m happy for your consideration. Take care of yourselves.”

“We will.” Hilda bowed to the blacksmith as we left the workshop, stepping out into the bright sunny day. The sight of gardeners fulfilling their tasks in maintaining the lawn in the Keep and Knights marching about greeted Hilda and me. The Valkyrie looked to the sky, then to the ground, as if measuring something, then she nodded. “Still plenty of time until we meet with Soralynn and Arce. Are you hungry?”

“Haven’t eaten yet. Let’s see what’s on the menu.” With that, I led us along a paved, framed path towards the mess. Hilda fell into step with me, arm resting on her shoulder-slung bag. “What are you in the mood for today?”

Hilda placed a finger on her chin, looking towards the clear, cloudless sky. “I suppose I hope they have lamb. I haven’t had it since I left the monastery.” We strode down the path, a wall of stone from the keep on our right with the open field on our left.

“Really?”

Hilda hummed in affirmation. “Yes. The farmers that lived nearby reared them and grew an assortment of fruits and vegetables.” Her cheeks darkened as she faced forward in embarrassment. “I’ll admit that I’m fond of strawberries. When our older sisters were still there, they’d always sneak us the sweetest snacks. Rota and I would compete to see who’d get the most strawberries.”

I smiled at her answer and her bashful response. “Reminds me of my sister, though she prefers bitter and sour flavors.” That response shook Hilda from her nostalgia, giving me a disbelieving stare. A laugh escaped me. “Yeah, it shocked me, too. Maggie can’t stand sweet foods; always said they make her teeth throb.” I grinned and crossed my arms, shaking my head. “Nothings too sour for her; eats them like chips, one after another.”

The Valkyrie stared at me, gaze softening as her lips curled. “I see.” Her shoulder brushed against mine. “Rota always looked after me, like an older sister. Doesn’t stop her from teasing me whenever she found the chance.”

“Oh? Like when?” I grinned as I looked over to her.

Her cheeks darkened as she narrowed her eyes, frowning cutely. “Don’t think I don’t know that look, Joey. Rota had that same smile when the mood struck her.” She huffed through her nose, further narrowing her eyes and furrowing her brow. “She never held back either, always making me want to climb under a rock to get away from her teasing. You wouldn’t do the same to me, would you, Milord?” A mix of a silent demand and the hints of a pout greeted me as I cocked my head to the side in mock-contemplation.

“I don’t know.” I tapped my chin as I stared upwards, humming faintly.

“Joey…” Hilda’s pleading tone caused my grin to widen as playful laughter filled me. She poked me on the arm, her pout becoming pronounced.

“Oh! It’s the mess hall.” I pointedly did not respond to Hilda’s warning tone, looking upon the building we reached. Men and women in a variety of armored appearances milled about the area, all armed. Words echoed throughout the air into a familiar atmosphere that reminded me of my old school’s cafeteria. As Hilda and I approached, eyes honed in on us, and a deafening silence settled. I ignored all of that as I focused on both the mess hall and Hilda’s welcome pout. “Let’s see if they have that lamb you wanted.” I grinned at her as we walked through the open double doors.

“Don’t think I won’t remember this, Joey.” Hilda pouted as we reached the counter to pick up some food. We reached the opening, and I peered inside just as one of the cooks caught sight of us.

A young woman in a clean, white full-body smock and elbow-length gloves smiled as she walked up to us. She had her reddish-brown hair tied into a tight ponytail and a rag tied over her head. “Sir Joseph, Lady Hilda, it’s a great honor to see that you’ve both returned. Is there anything I can get for you?”

“What’s on the menu?” I asked her as I leaned on one foot.

“We’ve recently obtained some beef and pork from the farmers outside the Keep, as well some freshly picked vegetables and fruits. We’ve also recently finished bread and a new batch of soup.” She motioned to the left, to show others washing and preparing them for serving. “Do you have any preferences?”

“No lamb?” I asked for Hilda’s sake.

The woman grimaced and shook her head sadly. “I’m sorry, Sir Joseph. We won’t have any for two more days.” She paused, her shoulders twitching as her lips curled. “If you wish, I can request to have one prepared for you in the hour? It won’t be fully grown, but…”

I shook my head, offering her a kind smile. “No need. Just idle curiosity.” I tried not to notice Hilda’s study as I gave my order, with her following after me. It didn’t take long until we each carried a tray full of meat, vegetables, bread, and a bowl of soup. Hilda and walked through the mess hall, less than half full of people. We walked over to an empty table of the far side of the building, sitting across from each other. Hilda placed her bag on her left and broke her loaf in half. I picked up my fork and stabbed a piece of broccoli, taking a bite.

“Thank you,” Hilda said as she dipped her bread into the soup. I looked up to her with an arched brow. “For asking about lamb. I did want some, but I can understand it not being prepared.”

I swallowed and lifted the metal and wood mug, taking a swig. “It’s no problem. I know what it’s like being away from…home. Good memories are always in short supply when separated from your family.” Hilda didn’t answer, just giving me a sad smile. “Alright, enough moping. Any ideas about itineraries or schedules for later?” I tore apart my bread and mixed it with beef.

The Valkyrie smiled as she studied me before nodding her head to my question. “Tomorrow is when the banquet begins. We’ve been given today to rest and prepare for meeting with Veritas’ aristocracy.” She continued with her meal, wiping crumbs from her chin with a napkin. “Once our affairs are in order, we can speak with the King on what we’ve earned from our deeds.”

“Our affairs. There’s commissioning a new sword, gathering supplies, and…?”

“Meeting new people,” Hilda said, tapping the table on the left side of her tray. “Now that you’ve proclaimed your survival, people will want to know you.” She noticed my frown and offered an apologetic smile. “As of right now, you’re powerless. We have no home base, no replenishing resources, and very little influence.” The Valkyrie placed the flat of her hand on the wooden table. “We’ll have to work carefully and not alienate potential allies.”

“Makes sense.” I still frowned as I ate my food, considering what Hilda had told me. As we are now, we do indeed have to play things close to chest, working with others, and potentially making allies. Depending on what Frederick gives me, I may have to pay lip service to the Kingdom if I wanted to remain independent.

Hilda caught my attention by tapping my hand. I met her gaze and watched as she motioned behind me. Nodding to her, I casually turned and caught sight of someone I haven’t seen since Nyrill, Princess Emelina. She had changed over the year. Her long golden hair appeared cut to her shoulders, curled and wavy as if recently cleaned and done. She wore a functional dress with a knee-length blue dress and black stockings. The First Princess stared at me with wide eyes and a tumultuous expression, before she quickly schooled her mien. Silver eyes narrowed as her lips curled upwards; Emelina turned and spoke with her escort, Valeri, before the Knight nodded and walked towards the chefs.

Emelina paused as she faced my direction again before she steeled her expression and walked to our table. All eyes fell on her and me as she approached us. Not a few moments later, Emelina came to a stop in front of our table. Hilda and I stood out of respect to her and said, “Long time no see, Princess.”

“Please, Joseph, call me by name.” Her voice cracked as she spoke to me, eyes glistening as she blinked back tears. When I nodded, her lips parted into a wet smile, bringing a hand to her eye and wiping away a tear. “I’m glad that you’ve returned.” Emelina’s soulful voice barely went above a whisper.

I motioned to the table. “Sit with us. I’m sure it’ll be more comfortable than standing.”

Her smile widened as her silver eyes brightened. “Thank you.” Emelina took a few seconds to look from the seats next to Hilda and me, then nodded as she took the spot next to me. The two of us sat back down as Emelina turned towards the Valkyrie. “Abigail tells me that you fought to protect Xadria, Lady Brynhildr. Thank you.”

Hilda shook her head. “I only did what I felt was right. I had a duty to defend the innocent.”

Emelina’s smile widened, head cocked to the side. “A Valkyrie follows her Lord, if I’m not wrong. At that time, you had no such thing. So please, accept my thanks.” The Princess inclined her head to the blushing Valkyrie.

“If you insist, Your Highness.”

“You’ve done too much for my home to be so distant. I implore that you to use my name.” Hilda fidgeted underneath Emelina’s gentle smile but gave a jerking nod. The First Princess then rolled her gaze from her, then to me. “A Hero and a Valkyrie, like the stories of old. Was Joseph the Hero you were searching for?” She asked Hilda, her eyes slowly shifting to me.

Cheeks still a healthy red, Hilda adjusted her glasses. “Yes. Rumors of the Thirteen Heroes summoned by Veritas reached the Monasteries in Holien. They were the source of so many stories and wonders from my cousins and sisters.”

Pride filled Emelina’s smile as she nodded. “Yes. They’re all exceptional.” Then her smile fell, shoulders dropping. “At least…until I heard of Sir Luke’s actions.” She turned to me and said, “Joseph, I am so-”

“Don’t apologize.” I cut her off with a shake of my head. “As long as I’d known him, if I didn’t know, then there’s no way you could have either, Affinity or not.”

Emelina’s expression didn’t falter, the remorse in her bright silver eyes, causing my stomach to churn in discomfort. Then she closed her eyes and sighed through her nose. After a moment of silence, she faced us once more. “What do you want to do next? If you’re not staying here.”

“I still want to travel. To see Verum for myself.” I stared at my tray; lips curled into a frown. “I’ve seen so little of both my world and this one. I’ve already lost my chance to see Earth, but I won’t for Verum.”

The Princess inclined her head, a smile spreading on her face. “Not unlike my Father. He traveled Verum with Reinhardt and my Mother in his early years. He said that it gave him the wisdom to be a better King.” At that, Hilda turned a subtle, yet faint, smile towards me, lifting her bowl for a drink. Her eyes twinkled as she turned her gaze to her bowl.

“He did, huh?” I lifted my tankard. As I tilted my head back, a presence sitting next to me caused me to gulp down my drink in surprise. I glanced to the side to see Arce place her tray next to mine, an assortment of vegetables and fruits. A book rested on her opposite side. Across from her and next to Hilda, Sora sat next to Hilda with her food tray, taking the bag that Hilda had and putting it on the floor at her feet. “Arce, Sora. Good to have you with us. Did you enjoy yourselves?”

“Oh, yes,” Sora said with exuberance, smiling with narrowed eyes as she broke her bread into pieces, sprinkling it over her meat, potato, and vegetables. She turned to face Emelina. “You have an expansive library, Highness. So many tomes that I’ve never seen before.”

Pride filled Emelina’s expression as her eyes brightened, and her smile widened. “Of course. Lilian has always been exceptionally thorough with gathering and repairing old tomes from ruins.” As she said that, Valeri approached our table and put a tray in front of Emelina. “Ah! Thank you, Valeri.”

“You’re welcome, Your Highness,” Valeri said with a nod as she sat down on Hilda’s other side. As she started eating, she turned a gaze onto me, her lips curling into a smile. “I saw you leaving Iva’s workshop. I trust you won’t break this one?”

I rolled my eyes at her playful question. “I doubt this one will break.”

Hilda hummed. “If my understanding is correct, then the enchantment should take care of that.”

Relief filled Sora as her shoulders dropped. “You have no idea how glad I am not to have that slab of steel in my bag anymore.” She placed a hand on her cheek, shaking her head. “I’ll still have to scrub my bag clean.” Arce laughed silently as she drank her coup.

With that, the six of us spoke of anything and everything around us, with no specific topics. In the meantime, I waited until I could talk with my team alone.