Elincia's Point of View

Helmsforth Temple

We were on the lift down to see Rudnurth. “Should we not discuss what happened?” I asked as the two of us continued into the mountain depths.

“…” He didn’t respond.

“Arthur…” His eyes were focused straight ahead as he didn’t even seem to notice me. “Arthur!”

Slowly, he looked at me. “What do you want me to say, Elincia? Sorry I almost killed your sister? Sorry that I stabbed her? They would be only words. Make no mistake, I had every intention to kill your sister, but I have no idea what stopped me.” His attention shifted back to the wall.

“Maybe it was Typhon.” I offered. “Cassidy was also present… As was I.” He quirked a brow at that as he turned to me again. “I do not believe you would have done it.” Arthur merely scoffed in response. “Even close to death, poisoned, and your energy being strained and near its end, you still held back. That says something.”

Arthur’s face twisted into annoyance. “It says that I wasn’t in my right mind, Elincia.” He retorted as he crossed his arms. “Don’t take my words or actions for any deeper meaning. I didn’t mean to sleep with you, but I did want Arceana dead. One thing I didn’t want, and the other I wanted, but didn’t get.”

My lips curled into a frown as I replied. “Typhon was rather hurt. You almost killed him.”

The man’s lip twitched at that as his body seemed to tense. “I wasn’t aiming for him anyway. Arceana’s new haircut is a testament to that.”

“You said you would kill any of us who got in your way…” I told him.

“Tell you what, Elincia.” He suddenly turned to me. “When you have kids, and you think one of them dies, you tell how well you handle that.” His voice grew harsher. “The Succubae are essentially no more. Lucia wanted the remnants to live, so we brought them to the estate, but they will likely to be the last of their race.” Arthur then scoffed. “Unless there are any more of those fuckers out there or any that I missed. So, I came back for the one who sent her out in the first place.”

Despite the growing anger in his voice, I spoke. “Lucia wanted them to live?” I repeated as there was a flutter in my heart. “Then she is alive?” Arthur’s eyes widened slightly before he sighed.

Nodding, Arthur replied. “Yeah.”

A few tears came to my eyes at that. “Thank goodness.” My sobs were probably annoying to the man, but I didn’t care. “Truly… Thanks the Gods.” I let out softly as I rubbed my eyes.

To my surprise, I felt a pair of arms wrap around me. Wiping my tears some more and looking up revealed Arthur. It was an awkward hug. Likely the night we spent together resulted in him acting in such a manner. It made me laugh in relief, which surprised him, but I was feeling so many emotions at this point I didn’t think much of it.

“Some of the Dwarves call me a god. Don’t you start.” Arthur told me, somewhat playfully, as he took a step away.

I let out a weak chuckle at that. “Is she okay?” He glanced at me. “Lucia?”

“She’s fine. Marina healed her body and restored her missing fingers. Kandma helped me take her memories of her being tortured, which knocked me out. Alwin will also make a full recovery.”

“There are many things you just said that concern me. Lucia was missing fingers?” Arthur nodded. “And this ‘Marina’ was able to restore lost ligaments?”

He shrugged. “Fingers, at least. I don’t know if she could heal a missing hand or arm.”

“Well, then, who is Marina?”

“She’s like Breeze and Rock.”

“And who is Rock?” He gave me a dull look. Arthur quickly explained a few things about his ‘guardians’ and how they centered around their respective elements. “How did you create these things?”

“We don’t have the time to unpack that question.”

I sighed. “We seem to miss our chance to discuss many things. You immediately left after what happened on the Vithari coast. Do you really regret it that-“

The man cut me off as the lift entered the chamber. “Another time, Elincia. This definitely isn’t the place.”

Rudnurth immediately saw us, and he watched us as we came down. He certainly seemed less playful than he usually is. I doubt it was because of our last discussion, which meant he was wary of Arthur. Although, that appeared to go right out the window as he bowed overly theatrically.

“Your majesty!” Rudnurth let out.

“Cut the shit, Rudnurth. We’re here to get Arceana fixed.”