Chapter 7 – A Restful Morning

Chapter 7 – A Restful Morning

What do you mean you need to be alone for a few days!?

Liria winced as Seralyth’s voice echoed in her mind. Somehow, even while sounding terribly affronted, her eldest sister’s mental voice never lost its warm and motherly undertone. Quite the trick, that.

Is there anything wrong with that? Liria defended herself. I just want to experience the world and find my place within it. How can I do that with you all hovering over my shoulder?

But… You’re still too young! Seralyth retorted. Liria could almost see the frustration on her sister’s face, the slight crease between her brows.

You were fine with this less than two days ago. She reminded her elder sister.

At least take Sir Theron Valemont and Corvin Ashford with you. It was Aethon who spoke this time, his solemn voice brooking no arguments.

Liria did so anyway. Sir Theron Valemont and Corvin Ashford are Knight Commanders of the Golden Compact. They have better things to do with their time than babysit me.

Nothing in this world is more important than your safety, Liria.

That’s so sweet, big brother. I love you, but my answer is still no.

She sat in a rustic cottage in the Silverwoods, being grilled by her siblings over their shared mental connection while morning light filtered gold through the window shutters. The air inside was warm and faintly fragrant with pine resin and the lingering scent of bacon. Seris sat in her lap, brows furrowed in concentration as he practiced his letters for the very first time, the scratch of his stylus soft and steady against the paper.

Shortly after breakfast time, her brothers and sisters had collectively decided that they needed to talk. The only one missing was Vaelir, conspicuous in his absence. Liria was fairly certain that he had snitched on her, but as long as her other siblings did not directly bring up Seris, she was determined to play dumb to the very end.

The longer she could put off that uncomfortable conversation, the better.

Um… I think we should respect Liria’s desire for privacy. Kaerthis’ gentle voice had never sounded so reasonable, but before Liria could thank her…

Take my maid golem retinue with you. Not only can they fight, they can also cook, clean, and do all your housework for you. Much better than some knights, right?

Nope, her third sister was just as bad as the rest of them. And Vaelir had totally snitched on her.

I just want to test my limits without overly relying on you all. Liria pleaded. Please. I know what I’m doing. Can’t you trust me?

Honestly, she thought that even this portable cottage that Vaelir had given her, complete with its state-of-the-art kitchen and bathroom, was already too much.

You’re a two day old baby. Ilyrien’s voice was flat.

Oh for the love of the Goddess.

As frustrating as this was, Liria could understand their worry. Even this nagging would one day become a beautiful memory—but that was a small comfort right now.

Should she just come clean and tell them everything? Which version of events would worry her siblings more?

“I’m a shellshocked war veteran who traveled three hundred years back in time to babysit the child who will grow up to destroy the world?”

Or…

“I’m a clueless baby happily running around with a biochemical weapon that could blow up at any moment?”

Hmm… Decisions, decisions.

The first one would definitely be more difficult to explain though. Better to revisit this question after she had made some progress in dealing with Seris’ dead god problem.

That’s not fair, Ily. Liria tried one last time. We’ve spoken in dreams for over ten thousand years. I may not remember specific conversations and details, but I’ve still inherited all your knowledge and values. I can do this. Trust me.

Book-smarts does not equal experience. Seralyth groused.

Which is why I’m trying to gain some. Liria soothed her. It takes less than a second for you all to teleport to my side if anything goes wrong anyway. You worry too much.

You know that’s not perfect, Liria.

It’s good enough. And danger builds character…

One by one, her siblings’ voices faded from her mind. They would respect her wishes for now, but Liria could tell from the way they grumbled to the very end that she did not have much time.

The sooner she could help Seris and have a proper conversation with her siblings, the better.

Kaerthis was the last to leave.

Here’s what you asked for, Liria. That was a very interesting design. Warmth colored her third sister’s voice, the particular pleased tone Kaerthis got when a fabrication had exceeded her own expectations. Call me again if you need anything, alright? And always remember that we’re here for you, little sister.

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A tiny teleportation circle shimmered open above Liria’s head and dropped a beautifully crafted medallion into her waiting palm. The metalwork was impossibly fine, the sigils engraved along its face so precise they seemed to breathe.

In less than half an hour, Kaerthis had finished what would have taken Liria a full day to make. Her third sister truly was the finest alchemist alive, and Liria was blessed, truly and ridiculously blessed, with a wonderful family.

This time, she would protect them without fail.

A happy giggle interrupted Liria’s musing. Seris was looking up at her with adoring eyes. She had been brushing his hair throughout the conversation with her siblings. What had begun as a dry and tangled mop now lay soft and tidy against his forehead. She had set herself a private goal of making it shine like silk within the week, along with filling out those gaunt cheeks. Both projects were coming along nicely.

“I’ve finished, big sister!” Seris proudly held out his paper to her with both hands. “Did I do well?”

Liria carefully checked his work and felt her cheeks heating up. Seris’ progress was quite impressive. What started as chicken scratchings became a childish scrawl after a few words, and by the time he was done filling up the page, his handwriting had become a remarkably beautiful imitation of her own. But the contents…

“Last night’s dinner was so good! Breakfast was delicious! My big sister is the best cook in the world! I want to eat more! This house is so beautiful! I’m so happy! My big sis is the best big sis in the world! I love my big sis! We’ll be together forever! My big sister is the most beautiful big sis in the entire world! My big sis is a Goddess…”

“Couldn’t you have written something else?” Liria complained. The densely packed page filled with nothing but praises for her felt incredibly burdensome.

“But I only did what you told me to!” Seris looked wronged. His lower lip quivered. “Did I do something wrong?”