War of Dawn

Chapter 8: Set Off to Battle

Date: 1003 After Dawn, July 14th

It is half past midnight and Hilda's having trouble falling asleep; come morning, she'll be officially added to the rotation of Scions and could well be sent into her first assignment. Despite the curfew, she can't stand to toss and turn on her bed for any other minute, so she sneaks out the window in front of her room and moves onto Valarheim's roof with the help of the Haste glyph – which she can now finally cast in three seconds.

It is a calm night and while the Paling shines above, Hilda can still get a good look at the stars. It has been years since the last time she actually stopped and gazed at this. Taking a deep breath, she ponders all that's happened in these past two months.

"Are you watching, I wonder...?" she talks to herself. "From a waitress to a Scion strong enough to hunt undead... 'twist of fate' doesn't even begin to describe this."

Hilda closes her eyes and recalls a very dear person: a tall, strong man of chestnut-colored eyes and short, silvery hair; his sharp featured face exuding an air of happiness and confidence.

A hint of pain spreads across Hilda's face. "It really should be you in here, Henrik..."

She's brought back to reality when she hears someone landing behind her. Hilda turns her head to see Vanessa watching.

"Going stargazing, are we? You know curfew started a few hours ago," she says with her usual smile.

"L-Lady Vanessa, I was just...!" Hilda blusters, pulling herself off the ground.

"Relax. I couldn't sleep the night before my first mission, either," she laughs, sitting next to Hilda. "How are you feeling?"

"...Worried and scared, mostly."

Vanessa places her hand on Hilda's shoulder. "Why? You've been training nonstop for these past months and both Ryouma and I agree that you're ready for this."

"Well, I'm not so sure. I keep thinking of ways that I could mess up and then—" Hilda says, hugging her knees and resting her chin atop them, before being interrupted by Vanessa.

"Everyone can make mistakes – but the good thing is that we've people around to help when that happens. Ryouma and Owen will be there and you can bet they'll have your back."

Hilda's face immediately contorts, as she lets out a long sigh. "Owen... great. If you're trying to calm me down, saying that is seriously not helping."

"Hmm, yes. I've heard that you two have been at each other's throats. He's got a sharp tongue, I'll give you that, but I swear that he means the best for everyone," she answers with a nod.

"Oh, yeah, I'm sure he's all sunshine and rainbows behind that attitude of his," Hilda sniffs, dubious.

"Hah, let's not go that far," Vanessa snickers. "But believe me when I say that he's that harsh on everyone – himself included – because he cares a lot. For that matter, I can tell that you do, too, which is why I know you'll do great tomorrow and beyond."

Hilda breaks out a faint smile at this. "Thanks. I swear I'll do my best."

"Attagirl," Vanessa says, with a hearty tap on Hilda's back. "Don't worry about Owen – he'll come around eventually. 'Til then, focus on doing your mission and watching over your comrades and, at the very least, he'll do the same. Got it?"

"Alright, I'll keep that in mind."

"Good. Now, you really should go back to your room and get some rest while you can – things'll be very busy tomorrow," Vanessa happily proclaims, shooing Hilda off the roof.