The Ether-Knight's Lessons

23

.^^ the Servant of The Green ^^

— Idun —

My shoulders cracked as I rolled them to release tension. "Oh? And why's that?" I hummed.

"An army of grandchildren? Why wouldn't I be happy? Anyway, I've been watching your battles! Well fought! A bit on the cold side, but that's technically a good thing, so all is well." He shrugged, and sat across from me.

"Alright then." I chuckled, and leaned my head back.

"Let's get you to bed, dear, I don't think Glass would appreciate you sleeping in such an exposed position." Darien hummed, and suddenly I was slung into strong arms. "You carry her. Make yourself useful."

I heard Jon's voice next to my ear. "I'm always useful, though..."

"Walk." Darien said simply, and I heard him start walking away, then faded out. I woke a little when I was placed in bed, but passed out completely, after that.

—

"Wake up." Cold water splashed my face, and I groaned.

"I will skin you, or anyone else who thinks it's a good idea, if you ever do that again." I said slowly, and looked at Eliza.

She hummed. "Noted. Now get up, dear, your match is in thirty minutes."

"Alright." I grumbled, and stood up, showering in record time, then dressing in my armor, and gathering my Rune-Talismans.

Darien met me as I entered the elevator, and watched Bergen circle the Tower, following us up the tube. "You're well rested, I hope?" He asked, shifting his weight from one foot to the other.

"What do you want?" I asked bluntly, cutting the small talk.

He blinked, then grinned guiltily. "You know me that well already, huh?"

"No, but your behavior is rather easy to interpret. What do you want?" I repeated myself.

"Hmm... the Grimoire, the one that's the prize? I've been trying to get it from Glass for six months. It's one of the reasons I found you, actually." He hummed.

"Alright. I'll do my best, but you owe me two favors. One for attempting to deceive me in the slightest sense, and one for the book." I said simply.

He sighed, rubbing his neck. "That's... fair, I guess."

"No, it isn't, but I could care less. Can you conjure coffee, or do I have to try to find some in the next ten minutes?" I cracked my neck, and twinged my back, grunting in pain.

He hissed, his hand on my spine. "You did serious damage to your vertebrae... I can alleviate it, and stabilize it." He placed his now-glowing palm on my lower back, and the pain instantly disappeared, replaced by a warm feeling.

"Thanks." I nodded, and stepped out of the elevator, pausing when I was now in the Stadium.

Brigit appeared, and handed me a cup of coffee. "Good luck." She said simply, and walked past me, smacking my ass in what I supposed was supposed to be encouraging. I suspected she copied it from her sister.

I chugged the piping hot coffee, and grinned when the roof slowly opened, letting Bergen in, then closed again.

Jon waved from the couch, and I chuckled. "Your neck better?" I asked.

He raised a snowy eyebrow. "Your back? I imagine a working girl can't afford such an injury."

"Ouch! Solid burn. I approve." Glass nodded.