Yesterday's Enemy [AoT]

MEMOIRS OF HAVAS [02]

(SET TWENTY YEARS BEFORE HAVAS IS BREACHED)

'With both our gold and our power, we trust the thirteen. There is no greater honour than surrender; there is no greater treason than mutiny. Surrender yourselves and your worth, and you may join our valiant leaders at Lady Larken's peaks. In sacrifice, there is reward.'

-An extract from traditional Havasian scriptures.

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MEMOIRS OF HAVAS

02

Wall Maria, North Region, Havas, Western O'Haen

"So, you're telling me... that when I come of age, I get to sit on the Council of Thirteen?" Lorelai exclaimed, brandishing her spoon as she and her family had their evening meal.

She had returned home shortly after her little incident with Warren on the playground. Of course, Tamsin had had a lot to say about her behaviour, but after Lorelai had suffered through the endless lecturing, the conversation soon turned to what Mr Krüger had said that day.

Tamsin and Romero could no longer hide the truth of who she was from Lorelai. She was eight years old and the last of an age-old dynasty. She was still a child, but they couldn't shield her much longer.

"Eat your soup, Loretskaia," Tamsin insisted.

"You don't just get ta' sit on the Council, kid," began Romero. "You get ta' lead it."

"Enough. Let's not discuss this over dinner, dear." Tamsin turned to fuss over Gabriel, who had soup dripping down his little chin.

Truthfully, Tamsin had always resented the fate that her goddaughter was owed. She wanted Lorelai to live a normal life, full of normal things. Unfortunately, that was all impossible. The clever, doe-eyed little girl sitting across from her would soon come to lead all of Havas— whether she liked it or not.

"What prompted these questions anyway, my lovely?"

Lorelai pushed the soup around her bowl. "Just a stupid boy at school. It doesn't matter; once I lead the Council, I'll never have to deal with those idiots again."

Romero chuckled. "Well, the kid's sure got a lotta Amos in her."

Tamsin despaired. "Yes, that's what I'm afraid of." He put a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"A-mos...?" Gabriel questioned, tilting his head sweetly.

"Lord Amos Bervik— Lorelai's father, little one."

"Father!" Gabriel giggled, pointing at Romero across the table. He smiled fondly.

Tamsin chuckled. "Yes, that's your father, my love."

Lorelai looked down, suddenly angry. It's not fair. Without any warning, she took her plates to the kitchen and hurried from the room.

"Loretskaia!" Tamsin called after her helplessly. It was futile to comfort her; they'd only end up fighting.

"It's alright, dear." Romero offered. "She'll settle."

"Will she?" Tamsin sadly stroked Gabriel's curls. "She still has nightmares, my love... screams in the night, but she'll never call for my help."

"...She'll settle."

They heard Lorelai slam the door to her attic bedroom, the sound echoing through the tall house. They shared an uneasy glance.