Tessia Eralith

It has been three months since Arthur left for Epheotus and the war against Alacrya started. Thankfully there have been no major battles, only small skirmishes as expected, although there have been in greater numbers meaning Agrona either managed to send more soldiers than we thought or he isn't as reserved when using his resources.

Thanks to the work Alea and Aya did mapping and the dungeons on the beast glades, clearing them has become somewhat safer and much more efficient. I was eager to join the team responsible and my old squad but knew it was better to wait until they were actually recruited instead. That also gave me the time to train under Aldir again and as much as I despised the Pantheon, I couldn't deny how much it would help to be taught by him, so I kept my emotions in check and let them out through my sword.

Sometimes I trained with the other Lances whenever they had free time or their Flagbearers. Speaking of them, Feyrith, Theodore and Claire had been chosen for the position by Aya, Mica and Bairon respectively. Lance Olfred had chosen a boy from Darv called Leon but he rarely showed up so I didn't know him well and with Olfred having the chance of being a traitor again, it was better to keep my distance anyway.

And finally there was the girl Varay chose, Cellinia, who was very much like her Lance in all but appearance. She had long black hair, hazel eyes and a doll-like face. She was usually seen in a red shirt with a green tie, black shorts, black coat and her hair tied up in a ponytail. Despite her emotionless demeanor, Cellinia is very pleasant to be around and care quite a lot about others. It's a shame she was usually out on a mission but that was to be expected considering she became a silver core mage at the age of twenty.

But that's enough thinking about past events and the new friend I made. I need to focus on this meeting or grandpa will scold me again. Oh yeah, did I mention I was at a council meeting? Because I am, only working as an assistant and handing out documents, but I still needed to pay attention. It could be me and Arthur taking the role my parents currently have. And even if it isn't, he still has his plan of becoming part of the Great Eight to keep Kezess and the other Asuras in check, which means he will need someone to help navigate their politics, and who better than his beautiful fiance (wife by the time the war ends) to give the helping hand he needs. Grandpa Virion is glaring at me again, focus Tessia, stop daydreaming about the power couple you and Arthur will be and focus.

Turning my attention back to the meeting I heard Blaine asking how to deal with enemy ships when they arrive.

"There is no need to worry about that, I had Gideon work on two countermeasures. Tessia, since you helped test them, could you explain?" Grandpa Virion asked me, his tone neutral and the rest of the council looked at me curiously alongside Aldir.

"Yes, I can. Gideon has been working on two different vehicles specifically to deal with ships. On for battle and another for stealth missions. After testing them myself I can say with confidence that they will be invaluable for coastal battles. While both operate on the mana of the pilot, one of them will be mounted with a weapon that uses the fire salts from Darv."

I kept going for a bit longer explaining the finer details and recounting my experience with the boat and jet ski while also answering any question the council had. Once I was done they began discussing how to better put them to use and where to station the vehicles. Queen Priscilla suggested that instead of having them all stationed at Etistin and Mayburn, we should build a few secret hideouts in the fishing villages to flank the enemy to create some advantage for the frontline fighters. The idea was approved and the task was delegated to the appropriate people.

The meeting kept going for another two hours before being adjourned. As I was getting ready to leave and go to the cafeteria for lunch Aldir approached me.

"One of the vehicles you mentioned was quite intriguing, jet ski was it? And the weapon as well. There is nothing like that in Epheotus. Did young Arthur come up with them like the steam engine for the ship?"

"Yes Lord Aldir, the idea came from Arthur, but it was Gideon who engineered and built them from scratch." I answered the Asura.

"Quite the ingenious fiance you have. Speaking of him, I was instructed to keep you updated on his progress and pass along any messages between the two of you by Lady Myre." Aldir said surprising me as in the previous timeline he never said anything

"Oh, really? Thank you, it puts my mind at ease knowing we have some way of communicating." I said not really meaning it since we had the rings made by the Djinn that allowed us to talk at any time.

"I'm sure that will be the case for him as well. But do keep this a secret, we don't want the council growing dependent on his strength when young Arthur is not even here."

"Of course." I gave a simple reply. "Is there anything you can tell me about Arthur's training?"

"These are still the beginning stages so there won't be much to say, but from what I've been told Arthur is doing remarkably well even for asuran standards. I believe he will move on to the next phase of his training before the end of the year." Aldir explained, sounding genuinely impressed.

"He has always been talented when it comes to combat and magic." I paused for a moment before asking. "What do you mean by the next phase, Lord Aldir?"

"Lord Indrath has devised a three stage training course for Arthur and Lady Sylvie. Is there anything you would like to say to your fiance? I will be going to report to Lord Indrath." He answered simply and changed the subject before I could ask more.

"Tell Arthur to keep doing his best and that I will be waiting for him." I said and Aldir nodded before leaving the room leaving me alone in it.

I left as well shortly after, thinking on some of the topics of today's meeting and how Agrona would react to our new strategies. The rest of the day passed by without anything of note, it was only when I turned in for the day that it hit me, Myre wanted me to keep in touch with Arthur. But why? Didn't Kezess specifically tell Art to close his heart to me last time? Why would his wife help the opposite of that? I should ask Arthur to look into that.

Maybe I am overthinking this, but something tells me Myre is planning something. And I have a feeling it won't be anything good.