Heroes of Veritas: Bardic Inspiration (Book 2)

Chapter Three: Almost Doesn't Count

Elise dropped the bow, and turned around, laughing with joy as a pair of strong arms wrapped around her, lifting her bodily from the ground.

“When did you get back? Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?!” the ranger cried as her mother squeezed her so tight that the last bit came out with a wheezy squeak.

“I sent Jorgen word a few days ago, but he said you were hiding out. He didn’t know where.” the older woman said, finally putting Elise back down. Elise stumbled a bit, and was steadied by a strong hand gripping her shoulder as her mother ruffled her hair. It was a habit that Ellie had detested when she was younger, but which felt loving and nostalgic now. “You need to apologize to the old man, little miss. He’s been worried sick.”

“Sarge, I’m not a little girl any more.” Elise said, snorting to cover the flash of guilt that crossed her face. “I can take care of myself.”

“Just because you can take care of yourself doesn’t mean you should refuse freely given aid.” the sergeant said, lifting an eyebrow as she looked down at her daughter. 

Elise looked down at her feet and scuffed one foot along the ground, unwilling to meet her mother’s eyes. When she spoke again, she couldn’t keep the guilt and shame from flooding into her voice, “I know. I just...needed more than three days this time. I’ve been such a mess…”

The sergeant sighed, and pulled her daughter, always her little girl despite her protestations, in for another hug. “Three days is just a guideline, little miss. Despite what anyone tells you, even me, there are some things that...well...they just take more time.”

Elise’s shoulders shook as tears came unbidden to her eyes. She tried to push them back, but they fell against the rough fabric of her mother’s uniform despite her best efforts.

“I ran...again. I’m a runner. A coward.” Elise sobbed, letting all the fear she’d been holding so tightly to escape. It was a relief to finally say the words out loud, despite how awful they made her feel. Why did every emotion she have need to be so conflicting?

“You didn’t run from the battle, did you? I heard you almost pulled off the Horny Toad Maneuver. And, little miss, a coward wouldn’t sacrifice themself to save their friends.” the sergeant said softly, her voice tender with concern. She’d never seen her daughter like this before; she’d always hoped she never would. Elise could tell that the sight of it worried her mother, and very few things really rattled the old ranger. 

“I didn’t save all of them, though...and everybody knows, almost doesn’t count.” Elise said, her voice thick with bitterness and regret.

“Ellie,” the sergeant said, pushing her daughter back a little. She slid a finger under Elise’s chin to tilt her face up. This time, there was no avoiding it. Elise met her mother’s calm, slightly concerned, gaze.  “You’re not a runner. You’re a ranger. Rangers are going to range, but they also return home at the end of the journey. We’re like terrible, dirty homing pigeons, really.” 

Elise laughed, and wiped a bit at her nose, which was running. The sergeant sighed, and ruffled Ellie’s hair again.

“I know you’re feeling weak right now, but you know what might make you feel better? Helping your friends. Everyone thinks the worst is over, but I bet before long they are really going to need your help.” the older ranger said, before reaching to her side and removing her sword belt. 

Elise stared wide eyed at the swirling silvery hilt of the rapier that glinted in the moonlight, and shook her head, stepping away. “No, I can’t take it. What if...what if I don’t want to be a ranger anymore?”

The sergeant reached out and gripped one of Elise’s hands, which had been clutching at her chest. Elise had started getting that wild look in her eyes again, and she’d risen up onto her toes, ready to take flight - though she wasn’t entirely sure why. This wasn’t something to run from was it? She settled back down at the touch of her mother’s hand.

“Baby girl, I’m retiring. It’s not like I’ll be using it.” the sergeant said soothingly.

Elise swallowed nervously, but gripped the scabbard when her mother placed it in her hand.

“I know I don’t say it enough, and I haven’t been the best of mothers… but I am so very proud of you.” the sergeant said, smiling a little as a tear ran down her own cheek. “Not because you chose to follow my footsteps as a ranger, but because you are smart, strong, capable, and kind. No matter what you decide to be or not be, I’d like you to have the sword. Your father made it for me, and I think… I think he’d want you to have it too.”

The rapier suddenly felt heavier in Elise’s hand, though it had seemed so light just moments earlier - much lighter than her shortsword, anyway. Her short sword was well made and functional, but this rapier was a true work of art, with an elegance that belied its deadly sharpness. Elise hesitated only a moment more before belting the sword to her waist, the snug sensation of the sword belt comforting and familiar. She had been feeling a little naked without her weapons. She wouldn’t say that she felt whole again with the new rapier hanging at her side, but it certainly did feel reassuring to have a piece of her parents with her.

The sergeant put her hands on her daughter’s shoulders, and leaned down to knock her forehead against Elise’s. “There. Doesn’t that feel better?”

Elise smiled, and slowly nodded. It did feel better - though she didn’t think it was because of the sword on her hip.

Sometime later, despite the late hour, Elise found herself in the Upper District of Veritasia City standing in front of the only shop that had its light still on. The blue-ish crystal lantern hanging above the gently signing sign for The Black Magnolia shone eerily in the otherwise shadowy and quiet High Market. The sign in the shop door flicked over to read ‘open’ as she approached the lonely facade of the fashionable boutique, because of course it would. Elise chuckled to herself; she supposed there was no surprising a psychic.

Elise entered the shop a moment later, and was as unsurprised to see the shopkeeper as Selene was to see the ranger. Selene was lounging on a chaise positioned near the back of the shop wearing her customary long, black satin gown and spider-web like lacey shawl, her icy blue eyes glinting in the shop’s dim, moody lighting.

“Nice sword.” Selene said, lifting a thin, arched eyebrow at the ranger. “I suppose you’re here to find an outfit that matches it?”

“Got it in one.” Elise said, smiling more widely. 

Selene returned her wide smile with a slightly eerie one of her own, and Elise wondered - not for the first time - what the meaning behind that smile was. What did Selene know that Ellie didn’t? Not that it mattered very much; the psychic was unlikely to share, and the little that she was willing to divulge was generally cryptic.

When Elise left some hours later, she was completely exhausted, loaded down with numerous boxes of clothing - and also broke, again. She hated to think that this was going to become a habit whenever she visited the psychic seamstress, but had a sneaking suspicion that it might be too late. Well, it was worth it right? 

The enchantments on the gear she purchased were top tier; or at least the highest tier she could wear at her current skill level. They were far better quality and leagues more stylish than any clothes Elise herself could produce, in any case. She also came away with some new spring outfits, which she hadn’t intended on purchasing but somehow ended up leaving with. Pita would have said the fashion upgrades alone were worth it, and though Ellie would never say so of her own accord, she probably would have agreed with him if pressed.

These thoughts were cold comfort to Elise as she jingled her near empty coin purse and puffed her cheeks up. She let out an explosive sigh that ruffled the dark brown curls which had fallen into her face. She shoved the purse back into her pocket, and started walking, craning her head around the stack of boxes in her arms to ensure she didn’t trip on anything. Yep, this was totally worth it. Totally. Why hadn’t she brought her fanny pack with her again?

The only thought that cheered her up was the total look of surprise she expected to see on Astredian’s face when she turned up at the guild hall looking flashier than he did. Hopefully that would distract him enough for her to get an apology out before he told her to shove off.