Scuderi had done many things in her lifetime that could be considered odd. She had dined with elves in a cave filled with guards armed to the teeth to discuss possible trading routes with Rub Al´kali, spent days on expeditions to find the best possible excavation spot for her starting mining business. Nothing compared to laying awake at night, dreadfully cursing the fear of losing her fortune in the blink of an eye, however, all paled in the face of sheer absurdity with what she was doing now.

Sitting on a table in the courtyard of the academy, she watched a crow drinking from a tea cup, an Undead using his finger to empty one of several small bowls of sugar, a Germanian and Tristanian girl throwing snide remarks at each other while their professor was busy feeding a fully grown woman on his lap. To think that she could be home at this moment, tending to the poor tulips in her garden; they never got the amount of attention they really needed, or deserved for that matter. Maybe a few more exotic would look good with petunias? Lately, it was the only thing that made her truly relax.

"Now then." Her cup neatly met the plate as its throne. "I can understand why Colbert joined us today considering he must have many a question, moreover, I can understand why Louise would do so as well. After all, they are the most involved in this situation. What I don't understand is why YOU are here!" With a glare so strong it could break the moons, she focused the feathered animal.

It merely cawed at her before returning its beak inside the shaking porcelain. Why the maid had even given one for the beast was beyond her.

Reflecting back on the recent events, she really couldn't help but frown at what transpired. For one thing, the Undead had taken that weird bottle; Brimir knows what kind of origin this "Blessing" had, but it did restore his tongue. Which just made things worse, he spoke their language, granted, however, the accent was as old and thick as the biggest ham in the royal kitchens, still no sense of any social customs though it was a start. Velka had named him `Neit`, no one knew why though none questioned it either, not even he himself. Everyone was probably far too interested in his sweet tooth which felt out of place.

More had happened, Louise had taken the woman as her familiar, without much trouble either. Maybe they didn't want another problem to arise or maybe they just didn't care anymore, she couldn't tell, though Louise did seem quite pleased with herself. Good, a troubled Valliere spelled havoc for anyone involved and chaos for those who need to clean up afterwards. Then again, Louise was still just a small child with no influence so the only big concern was the rest of her family, which fell away as long as the problem was nothing too serious.

Colbert was content, or as content as one could be in such a situation, and seemed to just accept his role as a father figure. Was it one? Scuderi was still undecided on this certain issue but everything, to the way he held himself to how he treated her, pointed to the carved image of a parent. Apparently, she was getting better, being able to walk alone and not being a bubbling mess were changes that came to mind; though her name was still unknown to all of them.

Things were never that easy with such predicaments, clearly shown by the damned goddess appearing to meddle with her playthings or whatever she thought of them. Being wary around her always paid off and considering her a villain in disguise was one of the more healthy things in her opinion, better to be careful at any times. Naturally, she expected a god walking among humans to be difficult to deal with but the fact that that woman could communicate through her winged pests just added insanely creepy to the list.

Of course, Scuderi had her own interests in this ordeal, mainly money. Granted, she was old, far too old if others had a say in it, and many questioned her reasons for acquiring rising funds at all when she had no heirs to speak of. Her family name was never that strong until she took the reigns herself and gave her brothers and sisters some ground to work with in harsh world of trade and conspiracy littered with traps and bribes.

Well, the nobility used to not involve themselves in such advanced measures of dealing with others, relying more on the fruit of their loins to be their bargaining chip rather than their brains or the weight of coin. This usually led to the two groups growing apart, prejudice sprouting not soon after, nobles were seen as incompetent scum while the merchants were nothing but well dressed cutthroats. A mutual agreement of sorts, trying to stay out of each others business meant no personal feuds which, in turn, meant that the peasants could live without being called to war.

"Say, why are we even here in the first place?" The dark skinned student asked, waving Louise off with a continuous flick of her wrist. Her name was Cerbes? Their introduction had been short and Germanian names really weren't her strong suit to begin with.

"I, for one, think things will get the most exciting when I turn my eyes away; maybe even tease little Louise while I´m at it. That crow is a good start for the week, at the very least a promising one."

She did have a point, the last recorded sighting of a god walking the earth had been when their entire civilization was founded. To say this was a delicate issue to not be spread like the plague, meaning that a talking crow was fine just as long as no conclusion to it being a goddess or linked to a goddess came to anyone. Well, maybe if they were needed or if they posed a thread, then they would be told; like Neit knowing and therefore required to be watched.

"I came to congratulate Louise for her summoning and offer guidance if need be; she might not remember, however, her mother chose me as her guardian years before she was born, granting me the privilege to shepherd her through life."

While true, this statement carried the burden of their families being somewhat in a disagreement regarding their societal standing back in the day hwne they were both younger. It didn't infringe on their, it wasn't really a friendship anymore given that they couldn't stand to be in the same room for longer than a few minutes, their respect and trust didn't suffer all too much. Karin never denounced her from the position of guardian which meant that the benefits were now hers; a better way to have Louise be their partner rather than their tool.

Now when did she grow soft with things such as family? Not even her own for one thing, and nothing to lose if she would ever be caught either. Maybe Karin did rub down on her all these years ago, though, it was more likely that her old age was breaking her shell and making her weak before she finally croaked. Casting nostalgia and doubt to her conscience aside, Scuderi focused back on her task, explaining what they needed of everyone involved so Velka could wiggle her fingers and fulfil her plan to gather the Void mages.

For what reason she really didn't understand at all, but it involved gathering these mages to find a certain spell to grant them…something more ancient than void itself. She hated how this uncertainty made her look incompetent and naïve but what else could she hope to do? All she really cared for was to make some coin as Velka had her way with her schemes, like how she was able to scavange enough crystal from the mountains to fund newly commissioned roads in her lands and restock the militia in every of her villages. Nothing astonishing compared to the mastermind pulling the strings in the background though she did her part of personal gain and she was quite good at coming out on top.

"Since news don't travel to academy regularly with the exception of the occasional carriage once a week, I came here to inform you that the Princess of Tristain will be marrying the king of Germainia come the next week." Stunned silence met her. "If you haven´t received an invitation yet than you won´t see much but I could offer Louise and her friends a place to stay to watch the festivities in the capital. Interested?"

Louise choked on her tea, cheeks flushed and eyes teary, a rattling cough shook her small frame.

"Apologies." Her lips brought forth. "I knew of the event through her Highness herself, admittedly, but I forgot that it would happen so soon!" She had barely finished the first line of her speech, dooming her to fail and stutter in front of hundreds if not thousands of nobles from, effectively embarrassing her in two countries.

"It seems to me that little Louise bit off more than she could chew~" The Germainian student chuckled into the fist covering her mouth. "One would think to be a difficult task of teasing you if it weren't for the fact that you do most of it yourself. Though I am quite curious why you would be told before the rest of us."

Feathers flew across the cutlery as the bird raised its wing to rip a at the downs of its black dress, cawing loudly to its right before ducking back down to pick at its own cup. If it weren't for the fact that this thing, its nature seemed to be somewhat different from a normal animal, was controlled by Brimir knew what magic, Scuderi would written the Inquisition. Then again, if that woman kept her end of the bargain then who was she to invoke the wrath of Romalias finest pet dogs and their very rich parents holding the leash.

"It is widely known that the Vallieres value close relations to the Crown; Louise had been chosen as the royal playmate for Princess Henrietta. I´m not surprised that you don't know it, clearly being the foreigner you are, it is a custom more focused on in Albion and Tristain rather than Germania or Gallia." Indeed, politics were a lot less strenuous here than in other countries besides Albion. Gallia especially was quite the opposite, focused on political trials, feuds, plots. Like the merchants with the nobility albeit a lot more overblown in scale, she mused.

"Hmm…" The professor, clearly lost in thought as his eyes scanned the sky, seemed to talk only for himself. "I was planning to go on an expedition in the common days near the mountains of Tarbes, with the coming wedding I can only assume how well stocked the stores will be. Though I would like to go there alone without worrying about a certain someone clinging to the hem of my clothes. I could leave her at the academy, however, I´m afraid that there won´t be many servants around with the holidays coming soon. May I leave her with the rest of you?"

"Professor!" She called while mustering the brightest smile she could muster, hands folded innocently to support her chin; a cheery tone to her voice. "A friend of Louise is a friend of mine; feel free to adventure to your hearts desire. Your friend will be in my care until you return, the mansion is on the eastern outskirts of the capital; on top of the biggest hill near the Ionian Forest." Colbert was considered a luxury among her circles, rich and willing to buy whatever he thinks is usable for his little toys, stunningly worthwhile.

"While I am grateful for the offer." Louise raised her voice after profoundly embarrassing herself, putting the thought in the back of her head. "I already have plans in the capital, a carriage to bring me there as well. As much as it pains to refuse such a kind offer," she tirelessly tried to copy the cheery tone from before, failing to present true interest. "I have different plans already. Though your effort has been duly noted for later reference."

Apparently, Louise was a lot more cunning than she would have given her credit for, or at the very least she was pretended to be. Either way, progress was progress and Karin would never allow her daughters to be just taken over by some young noble, thinking he could influence the Vallieres to be their pawn. Quite similar to every merchant in that regard, never sure of anyone and their motives, waiting for any sign of aggression.

"Now to the meat of this conversation. As I have come to understand, both this woman and this man just appeared out of nowhere after Louise finished her ritual, effectively grabbing them out of thin air. Since she is taken care of, thanks to Colbert no less, this only leaves you, my dear Neit." Why Colbert had decided to do so was beyond her, maybe he wanted a woman to fornicate without going through the trouble of finding who accepts him for his flaws; or maybe some other perversion. What did she care?

"My fate remains my own. I wish not to be tied in shackles once again, left to rot by the decay of time." A cold edge met the words, however, Scuderi really couldn't help but smile at such a weak attempt of a threat. How could anyone take someone serious when their breath smelled of a cookie jar? Granted, that hardened leather armour and the sword with shield added a bit to the warrior appeal but, again, a honey warrior wasn't much of a threat to begin with.

"I understand your decision, believe me this, but you won´t be able to do much without money and help. For example, how would you pay for the repairs of your arms? Where would you find the nearest smith? Do you even know where north is?" This might have been a bit too pushing for Velkas liking, she explained to her days ago that the Undead had a falling out with the gods of Lordran but she, apparently, had nothing to do with it, and thus didn't want to agitate this "Godslayer". Which was actually the reason she only sent a crow.

"I carry enough souls to pay for all my needs and more. Following any road will lead me to a smith of skill and I do not need to know where north is in the heavens to know all I need to survive alone!" Did they consider him a fool? It was not like this would be the first time he would be adventuring. Find a smith, they could be found everywhere these isolated people, to have a way to repair and buy equipment.

"Hold it right there, big guy!" The red head exclaimed, face appearing a lot older than her playful demeanour would led one to believe. "You said ´souls´, right? If you are a slaver, then you won´t be running away freely. Not to mention that you won´t be making friends around here with that attitude." Silence fell upon the small circle, the Undead in confusion, the others in apprehension, before another big craw turned their eyes.

"Slaves are none of his concerns." Droned the monotone voice with a hollow echo, stunning all but one oblivious woman cooing at the sight of the glowing runes on her left hand. "Strong and dangerous but not a threat, treat him like you would a normal stranger and no problems should arise. At least, no more than already occurred, that is." Scuderi never thought that these birds could be used to talk; then again, magic was always very clouded with its rules and uses.

"Alright then, no slaver. But then what are you? Bandit, mercenary, maybe just a well equipped wanderer?" Questions and inquiries, it seemed like this girl didn't really know when to stop or what the meaning of `discretion` was for that matter. Though who could blame her? It wasn't like much happened recently or ever around the academy and the capital.

"Alas, mercenary might be the best title for someone like him. On that note, how about you work for me instead? I know, I know; `my fate is my own` I understood that. What I want is a relationship based on favours, you help me and I help you. For example, a village to the west is complaining that the orcs are raiding their farms. If you help me help them, I will gladly pay your expenses because these lands do not deal with souls but coin. Copper, silver and gold are the currency of the common folk; including you."

That information must have struck deep for a frown appeared not soon after. A pout soon followed after, light making the small stubble on his chin glean as fingers scratched the skin. It was quite intriguing to watch the thoughts develop behind the cloudy, squinting eyes; like a cat trying to catch a fly and being defeated by said insect. Beaten though unable to admit defeat all the while, too bad that she never had the time to care for a pet, far too little moments of peace for that.

"I…I shall agree to your terms. Very well, however, I demand to be given this payment right away, lest you betray me after the deed is done." Hmm. His relaxed posture belied the harshness of his words, didn't even reach for the sword, something she very much came to expect from a man like him. A pleasant surprise if nothing else but she had to show strength in every deal.

"Half of it now and the other half when you finish the job?" A nod answered her quickly. "Good. I assume the repairs of whatever you want to have fixed should be no more than 400 ecú meaning that this is yours." She tossed him a small leather pouch after rummaging through the folds of her dress. "A carriage will be here at noon; be sure to bring-"

"No need for that. I´ll give him a ride, a friend of mine has a dragon and she wanted to go to the capital regardless. If he behaves, we can take him there; no need to trouble yourself or the owner of that familiar." She said, pointing to the crow picking at the remains of a biscuit to emphasize her point.

"What are you planning, Zerbst?" Louise had known this menace for far too long to consider this just a friendly offer or an act of kindness. It was either something lecherous or something absolutely, astonishingly abhorrent to her. Either way, it was no wonder that her family had put her far away from her home to not bring shame on them, truly, she couldn't argue with their logic.

"I would simply like to get to know the guy for a little while before things start calming down around here. Nothing more and nothing less, if he doesn't want to then fine; only offering a hand here." Trying to fake being offended was something Kirche learned at a very young age, influencing anyone willing to listen to her. While fooling Louise was hard, given her natural bias to distrusting her, but everyone else at the table believed her. Then again, she really wasn't lying to begin with either.

"Aid in this mission is appreciated. I will consider this a favour then; though, do not expect much to be repaid." Rising from the table, the Undead left the circle of people and made for the main gate. Now to think about what these "orcs" actually are, why did he never think about such things when the topic was at hand!? Cursed be he for forgetting such an important detail! Regardless, he wouldn't crawl back to them and ask, definitely no, he would just bring a bigger sword than usual.

XXXXXXXX

Tabitha had always considered herself to be a kind person, looking out for options to help people on need and avoiding any possible harm to anyone she came across. Sometimes she thought that she cared too much on the missions to keep her mother safe, she never liked that thought though, her humanity was one of the only things she could still call her own. Keeping it alive along with her family was one of the few virtues she still carried after all.

Today, she felt like she was used for some form of personal gain. Kirche had dragged out of the library, literally since she really didn't want to go on another adventure that involved her crazy motivations, to have her drop of that odd knight at a village before they went to the capital. Granted, she did want to go to Tristania but would she have preferred to go there earlier today to avoid losing out on anything being bought without her knowing about it. Who would want to lose out on their favourite books?

Nevertheless, she didn't complain so they set off on an hour long fly with Sylphid where her best friend talked for the entire time. To be honest, She had thought that maybe the howling winds, the cold, or even the occasional insect risking to be caught inside ones mouth might keep her quiet but to no avail; at least she could barely hear her from her place. Luckily so, she seemed to be asking the man all kinds of questions, be it personal or just for the sake of conversation.

After the job was done, the time it took him she spent reading the third Volume of "Knighthoods greatest honour" while Kirche spoke to the village chief. Apparently, orcs had been terrorizing their settlement, stealing children and farm animals, they had been quite happy with some help being sent their way although they did questions why only one soldier was given them and no mage because she didn't plan to fight.

As it turns out, orcs didn't pose much of a threat to the man; neither club nor spear seemed to mean much to him, something she didn't find it too odd all things considered. Tabitha had seen a lot in her young life, fearies, talking gnomes, vampires, seeing someone tear through green flesh in the blink of an eye was simply just one more thing to add to the list. Still not as impressive as her own talking, transforming dragon but credit where it it due, she thought.

More questions followed soon after although none were any more interesting than the ones she asked before, however, she did get the big gist of things on the way. Louise had, if the scraps of conversation were actually true, the man was a legend of old. Just from a small tale told for children when they wanted to dream about adventure and glory but a legend nonetheless, didn't really make a difference to her in the end.

Arriving at the stables, they were greeted by a small boy in dirty brown clothing with a cap and faded insignia on it. He scurried over to them as quickly as his small legs could carry him along with the bucket in his hands, mud spraying everywhere during his run and water sloshed out of the bucket before he ducked to avoid the wind as Sylphid landed. Rightening the stained vest over his chest, he addressed them all.

"Lady Scuderi sends her regards, Miss. She ordered two cows to be taken to the gates for your dragon, thanking you for your services, Miss." The bucket was carefully planted in reach of the giant maw of her familiar before a big tongue dipped into it with much zeal. "I shall bring them out immediately, Miss. But a moment, please" A bow meant his exit as he rounded the corner to disappear for a little while.

Sure enough, that woman had her fingers in everything and everyone she wanted to. Well, she wouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth when there was no apparent danger or option for poison and it would allow her to feed Sylphid easier this week without having to deal with some angry farmer complaining about her snatching a goat.

A thumping sound made her turn around and see both passengers jumping down to the ground, both stretching their limbs to work out some kinks in their spines. "I still don't understand where this Lordran is supposed to be in." Kirche forced out while bending forward to touch her toes, riding on basically anything made her feel like a klutz and log of wood. "Can´t be in the north with the elves, only desert up there, nothing in the west we know of and the east is just Rub al´kali and there isn't anything similar to what you told me."

"Enclosed by the mountains, far to the north and hidden in the snow. The Northern Asylum shall be where thine pilgrimage shall start to the lands of ancient lords, Lordran." Readying the small leather pouch in his hands, he made for the gate. He would have to return to Scuderi later for the second half of the reward, though, he still had trouble figuring out why anyone would want to pay with round slices of metal when one could carry souls without weight.

"That doesn't help us at all, you know! I told you the first time, we have nothing even remotely similar around here and repeating it just doesn't suddenly make us think its true." She threw up her arms while catching up to his pace, turning around in the process to face Tabitha. "Don't fall behind now!" Shaking her head, she started to head for the town herself, passing the boy with the cows on her way and trying to ignore the bloody squelching that soon erupted from the stables.

The streets were bustling, carriages entering the gates almost immediately after the other, peasants bringing every possible commodity towards the castle district and, as she could tell by a small glance, thieves were to be found as plenty as flowers on a field. Luckily for them, they wouldn't dare to attack the students of the academy in fear of the capitals guard increasing their presence and even less would try their luck on a well armed warrior.

However, she did get unlucky in one aspect. The Tristanian library, one of the most famous in the entire continent of Halgekinia for their vast collection of literature, had planned a big sell of their older versions to order newer versions, but unfortunately it was located on the other side of the city. She liked Kirche a lot, almost unwillingly so, but she cursed that girls ability to have her walk along with every insane plan she came up with; mostly to protect the redhead from herself and her partner she chose that day.

On their way there, a man met them at the stairs to the craftsmen district, implying them to stop for a second to talk to them. Honestly, she had thought the man was going to rob at first although his fine clothing betrayed such an act of violence. He simply handed them a pouch of gold coins before bowing and uttering the same phrase the boy from the stables did that Scuderi sent her regards. That was a sight to behold, a commoner having more influence in the capital of the country that is ruled by mages; ironically humorous.

After a little persuasion by Kirche, the smith, an old man with a beard of a length that rivalled his hammer, was quite sceptic at first as he was told to repair armour that was nothing more than a pile of scrap at this point but agreed nonetheless. Why exactly that man had wanted to repair it at all when that weird box of his could just be used to get another one which was at least just as useable than the former.

They even met Colbert, alone this time, haggling with an old woman for what looked like to be several furs and some salted slices of mutton. She knew of his upcoming expedition and Tabitha was also well aware of the benefits of preserved food and warm furs for the night herself, after all, any trip without them was just pure torture. He noticed them not soon after he handed over the few silvers; far more generous than she would have been.

"Hello there, students!" He greeted them as happily as ever. "What do you think would be better suited for enduring the depths of a mountain? A waterproof tent or rather extra dry wood for a fire? I honestly cannot decide." Finishing with a chuckle, Colbert placed the items from his arms into the leather bag hanging from his left shoulder and flopping it closed with the flick of a wrist.

"A Skull Lantern."

"Really?" Came an exasperated reply from her friend. "I´m not even mad that this comment was absolutely stupid and made no sense, this was actually the first thing you said the entire day that made sense at all. A lantern in a cave….I have had enough for today. If anyone has need of me, we will be at the library." A hand dragged her away, quite fiercely at that, towards the main street.

"Lanterns are no worry of mine, friend. My magic is able to provide enough light for me, where as hides will. Although, a lantern might be something to fall back on during the night or in wider areas." Patting the mans shoulder, Colbert took his leave, apparently trying to locate a lantern in the city for a reasonable prize; leaving the Undead to his own devices.

By the Flames, he thought, why did they treat him so kindly? He wasn't human, unlike them, yet they didn't even care at all for that fact. They didn't even seem to know what being an Undead actually entailed or what threat he could pose to them if he so chose to be. Such trust was uncalled for, even among fellow Undead. All this was so odd but he really couldn´t help but enjoy not feeling like someone would slit his throat for personal gain.

Whether this was good or not would be for time to attest, but no he stood in front of an even bigger problem; what was he to do now? No monster to slay, no new bonfire to seek, there was absolutely nothing presented in his path that would need focus. For the first time, he was without guidance of any kind in a city of souls bustling around him like a river clashing on a stone.

Hmm. What to do now? Seek new dangers in the wilds? Work for more of these coins in this city? Wasn't there anything left to do? All these questions and more plagued his mind, after all, his entire life had been spent looking for something, fighting something or going from advice to someone like the Serpents. Come to think of it, what were these being in the first place? Nothing looked even remotely similar to anything even known by him, by word of mouth or otherwise.

However, Velka might actually know this detail or something that could. Not trusting her was still a measure to be kept, who could tell that she was actually trustworthy, but her knowledge might still ring true; even if her words laced with lies some grain of truth had to be within them. All he had to do was ask for any possible lead on whatever she might have regarding this land or the history of Lordran and then it would be his goal for the time being. Anything would be better than standing around idly without purpose.

Walking into the main street, his ears were assaulted by a crescendo of footfalls and horns being blown in all directions with people rushing past him, pushing him into the stand of a fruit merchant who had long abandoned his post. Shadows drowned the streets in darkness, explosions filling the air as some buildings turned into nothing but rocks and timber in the air. Constructs of wood and steel roamed through the sky.

Deciding to follow the mass of people flowing through all the nooks and crannies of the city, Neit was shocked to experience something like this. Not the explosions or even the few broken bodies on the ground, that something of such size could drift around and defeat the grasp of the earth was almost unthinkable without wings! What was this strange land compared to Lordran when not even their gods were able to do so?

Things would get interesting very soon, he anticipated.

AN: Well, things are changing lately and there isn't that much to say for this chapter so let me just get to the heart of things. As you should know by now, writing feels hard for me, if the story didn't show that already, so I decided it might be better to just turn this into a comic series rather than written form cause I am actually good at drawing! The art style might be a tid bit different than the original ZnT but I decided to make a couple pages first, show you guys and then wait for your feedback. I might continue the comic or just drop it if it isn't liked. Anyways, this story is going to take a little break for now. Ill post a link to the first pages on my profile in a month or so.