More of an animated picture than anything else.
I wanted a way to have more dialog without having to do tons of word balloons.
-> Story Time <-
The monastery was quieter than Edelgard thought possible as she followed the Arch Bishop through the halls of Garreg Mach. The soon to be empress bit her lip anxiously as she reflected on prior events. During a lesson on the church history Edelgard hadn’t been cautious, she had pointed out several irregularities in the historical text. Doubtless some classmate thought it good to tattle. She couldn’t risk any suspicion falling on her especially so early in the year, she needed to lay low for at least a few more months.
“Lost in thought and all alone I see.” Rhea said with a smile, though to Edelgard it looked forced.
“My apologies, admittedly I feel as though I’ve been called for a scolding.” Edelgard said hoping to dissuade any anxiety.
“Not at all, I was told you had questions about the Church and its history.” Rhea explained, opening a door to a secluded study “For one as curious as yourself I imagine the best explanation should be given by the Arch Bishiop herself.”
Edelgard smiled “Thank you your grace I’d appreciate that very much.” she said walking into the room. Her smile dropping as she passed the bishop.
Rhea closed the door behind the two of them bolting the lock quietly. The Arch Bishop was no fool, she knew the student bore her ill will, possibly due to her upbringing, or due to the terrible fate that had befallen her mother. “Well what questions do you bare, I hardly see reason to recount all the many years of history.”
“For starters I’ve found the Church’s emphasis on crest to be very harmful to society.” Edelgard said unable to help herself from asking the questions she bore so readily in her heart.
Rhea made her way across the room, the walls of the study were filled with tomes, this area was for restricted items. Opening a small chest on the book case she withdrew a small crystalline amulet. “Oh what a good question, but before I give you answer, I have something of a treat for you.” Rhea explained flowing back to Edelgard and holding out the necklace.
“A treat?” Edelgard asked confusedly. The necklace was gold chained with a shimmering purple crystal set within. It was nothing spectacular, she had many such jewels in her collection at home, mostly gifts from nobles or suitors, yet something about the way the light shimmered on this one left her.
“For being such a curious student!” Rhea said warmly taking the opportunity to slip the amulet around the student’s neck. It had been almost a century since she had to use a method such as this.
Edelgard took the jewel in hand to study it further, yes the light shimmered off it like it was dancing, and the inside seemed to swirl like a river rapid. How could one craft such an item, was it magic? But Edelgard’s attention was fixed to Rhea’s voice explaining “The Church does limit advances in industry and the arcane, but that is due to the church’s long experiences with such things. We have seen just how devastating certain branches of development can be.” Edelgard nodded as she listened, her eyes trained on the amulet softly caressed in her hands.
“It would hardly due for the Church to allow people to fall into the same pitfall twice” Edelgard said.
“Precisely! Often we must be firm and drastic or else risk the knowledge growing out of control. For instance take that gem, a powerful charm spell is weaved within.” Rhea said smiling, she enjoyed this part.
Edelgard’s blood ran cold “Charm…” she knew the Arch Bishop had just shown her hand, that she was walked into a trap that her military experience couldn’t have forseen. Regardless of all these thoughts a larger, more pressing thought rang clear “Its such a pretty gem.” Her eyes never even left the stone.
“That it is, and while worn it makes the wearer tolerant of… new ideas.” Rhea explained.
Edelgard nodded “That makes sense” already demonstrating the gem’s power.
“For example if I explained that the Church is imperative to Fodland’s prosperity, you couldn’t even muster a counter point.”
Edelgard grew quiet, course the Church slew dissidents, repressed information, ran a hierarchical society but it… it did bring peace and prosperity.
“You know Edelgard people gossip about you, they say you hate the church and especially me.” Rhea smugly stated running a hand over Edelgard’s cheek. Taking note of her glassy stare. “However I never believed those baseless rumors, I knew the truth.”
Edelgard had to fight this, she had to find some way to pry herself away from Rhea. If she just found some way to study the gem more she was SURE she’d find a solution. She just needed to stare deeper, to focus harder, to listen more!
“That you always wanted to be a priestess, that you wanted to serve under me.”
False emotions flooded the royal as she couldn’t bare even contemplate hating Lady Rhea. “How did you know?”
Rhea stifled a laugh, oh this was always so much fun. She had been sure to clear her night, and she looked forward to spending it making sure Edelgard would pose no threat to her ever again. Yes perhaps she could become a useful servant. She was a descendant of Seiros, so in a way that made her a daughter, and Rhea made sure to take good care of her children.