7

Ten years. A decade I'd now lived in this new world. Free from the murderous onslaught of the Covenant. Free from the long reach of ONI, free to be my own individual and live my life as a person. It'd been both excruciatingly long as I yearned to be grown and set off into the world on my mission, and blindingly fast as events sped past me. That's where I found myself on the morning of my tenth birthday, in a haze.

Birthdays in this world were an odd thing. Celebrated only every five years, a person's first three were their most important. At age five, a child was to begin their general education, maybe sent to foster with another family or their extended relatives depending on their social position. At age fifteen, the individual was considered an adult, free to take on responsibilities and begin leading their life as they saw fit. Age ten was an odd middle ground. For the majority of people, this would be the time where they were given away to learn a trade, attend a school, or begin working with their family to develop the skills which they'd use after coming of age.

I found myself in an odd situation as, even if unintentionally, I'd already been given away in that Paul had banished me from his roof. Additionally, I could be considered an adult by some individuals given my status as a contracted tutor and adventurer. These were the thoughts that I pondered upon entering the tailor.

"Ah, good morning Sir Rudeus!" The tailor was a jovial man, heavyset and older. He ran the shop, along with his wife and oldest son. Together, the trio were known for making exquisite pieces of fabric, so much so that they were well known even in the kingdom capital, frequently receiving orders for banquets and balls. "Are you here to pick up your order?" The crux of my visit to the shop.

"Yes please."

He smiled, his full face showing off his rosy cheeks and full set of teeth. "This way then please! We need to check your measurements one more time." He lead me into the fitting room in the back. Once there I stripped and stood as he began measuring. He was efficient, taking measurement after measurement to ensure that my commission would fit. "Hmmm, you've gained an inch and a half in height. Your chest has gotten thicker too. Unusual."

I raised my eyebrow at the man's words. "Will that be a problem?"

"Not at all! You commissioned your outfit on the large size anyways. With your growth it should fit just right!" He finished with a grin. I nodded, redressing as he spoke. "If you'll wait here, I'll have it brought in by my son. Thank you for your patronage!" He left the room, and I was left with my thoughts. There was to be a party tonight, in honor of my turning ten, as well as an unstated reason which was how far I'd advanced under Saruos's tutelage. While I still had more to learn, Sarous had deemed me proficient in the running of a region, and had even given me leave to do so. For the last three months I'd been in charge of Fittoa, handling any local disputes, as well as preparing for the upcoming spring planting season.

Onyx hadn't been the place to learn agriculture, but even I knew enough about it from my previous life. I'd introduced new practices such as crop rotations and crop pairings. None of what I was introducing was particularly groundbreaking, but done in small plots it would allow the development and implementation of new knowledge that hopefully would be passed down onto the next generation of farmers. I'd also contracted artisans in the capital along with the local blacksmith for a construction project. Green houses. It was an expensive upfront cost but long term would allow the continual growth of food throughout the fall and winter months with little upkeep and minimal maintenance once installed. The price of the orders had deterred Philip, and almost made Sarous overrule my decisions, but I was given the trust to do so in the end, using part of my own fortune to fund the project.

A knock came at the door, interrupting my thoughts. "I have your commission Sir Rudeus."

"Enter please."

The tailor's son was built similarly to him. On the heavier side with a happy and round face. He had yet to gain the aged look of his father, but otherwise they could be brothers. In his hands was a mannequin which he set before me, standing back to allow me the time to examine the piece.

It consisted of four main prices, all made out of fine silk except for the undershirt which was made from a gray form fitting linen. Above that was a dark blue dress coat which hooked across the chest with a set of similarly colored straps that bottomed onto the jack. The corners of the cloth ended in gold filigree, contrasting well the dark coat. A set of black boots and black pants made up the bottom of the outfit. The boots were made from high quality leather so as to save my feet from blisters due to a long night of dancing. The pants themselves were breathable to ensure that I wouldn't overheat. The final thing to accent the uniform was a gorget. The gorget was made of polished silver, hanging around the base of my neck. It was held in place with gold plated chains, and on it was the burgundy lion of our house. I'd modified it, adding the crossed tri-arrows and lightning bolt of the UNSC.

"Is it to your liking my Lord?" The son sounded nervous. ' Perhaps he worked on it himself. ' I stepped forward, feeling the soft fabric between my fingers and studying the heraldry. "Yes, it will do well tonight, thank you. Please have it delivered to the castle for this evening." He nodded, accepting the bag of coins for payment of the uniform and delivery.

I left the building, making my way through Roa slowly. I was in no rush, having taken the day for myself following the morning training session with Eris and Ghislaine. I stopped in the open air market, taking a seat on a bench and observing the vendors as they shouted their prices to passerbys, hoping to gain customers. ' Ten years. ' In front of me skipped a child, leading her parents on a merry chase through the market as she zipped between stalls, awed at whatever caught her interest. The sight captivated me as the girl's father finally scooped her up, tickling the squealing child who giggled. ' Would that have been Sasha? Would it have been me? ' I continued to sit and study people. Some waved to me as they passed, knowing who I was from either working closely with the Boreas's or from the guild.

"Can I sit with you, Rudy?" There was the other thing that had occupied my mind the last six months. I turned, seeing Eris standing with one of her guards. She wore one of her spring outfits, long sleeves to cover her arms and legs in case a brisk wind blew in. I nodded, and she slid in beside me, closer than a normal friend would. Our relationship had gone from complicated to convoluted, the catalyst being the night of our battle with the creationist. Since then, she'd often stand closer to me, grabbing and holding my hand when she thought so. The…kisses hadn't stopped either. Chaste ones, stolen in the library, on balconies when no one else was around. Even as the girl pressed into my side, I found myself conflicted.

Socially, it wasn't unheard of family members as close as we were to be paired with each other. Usually it was done because of political reasons, but sometimes it was out of love. ' Not that I'm one for social norms anyways. ' I snorted, amused at the thought of being an outcast again

"Something funny Rudy?" Her voice was soft, melodic to me now. I found myself wanting to hear more of it everyday.

"Oh just thinking is all."

"About what?"

"Just how we're different from them." I gestured out at the people that milled about the market. "It's not a bad thing," I looked over at her, seeing her deep red eyes staring up at me, looking for direction and reassurance. "I think it's a good thing if I'm being honest. They get to live the lives they have because of people like you and I. People who are willing to stand up and defend them." I turned back, finding the family from before. The child now sat on her father's soldiers, smiling as she was carried out of the market. "We live our lives differently than they do, adhere to different norms I guess." I was soft spoken, letting my admiration bleed into my voice as I brought my understanding into the open. Beside me Eris nodded her agreement.

Her hand slipped into mine, warm to the touch as she squeezed my palm in a show of affection, one I found myself returning instinctually. My affection for Eris worried me for two reasons. First, it was obvious I felt close to Sylphie, and I knew that I loved Roxy in some way. Both were very important to me, and by not dismissing or denying Eris I'd only complicated my life further down the line. The other thing that worried me was that we were related. Closely related. My father was Philip's first cousin, Saruos being his paternal uncle, making Eris and I second cousins. I found myself thinking to the future, past my new found mission. Before, I'd had no concept of having a life outside of the violence, rage, and death I'd dealt out but now there was a real possibility of having peace in my life. Of having a family even. ' Seems outrageous when I say it like that. ' I knew there was a chance that if we continued as we were, children were a possibility, children that could have disabilities due to our close relation, and it worried me despite the chances being small.

"Are you excited for tonight Rudy?"

I hummed. The celebration tonight had a dualfold purpose. It was obviously meant to celebrate me turning ten, but it was also meant to introduce me to the midtier nobility. Barons, dukes, mayors even had been invited to celebrate, as well as make introductions between us. They were after all the people who I'd likely lord over once my accession to the head of the house was complete. It was a bold move on Saruos's part, one that opened the door to discreet retaliation from my cousin Luke and his father Pilemon. Whether tonight was a success or not was dependent entirely on my ability to be charismatic and gain their support. I found myself dreading it, politics was not enjoyable for me. "I'm excited to spend the evening with you." I looked down at my cousin, watching as a light blush spread across her cheeks. "I'm excited that I have an opportunity to prove myself to your grandfather and parents that I've been worth their investment."

"You don't have to prove anything Rudy. Grandfather would go to war for you, he sees you like a son. And mother loves you, she's always telling me how hard it will be to find a suitor for me that's as good as you are." A sense of pride blossomed in my chest. I had no care for what the world itself thought of me, I'd work for the betterment of the innocent no matter what they thought. But my friends and family were different. I wanted them to like me, to be proud of their association with me. "And what about your father?" I asked despite knowing the answer.

Her lips set into a thin line as she gazed outward into the crowd. "Well…you know what papa thinks of you." I chuckled. Philip and I were frosty acquaintances at the best of times. Despite years of close relation and working together, we'd been unable to overcome the barrier between us, him thinking that I was some barbarian taking advantage of his household and I thinking that he was a pompous ass who treated people with broad strokes and didn't take enough time to know them. It'd been an interesting dynamic, one that I could only assume would become worse as Eris and I aged and our budding relationship came to light.

"It'll be interesting when this comes out then huh?" I squeezed her hand, feeling hers reciprocate. Eventually we left the bench, making our way slowly to the castle. Eris walked in front of me as we made our way back, occasionally stopping to speak to a vendor or browse some wares on display. ' It'd be nice if we could continue like this. Just her and I… ' The thought stuck with me even as we made it to the castle.

Night came quickly, and with it a host of arrivals and frenzied servants, anxious as they showed guests to their rooms and went about preparations. I was in my room, standing in front of the mirror, observing the clothes I now wore. Within another six months it would be much too small, but currently it fit perfectly. An off sort of anxiety came over me as I looked over myself in the mirror. Spartans II's rarely wore their dress uniforms from what I understood of my previous life. III's were never even issued the uniforms. Being buried underneath black ink due to ONI and having a propensity to die in mass amounts deemed us unworthy of such honors. Standing in front of the mirror, I felt out of place. It wasn't even a uniform, and yet, it felt like one. I hadn't been issued it, hadn't earned it in any sense. Merely commissioned it, but still it felt like a step further away from the shadows of ONI, out into the light. The light where my brothers and sisters should have been honored, held up as heroes of humanity, not the disposable tools they were used as.

"Rudeus."

I shifted, looking over my shoulder in the mirror. There stood Saruos. He was dressed in his formal regalia, looking similar to me except for the red overcoat he wore. His face was patient, waiting for me to answer him. I turned back to my reflection, looking over the imposter that stood before me. The sole remnant of Beta company to find salvation and new life in this strange world. "It feels heavy, like it isn't meant for me." Out of the corner of my eye I saw him nod before approaching. His hand came to rest on my shoulder, the weight being a welcome relief from the burden of my previous life. "That will change my boy. In time you'll adjust, and this will be just another part of who you are. Of who Rudeus Notos Greyrat is." He spoke with certainty, but then again, when didn't he? "You're a leader boy, a good one at that. Think of what you wear tonight as a symbol of the trust the people have instilled in you. It helps me to do so."

' The people's trust huh? ' For a brief second, the image in the mirror shifted. My MJOLNIR stared back at me, imposing and stalwart, ready to face the darkness that awaited it. And then it was gone, Saruos's and I's reflections staring into the mirror. "Thank you, that helps. It will take time but…I can do it."

"I know you can. You're a Greyrat and my nephew. Now come," he turned, striding away from me. "It's time the world met you."

Exiting the room, we made our way towards the great hall where the party was being held. Portraits of the previous Greyrats gazed down upon us as we passed underneath, sitting in silent judgment, almost as though they were deciding whether or not I was worthy. The closer we drew to the antechamber, the more oppressive their stares became, begging, no, demanding that I fold to the pressure of the undertaking before me. I stopped, looking up at the final portrait. Ignasta Greyrat, the founder of our family. She had a hard face, blemished by a lifetime of fighting and warfare that had taken just about everything she had in life. Her expression demanded nothing less than the best. I felt myself standing taller, meeting her gaze as the oppression dissipated, the founder seemingly giving her approval. Thus, I entered the antechamber.

Servants swarmed the room, carrying trays too and from the kitchen, preparing platters of wine, whispering gossip about the nobility present. It ceased as the two of us entered, all eyes on us. A pin drop could be heard in the quiet, before quickly the servants formed into two lines on either side of us, standing at attention. I advanced forward, the door into the antechamber looming ever closer until I stood before it. To either side, the maids reached out and grabbed a handle. They stood waiting for my command as I hesitated on the threshold. Behind me was the past, the weight of my previous and current families gazing at me from the afterlife. In front of me was the future, full of conquest and possibility, ripe with potential to exploit. I breathed deep, Saruos stood next to me. ' Now or never spartan.' I nodded.

The doors were thrown open, demanding the attention of all participants within. "Now introducing our lord! SARUOS BOREAS GREYRAT!" The applause was thunderous, Sarous's reputation as a warrior and a lord preceding him. He made his way down the hall, coming to stand in front of the table which would house the family for gifts and dinner. I followed next, striding into the room, confident in my gait as every set of eyes in the hall found me. "Now introducing the Guest of honor! RUDEUS NOTOS GREYRAT!" The seneschal's voice rang out, announcing my entry to great applause. I advanced, keeping my stride even as the lords and ladies of the room bore down on me, searching for any sign of weakness. ' You'll find none from me. ' I took my place at Saruos's side, studying the hall as I did so.

"Welcome, all of you! Tonight we gather to celebrate my nephew, Rudeus, and his achievements in learning, as his dedication to teaching members of my household. So please! Feast! Enjoy yourselves and take the time to meet my ward!" The reaction was thunderous, the crowd bellowing their approval and elation, discussion quickly resuming. From the side, music began to float into the air as the band began playing their routine. If I was to describe it, lively would be the best word to do so. "They'll come to you in time Rudy." Saruos's voice was low as he spoke to me. "Remember what I've taught you, and be yourself. Most of all my boy, enjoy the evening, it's for you after all." I nodded, watching as he walked away to speak with a lord.

Then I was alone, in a sea of political predators looking for any sign of weakness. ' They'll be sorely disappointed then. ' It'd been made known to us threes just what the twos were meant to be in a different life. Politicians, scientists, leaders who'd rise above due to their superior intelligence and pedigree. Despite being what many in ONI had called cheap knock offs, the nobility here would find themselves out matched. So I began my stalk, prowling around the room and listening to conversations as they happened. Several well wishes and congratulations later I found myself listening being drawn into a heated debate.

"We are the nobility, granted higher and better status! It is the duty of the common man to serve his better, and should we demand more then they must provide it!" The speaker looked to be in his mid thirties, beginning to grow portly with rapidly thinning hair and a face that, while once handsome, was losing its appeal from age and fat buildup.

"It's the duty of the nobility to care for and provide for its people! Without them we wouldn't have any status or wealth so where will you be when your peasantry abandons you?!" The man's opponent was a young woman, blossoming into adulthood. She had rich, wheat color hair that flowed down her back in curly waves. She was attractive, her beautiful features set in a scowl as she stared at the portly noble. Around them camps began to form, people muttering their discontent with the other side even as the rest of the hall fell into a hush.

Glancing around, I found Saruos and another man staring at me intently. My grand uncle's eyes piercing, urging me into action even as the talking began to rise in volume.

"I think perhaps that you both present valid points," looking back I could now see the portly man and beautiful woman looking at me, rage simmering under the surface held back by curiosity and respect to the VIP. "We are given the right to rule over the people by way of our heritage and prestige sir," nodding to the man who let a smug smile settle over his face. "But not so far as you're thinking. Despite being their masters, we must know just how to treat them and ensure their well-being, because like the lady here was saying, who would we be without them?" Now it was the woman's turn to smile. "But we also have to hold them accountable and let them make mistakes."

The room was staring now, the older and wiser nobles listening keenly as I began to speak. "An example if you will; something happens to destroy the crop your peasantry is expected to sell and harvest for food. Plague, fire, animals, whatever may affect them will affect them eventually. If you do nothing, many will starve, and you'll likely be facing a horde of hungry peasants that want food. So, rather than fight and kill them, instilling fear and weakening your support base, you pay for them to have food throughout the winter." Portly looked offended at that, as did many of the nobles, the idea of willingly giving up wealth in such a way being anathema to them, but I continued anyways. "Come spring you now have a healthy and dedicated workforce that is in your debt. It may not happen right away, but eventually there will be a bumper crop, more than what is expected and a good harvest takes place. The peasantry sells it and has extra capital, by rights you can now press and take back a return on your investment." It felt like I was explaining the principles of decency to these people, but it was necessary. "The privileges of being a lord must also be balanced by the responsibilities of being a lord. It's our duty to ensure their lives are long and fulfilling, but also that they give what is reasonably expected of them."

The two were silent for a time, their camps having wandered off and the party resuming in the wake of the discussion. The man having been shamed looked down. "Forgive me Lord Rudeus, I did not mean to cause a scene at your celebration," he looked at the young woman "and forgive me lady Hartwood, you made excellent points. Perhaps I need to reevaluate my stance, and my lands." I nodded to the man, leaving quickly as the woman chided the man. Dipping between groups I would speak quietly with the people there, ensuring I was seen and made known to the nobility. Finding myself next to a servant I accepted a glass of wine and began sipping the crimson liquid as I surveyed the hall.

"An excellent demonstration of your political prowess Rudeus, excellent indeed." His voice was suave, and had it been any other person I might have been willing to entertain them, This man however? "But I expect nothing less of my little cousin who I've heard so much about."

"Luke."

"Ahh, so you do know me then." Turning, there was a smile on his face. He was just as I had seen him when I spoke with Anima. His face was well made, symmetrical as it was with blond hair swept backwards. His blue eyes were piercing, staring down at me as the smile that rested on his face didn't reflect in them. "It fills my heart with joy to meet you Rudeus, after all, you have a growing reputation as someone reliable and that can be trusted." He paused, the smile no longer on his face as he leaned closer to me, eyes that danced with madness as he whispered. "Are you? Are you a man who is reliable and can be trusted?"

It was clear that I was on eggshells as he stared me down, with little room to maneuver. "I suppose that depends, cousin."

"Oh? And pray tell, it depends on what?" There was a hard edge to his voice now. His hand thumbed the sword on his regalia, one I had hoped to be nothing more than for show.

"On whether or not you're deserving of my trust and effort, cousin." my magic began to bleed into my voice as the tension began to spark. This was by far the worst place this could have happened, but I was willing to play his game. 'Kurt did once say something about fucking around and finding out afterall.' "Oh, I think we're going to find out, aren't we Rudeua?" The smile returned now, ugly and full of rage. I could only imagine the whispers of the enemy poisoning his mind as we began our battle, telling him terrible lies and enhancing his skills. His hand came to rest fully on the pommel of his sword. My magic sang, a song of death and fury ready to unleash itself onto him.

Fate, as it were, denied us battle on that day.

"Rudeus! I have someone I would like you to meet." Sarous came to stand behind me, his hand resting on my shoulder. "Someone worthy of your time." The insult stuck as Luke's face turned ugly, a harsh snarl on his lips and fire in his eyes as we stared each other down. A full minute passed, Sarous's hand tightening on my shoulder as the indecision of battle hung between us. Grunting, I reeled my magic back in, allowing the air between us to breathe and allowing the weight to lift. "I'll be seeing you in time Luke, don't you worry about that, but I want you to think about this." I leaned close to the older boy's face, letting the machine bleed back into reality. "Are you sure you want to play this game? It's one of life and death, and I can assure you, I am well acquainted with death." A spark of fear flashed across his eyes for a moment as he backed up, only a small swallow indicating that he was nervous to the untrained eye. "Food for thought Luke. Enjoy the party." Only then did I let myself be guided away from my cousin, the whispers of attendees and servants rampant as we moved on.

"Are you alright my boy?" Sarous's voice was quiet and probing. "I had no knowledge that Luke would be here or that…there would be so much animosity between you two."

"I am okay Uncle. Luke is playing a dangerous game, one that I don't think he realizes is as dangerous as it is." The words tasted sour in my mouth, even as I recalled my conversation with Anima. "I have no desire to wage war upon my family, but if he comes for us, I'll be forced to respond." I looked up, staring at my mentor, hoping that he wouldn't deny me this. His face was hard, unresponsive before the man sighed, age seemingly weighing on him. "I understand Rudeus. I don't know the whole story, but I'd ask that you take into account that Luke is not his father, and he's a good young man. Misguided, but then again so was I and so was your father. Keep that in mind as you deal with him."

"I will, uncle." 'Maybe he can be saved, but he needs an attitude adjustment first…'

"Good, now come, I want you to meet one of my oldest friends."

The night wore on in that manner until all that remained were the servants, the family, and myself. We had moved from the main table to a smaller one, with myself at the head, Eris on my right and Ghislaine on my left. Around the table sat Saruos, Philip, and Hilda. The mood was much more relaxed from earlier, the forced smiles having given way to genuine smiles and happiness, or in the case of Philip forced resignation. "Now! Onto the main event of the evening!" A small chuckle blossomed from me as Sarous's booming voice shook the glasses around us. "Seeing as the boy is my ward, it shall be my gift that he opens first! Darla! Bring it here please." A bunny beast person came forward, smiling happily at Saruos as he accepted the small box into his hands. I almost snorted as she blushed crimson when his hand brushed hers, it being an open secret she was his lover. "Rudeus," he passed the box to me, "Open it, please."

Nodding, I carefully undid the wrapping, being careful not to damage it as I did so. Finally freed, I opened the hinged box and stared. Inside lay a silver ring adorned with the family signet, a wolf with beast wings surrounding it. 'A signet ring….a very powerful symbol indeed.' I was no longer the bumbling fool I had once been when it came to the political ambitions of my family. "Uncle…Saruos this is…a very heavy offer." He offered no rebukes to my statement. "I'm well aware of that Rudeus, and it's why I'm giving you the choice of whether or not to accept." He drank from the glass of wine he'd been nursing. "Do not feel obligated to accept, but with this you would be an official member of the Boreas branch. I do not extend the offer lightly, I have thought it over at length. But," the glass sat down, quiet as the rest of our family was, "I can think of no better or deserving young man. You've come far, and will go even further Rudeus I have no doubt. That ring is a symbol of where you come from, and who will always be there to support you." I looked down at the polished silver. It was exquisite, hand crafted and made with love and care. 'It wouldn't surprise me if he made it himself.'

Carefully, I removed the ring from the box and slowly slipped it on my left middle finger. It fit snugly, butting up against my knuckle at the base of the finger. "It's heavy."

"They always are, but we're Greyrats, and we're more than willing to bear the weight my boy." I looked up into his face. It showed nothing but approval, even as his eyes flickered to Eris and back to me. 'He knows then.' I looked back down at the ring and back at him as the realization dawned on me. 'This is his giving of approval and a way to legitimize her and I. Clever old man.' Swallowing the lump in my throat, I nodded. "Thank you uncle, this means a lot to me."

"The ring will grow with you, ensuring that you never need to have it resized." He added as a final measure.

"Us next!" Hilda cooed at me as she scooted in. "We don't have anything as nice as that unfortunately," The face Philip was making made it seem like he would rather have given me manure than anything, "But we do have this for you Rudy!" She quickly pushed a bound leather packet towards me. I took the packet and undid the binding, opening it and revealing the paperwork inside. Glancing through the velium and paper, I quickly became puzzled. "A deed?" Looking up at the two, Hilda was giddy while Philip looked back curiously. "Despite my…misgivings with you, you've done well for the people of Fittoa, Rudeus. Hilda wanted to reward you, and while I could think of nothing to give you, she reminded me of this piece of property that we have owned but has not been used since before even my father was lord." He paused there, thinking over his next lines carefully before speaking again. "I had thought to give it to one of my sons but…as they are no longer with us, it deserves a steady and experienced hand." His tone was solemn.

Word had come earlier in the year that Ezikiel and Mathias, Eris's brothers, had been lost in a patrol thirty miles outside of the capital. Eris, despite not knowing her brothers having been born after their forced wardship with the Notos branch had taken it especially hard, hoping to one day meet the first and second born of her parents. I looked back to the deed in my hands. 'Perhaps he and I aren't so estranged afterall.' "Thank you, both of you. I know this must have been hard for you two to gift to me. I'll make sure the lands are stewarded well and taken care of. For Ezikiel and Mathias's sake." Hilda gasped, tears in her eyes as she nodded. Philip sighed and smiled. "We know they will be. They're in good hands."

I sat back, and looked at Eris. She was smiling at me. "Ready for your final present Rudy?" her voice was coy. 'Must be pretty good then if she's acting like this.' I nodded at her. "Okay, you have to close your eyes while Ghislaine goes and gets it, okay?" I acquiesced, leaning back into the chair and closing my eyes. "And no peeking!" I smiled as the family and servants chuckled, letting myself rest as the stress bled from me. 'This has been nice. One day, I'll make sure to repay them, they've done so much for me.' In front of me I could hear some soft clanking and jingling as the present was set before me. "Okay Rudy, you can open your eyes now."

Doing so, I beheld the item before me. I looked at the two women, Eris was squirming, Ghisliane leaning backwards in a chair. I turned back to the gift and reached out, taking the sheathe in my hands and feeling the weight of the sword in my hands. It came smoothly from its holding place, revealing the well oiled surface and sharp edges of blade. Holding it out before me, I began inspecting it. It was a longsword, meant for two handed combat, but even now with my accelerated growth and strength it easily rested in one hand. The surface of the blade shown, highlighting a dark blue streak down the middle of the blade accented by the forge lines where the steel was folded on itself. Flipping it around in my hand, I examined the pommel and guard as well. The pommel was fitted with a dark blue sapphire that shown in the light. The guard was also engraved. 'I didn't think Latin existed in this world, but here we are.' "Fortis Praesidio…The strong protect."

"Ghisliane and I know you like learning other languages, and well we thought…we thought it was fitting. Do you like it Rudy?" Carefully, I took a few swings with the blade, testing its weight in action as I admired the blade. "It's beautiful, Eris. Thank you." Her eyes lit up as I spoke quietly, a small smile coming to rest on her face. "And thank you Ghislaine, I'll make sure that it's used well." She smiled and nodded at me.

"The gem in the pommel is conducive to magic. I know that you've been training to wield magic in fights, so this should make it easier. Now you don't have to wield a wand or a staff and can go on the offensive." Letting a grin take over my face at the thought being to let my mana go wild in the middle of a fight, I chuckled. Staring at the blade, the blue streak in the middle of the blade brought forth a question to me. "Does it have a name?" Neither of the women answered, shaking their heads that it did not. Humming, my attention returned to it. 'Swords have names right? The important ones at least…' A memory came to me then, decades past when we were named the sword of earth and her colonies. "Custos, I'll name it Custos, meaning guardian."

"A good choice." Saruos's voice rumbled from the other side of the table. The night ended quickly after that, all of us being tired from the day and long festivities. I was the last to bed, ensuring that the servants didn't have too much work to do and that all was cleaned up. Restlessness ate at me as I walked the long hallways towards my room, the encounter with Luke playing on my mind. 'I don't want to hurt him. I don't know him, but he's just a tool in someone else's plans, no different than I was as a spartan.' I grunted at the thought of comparing my tortures to his conditioning. Both were evil but on different scales and at the opposite ends of the spectrum. Entering my room I quickly began to undress and opened the door to the balcony, letting the cool spring air in. 'Still, he doesn't deserve death. I'll have to speak with Anima somehow, figure out how to get him out from under the enemy's thumb.'

Slipping into bed, I attempted to rest, allowing the stress of meeting so many people to bleed from my body. 'I've faced covenant armies before without so much as a thought but can't deal with social functions, seems disgraceful.' Sighing, I rubbed my face and groaned, wanting to fall asleep and slip into the inky blackness of night. I was yanked from that dream when the door quickly opened and shut, a body slipping under the covers and scooting next to me. "Eris?"

"Yes Rudy?" All of my resistance crumbled under the innocence in her voice. Her nightly visits were always late, I'd found myself waiting for them more and more.

Sighing, I moved to allow her more room on the bed which she greedily took. Feeling her arms wrap around my chest, I quickly found myself falling asleep. 'It's much easier when she's around. I never slept this well even when Sasha was nearby.' Feeling her head rest on my pec, I slipped into darkness.

"Happy birthday Rudeus."