Grimoire

“No. Absolutely not!” Mary yelled. Both her and Aria were gathered around a small table. On it was a map of the nearby area.

The Easennian troops were tired. What remained of them were currently being treated by their medics, along with volunteers from the town. Currently, they were occupying the small border town of Toulac. This town served as an important mining area on the western edge of Easenna. According to their intel; both forces supporting the current Easennian administration and a group of soldiers from Albion were coming to annex it.

Aria and the rest of the Loyalist faction were effectively trapped. Even with their forces of around 1500, the enemies outnumbered them by more than double. Best case scenario was for the remaining troops to escape, reintegrate into society, or flee towards Albion as refugees. The worst scenario was being turned into a prisoner of war, sent to a labor camp, or hung for treason. Assuming they weren't killed in battle first.

Aria Corvo understood all these factors. However, unlike the rest of her troops, she had a target on her specifically. Due to her name, Aria knew the enemy troops would focus on her during the battle. This meant she could at least buy time for the rest of the troops to escape. A plan that Mary didn’t approve of.

“I understand your concerns, Mary. But I can’t just run away and let these people die! At the end of the day, they're primarily here to hunt me.” She explained. “If I’m alone, I’d rather you all escape than die in a pointless battle we cannot win.”

Aria was dressed in a waist-length blue military overcoat, dark leggings, and black knee-high boots. Her blue hair was braided along the sides, meeting in the back with a small knot. Strapped to her hip was a military saber with gold plating along the hilt and black wings carved into it. The Corvo family, otherwise known as the Ravens of Easenna were one of the oldest swordsmen families in Easenna. A title that solely belonged to her now.

Mary frowned. Aria was always reckless but to try to fight an army on her own is insane even by her standards.

“My Lady, I’m sworn to protect you. My family has been loyal to yours for so long, even outside of that you're like a sister to me. I'm begging you to reconsider. We’d be better off surrendering the town and trying to escape. They will kill you!” Mary enunciated each of the words to try and get her point across.

Aria closed her eyes in frustration. “I can’t just abandon these people. The soldiers, the townspeople, even if Albion captures this territory as their own, they'll always be Easennian. Abandoning the territory would be abandoning everything I stand for." Aria didn't want to mention but she'd also be betraying her promise to her father.

Unlike the other battles, their group was losing places to run. It was only a matter of time before they were all dead or captured. Despite most of Easenna's military being defeated, as well as Albion controlling their government, there were still areas of the country resisting the occupation. Aria figured the least she could do is buy her troops enough time to escape.

Mary sighed, a sad smile formed on her face. She knew there was no convincing her. Aria was often stubborn when she felt she was right. “I know you can’t abandon your people. Just the same, I can’t abandon you either. I promised your parents I’d protect you.”

Aria returned her smile as she wrapped her cloak around her shoulders. Draping her was a long, black and dark-blue colored hooded cloak. Its material resembled bird feathers and reached her legs. Her father gave it to her as a gift when she first got conscripted. “I’ll do everything in my power to protect everyone."

Even if it costs me my life.

The first thing Aria noticed when she opened her eyes was the sun. It had been a while since she last saw it. Her eyes had grown so used to being in the dark, she was surprised by the intensity. The second thing she noticed was that she was in a bed...

Jumping to her feet, she verified her clothes were still there. In fact, her gown looked not only repaired but now reached her ankles. Her legs and broken hand didn’t hurt as badly, her hand was even wrapped with gauze. Around her was a bright white trench coat. The same one from last night.

So it wasn’t a dream. She thought to herself. As Aria recalled everything that happened, she felt her body tremble as she covered her face with her hands. The memory of Mary still fresh in her mind. She felt her heart break as her final memory of Mary was in that cell. After everything that had happened, it finally set in that Aria was truly alone. Aria decided she needed to focus on figuring out what happened instead. She'd drive herself insane with grief if she didn't do something. Looking at the nightstand, she noticed a small sheet of paper.

You had a fever. There's a shower and some clothes on the dresser. I guessed your size so I may need to buy something better. I should be in the hall if you need me

Espoir

She almost laughed at his terrible handwriting. The words were crudely written in the center of the page, didn't stay in the lines, and some of the letters were larger then others. It looked like a child wrote it. Looking at the clothes, Aria assumed they would fit. He also left some fresh bandages for her. For someone who tried to destroy the world, the Silver Grimoire was surprisingly kind.

This was probably the cleanest Aria had been in awhile. Between all the battles and her time as a prisoner, she had a newfound appreciation for something as simple as a shower. She was able to clean all of the dirt and dried blood off her. Her clothes were similar to what she’d normally wear. It was simple white frilled blouse and a pair of grey pants.

Walking into the hall, Aria looked around to try and find Espoir. The inn's hall was completely empty. As she sighed, the chair beside the door began to move on its own. Slightly startled, Aria jumped back. A boy with black-red hair slowly got up. He had been sleeping like a cat.

“Oh! You’re awake.”

“D-do you always sleep like that?” She asked, amazed any human could find that comfortable.

It took Espoir a moment to register what she was talking about. Stretching for a moment, Espoir shrugged as he cracked his neck. “It's surprisingly comfortable, plus I figured you'd probably prefer not waking to a stranger in your room.”

Looking at the girl's clothes, Espoir allowed himself a small smile. “I had to guess your size. I hope they aren’t uncomfortable on you.”

“No, they fit fine." Aria shook her head. "I’m surprised you were able to buy them on short notice.”

“Buy?" Espoir raised an eyebrow. "I just transmuted some fabric I had around. I never made women's clothes before so it was a little tricky to figure out. Still better than spending money though." Espoir explained, much to her bewildered reaction.

"Anyway, want some food?”

Espoir was amazed how much the soldier could eat! So far she’d dragged him to over ten different food stalls. Much to his wallet's displeasure… Then again he did say he would pay for it. Given she likely didn’t eat much during her time as a prisoner, Espoir figured he could survive being slightly broke for a bit. If nothing else she seemed to be enjoying it.

Sitting on a nearby park bench, both of them had a crepe from a nearby vendor. Funny enough, the vendor had immigrated to Ashmore from Easenna. As Aria downed her crepe, Espoir could tell she had some things on her mind.

“I’m sorry, by the way.” He said. His tone turned serious.

Aria turned to him, confused at the sudden apology. “What for?”

“Well, Blackwell was found dead. Apparently he killed himself after he escaped." Espoir said solemnly. He shook his head before continuing. "I just assumed you'd been the one who wanted to do it. Besides that, I feel sorry for not arriving sooner. Maybe your friend wouldn’t have died if I got there quicker..."

Aria leaned back on the bench. Of course she wanted to kill Blackwell. That man had assaulted, mutilated, and killed her best friend. She could still hear the sounds of Mary echoing through the hall. Blackwell had also personally tortured Aria, along with wanting to turn her into a grimoire user and do God knows what afterwards. To say she wanted him dead would be an understatement.

“I don’t blame you. It was thanks to you that I’m not in a cell right now." Or a grimoire user.

Aria still didn’t know what to think of the Silver Grimoire. Despite everything he did for them, he still wished he did more? Turning her thoughts back to Blackwell, Aria felt slighted that he got away. “Even in death he managed to avoid justice.” She mumbled.

Espoir looked back at the strange girl. “Do you regret not killing him in the moment?”

Aria thought about it back then. It had been so tempting to kill him right there, instead she chose to find Mary. She wasn’t sure if it was regret or simply dissatisfaction that he escaped her. Would she feel complete if she had killed him? “Part of me wishes I did it when i had the chance, yeah.”

Espoir hummed in thought for a moment. “This is my personal belief, but I don’t know if revenge would have been worth it.” Aria looked at Espoir as he stared off at the horizon, he had a neutral expression as if he was thinking about something else. “Looking back it's easy to wish it played out perfectly, but I think giving that girl her final moments with someone she loved is something special. Some people go their entire lives regretting not being there for someone they cherish. Revenge on Blackwell might feel right and very much deserved. But if you chose revenge and she died... That's the kind of thing you regret for the rest of your life. I guess what I'm saying is that I think you made the right call. If nothing else because you got more time with her right?"

Aria couldn’t argue against that. If she had chosen to kill Blackwell and Mary died without a proper goodbye, she wouldn’t forgive herself. Even now it felt surreal that someone she grew up with and was beside her all her life was now gone.

“So who are you exactly? I keep mentally referring to you as ‘soldier’ and ‘blue haired girl I gave my coat to." Espoir chuckled.

Aria's eyes widened. She had forgotten Espoir had no idea who she was outside being a solider for Easenna. After everything that had happened, Aria figured she could be honest with who she was. “Aria of House Corvo.” She replied. She had said that exact phrase countless times now.

Espoir raised an eyebrow. “Corvo? As in that Corvo.”

“Correct.” The blue-haired girl lowered her gaze. Being from a now infamous family, Aria understood that most people would react to her name either shock or scorn. Especially in the nation she fought against. Even before the war, she was used to people to having an interest in her for her family's status and history. Unexpectedly, Espoirs eyes lit up excitedly at the news.

“No way! Now I feel a bit silly being so casual with a noble!” He laughed, either unaware of the implications or just not caring.

Is he mentally well?!

First he’d done all of this for her, now he isn't phased about who she is?! Most of this country would want to see her head on a pike! Even if he was the Silver Grimoire, why would he react to her with interest? If anything her obligation as a swordswoman would be to kill him since he's a grimoire user! The Silver Grimoire. Among the many questions she had for him, one stuck out the most. “Why did you help me? No. Why are you still helping me?!”

“Because you needed help?” Espoir said bluntly, like that was obvious.

Aria jumped to her feet. “But why do all of this for a complete stranger?! You must have some reason!”

No rational person, Silver Grimoire or otherwise would do all this without some kind of reason. Maybe he wanted information. He might’ve recognized her family this whole time and was playing dumb to trick her. It's not like there are a a lot of soldiers from Easenna who have blue hair and green eyes! Hell, I’d even accept it if he said he was after me for my body! Any reason would make sense!

Thinking for a moment, Espoir shrugged. "I got nothing."

Aria glared at him, unwilling to accept his answer. Raising his hands up defensively Espoir scooted away slightly. “Honest! I got word of a grimoire user posing as a priest in the area. it just so happened that I showed up when he was with you.”

“I couldn’t... No, I didn’t ask for help though!” Aria hated to admit it but in the moment she had wished someone would save her. The fear she felt, the desperation. It felt convenient that something as mythical as the Silver Grimoire would just so happen to arrive in her time of need.

“You had a look in your eyes that screamed you needed help.” He finally admitted.

Aria looked at the grimoire user trying to get a read on him. She returned to bench as Espoir continued his explanation.

“I hate that I recognized it is all... That helpless feeling of being trapped, never knowing if you’ll one day be free or if you just have to live in hell forever. Feeling as if dying right then and there would be mercy.” The grimoire user had a sad smile on his face, seemingly recalling something. “Of course, I’m talking about someone else! My life's relatively simple compared to others. To tell you the truth, I do find it interesting that you’re from such a revered family. But I'd have done the same for any person regardless of their nation or standing. Nobody deserves to live like that."

Seeing the sincerity on his face, Aria wondered just what kind of life the Silver Grimoire had lived.

“That grimoire of yours, is it really the one from the story?” She asked.

Espoir nodded as he rematerialized his grimoire. Its pages still looked the same as Aria remembered it last night. “Yup.”

"You don't look that old..."

"I'm eighteen!" Espoir snapped. Clearly annoyed by the comment. “Honestly, it’s not all that impressive. I could get a child to use it with enough time.” Aria watched the book with interest before he dematerialized it.

“Then why hunt other grimoires? Aren’t they like you?" Aria found it odd that someone her age had that book. More curiously, why did he hunt grimoire users when they'd likely ally with him just knowing he had the Silver Grimoire.

“That’s a bit complicated.” He said. Noticing the expectant look in her eyes, Espoir realized she wanted him to elaborate. “I’m going to assume you know a bit about grimoires given your history.”

Aria nodded. “They’re created when someone turns their back on humanity and willingly accepts an Eldritch into them.” She recalled learning about them during her studies in the military. Swordsmen of Easenna are all taught about grimoires as a precaution and to use lethal force if they come across them. Eldritch were different, only the highest military personnel could be authorized to handle them. Outside of her father and some of the other great families, Aria didn't know anyone else capable of handling them. Last night had been her first time encountering one.

“Throughout the continent, there's been an increase in sightings of grimoires alongside more Eldritch attacks. It just so happens that most of them are located in Albion. Anyway, I travel to search and prevent them from hurting people. Ironically the ‘book that destroyed the world’ is the perfect counter to them.” Espoir laughed. "I had hoped to find out how Blackwell got his grimoire. He had no history of using magic so I think someone may have given it to him and wanted him to make more."

“You’re a kind person.” Aria said without thinking. Unlike me.

“Huh?” Espoir's eyes widened. He was caught off guard by the comment.

“You live your life saving all kinds of people.” Aria couldn't help but envy it. A soldiers job was to defend and kill for their countries interests. Even if you're fighting for your people, you're expected to kill without fail. Unlike her, Espoir had no obligations and had freedom to help anyone wanted.

“I wouldn't envy my life. I still experience my share of suffering." Espoir said. "What are you planning to do now?”

Aria sat in silence. If she tried to return to her country she’d either be recaptured or executed for treason by their current government. She could flee to another country, but then what? She had no connections, no idea if any of her family was still alive, nothing. Albion was a large country but what would happen if someone in the military recognized her? Would they want her to stand trial? Kill her on sight? They may try to sell her off again.

“I have no idea what I should do.” She admitted. “I can’t return to my homeland. I have no information on where my family is, that’s if they aren’t dead.” Aria tensed up at the thought that she might be the only one left. Last she heard, her remaining family were fleeing to a neighboring country, but that was over a year ago. If they got caught they’d have been executed by now.

“So this is how it feels.” The Silver Grimoire closed his eyes before letting out a soft laugh. “Well. I can’t just leave you out to dry.”

Aria looked at him in confusion as Espoir got up. “Of course, I’d be happy to pay for wherever you want to leave to. But if you have no idea what to do, you can always come with me.”

Aria’s looked at the Silver Grimoire in disbelief. We’ve barely known each other for less than a day and he’s offering me to come with him?! "Are you insane?”

“Not clinically speaking.”

As she struggled to form a response, Espoir stretched his arms up. “I can’t guarantee anything, of course. But there’s a non-zero chance I’ll stumble across something related to your family. I travel around a lot so it's not impossible.” Glancing back at Aria, Espoir could tell she wasn’t prepared for his offer. Naturally anybody would be caught off guard by someone they just met offering to travel with them.

“I understand not wanting to accept that kind of offer from a stranger though! We’ve barely known each other for an afternoon. I get it if you don't want that either.” He added quickly.

Aria thought back to when she first learned she was going to join the war. Her father naturally objected to the decision, however, of his five children she was one of the three to be skilled with a sword. along with being the only one of his daughters with any interest in swordsmanship. In the end, Aria's father allowed her to join the military. That strange calling welled inside her with Espoirs offer.

Aria was naturally distrustful of him, of course. He was a grimoire user, the Silver Grimoire no less. She couldn't trust him completely. “I don’t understand you. I have nothing I can offer you besides my sword.” Given both her dominant hand and her legs were currently damaged, Aria couldn’t properly fight right either. Espoir must've noticed that since he applied first aid to her.

Espoir shook his head slightly before getting up. “I told you, didn't I? I don’t really care about all that. Plus I feel somewhat responsible. You and your companion were unwillingly dragged into this mess with grimoires and Eldritch. I can't just do nothing.”

Aria thought about Mary, her father, the rest of her family, and even her country. She wondered how they’d feel hearing that she agreed to travel with the Silver Grimoire. Would they understand that decision? Would they feel betrayed? If any of her family was still out there, would the news even reach them?

Regardless of her uncertainty around Espoir, Aria knew her answer. Her nation was destroyed because they were blamed for the Eldritch. Aria knew that was untrue and there must have been another reason behind the war. Maybe following Espoir would lead her to that truth. It's not like she had that many options.

“I’ll do my best to assist you in your fight.” Aria swore. Espoir seemed surprised by her answer, almost like it never occurred to him she'd actually accept it. Despite being caught off guard, he had a small but content smile. “I’ll do everything in my power to help you find your family.”