Chapter Text
Proximity to the clouds makes for nasty rain in the Somniel — this is something Rhea has learned the hard way.
In the past, she never disliked rain. In fact, she used to love it, especially when it would storm. There was nothing better than cozying up inside with a warm drink and listening to the sound. She still remembers Cethleann curling up at her side, as wide-eyed as a little dragon could be, asking silently yet desperately for her favourite auntie to please, please read her a story. It was her favourite way to block out the sound of the clouds' hammering. Admittedly, it was Rhea's, too. Even as time crawled on, and the world demanded that she break away from Cethleann and Cichol — soon to be called Flayn and Seteth — she held onto those happy memories. She held them tight for comfort, to think of when every day seemed harder than the last. At times it felt like there was no limit to the greed with which humans could weigh down her kind, and she needed to retreat into those memories… she would never have imagined that someday, she might be in a position to make memories like those again, but that was long before she came to Elyos.
With such fat rain drops — the kind that soak your shoes and make your garments cling to you — it's hard to like the rain in the Somniel, but the young girl gripping her hand tightly as they run through the floating castle makes it all feel a little bit better.
Veyle is what Elyos calls a "Fell Dragon". Where Rhea's home continent of Fódlan boasts an intolerance to dragons of all kinds, Elyos finds itself with more of a prejudice in preference of the variety of dragon. A Fell Dragon, she's learned, is a disliked dragon. Veyle, both her brothers, and her sister are all dragons of this kind. They are considered to be the type that don't even bother to stab someone in the back, but stab you right in the eye and then laugh about it.
But Veyle is not like that. Alear, Rafal, and Nel… none of them are like that, either. It's a farce, Rhea knows, and it was not one she believed when she first heard the rumours. After all that those at home said about the Nabateans, how could she? These dragons are everything anyone could wish to be. They held strong to their beliefs in the face of animosity, and fought to become heroes of their realm with their own faith in their ability to do good. If Rhea could ever hope to be anything, she would hope to be something like Veyle. She loves every minute she spends with the girl, even in such terrible conditions as the rain.
"Oh gosh, I'm so sorry, Rhea!" Veyle half-giggles, not sounding all that sorry as she tugs Rhea along through the rain, her bare feet almost causing her to slip on the cobblestone as she tries to run. Oh, Veyle. She and Seteth have already tried to have a conversation about putting on a pair of shoes, but apparently, it is nothing in comparison to the feeling of the grass beneath her feet. Rhea, of course, can only think about the mud and the grass that are now stuck to them. "I didn't think it was going to start raining so suddenly!"
Rhea sighs — not meanly — and shakes her head. "I'm merely relieved I had the good sense not to wear white today."
The clouds had looked daunting this morning. It had seemed a natural choice, especially considering Veyle had invited her out to play with the Farmyard animals. There were more than a few cats that had developed a habit of dropping themselves into their laps, and they had a tendency to not care about whatever dirt they brought. One cat (which Veyle had named 'Zelda') had developed a particular habit of rolling around in the dust. It had just seemed smart, in the same way that running to Sommie's Grotto seemed smart right now. That is, Rhea assumes, where Veyle is leading her right now. When the rain gets going, it is her favourite place to be.
Rhea can't say she doesn't understand it. It's already a beautiful place, especially in the rain, but it is also home to one of the most adorable dogs Rhea has ever seen… Well, to be honest, she's not really sure that Sommie can be called just a dog, but it doesn't act like a godly guardian as far as she's seen. It mostly follows Alear around, stopping only to beg for snacks or head scratches from the other members of the Somniel. She can imagine the two of them have probably taken shelter somewhere now, waiting for all of the intensity to pass. As thunder roars above them, Rhea is nothing but grateful as Veyle's quick thinking swings them into the mouth of the Grotto.
Veyle releases Rhea's hand the moment they meet with shelter, panting. Somehow, Rhea thinks the fact that they rain here made her even wetter… Not that she would ever tell Veyle that. When was the last time that she got to run in the rain with such joy? Not since she was a child, she imagines. Watching Veyle trying to recover her breath, she can't help but laugh. As a magic user first and foremost, she's not as used to running long distances like Rhea is. Even after all of these years, she still tries to stay in shape.
"I don't think that rain even started with a pitter-patter," Veyle remarks. Rhea nods in agreement.
"It was more of a sudden whap!"
Veyle laughs at her description. "All those poor animals. They seemed so confused about what was happening… But at least they let us usher them back into the farm house."
"And then you were kind enough to usher me into the Grotto," Rhea snickers. "Maybe I'm like the little animals, too. Although I hope Sommie doesn't mind sharing its grotto with one more."
Veyle opens her mouth to respond, but a cheerful bark cuts her off before she can say anything. Turning to look at the sound, they see none other than Sommie barreling forward, being trailed behind by a somewhat sheepish Alear.
"Hey!" Alear greets, running up to meet them. "I guess Sommie was right when it tried to tell me it heard some friends."
Veyle scoops up Sommie in an instant, cuddling it close. The creature kisses her chin happily in response, barking its delight at her arrival. The love story between Alear and Sommie is great, but one should never deny Sommie's fondness for Veyle, either. If Alear is gone, Veyle is the one he trails after, treating her with the same respect as any other Divine Dragon. With a smile at them, Rhea turns to focus her attention on Alear.
"How are you, Divine One?"
Alear gives her a bit of a look, a mix between amused and exasperated. "Just fine, Immaculate One."
Rhea snorts and rolls her eyes. She always forgets that Alear prefers she not call him 'Divine One', given they are dragons of relatively equal status, but she cannot help her habits. Having once been Archbishop and the leader of a school that housed many nobles, titles are something that has become second nature to her. It's hard to shake what has been so ingrained over time. Thankfully, when Alear says it, 'Immaculate One' doesn't feel like an expectation so much as an inside joke.
"My apologies," she breathes, "What brings you to the Grotto today? Looking for shelter from the rain just like we are? It's a bit unusual to find you here."
Once upon a time, when Sommie spent all of its time there, it would've been an easy spot to catch the Divine Dragon. However, once the little one took to following Alear around, visits to the Grotto were only every once in a while… Often when Alear was feeling contemplative. Looking at him now, Rhea is certain that must be the case. There's a slight redness to his eyes that makes her wonder if perhaps he's even been crying. It certainly wouldn't surprise her. Alear is a sensitive young man; it's one of his many strengths. Sometimes he can bring himself to tears with just some careful thought, happy or otherwise. Still, she hopes he isn't being too hard on himself over any perceived failures in leadership. She knows firsthand how hard it can be to be in charge of people, especially those as rowdy and occasionally mischievous as humans. If you ask her, he's been doing very well — the others at the Somniel have been nothing by kind and courteous to her. He has exemplary leadership, really.
"Oh." Judging by the expression on Alear's face, he seems keenly aware that she's read him like a book. A slight rouge tinges his cheeks, but he tries to smile nonetheless. "I guess I was just reminiscing."
Again, Rhea can't help but add. He's been doing that a bit more often, lately. At least, that's what Veyle tells her. Apparently, the increase started not long after she and the rest of the Nabateans arrived in Elyos. She can't help but wonder if there may be a correlation of some kind. Any questioning she has put Veyle through left her insisting that that is very much not the case, but she hopes that that much is true. The last thing she would want to do is hurt Alear, even if unintentionally. He is too kind a soul.
"My apologies for us having interrupted you," Rhea says, offering him a slight bow out of habit, "I know how valuable time spent remembering can be."
Some days, Rhea feels like she does nothing but remember. She remembers certain things so hard it makes her ache. The feeling of her mother's hand in hers, the sound of Wilhelm's laugh across the table, or the smell of fish Cichol grilled over the fire… They are happy memories, simple memories, but they are the ones she clings to. A dragon so young as Alear, she cannot help but wonder about what memories he has made. When he thinks of them, what is it that he longs for?
"Has Lumera been on your mind again?" Veyle asks, her tone thoughtful. Sommie barks excitedly at the mention of Lythos's monarch's name. It seems a dangerous question to Rhea, but one that can be easily forgiven, given that it comes from Veyle. Alear's eyes flicker with recognition.
Ah. They've caught him.
Heh. Why does thinking of one's mother always have to feel like being caught to her, even when it's someone else?
Rhea smiles gently at Alear, whose gaze darts away from Veyle. "You needn't be embarrassed, Alear. Loving one's mother is not a bad thing."
"I know, it's just…" He sighs, shaking his head. When he looks at her again, his smile is sad. "I miss her… Sometimes more than I feel like I have any right to."
That sounds a little too familiar. The words make her heart ache. Alear is like her in some ways, she's come to notice. Always worried about what to do next, wondering if they'll be as good as the one who came before them. It's hard to not want to take Alear into her arms and promise that everything will be okay. It's hard to even be able to promise that things will be okay, but still, both she and he are still alive and kicking, and if she's learned anything, that is always worth looking upon with joy.
"What do you mean?" Veyle asks, her brows knitting together. "You'll always have a right to miss her. From what I hear, she loved you very well. It's not like I don't miss my mother, too."
Me, too, Rhea thinks, but chooses to hold her tongue. It doesn't seem the right time. There is something more concrete between the siblings, something she could never even think to interfere with. It's best if she stays on the side… right?
Alear shrugs and sighs, wandering past them to the mouth of the cave. He doesn't go out to let himself be washed in the rain, but he stands just at the edge, watching the droplets hit the ground and splatter, displacing one another. Sommie wriggles in Veyle's arms, eager to follow. Looking at the young one's face, Rhea knows that the same thought is on Veyle's mind. She places Sommie safely on the ground and trails after her brother. Sommie, naturally, follows suit. Watching Veyle place her hand on the small of Alear's back, Rhea is drawn back to many a moment with Cichol, discussing their own mother.
"You've been shouting in your sleep again, Seiros."
Cichol is trying so very hard to keep his voice steady and even, but he's never been one able to hide tremors. Not since Mother died. It's been a constant in his voice since that day in the Red Canyon, and it has only grown worse since that beastly man took her spine for his sword. Seiros cannot blame him. She, too, trembles with rage when she thinks of what she has lost, and shivers when met with the waves of grief that go crashing through them all.
"I'm fine, Cichol. You needn't worry about me. Focus on Cethleann. She is young and needs you more than I."
It sounds cruel, to tell one's brother that he is unneeded, but that is not the way Seiros means it. In truth, she will always need Cichol, yet she does not want to lean on him when she is so close. So close to defeating Nemesis, so close to the edge of complete misery. She will only drag them both down if she lets herself find comfort in his arms, for the ground will crumble under them in a second if she fails to support her own weight. In the absence of their mother, everyone is looking to her.
"Please, don't push me away," he insists, pressing his hand into her shoulder, calmly and firmly. It makes Seiros's heart seize with sorrow. Their mother had done the same, the night before she passed, insisting that Seiros be more confident in how this conflict with the humans would go. Sothis truly had no idea that later that night, one would slaughter her in her sleep. How could she be confident that Cichol would not be the same? No, she needs to power through this. "I know you believe you must be strong because the others are looking to you, but… But don't let yourself be hurt just because you want to be brave. I'm here, Seiros. We all are. We're all behind you."
She knows that. Every step she takes, every movement, it holds the will of the Nabateans. So long as she presses onward, unwilling to relent, who they are and what they fought for will never die. But that doesn't mean that it isn't hard. That doesn't mean, at times like these, she doesn't just feel pathetic for wanting her mother.
Rhea pads forward herself, heart in her throat. She didn't know what to say to Cichol that day. She doesn't know what to say to Alear now, either, yet nonetheless she wants to try. If she can give some comfort to Alear, that could be all she could ask. Heh… In a way, it's kind of funny. She claims to no longer cling to the title of Seiros or the Immaculate One, but here she is, trying to lead a group of dragons once more. Old habits die hard, huh?
"Sorry, Veyle, I didn't mean to make you comfort me."
"You're not making me do anything. I want to. You're my brother. Getting to look after you is one of the perks."
Veyle has such a lovely way of seeing the world. Despite being as young as she is and having faced so much hardship, she still continues to find a way to be the hope she wants to see. It's beyond admirable. There is a lot Rhea herself could learn from an attitude like that.
"What is your worry about Queen Lumera?" Rhea asks softly, her hand pressing against Alear's arm without her even thinking. She almost pulls away when she notices, but he seems to lean into her touch, his gaze drifting over to her. "I am not among those who knew her, but… I would imagine whatever doubts you have, she would want you to cast them out of your mind."
"I…" He swallows hard, teeth bearing down his lip. "I still don't remember… everything about her. There's a lot I still don't remember, to be honest, but there are just… so many more memories I wish I had with her. I miss her with everything that I am, but I know I'm missing someone I know I'm doing a disservice because I still don't…"
Alear's hands curl into fists. It's a frustration that Rhea is all too familiar with, though her own has manifested in different ways.
"And it's hard, because when I'm with you both, and with the other… dragons… all I can think about is what she would have thought of you."
What… Lumera would have thought of them? The thought rings surprise in Rhea's mind, but she supposes it's not so far-fetched an idea. Lumera had no blood children, yet believed so wholeheartedly that the circumstances of one's birth did not matter. She took in a Fell Dragon to love as her own, and made him into the dragon he is today. What would she think, if she could see how her love brought young Veyle back into Alear's life, or led him to be able to help Nel and Rafal? And what would she think of the story of the Nabateans, and how their struggle against greed and corruption led them to seek refuge within Elyos?
"She'd have adored you, Veyle. I know she would have. She'd dote on your every move, like your mother did."
Did Alear ever know Veyle's mother, she wonders? The two were apart for so long, they had just barely crossed paths as young ones, but… maybe there's something more there. Something Rhea herself is not privy to. Some things may be meant to remain between siblings.
"She would be so proud of the person you've become. I know that. I just wish I could have seen it, and I could've known… just what she would say to you. The exact words that she would think. It's like she's always with me, but I only ever have a part of her. When I'm with you, and the rest of the dragons, though… sometimes I feel like I get another part of her back. Like I see parts of her in you, Veyle."
Veyle's violet eyes widen. "M-Me?"
Rhea has only been in Elyos a short while, but even she knows it is high praise to be compared to Queen Lumera. Apart from those in Gradlon, you'd be hard pressed to find someone with a bad word to say about her. Even Sombron must have admitted she was lovely once, even if only in the face.
"When you smile," Alear clarifies, "Like a genuine, warm smile, when you're happy to see me or Sommie or the others. It's just the same look on your face."
Rhea can see Veyle trying not to frown. "And that makes you sad? Because you miss her?"
"No," Alear smiles sadly. "Not like that, anyway. I only feel bad when I think too hard about what I've missed. Most of the time, I just… feel happy to have a piece of her with me."
"That's not abnormal, Alear," Rhea says carefully, hoping that she's not just inserting herself into their conversation. It feels a bit strange, to be caught between the two siblings, but it would only be more awkward for her to sit in silence as they talk. "But you mustn't blame yourself for what is outside of your control, especially when it comes to matters of missing Queen Lumera. To be missed is a very good thing indeed, because it means that the love that was there is enduring. You don't have to recall every moment for it to matter. I've been alive a very long time, and everyone knows that I don't remember every moment or every detail. That doesn't mean I care about my people or the life I've lived any less."
To this, Alear laughs softly. She had hoped for some kind of positive response, but laughter… that's unexpected. She hopes the surprise doesn't show too much on her face. "You know, you remind me of my mother, too, Rhea. Especially when you talk like that."
Rhea blinks, slightly stunned. "I do?"
Veyle seems to nod at this, a small smile sneaking its way across her face. "I never met Queen Lumera, but I'm afraid that I have to agree. Your patience, wisdom, and worry for others is something she held, too. At least, that's what everyone else has always told me."
Heat prickles Rhea's cheeks, though she wills it away. Despite all of the lauding and praise she has received over the years as Seiros, it is still difficult for Rhea to imagine a world where she is deserving of being compared to someone like Lumera. She imagines they must have spoken in a similar tone, with humans being soothed by lightness of voice and formality in words, but she would never picture them as being so similar in personality. Living as long as she has and seeing as much as she has seen, Rhea has always pictured herself as… well, perhaps some sort of creature slightly grotesque in nature? Flayn has told her many a time that she must release that image of herself, though, as it is terribly unhealthy, but… The hard choices in life can sometimes lead one to think lesser of themself. Sothis knows she hasn't been perfect.
"That's… very kind of you to say. It's an honour to be compared to her."
Alear shrugs a happy, thoughtful shrug. "It's the truth. Sometimes when I'm talking to you, it feels like I'm talking to her."
"Oh."
She knows she probably should say more, but the thought makes her heart swell with affection. She has loved many people in her life, yet none have ever been able to replace her mother's presence. At times, there is a flicker of her in Cethleann's laugh, or Cichol's rare joke, but… To be able to be a standing reminder, a seemingly perfect voice to the thoughts of someone long gone, for another person… Oh, part of her feels like she could weep. As if being compared to Lumera wasn't an honour enough.
"I'm grateful that I can be that for you. I can't imagine how much that must mean. If I were… If I could have my own mother at my side in some way like that again, I would be… so very happy."
Alear smiles gently, but none of the three of them say anything more. They simply allow their gazes to drift towards the pattering rain, feeling Sommie circle its way around their feet. It's almost comforting, like this, just watching the world go by. Even as thunder rumbles in the distance, Rhea's heart feels oddly at ease in this place, turning over the thoughts Alear has shared in her mind. Alike Lumera? Someone that connects him to her? Oh, what joy.
"Alear," Rhea breathes after what feels like eons of silence. "Would you… would you tell me more about her? Your mother?"
Alear blinks, his head turning to look at her in a sort of disbelief. When his red-blue eyes lock with Rhea's, she can do nothing but nod kindly at him. Not a whisper more is required. Just one look, and he can see in her eyes that she asks with the most sincerity a person can muster.
"I want to know what kind of person she was. I want to see the ways in which she lives on, inside of you."
Alear's face lights up, leaving him grinning from ear to ear. "O-Of course."
"And you as well, Veyle. I want to know of yours, too. I need to know who brought such wonderful young dragons into this world."
"S-Sure, I don't mind…! But I have a condition, though."
"Hm?"
Now it's Veyle's turn to smile that same, cheerful smile. Rhea can see what Alear means, about it being the kind of smile that can light up the world… and she wonders if he's noticed that he and Veyle are one in the same in that regard.
"We'll only tell you about our mothers, if you tell us about yours," she says, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, "We want to know her, too. She's made some of our favourite people, including you."
"Big fan of her work," Alear adds with a laugh.
Oh, Rhea feels the urge to squeeze these silly kids into a big hug until they whine that she's squishing them. She loves them, Sothis bless them both. It's like having two more Cethleanns, two more children in her life to love and adore. Silently, she whispers a word of thanks to Lumera for making them into the people they are, and to their mothers of blood who — despite their misguided nature — brought them into this world.
With these thoughts, these beautiful ideas in mind, Rhea doesn't bother to fight off her own joy. It shines through her face as she squeezes Alear's arm, staring lovingly at his and Veyle's faces.
"Of course, my children. Of course."