11 The Ark Of Just A Child

"Oi! That is an unofficial nickname for me. Thanks to this damned thing," grumbled Baldwin, pointing at Gillian.

"He did nearly kill you with his powers," reasoned Gillian.

"Are you trying to brew another war between these two?" asked Ysabeau, nudging her husband.

"You'll find that children are the peacemakers of the Universe," whispered Gillian, winking at his wife.

"He was upset, can't blame him," replied Mavislin.

"Now's your turn, Angry Man. Do you hate her?"

"Of course not! She's never done anything to me!" exclaimed Baldwin, looking at the young girl.

"So why can't you guys live together?"

"I'm fine with anything, I want friends too..." murmured Mavislin.

"Just because the people before you had grudges, means that you have to hate them as well. The enemies of your ancestors are not your enemies. Everyone has their enemies and comrades. There's no reason to follow others," explained Gillian.

"After all, she is just a child. All she wants are playmates and lots of plushies," smiled Ysbeau.

Baldwin looked hesitant as he gazed upon the young Valkyrie. He had heard tales of the mighty race of the Valkyries born from the planet Valokia. Beings of pure light. Its authentic form was enough to destroy continents with a momentous step.

And now, with all the stories written down and legends told, a young child of the menacing race stood before him. The ultimate survivor, all alone. Then again, he was on the same page as her. No home, no family... Where could they possibly go?

Why was he so hesitant? Why was she so willing to forgive? Anyone in that situation would have been unable to deny the invitation the couple gave. And yet, Baldwin showed reluctance as he agreed on the terms.

"Now then, show 'em what you can do, little Mavis," said Ysabeau, tousling the young girl's hair.

The adolescent child of Valokia went towards the window. The sun was about to let the moon take over its shift as the sky conveyed shades of red and orange. Mavislin's palms were opened as trails of Earth Elemental Energy were given from her fingertips and to the garden below.

In the span of a second, the lush green carpet around the building had bloomed several more patches of vibrant colors.

"So look's like someone has been training behind my back," suggested Gillian, smirking. Mavislin offered an adorable smile and giggled as Gillian tickled her nose.

"Any idea how dangerous to place the both of us in the same house?" asked Baldwin, looking at Gillian directly.

"As I said, she's just a young child. She doesn't know the valid concept of Light and Dark. If both of you managed to get along with each other, there won't be a problem when she's all grown up," explained Gillian.

Baldwin swayed his head in disagreement. The living room was still sparse but was enough for a family. Baldwin sipped on some black tea while Gillian settled for some warm water. The girls were busy cooking while the men had a proper discussion.

"How long do you plan to shelter her from the truth?"

"Isn't giving up all your family and people painful enough for a developing child? I can tell she's hurting."

"So you should let her face the truth! It would teach her in the long run," argued Baldwin.

"There isn't a need for that."

The Angry Man's eyes widened.

"Despite everything, she can put on a mask and act all happy. Whatever she'd seen and been through, I can't possibly comprehend how much it hurts. The truth will reveal itself soon, but it doesn't mean I can't try to cushion the impact for the poor girl."

"Food is done!" yelled Ysabeau.

"So, what is the version of Valkyries on this planet?" asked Baldwin, gnawing happily on a stag's thigh.

Mavislin was busy trying finding different ways of devouring the deer's body until she ultimately settled on its leg. Its eyeballs were thoroughly nice, after dunking it in some blood.

"Technically, a Valkyrie is one of a group of women that governs who may live or die on the battlefield. They subsequently select some worthy beings. And amongst the ones who have been slain in battle, the Valkyries establish who to be in Valhallan. They are recognized as the 'Chooser of the Slain', Angels of Death," explained Ysabeau.

"Why are we so complicated on this land?" asked Mavislin, sulking.

The trio looked at her with confusion.

"What do you mean?" asked Ysabeau.

"From what I remember, we don't appoint anyone."

As the Valkyrie said the answer, she took a bite out of the deer's leg.

"We just fight. We don't dictate, we kill."

The last child of Valokia stabbed a large piece of meat, her eyes darkened from her usual, childish look. As she shoved the piece of meat into her tiny mouth, Baldwin then realized how wrong humans were.