A Magician's Hand

[3rd POV]

As Tricia stepped into the room, her gaze fell first on the bed, where the Queen lay, holding a baby in her arms.

The baby, born two weeks ago, slept peacefully in his mother's embrace.

His head was full of shining, golden hair, soft, chubby cheeks with a rosy glow, and healthy skin without a single blemish. It was as if each and every part of his body was carefully crafted with divine hands.

Godwyn was his name.

Moving her gaze from the baby to his mother, she observed an expression she hadn't seen in a long time.

The edges of her eyes softened, and a small smile graced her lips as she watched her child sleep–a look of affection that only started appearing on her face after Prince Godwyn was born.

She couldn't help but feel sad about the difference in treatment between him and the twins.

Before the Omen twins were born, she smiled seldom, but the few times she did, it was a sight for sore eyes. However, even that disappeared after they were born. It was as if her heart had been frozen cold, colder than the winds of the Giant's Mountaintops.

Yet, the tiny bundle in her arms achieved something not even the Elden Lord could do.

It wouldn't be too farfetched to call him the golden child.

The doors closed silently behind her, and she spoke in a low voice, "My Queen, I have come to assess Prince Godwyn's condition and bring sustenance, as ye asked."

"Ah, leave it there," Marika responded, her voice soft yet firm, akin to a distant breeze.

Slowly walking towards the side of the bed, Tricia put the food tray on a small table at the bedside, right where she asked her to put it.

Then, stepping back, she stood in place, waiting for her to start eating so she could check the baby's condition.

For a while, her attention was solely directed at her newborn child, and she felt content observing him while he slept.

Finally, she spoke, "Tricia, hold him… with care."

"As ye wish, my Queen."

Moving closer, she gently removed the child from her arms, taking care not to wake him from his slumber. The shifting caused him to whine and move slightly before he settled in place.

With Prince Godwyn in her embrace, she stepped back and got to work while the Queen ate breakfast.

Her eyes carefully scrutinized him as she observed his adorable form from up close, and a stray thought passed through her mind before she shoved it down.

Calm down, Tricia, ye canst not…

But then, she looked down at his sleeping face again.

Even though she was in complete control of my body, her fingers twitched occasionally, trying to break free and rush towards his face.

She wanted to pinch his cheeks, especially when they looked rounded and puffy.

While her inner thoughts left her in emotional turmoil, the sound of utensils brought her back to reality.

Looking towards the bed, she found that the Queen had already finished eating and was waiting for her.

"How is he?" she asked, a flicker of concern passing through her cold, golden eyes.

Tricia relayed the results with a smile on her covered face, "He is fine– healthy, in fact. Due to his lineage, his body resists natural diseases far better than normal humans. It wouldst not be far-fetched to say he is immune to them."

Marika let out a small hum. Nodding, she responded with a slight upturn of her lips. "That is expected, for he is of mine and Godfrey's blood after all."

Reaching her hands out, she ordered, "Once ye art finished gathering everything, ye may leaveth us be."

Tricia heeded her order with slight reluctance and gave Godwyn back to her with a regretful expression hidden behind the cloth covering half of her face.

Truly, it was a shame to hold such an adorable child and not be able to squish those chubby cheeks.

I could not act on the opportunity I was given because of my hesitation, but I shalt not hesitate next time! I shalt feel those cheeks with my hands.

She collected the dishes and utensils with such peculiar thoughts occupying her mind.

Balancing the tray with both hands, she bowed in reverence, stepped back, and began walking towards the door to leave.

"Art ye… going down there again?"

Marika asked a question, stopping Tricia in her tracks. She slowly turned towards her again and spoke in an even tone.

"Yes… I am," Tricia answered, hoping her voice wouldn't betray her nervousness.

She didn't break eye contact, and the two stared at each other for a few tense moments before the Queen looked away.

"Very well, then. Ye may leave," Marika said in an indecipherable tone, her emotions unclear. Whether she felt regret, disgust, or something else, Tricia did not ponder and did as she was told.

She quietly slipped out of the room and bid the guards farewell. They responded with an imperceptible nod before she headed towards the main kitchen, which was located in a different part of the palace.

Making her way through long hallways and twisted corridors, she turned a corner and spotted a person dressed in red clothing exiting a room at the end of the hallway.

She was just about to call out to them when they spotted her and became rigid, stopping in place like a statue.

Tricia took a few steps close, and her eyes widened in recognition. With a hurried pace, she bowed and greeted them.

"I greet thee, Lord Messmer."

That seemed to snap the man out of his stupor, and his eyes darted around, looking for other people.

"There is no one else with me," she reassured him.

The tenseness mostly left his body, and his shoulders sagged briefly before he regained his composure.

Being taller than her, he gazed down with an impassive stare, his eyes briefly falling on the empty tableware and tray she held.

"Thou'rt returning from Mother's chambers, I surmise?" He asked, his tone even at first, softening as he mentioned his mother. "How is she?"

Tricia nodded, answering truthfully, "Although she has regained her strength, she chooses to spend most of her time within the confines of her chambers."

He nodded slowly, his brow furrowing as he pondered his next words. A hint of uncertainty flickered in his eyes as he hesitantly asked another question.

"And… the child?"

A hushed silence enveloped them as Tricia paused, weighing her words carefully before finally speaking.

"He… is healthy."

A sudden, sharp hiss pierced the air right after she replied. The sound was jarring and out of place, and she instinctively understood that it didn't come from Messmer himself. 

"I see, t- that is… quite wonderful to hear."

"Lord Messmer, is that–"

Her words trailed off as Messmer raised a hand, signaling her to stop speaking.

"I hath heard enough, thou mayeth be about thine way," he said curtly, not giving her a chance to say anything as he abruptly walked away.

She watched him walk away, gazing at his form with eyes of sadness as he disappeared into the hallways.

I wonder what emotions he is currently feeling? Knowing that his mother hid him from most of the lands and neglected him in favor of his half-brother… tis quite hard to tell with his expressions.

Furiously, she shook her head, driving away those outrageous thoughts.

Ugh, focus, Tricia! Do not be distracted by unnecessary thoughts! I need to get to the kitchen…

She resumed working on her tasks, but she didn't even get to leave the hallway before a feminine voice called out from behind.

"Lady Tricia?"

She jolted, the proximity of the voice giving her a scare. She hadn't heard any footsteps approach her, leaving her unprepared for this sudden encounter, but she did recognize the voice.

With stiff movements, she turned around, her eyes falling on the person who called her name, fully dressed in ornate reddish-gold armor, with a large spear gripped tightly in her hand.

"Knight Siluria," she greeted apprehensively, her voice tinged with nervousness, "How may I be of assistance?"

She knew that if Siluria sought her out, it was most likely at the behest of only one person.

"The Elden Lord calls for you," stated Siluria without adding anything else.

Unfortunately for her… her hunch proved correct.

X – X – X – X – X – X

[Morgott POV]

I avoided a puddle of muddy, stagnant water and led the way deeper into the sewers. Mehg walked behind me, holding my robe as I led her away from the Shunning Grounds.

Shortly after we woke up, we paid Gordon a quick visit, letting him know we were 'going out to hunt' so he didn't run himself dry with worry, wondering where we went.

After that, I made a beeline for the sewers with Mehg in tow, who kept asking questions along the way, like 'Where are we going?' or 'What didst thou 'ean 'y that?' 

My only response was, 'Thou shalt see,' which left her quite miffed. Ultimately, she stopped asking, trusting that I would tell her soon.

I checked the map every other minute, tracking our location. Since there were no red dots, we were clear of the local wildlife.

[Are you sure about this?]

It's fine, Rusty. It's not like I'm telling her anything significant. I will only show her the necessary stuff so we don't have to waste time hunting for food, time that I could use for other things.

Coming to a stop, I turned around and faced my sister, who looked puzzled about my intentions.

"It looks like we art far enough," I said, a stern expression on my face, "Sister, thou asked regarding the words I said before…"

She still looked confused but nodded nonetheless upon sensing how serious I was.

"What I shalt show thee must remain a closely guarded secret. No one, not even Tricia or Gordon, must know about this. Thou must promise not to tell of this to anyone." My voice dropped a few octaves lower as I stared her dead in the eye.

She looked visibly nervous. Taking a deep breath, she calmed herself and nodded hesitantly, putting her faith in me.

"Fret not…" I trailed off, patting her head and ruffling her hair. My voice softened considerably as I continued, "For tis not something that shalt put thee or anyone else in harm's way."

She nodded once more, acknowledging my words. Then, she focused all her attention on me, ready to witness the secret I would reveal to her.

Taking a step back, I raised one hand, palm facing upward as I declared decisively.

"Behold!"

My dagger materialized from thin air as I spoke and fell into my open palm. Gripping it tightly, I swung it around dramatically, incorporating extensive and theatrical movements. Finally, I tossed it into the air, caught it behind me, and opened my hand, revealing just emptiness.

Meanwhile, Mehg just stood by and watched me put on a show. Seeing the dagger appear out of nowhere, she blinked her eyes repeatedly, only to start rubbing them with her hands upon seeing my empty hand.

She did a quick walk around me, searching for the dagger. No matter where she looked, she couldn't find it.

I tapped her shoulder lightly, bringing her attention to me as I loosely held the dagger by its base, letting it dangle in front of her eyes.

She tried to grab it, but it disappeared again, only to appear in my other hand.

"H-how?" She stuttered, confusion clouding her mind as she scrambled to understand what she had just seen.

"This, dear sister… is my ability," I told her, a sagely expression on my face.

"Your… a'ility?" she asked, tilting her head in bewilderment.

"Yes, my ability," I repeated, emphasizing the word ability to get the point across.

She quietened down for a moment before piping up with another question.

"...Since when?"

"Since a few hours ago."

She stared at me suspiciously, trying to detect any signs of deceit. I stared impassively, which caused her to fidget nervously, break eye contact, and look away.

"'ine, I shalt 'elieve thee," she said, embarrassed for doubting me, but then an eager look appeared. "'ut… canst thou show it to 'e once 'ore… your a'ility?"

I blinked twice at her request, letting out a small chuckle at her enthusiasm. With a blink, a different object appeared in my hand.

When she saw it, she gasped and reached out her hands, shaking in excitement and incredulity.

A small trail of saliva dripped down her mouth as she eyed the piece of meat in my hand with intense desire.

"Remember, thou must not tell."

She eagerly nodded, amazed at seeing the meat block appear from thin air.

Her reaction was reminiscent of a caveman discovering fire.

"Where didst thou 'ind this?" she blurted out a question, her eyes still focused on the meat.

"Tut-tut… doth thou not know, sister? A magician never reveals his secrets," I spoke with a hint of mischief.

She grumbled, muttering something to herself, but then smiled as she said, "No 'atter, tis quite astanding, 'or we no longer hath any need to hunt 'or 'ood."

"The word is 'astounding,' sister, and while we no longer have to go hungry or put ourselves at risk trying to scour the sewers for food, we must still fake our hunts so that none of the others may suspect anything amiss."

"Aww…" She visibly deflated upon hearing that, kicking her foot back and forth as she started sulking.

"Or, just maybe…" I trailed off, building some suspense as I caught her attention.

"I could go alone–"

"A'solutely not!"

I got shut down before I could even finish the sentence. She grabbed me by the shoulders, her grip unwavering, as she stared me down.

"Sister, let me finish–"

"I shalt not allow thee to venture down alone…" she declared, her voice brimming with intensity. The firmness in her tone clearly conveyed that she had no intention of backing down.

There was no uncertainty in her eyes this time as she glared at me without fidgeting.

At first, neither of us broke eye contact, and I knew that pushing any further would be no different than beating a dead horse.

So, being the understanding older brother that I was, I yielded.

"Sister, twas a jest…"

The look on her face told me she didn't believe me, but she relented nonetheless, releasing her grip on me.

[...Are you giving up on convincing her?]

Nah, I'm not. I'll bring this up later. It'll make things easier for me if I can operate down here alone.

"Now then, since I hath achieved my purpose here, shalt we head back?" I said carefreely, putting the block of meat I held back into the Inventory.

She still seemed quite miffed as she walked past me without saying anything. With a frustrated sigh, I quickly checked my map before following after her as we made our way back to our humble abode.