You’re My Precious One

[22nd September 1830]

[Present year, weeks before the war would unfold…]

In the secluded sanctuary of his private study, enveloped by towering fixtures laden with tomes of knowledge and ancient scriptures, an elderly man garbed in pristine white robes regarded a young girl with solemn intensity. Despite the weight of his gaze, the girl before him sat unperturbed, her resolve unyielding as she pressed on in her stance.

"I understand, Your Holiness, but-"

"Tsk! How many times must I remind you, child? Address me as your father," the High Priest interjected, a hint of exasperation coloring his tone. "I may forgive such formality in public, but here, in the sanctity of my study, there is no need for such formalities." 

His rebuke softened as a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips, amused by the girl's irrepressible spirit.

"I know, Your… I mean, Father... However, there is nothing we can do. It is an imperial order and this banner of knights is the only one that is free to embark on the journey. Besides, is it only for a reconnaissance mission, and I've already been on several other missions that were considerably more dangerous in comparison. Thus, I'll be perfectly fine."

"Alina, my dear, your 18th birthday will be in ten days. You should be here preparing for the day you finally debut as an adult."

"Don't worry, Father. Terrence and Ellis will be accompanying me. They're your most trusted cardinals and are skilled at swordsmanship."

"I..." The High Priest's sigh was heavy with resignation, his gaze softening as he regarded the young girl before him. "Well, I suppose they have proven themselves trustworthy. After all, they've stood by your side on countless missions before." His words were tinged with both worry and affection as he reached across the table, gently taking Alina's hands in his own. "But promise me, Alina, promise me you'll stay safe. Come back to me unharmed." His plea was heartfelt, a silent prayer whispered on behalf of the girl he held dear.

"Yes, I promise. I will return in less than a week. There shouldn't be any problems."

"Good. You do know that cherish you, right?"

"I know. Thank you for taking me in as your apprentice and being an adoptive father to me."

"Yes, you're my precious one."

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[Flashback]

[Earlier in the day of May 1824, about six years ago…]

"Ouch!" The sound of a stumble punctuated the morning stillness, followed by the exclamation of a little girl who had tripped over a stray rock. Ignoring clutching her scraped knees, she instead fretted over the precious cluster of small, white flowers in her hands.

"Ah, thank goodness the elderflowers are fine," she murmured, a shiver running through her frame as she glanced up at the ominous sky.

With a sense of urgency, the girl quickened her pace, her steps hastened by the threat of impending rain. 'The heavy rain may have stopped, but it looks like it's going to pour again,' she mused to herself, 'I need to hurry home. I hope Momma isn't feeling too cold.'

As she rounded the final corner, a smile tugged at the corners of her lips, anticipation mingling with concern for her mother's well-being. "Momma! I've gathered the elderflowers for you!" she called out, her voice echoing through the quiet street. "They'll cure your flu-"

Her joyful proclamation died on her lips as she caught sight of three menacing figures loitering outside her humble abode. The door hung from its hinges, a silent testament to the violence that had unfolded within. Horror gripped her heart as she beheld her mother's motionless form lying amidst the wreckage, a pool of crimson staining the earth beneath her.

"Momma?" The word escaped her lips in a breathless whisper, her instinct to rush to her mother's side warring with the fear that the intruders who had wrought this devastation still lingered nearby.

"Ah, little girl. We've been searching for you," the largest of the three men spoke, his voice dripping with malice as he advanced toward her. A chilling sense of dread washed over the girl as she caught sight of the red liquid staining his hands, mirroring the scene of horror she had just witnessed within her home.

Instinctively sensing danger, the girl began to retreat, her steps faltering as the men closed in on her.

"W-What have you done to Momma?" she stammered, her voice trembling with fear and confusion.

A sinister grin spread across the man's face as he stepped closer, his words laced with cruelty. "Let's just say your 'Momma' won't be able to take care of you anymore. Now, come here, little girl."

With a surge of panic, the girl darted away from the men, her small frame nimble as she evaded their grasp. Desperate and disoriented, she fled as fast as her legs could carry her, the pounding of her heart drowning out the sounds of pursuit.

"Get her!" one of the men's voices echoed in her ears, fueling her terror as she raced through the streets, her mind racing with questions she dared not voice aloud. 

'Why did they hurt Momma? Why are they after me? Where can I hide?'

DING DONG

DING DONG

DING DONG

The girl gasped as the church bell chimed loudly, its reverberations seeming to echo her mounting fear. With a startled cry, she stumbled, pain shooting through her ankle as she fell, her arms and forehead bearing the brunt of the impact. Despite the agony, her survival instincts kicked in, urging her to her feet with a desperate urgency.

"I forgot about the baptism," she muttered to herself, her voice barely audible amidst the chaos of her thoughts. "The church will be crowded. They won't dare pursue me there."

As she neared the sanctuary of the church, a flicker of hope ignited within her, tempered by the grim reality of her situation. Even as relief washed over her, she dared not slow her pace or glance back, her eyes fixed on the haven ahead. With every fiber of her being, she reached out to the people she passed, leading silently for aid. Yet, to her dismay, her bloodied appearance only elicited fear and revulsion, leaving her pleas unanswered.

As she navigated through the throng of people congregated outside the church, a sense of despair washed over her at the sight of her relentless pursuers. "No one is coming to help," she thought frantically, her mind racing for a solution. Then, through a gap in the entrance doors, she caught sight of the High Priest standing at the altar, a beacon of hope amidst the turmoil.

"The High Priest... He's powerful, and respected," she whispered to herself, her heart pounding in her chest, "He'll help me, won't he?"

Driven by desperation and the sound of her pursuers closing in, she threw herself at the entrance doors, her strength waning but her resolve unwavering. With a final surge of determination, she pushed with all her might, praying for deliverance from the darkness that pursued her.

BANG–

The resounding slam of the doors echoed through the hallowed halls of the church, drawing every eye to the entrance in alarm. A woman's scream pierced the air, accompanied by disapproving murmurs at the girl's abrupt intrusion and disheveled appearance. But amidst the chaos, the girl remained undeterred, her focus unwavering on her singular purpose.

With a determined hobble, she made her way toward the High Priest, her trembling hand outstretched in a plea for help. "P-Please, Your Holiness," she implored, her voice quivering with desperation. "Those men... they hurt Momma and they're after me. Please, I need your h--"

Before she could finish her plea, her injured ankle betrayed her, causing her to stumble. As she braced for impact, a pair of warm, comforting arms enveloped her, preventing her fall.

It was the High Priest.

"Don't worry, child. You're safe now," his voice, laced with kindness, washed over her like a soothing balm, offering solace in the midst of turmoil.

*

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*

Within the confines of a small chamber within the church walls, the High Priest gently wiped away the dirt and tended to the girl's wounds, his expression etched with concern. Despite the commotion she had caused upon her arrival, the girl remained silent, her thoughts seemingly a world away.

As he observed her furrowed brow and the anxious gnawing of her lip, the High Priest felt a pang of empathy tugging at his heart. He opened his mouth to offer words of comfort when the sudden intrusion of one of his cardinals disrupted the solemnity of the moment.

"Your Holiness, we've apprehended the men responsible and turned them over to the authorities. Unfortunately, the mother..." The cardinal's voice trailed off as he noticed the presence of the girl seated before the High Priest.

The girl's solemn question hung heavily in the air, laden with the weight of grief. "Momma's dead, isn't she?"

The cardinal hesitated for a moment before nodding solemnly. "Yes, I'm afraid so," he replied softly, his expression reflecting the discomfort of delivering such news.

With a heavy heart, the girl clenched her fists at her sides, her shoulders slumping in silent resignation. Yet, despite the weight of her sorrow, not a single tear graced her cheeks.

Clearing his throat to break the heavy silence, the High Priest ventured gently, "My dear child, do you have anyone to care for you? Perhaps your father?"

A tremor passed through the girl's frame as she shook her head slowly, her gaze fixed on the floor beneath her feet. "...No, I have no one. It was always just Momma and me... A-And now, Momma's gone..." Her voice wavered with the raw ache of loss, her vulnerability laid bare before them.

"How about I look after you?" The High Priest's gentle inquiry filled the room, eliciting a hesitant lift of the girl's head.

"But why would you do that for a street rat like me?" Her voice, tinged with disbelief and insecurity, betrayed the scars of her past.

"Firstly, never speak of yourself in such a manner," the High Priest admonished gently, his tone carrying a quiet authority that brooked no argument. The girl nodded meekly, her gaze fixed upon him as if seeking reassurance.

"As a servant of the Lord, it is my duty to extend compassion and aid to those in need, regardless of their circumstances," he continued, his words imbued with warmth and sincerity. "And besides, I sense a spark of greatness within you," he added, a soft smile gracing his features.

"I do?" The girl's incredulous response was tinged with a glimmer of hope, her eyes wide with wonder.

"Yes, though you may not yet see it," the High Priest affirmed, his conviction unwavering. "But with time and guidance, you will come to realize the strength that lies within you. I will teach you to harness that power, to stand tall against any adversity that may come your way."

"Thank you," the girl murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. Though she harbored doubts about her own potential, she found solace in the High Priest's unwavering belief in her.

"Oh, that reminds me. What is your name, dear child?" The High Priest's inquiry carried a note of gentle curiosity, his eyes fixed kindly upon the girl before him.

"I don't have one..." The girl's admission hung heavy in the air, her voice tinged with resignation.

"Pardon?" The High Priest's brow furrowed in concern, a mixture of surprise and sympathy coloring his expression.

"I don't have a name," the girl explained softly, her gaze cast downward. "Living on the streets, it's a miracle to even reach the age of ten. Children like me usually receive their names when they're twelve, just before Initiation Day. Momma was going to give me a name today, but..."

Understanding dawned in the High Priest's eyes as he listened, his heart heavy with empathy. "Oh, my dear child, I'm so sorry," he murmured, his voice laced with compassion. "Would you allow me to give you a name ?"

The girl nodded, her expression a mixture of gratitude and apprehension.

"In that case, your name shall be Alina," the High Priest declared, his tone gentle yet resolute. "In ancient languages, it means 'light,' a fitting tribute to the radiance you bring into the world. And from this day forth, you shall be my apprentice."

"Thank you," the girl whispered, her voice barely above a whisper, her eyes shining with unshed tears.

"Good girl," the High Priest murmured, his hand tenderly brushing against her head in a gesture of comfort. "I must attend to some matters with the cardinal. But remember, Alina, you need only call for me if you require anything. "

"Yes, Your Holiness," Alina replied softly, her voice filled with newfound resolve.

The girl waited for another minute, ensuring that she was completely alone before she finally allowed the weight of grief to settle upon her. Tears welled up in her eyes, cascading down her cheeks in silent streams. It was the first time tears had ever fallen from her eyes. The pain of being scorned and ignored while begging for food on the unforgiving streets paled in comparison to the searing ache of losing the only person in the world who had ever loved her.

"Momma... I promise," she whispered through her tears, her voice trembling with determination. "I'll become strong. I'll make them pay for what they've done to you."

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[25th September 1830- Early in the morning]

[Present year, about a week before the war would unfold…]

The front yard of the empire's main church bustled with activity as carriages lined up, ready to embark on their journey. A small group of healers and cardinals moved with purpose, loading the carriages with medicinal herbs and other essentials for their mission. With the assistance of the accompanying knights, the group was almost prepared to depart.

"Alina! A moment, please!" The High Priest's voice cut through the commotion, drawing Alina's attention. Some of the healers rolled their eyes at the interruption, while others suppressed snickers. Feeling a flush of embarrassment, Alina hurried over to the High Priest.

"Your Holiness," Alina began, starting to bow, but the High Priest halted her halfway with a gentle gesture.

"No need for formalities," he whispered, leaning closer. "Have you taken care of... 'that' matter?"

"Yes, I attended to it last night. Everything should be in order until our return," Alina replied confidently.

"Good. And you disposed of it properly?"

Alina nodded. "Of course. You needn't worry, Your Holiness. I've handled this on previous missions."

The High Priest's expression softened with relief. "I know, but your safety is always my concern."

Before Alina could respond, Terrence's voice interrupted.

"Your Holiness, we're all set to go. Please allow your apprentice to leave."

Laughter echoed through the group as they teased Alina gently, prompting a sheepish smile from her.