Over the next few days, Serena's schedule was relentless. On top of everything she already had to devote her ti to, she was under pressure to make the final selections for the Vengeance’s new squad. She coordinated closely with Aiden and each ti they saw each other he had yet another stack of papers detailing the students’ and their families’ backgrounds and connections.
It wasn’t just a matter of each prospective warrior or mage passing a personality profile; it was also about verifying that they had no hidden debts, obligations, or criminal activity that could be used as a vector of subterfuge in the future. Beyond that, there was a singular factor that Serena was ordered to consider above all others.
Could they be friends with Alia?
While Serena had to prioritise this question, she also had to devote enough ti to studying for the upcoming commodore examination, all while ensuring the preparations for the Vengeance were going smoothly. Given their destination of the Southern Terra Firma, she and her officers had a whole new set of problems to handle; the ship’s dical officer, Hillbrand, was coordinating the supply and storage of several hundred vials of vaccines they would be administering to the crew after they left.
Desert Fever was no joke and they couldn’t assu Alia would be around to heal them.
Her chief engineer, Allston, and gunnery officer, Thorne, were also busy ensuring the propellers and gun turrets were sufficiently protected should the Vengeance find itself in the middle of a lumina-born sandstorm. There was also the question of finding appropriate dust covers for the Vengeance’s parasite fighters attached to its hull, and whether the attachnt points for the lightcraft needed to be upgraded to withstand the dangers of a sand-laden barrage.
Still, her officers' competence ant she could offload just enough responsibilities to not burn out from stress. She would probably be sleeping with her horns in her hands if not for Alia’s regular healing and night-ti stress-reducing activities.
And so, Serena managed to tackle the days as they ca. The end-of-year tournant was approaching and formal lectures had ended to allow the students so ti to focus on their preparations. The academy grounds were full of construction workers erecting the temporary seating surrounding the outside arena for the upcoming duels. Activity was also blossoming in the city streets where decorations were being strung up alongside buildings in preparation for Christmas.
Unfortunately, the religious holiday fell on a day when they’d be sailing through the Southern Passage. For that reason, Serena had instructed her cooking staff to bring so choice cuts of ats and extra spices for the day. While the demonic branch of Christianity wasn’t the most popular religion in the East, any captain worth their horns would know the crew would expect sothing special on Christmas.
And Serena was a captain worth her horns.
However, before Christmas, before they would set sail, and before the tournant, the day had finally co for House Halen’s family dinner. That was due to take place in a few hours. But… before that…
“I look weird…” ca Alia’s voice from beyond the door.
“Don’t say that, Lady Thornheart!” one of the maids chastised.
“You look stunning!” another one added. “I’d never thought a human could look so radiant!”
It was the day of Alia’s canonisation.
While the future saint was being dressed in layers of religious garb, Serena paced the stone floor of the Asamaywa basilica. For so reason, even though she wasn’t the one going through the ceremony, Serena felt nervous. With its tall archways and detailed stained-glass windows, the building invoked a sense of wonder that made you want to keep your voice low.
It also didn’t help that while the cardinal kept his promise of keeping the ceremony discreet, that didn’t stop all three greatlords of the Three Sisters from turning up! Nor did it prevent those greatlords from bringing several dozen highlords with them! The atmosphere in the basilica’s reception hall had been stifling and Serena was glad to have the excuse of escorting Alia to escape!
“Finished? Finally!” ca Alia’s cheerful voice.
A few steps sounded, coupled with the rustling of heavy cloth. The door creaked open and Alia stepped through. Serena blinked, looking at her girlfriend for several seconds before saying, “Well, you certainly look the part.”
Alia's robes were white, made from layers of heavy cloth. They scread purity and the yellow-crystal thread that ford ornate patterns throughout the clothing whispered of wealth. Hanging from Alia’s neck, a wooden demonic cross settled just above a depiction of the symbol of the Empire - a golden crown wreathed with two silver horns.
With no horns to paint white, the maids had woven white ribbons through Alia's golden hair. Serena had to admit that, with Alia’s golden hair contrasted by the white decorations and her white robes contrasted by the yellow-crystal thread, it ca together to create a pleasing sight.
“There were so many layers,” Alia intoned, rolling her eyes. She picked at her robes, only stopping when one of the maids' nostrils flared with a sharp intake of breath. Alia mumbled an apology, casting Serena a weary smile.
These maids evidently took enormous pride in their work. It wasn’t surprising; the opportunity to personally dress a saint was a once-in-a-lifeti event. Devoted church maids wouldn’t let sothing small like a Lord-Prospect get in the way of that!
“Excellent, excellent!” an aged voice cried out. Serena turned to see Cardinal Hiroshi striding towards them with a spring in his step. “This is a historic mont!” The cardinal lifted his cross, kissing it lightly before looking to the ceiling. “We are truly blessed! Christ, the Empress, the Moons… are all surely smiling right now! Now…” He reached down, delicately taking Alia’s hands. “Have you morised the words?”
“Mmm!” Alia nodded. “Don’t worry! I’ll do my part!”
Serena didn’t miss the mischievous glint in Alia’s eyes.
“Good,” Cardinal Hiroshi said before turning to Serena. “The Holy Register of Witnesses has arrived. Your fellow witnesses are waiting in the aisles along with everyone else. Could you go ahead, Lord Halen? We’ll be through shortly to begin.”
“Yes, Cardinal,” Serena intoned, bowing politely. She gave Alia so final words of encouragent before heading down the corridor and through a door into the basilica’s main hall.
When she entered, dozens of pairs of eyes snapped in her direction. Greatlords, highlords and nurous church representatives eyed her before returning to their murmured conversations. Greatlord Oshiro was in quiet discussion with the greatlords of Asamino and Asamoto. Surrounding them were a dozen highlords, so of whom Serena recognised from tis when they would arrive as guests at House Halen’s estate. Her father was there, giving her a nod across the aisle before returning to his conversation.
Between the aisles lay a thick red carpet leading from the entrance of the building to the altar at the far end. A lectern stood in front, overshadowed by a statue of Christ in his familiar pose: bleeding, broken, and offering his snapped horns to his spiritual successor, the Empress of Cascadia. The statues were simple and carved from wood. Yet, they sohow invoked a sense of gravitas that dominated even the presence of the three attending greatlords.
Looking upon Christ, Serena felt… complicated. Years ago, she turned away from Sangoism because she no longer felt spiritually fulfilled by its predominantly martial teachings. While it had been a reliable source of strength during her earlier years, Serena sought a different presence in her life after the Federation convoy incident — sothing that wasn’t so focused on fighting.
Becoming a mber of the Demon Church had been the obvious choice. The Demonic Testant offered what she needed: Hope, clarity, and most importantly of all, passages that relieved her guilt. In the Demonic Bible she’d found the writings of the Empress resonate with her. Sangoism taught how to fight conflicts, but the Demonic Testant taught how to end them. Perhaps if it weren’t for the teachings of the Bible, and the heavy inclusion of humans within its text, Serena wouldn’t have been so accepting of Alia so quickly.
Even though she didn’t like to be seen doing it, she occasionally clenched her hands and perford a quick prayer before bed. It was nothing much, just a quick ‘thank you’ delivered hastily to Christ and the Empress.
Thanking them for sending her Alia.
Of course, the irony didn’t escape her that the Demon Church labelled her and Alia’s relationship a sin. Then again, Serena’s life was full of compromises. You never held all the cards in a war - you could always identify things that would give you an even more advantageous position: a different elevation, a better firing solution, more munitions or better-trained soldiers. Sotis you just have to make a decision and stick with it.
That was exactly what she’d done when she’d decided to open her heart to Alia.
As if celebrating the end of her self-reflection, the basilica’s aetherlights dimd. The lack of artificial moonlight ant the natural daylight streaming through the stained-glass windows created a colourful and warm atmosphere. The whispered conversations stopped and everyone’s attention was drawn to the far end of the hall, where Cardinal Hiroshi was slowly leading Alia down the red carpet.
The old man looked like he was tearing up.
And Alia…
Perhaps it was a mixture of Alia’s radiant hair and robes which stood out against the dim room, or maybe it was the fact that even the greatlords were transfixed upon her, but she had presence. Her expertly-cloaked wards would tickle the instincts of the dozens of Speakers in the room, while her looks would draw the eye of both n and won. She was a terrifying power that rivalled the skills of at least a greatlord, all packaged up into a bundle of chaotic and cheerful blond energy that most Cascadian lords didn’t know how to handle.
Serena felt like an unspoken conclusion was instantaneously made in the room. Any lords that had been harbouring doubts about Alia’s canonisation would quickly have reevaluated their position upon seeing her magnificence here today.
As she passed by Serena, Alia turned her head slightly, giving Serena a quick wink. So of the demons standing nearby murmured at the unsaintlike behaviour.
Get used to it, Serena thought, trying to keep a serious expression on her face.
Cardinal Hiroshi began the ceremony. He moved behind the lectern and, with Alia by his side, he started recounting her story: a tragic life being born in Karligard, only to spend years on the run, hiding from the Human Church hunting her down to hoard her healing powers for themselves. The attendees were told how Alia eventually found a ship to take her to Centralis where she beca a refugee and devoted herself to learning High Imperial while Intelligence hid her. Eventually, coordinating with the authorities, she’d set out to see more of the Empire, all while selflessly healing those she encountered.
“...Alia chose the distinguished East as her first destination,” the cardinal droned on. “She was captivated by the unique cultures of the Manwese, Samino, and Ainese people. Her first visit was the plateau city of Kenhoro, where she fell in love with the swordsmanship of Shimokan. This appreciation of the Eastern martial art led her to attend the Asamaywa Academy, where…”
Serena tried not to frown. She wasn’t sure how much the man actually knew. As a cardinal, he was the Demon Church’s equivalent of a greatlord. Yet, from her conversation with Greatlord Oshiro, it appeared that even they were not told of Alia’s realm-travelling origins. Furthermore, while her Lord Superior had deduced that secret, he’d given no indication that he knew about her soul transfer.
Even if Cardinal Hiroshi did know the truth, he could hardly introduce her as, ‘This is Alia Thornheart. She appeared in the Vengeance’s captain’s quarters half naked and then proceeded to shalessly flirt with said captain until-”
Serena gave herself a ntal slap. What was she doing, allowing her mind to go down such an inappropriate line of thought!? In a holy place nevertheless! Serena kept her mind clear and focused on the ceremony.
After Cardinal Hiroshi had finished recounting Alia’s imaginary life in this realm, he listed the reasons the cardinals had unanimously voted for her canonisation, emphasising Alia’s role as an unwavering symbol of peace and unity as well as her exceptional assistance during the Asamaywa fire.
He concluded that Alia’s na would be entered in the canon of the saints, and her work should be venerated and serve as an inspiration to all of demonkind. Glancing around, Serena saw many of the Lords nodding along, so even politely wiping tears from their eyes. She had to appreciate the cardinal's talent at public speaking, even if the story was false.
Wasn’t it a sin for a clergy mber to tell lies on holy ground?
“The petitions have been answered,” Cardinal Hiroshi declared, dramatically holding up a docunt. “The Head of the Demon Church, the Empress of Demonkind, has affird that Alia Thornheart’s canonisation is for the honor of the Church, the exaltation of the faith, and the defense of demonkind against the darkness!” He flourished the paper, upon which Serena saw the neat ‘E’ signed at the bottom. It was strange how even just seeing the Empress’s recent handwriting made Serena feel a sense of awe.
“Before the Empress, under an irrevocable decree, declares and defines Blessed Thornheart to be a saint, we must, under the light of the five moons of the Empire, hear the vows and promises!” The cardinal turned towards Alia, instructing her to repeat after him. “I, Alia Thornheart, vow to faithfully promote the cause of justice and peace, and to encourage the spread of love, life, and happiness to all demonkind.”
Serena saw Alia swallow.
“I, Alia Thornheart,” Alia began. “Vow to faithfully promote the cause of justice and peace.” Alia’s eyes flickered to Serena’s for a mont. “And to encourage the spread of love, life, and happiness to all.”
Alia’s lips curled into a smile.
Ah, that was why she had the mischievous twinkle in her eyes earlier.
Whispers and murmurs sounded from the aisles. Alia’s choice to change ‘all demonkind’ to just ‘all’ did not go amiss amongst the attendees. Cardinal Hiroshi blinked three tis before opening and closing his mouth. He turned his head, his eyes darting across the room. Serena followed the cardinal's gaze as he stared at the one man Serena couldn’t sense at all.
When had Chesterfield appeared?
The neat-looking Intelligence figure looked back, not at the cardinal but Alia. Alia wore an easy smile and then winked at Chesterfield. It was a wink that said, ‘You’re not going to trap that easily!’
An almost imperceptible sigh escaped Chesterfield’s lips followed by a quick nod towards the cardinal, who swallowed and resud the vows. It took him a while to return to his confident and dramatic candor, but they were soon done. Alia had consistently protested, constantly changing ‘all demonkind’ to ‘all’ and even once adding ‘and humans’ to one vow.
Despite the shaky end, the ceremony neared its completion. Serena, along with the other designated witnesses, were called to the front to sign their nas in the Holy Register. To her surprise, Chesterfield was one of them.
“Have you been forced, coerced or otherwise manipulated through unnatural ans to undertake this ceremony?” he asked Alia, who shook her head and denied it. “Wonderful…” Chesterfield mumbled before using the provided quill to scratch his na into the book.
Serena had heard rumours that the quill was actually a magical artifact, taken from the wings of one of the titanlords that ruled over the Centralis Basin during The Long Discordancy. It was a nice story, but Serena’s perception told her there wasn’t anything unusual about this particular writing instrunt. But then again, her perception struggled to pierce whatever defenses Chesterfield had, and he certainly wasn’t ordinary.
Once it was her turn, Serena stepped up. She asked Alia the sa question and received the sa answer. Nodding approvingly, Serena bent down to write her na.
Huh.
Athelstan Chesterfield.
It was an unusual na, and strangely familiar. Still, to think this would be where she would discover Chesterfield’s full na. That is, of course, if he had signed his real na. She wouldn’t put it past the crafty Intelligence officer to sign a pseudonym.
“Problem?” Cardinal Hiroshi asked gently.
“No, sorry,” Serena mumbled and quickly wrote down her na. Following her, there were a few more witnesses. Several high-ranking-looking Church mbers, followed by Greatlord Oshiro and his peers; the greatlords of Asamoto and Asamino. They each ensured Alia wasn’t under duress before signing their nas.
Serena wondered exactly why they needed to clarify that the saint was consenting to the ceremony. Wouldn’t that be sothing that was naturally assud? Was there a historical event that caused this tradition to start? She made a ntal note to find out after her busy schedule had died down.
The ceremony finished with Cardinal Hiroshi's final speech announcing Alia’s formal canonisation as Saint Alia. The cardinal then led Alia down the red carpet. As Alia passed by Serena, she twirled elegantly, allowing her robes and hair to flare upwards. The action caused a few to gasp in surprise - not at any breach of etiquette, but because of how eye-catching the movent was. Despite the occasional tumble or unwarranted destruction of venison, Alia was remarkably dexterous in her actions. Serena thought Alia could quickly beco an Empire-renowned dancer should she choose to be.
Those in the aisles began to filter out, following Alia and the cardinal to the reception hall. As they walked, Serena found herself next to her father. He looked happy and Serena understood why; not only was House Halen closely associated with a human Speaker, but that very sa human had now beco a rare living saint. Alia wasn’t formally a part of House Halen, but the association was more than enough to elevate the House’s prestige.
On one horn, a noble house that did direct business with humans was seen as a sign of losing prestige. Demon nobility were supposed to keep with their kind, and if their economic goals required contracts between their house and a human company, then it would be done through a rchant third-party. A house directly using their na to establish connections with a human organisation was a sign of a desperate house that had fallen out of favour with their demon peers.
On the other horn, the presence of Alia ant more and more noble houses wanted to form connections with House Halen. With the upcoming public announcent of Alia’s canonisation, her father and mother would likely be bombarded with letters and requests. Thankfully, Serena and Alia would be a thousand klicks away by then, sailing west through the Southern Passage towards Ishaq.
The reception further demonstrated this point. While Serena, her father, and Alia were in polite conversation with the greatlords of the Three Sisters, Serena could see more than a few demons wanting to approach both the new saint and Serena’s father. If it weren’t for the presence of Greatlord Oshiro, who stayed with them even after the greatlords of Asamoto and Asamino left, they would have been sward!
She suspected Greatlord Oshiro was intentionally keeping them at bay. He tactfully called over the highlords one at a ti, making small talk while introducing them to Alia. They would always bow politely and leave with a light-hearted invitation or a quick prayer, but otherwise didn’t push too hard.
Everyone was on their best behaviour and things went smoothly. The minutes ticked by until the bell towers sounded, announcing the ti.
“That is our cue,” Serena’s father said as the ringing ended. “We have a dinner to attend. Our carriage will be waiting… Greatlord Oshiro, are you…?”
“No,” the greatlord replied. “I have other obligations.” He leaned in. “The Sabanis Dominance is holding talks to negotiate the Republic’s surrender. I’ll be travelling there as part of the Cascadian Delegation to represent the interests of the East.”
“Ah… so it’s going to end, then?” Serena’s father asked.
“Yes,” Greatlord Oshiro nodded. “It’ll end.” He leaned back. “I can’t make ti for your dinner, but I believe my wife accepted the invitation.” He turned towards Alia, saying, “I understand you’ll be attending?”
“Mmm!” Alia nodded.
“Ashina’s been excited to et you again. She’s only refrained from formally inviting you to our estate due to how busy you’ve been with the fire and your other obligations. Next ti you’re in the East, we’ll be sure to host you properly.”
“I can’t wait!” Alia replied with a thumbs up. She turned towards Serena. “I’ll go get ready! I can’t have a al dressed like this!” She gestured towards her fine saint robes, scrunching up her nose. “Feels a bit too much, doesn’t it? I’ll go change and et you in the carriage!”
With that, Alia bounced across the room and told one of the church maids it was ti for her to change. She disappeared and reappeared a few minutes later in casual clothing. Serena didn’t miss Cardinal Hiroshi’s look of disappointnt at the change, but he didn’t say anything other than wishing them well. After a final round of goodbyes, they took their leave and exited the basilica into House Halen’s waiting carriage.
“This will be our last al together until you return,” her father said when the carriage started to move. “It’s a sha Nina isn’t here, she’s been eager to find ti to co ho but her work keeps pulling her away.” He shook his head. “I hope Lani behaves in front of Ashina. Don’t ntion the ceremony to her, by the way. Lani would tell half the city before sundown! Also, I hope Grandmother behaves…”
As her father muttered his concerns, Serena sat back, relaxing as the carriage carried them ho. She would try to make the most of the dinner. Within a week, they would set sail, and who knew when they would return? They could be gone for a month or even a year! Lani was growing up so fast that Serena felt guilty she wasn’t there to see more of it!
Lani… Grandmother… Mother… Serena thought, glancing at Alia. And Lia…
Four people with strong personalities. They would all behave in front of the wife of a greatlord, wouldn’t they?
Right?
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