Chapter 4 - In The Same Space?!

An Old Chapel turned to a nice little home in a small clearing of a beautiful forest was in readiness for the group. It was cosmic. The walls were still sturdy as if it had been untouched. It bore no look of war or fights but it screams of nostalgia towards anyone who came by.

An upgraded cottage, if there was such a thing. Its roof had been repainted from gray to brick red. The walls from their typical gray and black color to a subtle pale white. The windows maintained their design. A chimney stuck out from the building's top.

Mavislin was ecstatic when she initially heard she would have a home when after agreeing to train under the couple's wing. Her joy had skyrocketed when she laid eyes on her room within the beautiful Old Chapel they lived in.

By the virtue of Gillian's Element, whichever room the person owns would reflect the user's Elements and personality. And on the odd occasion, if the Old Chapel desires it, the memories of the one living in the room. In this way, when Baldwin was given a room later in the day, the entire room was drenched in darkness.

"Not as grand as palaces or castles, but should fill the bill for a small group of us. Do take note not to go behind the Old Chapel, you might accidentally step on little Mavis' garden," warned Gillian, resting his hand on the Dark Mage's shoulder.

He looked mystified as Ysabeau opened the room window to reveal a colorful patch of land in the middle of the lush green carpet around the building.

"If only I had known you were opened to guests, I would've taken my family here to be safe," said Baldwin, voice cracking.

Mavislin smiled as she gazed upon the mini garden below.

"Abi would've treasured it," said Ysabeau, looking at the Angry Man in sadness.

"So you are telling me I can stay?" asked Baldwin, in bewilderment.

"Why not? Provided you don't ravage the area and make Mavislin aggravated, you should be reasonable." Baldwin was puzzled.

"You are willing to accept a Mage of Dark Element in the same space of a Mage of Light Element?!"

Baldwin's face was in a state of shock; how could Mages of the polar opposite Elements live under the same roof?

"She's still a child, so she won't bother you overmuch. Moreover, she hasn't got many friends to play with, so you could help in that aspect."

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?

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.

"Currently, 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 you manage 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.

"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. And yet, she is nevertheless able to 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? We don't appoint anyone. We just fight. We don't dictate, we kill. That's Valkyries work, we wage wars to indicate our status. We represent the gods of war, not angels at all," replied girl who had an eyeball in her mouth. She was extremely bothered at how her race was being defined.

Ysabeau sighed as she got a piece of cloth and wiped away the blood that was trickling down the young child's chin.

"You guys are still better respected than me," commented Baldwin.

"That's proper," replied the Valkyrie.