Ardwulf, Angelica, and Luigi all clapped as the young Azalia blew out her candles.
"I know it's a few days early, but Happy Birthday, my beautiful, little lady." Ardwulf lovingly pinched her cheek. "Was your wish something Papa could fulfill?" He ran his hand backwards through her hair.
"I can't tell you that, Papa! It won't come true if I say it!" Azalia giggled softly when he pinched her cheek.
"She's right, Ardwulf. Birthday wishes don't come true if you tell people your wish." Angelica winked at Ardwulf and smiled softly. 'I could think of worse ways to live my life then with a slightly older man who has a child.' She thought to herself and blushed. "Well, Luigi, would you do the honors?" She picked up the knife and handed it to the aging man.
"It would be my honor. Anything for little Ardwulf's precious child." Luigi bowed as he took the knife from Angelica and began to carve the cake with expert precision.
"You use to be so sweet to me, maybe I shouldn't have left you with Cora." Ardwulf hung his head in defeat.
"Oh, Papa..." Azalia shook her head softly and held her arms out towards him.
"Oh, my precious child." Ardwulf teared up and picked the young girl up in his arms. "Papa will always treat you like his little girl no matter how old you become. You know that, right?"
"I know. I'll always be your little girl, daddy." She kissed his cheek gently. "Nothing in this world or the next would ever prevent me from being your little lady. You know that, right Papa?" She buried her face into his chest.
"Awe." Angelica walked over and wrapped her arms around them. "I'll be here beside both of you." She nuzzled her face into Ardwulf's neck. 'We almost feel like a real family.' She thought to herself.
"Angelica..." Ardwulf smiled softly and closed his eyes. 'This is...what I've always wanted. I shouldn't be happy, after all the lives I've taken, but...I'll carry their deaths with me, and do my best to bring some good into this world before I die. I will carry there memories always.' He leaned down and kissed Azalia's forehead gently. "That's right. You will always be my little lady."
"And don't you forget it, daddy." Azalia giggled when her father kissed her forehead.
"That's right, Ardwulf. Don't forget that." Angelica chided and giggled softly. "Well, what say we get up there and eat some of that delicious strawberry shortcake."
The three of them shared a tender embrace as Luigi finished cutting the cake. "Well, you three enjoy this delicious dessert. Ardwulf, take care of these sweet, beautiful ladies." With everything said and done, Luigi took his leave.
"Hehe. I haven't smiled this much since you left, Papa." Azalia climbed out of his arms and sat down in one of the chairs.
"Well, you'll always smile like this now, my love. I won't leave you again." Ardwulf smiled as he put one of the pieces onto a plate and sat it down in front of her. "Eat up, baby." He rubbed the top of his daughter's head lovingly. 'I wonder...if I should...tell you about your mother.' Ardwulf sighed silently.
"Ardwulf..." Angelica slipped her hand into his and squeezed gently. 'I wonder why he looks...sad...' She looked down and smiled softly as she watched the young girl enjoy her cake.
"Papa...what's wrong?" Azalia looked up slowly and frowned. "You know I can tell when your sad."
"I was just...thinking about your mother." Ardwulf sat down and used his fork to play with his cake, rather than eat it.
"Ardwulf...?" Angelica sat down beside him and wrapped herself around his arm.
"It's okay, Papa. It hurts that I never met her, but I have you. You have done everything for me. Even more then I could have ever hoped or asked for from you. I figured the reason she was never around is because...she isn't with us anymore." Azalia continued to eat her cake, slowly now. "I'm guessing that, if she hadn't died, I wouldn't know you instead."
"You really are my precious daughter." Ardwulf ran his hand backwards through his hair. 'She already figured out so much on her own.' He looked down at the table. "That's right, because, Papa was heartless. I would never have gotten to know you if your mother had lived. I couldn't have Valarin threaten your life just to use me. You would have never even known my face." He grabbed the edge of the table and squeezed hard. "You could have lived a normal life, Azalia. Instead, you were forced to become a soldier, because of me." The edge of the tabled snapped off from the pressure he had exerted on the wood. "Ah...shit..."
"Papa...?" Azalia slammed her hand on the table. "Don't talk like that!" She shouted. "You are the best and only thing in my life, daddy! I've had an amazing life! You've done so much for me, even sacrificing your happiness just for me! I don't blame you for anything! I chose to be a soldier because..." She looked up at Ardwulf with tears in her eyes. "Because I wanted to feel closer to you, Papa..." She placed her hands on her face and tried to dry her eyes.
"Ardwulf..." Angelica looked down at the broke pieces of the table on the floor and sighed. "You two...are so good together." She picked up the broken pieces and sat them on the table.
Ardwulf had already moved to Azalia's side before the first tears had started to fall. "Azalia. You are my happiness. You are the only good thing I've ever brought into this world. I've done so many evil things in my life. I didn't want you to have to see that side of me. I didn't want you to know how it felt to take a life, but I guess I can't keep you sheltered forever." He wrapped the young girl in his arms and held her tight. "I love you. I love you so much. Okay? I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."
'You really can't tell them apart. They are that similar.' Angelica chuckled silently to herself as she watched. 'That's what...love really looks like, huh?' She placed one hand on her cheek and sighed to herself. 'Is that...something I'm prepared for?'
"You didn't have a choice, Papa. You were a soldier. You followed your orders...until..." Azalia grabbed the front of his shirt and squeezed. "You realized that what they were ordering you to do was wrong. You tried to help, Papa. I know you couldn't save them all, but you tried! You would never have followed that order had you known!" She sobbed into his chest. "You don't need to apologize. I love you, too, daddy. So much. You know that, right? My life with you means everything!"
"You knew...about that...?" Ardwulf gasped softly. "Aza..." He buried his face in her hair and kissed the top of her head. 'I never wanted you to...know that...' He continued to stroke the back of Azalia's head lovingly. "My life with you means everything, as well, my little lady. You've brought Papa so much joy. A feeling that I never thought I would possess. Here, look up, baby." He gently dried her eyes when she looked up at him. "You're gonna make me cry again." He kissed her forehead gently. "Show Papa your beautiful smile."
"Mhmm. I heard the stories. They said you disobeyed a direct order, even killing the soldiers that Robert sent to stop you." Azalia recited the rumors she had heard. "You mean that, daddy?" Azalia looked up as Ardwulf nodded at her question. She giggled softly when he dried her eyes. "Hehe. I love you, daddy." She smiled beautifully.
"Aww." Angelica cooed. She looked to Ardwulf and smiled softly. 'Is that what caused him so much pain?' She thought to herself.
"That's true, love. Every word." Ardwulf admitted to the accusations that had been tossed around behind his back. "Awe, I love you, Azalia." He gently poked her nose. "There's that beautiful smile. It reminds me so much of your mother." He admitted.
"Papa." Azalia giggled softly. "My smile is just like mama's smile?" She questioned excitedly.
"Mhmm. You got your mother's smile and her face. You got my hair and my eyes. All in all, you turned out rather beautiful." Ardwulf complimented her and placed his hand on Azalia's cheek. "She loved you, even before you were born."
"Really?" Azalia grabbed his hand and held it against her cheek. "I kind of felt that. I have these feelings from before I was born. She was excited and anxious. I loved her, too. I would have liked to see her face, if only once."
"Azalia..." Ardwulf smiled and caressed her cheek gently with his thumb. "You can..." He reached his other hand into his cloak and pulled out a small folded item. "I kept this, in the event that one day, I had the strength to tell you about her. I want you to have it, my little lady."
"What is it, Papa?" Azalia hesitantly took the item and unfolded it gently. "This is..." Her eyes watered up as she stared at the item in her hand.
It was an old and heavily creased photo of a beautiful woman. The photo was black and white, but there was no room for doubt by examining her face. "This is...my mother?" Azalia sobbed softly.
"Yes. I kept that picture with me, always. I would look at it often and think of you. It helped to remind me why I fought. It's yours now, my love." Ardwulf rubbed the top of her head gently. "She was an amazing woman. Beautiful, kind. We didn't speak much, but what we spoke about, left an impression on me that I will carry all my life."
"Papa, are you sure? You've used it a lot, look at the fold." Azalia admired the photo and gently ran her fingers across the photo. "She looks like a kind woman."
"I'm sure. Your connection to her is more significant than my own. You are her flesh and blood, it's only right for you to carry it." Ardwulf smiled softly.
"Wow. She's beautiful, Ardwulf." Angelica placed her hands on Azalia's shoulders and leaned over to get a look, as well. "Well, take good care of it, Azalia." She whispered softly and squeezed her shoulders gently.
"Well, looking at you, Angelica, it seems like Papa has a type." Azalia giggled innocently and looked back at Angelica. "You're just his type, too." She teased in a hushed whisper.
"What...? You little." Angelica blushed and giggled shyly as she poked the little girl's cheek. "Well, it's getting late, what do you two say we grab an Inn for the night?" She suggested.
Ardfulf watched the small interaction and chuckled softly to himself. 'I don't know what was said, but at least they seem to be getting along. That's good.' He smiled and nodded. "Well, you getting sleepy, my love?" He looked to Azalia and gently rubbed her head.
"Hehe. Yeah. I can sleep with you, right, Papa?" Azalia looked up at her long haired father and smiled innocently.
"As if I could ever deny you anything?" Ardwulf questioned rhetorically and scooped his beautiful daughter up in his arms. "By the way, Azalia, when is Cora supposed to arrive and how is she coming?" With Azalia held in one arm, he gently grabbed Angelica's hand in his other as the three of them left Luigi's restaurant.
"Hehe. Daddy, I'm old enough to walk on my own." Azalia protested, but despite her protests, she snuggled into his chest. "Two days last I heard. She was coming by train and arriving at Belorast Capital. From there, I assume she would take a carriage or a horse to reach Throywich." She closed her eyes and smiled softly.
"A-Ardwulf..." Angelica blushed when he grabbed her hand but that was the last word of protest. She leaned into him and looked over to watch Azalia get comfortable. 'I'm seeing a completely different side of him.'
"You may be old enough to walk, but Daddy still likes to dote on you and treat you like his little girl." Ardwulf squeezed the young girl gently as they walked through the main street towards the Knave and Shield Inn.
"Hehe. I suppose every once in awhile I'll allow it." Azalia retorted and giggled softly. 'It feels like Papa never left when he treats me like this.'
"Where are we heading, Sir Knight?" Angelica looked up at the handsome ex soldier.
"Oh, you'll allow me?" Ardwulf looked down at his daughter. "How very gracious of you, Princess. I shall accept that honor with pride." He rolled his eyes and chuckled. "The Knave and Shield Inn. It's the only Inn in Throywich. Other then the tavern down by the pier, but that place gets rowdy. The Inn is just up here." Ardwulf nodded his head toward the building at the end of the street.
"Oh, I see. Yeah, I suppose Sailors can get rowdy after being out at sea for weeks at a time." Angelica nodded at his explanation. 'I wonder where he got all his money?'
"Hi, welcome to the Knave and Shield Inn. Will you be staying with us tonight?" A young man bowed as the three entered the building.
"Yes, can we get a room please? One bed will be acceptable." Ardwulf smiled at the young man.
"Of course. Ten Valis." The young man reached behind him and grabbed a key off the back rack. He handed the key to Ardwulf. "She's just adorable, by the way. You three make a cute family."
"Here ya go." Ardwulf handed him the payment and gently grabbed the key. "Thank you. We get that a lot." He smiled softly at Angelica as they made their way up the stairs and to the room.
"You've stopped trying to correct people, too?" Angelica blushed as she laid her head on his shoulder.
"Yeah. Explaining everything over and over again just seems to cause confusion. I don't see any harm in letting it go." Ardwulf explained as they reached the top of the stairs. "16." He looked down and read the room number on the key.
'Hehe. He's adorable when he's flustered.' Angelica thought as she looked at the door numbers. "Over there." She pointed towards the corner. Angelica took the key from Ardwulf and ran over to unlock the door. "After you, Sir Knight." She gestured with a curtsy and a soft giggle.
"You aren't going to let me live that title down, are you?" Ardwulf sighed in defeat as he walked past Angelica. "You are as sweet as always." He leaned over and kissed her cheek gently as he passed.
"Nope, not at all..." Angelica's face lit up when his lips touched her cheek. "Hehe. Now who's being sweet?" She questioned rhetorically and shut the door after walking inside. The sound of the door locking could be heard.
"Mmm...daddy..." Azalia muttered in her sleep. "Don't leave..." She whimpered softly.
"Shh. Daddy's here, baby. He isn't leaving you ever again." Ardwulf softly cooed as he sat down on the edge of the bed. He slowly rocked back and forth with the young sleeping child.
"You are just so...wow..." Angelica blushed as she sat down beside him. "I like seeing this side of you." She admitted and leaned over slowly. She gently kissed Azalia's forehead and then brushed her hair from her face. "She's so incredibly intelligent."
"My lady, please, saying such things will cause me to blush." Ardwulf smiled softly as he watched Angelica dote on his little girl. "Very. She is just so perfect."
"Want me to hold her so you can get changed?" Angelica held her arms out towards him.
"Oh, yes. Thank you, my lady." Ardwulf carefully passed Azalia over to Angelica and slowly rose to his feet. He stretched his arms over his head and yawned softly. Once he was satisfied, Ardwulf started to remove his armor and lay it on the side of bed. He removed his gauntlets, pauldrons, and greaves. Then he removed his chest plate and stretched some more. "Whew. Okay, your turn Angelica. Can you lay her down for me?" He returned to Angelica's side.
Angelica watched in awe as he slowly removed his armor. Each piece was crafted with great detail and care. The thing that caught her attention was the weight, though. It looked sturdy and light, but when he sat the pieces down, even when he was gentle, they still sounded heavy when they hit the ground. "Hm? Oh, yeah. I should change...for bed..." She blushed softly and carefully laid Azalia down on the bed.
"Thank you." Ardwulf smiled after Angelica has she slowly made her way to the bathroom. "Okay, now your turn, my little lady." He crawled on the bed and started to unlace her boots. Once they were untied, he gently grabbed her ankle and carefully slid off her boots and socks. Once that was done, Ardwulf crawled up the bed beside Azalia, propped his head up with his arm and gazed at his sleeping daughter.
Around this time, Angelica slowly crept from the bathroom and smiled softly as she watched Ardwulf care for his daughter. She carefully crawled in the bed behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist. "You are such an amazing father, my foolish Knight." She cooed quietly and buried her face in his back.
"I sincerely hope that's true. She's everything to me, Angelica. If I lost her...the world would surely burn. Everything would be destroyed, and it wouldn't be something I could control. I fear that I would lose all sense of reason, all the progress I made in developing and expressing my emotions, would be lost." Ardwulf admitted reluctantly. "I love her that much." He reached over and gently caressed Azalia's cheek with the back of his hand. "Sleep well, my little lady."
"Papa..." Azalia muttered in her sleep and smiled softly. Her hands found their way towards his shirt and latched on tight.
"I believe you would, Ardwulf. I won't let that happen, though. I'll help keep her safe. I don't know how the future will play out, but you will always be able to confide in me. I will always be your friend if nothing else." Angelica whispered softly into his back. 'Until I can sort through these emotions of mine, that is.' She thought.
"Angelica..." Ardwulf gently pried Azalia's hands free. 'Sorry, baby. I'll be right back.' He rolled over onto his side and smiled at Angelica softly. "I appreciate that, my lady." He placed his hand on her cheek. 'I want more then that, though. More then friends. That's selfish of me. I hate it.' He gently caressed her cheek with his thumb. "Thank you, for being so kind to something like me. It's...a nice feeling to be wanted."
"Stop that." Angelica whispered. She grabbed his hand and held it against her cheek.
"?" Ardwulf looked at her with a face of shock. "Stop...what?"
"Stop calling yourself something, Ardwulf. You aren't just a tool." Angelica reprimanded the young ex soldier. "You're a living, breathing human, my foolish Knight. You aren't just some emotional weapon. Not anymore." She moved his hand from her cheek and placed it on her chest, against her heart. "Feel that? My heart is racing, because of you. A tool wouldn't cause this, or these feelings that are churning inside me."
"Angelica..." Ardwulf sighed softly. "I haven't learned a thing..." His face started inching closer to her as his eyes closed.
"A-Ardwulf..." Angelica's face lit up as her face inched closer and her eyes closed, as well. 'What...are we...doing..? And why am I not stopping...' She thought to herself.
Their lips touched as they shared a brief, tender kiss. They pulled away after a second.
"Sorry...I don't know...why I did that." Ardwulf kept his eyes closed as he pressed his forehead against hers.
"Don't..." Angelica placed her hands against his chest. "You don't have to apologize. Deep down...I really wanted you to kiss me..." She blushed and wrapped her arms around his neck. "You just stole a young maiden's first kiss." She teased.
"Angelica..." Ardwulf smiled softly. "Thank you, I mean it." He yawned softly.
"I don't need your thanks, silly." Angelica giggled softly. "Flip back over to Azalia, Mr. Smooth." She teased as she pulled away from Ardwulf. She moved to the other side of the bed so that Azalia was now laying between the two of them.
"You are relentless, my lady." Ardwulf smiled as he watched her switch to the other side of the bed. "She's such an angel, isn't she?" Ardwulf moved Azalia's hair from her sleeping face.
"She is, there's no denying that." Angelica looped her arm over Azalia's sleeping form and grabbed Ardwulf's hand. "Rest, my silly knight." She yawned softly and closed her eyes.
"I'm glad you two got along so well. It makes me unbelievably happy" Ardwulf closed his eyes as he laced their fingers together. "Good night, my lady. Goodnight, my love." He kissed Azalia's cheek and laid back down.
'He is so amazing. And that kiss...' Angelica's fingers on her free hand traced her lips as she started to doze off.
The next morning, Ardwulf was up before the rooster. He was on the ground doing push ups and trying to finish his morning exercises. 'It's been two days. I've been slacking lately with everything that's been going on.' He rolled onto his back and started his bicycle kicks.
"Mmm. Ardwulf?" Angelica sat up and rubbed her eyes sleepily. "Where are you?" She looked to the bed and it was empty.
"Down here." Ardwulf whispered and exhaled heavily as he switched to doing leg rises.
"Oh..." Angelica crawled to the edge of the bed and laid down on her stomach. She propped her head on her hand and watched him with a soft smile. "It's still early, though."
"I know, but...it's been two days. I need to...get back into the mindset." Ardwulf spoke as he tried to maintain his focus on his exercises. "Early morning..is the best time. With Azalia back...I want to spend...more time with her...and you.." He rose to his feet, put his hands behind his head and started doing his squats.
"Awe. That's so sweet." Angelica cooed and watched him continue to work out. 'Watching him sweat. It's kind of sexy.' She gently bit down on her knuckle. "No wonder your body feels so firm." She whispered softly.
"My lady..." Ardwulf whined as he finished his squats and the rest of his exercises. He sat down on the edge of the bed next to Angelica and sighed softly.
"Hehe." Angelica giggled as she eyed his shirtless body. She placed her hand on his bare chest and ran her fingers down to his abs. "Wow..."
"Ahhh...my lady..." Ardwulf blushed and grabbed her wrist gently. He pressed her hand against his abs. "What do you think you're doing so early?" He turned to face her with an alluring smile.
"Hm? Ah, I'm sorry." Angelica blushed and went to withdraw her hand but was shocked when Ardfulf grabbed her hand. "O-Oh...I was just...mesmerized..." She leaned her forehead against his bare chest and closed her eyes. "I was still thinking about that kiss..."
"Oh, yeah." Ardwulf scratched his cheek shyly. "I was so caught up in the moment...but I...didn't dislike it." He blushed slightly.
"It was...my first kiss.." Angelica traced her lips with her fingers. "I wouldn't mind...if it happened again..." She whispered into his chest.
"My lady..." Ardwulf chuckled softly. "I wouldn't mind if it happened again, either." He looked down at the young rainbow haired beauty.
"Ardwulf..." Angelica looked up slowly as their eyes met and she gazed into his deep dark green hues. 'I want to kiss him now...' She moved her hands to his chest and started raising her face up closer to his.
"My lady...?" Ardwulf smiled softly as he closed his eyes and waited.
'He's making me go all the way. You'll pay.' Angelica giggled nervously to herself and closed her eyes as she pushed her lips against his, kissing him gently.
Ardwulf placed his hand on her cheek when their lips met. After a moment she pulled back slightly. Ardwulf paused and then started to kiss her once more. 'These feelings are only growing stronger, but do I deserve this?'
Angelica smiled into the kiss when he initiated another one. She pulled back after another moment and smiled softly. "I think I'm starting to like that feeling." She whispered.
"Daddy..." Azalia's voice sounded behind them. The young white haired child awoke and slowly sat up. She rubbed her eyes sleepily. "Where...?"
Ardwulf carefully pulled away from Angelica and slid up the bed and laid beside Azalia. "I'm here, my precious child." He reached out and placed his hand against Azalia's cheek. "Papa is still here with you." He cooed softly.
"Hehe. His daughter wakes and he comes calling." Angelica chuckled softly. 'Though, that IS what makes him such a good father.' She placed her hand against her lips. 'I could...see myself living this kind of life.' She blushed at her thoughts and moved up the bed to Azalia's other side.
"Morning, daddy." Azalia leaned up and kissed his cheek. "I'm glad...you're still here." She hugged him tightly. After that, she moved to Angelica and held her arms up. "Morning...mommy..."
"Awe." Angelica blushed and sighed happily as she brought the little girl into her chest. 'I could get use to that.' She hugged Ardwulf's daughter tightly. "Good morning, Azalia." She rubbed the back of the young girl's head.
Ardwulf smiled softly and grabbed his shirt from the floor. He slipped his arms into the sleeves and then pulled his shirt over his head. 'Someone's...coming...' Ardfulf jumped to his feet and held his arm out to the side. "Luminous Tempest, heed my call. Come forth!" He whispered softly. A magic circle appeared in front of them and the head of a dragon emerged from the circle. The shaft of a weapon popped out when the dragon's mouth opened wide. Ardwulf grabbed his spear and removed it quickly. The circle disappeared.
"Daddy...?" Azalia pulled away and jumped to her feet. She pulled out her small custom made dagger that Ardwulf had made especially for her. A platinum single edged dagger. It was created for combat. The surprisingly heavy 13 inch/33cm blade had a very sharp wide edge, and an insignia engraved on one side. It has a fancy guard, a light green leather-bound grip, and a square pommel. The scabbard was elaborate and made of iron with ruby trimmings. "Thunderstorm Spellblade." She whispered softly. "She's early, Papa."
"Dalbha, burn this door." A female voice echoed from the other side and the wooden door to their room was incinerated almost immediately. A black robed, hooded figure slowly stepped inside the room, carrying an aged looking tome. "Captain. It's good to see you in good health." The figure spoke seductively. "And, Azalia. I see now." She giggled sweetly. "I'm happy to see you. I guess the rumor was true. You are Ardwulf's child. I had my suspicions." She flipped open her Grimoire. "How shall we proceed, Captain?"
"Cora. It's good to see you well." Ardwulf pointed his spear at the hooded woman. "We can proceed when you explain yourself. What does Theoden and Robert have on you? Or are you doing this of your own free will?" Ardwulf eyed the Blazing Witch.
Angelica jumped to her feet and backed away from the bed, putting some space between her and the fighters. 'Be careful, Ardwulf, Azalia.'
"I am doing this for the same reason I always have, Captain." Cora replied and slid her hand backwards, slipping the hood off her head revealing her hidden features. She had a square face, a hooked nose, and small lips. Her grey eyes were large and she had thin eyebrows. She had very short, wavy, pale orange hair which was neatly braided. "I do everything for you, because I love you. Was it not obvious?" She smiled softly at the man she held deep feelings for and ran a hand backwards through her braided hair.