Lapis first meeting with the Divine One was less than stellar, to say the least.
She had been rude to the Divine Dragon. Even challenged her and Prince Alfred to a duel when she met them. Alcryst had been downright furious with her and Citrinne, and made them apologize as soon as Hortensia was dealt with.
"I'm so so sorry Divine One. I was on edge, I did not think before speaking. I hope you can forgive me."
Alear however had just laughed.
"Its fine, really. I get it. Can't blame you for being on guard. We should have brought with us a signal or something."
Lapis could not help the blush that came to her, even so when she looked at her.
She was so beautiful. And not because she was a Divine Figure, but as a woman.....she was so so beautiful.
"Eh are you ok....you are staring ?"
"Ah...Im so sorry. I got distracted with....thinking of the castle. Yeah, that's where I live after all...."
"Ah I see. Don't worry. We are gonna go there as soon as we can."
She discreetly watched the woman go away. Pushing out what her heart was saying.
"Stop it. She is the Divine One, you are just a lowly farmer turned retainer."
She sighted and calmed herself down. For now she had to focus on the battle for the castle.
Yet those red and blue eyes never left her mind.
It had been a mixed result.
They defended the castle, and then kept the Elusians from invading.
But then King Morrion had been captured, and now they had to head to Elusia to rescue him.
Lapis was still amazed by the Solem though. She never thought such a elegant place, would have so much green !
It reminded her of her family's farm. Of her home.
Which reminded her to quickly send the money she had to her parents, before she could potentially die.
Lapis has always sent most of her salary to her parents back home, so they and her siblings can be well taken for. She only kept a quarter of what she earns for herself. In the castle she is given all she needs, and has no need for anything for herself. She would give them more but her mother had not allowed it.
"Excuse me Lapis, you have a moment ?"
"AH, Divine One !" She yelled. "S...sure. What do you need ?"
"Well I wanted to congratulate you for the fight today. You were great !"
"Oh I wasn't that good..."
"That's nonsense. We fought side by side. I saw how great you were. It was nice to have a fellow sword fighter alongside me."
That...that was true. She and Alear had fought a lot on the battle side by side. They were both sword fighters after all.
"I....I...please don't praise me like that."
"Huh...why ?"
"I don't do good with praise ok. Sorry..."
"Oh I see....but it would be good for your self esteem. When we met you were willing to challenge me, but now...you are all nervous."
"Its nothing you have done....ah I....I have to go. I'm sorry."
She ran away as fast as her legs could carry her. Leaving Alear stunned.
"Did I do something wrong....."
She really did not have a lot of time to speak with Alear a while after.
The fight at Elusia was chaos. The Emblems were stolen. Alear's friend Veyle was revealed to be the mastermind, and they were almost killed by the Four Hounds. They would have if it wasn't for Princess Ivy defecting to their side, and helping them get to Solm.
Everyone at the Solem was in a foul mood.
Diamant and Alcryst were grieving their loss of their father. Citrinne also lost her uncle.
And Alear was devastated by for the loss of the rings. Specially since Marth had warned them about what was coming, and told them to leave.
Which just happened to be the reason why Lapis was so nervous when her time came to wake up Alear.
"Oh this fancy room is making me so nervous....what if I close my eyes and....no, I would just knock things over..."
Lapis sighted and went slowly to the Divine One.
"Eh Divine One...it is time to wake up....Sir Varner told me to wake you up so....can you please wake up."
Alear however just shook on her bed.
"Divine One....are you ok...."
Lapis gently (and very scared) pushed her lightly.
"BAH !" Alear yelled as she woke up.
"A....are you ok..."
"Lapis...what...oh. Yeah I...I am fine...."
"Did you...have a nightmare ?"
"Yeah...I just can't believe...we lost the Emblems....that I lost Marth...."
"But we got Lucina and Lyn now, we can get the others back."
"I really hope so.."
"You know.....my mother used to say that.....hot tea always help when you are having nightmares. I can make you some...if you want ?"
"That...that would be nice, thank you Lapis."
Lapis quickly went outside to get it. It was very early on the morning, and the only one she saw was Etie running around. So she quickly got the tea for the Divine One ready.
"Here you go....I got the leaves myself."
"Wow this....this is great Lapis....I have to tell Céline of this, she is gonna get her mind blown. How did you make it so good ?"
"Heh...like I said. I grew the leaves myself."
After all, in times were farming got rough and they didn't have enough to eat, she had to figure out how to make her full.
"Well it does make me fill a little better. Thanks Lapis..."
"Anytime Divine One..."
" Huh?! You're serious? You really want to train with me today, Divine One?"
"Yes! I thought it would be nice to train together every once in a while. Specially since we are together on the field a lot of times."
"That's so exciting! Thank you for carving out the time."
At long last, she was finally letting go of her nervousness when she got close to Alear. Specially now that she knows she is so kind and gentle....and beautiful.
Lapis shook her head as that thought got on her head.
"So, what am I in for, Lapis? What's your usual training regimen?"
"I start with some drills using different weapons, try a few practice swings...then do heavy lifting. I strap a weighted pack to my back and go for a long run. Sometimes I climb a mountain.....Oh, if you're going to train with me, you'll need a pack too. I'll make you one real quick."
"You are gonna make me a pack ?!"
"Sure! It's not too hard. I had to make most things by hand back in the countryside."
"Countryside."
That's when Lapis noticed her misstep. She almost revealed her origins as a lowly commoner !
"Ah! Ahh! I...I meant, "can't decide!" I can't decide, uh, whether to make you a pack or not!"
"Oh. Well, I'd love it if you did. I think it's really amazing you can make those kinds of things."
Lapis blushed and got flustered at hearing that.
"Ooh, please don't tease me like that."
" I'm not teasing. Your crafting skills could be very useful on the battlefield........... Would you be willing to teach me how to make a few things? I'd like to learn."
"... It feels...strange to be complimented for such a modest skill. But yes, I can show you how to make a pack right now."
With that Lapis started working. Feeling a warm feeling on her heart.
She did not know what it was....but she liked it. She really did.....
In her time at the Solem, Lapis did not expect to make many friends. After all, which of this nobles would like to be with a commoner.
But to her surprise, she strikes a friendship with the Princess of Firene, Céline, and the Prince's retainer, Etie. The former had come to her after Alear spoke of her tea, while the latter had come after she saw her train.
"So you really can make this machine, so that I can work my abs and trunk. Man that would be great."
"Oh Etie, always seeking to train in a new way, right ?" Céline mumbled in good nature.
"You know me Céline, I always train when I can."
"Yes I know. Even in our tea parties you train."
"You train in a tea party ?" Lapis finally asked from where she was working. "How ?"
"Oh easy. I got this tea cups that are super heavy, and drink my tea from it. Pretty cool right ?"
"Heh, the last time, her hand was shaking so badly. I think you went a bit overhand Etie."
"You two must be pretty close." Lapis commented.
"Well, Etie and I have known each other for a long time. It was I the one that got her the place as my brother's retainer."
"Yeah. Since I'm the youngest daughter of a Marquis, my family really saw little value on me. Always focused on my brother and sister. Céline was the one that actually got them to see."
"To be fair your brother has always supported you, and helped get you the post as well. He will be a fine successor to your family. Your sister.....yeah she is a peice of shit."
"Oh Céline. Make sure the noble council doesn't hear you with that."
"They can say what they want. Its not like I'd care"
Yep....this two are close. Lapis can even imagine them being....a bit closer than friends.
"Say Lapis. Before I forget. Alear is asking for you after lunch."
"ME !" She yelled. "Wh...why does the Divine One want to see me !....and why aren't you calling her that !"
"I do no. She said it was important. And she wants to be called by her name, so I see no problem."
"Ah but it does seem that you and Alear have formed quite a friendship Lapis." Céline said. "Since you consoled her with that tea, and you two started training together."
"Yeah, she brought that pack you made for her for our run....can I get one too ?"
"Etie !"
"Sorry Céline...but can I ?"
"I am so sorry for coming in late for our meeting, Divine One !" Lapis apologized as she got to the lookout ridge.
"Its quite alright Lapis. Thank you for coming."
"So...what is it that you need from me ?"
"Take a look at this." She showed her a yellowish black ring.
"Wow...that is a nice ring."
"It is an emblem actually."
"WHAT !...How...how is that possible. I thought there were only 12."
They had recently gotten Ike, Byleth, and Corrin. That meant the others were with Sombrom. A lost emblem should not be possible.
"Actually, we discovered there is a brand new set of emblems in a island, and the western cost of Firene. Alfred had sent soldiers to investigated, and while most of the island is blocked. They found two rings."
With that Alear got the ring close.
"Rise On, Emblem of Rivals !"
And then, out of the ring, came not one, but three figures ! A woman in red clothing, with white hair, and two men. One in blue with blond hair, and the other in yellow with brown hair.
"Lapis meet the emblems of Rivals."
"Greetings Lapis. I am Edelgard."
"Pleased to meet you. My name is Dimitri."
"And that would make me Claude. Hey there."
"N...nice to meet you three."
"Edelgard, Dimitri, and Claude come from Byleth's world. They are the house leaders of the three houses in the academy he teaches at. Though in a different timeline....I am not clear about that....But I know they are very capable."
"Well Dimitri and I are...Claude can be trouble some...when he wants.."
"Hey come on Edelgard. That is not how...
"No, she has a point Claude."
"You two are no fun."
"Anyway, you might be asking why I brought you here Lapis. Well...I am entrusting the Emblem of Rivals to you."
"Ah I see....WAIT WHAT !"
Alear wanted her to have a Emblem Ring ! All for herself !
"You...you want me to take a ring...to battle !"
"I know you are very capable, and they will only make you stronger."
"Worry not, we promise to only do our best to help you." Edelgard assured her.
"Right. You can count with all of our powers at your disposal."
"With Edelgard's fiery strength, Dimitri's implementa defense, and my supreme schemes. No one will take you down."
"And when we get engaged. You can also use our weapons. My axe Aymr, the lance Areabar, and the bow, Failnaught."
"But I am a sword fighter. I have no idea how to use an axe, or a lance, or a bow."
"That won't be a problem. When you engage, you get their skills."
"Well...if you believe in me Divine One....then I will accept the Emblem."
"Great. Oh and if they get out of hand. I'll just call Byleth. He can control them."
The trio made a nervous face at that.
"Oh and Lapis....one more thing. Call me Alear please."
"Oh...right.....I...I will."
Alear nodded and left her to get to know her Emblem.
Claude soon started laughing.
"Oh this reminds me of back home, right Edelgard !"
"Claude..."
"It seems our friend here likes someone. Don't worry Lapis. We can help you. You see, in our world, Professor Byleth was born a woman and well.....Edelgard fell madly in love with her. So we are kind of experts on this."
"Claude....please...shut up." Edelgard mumbled, just as Dimitri laughed.
This thing got even more complicated as it went on.
Turns out, Veyle was actually the nice girl that she presented herself as. But her mind was being twisted to be a monster. Sigurd and Leif confirmed that she was a mere pawn on all of this.
Then the shocking revelation. Alear was not Lumera´s blood child. But Sombrom. She was a fell dragon that defected and joined Lumera in defeating Sombrom. Still that changed nothing. For everyone, she is still the Divine Dragon of Lythos.
Now they were taking a brief break. The Four Hounds were breaking apart. With Mauvier wanting to free Veyle from the spell keeping her, and Marni thinking of the same as well.
Alear and Lapis had been training for a bit on the Solem. Getting ready for the upcoming fight.
They had just finished sparing, and were sitting on the cafeteria, waiting for a meal made by Pandreo.
"Oh I almost forgot. I have something for you."
Lapis got her little gift out of her pack.
"Are these crafting tools?"
"Yep! You said you wanted to learn crafting, and you can't practice without a set of your own."
"Well thank you for this !"
"I should be thanking you, really. I've been down on myself for a long time. You helped me shake some of that off. Your kind words about my crafting skills made me feel more confident in myself."
"Good! You really are amazing, Lapis. I watched you make that weighted pack like it was nothing. I still have a lot to learn from you."
"OK! I could show you how to make a rake."
"A rake?"
"Yeah! I can make a rake that works on all kinds. Potatoes, sweet potatoes, Brodian yams..."
"I'm sorry.....what are Brodian yams ?"
"Well, Brodia is in the name, but they can grow everywhere. I even found a few near here! They're so sweet when you boil them... Ugh, now I want some. Let's get started on that rake!....after lunch of course."
Alear looked at her, and then gave her a sweet smile.
"Amazing. Like I said, I still have a lot to learn from you, Lapis."
That night, as she lay on bed, Lapis was being haunted by that sweet sweet smile Alear gave her.
It was so honest. so pretty so....
Oh god...she...she can't deny it any more can't she.
Lapis has fallen in love with the Divine Dragon Alear herself !
"Shit...."
The next two battle were pure chaos.
Marni had attempted to free Veyle, but got killed in the process. This enraged Mauvier to the point he defected from the Hounds and joined their forces. Then they fought Zephia and Griss, and finally managed to get to Veyle, who thanks to Marni´s sacrifice, managed to finally fight and get rid of her evil persona once and for all.
But what was so scary for Lapis. Was that Alear died, not once, but twice. First to save Veyle, her sister, from Sombrom, and then when her corrupted form gave in after saving the Emblems.
Lucky for all of them, the Emblems performed their miracle, and brought her back to life. Sure as an Emblem but....she was back here, and that was all that matters.
When Lapis finally got to hug her, she cried. Cried of relief, and of what she almost lost.
Then came a strange battle.....
They fought some corrupted, and got a ring. It was not an Emblem but Marth had said it was something important......
No one but Alear knew what it was. But the moment she got it, she had locked herself on her room, and allowed no one inside.
"I hear Marth call it the Pact Ring." Veyle said. "It is something for sister to give to her closest ally. I wonder who she is gonna give it too !"
That got everyone thinking. Who was the one that Alear would give the pact ring too ?
Lapis had been lost on her thoughts, that she did not notice a little scene on the fields.
"What the ?"
In the field. Etie and Céline were....kissing.
She had suspected it of course, but now she knows. This two are a couple !
"Oh Lapis, did you see that ?"
"Yes....sorry."
"Nah its fine. About time the world knows I love this lady." Etie smiled.
"So where you a couple before or..."
"No. But we have had feelings for the other for a while."
"After the last fight, we decided not to hide anymore. We must use all the time we have together."
"Well....I am happy for you two, really."
"Thanks Lapis."
"Here is hoping you get to find someone for yourself as well."
Lapis would love that....but to get the one she loves...
It doesn't seem likely.
"Hello Lapis, do you have a moment ?" Alear called her as she finished planting.
"Sure Alear, what can I do for you."
"Well, I wanted you to have this..."
She handled her a ring.
At first, Lapis did not notice what it was. "Wow, what a beautiful ring. Look at the color and..." And then, it hit her. "Wait...is...is this the Pact Ring !"
That...that can't be true....right. She...is she...
"It is. Look at the backside."
"Why....why is my name engraved here ?" Lapis said stunned.
"I engraved it there as soon as I got the ring, with your crafting tools."
"WHAT ! YOU DID THIS TO THE RING YOURSELF, BUT...BUT THIS CAN'T BE REMOVED. WHY WOULD YOU..."
"I have no intention to remove it....because I want you to have it,"
The world slowed down for her.
She....she wanted her to have the Pact Ring !
"You....want me....to have this..."
"Marth said that the Pact Ring was for me to give for the one I felt the closest too...and that is you Lapis."
"I...am the closest ally you have ?"
"I am surrounded by many dear friends....but you...you are different...I don't know how to say it...when I look at you...I feel what Etie feels with Céline."
"Alear do you....have feelings.....for me...." This is really happening.....
".....Yes...I do...I...I love you Lapis..."
"My....my feelings.....were returned....after all..."
"You....you have...."
"Yes ! I have been in love with you for a long time. I thought that there was no way you would but....but..."
"Why would I not be able to fall for you ?"
Lapis sighted. If they were....gonna be together. Alear deserves the truth.
"Listen Alear. I need to say something. I come from...."
"A village of Yam farmers right. On the Brodian Countryside."
"WHAT, YOU KNEW !"
"I read up on Brodian Yams. They are just a nickname. The only ones that use it are...
"Yam famers....yes. I am the daughter of a family of farmers. That is my truth."
"And that's Wonderfull. I don't care you are a commoner Lapis. I am giving you this ring...I love you, for who you are."
"Th...thank you Alear. Truly."
Alear and Lapis got closer, and then hugged tightly. And after a while.....a kiss came.
From that moment, the horros of the war were forgotten. Lapis was truly calm and...happy, so happy.
"You'll be safe with me. Turns out, we are both pretty crafty. So lets craft out a better world....together."
It was that moment, that kept her going.
The final fight with Zephia and Griss, the one with past Alear, and the terrifying encounter with corrupted Lumera, they were all brutal fights.
But the promise to the future kept her going. All the way to the final fight with Sombrom and his dark emblems. Where she and the trio of Rivals helped Byleth defeat their great enemy, the Fell King Nemesis.
After that, Sombrom got weaker, and they all attacked the fell dragon together, defeating him once and for all.
Sadly, that meant they had to say goodbye to the Emblems.
It was sad to say goodbye to Edelgard, Dimitri, and Claude. But now, they had a peaceful world for them.
After that, she resigned as Aclryst's retainer, and went to live with Alear in Lythos.
She wasn't really the ruling type, but she helped her girlfriend, later turned fiancee when it came to the commoners and their needs.
And she got the whole castle gardens for her to plant. It was a dream come true.
"You...you look so beautiful." She whispered to her fiancee, about to be crowned Queen.
"You look beautiful as well. "
"Heh...thanks."
"Come on....it is time. And remember your little promise."
"Heheh, yes. After this, I will take you to meet my family."
"Good. I have to thank them for having such a great daughter."
"My love.....you really are my everything."
The two went to the coronation holding hands.
With their future together, Lapis will always look forward to what their love could craft.