A Multi-Faceted Love

Author's Note: TWO THINGS, WRITE REVIEWS AND PLACE THE BOOK IN YOUR COLLECTIONS. First I am going to be slowing down when it comes to writing chapters as I am becoming quite busy so placing the book in your collections will allow you to catch chapters when they come out. Second, I am at a loss here. Am I doing anything wrong so far? Is there anything you guys don't like? (besides tag related stuff). Please tell me. As a writer I need your feedback from you the friendly neighborhood viewer. That's all for now lads. I hope to see reviews and more collections soon.

====================================================

_____________

POV: Dryis

_____________

Astaros and I returned a little more than three months after trained with Lupus's pack. I had learned and gained a lot from the rough yet satisfying training that I did with the powerful swordsman. I now saw him with a new sense of… Admiration. He managed to keep me in a state of limbo between fighting and semi-resting, which resulted in a form of continuous growth. He also wasn't ruthless nor was he uncaring, offering slight reprieve if truly required. He was a careful, strict and powerful teacher. Never once was I insulted or degraded like the soldiers I had watched in training as a child. Yet I was never truly complimented as well. He would encourage me, yet I had never heard a single compliment until we had finished.

We walked through the forest side by side, the wolves shadowing our every move. The trees arched and swayed, casting black shadows to punctuate the orange glow of the fading evening sun. A lone pale moon hung in the violet, deep blue sky, alone without the stars to surround and admire its beauty.

As we approached the city it began to brighten, the light of flames and light element dotting the streets. The clang of the church bell heralding the coming night was heard from even so far as the hill upon which we stood.

"Astaros Systin" {Dryis}

He turned and looked towards me, the orange evening glow shining upon his armor and casting a shadow across his helm. The silver eyes peered at me nonetheless. I knelt before him and bowed my head.

"As the former princess of The Republic of Vritu, I offer my sincere gratitude to you for guiding me upon the path of the swordsman."

I silently waited for his response, and a low red glow shone on my face, mixing with and deepening the final throes of the sun.

"Hold out your hands, Dryis." {Astaros}

I did as he said and a cold weight entered my hands. I looked up and gazed at what I had received. It was a beautiful sabre, it's guard made of a beautiful silver metal while the blade was a shining golden yellow, bright as the morning sun, the hilt was a deep abyssal black, and when I looked upon the pommel it brought tears to my eyes.

The symbol of the republic, a green oak leaf was seared into the disk shaped object. The guard's smooth surface bore my name on the underside 'Dryis Vernaheim'.

'It took serious effort to make in that forest and the leafy green took forever to stain into the metal, so I suggest take care of it. It was made for you after all. Every night I toiled tirelessly while Val chased you around." {Astaros}

The fledgling stars reflected in my watering eyes as I looked up at him.

"Thank you so, so much." {Dryis}

This was a symbol of my home, my pride. I may have been tossed away by my father but all those who had known had protested and fought for my freedom to the point of which they were executed. Even then their remainders fought on, assaulting the Thacionian border fortress. This is why I had no elven servants to my name. They had all been slaughtered by those who had wished me their tool. Such an object, even though not forged by elven hands, meant more than anyone could ever know. I would treasure such a weapon till my dying breath.

A hand reached down and rubbed my head, caressing my hair and slightly ruffling it.

"It's the least I can offer such an amazing student." {Astaros}

He then walked off as the sun set beneath the tree line, finally passing along it's duties to the three moons which now shone together in the sky.

Thank you Astaros Systin.

…

___________

POV: Astaros

___________

After we returned Dryis clung to me for a bit, seemingly taking my near constant presence during training to heart. The first thing I did however when we made it back was see Fillia.

"ASTAROS!!!" {Fillia}

She leaped into my arms and I whirled her around, attracting the gazes of several nosy people. I set her down on the wood plank floor and she instantly punched me in the gut. It was futile due to the armor but she put enough power behind the blow that I could feel it.

"And that's for leaving me alone you tin can. I can't believe you! You almost never contacted me and your soul scape was devoid of life. What happened?" {Fillia}

The light of the lanterns reflected off of me as I explained how I had made the blade for Dryis thus only really resting my eyes and body while my mind continued to overclock.

Insomnia is a skill not a condition.

She sighed and seemed to ponder why I go to such lengths for people while I waved over Dryis.

"I'm going to get some real sleep now and meet you in the soul scape, alright? We can talk properly there. Ok?" {Astaros}

She sighed again, this time not in exasperation but defeat.

"Fine, catch you in your dreams buckethead." {Fillia}

I left Dryis and Fillia to catch up with each other as I went up the rickety, creaking wooden stairs. I opened the door to Fillia and I's shared room. The world seemed to warp and collapse into darkness as I fell forward, my exhaustion crashing into me. I had spent everything training Dryis and building the blade so my mental state was at best instinctual. I barely made it to the bed before my armor and mind fell away.

'Initiating soul linkage with Target: Dryis' {Damage Core}

...

_________

POV: Fillia

_________

I spoke with the excited Dryis with a warm smile on my face. She spoke with me about her extremely tough training, which I would need to talk to Astaros about. The molten brain put her through the entire ringer. What would he have done if she had gone insane from the stress!

'Ugh he can be far too trusting with the strength of others sometimes. He may have been right this time but until I have a proper talk with him I won't let him train anyone else!' {Fillia}

I looked back to Dryis, whose eyes had softened as she placed a beautiful sword on the table. It was an intricately made sabre, with a long yellow blade and silver guard, it's hilt being a deep black while it's silver pommel had a green engraving of… THE ELVEN ROYALA! How did he manage to make such an accurate weapon? I'm actually kind of jealous as I haven't received anything.

"Did he make that for you!?" {Fillia}

I was honestly surprised that he had managed to make something like this. Was he a blacksmith or a swordsman?

"He apparently spent the nights when we weren't training making it. It's been a while since I felt like this about someone." {Dryis}

Her cheeks become rosy red as she smiled at the blade.

'It seems she has figured out where she stands.' {Fillia}

I leaned forwards, placing my chin in my hands and placing my elbows on the table. I smiled at the woman before me who now seemed like a young maiden in love. Though considering the circumstances of how she fell in love perhaps she's a masochist? I looked up at the pure eyed, excited person before me and I dashed the thought away.

'Never, my lady could never be so vulgar.' {Fillia}

I then decided to interrupt whatever daydream she was having that was causing her to giggle.

"So have you figured out your answer to my question?" {Fillia}

She looked up and blinked a couple times obviously flustered

"Eh? W-which one?" {Dryis}

I sighed and smiled. You can't avoid this now my lady.

"The question I asked you in your study after I confessed. Do you like Astaros?" {Fillia}

Dryis stammered and tried to make an excuse to leave but in the end she steeled herself and looked me in the eyes, determination allowing her to speak with confidence.

"I do and I am not going to back down on it." {Dryis}

There was a slight pang in my heart that undercut my happiness that Dryis had come to terms with her feelings. Perhaps it was jealousy? Perhaps it was fear? I wouldn't know because I crushed it underfoot. I would hold nothing against Dryis because I pushed her to do this. Now it's just time to see what Astaros thinks.

"Then when you confess I'll be right beside you." {Fillia}

Dryis practically beamed with happiness before suddenly her face changed to fear then anxiousness.

"Wait, if I'm confessing, when should I do it? What should I wear? What knife should I use if he rejects me? Ahhh how did you manage to do yours Fillia?!?!" {Dryis}

I sighed but then stopped. Wait. Why a knife.

"Wait, I understand the rest of what you said but why a knife." {Fillia}

Dryis stopped and tilted her head in confusion.

"It's to cut cake for me to eat while I cry. What else could it be used for?" {Dryis}

"Haaah" {Fillia}

I sometimes forget that even if she is a fugitive some things never change. She will always be the woman I chose to follow that day, out of the Thacionian Fortress. Now I just need to convince Astaros.

…

____________

POV: Astaros

____________

I sat in the soul scape, the bright empty sky shone through the swaying branches of my soul tree, while slight anxiousness blew in the winds. The grass bent to the restless low blowing drafts, waving to their erratic rhythm. I had heard the damage core speak and to be honest it was not super surprising when I thought about it. Though I thought my harsh methods may have had an adverse effect, the time we spent together was fairly long.

Suddenly in the corner of my vision she appeared. It was Fillia. I stroked the black back of Val systin who had recently been quite lazy due to the lack of action. His white paws shifted forward and he rested his head upon them, a tired growl escaping his maw.

'Hey Fil. We may have a problem.' {Astaros}

Fillia who was walking through the tall grasses stopped and looked up at me. I was in my armored appearance because Dryis may come in at any time and my body was for Fillia's eyes only.

'What do you mean? Did the tin-can hurt someone he shouldn't have?' {Fillia}

I would have made a retort but I was too worried at the moment. The gales of anxiousness and fear blew, making Fillia's orange hair billow while her tails swayed in the wind. She frowned, obviously sensing my concern.

'Wait did you actually hurt someone?' {Fillia}

Her irises slitted and her green pupils shrunk. She was serious now.

'I did not but I believe I may have soul linked with Dryis.' {Astaros}

Fillias eyes widened before she smiled and then laughed. She wiped a tear from her eyes as the winds became breezes. I calmed as the world returned from it's disturbed state.

'Astaros, you are free to take Dryis as your second wife.' {Fillia}

I raised an eyebrow at this and the zephyrs whispered in curiosity at her willingness to share. Perhaps she and Dryis were close, but I didn't imagine they were close enough to be willing to share a husband. Suddenly my brows furrowed in annoyance. Was I going to have a harem? Balancing that would be hard. The harem protagonists in anime cheated the system by making the girls chase him using their obliviousness and unchanging nature. For some reason the harem also seemed to always work together like sisters. This ultimately is foolishness. Women are just as possessive as men so this idea is generally considered impossible. Political harems were only made possible due to there being a sense of duty tying everyone together and generally these relationships were shrouded in lies.

I rested my head back against the rough bark of the tree. Well you know what I'll listen to what Fillia has to say and based on her explanation I'll figure things out from there. My mind finished it's decision making in under 20 seconds and I looked at Fillia from my seat.

'So exactly how did you come to this decision?' {Astaros}

Fillia laughed again, a sound that calmed me and gave me a sense of security. I knew it was false security though. There is no way things will be simple after this.

'I am willing to share because Dryis is someone I not only respect but approve of. Besides, someone as powerful as you could definitely have a number of lovers.' {Fillia}

I emptied my emotions and flushed them into the winds, a wall of wind flattening the grasses and causing the sleeping Val to jump up and look at me in confusion. My cold eyes searched her for lies and deception. Something was not right here. This was the respectful style of speech usually found when she spoke to Dryis. I lowered my head. The skies darkened and swirled the grey depth uttering threats of flood and light-born flames. The tree's branches fluttered and flowed while it's trunks now creaked under the pressure of the solid grey sky. Something is very wrong.

"Do not lie to me." {Astaros}

The rain began to fall from the sky, wetting the astral soil for the first time. The green grasses now bent under the weight of collecting beads of water, lowering and standing as the clear beads rolled off their tips.

I stood to my full height as my mind swirled with many thoughts. Why would she lie to me like this? No. She wasn't lying to me. I stared into her stoic unwavering face and sighed. She was lying to herself.

The rain lifted and the rays of sun peeked through the shroud of the storm, as though it was a child peeking in to check on it's squabbling parents. The short squall passed as quickly as it appeared.

"If you don't like it, why would you agree?" {Astaros}

The crackling sky was now littered with the empty corpses of the once vengeful overcast. She began to cry, her facade breaking through as I stepped forward to comfort her.

'I-I don't *hic*, know how to tell h-her *hic* n-no. I-I mean how c-could I *hic* I had pushed her to *hic* come to terms with i-it.' {Fillia}

I understood the situation mostly. This wasn't as bad as I thought.

"Do you want me to reject Dryis's confession?" {Astaros}

All she had to do was say yes and I would.

"Because even if you don't, my devotion and loyalty will never waver." {Astaros}

She looked up at me and her face flushed red and her watering eyes seemed to be filled with wavering fears and anxiousness.

"You really wont?" {Fillia}

I hugged her and stroked her head, fluffing her poofy ears.

"Of course." {Astaros}

She seemed to think for a long moment as she buried herself in my chest.

"Don't reject her for my sake. Make your own decision. I-I will support it as long as you don't go after anyone else." {Fillia}

I raised an eyebrow and stopped stroking her head as her ears fluttered.

"You can be a little selfish, you know, considering how you're already acting like a little girl."

I sent a teasing smile her way, causing her to turn away and puff out her cheeks.

"I-I was not. Stupid." {Fillia}

Alright lads moe's over pack up and head home.

"This has to have been the weirdest dream I have ever had." {???}

Val Systin passed me, looking towards source of the new voice. I turned and looked towards a very surprised and concerned Dryis. Fillia turned around in shock.

"For how much of that were you there for? Dryis?" {Fillia}

To be honest I hadn't noticed her and i had been preoccupied since Fillia mentioned multiple wives. Perhaps since then?

"Well this dream started with me getting hit with a massive blast of wind, so from around "Do not lie to me"." {Dryis}

Fillia kneeled before Dryis and spoke with true sadness in her voice.

"I'm truly sorry you had to see all of that Lady Dryis" {Fillia}

She tilted her head and clapped.

"I know Fillia well don't I. It's like I got her every movement down and memorized." {Dryis}

I sighed. It took me literal hours to explain the soul scape to someone practical like Fillia. Dryis might as well take forever.

"Well Dryis that wouldn't be necessary to see something like this because…" {Astaros}

And so I began to explain to Dryis with the help of Fillia. As time passed Dryis became more and more horrified when she realized I not only had learned she liked me, but nearly caused Fillia and I's relationship to become fractured. By the time I was done she was in shock.

"So I got pulled into this soul scape because you began to trust me? And Fillia was going to use whether or not I could come here as a gauge as whether or not you could love me?" {Dryis}

""Yeah"" {Astaros, Fillia}

The entire area went silent, with only the gentle breeze that carried worry and excitement making any noise. She looked down at the ground while she played with Vals fur.

"S-so if I were to ask to become your lover would you agree?" {Dryis}

"Yes" {Astaros}

I didn't skip a beat. Not even a hesitation. After I had talked it over with Fillia I had been more than happy to accept. I wrapped my arms around her and Fillia and pulled them into my chest. I would hold them like this till we all awoke.

…

I woke up holding onto Fillia within a firm embrace.

Opening my eyes I kissed her on the forehead and got up, my disruption of the bedroom environment waking several characters from their slumber. Val did his alien sigh before yawning and baring his teeth, while Fillia rubbed her eyes and stretched.

"Hey Buckethead." {Fillia}

I smiled seeing that Fillia is okay now. I rubbed her head as I armored up. Suddenly I felt something coming towards my door at unreasonable speeds. Ah, here she comes.

Dryis burst through the door and panting.

"YOU GUYS WON'T BELIEVE THE WEIRD DREAM I HAD!!" {Dryis}

I laughed and turned towards her as Fillia sighed and began to change.

"Are you sure you want to tell me about that dream? I mean since we did so much together in it." {Astaros]

She was about to say something before her eyes widened.

"Wait that wasn't a dream." {Dryis}

I laughed and quickly kissed her on the forehead.

'I gotta go Dryis love you!' {Astaros]

I then ran out of the room leaving Fillia and Dryis alone to discuss yesterday's happenings as she blew up in embarrassment and excitement. I left the inn heading for the guild.

I was going to head out and take a request to break myself in after so many months of inactivity as a unofficial adventurer. As I neared it's doors a coy voice whispered in my mind.

'Can you hear me Astaros?' {Dryis}

I smiled as I heard it. It seems Fillia explained.

'I can Dryis, what would you like?' {Astaros}

I felt a warmth in my heart from Dryis's emotions.

'Fillia's coming to join you, also' {Dryis}

I listened in for what she had to say.

'B-be safe darling.' {Dryis}

For a second I was surprised by the new name but I quickly accepted it.

'I will Dryis.' {Astaros}

I smiled as I opened the doors to the guild. Time to announce my return.

…

The guild fell silent as I entered, my metal steps clanging against the wooden floor and causing it to creak.

I had been very secretive up until now but I was going to start being more open. Why? I needed money, not secrecy at the moment. The big players were already aware of me fully thanks to the assassin incident so hiding no longer really held a purpose anyways.

Whispers took over the guild as I walked over to the request wall. Millions of questions seemed to have gone up in the minds of the adventurers present. I looked over the request board looking for something profitable like a gold or platinum rewarding request. Katia and Fillia had completed two gold requests while I had been gone and had also managed to snag a single platinum request which Katia would finish by midday today.

As I stood in thought looking over the quest board I felt two familiar figures come down the hallways. Well this'll be awkward.

Kali and Raven came around the corner, confused by the whispering quiet crowd.

"What are you guys whispering ab~..." {Kali}

Her sentence trailed off as I caught her and Raven's eyes.

I turned to the pair and greeted them.

"It's been a while, Kali, Raven." {Astaros}

I offered a nod to each before turning back to the board.

"What are you doing here." {Raven}

The main guild hall fell silent as everyone waited for an answer. I had shown myself for something they thought. What could it be?

"I'm looking for a high paying request but luck seems to be against me today." {Astaros}

There was a single gold request but it was something Fillia could complete on her own. Suddenly another familiar voice rang out behind me.

"Well then I suggest you join me and master for the potion material quest!" {???}

That jovial voice could only belong to one person. Christine. I turned to see her beaming face. Now why exactly are you so happy to see me?

…

_____________

POV: Christine

_____________

HE"S FINALLY BACK! After the incident with master Raven Astaros hadn't shown up in town or the inns for months. I had thought perhaps she had driven him off at first but then I continued to see Fillia coming for quests so I began to wonder? Exactly where had he gone? Kali was freaking out at the fact that perhaps the guild had pissed off an S class but I wasn't so sure. Though my master and I had a strained relationship after the incident I forgave her quickly. It was useless to hold a grudge so I decided to focus on my studies so I could become a potion maker and fight using spell casting. After all I couldn't be dead weight for Astaros! And so, due to my constant aggressive studying and someone buying up a massive amount of health potions we finally ran out of potion materials. And so a quest was about to be organized. Now the quest party would likely include Astaros!

I giggled at the thought and began to think about what I could do to make him show interest. Wait. No. He obviously had interest long before. My face fell and I began to consider why I had failed the first time. Fillia his lover.

And speak of the devil. She walked through the guild door acquiring some odd gazes before they returned to Raven and Astaros's standoff.

"Well what is this quest?" {Astaros}

The standoff was broken as Raven sighed and turned to the adventurer majority and began to explain the recovery mission they would complete. Astaros and most of the adventurers in the hall would accept given that this was a high ranking gold paying quest. While it was a undoubtedly a dangerous quest, the town of Elden was a border town and as such was dangerous in general. This meant the mass majority of adventurers who lived here were b rank and up.

However I would not be going. I walked up to Fillia who was talking to Astaros.

"You stay here and take the other gold request ok? It would be better to gain as much money as possible in as many different ways as possible, okay?" {Astaros}

She sighed and nodded and he patted her head staring a her for a long moment. They looked like they were able to communicate soundlessly before Astaros left with the other adventurers. Striking up conversation with Raven as he ran out the door.

"Hello. Fillia, was it? I would like to talk to you about something." {Christine}

She turned around and laid eyes upon me, seemingly curious as to why I would approach her.

"Yes, what is it?" {Fillia}

…

_________

POV: Fillia

_________

I stared at the girl who approached me. She was well dressed and had an odd feeling to her. She wore maroon and beige, her red eyes peeking out from under the wide brim of her witch hat.

She pushed a blonde bang out from her face and seemed to be at a loss of what to say.

'Alright let me take control here.' {Fillia}

I motioned her to a table for us to both take a seat. She sat down pushing up and adjusting her hat before looking at me.

"Well what would you like, uhm" {Fillia}

She inhaled and spoke.

"My name is Christine, Fillia and I would like to marry Astaros" {Christine}

I closed my eyes slowly and opened them. I know I hadn't misheard her, so perhaps she was just incredibly stupid. In as calm a voice as possible for this situation, I responded.

"Is this some kind of prank or are you serious?" {Fillia}

Depending on what she says I'll laugh it off or laugh as her head falls off her shoulders.

"I'm dead serious." {Christine}

Not a hint of a lie. This idiot really did ask me that. Dryis was basically my non blood related little sister so she had every advantage when it came to my decision. But this kid had nothing to relate herself to me and for what I knew Astaros as well.

"Talk or I challenge you to a duel to the death." {Fillia}

She exhaled and looked me in the eyes.

"If it meant I could marry him I would gladly accept." {Christine}

Before I could light up the entire hall in a rage she began to explain. Everything from their first meeting all the way to his confrontation with Raven. I was honestly surprised as to why I hadn't considered that he may have been considering other women before our soul link. Why hadn't I thought of that?

"And then he rejected me for you. So yeah, that's how I know him and that's why I came to you. I understand you have a bond, but I would like to create a place in his heart for me as well." {Christine}

I sat deep in thought, my pride flaring at the fact that he had rejected such a beautiful young girl for me, while my jealousy flared at the fact she had received not only a complete outfit but an imbued object like everyone else other than me.

But I understood her feelings and her story now. I understood why she had taken such lengths to speak to me. Katia walked in and waved at me before heading to cash in the platinum quest

But before I could speak a massive magic circle appeared on the floor, and in a flash of light the recovery team returned. Battered, Burned and bruised, all of them were either injured or in a critical state. This didn't even attract half of my attention. What really did was one missing person.

"WHERE'S ASTAROS!?!?!?!" {Fillia}

Raven looked up to me with tears in her eyes. As she passed out from the strain of such a large spell she whispered words that would be strike fear into my heart.

"Fighting for his life." {Raven}