fic: Drastic
Sep. 4th, 2023 04:29 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
bonnefoisTitle: Drastic
Series: FE4/5
Character/pairing: Fred/Olwen
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Fred takes drastic measures from trying to keep Olwen from personally fighting Julius one on one. Or: Why Olwen wasn't in the final battle.
Word count: 3651
Author's note:
This is a shitpost of a fic.
I have made enough jokes about Fred personally holding Olwen back from going MEET ME IN THE PIT, JULIUS that I had to actually write it in the end.
Being that it has Olwen and Reinhardt in one place, this is NSFJ, or Not Safe For Julius. The only way there would be more Julius slander would be if Arvis personally showed up, while holding a glass of wine and joined in the Julius slander. Alas, Julius and Arvis bonding over shared hatred of the same person is in another fic, as this is post-Arvis, and there was no room for him to also be in the armory.
This, being humor, is fast and loose with canon for humorous persons.
For MissFranKitty.
It was late noon at the final battle, and Olwen's hair was windswept and her eyes were filled with a wild, beautiful sort of anger. The stone walls about them were faintly covered with some sort of mold, for this fortress had been hardly used in some time before the Liberation Army secured it.
"Olwen, please think this through." Fred's voice took on a pleading note.
"This is the Scion of Darkness we are talking about here. Only Holy Weapons can even touch him. Anything else will simply be like throwing a pebble at him. And he will respond with flames!"
"His reign needs to come to an end, Fred. It's time. I'm tired of waiting, and I'm going to do it myself."
Fred reached for her arm.
"You don't even have your sword. All you've got is a somewhat dull kitchen knife that's used for cutting meat. Also--could you put that down before you hurt anyone?"
Olwen lifted up her slim arm threateningly, presumably at the mental image of the Scion of Darkness.
"Hurting someone is the point, Fred. And cut meat it will!"
"At least take the Blessed Sword," Fred said.
"I can't bear to look at that sword right now, Fred. You know why."
"Olwen, Reinhardt is still alive. We managed to capture him, but then realized it too dangerous to let him go, considering that he could slaughter the entire army--not surprising as our army is made up of five thieves, about a dozen middle-aged lumberjacks some of the most ragtag group of knights that nearly dropped out of academy, and some nobles so caught up in unrequited love they can barely even focus. So, we just brought him along. In fact, I just brought him tea."
"He might as well be dead to me!"
Fred sighed. "Olwen, he is your dear brother. I know he has made some poor choices, but please--"
She cut him off. "How could he not join us? Have you seen the other guy?"
"Olwen, dear. I cannot say why Reinhardt did not join us, but I have a theory. He might've been more willing to join us had we not first robbed the entirety of the Gelben Ritter right as he watched. Lifis even took their socks and gloves. I'm surprised he didn't manage to steal the horses right out from under them. I'm sure Reinhardt certainly wonders why his sister has joined a group of blackguards, lumberjacks and thieves."
Lifis' sticky fingers had more than once gotten them mistaken for being rogues. No wonder, considering the company they kept.
"Still! That's no excuse to be a coward! He needs to stop messing up and help me destroy Julius's reign, personally!"
He knew when her stubbornness would win out, and changed the subject.
"Come with me, Olwen. We should go to the armory at first. Not even with your level of pure rage can you do much with a little kitchen knife like that."
"Wanna bet?" Olwen said.
Fred sighed. "Actually, I'm afraid you might conquer all of the forces of the Scion of Darkness with that, and the sheer power of your anger. But, there are some things rusty kitchen knives can't deal with. Like embodiment of evil."
"The Scion of Darkness can bite me," Olwen said. There was sheer rage and revenge in her hazel eyes.
"I think he would, dear. Literally," Fred said.
"Fine, I'll get a silver sword. If Sigurd could destroy entire armies with them, so can I," Olwen said.
"Dear, considering what happened to poor Sigurd the traitor, I'm not sure that's a good comparison," Fred said.
But, they went to the armory anyways. Anything to keep her from going on a rampage with sub-par equipment.
The armory was cluttered with many, many weapons, as Lifis had a habit of stealing weapons right out from under the enemies they were fighting. Which meant there were dozens upon dozens of iron axes here--which were of little use to Olwen. Though Fred wouldn't put it past her to teach herself how to wield and axe, just so she could put it in Julius.
Reinhardt was in the corner, still tied up. And thankfully for them all, still far too polite to slaughter them all, though he was very, very able to. Reinhardt's only weaknesses were politeness, his sister, and his liege. Alas, his liege was not here but was by the Scion of Darkness's side, but two out of three wasn't too bad.
It would probably be a whole lot easier for them if Reinhardt's liege felt the same way about the Scion of Darkness as Olwen did, both for the cause and in general, but--Nothing and no one was perfect in the end.
As Olwen browsed the weapons, Fred felt a tightness in his chest. She was so beautiful as she lifted up the swords with determination--a determination to cleave Julius's rule in two. Among other things.
And, he looked to his hands. He'd never forgive himself if he let Olwen go jousting after windmills like this. This battle had to be left to others.
There was many coils of rope on the wall--Lifis would take pretty much anything that wasn't tied down, and even then he might pry it free and bring it back to show off to Safy.
"I'm sorry, Olwen," Fred said softly.
He caught her hands, pulled it behind her as gently as he could and tied a knot. Olwen froze in shock as she finally realized she had been captured.
"You're---tying me up? And in front of my brother, too? This just got really kinky."
"It's for your own good, Olwen. Hopefully this won't get me brutally Dire Thundered," Fred said.
"That depends on your next actions," Reinhardt said. He managed to lift the tea cup to his lips, even with his hands tied. As if to further hone in that he could've easily broken out if he so chose, but was too polite to do so.
Not that he need worry. More worry about the people on the other side. Only worry about Olwen when she went charging like a tiny yapping dog against a much too large foe, the way tiny yapping dogs were wont to do.
"I'm sorry, Olwen. I can't let you throw your life away by screaming 'meet me in the pit, you horrible creature, I'm going to fucking kill you' and then trying to kill the Scion of Darkness with a dull kitchen knife. At least let me properly outfit you first."
"None can kill Julius with such weapons. Only those of Holy Weapons can. Trust me; if it were possible, I would've long ago killed him," Reinhardt said.
My, apparently the Scion of Darkness hatred ran in the family. And the habit of being a traitor for that matter.
"Excuse me?" Olwen said.
"There is no love lost between us. Both my liege's life and my life would exponentially improve is Julius simply--slipped and fell. Or suddenly disappeared in a tragic boating accident. Lord Arivs and I have shared many a drink commiserating upon this. The only tragedy of his death would be that it did not happen sooner," Reinhardt said.
"I...had no idea you felt that way," Olwen said.
"Did you think I had perhaps an entire shrine with burning candles that says I ♥ Prince Julius?" Reinhardt said.
"No, because Princess Ishtar already has one. You could just borrow hers," Olwen said.
That elicited a sigh. "Don't remind me," Reinhardt said.
"Then, I suppose neither of us can go. We must leave it to those with Holy Blood," Fred said.
With quite some dexterity, Fred tied himself up as well, and sat beside them. Brother, sister, and the knight of their family.
"You--tied yourself up, Fred? This just got kinkier," Olwen said.
"Well, I didn't want you to suffer this alone," Fred said.
"What do we do when someone needs tea?" Olwen said.
"Worry not," Reinhardt said.
Reinhardt managed to push himself up, and get a cup of tea for her, as if to further home in that Reinhardt could've escaped at any point, and was merely staying here because he chose to.
Why did he choose to? Fred guessed it had something to do with politeness, Olwen, and something else. Something indefinable. Maybe something with red hair which was at this moment terrorizing the countryside.
"What exactly were your intentions here, Fred? I know you were tasked to protect Olwen, but even this is rather drastic measures," Reinhardt said.
"Excuse me? You have no say over my life anymore, Reinhardt. I can't just forgive you so easily for what you did."
Reinhardt looked to his tea. "I see. So that's how it will be. Even tied up together in the armory we will still be enemies."
"You chose your path, Reinhardt, and I chose mine."
"So it is."
Reinhardt turned to Fred.
"And what exactly are your plans, Fred?"
"I was keeping your sister from taking on the Scion of Darkness with anything handy, from cutlery to a potted plant. Her rage is so much that she'd probably try and kill him with a shoe."
"Princess Ishtar's heels are surely sharp enough to do the job," Olwen said.
"It is a very understandable feeling," Reinhardt said.
"Wanting to kill the Scion of Darkness with anything, or being captivated by Princess Ishtar's heels?"
"Both," Reinhardt said.
"You say it's understandable? You wouldn't join me back there, Reinhardt. Did you just choke?"
:"I do not serve the Scion of Darkness. I serve Princess Ishtar. Since I am in this company, I can finally openly express that if the Scion of Darkness died, I would rejoice. Internally. Then go make sure my liege was all right. But once she went for a rest, I would probably have a celebratory drink to toast that his journey to hell finally came. Of course, he'd probably rule it before the night was over, but at least we'd be free of his tyranny."
He let out a sigh. "I could never betray her. I swore an oath unto death to her. So, I will soldier on, even as I despise everything about the army I serve, all for her," Reinhardt said.
"Oh, that was your problem? She betrayed Julius months ago," Olwen said.
"She did? Why am I the last to find out?" Reinhardt shook his head. "Nobody tells me these things. Yes, Olwen. I will gladly betray Julius. And this time, not just for your sake. But because betraying Julius is my greatest joy in life."
He paused a moment. "Second greatest joy. My greatest joy is beside him now, aiding him, alas."
"Does it help that she stabbed him in the back several times now?" Fred said.
"Literally?" Reinhardt said hopefully.
"Figuratively, I'm afraid," Fred said.
"Then, only somewhat, for even as she betrays him, she returns to his side," Reinhardt said.
"But, we can't kill Julius," Fred reminded them. "He is the Scion of Darkness, wielding unimaginable power. He would swat us like a fly. Our deaths would be meaningless in the end. Simply another casualty to the tyranny of the blood of Loptous."
Reinhardt smiled. "Yes, but...his armies? Not so impervious. Not impervious at all, in fact," Reinhardt said.
"Release me and I will take care of one little thing, then return. I swear it upon my life. You may tie me up as you please."
"Tie you up as you please? What the--" Olwen said.
"Don't worry, Olwen; I would never steal your knight right from under you. Besides, he is not my type. More your type, it seems," Reinhardt said.
This elicited a blush from both Fred and Olwen. Even though they technically were lovers, such a brazen comment from Reinhardt, who could kill Fred easily, was rather jarring.
Reinhardt could theoretically, at least, destroy the entire Liberation Dinner in about the same amount of time it took to have tea. However, he was too polite to do so, too concerned about Olwen to simply stoop to bloodshed of her teammates--and apparently he hated the Scion of Darkness like none other.
"There's little I could do, I am afraid. For I am--"
Before Fred could even say still tied up Reinhardt pointed a finger to him, and the rope turned black and fell apart.
Olwen rolled her eyes. "You mean you could've escaped at any point and time, Reinhardt? What, did you just like being tied up?"
"I'm not going to answer that question if you're the one asking it, Olwen," Reinhardt said.
"So, what, you'd give a different answer if it was Princess Ishtar asking the question?"
"Yes, absolutely," Reinhardt said.
So, Fred took a chance. He untied Reinhardt, even as he might get a Dire Thunder in the face. After all, being around a Schtutaeze sibling meant there was always a chance, however slim, of thunder slamming down into him.
Fred slowly undid the knot, and released him. Reinhardt rubbed at his wrists.
"Thank you. I shall keep my promise shortly. I have some unfinished business with the Scion of Darkness."
"Dammit, Reinhardt. Now you're going to rush into battle recklessly? I just got stopped from doing that! If Reinhardt is going, then I should be untied as well!"
"Are you Schutaeze siblings having a 'throwing your life away' contest? Neither of you can defeat the Scion of Darkness. Now, don't make me put you both in time out again," Fred said.
"Yes, it's true. Even with my talent in magic and the sword, I cannot even harm the Scion of Darkness. But, his armies...Not so invulnerable. Not at all."
Reinhardt bowed.
"Take care of Olwen, Fred."
"I'm not a child who needs to be minded."
"No, you're a very powerful woman with a habit of trying to take on the entirety of the forces of darkness by yourself, with a rusty sword, if that. And I want you to live through this. At least let you live on, Olwen..."
"At least let me take out some of the creepy cultists!"
Reinhardt looked thoughtfully at her.
"Fred, can you keep her from trying to launch herself at Julius with subpar equipment, determined to kill him in hand-to-hand combat?"
"I can try," Fred said.
"Then, untie her, and we'll betray Julius as a family."
"It's been so long since we've done anything as a family together," Olwen said.
Reinhardt smiled. "Think of today as a first step towards something beautiful and wonderful. Bonding over what we should've been doing all along: Betraying Julius."
"Towards Julius's reign ending!"
"I'd offer a toast, but Olwen gets even more reckless when she drinks," Reinhardt said.
"Oh, I know," Fred said. "We had a celebratory toast once and she nearly mutinied against Kempf. Of course, I couldn't quite stop her from trying to destroy him later..."
"That's my girl," Reinhardt said proudly.
*
A brilliant flash of lightning--and much of the army was dead. A parting gift from Reinhardt to the Liberation Army. In about five minutes, seventy-five percent of the army was completely, utterly, little more than ashes and dust in the ground.
And with them, the sound of thunder filled the battlefield.
Olwen and Fred helped clean up seemingly endless spawning creatures of cultists, and they finished up just in time to make it for tea.
They returned back to the barracks as promised. Reinhardt's liege had been quite wounded, and fainted from loss of blood, but she had not perished upon the battle. Her wounds were dressed, but she had not quite come to yet.
"You really made quick work of them," Fred said.
"Why didn't you finish the job?"
"It wouldn't be very fair for me to not leave Lord Seliph and Lord Leif nothing. But, I took care of some of the armies, and brought my liege back. That's what truly mattered. Not glory, but saving her in the end," Reinhardt said.
"I guess it would be selfish to not let Lord Seliph do some avenging. After all, he has so much avenging left to do," Olwen said.
"One more thing. There is a space I found which overlooks the castle. Let us go there right away, or we shall miss quite a show," Reinhardt said.
"A show? We're taking in plays now," Olwen said.
"The final battle approaches. And I, for one, am going to watch as the Scion of Darkness is defeated with much joy. I shall pray for Lord Seliph's victory."
They couldn't wield the weapons to take the final battle, but they could watch.
"Count me in," Olwen said.
No longer chained, Fred, Reinhardt and Olwen watched as the battle unfolded. Reinhardt had already set forth a massive blow, a boon to the Liberation Army. They'd even brought Princess Ishtar, for Reinhardt could not bear to leave her there, even as Hannibal defended the barracks. In the end, it wasn't a lack of trust, but that Reinhardt wished to be her main defender, unto death.
Somewhere, Prince Julius, or whatever was left of him, was surely seething.
Reinhardt sipped tea. Though there was something darker to his eyes as the armies fell, as the Liberation Army began to win the last of this war.
Olwen rose up, and cupped her hands to make her voice carry more.
"Kick his ass, Seliph and Julia!"
"I'm going to marry that girl," Fred said aloud in awe--almost without realizing it.
"I give my blessing. If anyone can keep Olwen from fighting the wrong people, often with her bare hands, and fueled by nothing but immense rage, it's you," Reinhardt said.
"Thank you, Reinhardt. That's quite a compliment."
For it took quite some strength to keep Olwen from being a one-woman army, with only her rage and recklessness behind her. She needed someone quiet. Someone steady. Someone who could keep her from rampages, or yelling at her commander, or trying to take out the ultimate embodiment of evil with kitchen cutlery.
"Maybe I did jump to conclusions," Olwen said.
"All because you assumed I wrote I am so loyal to Julius in my diary every night?" Reinhardt said dryly.
Olwen nodded sadly. "It seems I was very behind on the lore."
He sighed. "If only my liege had brought me along. I do so hate being not invited to a Betraying Julius party. Perhaps she did it to spare me, or my feelings, but it hurts to be left out of something which would cause me such joy. For it is one of my favorite things upon this very world. Very little in life pleases me so much as betraying Julius. My only regret as Lord Seliph wins is that I could not betray Julius once, or maybe twice more."
"I asked you to betray Julius, Reinhardt. I was inviting you to the Betraying Julius party! Do you only like Betraying Julius parties when Princess Ishtar is the one throwing them?"
"Of course I would take much joy in sharing Betraying Julius with my sister. However, You asked me as a man was tying me up and trying to steal my socks and the very horse beneath me. He was about to steal my shortclothes next. I wasn't sure why you'd joined a den of thieves, but stealing isn't my forte."
He looked back to his liege.
"At least, not when it comes to material goods."
"Fine...I'll forgive you. But you have to get up here and cheer Lord Seliph and Julia on," Olwen said.
Reinhardt set his tea aside. "Gladly, but don't wake Princess Ishtar; she's had a rough time of it, and surely many tears will be shed when she awakes. But I will make sure she is never alone, even with all she has lost. Whatever it takes."
All in all, a win. The tides of war had turned. Reinhardt didn't kill him, and in fact even gave his blessing, and he got to see Olwen tied up (and was even tied up himself.)
And how beautiful Olwen looked with the wind in her hair, as she screamed "fucking destroy him, Julia!" down at the heroes below. Oh, how he'd marry this girl. And one day, he'd surely pull a knife from her hand and tell her no, Olwen. You cannot take on an entire brigand band in nothing but your nightgown and a knife. You need to have breakfast first, and take a decent sword, and me along to help you.
And so many more times. Holding back Olwen from personally bullying the person who bullied their child, holding back Olwen from personally starting the revolution, holding back Olwen over and over and over. She was so beautiful when she was angry. And Olwen was always just a little away from being angry.
What a woman, indeed.
Series: FE4/5
Character/pairing: Fred/Olwen
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Fred takes drastic measures from trying to keep Olwen from personally fighting Julius one on one. Or: Why Olwen wasn't in the final battle.
Word count: 3651
Author's note:
This is a shitpost of a fic.
I have made enough jokes about Fred personally holding Olwen back from going MEET ME IN THE PIT, JULIUS that I had to actually write it in the end.
Being that it has Olwen and Reinhardt in one place, this is NSFJ, or Not Safe For Julius. The only way there would be more Julius slander would be if Arvis personally showed up, while holding a glass of wine and joined in the Julius slander. Alas, Julius and Arvis bonding over shared hatred of the same person is in another fic, as this is post-Arvis, and there was no room for him to also be in the armory.
This, being humor, is fast and loose with canon for humorous persons.
For MissFranKitty.
It was late noon at the final battle, and Olwen's hair was windswept and her eyes were filled with a wild, beautiful sort of anger. The stone walls about them were faintly covered with some sort of mold, for this fortress had been hardly used in some time before the Liberation Army secured it.
"Olwen, please think this through." Fred's voice took on a pleading note.
"This is the Scion of Darkness we are talking about here. Only Holy Weapons can even touch him. Anything else will simply be like throwing a pebble at him. And he will respond with flames!"
"His reign needs to come to an end, Fred. It's time. I'm tired of waiting, and I'm going to do it myself."
Fred reached for her arm.
"You don't even have your sword. All you've got is a somewhat dull kitchen knife that's used for cutting meat. Also--could you put that down before you hurt anyone?"
Olwen lifted up her slim arm threateningly, presumably at the mental image of the Scion of Darkness.
"Hurting someone is the point, Fred. And cut meat it will!"
"At least take the Blessed Sword," Fred said.
"I can't bear to look at that sword right now, Fred. You know why."
"Olwen, Reinhardt is still alive. We managed to capture him, but then realized it too dangerous to let him go, considering that he could slaughter the entire army--not surprising as our army is made up of five thieves, about a dozen middle-aged lumberjacks some of the most ragtag group of knights that nearly dropped out of academy, and some nobles so caught up in unrequited love they can barely even focus. So, we just brought him along. In fact, I just brought him tea."
"He might as well be dead to me!"
Fred sighed. "Olwen, he is your dear brother. I know he has made some poor choices, but please--"
She cut him off. "How could he not join us? Have you seen the other guy?"
"Olwen, dear. I cannot say why Reinhardt did not join us, but I have a theory. He might've been more willing to join us had we not first robbed the entirety of the Gelben Ritter right as he watched. Lifis even took their socks and gloves. I'm surprised he didn't manage to steal the horses right out from under them. I'm sure Reinhardt certainly wonders why his sister has joined a group of blackguards, lumberjacks and thieves."
Lifis' sticky fingers had more than once gotten them mistaken for being rogues. No wonder, considering the company they kept.
"Still! That's no excuse to be a coward! He needs to stop messing up and help me destroy Julius's reign, personally!"
He knew when her stubbornness would win out, and changed the subject.
"Come with me, Olwen. We should go to the armory at first. Not even with your level of pure rage can you do much with a little kitchen knife like that."
"Wanna bet?" Olwen said.
Fred sighed. "Actually, I'm afraid you might conquer all of the forces of the Scion of Darkness with that, and the sheer power of your anger. But, there are some things rusty kitchen knives can't deal with. Like embodiment of evil."
"The Scion of Darkness can bite me," Olwen said. There was sheer rage and revenge in her hazel eyes.
"I think he would, dear. Literally," Fred said.
"Fine, I'll get a silver sword. If Sigurd could destroy entire armies with them, so can I," Olwen said.
"Dear, considering what happened to poor Sigurd the traitor, I'm not sure that's a good comparison," Fred said.
But, they went to the armory anyways. Anything to keep her from going on a rampage with sub-par equipment.
The armory was cluttered with many, many weapons, as Lifis had a habit of stealing weapons right out from under the enemies they were fighting. Which meant there were dozens upon dozens of iron axes here--which were of little use to Olwen. Though Fred wouldn't put it past her to teach herself how to wield and axe, just so she could put it in Julius.
Reinhardt was in the corner, still tied up. And thankfully for them all, still far too polite to slaughter them all, though he was very, very able to. Reinhardt's only weaknesses were politeness, his sister, and his liege. Alas, his liege was not here but was by the Scion of Darkness's side, but two out of three wasn't too bad.
It would probably be a whole lot easier for them if Reinhardt's liege felt the same way about the Scion of Darkness as Olwen did, both for the cause and in general, but--Nothing and no one was perfect in the end.
As Olwen browsed the weapons, Fred felt a tightness in his chest. She was so beautiful as she lifted up the swords with determination--a determination to cleave Julius's rule in two. Among other things.
And, he looked to his hands. He'd never forgive himself if he let Olwen go jousting after windmills like this. This battle had to be left to others.
There was many coils of rope on the wall--Lifis would take pretty much anything that wasn't tied down, and even then he might pry it free and bring it back to show off to Safy.
"I'm sorry, Olwen," Fred said softly.
He caught her hands, pulled it behind her as gently as he could and tied a knot. Olwen froze in shock as she finally realized she had been captured.
"You're---tying me up? And in front of my brother, too? This just got really kinky."
"It's for your own good, Olwen. Hopefully this won't get me brutally Dire Thundered," Fred said.
"That depends on your next actions," Reinhardt said. He managed to lift the tea cup to his lips, even with his hands tied. As if to further hone in that he could've easily broken out if he so chose, but was too polite to do so.
Not that he need worry. More worry about the people on the other side. Only worry about Olwen when she went charging like a tiny yapping dog against a much too large foe, the way tiny yapping dogs were wont to do.
"I'm sorry, Olwen. I can't let you throw your life away by screaming 'meet me in the pit, you horrible creature, I'm going to fucking kill you' and then trying to kill the Scion of Darkness with a dull kitchen knife. At least let me properly outfit you first."
"None can kill Julius with such weapons. Only those of Holy Weapons can. Trust me; if it were possible, I would've long ago killed him," Reinhardt said.
My, apparently the Scion of Darkness hatred ran in the family. And the habit of being a traitor for that matter.
"Excuse me?" Olwen said.
"There is no love lost between us. Both my liege's life and my life would exponentially improve is Julius simply--slipped and fell. Or suddenly disappeared in a tragic boating accident. Lord Arivs and I have shared many a drink commiserating upon this. The only tragedy of his death would be that it did not happen sooner," Reinhardt said.
"I...had no idea you felt that way," Olwen said.
"Did you think I had perhaps an entire shrine with burning candles that says I ♥ Prince Julius?" Reinhardt said.
"No, because Princess Ishtar already has one. You could just borrow hers," Olwen said.
That elicited a sigh. "Don't remind me," Reinhardt said.
"Then, I suppose neither of us can go. We must leave it to those with Holy Blood," Fred said.
With quite some dexterity, Fred tied himself up as well, and sat beside them. Brother, sister, and the knight of their family.
"You--tied yourself up, Fred? This just got kinkier," Olwen said.
"Well, I didn't want you to suffer this alone," Fred said.
"What do we do when someone needs tea?" Olwen said.
"Worry not," Reinhardt said.
Reinhardt managed to push himself up, and get a cup of tea for her, as if to further home in that Reinhardt could've escaped at any point, and was merely staying here because he chose to.
Why did he choose to? Fred guessed it had something to do with politeness, Olwen, and something else. Something indefinable. Maybe something with red hair which was at this moment terrorizing the countryside.
"What exactly were your intentions here, Fred? I know you were tasked to protect Olwen, but even this is rather drastic measures," Reinhardt said.
"Excuse me? You have no say over my life anymore, Reinhardt. I can't just forgive you so easily for what you did."
Reinhardt looked to his tea. "I see. So that's how it will be. Even tied up together in the armory we will still be enemies."
"You chose your path, Reinhardt, and I chose mine."
"So it is."
Reinhardt turned to Fred.
"And what exactly are your plans, Fred?"
"I was keeping your sister from taking on the Scion of Darkness with anything handy, from cutlery to a potted plant. Her rage is so much that she'd probably try and kill him with a shoe."
"Princess Ishtar's heels are surely sharp enough to do the job," Olwen said.
"It is a very understandable feeling," Reinhardt said.
"Wanting to kill the Scion of Darkness with anything, or being captivated by Princess Ishtar's heels?"
"Both," Reinhardt said.
"You say it's understandable? You wouldn't join me back there, Reinhardt. Did you just choke?"
:"I do not serve the Scion of Darkness. I serve Princess Ishtar. Since I am in this company, I can finally openly express that if the Scion of Darkness died, I would rejoice. Internally. Then go make sure my liege was all right. But once she went for a rest, I would probably have a celebratory drink to toast that his journey to hell finally came. Of course, he'd probably rule it before the night was over, but at least we'd be free of his tyranny."
He let out a sigh. "I could never betray her. I swore an oath unto death to her. So, I will soldier on, even as I despise everything about the army I serve, all for her," Reinhardt said.
"Oh, that was your problem? She betrayed Julius months ago," Olwen said.
"She did? Why am I the last to find out?" Reinhardt shook his head. "Nobody tells me these things. Yes, Olwen. I will gladly betray Julius. And this time, not just for your sake. But because betraying Julius is my greatest joy in life."
He paused a moment. "Second greatest joy. My greatest joy is beside him now, aiding him, alas."
"Does it help that she stabbed him in the back several times now?" Fred said.
"Literally?" Reinhardt said hopefully.
"Figuratively, I'm afraid," Fred said.
"Then, only somewhat, for even as she betrays him, she returns to his side," Reinhardt said.
"But, we can't kill Julius," Fred reminded them. "He is the Scion of Darkness, wielding unimaginable power. He would swat us like a fly. Our deaths would be meaningless in the end. Simply another casualty to the tyranny of the blood of Loptous."
Reinhardt smiled. "Yes, but...his armies? Not so impervious. Not impervious at all, in fact," Reinhardt said.
"Release me and I will take care of one little thing, then return. I swear it upon my life. You may tie me up as you please."
"Tie you up as you please? What the--" Olwen said.
"Don't worry, Olwen; I would never steal your knight right from under you. Besides, he is not my type. More your type, it seems," Reinhardt said.
This elicited a blush from both Fred and Olwen. Even though they technically were lovers, such a brazen comment from Reinhardt, who could kill Fred easily, was rather jarring.
Reinhardt could theoretically, at least, destroy the entire Liberation Dinner in about the same amount of time it took to have tea. However, he was too polite to do so, too concerned about Olwen to simply stoop to bloodshed of her teammates--and apparently he hated the Scion of Darkness like none other.
"There's little I could do, I am afraid. For I am--"
Before Fred could even say still tied up Reinhardt pointed a finger to him, and the rope turned black and fell apart.
Olwen rolled her eyes. "You mean you could've escaped at any point and time, Reinhardt? What, did you just like being tied up?"
"I'm not going to answer that question if you're the one asking it, Olwen," Reinhardt said.
"So, what, you'd give a different answer if it was Princess Ishtar asking the question?"
"Yes, absolutely," Reinhardt said.
So, Fred took a chance. He untied Reinhardt, even as he might get a Dire Thunder in the face. After all, being around a Schtutaeze sibling meant there was always a chance, however slim, of thunder slamming down into him.
Fred slowly undid the knot, and released him. Reinhardt rubbed at his wrists.
"Thank you. I shall keep my promise shortly. I have some unfinished business with the Scion of Darkness."
"Dammit, Reinhardt. Now you're going to rush into battle recklessly? I just got stopped from doing that! If Reinhardt is going, then I should be untied as well!"
"Are you Schutaeze siblings having a 'throwing your life away' contest? Neither of you can defeat the Scion of Darkness. Now, don't make me put you both in time out again," Fred said.
"Yes, it's true. Even with my talent in magic and the sword, I cannot even harm the Scion of Darkness. But, his armies...Not so invulnerable. Not at all."
Reinhardt bowed.
"Take care of Olwen, Fred."
"I'm not a child who needs to be minded."
"No, you're a very powerful woman with a habit of trying to take on the entirety of the forces of darkness by yourself, with a rusty sword, if that. And I want you to live through this. At least let you live on, Olwen..."
"At least let me take out some of the creepy cultists!"
Reinhardt looked thoughtfully at her.
"Fred, can you keep her from trying to launch herself at Julius with subpar equipment, determined to kill him in hand-to-hand combat?"
"I can try," Fred said.
"Then, untie her, and we'll betray Julius as a family."
"It's been so long since we've done anything as a family together," Olwen said.
Reinhardt smiled. "Think of today as a first step towards something beautiful and wonderful. Bonding over what we should've been doing all along: Betraying Julius."
"Towards Julius's reign ending!"
"I'd offer a toast, but Olwen gets even more reckless when she drinks," Reinhardt said.
"Oh, I know," Fred said. "We had a celebratory toast once and she nearly mutinied against Kempf. Of course, I couldn't quite stop her from trying to destroy him later..."
"That's my girl," Reinhardt said proudly.
*
A brilliant flash of lightning--and much of the army was dead. A parting gift from Reinhardt to the Liberation Army. In about five minutes, seventy-five percent of the army was completely, utterly, little more than ashes and dust in the ground.
And with them, the sound of thunder filled the battlefield.
Olwen and Fred helped clean up seemingly endless spawning creatures of cultists, and they finished up just in time to make it for tea.
They returned back to the barracks as promised. Reinhardt's liege had been quite wounded, and fainted from loss of blood, but she had not perished upon the battle. Her wounds were dressed, but she had not quite come to yet.
"You really made quick work of them," Fred said.
"Why didn't you finish the job?"
"It wouldn't be very fair for me to not leave Lord Seliph and Lord Leif nothing. But, I took care of some of the armies, and brought my liege back. That's what truly mattered. Not glory, but saving her in the end," Reinhardt said.
"I guess it would be selfish to not let Lord Seliph do some avenging. After all, he has so much avenging left to do," Olwen said.
"One more thing. There is a space I found which overlooks the castle. Let us go there right away, or we shall miss quite a show," Reinhardt said.
"A show? We're taking in plays now," Olwen said.
"The final battle approaches. And I, for one, am going to watch as the Scion of Darkness is defeated with much joy. I shall pray for Lord Seliph's victory."
They couldn't wield the weapons to take the final battle, but they could watch.
"Count me in," Olwen said.
No longer chained, Fred, Reinhardt and Olwen watched as the battle unfolded. Reinhardt had already set forth a massive blow, a boon to the Liberation Army. They'd even brought Princess Ishtar, for Reinhardt could not bear to leave her there, even as Hannibal defended the barracks. In the end, it wasn't a lack of trust, but that Reinhardt wished to be her main defender, unto death.
Somewhere, Prince Julius, or whatever was left of him, was surely seething.
Reinhardt sipped tea. Though there was something darker to his eyes as the armies fell, as the Liberation Army began to win the last of this war.
Olwen rose up, and cupped her hands to make her voice carry more.
"Kick his ass, Seliph and Julia!"
"I'm going to marry that girl," Fred said aloud in awe--almost without realizing it.
"I give my blessing. If anyone can keep Olwen from fighting the wrong people, often with her bare hands, and fueled by nothing but immense rage, it's you," Reinhardt said.
"Thank you, Reinhardt. That's quite a compliment."
For it took quite some strength to keep Olwen from being a one-woman army, with only her rage and recklessness behind her. She needed someone quiet. Someone steady. Someone who could keep her from rampages, or yelling at her commander, or trying to take out the ultimate embodiment of evil with kitchen cutlery.
"Maybe I did jump to conclusions," Olwen said.
"All because you assumed I wrote I am so loyal to Julius in my diary every night?" Reinhardt said dryly.
Olwen nodded sadly. "It seems I was very behind on the lore."
He sighed. "If only my liege had brought me along. I do so hate being not invited to a Betraying Julius party. Perhaps she did it to spare me, or my feelings, but it hurts to be left out of something which would cause me such joy. For it is one of my favorite things upon this very world. Very little in life pleases me so much as betraying Julius. My only regret as Lord Seliph wins is that I could not betray Julius once, or maybe twice more."
"I asked you to betray Julius, Reinhardt. I was inviting you to the Betraying Julius party! Do you only like Betraying Julius parties when Princess Ishtar is the one throwing them?"
"Of course I would take much joy in sharing Betraying Julius with my sister. However, You asked me as a man was tying me up and trying to steal my socks and the very horse beneath me. He was about to steal my shortclothes next. I wasn't sure why you'd joined a den of thieves, but stealing isn't my forte."
He looked back to his liege.
"At least, not when it comes to material goods."
"Fine...I'll forgive you. But you have to get up here and cheer Lord Seliph and Julia on," Olwen said.
Reinhardt set his tea aside. "Gladly, but don't wake Princess Ishtar; she's had a rough time of it, and surely many tears will be shed when she awakes. But I will make sure she is never alone, even with all she has lost. Whatever it takes."
All in all, a win. The tides of war had turned. Reinhardt didn't kill him, and in fact even gave his blessing, and he got to see Olwen tied up (and was even tied up himself.)
And how beautiful Olwen looked with the wind in her hair, as she screamed "fucking destroy him, Julia!" down at the heroes below. Oh, how he'd marry this girl. And one day, he'd surely pull a knife from her hand and tell her no, Olwen. You cannot take on an entire brigand band in nothing but your nightgown and a knife. You need to have breakfast first, and take a decent sword, and me along to help you.
And so many more times. Holding back Olwen from personally bullying the person who bullied their child, holding back Olwen from personally starting the revolution, holding back Olwen over and over and over. She was so beautiful when she was angry. And Olwen was always just a little away from being angry.
What a woman, indeed.
