The Sword of the Creator

The Holy Mausoleum was a big place, not to mention old. Being on the outer edge of the Monastery, it was definitely a secluded place to meet. People weren't normally allowed inside, but as Byleth approached the guards out front, they simply let him walk in without a word. Obviously, Rhea had given the night guards instructions to let him in tonight.

"Think she's going to say yes to joining the harem?" Sothis asked, popping out of Byleth's head as she asked while they descended the stairs into the mausoleum. Byleth shook his head with a sigh. "I doubt it. You dropped the possibility of that on her literally today. Give her some time. And, for the sake of both her and my own sanity, same rules with Jeralt going forward till the meeting is over."

"OH COME ON, MASTER!" Sothis shouted in protest as they reached the lower floor, her voice echoing around the massive hall. The place was cavernous, and could use some repair work - a couple of stone columns seemed to have fallen over since people were last here. "Oh all right, Master." The goddess huffed, returning to her non-genie attire as they looked around the quiet place for Rhea. "Where is she, anyway?" She looked around, floating higher into the air to try and see her. A few seconds later, she returned to him. "Far end of the room, in front of an important looking casket."

Byleth nodded in thanks as they walked down the path to the Archbishop. He mad note of some peculiar floor tiles as he walked; they seemed to be emitting some manner of spell as he passed over them, though not one that was harmful.

"Greetings, Professor. And... Mother." Lady Rhea greeted them as they came into view, blushing a bit as she greeted the floating genie. Though she was very grateful that Sothis was dressed appropriately this time and not checking her out. To be honest she had been apprehensive when she heard her mother's loud complaint echo throughout the tomb. "I am glad you agreed to meet me here."

"Of course, Archbishop." Byleth replied as he bowed his head in greeting. Sothis did one as well, though she seemed to be a bit frustrated. "I apologize if we startled you earlier. I asked Sothis to behave herself on the way down.

Rhea nodded. "Thank you. I am sorry, Mother, but seeing you like... that... as a first impression after so long... it was... jarring, to say the least." She said, very thankful for the professor's courtesy. She did notice that Sothis had crossed her arms under her chest, lifting them up as she put on an otherwise professional (if grumpy) demeanor. "I apologize if I upset you earlier, daughter." Sothis sighed out an apology for earlier, clearly not completely sorry for her behavior. "So, why did you want to meet us here?" She asked, floating closer curiously.

"Yes, there was something I wanted to give you." Rhea looks at Byleth, before tuning to the casket behind her. "But first, do either of you know why this place is called the Holy Mausoleum?" As the two of them shook their heads, she continued. "The Holy Mausoleum is where the Church of Seiros regularly practices the Right of Rebirh every year."

"Guess that rebirth was meant for me." Sothis commented, Rhea nodding solemnly. "That is correct. It is also the only time the mausoleum is open to the public. The common perception is that this grave in particular," Rhea pats the lid of the stone coffin behind her, "has the body of the goddess within it."

"I'm guessing that's not what's in there at all?" Byleth asks, Sothis about to respond sarcastically, before Rhea's answer stops her. "Actually, they are more accurate than they know." She began chanting, and in a few seconds, a brief pulse of light came from the casket. With one hand she defied her apparent build as she moved the lid aside enough for her to reach in and pulled out a blade. It had an empty hole in the pommel, and one side of the blade seemed to have a row of notches in it, like a saw. It was already clear to Byleth that this weapon was not made of metal.

"This, is the Sword of the Creator." Rhea said, holding the blade in both hands. "The Hero's relic that was wielded by Nemesis." She explained, holding it out for Byleth to take. "It is a weapon he carved out of my moth - I mean, your body." She looked over at Sothis, correcting herself as Byleth took the blade. As he held it, it seemed to surge with energy. Even Sothis herself was shocked, the reality that this was once part of her flesh not lost on her.