"Citizens of Sturmbreaker, today I bring good news for us all. After high level discussions with ambassadors from both the Church of Astralis and the Arterian state, we have signed the Coastal Protection Treaty which would allow Sturmwachen and Arterian soldiers to patrol the entirety of the Old Highway in order to ensure the safety and security of travellers, merchants, and villages within the region. With this treaty, we hope to foster a greater sense of cooperation between our nations and to act as a bulwark of calm against these trying times. Furthermore… "

- Prince Mayor Ashlin Montroi, Speech In Thalassa Square, "Announcement Of Coastal Protection Treaty"

Pyra Kastiane cared little about the opinions of others. If her vessel had one extra leg she would've hopped atop the table to assert her dominance. To definitively enshrine her position as ruler of this kingdom and their fates. Alas, the best she could do was what the others found most unnerving of all, smiling.

She could feel Anna bristle underneath her skin. The girl's distaste for such theatrics made clear in their time spent together. Yet in Pyra's opinion, the girl simply didn't know how to present herself properly. By all rights she was a decorated adventurer at a young age and a princess too. Wielding the scepter of authority should've been almost innate to her. Pyra would rectify that.

"Sister!" She grinned, opening her arms to welcome the lost soul, "Welcome back."

In this moment, she saw a flicker of concern flash across her recipient's eye, and even that of the unknown sibling. But true to form, they were able to mask their worry and politely dip their heads in reverence. A fitting gesture and one that Pyra delighted in.

After all, she was the one whom they had questions for, who they were curious about. And if their stories yesterday were true, then she was the one who knew all the answers that they sought. Most importantly of all, and a fact that made Pyra even more delighted, was that they had come to her. Willingly and without a fuss.

If this Sophie was indeed the Saphyre she had known, her kin from the traitor's womb. Then she could even forgive that transgression. For despite her past, the whimsy of life had brought her here before her. More importantly, with their demonstrated worries and surprise, she also came to one other conclusion. That she was the only one that had spoken to.

She could almost imagine the moment if she had ever returned to that accursed monastery. The declaration of their lost sibling, found and alive. Then the shock, confusion, and awe that would follow from her sister's face. A look that meant Pyra was once again, the superior one, the one whom even fate had seen as the one to lead their people.

Even if it all went wrong, and it turned out they were nothing more than lucky charlatans. The solution was within arms reach. Outnumbered, outarmed, out skilled. Her legion and the unbroken would simply cut all the tricksters down. Simple as can be.

"Princess Pyra." Sophie acknowledged her.

How formal. She noted with amusement.

Only now did she really notice the odd little duckling amongst the group. A relatively normal looking girl with long black hair that was currently tied up in a bun. Unlike the others, her features were almost too unblemished, nor did her eyes hold the gaze of someone who had seen the brutality of life in person. A squishy unvarnished soul. And that intrigued her.

"Who is this?" She pointed towards the girl, wagging her finger impatient, "The rest of you I remember somewhat. Even you, assassin." She hissed at the odd looking elf, "But this one? What is this one?"

The girl seemed to wilt a little under scrutiny.

"Well? Out with it." Pyra demanded.

The girl looked to the others and Pyra saw Sophie nod. Ah! Must be a servant! How delightful. A touch of royalty in her blood!

"Lucinia Trax, princess. At your service." The girl introduced herself.

"Hmm hmm. Good." Pyra casually acknowledged, after all, it was but a name, "One must introduce oneself in court, yes. And I have seen you around them."

The girl bowed apologetically.

Trax, like the empire? Pah. Those self important fools, just like the last. Thinking themselves uniter of the world. She mentally chided them.

Within her, she could feel a small mental tug. The errant princess implored her to investigate further. Annoyed at the defiance but wishing to avoid distractions, she acquiesced.

"Art thou perchance related to the nation which takes up that name?" She queried off handedly.

"Yes mam. Former princess of Traxia."

"Former? What a delightful accolade. Though in this court, it is good form to reveal such things alongside thy name."

"Apologies, mam. I… we heard that the diplomatic parties represented here had different backers, one of which are my people. I did not wish to give the impression that Sophie or Mila were obligated to one side or another of this conflict." Lucinia explained.

My, my. Never mind earlier, now this is formality. How lovely.

"Worry not, little child." Pyra giggled, "Annabelle might care for such things, realm and all that. I have little judgement on whatever situation you find yourself in either way."

"Thank you for your consideration, my lady." Lucinia replied, though she now shuffled a little uneasily.

Pyra smirked, "As long as you aren't opposing me. Such matters are trivial."

Lucinia curtsied and Pyra found herself even more amused at the company her potential sister kept. A fallen princess, a bard who is likely something more than human, an odd looking elf assassin, some church fellows and an orc. She was at least pleased that they didn't seem bored.

No matter, I will peer into their minds and pry their secrets another day. Pyra reminded herself before she got carried away. She craned her neck to gaze upon Sophie once more. The supposed survivor of their family, looking anxious and wary. That annoyed Pyra.

She saw before her, a child tainted with the traitor's blood but very much alive. Her body was corporeal and interacting with the word. Her skin was scarred but unmarred by the wounds that had etched themselves across its surface. Untainted by curses or even unnatural magicks, except for the void that lay beyond or so she claimed.

The more Pyra stared at the strange little enigma before her, the more it annoyed her. Little Saphyre, the love child of two races that should never have commingled. One who likely brought doom upon them all. And here she was, alive and well.

For the first time in decades, Pyra felt a small spark of genuine rage. Not because of her hatred to the Myndiri for their atrocities, or even the whelps that now bastardized her world. No. A rage born from a long forgotten emotion. Jealousy.

She was trapped in the girl, though the princess was a more than suitable host for her. The problem was, she wasn't in full control. Unlike others, Anna had been more resilient. At the time they merged, she herself was also a little more amenable than usual.

Sophie on the other hand, appeared to just be herself. The child who had escaped all the horror and suffering. Thrust into a false paradise, but a world of sustenance and ease that no one else could partake in. And now, it was almost like the fates had simply brought her back.

She wanted to hiss, but stopped. A tug within her mind. The princess was chiding her. The idiot.

But she could feel the girl's growing resistance and relented somewhat. They were unfortunate partners. Today, they had guests. They would save their bickering for another day.

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"So. Sister. You have chosen to return." Pyra stated plainly.

Sophie seemed confused by the inquiry, "Of course? It was what we agreed to do, is it not?" She looked towards Elaria who responded with a tiny nod.

"Agreements. Yes. That was our agreement." Pyra reminded herself, grumbling in annoyance.

"Is… something the matter?" Sophie cautiously inquired.

Pyra mulled over her own words, the voice in her head chiding her even louder than before.

"Okay, okay. Now quiet you." She growled at her passenger.

"Perhaps. After yesterday, I found myself curious about a great many things. Concerningly so." Pyra told the elf, "Many of it surround you, dear sister of mine."

Sophie shivered at the cold tone in her voice. But that was precisely what Pyra had intended. It meant her reactions were natural, her worry about the princess an action with a cause. Her sister was predictable. And that was helpful information. Her growl slowly morphed back into a soft smile, her posture relaxing as she let Kimmie help her back into her seat.

A malleable soul, how fortuitous.

"I've already said I would answer what I can. And I am also here" Sophie spoke with a hint of defiance.

Pyra chuckled and nodded in agreement.

"Very well, my little sapphire. I suppose one ought to reward such… ceaseless dedication to the task." She tittered, amused at how Sophie grimaced at her new nickname, "A question for a question. I asked thee yesterday. Now thou art your turn." She gestured towards her.

Sophie gawked at her for a few moments. The girl clearly caught off guard by Pyra's sudden change in demeanor. Beside her, the bard traded an amused glance with the elven assassin, the hints of a stronger bond than Pyra had expected. That she did not immediately go to Sophie's aid also hinted at a deeper relationship. This 'sister' clearly trusted Sophie to see her own problems through, although the glint in her eye hinted that she was following along just fine. A fact that did not escape Pyra's notice.

Across the table, the inquisitors were communicating silently amongst themselves. Philippe finally managed to drag Mila's attention away from Pyra's whimsy. The orc just stared directly at her, his eyes barely blinking. Such disdain, how misplaced, she mused. Inscribing his own people's curse upon me, hah!

Disappointed by how long Sophie seemed to be musing her question, Pyra's gaze then shifted to the supposed royal. The girl acted a little too nonchalant, casting her eyes this way and that. She was scanning the room and very interested, but trying extraordinarily hard to appear disinterested. That made Pyra excited.

"A fallen royal. Traxian? Yes? The Empire of humanity? Hah! To sit upon that throne, hmmm. I could abandon you. Change hosts. You would have your freedom back. Your people. Hmm? And I could bring the world to heel." Pyra proposed a notion to her host.

Anna remained silent. Though the girl couldn't manifest physically in the same way she could when the other was in control. Though she could still feel the growing well of displeasure emanating from her. The suggestion, it seemed, had gone down quite poorly indeed.

"Perish the thought." Pyra snickered, "Even I have no idea why you of all people haven't just… Well, let's just say I didn't just change hosts for no reason. The poor girl might end up a husk if I inhabited her. Hah! Now wouldn't that be a sight."

A mote of fear tinged with utter hatred welled up inside her.

"Pah, spoilsport. But have it your way."

"Come up with something yet?" Pyra tiredly queried, a bit miffed at how slow Sophie had been at questioning her. She expected something confrontational or earth shattering. Not this careful deliberating.

"I…" Sophie stammered and paused.

Apparently she wasn't the only one disappointed by the inaction. Elaria gave Sophie a gentle pat on the back. The girl sighed and finally moved to meet Pyra's gaze.

"I was wondering what happened?" Sophie vaguely asked.

"Huh?" Pyra let out a baffled huff.

"How… how did you come to be here? With Anna, that is. Who exactly are you?"

Pyra beamed, finally! A worthy question.

Her excitement was short-lived, however. For a glance sideways caught her eye. Ser Lyran had one of the praetorians whispering into his ear, and not one of the human ones. This concerned her, for when the legion discussed such matters so discreetly, it often meant another annoyance for her to deal with. Regardless, a question posed would be a question answered.

"Well, well, aren't you a curious one." Pyra teased her sister, "But one question for another. Take your pick and I shall answer." She winked.

"Then… then…"

"Why not about Anna first? She is why we're here." Mila hissed.

Although she spoke towards Sophie, Pyra could feel the inquisitor's hostilities lingering upon her instead. How delightfully unpleasant. Like the orc, but more subdued, more curious.

"Right." Sophie gathered herself, her hands tensing up before she spoke again, "Lady Pyra, what exactly did you do to Annalise?"

Pyra nodded approvingly, "Yes, what happened to her indeed? What did the nasty little Pyra do to thy friend?" She snickered.

Sophie narrowed her eyes, her displeasure at being teased made abundantly evident.

"Now, now. No need to work yourself into a sweat. I can assure you that your little Anna is fine. Think of it like a princess watching her empire from a tower up on high. She can see the happenings, maybe hear us, but cannot affect us." Pyra answered.

"That makes sense, but why does she always seem so troubled when she's in control? Like she's reacting so… so… viscerally to you? Why are you hurting her?"

"Ah-ah. One question for another. Though I'm willing to overlook this slight." Pyra wagged her finger in warning, "Do pay attention."

Sophie grimaced.

"In truth, I am offended. Offended that you would dare to even suggest that I am in any way as lowly as her. Of the implication that I have little control over what I'm doing. Perish that thought. Whatever you see happen between your friend and myself is precisely that, a lively parlay between the two of us." Pyra chuckled dismissively, "That we sometimes disagree is just simply an everyday facet of life. For know this, for this is an inalienable fact of the matter. That is, I am in control here. My powers, though subdued, far outpace your friends. It is by my grace, that she yet exists."

Anna bristled at the comment but didn't fight too hard. They both knew that Pyra's words had an element of truth to them. Though admittedly, even she did not fully comprehend how the ranger had seem to persist with minimal difficulty.

Sophie seemed almost mad on Anna's behalf, but a quick shake of the head from Elaria cooled her off. Seeing the frown on her sister's face, Pyra sighed.

"If it would keep you from pointless questions however, I will say this. She is fine, more or less. Not that it matters to me. But we are… cooperating in our own way. That is all I will say on this matter." Pyra begrudgingly declared.

It was far from satisfactory. But given that her sister now knew her place, Pyra was pleased to see a reluctant acceptance coming from her. She was slowly stepping into line willing or not.

Oh sister, sweet little fool of mine. So naive… so compliant.

Her face then twisted into a snarl when her eyes met Elaria's once more. The bard was staring intently at her, as if trying to unravel the mystery of it all. The thought alone brought out an irrational anger within her. Has she seen through my plans with Sophie? Shame. No matter.

Making her displeasure known to the bard, she saw Elaria retreat a little. The girl leaned back into her seat and adopted a more casual demeanor, her arms resting lazily by her side. Her gaze however, never wavered, only continuing to irritate Pyra even more. She needed a distraction before the mood consumed her whole. Then, a flash of brilliance clawed its way to the forefront, and she smiled contentedly.

"I recall, dear sister of mine. That you had told me about quite a few things yesterday." Pyra shifted the subject.

Hearing her voice again, the room seemed to tense up as a whole.

"I did." Sophie answered.

"Thus I will pose to you another question. Allow you the illustrious opportunity to ask one afterwards." Pyra declared triumphantly.

Sophie nodded along, her hands reaching for her ponytail in search of comfort.

"So now to thee a query of mine, one that involves your nightmares." Pyra leaned forward as much as she could, now practically buzzing with excitement once more.

The matters of the mind, of darkness and of the uncertain horrors that lurked beyond, all of it piqued her curiosity. Just as quickly as her annoyance had replaced joy, so too did curiosity now usurp the hatred. A light jab at her sister quickly turned into a lucrative avenue of questioning.

"So I ask thee, could thou art recall everything about the nightmares? Of the visions that haunt your mind?" She asked.

In an instant she saw something truly captivating. A questioning glance traded between her sister and the inquisitor. Brief and almost completely forgettable. Yet Pyra did not excuse the gesture and instead honed in on it. Sophie didn't look to her 'other sister' or even the fallen royal. Instead, she had directed her gaze to Mila. And to Pyra's surprise, the inquisitor also chose to meet that expression with an almost tired one of her own.

"Of course." Sophie dutifully replied.

"Perfect!" Pyra clapped her hands together in delight. Another thought popped into her head and she cheerily turned towards Anna's attendant. "Kimmie." She purred.

"Yes?" The attendant muttered obediently.

"Send for Lady Colisse and have the staff bring refreshments and snacks. I believe we have a little longer left to go."

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