"Located along the western shores of Cyndralia just beyond the southern reaches of New Berenia, lies the Myndiri ruin of Heicrum Vesdin. Once an accursed and haunted site. Subsequent decades of exploration and archeological expeditions alongside treasure hunters have ensured that most of it is now widely considered a safe area. Transforming it into an almost haven for scholars of ancient civilizations. Of course the deepest depths of the structure remain still sealed off by Berenian authorities. No one knows what secrets remain concealed within nor why the Berenians have acted so decisively to cordon it off."

- Pathfinder Dino Orenski, Pathfinders Guild, "Documenting The Myndir: Ancients Of Ascalon"

Sophie recounted her memories once again. This time feeling even more awkward than before under the watchful gazes of everyone present. Worse of all, there was no longer any way to try and keep Mila's involvement out of it. With Pyra's invasive questioning and the princess's ever growing desire for knowledge, there were precious little details she could omit.

Thus it was laid out in full for the others to hear. The town in the taiga forests of Ingramar, a story of a festival turned nightmare from the perspective of an outsider. Pyra's interest was further piqued by Mila's connection to Sophie's tale. Or rather, that Mila had corrected a few details. She didn't outright say it, but Sophie could tell that the princess had been putting all the pieces of the puzzle together in her mind.

What truly terrified her however, was when she saw how Pyra's eyes seemingly lit up the moment she described the massacre that followed. It was also around then, that what felt like a warding spell finally went off in Sophie's mind. A bit of the fog finally cleared and her own puzzle pieces slowly seemed to fit together, though the full picture still eluded her.

From the plumed helmets of the princess's praetorians resembling the ones she had seen in the Myndiri ruin. To the strange way the soldiers seemed to behave around them. Not hostile, but mostly suspicious of her. Worse, by the time she finished her recounting, she found Pyra practically grinning from ear to ear. It wasn't one of intimidation, curiosity, or even a performance. Sophie could tell it was one that resulted from unbridled joy. And she had no idea why the princess would be so happy. All she knew was that there was some connection that she wasn't seeing, some way that the princess seemed almost aroused by the description of her nightmare. She absently reached for her ponytail and toyed with it, think, Sophie, think. What is she looking for out of this?

Now everyone just waited as the mad princess deliberated on the information that had been presented to her. She traded a few worried glances with Mila. Though for her part, the inquisitor's habitual scowl seemed to mask whatever thoughts she truly had beyond a faint trace of concern.

The room sat in a strange silence. Only the occasional shuffle or wooden squeaking of furniture seemed to echo throughout. All the while the princess sat smiling, her eyes growing more manic and unfocused by the second.

After what felt like all too long, the princess let out a small chuckle. Her sudden noise drew the attention of everyone in the room. Sophie cautiously met Pyra's gaze, the princess gleefully giggling to herself when their eyes locked onto each other. Only after collecting herself somewhat did the girl let out a hearty sigh.

"Of course, of course. It would all come to that, hah! Neyo vyundari, mshinquss." Pyra muttered in her strange language, the words sounding almost distorted coming out of what was Annalise's mouth.

"Lady Pyra?" Sophie asked, the first of the party to break their shared silence.

The princess licked her lips and stood up, startling her. But instead of addressing Sophie, she snapped her fingers at Sir Lyran to beckon him. The massive plumed warrior striding over to lean down beside the princess. Somehow, despite dwarfing the girl, Pyra was completely unfazed and appeared to rather chipperly whisper at him like nothing more than a courtier instead of a hulking warrior.

She even stole little glances towards the others during her murmurings. Each time more inscrutable and crazed than the last. Sophie felt the tension coil itself together in her gut once more. The familiar but undesirable unease that often preceded something bad happening.

In this, she wasn't alone. Next to her, both Elaria and Raylani seemed to be poised to act should the situation arise. The bard in particular tried her best to appear as bored by the proceeding as she could while still relaying instructions to her aide through the means of playful if annoying looking little pokes. Raylani thankfully, maintained her usual stoic and uncaring composure. But despite that, Sophie could detect an ever so slight flicker of pride from the dark elf. It was adorable to her, in its own way. Something had obviously continued to inspire the outpouring of loyalty to her sister, and to be relied upon in situations like this seemed to please her. Heh, I wish Ary would depend on me more too.

The awkward silence in the room continued to grow, so much so that Philippe even started whispering a few words of his own to MIla. His hushed tone indicated something best kept amongst themselves and clearly piqued Mila's interest enough that the inquisitor managed to tear her gaze away from Sophie and Pyra.

Seeing them plot together, Sophie bit her lip. Ever since she had stepped onto the boat bound for Gratia, she had started to feel increasingly overwhelmed by everything happening around her. The splitting of the party, Ary's struggles, her own quest for knowledge, the wellbeing of those around her, and now the expectations placed upon her by the Gratians including Pyra and Anna. She wrapped her arms around herself for a soft caress, hoping to ease out some of the underlying tension building up within.

Yet it was when she tried to drag her mind out of her own doubts that she finally glimpsed another sliver of truth. Catching a glance at the way Lyran moved and gestured while whispering to Pyra in their strange language, Sophie felt a flicker of recognition set in. While the armor he wore was different and the colors and quality changed, the shape and style were too similar. Furthermore, if she believed her own story about the connections between Saclia and the plumed ones, then it only made sense that Lyran was of the same group. And if he is… she tried to stealthily look around, her eyes dancing across the black knights and other praetorians, then they would reasonably also be related.

She felt the pit in her stomach dig itself deeper. The horrifying realization slowly catalyzed within her. The soldiers all belonged to Pyra, her sister. The very one who now sat at the head of a principality and peoples. The same who had possessed Annalise.

And we're right in the middle of all of them. Saint damned hells. Sophie swore to herself.

"Sophie." Pyra finally called out.

Sophie felt a chill run down her spine.

"Lady Pyra." She acknowledged.

Pyra dismissed Sir Lyran and the knight kneeled in fealty before returning to his post by the doorway.

"You seem a little tense, sister. Hmm?" Pyra narrowed her eyes, "Something to hide?"

Sophie emphatically shook her head, "Of course not" She nearly let out an indignant yell, "But there's a lot happening right now and this… all this… about why you even called us here because of my name. And that we're now sisters?" She sighed, "It's all a little overwhelming."

It was truth, in a way. Another one of the things she picked up from the others. Though no acting was needed in this instance. Her emotions were genuine even if she had omitted one or two things. She would be more than happy to get some rest, though the way everything seemed to be playing out, she doubted she'd get the chance.

For the first time since all this began, a look of mild sympathy flashed across Pyra's visage. If anyone could understand the weight of responsibility despite the madness, it would be someone who had lived for centuries. At least if what Pyra is saying is to be believed.

"I understand." Pyra stated calmly, no hint of mania or madness. Not even glee or anger. Just a solemn, honest acknowledgement however momentary it might be.

Whatever gentleness was present did not last long. Soon enough, upon realizing Sophie had no real follow up. Pyra's impatience flared up and the princess appeared almost annoyed just as suddenly as she had seemed understanding.

"Pyra, sister." Sophie tested the waters and spoke.

Pyra's annoyance briefly subsided, the princess arching an eyebrow but not reacting otherwise.

A chance. "I was wondering if I could ask another question."

Pyra didn't react at first, the mad princess maintaining her annoyed expression. Then she started grinning, a grin that then evolved into a shrill cackle that clawed at the recesses of Sophie's mind.

"Ahaha, so my sweet little sister finally desires to speak up?" Pyra smiled.

Sophie shuddered at the title her sister gave her. Something about it felt anything but friendly. But she held her tongue and waited.

"Tah, how lovely indeed. She wishes to speak." Pyra snickered, "Well, well, then my overwhelmed little starling, ask. A question then, to ease your mind. A break from our tradition, a free one for thy confused mind. But choose your words well, for only what you speak next, I shall answer. Nothing more, nothing less."

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Pyra licked her lips and leaned back, relaxed and simply waiting. Sophie already had something she wanted to say and moved to respond.

"Th-" Elaria hurriedly slapped her hand over her mouth, "Umpf?" Sophie let out a muffled query.

"Think a little more, eh? Your head is in the right place, but hers is more particular." Elaria murmured.

Pyra's grin only grew upon hearing this.

"It seems our would-be sister offers quite the counsel to you, dear little sister." Pyra purred.

"Apologies, my lady. I'm simply-" Elaria tried to respond.

"No need." Pyra silenced her with a gentle wave of her hand, "I can tell you are more aware than you try to appear as. No secrets here in my court." She hissed.

Elaria stiffened up, "Of course."

Sophie let her shoulders sag a little and Elaria finally released the clamp over her mouth. The two managed to tear their eyes off the princess and traded a few glances.

Careful, Elaria seemed to say.

I know, Sophie wanted to grumble.

Think it through, Elaria chided with a frown.

I know! Sophie let out an exasperated sigh.

Pyra was more than delighted by this display, the wide grin on her face never leaving.

"Think carefully indeed, sweet little sister." Pyra warned with a sing-song voice.

The false friendliness only made Sophie even more uncomfortable. But she didn't rush ahead and blurt out whatever was in her mind. She stopped to think.

Sophie paused, a new line of thought eating away at her the more she looked at Pyra. Just how old is she? Clearly she and the soldiers are before our time. But by how long? Hells, what era am I even from? Does she know? Dozens upon dozens of questions slowly cropping up, all yet unanswered or at least unsatisfactory. Taking great care to not potentially agitate Pyra and her followers, Sophie settled upon a simple yet wholly far too expansive question.

Pyra continued to ascertain her intentions without her speaking, the princess letting her chair creak as she settled into it and motioned for Sophie to go on. Her lips curled tightly in anticipation, her hands unintentionally gripping onto the chair's arms. She's far too interested. She wants me to ask something But what?

"Sister… if our name is so… storied, as you seem to make it out to be." Sophie paused, trying to gauge Pyra's reaction. Judging by how she leaned forward to listen more attentively, she was hooked. Sophie continued, "Then who exactly are we?"

Pyra's smile died for a second and she frowned. Sophie immediately retreated, sinking into her seat. Her question had been spoken and judged, and the princess did not seem pleased. Is she disappointed?

"Now that's an interesting question." Pyra mumbled before showing off an overly sweet smile , "Oh yeah, dear little sister, one little thing. For one must then amend the rules."

Amend the…? But that's not fair! "But-"

"Ah-ah! You are in my domain." Pyra wagged a finger in warning, her joyous eyes narrowing at once with a hostile gaze, " I am being kind, but even that has limits. Hmm?"

"Tch. Right."

"Now, now. No need to look so cross. I will answer thine inquiry after all. Just that I cannot answer it in full. Not because I don't want to, but because I don't trust you yet, dear sister."

The unspoken was now said aloud, another stride made towards honesty. Yet Sophie tiredly sighed anyways, and one step closer to the truth. One which might see her turn on us, great.

"So listen well, Sophie, gathered guests. For I shan't be repeating myself."

Pyra shot up from her chair, balancing on one leg before resting upon her crutch. The princess then started to pace around the room, walking just behind everyone as she circled them.

"Let me set the picture here, and be clear. If you were under any illusion that you were somehow related to the common rabble here, minus your strange new sister and elf aside. Then you can wipe those notions out of your mind. See, you and I, dearest little sister, if all your words are to be believed, are far, far, removed from those pawns that currently squat upon this world. Though, you are quite the unique specimen yourself, heritage aside." She began.

No one acknowledged the statement. But neither did anyone disagree. Pyra frowned, displeased by the lack of reaction before waving it off.

"No matter, tis but a trifling matter, after all. What I can tell you is this, dearest sister. You wish to know what exactly you are? What you represent? Hmm? Well, tis good questions to be fair. But ultimately pointless. What does matter, is that you are an accursed child, one born as an ill omen to herald darker times ahead."

Sophie leaned back a little, a slight scowl crossing her face. It was an unwelcome accusation, but one she didn't necessarily disagree with. Made only all the worse by everything that had happened since her kidnapping from the Rosengart estate. A simpler time.

"Oh? Don't look so cross. Frankly, I have no need to lie here, doubt me if you wish. It won't change the truth." Pyra stated.

That the others didn't jump to defend her was both expected but a little disheartening. It seemed to be a private conversation with a public audience. It didn't make her feel any better though. Still, she supposed information was information at the end of the day.

"But if I am cursed, then what are you? At least the… form? That you currently take seems more parasitical than anything." Sophie threw out an accusation of her own.

"Hah! Don't make me laugh, you farraditor." Pyra cackled, "I am nothing like you. Your birth spelled my doom, the end of our peoples. Thousands upon thousands lost. For such an… utterly nudiosus beintem. Or do you think I journeyed all the way to inhabit this vessel by choice?

There were words that Sophie didn't understand, but she doubted they were kind.

Pyra sighed and rolled her eyes, "Look at this body." She demanded as she hobbled over to the center of the room, "Once formidable but now so frail. Yet where she once relied on skill, she now has true power. You might be right that I… borrow a little more than most from my hosts. But time changes things, little sister. The world changes, and all we can do is adapt. Just as I have done over the centuries, you will too."

"Centuries?" Mila whispered under her breath.

The inquisitor's words drew everyone's attention and she tried to hide her embarrassment at being noticed. But Pyra was unbothered.

"Hmm? Yes. Centuries. Truly, is it so surprising? You've seen my power at the borders, my army. Is it any wonder the sorcerers of this land are completely at my mercy?"

Mila did not reply, but she didn't need to. Just looking around the room, Sophie could tell that none of them really doubted the princess. Pyra then marched up to her to command her attention, the two meeting each other's inquiring gazes.

"And you. You are a child out of time, dear sister. An anamalia in this world, just like me." Pyra's tone softened, "No real place for us. The aroyulsis."

Sophie just grunted. The words still unclear, though the meaning wasn't.

"And you." Pyra turned to Elaria, a mischievous glint in her eye, "Special too. But different. Shivtus. Fake."

Elaria just smiled as she usually did, "And?"

"I see you, you know. That there is more in that hollow mind than you let on."

"Heh."

"A question then, you have, one that will give my dearest sister some purpose? Maybe the rest of you too, hmm?" Pyra matched her smile.

Sophie turned questioningly to Elaria who just shared a gentle nod of reassurance. What? Purpose?

"I assume this is the last thing you'll share with us?" Elaria asked the princess.

"For this boon to you, yes." Pyra nodded.

"Then...Yesterday you mentioned sisters. That didn't include us." Elara calmly replied.

Sophie's mouth was left agape. Wait…

"You have keen ears, bard." Pyra grinned.

Mila let out a hiss and Philippe just sighed. Lucinia appeared lost, her brows furrowed. Sophie's own expression mirrored the Traxian as one of confused disbelief, she still didn't quite understand what Pyra meant. Nor could she come to grips with the information being presented before her. The words were simple, so was the meaning. Yet it was still indecipherable to her mind. Huh?

"To the north, beyond the mountains of snow and ice. Atop the icy crown that sits as the jewel of the world lays a ruin forgotten by time. That is where you must go for real answers and you too." Pyra glanced at Mila, "If my dearest sister's recollections are true, then that too, is where you will find answers. Real answers."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means exactly what it means. Another who held your world in their hands. One who might be… hahah, far, far, more connected to thee than myself." Pyra smirked.

"Stars." Mila cursed.

"Another?" Sophie whispered.

"Ah! My sister put her wretched mind and ears to use! Finally!" Pyra chortled, "Yes, dear. Another. Like us." She grinned, pulling ever closer to her.

Sophie gulped, aware that Pyra was still in Annalise's body, the ranger's ever familiar scent providing a sense of security and calmness that did not befit the mad princess's demeanor. The sensation making her hairs stand on their ends.

"I know not how you saw what had happened, nor even why. But that is whom you should ask." Pyra whispered into her ear, "Take that as my guidance, hmm? But ah! I had almost forgotten." Pyra quickly pulled away, startling Sophie and the others.

"Lady Pyra?"

"Everyone. Out. Everyone but you, dear sister." Her command dripped with malice, "I'm sure you can make them understand." Pyra rested her hand on her shoulder.

Everyone reacted on instinct when the praetorians closed the distance. Mila and her party looked to protest but the princess's guards moved closer to intimidate them. The orc squaring up with one of the knights. Elaria turned towards Pyra with a growl, almost protectively putting herself between them. Lucinia just shrunk a little further into her seat, perhaps even more overwhelmed than Sophie.

Morea's tits, can't get them caught up in this. She cursed.

She motioned for Elaria's attention and shook her head, trying to assure her sister of her safety. Elaria's gaze lingered for a few more seconds before she let out a tut of disapproval. The bard then signalled Raylani and the dark elf dutifully lifted Lucinia out of her seat and moved towards the door, the soldiers moving out of their way. Seeing this display, the inquisitorial party backed down, knowing that their allies were complying with the princess's orders. Mila just glared at Sophie quietly as she left.

Elaria was the last to retreat, the bard shooting the princess a warning. Pyra just smiled, having just achieved whatever it was that she wanted. Smug and in full control of the room, the princess raised her crutch and prodded Sophie in the chest.

"Now then, dear sister. One last thing."

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