"The Order of Silencio wishes to inform your grace that what we feared is true. Arcane phenomena have been increasing in intensity in accordance to patterns resembling those of previous incursions. We have identified three key vectors of potential concern located within designated code regions: Rlztvbyu, Zahymhss, Opnodhss. Will liaise with local dwarven clans for further information. Update ends. "

- Letter on desk of Orator Vitellus, Saintsrest, "Frontier Investigations Update [Urgent]"

Sophie furrowed her brow, the argument for her essay had eluded her once again, leaving only a blank sheet of paper with a working title. Trying to appear focused, she snuck a glance at her beloved companion. Aryana was positively breezing through her own assignment. The girl had taken a shine to all things academic and scholarly far better than Sophie ever did.

Ary was also far from the frightful little girl that she had met almost a year and a half ago. Back in the Frostwinds when the two of them shared a chance encounter after a spell went wrong on Sophie's end. Since then, Sophie felt as if she hadn't done much beyond toughening up her combat skills, whereas Ary had slowly grown into her own little niche within the Academy. Though admittedly having to constantly adventure and deal with potentially life changing revelations tended to slow one's pace in life down to address those concerns instead of letting them fester. Or so Sophie told herself. In truth, she didn't really care too much about her own well-being, she was happy enough to see Ary thrive. She smiled at the thought.

Having noticed Sophie's gaze, Ary gently bopped her on the side of her head and pulled her a little closer for a kiss.

"Do I have something on my face?" Ary queried after they pulled away.

Sophie was about to shake her head then paused and mischievously grinned, "Yeah."

"Yeah?" Ary looked surprised, like she had expected the no, "What? Where?" She pawed at herself.

"It's me, I'm on your face." Sophie teased and pulled the girl in for another kiss.

"Mmpf, mmm." Ary mumbled in surprise before leaning in.

Only after tying and untying themselves together did the two pull back. Sophie was unable to hide the smugly satisfied expression on her face much to Ary's amusement. The redhead gently admonished her with another bop to the head.

"About done?" Ary giggled.

"Mhmm." Sophie bobbed her head.

The girl then cast a very deliberate look down towards Sophie's papers, her eyes arched upwards despite her remaining silent. Caught out in the open, Sophie sheepishly chuckled and shrugged.

"I'm just out of ideas." She admitted.

"Mmhmm. Of course you are." Ary jokingly sighed before reaching over to ruffle Sophie's hair, "I guess it's time to change up the scenery."

Sophie smiled cheerily at her, though the girl remained unaffected by her charms, opting inside to scold her with one final bop on the head.

"Let me wrap up and then… hmm…" Ary mumbled.

Sophie just smiled some more and nuzzled her, the girl reflexively mimicking the motion as they both hummed contentedly.

After a few moments, Sophie had an idea flash across her mind.

"The city!" She suggested enthusiastically, "We haven't had a proper trip in a while."

"Hmm, you sure you're up for the task?" Ary gestured towards her wheel chair, the girl's face radiating a mask of calm, though her tone veered closer to mild disappointment.

"Of course!" Sophie reassured her, "Besides, I bet Yana's also itching for something to do too."

The two shared a soft chuckle.

In truth, Sophie's cheer stemmed from a need to silence her own worries. Ever since Ary had delivered the devastating results of her own quest's resolution last week, Sophie had cursed herself for not being there when the girl needed her. She had been the one who drained either her or her spirit's life force, whatever the case, she was the main culprit and thus the one most likely to have held a key or some way to prevent the horrid after effects. Or so she told herself.

Worse still was seeing how Ary also tried to wear her own facade. The girl had thrown herself into academics in a way that Sophie hadn't seen before. Usually after moments where she still tried to walk only to realize she could no longer. Every time that Sophie saw it, she wondered how she could help. She wondered if this helplessness was what Annalise had been facing back in the Mistveil and Melton.

They weren't the only ones suffering. While most of the others shared their own thoughts about the situation. None seemed more despondent than the fae Yana. Sophie didn't know if she had first stuck to Ary because of the spirit inside of her or if the girl just somehow earned the fae's trust. Not that the reason mattered anymore. What did matter was that if there was anyone who likely saw themselves as an equal protector, it would be her. And Sophie didn't need to be a sleuth to know that much like herself, Yana also saw this result as a stain upon her soul.

"I guess." Ary's voice caught her attention once more, "It'd be nice to go around town for a little bit. Hah." The girl sighed deeply.

"What is it?" Sophie queried out of concern.

"It's just… nevermind." Ary shook her head, "You're right. It'd be good to… stretch a bit."

The two shared a soft chuckle before packing up, their plan for the day now set.

It helped that they had arrived just before break ended, giving them a precious few days to help get used to Ary's loss of mobility before the Academy fully reopened for classes. She had at least retained some humor about the situation, spitballing a few ideas on how to explain the changes to her classmates before they all reunited once more. From a bad accident, to lost in a desperate battle against demons, to magical curses and much more. It was something to occupy her thoughts and Sophie was happy enough that Ary didn't seem wholly despondent.

Sophie could see how Ary immediately tensed up the moment they left the safety of the carriage and reached the docks of Laurusport. The girl shifted uneasily in her wheelchair. Though it was about as modernized as Thalnor and Maylesa could make it, with even little magitech gears to help it move on its own, without a person pushing it, it was, as Ary generously described it as, quite slow. Thus, it was for everyone else's peace of mind and her own advantage that at least one of the others was with her at all times. Thankfully for Sophie, she had nothing urgent planned in the coming month, though whether trouble would find them was another question entirely.

Yana settled lazily in Ary's pocket, the fae still tired from napping but curious enough to take in the world. She muttered something under her breath, to which the last member of the posse trilled curtly in response. Sigrid had found them first, the disguised mermaid evidently having taken it upon herself to entertain the wheelchair-bound girl. Beyond her wholesome demeanor, she was also more than capable as both a mage and combatant as Sophie had witnessed first hand a while ago. A worthy companion, and also friend, even if Sophie only understood about half of what she tried to convey.

Sophie saw Ary's hands dig into the hems of her skirt and reached over to rest a reassuring hand on her shoulder. That seemed to calm her a little, her stiff shoulders dropping down ever so slightly. Though with how she remained almost unnaturally silent, Sophie knew that it would take more than a gentle touch.

Ary only shrunk into herself a little more as a few students donning their Academy uniforms passed them by. Another contingent of those returning from a hopefully uneventful rest. Sigrid trilled her support as Sophie gave Ary's shoulder a small squeeze. The redhead glancing upwards with a still strained but thin smile.

The guardians carried out their checks at the port too, the Academy's security net gradually increasing as the world got more dangerous. With a few wayward stares and glances though, the guardians waved them through.

Letting out a small grunt, Sophie rolled Ary up the ferry's ramp and into a small nook at the back of the boat.

Only now, when it seemed like they had a small barrier of chairs against the world, did Ary allow herself to somewhat relax. Once the sigh of relief was let out, the girl seemed to instantly sink into her wheelchair.

"Whatever is the matter, that has made your mind scatter?" Yana chirped, the faerie taking advantage of this moment of calm to flutter out of her pocket.

Her little chirp brought some life back to the party.

Ary managed a soft snigger before shaking her head, "Nothing to worry about."

Yana pouted and performed a dissatisfied little twirl. She looked towards Sigrid and Sophie for confirmation before pressing forward. Taking the two's curious eyes as a sign to continue.

"Even they would agree with me, including the lady of the sea. You feel distraught, for that I have no draught. But open your heart to us, so that your problems we may discuss." Yana waxed poetically.

"Huh." Sophie added.

"What?" Yana huffed.

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"Just offering my support." Sophie half heartedly beamed before giving Ary a soft nudge, "We're here for you, aye?"

"Mmhmm." Ary grunted unconvincingly.

Left at an impasse, Sophie and Yana traded a look before quietly agreeing to drop the matter for now. There would be more time to raise this topic in the future, and better moments for when Ary was more open. For now, the offer was presented, the suggestion made. That was enough.

Ary was still stuck in her wheelchair however, and only now did Sophie have an idea to make her feel more comfortable.

She shot Sigrid a beckoning glance and stood up, the mermaid trying to assess her request but mimicking her action regardless. Sophie then lowered her arms around Ary and lifted her up.

"Eep." The redhead let out a mortified squeak.

Getting the hint, the mermaid then helped Sophie carry Ary towards the window seat, the two gently plopping her down and eliciting another startled squeak.

"Thanks." Sophie whispered to the mermaid.

Sigrid let out a prideful little trill. She'd done her part. Sophie smiled approvingly even as she received a quick punch to the side from an irritated if still pleased looking redhead.

"Sophie!" Ary hissed.

"Eheh."

"A little warning would've been nice."

"Sorry." She sheepishly apologized.

"I know you don't mean it." Ary scoffed defiantly, the girl making it clear how flimsy the apology sounded. She then glared at Sophie some more.

"Ary?"

"Well? Sit down then, you person with legs." The redhead growled.

"Uhh…" Sophie complied, though still a little uncertain.

Before she could question the instruction, Ary pulled her closer and then promptly rested her head on her shoulder and sighed.

"The least you can do to make up for surprising me like that is to be here." The girl grumbled, "No need to taunt."

"Okay, okay." Sophie chuckled and enveloped Ary in a hug. One that the girl quickly settled into comfily.

Content, she spared a moment to flash her partner in crime a wink. The mermaid letting out one last prideful trill. Ary seemed happier, and that was the best they could do.

Sensing an end to any issues, the faerie fluttered over towards the window, casting one last skeptical look in Ary's direction before settling down. I'm here, Ary. She wanted to say, I'm here.

The party alighted from the ferry without much fuss or trouble. Though Ary's pleasant mood was instantly shattered by the presence of the Arterian crowds milling about the port and city. The girl's furtive exploration beyond herself regressed back into her tepid acknowledgement of the world from her wheelchair, the discomfort she felt at simply being visible to so many more people now far more palpable than at Larusport.

Sophie took great care to make sure that Ary was comfortable enough while still making sure to point out anything of interest that might fascinate Sigrid about life on land. It only occurred to her during the ferry ride that despite her relative curiosity and lack of knowledge regarding life on land, the mermaid was doubtlessly leagues older than Sophie herself.

Only now did the thought of asking to train with Sigrid even pop up in her mind. If she's lived for so long, there's definitely things that I can learn from her. But would it be useful is the real question. She chuckled to herself.

She still remembered how they had met, how she had been half saved and half abducted by the mermaid in her cave. How the giant plethora of random trinkets, jewels, and offerings from the people were simply sorted by being thrown into a pile save for the things that Sigrid had found the most entertaining. Yet at the same time, in spite of her quirks, when she marched against the lizardfolk alongside Sophie's party, she had been a force of devastation that simply rolled over all resistance.

"Something funny?" Ary's voice penetrated her thoughts.

"Eh?"

"You're grinning. Not the kind where you're happy. But you're thinking of something like a joke."

"Heh. Just wondering about how to train better." Sophie snickered.

Ary arched an inquisitive brow.

"I planned to ask Sigrid. But well, I'm not a mage or a mermaid, heh."

"Pfft. Heh."

The two shared a snigger.

The group as a whole then made their way to the Hallow Dawn markets. For Sophie and Ary, it had been a long time for the both of them since they had come here. The two shared a glance between them. One filled with slight trepidation. Particularly because the last time they had been here, Ary and the others had been attacked by assassins during the day that Arteria was plunged into chaos.

Sophie was all the more aware of how vulnerable Ary might be in a time of attack. In an open area like this, there really wasn't much she could do without mobility. A vexing conundrum given that trouble seemed ever more prevalent with Lucinia's Traxian problems now dragging the rest of them in as well.

"By the stone! If it ain't tha stumpy elf herself!" A thunderous roar reached her ears. Stumpy? What about me is stumpy? "Tis been a while since you swung by to buy a book or two, hah!"

Sophie spun around to find a familiar looking dwarf cheerily patting his market stall. The dwarf hawked his wares as naturally as breathing, his sternly joyous demeanour a breath of fresh air to her routine.

"Sir Karzan. It has indeed been a while since we've last met." She answered.

"Buy something, why dontcha? And where are ye mates? Ah, I see the maiden of the waves, hoh." The dwarf chortled.

"The maiden of the waves?"

"Aye. Tis what the elders called her. A pleasure." He grinned.

Sigrid trilled her acknowledgement.

The dwarf's jovial demeanor then fell for a moment. His mask slipped as he caught sight of the state of the girl. Aryana was now trying in vain to hide her gaze from the world. To Sophie, she looked almost embarrassed and ashamed. It made her heart ache at the sight. You didn't do anything wrong, there's nothing you need to hide.She wanted to tell her. And yet, she couldn't muster up her own voice. Nothing more than a gentle squeeze on the shoulder.

"By the stone…" He muttered, his beard knit tight with concern, "What happened?"

"Accident…" Ary started to murmur and stopped herself.

Sophie caught the glint in her eye. She wanted to lie but couldn't. The reason was simple. She had originally gone to the dwarves for help, of all the people around them, they were the ones who could likely guess even without her saying anything. He was also a comrade, in his own way. Ary did not want to lie to a comrade.

Sophie felt Ary deflate even further under her touch and moved to gently massage the girl's shoulders instead. Ary reached up and gave her hand a squeeze. One that shuffled the responsibility to her.

"She came to you and yours for help. That matter is… now resolved." Sophie tried to word things delicately.

She didn't know the exact words the dwarves had traded with Ary and the others that day. But they had obviously told her. And based on the lack of surprise that she knew, she could guess that the dwarf had expected as much.

"I see." Karzan stated curtly. The dwarf ran his fingers through his beard as he descended into a contemplative silence.

Perhaps out of nervousness or just a simple sense of courteousness, Ary suddenly pulled herself together and timidly bowed.

"Good to see you too, Sir Karzan." Ary finally spoke, her voice wispy and uncertain.

Hearing her, the dwarf snapped to attention and his cheer, though a little forced, returned.

"Hah. Good tah see you back again, little lass." He clapped his hands before gesturing at his wares, "Take yer time to browse. There might be a few things that interest you. Including the latest release of Gunmar and Aurelia. The thirty eighth volume." He added conspiratorially.

At that, Sophie could feel a hint of excitement rise within Ary. However faint it was, she wanted to seize upon it before the girl's mood fell any further.

"And how much would that be?" Sophie hurriedly asked.

"A fine question!" He rubbed his palms together, "Now normally, it'd be quite pricey, new edition and all. And I do mean, new released last week. But for you, and for the little lass here. I can be swayed to about three hundred silver. Far cry from the gold a brand new edition might cost at the stores."

Sophie sucked in a small breath. That was a pricey amount even with the steep discount. Still, it was more than generous and even if it meant most of her adventuring pay had just vanished, it would be worth it. "How the hells..." She quickly erased the question on her lips. She did not want to know how the dwarf had acquired something that recently released and likely limited in quantity that quickly.

She felt Ary tense a little and before the redhead could protest, she stuck her hand out to the dwarf.

"Deal." She announced eagerly.

"Fantastic! I'll have it wrapped up nicely now."

Karzan scooted behind his booth and opened a small bag to present the book to them as evidence. Gunmar And Aurelia: Savages At The Cross Roads. A jungle green book cover that the rest of the series had with an intricate illustration on the cover. One that depicted the titular heroes standing with their backs against a brutish looking tear, their steely eyed gaze upon shadowy opponents that were cornering them. What's more, it looked brand new.

Sigrid slinked over to peer with curiosity.

"It's our favorite series." Sophie told her, noticing how her eyes seemed to dart towards the coins that Sophie handed over to Karzan, "About two gallant adventurers taking on the world." She tried to strike a heroic pose.

Behind Sigrid, Yana appeared unamused by her theatrics, the faerie just doing a small twirl of disappointment. Sigrid was similarly unenamoured by her action, though at least she was just nodding along more like a student at a lecture. Hoping that her instructor would elaborate more about the subject.

Seeing her performance land flat, it was Sophie's turn to feel a little embarrassed. This however, had the unintended effect of making Ary giggle a little. The first sign of joy from the redhead since they've arrived within city limits. That alone healed wiped away whatever shame she felt. Worth it.

Karzan took the small lull to carefully present the box the book now found itself within to Ary. The girl even smiled while she accepted it and set it daintily upon her lap. Delighted by the thawing of her emotions, the dwarf then clamped his hand over the redheads, startling the girl but not alarming her.

"I hope yer enjoy reading." He smiled, "But if ye get the free time and the chance, I'm sure the elders of the stone would be more than… interested in consulting with ye if you end up feeling lost. I'll always be grateful for ye patronage."

The meaning was clear, what Ary did had put her in the sights of the dwarves.

At least Ary was unconcerned by the implication, the girl just nodding resolutely, "Of course."

"Now don't let me keep you here. The market's only getting busier and I doubt you've come to just hear an old man ramble on."

"Of course, Sir Karzan. Stars guide you." Sophie took the hint before Ary could protest.

"Aye. Stonefather watch over ye lot too." He hummed.

Sophie turned to Ary who just presented her with an affirming nod. She was ready to go. At least now there was a thin smile that made its way onto her face as she cradled her new book. A baby step, but a step forward nonetheless.

With a renewed sense of determination, they bid Karzan a fond farewell and headed to the next destination that would bring Ary some comfort. The Grand Library of Arteria. Hopefully it's not too crowded today. Would be a great time to get Sigrid some snacks too.

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