"We rode down the field with the snow pelting against us. The war cries of a thousand demons wailing their dreadful songs deafening us. Yet our resolve was firm, our mission clear. We would burn this taint from the world. We would cleanse them. We would turn back the tide."

- Hetman Stephan Domic, Volksgradian Winged Hussar, "Recounting Of Battle Of Mir's Pass"

Sophie had to hold back a smile at seeing Ary sipping tea and reading. For the briefest of moments, the two could indulge in the fantasy that nothing had gone wrong nor were there any challenges. Just them and their friends within this nook of the library, relaxing and reading. A blanket of quiet calm against the otherwise chaotic world outside.

Across from them, Sigrid tried her best to stay awake after snacking but had more or less fallen asleep, quietly snoozing away. Yana nibbled lazily on a muffin, the fae more than content at having some quiet time to herself that also involved food and drink.

It was the relative silence that Sophie noticed the most. A few hushed whispers in the distance, papers and books being moved about, the echoes of boots, shoes, and clattering of the few guards present in the library brought a strange serenity to the place. Everything was functioning as it should be here, and that was all it had to do.

Ary nudged Sophie in the ribs and gestured at her empty cup. The girl's eyes narrowed to hint at the whine that was to come should her request go unfulfilled. Amused, Sophie pretended to only partially acknowledge the girl and made no effort to move. An act that earned herself a disappointed bop on the nose. Buoyed by the playfulness, Sophie quickly spun around to glare at Ary, startling the girl by stealing a peck on her lips before shooting her a knowing wink. As Ary let out a disgruntled huff, Sophie stood up and began her long march back downstairs towards the library's rest area.

Her hand unconsciously reached down towards the group's small pouch of funds for the day. She had brought about a single gold arte's worth out on this expedition and they were already about half gone in less than two hours. It made her wince a little. She wasn't the most financially responsible of them all, that honor would lie with Sophia or Mila. But even she understood that today had been exceptionally pricey even by her standards. Though at least, that cost was mostly attributed to having bought a brand new book from Ary. One that the girl now treasured greatly in her own little bag and refused to even entertain the idea of reading it without Sophie snuggled together in their dorm. An act that in her opinion, one could not easily accomplish within the public library without some sense of shame.

Her musing carried her back downstairs and out where the cafe was. The almost ostentatiously spacious crossroad between the different wings of the library just beyond the archway past the cafe. The scale of the architecture suddenly reminded her of just how small she truly was in the grander scheme of things. A distressing if thankfully still comforting idea. After all, there was only so much she could do, and all she could do was the best that she knew how. Fate would take care of the rest. Whatever plans the Goddess and Gods had were beyond her. She had hers, do what It needed her to while also keeping her friends safe. That was all.

"Another?" A hearty voice called out.

"Yeah." Sophie answered, "Any discounts though?"

"Now, now…"

"Worth a shot." She snickered.

"Hah. Well, it seems today is your lucky day, mam. Half price for the hero of Arteria." He whispered.

The server behind the counter leaned over and winked at her. The man had been there through thick and thin, quietly supplying the library. And though they hadn't ever really talked. Sophie and the others occasionally nodded at him. She smiled and handed over the coin.

Just like that, another slightly warming cup of orange black tea was in her hands, ready to be transported back to her little nook.

Taking a moment for herself, she decided to linger on the first floor for a few minutes. She pursued the nearby shelves. Though most at eye level she had already known the names of most of the tomes from her year spent around here. The others remained, as they ever were, either too high or too bothersome to crouch down for without a reason.

"Ho-oh! Sophie!" A familiar voice called out.

"Hush you. We're in a library."

"Oops."

Sophie turned and smiled.

Ever since she had joined up as part of the adventuring team, Hanabi had gradually come into her own as a brash, slightly stubborn, but all around cheery little rebel of an outlander. Even despite all that had happened with Ary up in the Highwall, the girl appeared more or less unfazed, though the first few days had apparently sent her pacing all around their room. Beside her was a vaguely familiar sight, one that Sophie only recognised from the little bob she had her hair tied in.

"Hanabi! Tsugumi?" Sophie unwittingly let a hint of confusion creep into her voice.

The more flustered of the two outlanders diminutively bowed apologetically. Clearly a little ashamed by the boisterous nature of her comrade.

"Good to see you." She continued, wrapping Hanabi up in a friendly embrace before dropping a friendly curtsy for the latter. A move that earned her a more relaxed bow than Tsugumi's previous.

"You too, Sophie." Hanabi chuckled, "I guess you aren't here alone?"

Sophie smiled and shook her head.

"Ary and Sigrid are upstairs."

"Oh? She's out and about already? Managed to coax her out?"

"Pah, luck of the moment, really."

"Heh, she must really love you." The outlander smirked.

Sophie's face grew a little flushed at the comment. It was such a direct comment that she hadn't expected. Apparently neither did Tsugumi, who just stared curiously at her friend.

"Ah, right. The mission we went on, remember? The caves?" Hanabi prompted her friend.

Tsugmi nodded.

"Part of our team. Remember?" She continued, pointing between Sophie and herself, giving the elf a friendly nudge, "Redhead. And her girlfriend." She whispered almost aggressively conspiratorially, as if it were some state secret.

"Ohhh." Tsugumi mumbled thoughtfully, "Hikkomori?"

Hanabi emphatically shook her head.

"Then why is it surprising that she's outside. If you don't mind me asking." The girl hastily dipped her head apologetically once more towards Sophie.

She just chuckled and motioned for Hanabi to continue.

"Last mission. Bad times. She can't walk anymore. Feels like shit about it." Hanabi stated.

Even Tsugumi seemed momentarily taken about by how direct her friend was. Sophie too, was a little stunned by how succinct the outlander was.

"Ahh, Sophie. If you don't… err, mind indulging my curiosity?" Hanabi half smiled.

"Eh?" Sophie shrunk a little, wary at the sudden change.

"Does her… you know… still work?" Hanabi bluntly asked.

Tsugumi let out an indignant gasp of shock.

Sophie just blankly gawked in surprise until she found enough wherewithal to glare at the girl. "They do, thankfully. Now enough of this." She hissed.

Hanabi chortled but nodded her assent. Sophie could barely conceal how hot the tips of her ears were burning after that bawdy exchange.

"What, uh, what are you guys doing here?" She managed to eventually ask.

Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. "Just taking advantage of the break." Tsugumi answered before Hanabi could add in any mischief.

The girl then seemed to freeze, her face twisting between a plethora of different emotions until she settled onto one of resignation.

"Tsugumi?" Sophie queried with a hint of concern.

"Ah, that's right. Now that I've seen you. I remember." Tsugumi hummed.

"Oh? A problem?" Hanabi asked cheekily.

"Nothing of the sort." Tsugumi growled at the girl, "Not really."

"Okay, okay." Hanabi made a performance of holding her hands up in surrender.

"Ugh. Sorry about her." Tsugumi tsked.

"It's fine." Sophie snickered, "So? Something the matter?"

"Ah, right!" She clicked her fingers, "Sensei… err, Lady Eva said something about looking for you after training yesterday. About something important, I think. I guess she didn't find you?"

"Huh. No, I haven't seen her yet. been out for a bit." Sophie's smile died on her face. For something important? I doubt this is good news, she wanted to sigh but held herself back. "Tell her that I'll be in my dorm with the others tonight, if you see her before I do." Sophie replied.

"Hai. No problem." Tsugumi dutifully affirmed.

Unfortunately, Sophie couldn't completely hide her doubts, a frown leaking out onto her face and provoking looks of concern from the other two.

"I-I'm sure it's nothing serious. She didn't look too worried." Tsugumi hastily added.

"It's fine, it's fine." Sophie reluctantly allowed herself to sigh. That ever familiar pit in her stomach that she had gotten used to as of late. The one that welled up whenever someone looked at her a certain way or was about to tell her something. The gut feeling that spelled out a simple worry, trouble.

"Ahem. In case you two forget, I believe we're all here to relax, so less talk about work or trouble please." Hanabi interjected, "We only just came back from our own missions just last week. Can't we have a little break?" The outlander nudged Sophie.

She chuckled and nodded, "Fair enough. I suppose if Eva wasn't screaming my name to the high pantheon then I have some wiggle room to… pretend everything's fine for a while."

"That's the spirit." Hanabi pat her back before glancing towards the cafe, "Tsugumi, how about a drink too?"

The girl nodded.

Hanabi then turned to Sophie, "And do you mind if we come say hi just for a little bit. It'd be nice to see Aryana a little happier." She quietly added.

"Of course." Sophie beamed, "I think she'd like that."

The three of them chatted a little more as the other two got their own teas. It was a calm and chipper little gathering. It felt almost encouraging that these moments could still happen despite everything. For that, Sophie decided that she was grateful for things like this too.

Together, they made their way back up to Sophie's little nook. The mermaid was the first one to notice their presence, Sigrid perked up even before they made eye contact, a friendly trill coming from her. The noise then prompted Yana to quickly dash back to the safety of Ary's hair, the fae only cautiously poking back out after ascertaining that no one looked hostile and that two of them were in fact, her own comrades. Only Ary wilted a little, the girl's nerves only quelled when Sophie flashed a softer expression at her.

Though she maintained a calming demeanour to the best of her ability. She was a little worried. Ary was growing more afraid of the world even if she never said such thoughts out loud. She was growing skittish once more, like how she had been when they had first met, though now, without the naivety that brought her an equal amount of joy and wonder that cushioned her. Now that wasn't here anymore.

"Aryana! Good to see you!" Hanabi quickly greeted the girl before things got awkward.

"Eheh, yeah. Nice to see you too." Ary smiled back.

This at least, came from the heart. That no matter how she squirmed in her new wheelchair, she always genuinely appreciated friends and people.

"Nice to meet you." Tsugumi tepidly bowed.

"A friend?" Ary questioned.

"It's Tsugumi. One of the saints. My friend. I think you've only met in passing when Sophie and I had that mission down near Oakbeach." Hanabi informed her friend with a cocky grin.

Sigrid trilled happily now that everything was cleared up for her too. The mermaid dipping her head in acknowledgment and matching the bow of the outlander.

Sophie felt a momentary flicker of alarm as she recalled the events of that day. How she had been dragged into the depths by a feral lizard folk, only to be saved by the mermaid. More embarrassingly, they managed to regroup with the others to wipe out the last of the lizards. Only that Sophie had been left stark naked at the time and had once tried to wipe the memory from her mind. I wonder what Tsugumi actually thinks of me now, she briefly wondered.

In the corner of her eye, she spied Ary subtly stretching her arms out for her drink. The motion shelved whatever thoughts she had as she slid over and handed her the orange black tea. Watching the redhead take a sip of her drink and the satisfying smile that followed proved to be soothing enough for Sophie that as she smiled, what worries she had vanished. Instead, it was replaced by an overwhelming sense of affection.

She set upon herself a new task. To convey that affection properly.

In a sudden burst of motion after Ary set her drink down, Sophie wrapped the girl in a hug and nuzzled her. At first, Ary was taken aback, squirming a little until she realized that this wasn't a hostile gesture. Unchallenged, Sophie tightened her grip and cooed happily, much to Hanabi and Sigrid's amusement. Ary herself relented and leaned into the embrace, the girl letting out a pleased little sigh that brought Sophie that much more joy.

It was a relaxing moment, and one that they could both share. Only after having clocked onto Tsugumi awkwardly standing there did Ary start gently swatting at Sophie.

"Sophie." She whined.

Satisfied, Sophie pulled away and chuckled.

Ary's posture had completely shifted. Gone was the worry and disquieting squirming. The girl was far less tensed and now leaned forward in her wheelchair to glare admonishingly at Sophie.

"What?" Sophie giggled.

"You brought a friend, don't embarrass me." Ary grumbled.

"Don't worry. Tsugumi doesn't mind." Hanabi chipped in.

"You don't have to speak for me, you know?" The other outlander grunted.

"Where's the fun in that?"

"Ugh."

"I fail to see how all these people find you pleasant." Tsugumi joked.

"Ouch."

Sigrid added an admonishing trill of her own and the group snickered a little at Hanabi's expense. The outlander in question just shrugged with a smuggrin on her face.

Watching the others chatter, she was left with a small lull that gave her time to think. Sophie tried to avoid the thoughts that came nipping at the edge of her joy once more. The fact that Eva was looking for her and potentially because of something serious. She just wanted to enjoy this pleasant moment for a while longer.

But what the hells would Eva want from me? Another cooperation mission between us and the saints? An honor to be sure, and I suppose serious enough that she'd want to tell me personally. Though I guess also less than urgent that she doesn't need to really rush it. Heh.

She tried to sneak a discreet glance at Tsugumi. Catching the girl enjoying the little chat with Hanabi and Ary, with even Sigrid offering what commentary that she could. And they're not the worst either. Proved themselves back then, Tsugumi's team did anyways.

Sophie nodded approvingly to himself. Yeah, that'd be fine. Her gaze then flickered over to Ary, the other real concern that rumbled across her thoughts. But how to protect her?

"You are being somewhat quiet, and you are not starting a riot. Thus there is a thought behind your mind, that conclusion was not hard to find." Yana fluttered over onto her shoulder. The fae's smug little expression almost making her laugh.

"Must I share everything?" She arched an eyebrow.

Yana flew up so that they were eye to eye, relatively speaking. The fae then outed and frowned.

"You cloud your thoughts only when it affects all of us, trying to never really cause a fuss. Do not take me for a fool, and I will see you as more than a tool." Yana puffed up her chest, "So speak your concern, so that I might learn."

Sophie rolled her eyes but nodded, letting out a soft sigh when she was sure none of the others were watching. In a low voice she informed the fae of what was likely to come.

"Tsugumi told me Eva was looking for me. My guess is another comission or such with the church."

"So soon after? Already another disaster?" Yana tutted, "If there is one thing known to Yana, is that your care needs to reach Aryana." The fae twirled.

"I know."

"Then endeavor not to leave, or she alone will be left to grieve."

"I know. You don't have to tell me. I know." Sophie let out another sigh, this one far deeper and more exhausting. "Let's just hope it's nothing too serious."

"And if it is? Will you still take… take… the biz?"

"Heh."

"Don't mock me. We are speaking of thee." Yana pouted.

"Sorry, sorry. The rhyme was.. amusing." Sophie smirked, "But we'll figure it out when the time comes. With any luck, I'll even get a chance to have her come along."

This seemed to incense the fae, the fae narrowing her eyes.

"She is not fit for battle, do not dare to treat her like cattle."

"Yana. You know I wouldn't."

"I… yes, that I know. As sure as the winter brings snow."

"Then trust me, I have no intention of putting Ary in harms way. But look at her," Sophie gestured towards the others, "She's having fun." Sophie paused as a more pleasant thought crept up on her, "Besides…"

"Besides?" Yana impatiently echoed.

"Back we when first started this whole thing. Ary and I made a vow to explore the world, together. And while that's not always possible, I have every intention in keeping that promise. Stars know it'll help her mood compared to just being forced to sit around.."

The fae huffed but did not reply. Though Sophie swore she heard Yana mutter 'good enough' under her breath. With her concern momentarily alleviated, Yana flew back to Ary's side. Hah, even after all this she's still a little wary of me, huh?

But Sophie had meant what she told the fae. She had no idea what Eva's problem was, nor what she would need to do. She would figure it out when the time came. Though knowing her luck, she'd have to come up with a solution sooner rather than later. For now, she just wanted to enjoy everyone's company.

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