"The General fell first amongst the commanders. His heroism and bravery were second to none. A man willing to live and die beside his men, bringing a decade of war making experience. Yet to the blooded demons that poured out of the Mir, he was but flesh and blood. Whatever powers and strength he held himself went down with him. The most elite of our pulks charged forward to avenge him. In their disorganized fury, they too, were but bodies to the slaughter. "

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

After sharing a meal with Tsugumi and Hanabi at the All Hogs Arms tavern, the group parted ways in good spirits. Sophie was just happy to be living out some level of normality for a change, and Ary was buoyed by the friendliness of her now new friend in Tsugumi. Sigrid just appreciated taking in more of the land walkers world while Yana hummed and hawed about what she could as she kept an eye on the others.

Sophie was just delighted that Ary's mood had noticeably improved. The girl was still a little anxious, an understandable reflex given her new situation. But she was becoming cheery enough to crack a joke or two of her own accord.

By the time they stepped outside into the open, the sky was slowly dimming, though still cast with a dark orange red net as the faint glow of the setting sun waved one last goodbye to the world. A few magitech streetlamps had already begun their onerous duty of illuminating the few street corners not as blessed by light. And coinciding with that increase were a far greater number of Arteria's citizens now wandering the streets on their own accord, the day's work coming to an end for most.

Bards sang bawdy ballads in hopes of ensnaring the evening crowd, hoping that the more generous purses would be turned their way. Streetside vendors redoubled their efforts to hawk their wares, be it food or trinkets, even as the more established merchants tried to offload what inventory they had so that they too, could take part in the night's activities. Thus the city came alive in a different way than compared to the day. But lively and very much the odd place that Sophie could find comfort in despite everything that happened.

Still, it was perhaps this liveliness that also reminded her of the darkness festering at its heart. The Braveskull company and their wicked practices that she had fought against. How they had returned in a limited capacity, putting up a more altruistic front, or so the news reports say. Yet the truth that she held to herself was unavoidable, the ones who were responsible for the trauma that Sophia had to endure were still out there, as were the ones who ran the mines that she had shut down. And it was the same city that protected them.

What made it worse for her was the thought that Sophia was far more adept at keeping her true thoughts to herself than just about anyone else within their party save for Elaria or Raylani. Like Ary, she had put on a mask of disinterest in the matter. But unlike the redhead, Sophie couldn't untangle the facade to truly dig into the matter, only hope that Sophia was healing in her own way. For there was nothing she could do beyond being there for her, something her counterpart seemed all too ready to ignore.

She acts like she's fine but… She sighed, who am I to question when she's ready or not.

A tiny yawn from ahead of her loosened the doubt's grip upon her mind. Ary had spent what energy she had and now looked a tad more exhausted than she had started the day with. Sophie giggled to herself at the sight and reached forward to gently ruffle the girl's hair, earning her a half hearted grunt of content.

"Tired?" Sophie asked.

"Mmm." Ary groaned, "Yeah."

"Well we're going back, heh."

"Mmm."

Sigrid trilled out a note of agreement and Sophie nodded.

"Yeah, we'll have other chances to come out before classes start in full." Sophie answered.

Sigrid let out a whine.

"We will! Promise!"

"Pfft." Ary snickered and reached up to prod at Sophie's exposed belly.

"Oi, oi. It's true."

"I know. I'm just trying to say… I had fun." Ary smiled.

"That's… ugh… you need to be less cute sometimes." Sophie growled as she squeezed Ary's cheeks.

The two of them descended into a brief fit of giggles as they lost themselves in each other's company. Sigrid trilled in delight at the friendly display of affection, while Yana rolled her eyes as she usually did at them.

"Fine, fine." Sophie chuckled as Ary now jokingly swatted at her, "Let's get back home, yeah?

"Uhn!" Ary cheerily agreed, a hint of relief escaping the girl's tired face.

Sigrid grinned and motioned for them to follow, Sophie doing so and pushed Ary's wheelchair along.

Perhaps it was the happiness she felt, or the simple fact that the day was going well. Whatever the case, fate, it would seem, did not limit her coincidental meeting with just Tsugumi and Hanabi back in the library. Or the simple fact that her responsibilities never seemed far behind.

For the moment they alighted from the carriage back at the Academy. Three distinct yet familiar figures were crossing the grounds towards what she presumed would be the very same goal she was heading towards, Rosewood hall. Amongst them she spotted Lady Eva, Inquisitor Mila, and her sister Elaria. Judging by the more serious postures they adopted, she could surmise that they were likely discussing whatever it was that Tsugumi had said Eva was worried about. One way or another, it seemed, there was no delaying this.

"Is that…?" Ary quipped before an idea came to life in Sophie's mind.

"Aye." She tried to bring the mermaid in with a gesture as well, "But I think they're headed to the dorm, let's keep quiet and surprise them, hmm?" She conspiratorially winked at the two.

Ary giggled softly while Sigrid trilled in delight. To them, the plan seemed promising. Only Yana shot Sophie a knowing look, the fae already understanding the ruse at play. What felt like a disgruntled hmpf escaped from her, but she also looked to be no more eager in pushing the matter than Sophie herself.

Letting the other trio pass by without a fuss, Sophie wondered if she was altogether worrying about what Eva might have to say too much. It wasn't like either of them would simply drop their studies at the Academy unless something was an outright emergency. And knowing Eva, she knew that her mistress would stubbornly stand her ground unless there was truly no other option. The important news was that she would be marrying Freddie, heh. That… that would be important news but good news. Maybe Tsugumi might've had a point, it isn't too serious, hmm.

"Sophie, they're gone." Ary whispered.

"Oh? Oh." Sophie muttered, caught off guard.

"Uhuh. We're clear." Ary giggled playfully.

"Pfft. I know." Sophie smirked and ruffled Ary's hair, much to her dismay.

The redhead let out a soft growl before seizing Sophie's errant hand and giving it an aggressive kiss, making the half chuckle a little. Sigrid let out a cheerful trill and chose instead to ruffle the elf's hair, startling her.

"Hey!" Sophie squeaked.

"Hahah." Ary laughed alongside Sigrid at Sophie's despair, the two happily taking the moment to poke fun at the elf.

A moment of calm and joy to be shared between them as the day drew to a close. But for Sophie, there was no avoiding the inevitable. That there would be work to be done and work that she would undoubtedly take onto her shoulders no matter her own reservations. Just can't seem to stop, hah.

With a sigh, she gently nudged the others forward and pushed Ary's wheelchair once more. There would be a chance to rest later, and to be fair, she herself was ever so slightly exhausted from the day's ventures as well. Well, after talking with Eva and the others. Though I suppose it'll be nice to catch up, even for a little.

The little posse chittered a little as they made their way towards Rosewood in Eva's wake. They occasionally admired the local flora and fauna, nothing that they hadn't seen before but still delightful to gaze at. Ary and Sophie found themselves particularly enamoured by how Sigrid still continued to marvel at all the different things on land despite how long she'd already been with them. For Sophie at least, it stirred up a strange warmth in her heart, even more so considering how much older the mermaid likely was, and how much of that time had been spent isolated and shunted away by her own kind.

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We're all outcasts, a little weird, but good souls. Or so she hoped.

By the time that they arrived back at the dorms, Eva and the others were no longer in sight, likely having just started their journey upstairs. After passing the security check to enter however, the group stumbled upon a second surprise. The other half of the party. Or rather, Lady Lucinia and Raylani quietly idling in the lounge. The Traxian was the first to react, looking almost relieved at their arrival, though Sophie suspected Raylani had likely already sensed their coming ahead of time.

"Well, well, took your time coming back, didn't you?" Lucinia growled, "Did you know how long I've waited here? It's almost been half… half of half an hour."

"That's fifteen minutes."

"Besides the point."

"So, Lucinia. What are you guys here for?" Sophie queried.

Sigrid bobbed her head in greetings, receiving a curt but friendly nod from the dark elf in turn. Ary just smiled at the two.

"My chaperone. They thought I could still be in danger." The Traxian scoffed while vaguely gesturing towards her companion, "I assume everyone's doing fine?" Her tone softened a little as her gaze swept past Ary.

"Relaxing enough." Sophie answered for the posse.

Spending a moment to offer Raylani her own bow in greeting, she then straightened her back and sighed. I guess things might be a bit more serious than I hoped, if they're planning on dragging Lucinia onboard.

"The great warrior, tired already? Past her bedtime?" Lucinia mocked.

"Hah. More like I'm due for some pampering." She smirked back, her hand holding onto Ary's, the redhead chuckling in support.

"So what brings you down here, Lady Lucinia?" Ary politely posed the question.

Unable to mock or resist the girl's inquiries the same way that she could with Sophie, the Traxian just raised a brow.

"You weren't told?" She replied, Sophie sensing a tone of genuine surprise in her voice.

"Told what?"

"I thought you'd already know that your Lady Rosengart and the Inquisitor are looking for you. Well, her, mostly." Lucinia reluctantly looked towards Sophie.

Ary spun around and stared questioningly at Sophie. Who could only offer up a hopefully convincing shrug of confusion.

"Figured you might've known something, given that you lot showed up a minute after they did."

"We simply saw them and were planning to surprise them." Ary responded.

Lucinia seemed equally surprised by that answer, though she offered no commentary this time. The only reaction came from Yana, who cast Sophie another uncertain glance similar to the one before. Sophie could only half heartedly click her tongue to demonstrate that she was merely playing a part, she understood the situation.

"Is something serious happening?" Ary managed to whisper, her hands now tightly gripping the little sack that contained her book.

Lucinia just let out a small breath and motioned upwards, "Given that the elf is clueless, I presume the way to find our answer is to go to your room before your friends are left to awkwardly stand outside."

"Let's." Sophie agreed,

Down below, she could feel Ary's hand unconsciously reach for hers for reassurance. Sophie was more than willing to reciprocate and grabbed a hold of it, their fingers interlocking. She could feel the unspoken worry. The fear that their pleasant times had finally begun only to come to an end so soon once more. And when Ary squeezed, she squeezed back.

Sigrid was the one who finally led the charge. The mermaid let out a firm trill once she noticed that the others were all lagging behind in their own way. Raylani was the first to follow, then Lucinia, and finally the last two as Yana settled back into Ary's pocket.

Onwards and upwards, Sophie thought to herself, onwards and upwards.

"Sophia." Sophie scowled .

Her counterpart just sat back and tried to look as innocent as possible before responding, "What?"

"You know it's rude to open people's doors when they aren't there."

"You were on the stairs."

"The stairs aren't my room."

"Well… people were waiting."

"Not for that long, we snuck in trying to surprise these three. Couldn't have been that far behind." Sophie pointed towards Eva, Elaria and Mila, both of whom looked a little confused. Only Elaria shot Sophie a little smirk. So she already knew back then, how? Raylani? But wasn't she with Lucinia?

"Oh, wait a second." Ary interrupted her thoughts, her voice immediately catching everyone's attention, "If we were behind the others, and Lucinia and Raylani were in the lounge, where were you?"

Caught out at last, Sophia sheepishly shrugged. Sophie could even feel the minor hint of embarrassment leak out of her counterpart's mind.

Yeah, wait, what the hells? How long? Sophie shot out an accusatory question.

Oops. A few extra minutes. Sophia quietly replied.

"Sorry." Sophia finally admitted out loud.

Under Ary's now withering gaze, the girl even dipped her head a little lower.

"Hah, I don't think either of us really mind. Really. But if you intend to visit, or say, stay a while even without either of us here. Do let us know next time." Ary gently scolded.

With how thoroughly defeated Sophia seemed at the redhead's admonishments, the whole room shared a small laugh. It was a brief moment of levity that even Sophia seemed to enjoy. But the knowledge that they had been purposefully gathered here loomed over them regardless. When the last of the chuckles had begun to die down, the attention within the room slowly shifted towards one who wouldn't normally be a part of such gatherings. But then Eva turned her gaze to Mila, the Inquisitor taking a deep breath before standing up.

"So. I uhh… let's start with I hope we're all enjoying our little break. Given that there were… more than a few complications for each of us." Mila began, shooting a sorrowful look towards Ary.

Ary just leaned towards Sophie, who quickly sat down so that the girl could rest her head on her shoulder.

"I'm sure we'll share a load more with Lady Rosengart here, when we're done with things."

Eva smiled at the rest of the room, though especially brightly at Sophie. Who tried her best to match that smile.

"So I'll get to the point. I'm sure you're all aware that I'm with the Inquisition." Mila stated.

Elaria had to hold back a snicker.

"That meant I reported… partially about everything that Sophie's sister shared with us."

Before Eva could even ask the question, Elaria added the context, "There's another."

"Another?" Eva muttered in disbelief, turning a questioning gaze towards Sophie who could only nod while mouthing the words, 'later."

"It would seem that whatever she mentioned was quite interesting to the church. The reason why you guys haven't seen me the past few days was because I was almost immediately summoned to the cathedral in the city." She paused, awaiting questions that never came. So she continued, "I was informed by a representative of a certain Lord Vitellus that this 'place' of yours, Sophie. Is actually something already known to us."

Sophie sat up, far more alert. What? Already known to the church? How? Where?

"I believe you might remember the name, Lord von Krantz? He was the one mentoring me and who aided you in both Eichafen and Melton."

Sophie cautiously nodded, only a vague recollections still remaining in her mind.

"He is… already there. At this temple or whatever that your sister spoke of." Mila finished with a whisper.

Sophie shot a look to Elaria, the bard's own incredulousness matching hers. Annalise or Pyra had made such a fuss about things, making the mission soundlike some cryptic task that would lead to more secrets. But if the church was already there, then the natural assumption was that the secrets of the place would already be unveiled. So what is this secret that she wants us to find there?

"So? Sophia spoke up from the other side of the room.

"So?" Mila frowned.

"What's the plan then? What does the church want with Sophie this time?"

"We don't know."

"Huh?"

"We don't know." Mila repeated.

"Uhh, what does 'we don't know' mean?" Sophia prodded.

"We don't know. According to Lord Vitellus, everything regarding the north was handled by Lord von Krantz. Without speaking to him directly, we don't know."

"What? That doesn't make any sense? Aren't there reports or some shit that you lot do?"

"Yes. But it would seem Lord von Krantz has informed us that it would be difficult to get anything out given the location being 'high in the mountains'."

"The Frostwinds." Ary whispered with part reverence and part sorrow.

"Aye. And that was his last report sent to the church from almost half a year ago. Though some signs suggest that he's still fine. At least according to the Observatory. Or so Lord Vitellus told me."

"Oh great." Sophia sarcastically drawled, "I guess this means that he now expects Sophie to just sally forth and go there like some… never mind."

"Quite so."

They turned to regard Sophie, searching the still silent elf for answers.

"I suppose it was already part of the plan in a way." Sophie affirmed.

"Except now, Lord Vitellus has assured me that the church would provide what support it can."

"Oh, maybe even a quick boat ride up to Melton." Elaria teased the Inquisitor.

Mila only scowled harder before smugly smirking, "Or so you'd think, bard."

"Hmm? Is that not the quickest way to and from the country."

"Let me be clear, yes, the church wants Sophie to go. But there is no rush, we can do this as long as it's sometime within the year. Or so I've been instructed."

That's a relief. We'll at least get some time to recuperate.

"But to get there, well, let's just say that coincides nicely with the other reason we called you here tonight." Mila grimly continued before glancing towards Eva, dragging the room's attention with her gaze.

Yet it was Sophie who Eva's own eyes met. The girl flashed her a toothy grin. Through Sophie smiled in return, inside, she slowly put the pieces together. I see. Something happened back home, she wants me back in Carrador. And from there, Melton and the Frostwinds.

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