"Tragedy At Ostfel

At the strategic border town of Ostfel, a temporarily designated ceasefire zone. The Traxian Lord Geta and his diplomatic entourage alongside a squadron of Ostwacht troopers led by Feldkommandant Bardon Meyers were found slain within the local embassy. Reports are still yet unclear on what occurred, only that both parties had been in a meeting when the attack took place. Traxian figures blame this heinous attack on Carradorian-Meltoni agitators while the Carradorian court considers this incident as a Traxian false flag attack intended to justify Imperial aggression once more. Tensions run high as…"

- Arterian Affairs, Front Page, "News Of The Day"

"My banishment is to be revoked by this coming summer. It's likely that the court expects me to return and face official judgement. Not that their verdict will change much at this point." Eva growled, "It's more than expected that they'll be putting on some theatrics to humiliate me and to also smear that fact that I'm associated with you, pah. They can stuff it if they think I'd cut ties with you."

"I'm with you too, Eva." Sophie offered her support.

Eva smiled back before motioning for Mila to step in.

"Thank you. So in light of this development, we expect that Lady Rosengart will have to put on a… show of force of her own to indicate that she does not stand alone. Seeing as that demonstration would occur in Carrador and also be a chance to cement your own legitimacy, Sophie. I proposed a plan in which those involved in our matters would be Lady Rosengart's entourage before continuing our journey northwards through Melton." Mila explained.

"And everything with Pyra?"

"Quite right. We shall unravel that little mystery. So I hope. Though I won't lie. I cannot determine what course of action is most preferable to Lord Vitellus, only that he has indicated his support in this matter."

"It probably helps that I help instruct the saints." Eva grunted.

"Most likely. We'd also select a squad from their ranks. Both to see the world, and as a reminder to your people that you have the church at your back."

"And then I'm fully tied up with you guys." Eva scowled.

"That is the likely consequence considering everything that's happened and how integrated you are with the saints. Yes." Mila stoically affirmed.

"Great." Eva scoffed, leading Mila to half heartedly shrug.

"And I presume this means you'd rather a less rowdy group be with you than Aoi's?" Hanabi shot forth her own query in the brief lull.

Eva chuckled. "Probably. Aoi's a great kid. The others, a little harder to manage."

"Tah, shame. I would've liked to spend more time with them."

"You can get to know Suzuki's team."

Hanabi feigned retching before rolling her eyes. "Great. A whole team of stuck ups." She complained.

"It makes the most sense."

"I know. That's the worst part. No avoiding that conclusion."

The two shared a soft titter before their eyes flicked over towards Sophie. Almost as if they were inviting her to comment despite her simply trying to take everything in. Sophie held her hands out in surrender, it wasn't like she planned on staying away from any of this, though the possibility was certainly more pleasant. She was Eva's friend and companion, even if they had been separated as of late. She was also more than curious about her sister Pyra's machinations, for good or ill. If this presumed plan from Mila would address everything at once, who was she to disagree.

"My only questions are whose staying and whose going?" Sophie spoke up.

She looked around the room, trying to get her own gauge on matters. Sophia and Elaria were naturals. Her new siblings and thus closely connected by blood or by shadow. That meant Raylani would naturally follow. Hanabi too, given that Eva was planning on bringing other saints and suggested the girl's presence on the mission. That left Sigrid to guard both Lucinia and Ary. And though the mermaid was more than capable, Lucinia was far more of a risk which would mean Ary would be left to face things herself.

Her eyes dropped to the girl's wheelchair. I don't doubt that she'd find things to occupy her time with. Fana and Aubrey are likely to still be around and Alodie could host her. But she'd be alone. And…

"We don't have to finalize anything yet." Mila's words interrupted her thoughts.

"Pardon?"

"I suspect that we may have a larger entourage than expected. Lord Vitellus has also promised support, and I would expect that we'll need to scrounge up more from our end too."

Sophie was caught off guard. More from our end?

"What do you mean?" She asked.

"It's a big operation. Both scope and potential ramifications. We need to account for what factors we can. I expected that at minimum we'd have Sir Taurox back with us, his sword arm would come in handy." She looked expectantly at Sophie.

"I'll ask." Sophie nodded, "But wouldn't it be more effective if you did?"

Mila shook her head, "He's not a templar anymore. Not until reinstatement. It'd make more sense for you to do it." She frowned, "It'd also give the church deniability."

They both fell silent with a nod each, the verdict reached but unsure how to continue.

"I have a retainer too that I can call upon. Sir Grorok. He's serving as a warden. But he'll answer the call. An orc…" Eva interjected before pausing, she winced almost as if she just realized something as she unintentionally cast a pained glance at Sophia.

Sophie could feel the flare of anger and concern emanating from the girl's mind before the emotional release was quickly quelled. Despite her mental guardedness, she still showed visible signs of displeasure. The girl in question just scowled before uttering a curt, "It's fine. I'm not that fragile."

"R-right." Eva apologetically bobbed her head, "An extra capable warrior."

"Hmpf." Sophia grunted.

"And I can see what station officers might be free once we're in Melton." Mila interrupted before things got more awkward, she then turned back towards Sophie, "I expect you'll have some boons you could probably call in too."

"Me?" Sophie pointed incredulously at herself.

"You're a recognized hero for them."

"Right." Sophie winced. Her mind fluttered back to the trouble that had brought upon Eva and to an extent herself, as she was also labeled a traitor to Carrador. The whole reason Eva needs to do this little kow-tow in the first place.

"Wear that on your sleeve, Sophie. You'll be going back as not just an adventurer. But as the Lily Knight and a representative of your own house and name. Own it." patted her shoulder.

She sighed and nodded. Easier said than done.

As the room descended into a small silence and people began looking expectantly around for a resolution, a lone voice pierced the silence with a declaration of her own.

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"I"m going."

Eyes flicked towards the source, the diminutive redhead sitting up straighter and her head held high.

"Ary…" Sophie unintentionally whispered.

"I'm going." Ary repeated.

No one replied yet. The point of concern was obvious even if left unstated. Even Ary seemed to be aware of this as her sudden bravado seemed to get caught on her own realization. Yet she still kept her back straight, her gaze now turned towards Sophie. Their eyes met as her narrowed gaze jousted with Sophie's worried expression.

"I'm going. You said the mountains and Melton. And the Frostwinds. That's my home." Ary stated the obvious.

"Aryana…" Mila tried to speak up, only for the girl to glare at her.

"You'll need a guide. I can do that. As for me, I'll manage. I always have, even on my own."

"Ary…" Sophie whispered again.

"I have." Ary confronted her, "I have. But I have also learned to appreciate my friends and comrades that much more in the time that I've known you all. It would be wrong to not give back in some way. Besides, I know the mountains. I can help."

Sophie folded almost immediately under Ary's withering gaze.

"Right. But we'll also be climbing them. It's a physically taxing challenge. No offense." Mila reluctantly pressed.

"I know!" Ary snapped, "But I haven't helped. I haven't done enough. And the only time I decided it was time to change things up… well… fuck." She angrily pointed towards her legs, eliciting a painfully awkward but still calming chuckle across the room.

"We understand. But the rigors of the road, let alone the Frostwinds would be intense. You know it as well as anyone."

"I do. I do, trust me. But I can't just… just sit here while you all go risking your lives. Besides-"

"She should come." An unexpected voice spoke up in her defense.

Everyone turned to find Lucinia despondently sighing.

"She deserves the chance. And she's right. If she knows that place well, best have a guide on side whose is also trustworthy." Lucinia continued.

"Of course. But she won't be able to… navigate as well as the rest of us." Mila finally stated the obvious.

"Right. But we trust her. Are we willing to extend that circle of trust to other guides?" The Traxian arched an eyebrow, "So far, all proposed allies are people you've had dealings with. Not strangers. Unless I'm mistaken."

"You're not… but…"

"Look. The elf will take care of her, they are a pairing after all. If the rigors of the road prove too harsh, I'll walk her back myself."

"I suppose. But I must still tender my objection given her current state." Mila.

"Hold on. You'll walk her back?" Eva interjected, staring confusedly at the Traxian.

"That's right." Lucinia answered.

"You plan on joining us?" Eva's disbelieving tone made Sophie giggle a little, the two sharing a smile even as the noise prompted the Traxian to turn the full force of her glare upon her.

"Well, I was told I'm part of the team." Lucinia looked towards Sophie, Mila, and Elaria. Though the Traxian did scowl a little at how amused the bard looked throughout this whole discussion, "And since I am, I figured I was coming along regardless."

"That's…" Eva glanced at the relevant parties. She didn't know Lucinia well enough to cast any judgements.

"A problem?"

Eva shook her head, though still turned to the others for guidance.

Though they had all expected Mila or Sophie to respond, it was Elaria who let out a titter and answered. "You're going to a political function, who are we to deny a princess her chance to visit a ballroom once more?"

If stares could burn a hole, Lucinia would've carved one into the bard. But as it stood, she could only glower at the flippant nature of the bard.

"She's also seen some of what we have to deal with. I also think we're capable enough that if there's trouble we can protect her. Same for you too, Aryana."

The redhead nodded gratefully at the implicit support for her. Elaria then motioned for Lucinia to carry on.

"Also, more importantly. If this is planned for the summer, as in, the big block of time that none of you would be around for now. I would like to remind you that my brother attempted to seize me using a warship on our trip over here. I'm confident in my abilities, certainly more than some peasants or merchants don't get me wrong. But I do not expect to be able to… ah… fend off armed individuals the way trained fighters such as yourselves might." Lucinia rambled.

"For protection too." Elaria translated with a chuckle.

"Yes, for protection. If such a simple explanation pleases you." The Traxian snarled but relaxed nonetheless.

"And if she's going, I'm going." Ary resolutely seized the moment to declare.

Mila looked exasperated and turned to Sophie for help. But she just shook her head and gave Ary's shoulders a squeeze.

"Lucinia's right. I'll take responsibility. I would here or there." She affirmed.

Ary relaxed and leaned into her, giving her a chance to wrap her arms around the girl.

Mila held up her hands in surrender.

"Fine." The Inquisitor acknowledged, "So who's not going?" She groaned and searched the room.

Her gaze landed on Sigrid but the mermaid just let out a disapproving trill.

"Stars preserve me." She muttered, "So that's it? The plan is for all of us to go?" Mila made an incredulous noise.

A tense but quiet round of affirmations filled the room.

The Inquisitor didn't even scowl when she just clapped her hands together, "Fine. Hells, fine. We'll figure out the logistics closer to set off, I suppose."

"We'll be fine, Mila." Sophie offered a half hearted show of support.

"Well… I suppose that's that then. Makes life easier sorting things if we don't need to divide the party." Mila ignored her, "And besides, we have a few months till summer. If you change your mind by then… no hard feelings." She shrugged, "But that's all I wanted to say today, I suppose. Just wanted everyone to know what got discussed behind closed doors. And the shitstorm that might follow." She muttered under her breath.

"And we appreciate it." Elaria spoke up before the Inquisitor got even more upset, "It gives us a good idea of how much we need to prepare supply wise anyways. Though there is one thing we need to watch out for." She turned to Sophie. Ah.

"Pyra?"

"Aye. She's an unknown. We don't even know what this 'secret' of hers is going to be. Though if some of your people are there, Mila. It's a little more reassuring."

The Inquisitor grunted.

"Be careful, is all." The bard finished, her expression now more serious than the jovial look she wore throughout the whole meeting.

With her simple statement, a silent consensus to leave was reached. As the others started shuffling out, Eva shot Sophie an appreciative nod, one that she returned with a toothy grin. They were friends, she would be there for her, there was no questioning that.

Sigrid was the last to leave as the others said their farewells. The mermaid spared one last look to see if the duo needed anything before letting out a farewell trill and waving. Naturally, both of them waved back and earned themselves a delighted chirp in response.

When the footsteps in the hallway outside finally faded and the door clicked shut, both Sophie and Ary let out deep sighs of their own. The two quickly relocated to a bed as they cuddled each other for relief. The meeting had been tense and much was discussed. Sophie could see it reflected in Ary's eyes, the mention of the Frostwinds had lit a small fire in her. Despite all the suffering she had because of being born there, with the clan and the spirit. Sophie saw that longing that she sometimes felt too. The desire to go home.

The two fell into a silence of their own, the day's discussion weighing heavily on their shoulders. In a way, it felt like a deadline to their happiness. That by the time summer rolled around, no matter how things were in Ary's recovery process, they would embark on this journey. For Sophie there was also a strange calm to it all, a certainty that having the idea of a plan brought. It gave her structure. Classes and guild missions before that. Then joining forces with Eva to return to Carrador, then the Inquisition up the Frostwinds.

"Sophie?" Ary's quiet voice resounded louder than ever amidst the silence.

"Yeah?" She whispered back.

"You'll stick with me, right?" Her voice wavered a little.

"Of course. Why?" Sophie frowned and quickly moved to give a quick peck of reassurance only to be rebuffed by Ary shaking her head.

"Because Mila was right. It's stupid of me to want to come along." The girl sulked.

"What? But we are going to the Frostwinds. Presumably even passing your people."

"I can't walk, Sophie. There's no need to hide that. I'll just slow you all down when we're… here" She gestured vaguely around them, "Let alone when you're trying to climb the Frostwinds. Because believe me, once we're past a certain point… they're difficult, even for those of the clan."

"So? I'll be there. If it comes down to it, I'll carry you." Sophie grinned.

Ary scowled and gently bopped her on the nose before joining her with a grin of her own.

"Sophie."

"That's me."

Whatever Ary wanted to say seemed to die on her lips. She furrowed her brows and searched Sophie's gaze for answers to an unspoken question. Having not learned what she should be answering, she could only stare back at the girl. Judging by how the redhead's frown softened to a tired smile, she presumed it was enough.

"I love you. So don't worry." Sophie added.

Words that they had traded often and meant every time. Yet Ary's widened, almost childishly so. Like she was somehow surprised by the sentiment. Delighted by the response, Sophie seized the moment to steal a kiss only for the tables to be turned. The instant she made a move, Ary's hands locked onto hers and the girl pressed forward, keeping her bound by a deep kiss that she had no intention of escaping.

After what felt like a minute of affection, they separated, but only barely with their noses still brushing against each other.

"Love you too." Ary finally replied.

Amused, the two of them just giggled before kissing some more.

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