"13th of Phaerus, Month Of Life

It is the fifteenth time they had tried to attack the walls in force, or so my comrades tell me. Each siege lasts longer than the last one. More vicious and deadly. Yet we still hold, still stand. I believe the last siege lasted for a whole month, day in and out. Wave after wave of demons. How long must we endure? Dearest Paulina, I am ever grateful that merciful Kargathax had allowed you to be visiting family in Volksgrad when the passes were sealed. Do not come back. Marsun has become our hells. May the eternal Dragon of Life keep you safe."

- Letter Seized By Inquisitorial Agents, Sender: Sergeant Boris Reyvachek, "Outbound Mail From Marsun : Held For Unauthorized Informational Disclosure"

The party left the Calnodel workshop in relatively good spirits. There was something about Adornari tea leaves that danced beautifully along the edge of bitter, sweet, and nutty which served to reinvigorate one's soul. Even Sophie had to hold back from admitting out loud that she would very much prefer to stay for an extra brew instead of going to her meeting with Sir Taurox.

Still, responsibility called and with a disappointed trill at having to part with the possibility of more tea, Sigrid marked their farewells with the siblings. It had been an oddly enjoyable formality turned to enjoyment. The Calnodels had refrained from mentioning anything about the increasingly fragile state of the world around them, to which Sophie and the others replied in kind by also not discussing it. Instead, the collective turned their attention to more mundane matters such as grades, life, how Ary was now, and most importantly for the elves, how exactly was a mythical being finding school life.

To which the answer that everyone who was not a faerie discovered was, fine. Sigrid, thanks to having lived far longer than all of them combined and then some, was familiar with far more than she let on. But she simply enjoyed the adventure and strangeness of life. She did not mind the more mundane things, simply content that she could experience those things alongside others. It was a wholly touching answer for all involved, if not for Sophie still remembering vividly how easily the mermaid had dispatched her foes using an elemental. For the others, she was still just a wholesome protector happily blending into human life. For Sophie, she was much the same except with the helpful addendum of being a terrifying force of nature.

Sophie chuckled to herself. At least it was a friend who was terrifying. And Sigrid seemed to trust them just as they trusted her. And that'll have to do.

Against the backdrop of busy streets and contemplations, the party gradually found their way to Saint Hiromi park. The small patch of almost unfiltered greenery marked a stark contrast to the city of stone and brick. Beyond the confines of the Elven Quarter, there were little chances to find an exterior space that could reliably be used to speak calmly about things. Just removed enough from the hubbub of the city for a spot of calm, but also that civilization was a simple shuffle away.

There would unfortunately be no time to enjoy what scenery there was on display or to finger out what new additions have been made to the flora given the changing of seasons. For a stray minotaur sitting on a bench was pretty hard to miss. Even while sitting he practically still looked like a tree himself. When he turned to wave at them, almost all the passers-by stopped to take a look before hurrying themselves along.

"Little elf, it has been a while. And Lady Aryana, I bid you good tidings." Taurox bellowed.

Just like when they had first met, the minotaur's voice carried with it a sense of authority even in normal conversation. Although he was normally stoic and held himself up with a sturdy demeanor, his beady eyes widened ever so slightly when he caught sight of Ary's current state. Unlike most others however, the minotaur made no move to acknowledge or address the wheelchair, merely making a mental note of it with a soft nod to himself.

"Sir Taurox." Sophie dutifully bowed.

"Hello!" Ary chirped.

"A fine day today. And welcome too, to Lady Sigrid." He lowered his own head.

Sigrid let out something in between a trill and grunt.

"I was informed that you are all angling for a quest to the northern hinterlands?" Taurox got straight to the point.

"Something like that." Sophie nodded.

"No need to beat around the bush. Just lay it on me."

"We're passing through Carrador and Melton before hitting the Frostwinds. Trying to reach a temple or something of the sort. Sir Von Krantz should already be there, apparently. Though Mila said that the church has had less than stellar lines of communication up to him as of late."

"Stars…" The minotaur muttered, "That's a tall order. You're practically carrying out an expedition more than an adventure. And that's all travel by land?"

"Yes, sir."

"A journey like that… more than a month at least, two if you're lucky everything goes smoothly."

"I know. That's why we're planning for the summer period. More time for us."

"Mmm. Not much time to prepare. Hells, not much time to get ready." He stated.

"We know."

"We? So you're going too, Lady Aryana?" He exclaimed out loud.

"Yeah. I am the guide. I know the Frostwinds." The girl declared.

"Of course, I am not in doubt of that, my fair lady. Only that travel over such treacherous terrain might be… difficult." He tried to delicately imply.

Ary just grunted, already used to the rebukes and questions.

"We'll manage." Sophie answered for her, "I'll make sure she's fine."

"Make sure you don't overreach with your abilities, little elf. But I suppose that will have to do for now."

"Thank you, Sir."

"So start from the top, what exactly is it that we're trying to do?" He asked.

Sophie took a deep breath and let it out. "Well, it started with Annalise, if you remember her. She…"

"I see." Taurox hummed after Sophie finished recounting all the details.

The minotaur dropped into a thoughtful silence, his brows knit together as he unpacked her words in his own way. He then stood up, his form which was once towering over her when sitting down now absolutely dwarfing her by more than a comfortable margin. Even Ary arched her next upwards to keep track of the blademaster. Only Sigrid remained unbothered, the mermaid's attention more focused on the few birds that took refuge in this sanctuary within the city.

"Sir Taurox?" Sophie inquired after a moment.

"You may inform Inquisitor Lyudmila that you have acquired my assistance."

"That's… of course!" Sophie enthusiastically confirmed.

"But, I do have a condition." He grunted and wagged a finger.

"O-oh?" Sophie mumbled, a little surprised.

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"It might be costly. But I want you to purchase some gear for harsher weather, like fur-lined cloaks or something."

"Huh?"

"My mistake. I should've suggested as much too. We have some but not enough." Ary murmured.

"Hah, no worries Lady Aryana. I'm certain you'd have brought it up at some point." He chuckled.

"I appreciate the vote of confidence."

"And you, little elf." He suddenly turned on her.

"Me?" Sophie squeaked.

"Aye. Consider this another lesson. An obvious but oft overlooked one. Be prepared in equipment first of all. Your mentality and reliance might be well and good. But do not let that suspend the importance of preparations. The cloaks will help, but let them also be a reminder to be truly prepared for what promises to be an arduous journey. For under the harsh mistress of the elements, your body could fail you even before ever laying eyes upon your foes. Do not neglect the basics."

"Of course! We have no intention of being unprepared!" Sophie affirmed.

"Good. See that it remains that way. I understand you've been through a lot. But most of your engagements thus far have been… more limited in scope. An extended mission like what you're proposing would be an entirely different beast altogether, understand?"

"Yes, sir."

"Hah, I like your spirit, Sophie. I still have some responsibilities to the rangers I need to take care of. But be rest assured, they'll be done on time and I'll be there." He finished with a salute.

"Understood! We'll be ready too." Sophie returned the gesture with her own.

"Chin up, head strong, and keep your gaze ever onwards. Lead your comrades with vigor and vim, and be the pillar of support in their times of need."

"Uh, of course, Sir Taurox."

"Hah, I am eager to see what Viktor is up to as well. So this is not entirely out of selflessness. My thanks for this opportunity. Now, it is time I return to my duties until then. And for you, hmm, perhaps dinner now that the sun is beginning to set." He let out a hearty chuckle.

"Heh, thanks for helping us."

"Yes. We appreciate it." Ary added.

"And you take care too, little lady." He smiled.

Ary bravely beamed back.

The mermaid and the minotaur only shared a curt nod with each other. Sigrid saw no need to learn about the minotaur just yet. Before Sophie or Ary could question her, Yana fluttered out of her pocket and held out a hand lazily to stop them. The mermaid took it as her cue to let a soft little trill and pointed towards something in the west.

With the minotaur now out of sight, she had drawn their gazes towards the Chamber of Stalwart Justice, but not because there was trouble, much to Sophie's relief. But because the setting sun had cast its own shine over the top of the structure. The massive dome that towered over even the city itself glistened with a soft light jade green hue that danced vibrantly alongside the contrasting haze of orange red rays. It enveloped the facade of the Chamber itself, and seemed to rouse a certain calm within her heart.

Sophie then glanced towards the mermaid to inquire if the sight was indeed what she was hinting at, only to find that she had gone. Alarmed, she crouched a little lower to warn Ary when she could see Sigrid's blonde hair sticking just behind a nearby tree, almost like she was trying to hide. Beside that opening, an angry little faerie shot out to take a look, before angrily pointing and likely yelling at Sophie. Yet she felt no urgency, only more of a disgruntled movement in the fae's movements.

When Ary turned to follow Sophie's gaze, Yana seemingly darted back to hide with Sigrid and Sophie finally understood. The girl beside her looked up at her, curious and frowning. Wondering just why Sophie was staring at a tree and now also seeming to notice that their companions were missing. As she sat up a little straighter, Sophie surprised her by lifting her out of her wheelchair, Ary's eyes going wide as saucers with fear and worry.

Sophie soothed her before she was truly frightened by seating her down on the bench beside her where Taurox once occupied. Learning from Sigrid's example, before Ary could question the happenings, she quickly slipped her arms around the girl and pulled her in close before gesturing towards the glistening green-orange glow in the sky around the Chamber.

"Pretty." She whispered.

"Umm? Uhh? I… yeah?" Ary managed to mumble, unsure of what was happening.

"Like you." Sophie giggled.

At that the girl caught on and blushed furiously. Her cheeks now matching her hair as she lit up from the sudden compliment. She smiled a little to herself before glaring at Sophie, the intent for vengeance at the unexpected surprise reflected behind her eyes.

Both of them were ready to make their own moves upon the other when a soft rustle caught their attention. Sigrid had evidently gotten fidgety and curious, her head poking out from the tree out of curiosity. Caught in the act, the mermaid was unsure how to react and quickly shuffled back in her hiding spot despite making eye contact. Amused, the duo put their plans on hold before trading a glance between each other and bursting out laughing at the strange sight, eliciting an inquiring little trill from the tree.

"Pretty. Yes." Ary smiled and leaned in.

Sophie grinned and moved in for a kiss only for Ary to hold her lip back with a finger.

"But not just like me." Ary tutted and then burst out into another giggle, "Like us." She whispered and finally let their lips lock.

It was warm, if a little dry. The two of them had spent the past hour catching up the minotaur on current events. But they had now pieced the puzzle together and realized that the mermaid had somehow convinced the fae to give them this moment alone. A reprieve after the long winded discussion of the situation at hand. Caught in the afterglow of the sky, their hands interlocked as they kissed, their affections wrapped around each other. If the others had given them this one moment, then they would take advantage of it. Because for Sophie, the one fact that she found solace in was that Ary was hers, and that she was Ary's. If the journey ahead was to be tough, then they would at least have each other.

Haggling had never been Sophie's strongest of traits. In fact, she'd done precious little of it all things considered. At the estate, all her needs and supplies were taken care of. Then on her travels, first it was Annalise, and now Mila. With Lucinia now poised to take up the mantle of the group's quartermaster, the possibility that she would ever improve her skills seemed even less likely and today was no exception.

Ary had seized control of the majority of negotiations. Since Sigrid, Sophia, Hanabi and herself already had experience in that respect, the items that they needed to buy were known to her in full. In fact, Ary had simply declared that they would just double the party's cold weather mountain climbing gear. Her own life spent in the Frostwinds also meant knowing what hazards the rest of them would likely have to endure.

Her appearance too, had come in handy as much as that seemed to irk her. Perhaps it was because of how earnestly she stated their intention of taking hike up frost bitten mountains, or perhaps it was that a wheelchair bound girl was considering the idea in the first place. The few merchants they needed to purchase from had very kindly offered discounts. Meaning that the purported budget by Ary of at least five gold Artes, turned out to be a hefty but quite agreeable four gold in total. Cloaks, blankets, furs, and some emergency supplies. All accounted for and prepared. They were done for the day.

With the click of her heel coming to a stop and the heavy thump of supplies being deposited on a nearby chair, they were back on the ferry to the Academy. Having learned her lesson the first time they did this, as naturally as they always have, Sophie lifted Ary up and plopped her in the seat beside her. Sigrid and the supplies meanwhile, occupied the aisle opposite them and the group settled in for the journey.

More comfortable by now, Ary reached over to grab Sophie's hand before leaning into her seat. Their fingers gently caressed and intertwined each other, the lingering side effects of the little romantic reprieve from before having sparked blossoming desire between the two of them. She smiled at Ary and the girl smiled back, letting out a little yawn that made Sophie all the more delighted at the time they had together.

Ary pouted and reached her free hand over to give Sophie a gentle tap on forehead. Feeling playful, Sophie launched her own attack with what everyone often did to her, and bopped Ary on the nose. The two of them jokingly growled and prodded at each other, the giggles escaping ensuring that nothing they did would alarm Sigrid. Only when the sudden lurch of the ferry undocking and starting did they return to more proper seating postures, the wave of joy they felt being freely shared between them.

Sophie cooed happily and leaned her head over. Ary sat up a little straighter and chuckled as she maneuvered herself so that Sophie could rest upon her shoulder. It was times like these in which Sophie was just happy that Ary was willing to humor her. That every once in a while she could steal a few moments to be pampered.

Comfy, she nuzzled the girl and received a soft sigh of contentment in return. Another moment to be recorded in her heart, just for the two of them.

Sophie allowed her mind to wander a little. Her smile fading slightly as thoughts of the future and the preparations they were doing returned to the forefront. She knew that as strong as Ary was, there was a high likelihood that the more disgruntled members of Carradoran nobility would see her as a liability and a weakness. Ammunition to be used against Eva's association with a 'traitor' such as Sophie and the company she kept.

The situation would be even more dicey in Melton. The land that was scarred by wars, demons, and a plague outbreak all within the past year and a half. It was a land steeped in death and rocked by disaster with the capital of Melisgrad almost utterly razed to the ground. An act that she had a hand in perpetuating even unwillingly. The only thing that had come from that time was the discovery of her own duty and desire to live. Holding the title bestowed upon her in the final moments of one Lady Rutley of Melisgrad. To have made her the House's last surviving knight, her lily knight. And now the title that Sophie bore with pride and styled the adventuring group after.

Whatever welcome we receive there, I just hope that things have calmed down by now. Stars only knows what the new prince has been up to since seizing control. And for the Frostwinds, I only pray that Ary will remain well. Goddess keep her safe.

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