"Report Form: 24DR-AW-3S-IA Reporting Officer: Knight Commander Ferris Inago - Reserve Sector North Report Title: Urgent Action Recommended

Content: As of the 26th of Life, incursions along designated observation markers Overlord Est et Overlord Ouest and Overlord Montagne have been reported by scout troops. Quick response units deployed have reported success in halting incursions. Recommend urgent request for increased vigilance along Frontier and Reserve Sectors. "

- Missive Sent To Saintsrest, Office Of The Militant, "Report 24, Danger Reported, Advance Warning, 3rd Suggestion - Immediate Action"

When students finished their exams, there were usually cheers, cries, and sighs of relief. Maybe even celebrations like the one that Tavevia and Aetemo were hosting once again. Or perhaps the more formal gatherings of like-minded souls in discussion and gentle congratulations like those of Miraevie and Alodie and their club.

For Sophie and the others however, there was no such reprieve. They now operated on a harsh timeline, perhaps even harsher than the lead-up to their exams. Final preparations to be made, schedules to be met, and any last minute arrangements to be set in stone. Instead of celebrating that they had survived a semester as second year students, they were embarking on the first steps of a long journey ahead.

It had only been a day since the end of the exams and Sophie had already exchanged the Academy uniform for wargear. Unlike her usual outfits, she did not like this one, not anymore. When she had been handed the former prince's armor and blade, she had already found it distasteful, but she had told herself she would earn the right to bear them with pride one day. Now, after everything she had done and experienced, she felt even more unworthy than ever. But it was also a symbol granted to her out of a sense of gratitude and perhaps a hint of mockery. To the people of Melton, she had sealed the darkness above Melisgrad. And though the city had been reduced to rubble, and its innocents slain while the rest of the nation survived.

She sighed and tightened her belt. A meaningless motion at this point but one that calmed her nerves somewhat. Her worries lay not just within the journey or herself, but that of her partner. While the others could fight or flee in Lucinia's case, Ary would not be able to. In her current state, she was really only safe when away from the front.

In theory, that would be simple enough to do. To contain the fighting ahead of their supply train and therefore Ary's position. But knowing how chaotic combat could get, Sophie was under no illusion that things would ever stay anywhere close to that orderly.

We'll have to figure out our proper combat situation, just in case. Sophie mused. For now we should be fine. Everything from here to Carrador includes a whole squad of saints, hah. What a strange thought to even behold. Us, alongside saints. Heh. Once more into the breach.

On the opposite side of the room, Yana was busy fussing over Ary on the girl's significantly lighter equipment load, at least concerning armor. Wearing only her travel leathers alongside a thicker coat to be stored with the rest of their supplies, she was minimally protected from danger. Armed only with her flash lamp and miniature crossbow, she was hardly any more equipped for a fight either.

Ary caught her gaze and flashed a small thumbs up at her. The girl was more or less ready, at least in her opinion. Judging by how Yana now darted towards her, Sophie suspected that the fae was less than amused by the redhead's preparations.

"What's up? Aside from you." Sophie intercepted the fae with a joke.

Yana took it personally and flew right above Sophie before settling atop her head, giving her scalp a few stomps of protest at the comment.

"Okay, I get it. Bad joke. But you are flying." Sophie chuckled.

"The nerve of this elven fool, speaking just like a tool. Ugh! That is beside the point, it is the companion with whom you are joint." Yana grumbled.

"And? What about Ary? She seems pretty ready." Sophie replied.

Across the room, Ary offered her own commentary, "And I am!" She declared, "What else do I really need, huh?"

"A little more for your aid, in case we face an enemy raid. Perhaps hold onto a shield, to protect from arrows in the field. Or at least carry a knife, for we'd venture in lands where danger is rife." Yana pouted, judging by how she yanked at Sophie's hair in frustration.

"Sophie? Hmm?" Ary suddenly aimed a question at her.

"Ah? What?" Sophie tried not to be too startled.

"Would it put you more at ease if I did get a few extra things?" Ary batted her eyes at her.

Sophie could feel the fae still gripped tightly atop her head and sighed. It would, but not by much.

"Yeah, it would." Sophie answered half heartedly.

Ary rolled her eyes and made a grand gesture of sighing. With extreme feigned reluctance, she shrugged, "Fine. Only because it'll put you both at ease. So last minute too." She muttered.

Sophie bobbed her head in contentment, the fae above her finally releasing her death grip on Sophie's hair.

"Finally she relents, forget the shield it is my sanity she dents." Yana muttered.

"Pfft." Sophie snickered.

The fae stomped on Sophie for the comment before taking off to fly back towards Aryana. A gentle calm descending upon the room in her wake. Taking the moment to glance down to her side, she took one last inventory of what other gear she had in her pack.

According to Mila, the church would rent out some basic camping equipment for them, so that much was taken care of at least. Rations and other such things had already been transported to the wagons that were waiting for them in Arteria. That meant within Sophie's pack, she only carried a few emergency snacks and supplies alongside an extra change of clothes and her mana battery. It was lighter than what she expected, but still heavier than she wished it would be. After all, their part of the journey didn't just end at Carrador, but through the Mistveil and beyond. An unenviable prospect given her memories of the place.

She made sure her belongings were set before getting up to wander over towards Ary. The girl was busy fussing over her own pack when she glanced up and smiled. Sophie leaned down for a quick peck and gently caressed Ary's cheek. The girl beamed even more before shifting her gaze towards the window.

"Nervous?" Sophie asked.

"Mmhmm." Ary mumbled.

"I'll be here." Sophie gave her shoulder a squeeze.

"I know." Ary whispered as she leaned on her hand, "Still… like this…" Ary gestured towards herself.

"Hey, hey. We'll do this together. Don't worry about it."

Ary snorted and reached up to pull Sophie in for another kiss.

"If only it'd be that easy to not worry." Ary scoffed.

"Hey, got to start somewhere."

The two fell into a silence as they stared out the window. The campus was abuzz with activity as those with plans shuffled around ready to make their journeys to their homes and estates. Others were like their more normal friends, hanging out care-freely and celebrating the end of this semester's exams. An oddly energetic yet peaceful sight.

"Mmm. Sure. I guess you're right." Ary broke the quiet with a chuckle, "Think the others are ready?" She queried.

"Probably."

"Is everything set?"

"Yup. You?"

"More or less. Just need to get a shield from somewhere. Since you two insisted." Ary stuck her tongue out.

"We'll make do." Sophie snickered before giving the redhead's nose a soft bop, "I'm sure we can nick a cheap one in the market in the city."

"Ugh, more stuff to carry." Ary jokingly groaned.

"C'mon. Enough of that now, Ary. If we're set then… then I guess it's time to get a move on."

"Is that doubt I hear?" Ary smirked, "Now you're the one having second thoughts?"

"Nah, just wish the world could be more calm. More time to spend with everyone and go, I don't know, to like Ostia or something for a festival. Instead of all this." Sophie gestured vaguely at their kit, "Just seems like there's always more to do."

"There always is, love." Ary giggled, "After all, I thought I was a unique weird little spirit child and it turns out the one I'm with is an even stranger, more weird, more unique magic empty baby out of time apparently. I doubt things will ever go simply."

Sophie laughed and ruffled Ary's hair before sighing.

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

"Yeah well, I guess it'll be a rough month or two ahead of us. Ready?"

"Uhn!" Ary grunted.

"Team magic baby, let's roll." Sophie declared and struck a pose.

"I prefer the Lily Knights." Ary groaned, "Mentioning that to you was a mistake."

It had felt almost uncanny to be soon in her armor whilst amongst the student body. Curious whispers and rumors already whipped themselves into a frenzy as she had passed them. The uneasy sensation only grew when she met up with the rest of the party, the others having also donned their gear with Mila the blackhat standing out the most out of all of them.

Everything was then escalated tenfold when Eva's contingent arrived. At that point, Sophie knew that whatever rumors about her and Ary would only increase tenfold given how recognizable the girl's wheelchair would be. For Eva and her saintess squadron had essentially doubled their numbers. Both in personnel and the addition of Inquisitor Janos and the orc called Grorok.

From what could feasibly have been just an adventuring party from the Academy, a rare but still plausible scenario given the number of students here. They were now a veritable war party or heavy duty escort. There was no hiding that now.

In the city at least, they could feasibly pass themselves off as mercenaries or one of the larger mid to high rank adventuring parties. The only time there that had raised any eyebrows was when they rendezvoused with the templar escorts and Sir Taurox. About a half dozen templars and a rather large minotaur were certainly eyecatching. Add to that; two carriages for the saints and inquisitors; two wagons for Sophoe's party and general travel supplies; and a handful of mounts for the other riders. They were now a fully equipped warband out for a mission.

The only stitch up was when Ary suddenly signalled for Sophie and Mila's attention.

"What is it?" Sophie asked.

Mila just silently motioned for Ary to go on.

"I'm so stupid." Ary grumbled, "Do we have any time to spare? At all?"

Mila traded a glance with Sophie and nodded, "A little, why?" The inquisitor queried.

"It's about the latter half of our journey." Ary lowered her voice, drawing the two of them in, "It might be worth a small detour to Castle Clover, the wanderer is there, err, sorry. I meant Sir Danneth."

"Sir Danneth?" Mila scratched her chin, "The name is familiar, give me a moment."

Sophie watched as Ary fiddled with her thumbs. If the girl could still pace, she imagined that the redhead would be pacing most nervously. Castle Clover huh? Haven't had to deal with the legion in a while, at least.

Mila returned with a templar in tow, the man whispering some form of hushed acknowledgement as his armor squeaked when he nodded. She dipped her head in thanks to him before turning back to face the duo.

"I've been informed that thanks to the probationary period passing, Commander Danneth has been reinstated as the head of the Clover Legion. I presume there's a reason you would need to meet such a person at this late notice?" Mila scowled with an arched brow.

The inquisitor hid it well, but Sophie just knew she was now far more intrigued about such a matter, perhaps even more than Sophie herself.

"Of course! He's the wanderer. Erm, a person who has trekked the Frostwinds."

"As have you."

"Right. But while I'm more than confident in guiding you, he has trekked through numerous parts of it and interacted with far more tribes. You were both there, at the clansmeet. You saw there were other leaders besides Galen." Ary snarled out the last words.

"And?"

"He'll probably have advice, or at least a good map of more hidden paths and roads. Assuming things haven't changed that much since his time."

Mila questioned Sophie with a glance, Sophie just shrugged. It was a bit late, but to her it was still a reasonable avenue to gather more information. Seeing this, the inquisitor sighed.

"Fine. A quick detour then. Most of your things ready?"

"Already packed and in the wagons." Sophie answered for them.

"Good. We'll meet the others by the gates." Mila informed them, "Janos!" She turned to shout at the others.

The other blackclad inquisitor looked quizzically at her call.

"We're headed to Castle Clover. Let the others know. Wait for us by the gates." She told her counterpart.

"Don't take too long, aye?" The man called back, "Our official job is to help Lady Evaline here get to Carrador alongside her contingent. The rest of this is your own side project. Understand?"

"Got it. We'll be there. Be blessed by the stars."

"Blessed by the stars."

The two blackhats tipped their hats in acknowledgment and Mila hurriedly motioned for Sophie and Ary to follow.

"No time to dwaddle. Let's move."

The imposing blackstone of Castle Clover loomed over their approach. An ominous structure that seemed entirely out of place in the more vibrant looking city around it. At least the squat stout structures of the dwarven Stone district behind it offered aesthetically similar rigidly lined buildings to surround it. Though even those had far more color and pomp than the almost plain looking castle.

Stern looking gate guards clad in their oddly mismatched uniforms offered yet another quirk of the Clover Legion and contrast to the stark facade of the castle. Two legionnaires watched the trio as they approached, their eyes constantly scanning the inquisitor but also darting towards Ary and her wheelchair. Only when the trio got close enough did the guards raise their weapons and salute the inquisitor.

"My lady." One of the soldiers spoke.

"Legionaire." Mila curtly replied.

"We weren't informed that we would be getting another supervisor so soon. The other member of your order checked in only a week ago." The man tensed up a little.

"Don't worry about it, legionnaire. Consider this a… social visit. I'm looking for Commander Danneth." Mila allayed his concern.

"Commander Danneth? Well, he should be in. What seems to be the reason?"

"Information, potentially confidential unfortunately."

"Of course. And your guests?"

"The Hero of Arteria. And the girl who kickstarted the… schism that saw the need for the legion's temporary reformation." Mila gestured toward her.

Sophie winced at the title. It was far too direct. But the second half of the statement saw the guards dip their heads.

"Our apologies for our failure, madam."

"It's fine." Sophie awkwardly murmured.

"And the wheelchair bound is her companion and my current…" Mila paused and frowned at Ary, clearly searching for a word.

"I'm her scribe." Ary bobbed her head.

"Scribe regarding exotic places, yes." Mila hurriedly affirmed, "And the reason why we seek Sir Danneth."

"Of course, Madam Inquisitor. You'll find his office on the third floor of the main keep." The guard informed her.

"Thank you. Let's go." Mila motioned for the two to continue.

As they passed the soldiers, Sophie saw one of them nod in acknowledgement of her past deeds. It was a reminder of her failures, but she supposed that to those who didn't know all the details, she was just someone who fought for the city. In that respect, she humbly dipped her head in appreciation of the praise, though it might be unearned in her eyes.

The courtyard of the castle was oddly serene. The thick blackstone walls seemed to completely isolate them from the noise of the city and offered an oddly calm experience as they trudged towards the keep. A few more legionnaires passed them though the presence of an Inquisitorial escort appeared to ease any tensions the unexpected visit might have had on the garrison.

Inside the blackstone keep was perhaps the most jarring contrast of all. The imposing almost dread-inducing walls were adorned by the same fineries and gaudy if not outright tacky decorations that usually hung on the walls of noble estates. Pictures, banners, and other such trophies created an eclectic display in conjunction with the casual nature of the legionnaires mismatched outfits.

Only on the third floor did things grow more in line with a theme. Though this one only coincidentally matched the dark walls by the sheer fact that it where most of the martial iconographies were kept. Swords, shields, sigils and even a few flags.

A half squad of soldiers also stood on guard, their eyes never leaving the new arrivals though none vocally questioned the inquisitor yet. They finally faced some resistance when they found the Commander's office, a templar clad in the curia's silver armor and a legionnaire in dark red plate stood watch over the doorway. The templar immediately made the star sign of Astralis across his chest and Mila quickly responded in kind. The legionnaire just offered a typical salute to greet the newcomers.

"Madam Inquisitor. I did not know we were due to change so soon." The templar spoke first.

"Not a change, templar. Consider this more of a social visit." She answered.

The templar furrowed his brow and looked to his colleague.

"I'm afraid I don't recall being informed of any visitors today. Nor was I apprised of a change in schedule." The legionnaire responded to his unspoken question, "This is an odd time for a visit too."

"It's for personal matters. I believe the commander might have useful information for us."

"I'm sorry, Madam Inquisitor. Protocol says that I'm not allowed to let someone in without authorization if you're not the replacement for the acting supervisory officer." The templar reluctantly stated.

"Authorization?"

"With Inquisitor Melandros or the Knight Commander."

"And she is…?"

"I am unsure, madam. My apologies."

"So what if…"

Mila continued to try and press the templar when Sophie felt Ary stir in her chair. The girl was sitting a little straighter despite appearing almost unsure in herself. What is she trying to do? Before Sophie could question, Ary sucked in a deep breath and bellowed as best she could.

"Vinava, flakaja. Gledan lanata pitun eyuulo. Glendan. Heyella petam preynyt salelu." Ary called out in a strange tongue.

The debate ahead stopped, the guards now warily placing their hands on the hilt of their weapons. Even Sophie had to try and decipher what Ary just said only to come up empty.

"Aryana? What was that?" Mila hissed.

"Careful Inquisitor, could be a spell." The templar instinctively took a step forward to pull Mila to safety if necessary.

A loud thump and the heavy thudding of boot steps echoed from behind the doorway. No one really had time to react when it was abruptly swung open to reveal a grizzled looking man with fur draped over his neck. His stylized outfit almost reminded Sophie of lower nobility if not for how incredibly muscular the man appeared to be. Seeing him, the legionnaire immediately dropped his guard to salute.

"Sir." He mumbled brusquely.

"Well, well. Who brings such an archaic tongue to this corner of the world?" The man thoughtfully mused as he returned the soldier's salute.

His eyes scanned the crowd like a warrior searching for threats. His gaze landed upon Ary and he seemed to frown. It was like a flicker of recognition, but not in full. Only needing a little more of a nudge.

"I did, Sir Danneth. If you remember, I was a humble salelu when we met to seek advice. Because my partner had been caught in the schemes of traitors. I came to ask for help from The Wanderer of the clans." Ary spoke once more.

This information seemed to make his eyes light up a little, the recognition building enough that his frown morphed into a more curious expression.

"Grenor?" Sir Danneth looked at the legionnaire.

"Nothing scheduled sir." The man answered.

"Well, what an interesting day this turned out to be." He chuckled to himself, "Come in, I presume you have a reason for seeking my aid, uorten katuri." He replied while adding a word of Ary's strange tongue

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