The Dance of Chaos [IC-Fantasy-OPEN]

[Intermountain States]

Pakrzyski, Wyzkia
Jean-Marc Courvoisier

Jean-Marc checked his map as the wagon stopped by a small town near the border. The town was guarded by multiple crossbowmen and archers, some pointing their crossbows at the wagon. Three armored men, one a bearded man with steel armor, perhaps a sheriff or a magistrate of this town, walked to the wagon.

"This town hardly gets any visitors in this part of the year, traveler," the bearded man said. 'Who are you?"

"I am a merely a warrior finding a place for these people freed from bondage to stay in before I depart for Wodzimyśl. A bounty hunter who helped me liberate these people told me of Pakrzyski" the knight said. "She recommended that town and I intend on bringing these folks to there." The bearded man looked into the wagon to see eight people looking at the man with fear. He looked back at Jean-Marc.

"This is indeed Pakrzyski and tell me more of the headhunter who helped you," the man said. Jean-Marc described the dark skinned warrior with long white hair. The man's eyes widened at her description.

"Asche? You know her," the man asked. Jean-Marc nodded.

"Briefly," he answered. "She helped me take out the Jackals and freed the people under their bondage. She went deeper into Anselm to find her bounty."

"A friend of Asche is a friend of mine," the man said as he held out his hand for a shake. "I am Sheriff Hanusz Wozniacki of Pakrzyski. You'll have to figure our suspicions, we were victims of those Jackals before, she brought some folks from one of their raids back to us. We have some places for these refugees to stay in for now, it's up to them if they want to stay and contribute to the town."

"Please stay for the night if you can," the sheriff added. "The sun is about to set and the least we could do for a wandering knight is a hot meal and a warm bed."

---

Enjoying a nice sleep and a hearty breakfast, Jean-Marc gave his thanks to the town for their hospitality and returned to the wagon. The refugees agreed to stay in the town and contribute whatever they can for their help and thus the knight is heading to Wodzimyśl alone.

"Take some bread, dried fruits and meats with you, good sir," the Sheriff said as he presented him a sack filled with food. "And also some money, you'll need them for the trip."

"Thank you for the town's hospitality," Jean-Marc replied. "Although as a wandering knight, I shouldn't expect payments in coins," Wozniacki shook at head.

"It's going to be around half a day's trip to Wodzimyśl and most taverns and inns in the area would generally expect payment first than any good deeds from the knight for keeping the horses in the stables," Wozniacki said. "If you managed to get to Wodzimyśl with money remaining, then feel free to donate them to a church or buy a beggar a warm meal. Let the kindness pass on."

"Very well then, thank you for your help," the knight said. The horses neighed when the command came out and the wagon started to move as the knight exited the town and into Wodzimyśl where he would soon greet his old friend.

[Fereni]

Grand Duchy of Wyzkia
Opalinski Castle

Someone you love... if only. The thought was bitter, but she knew she didn't have any right to complain. Even if he only pitied her, she was better off with him than without him. Yet she quieted her thoughts, listening to how happy the flowers around her were. It was certainly a soothing place.

She hadn't actually expected Adelajda to know who she was asking about, so the initial response came as a surprise to her. The continued response, though--that was even more shocking.

It was definitely her mother that she was being told about, she didn't doubt it at all. She could picture her, the woman from her memories, clad all in white and smiling with glittering eyes. Hearing about her from someone who had known her well made her feel a little bit closer to her, despite everything. And the descriptions were quite flattering, to be certain. But then...

So it's true. She felt dizzy at the realization. I'm not crazy. When Adelajda asked about her interest in the woman, she hesitated, not sure if she should tell the truth. Still, the comforting surroundings and the reassuring happiness of the flowers Adelajda tended to made her feel safe.

"I... The truth is, Marysia was... she was my mother," she confessed, her head low. "When I told you that I am not part of the nobility, I didn't tell you the full truth. I was, but... her husband, he disowned me. But that's definitely my mother, I know it... She loved dragonflies. She had an artist paint them all over my bedroom, and I remember that necklace. A green diamond, shaped like a teardrop... it was her favorite. She loved it so much, she wore it all the time." She had to choke back a sob. She'd tried to wear it herself, once, wanting to feel a little closer to her mother, but that man had struck her and screamed at her until she took it off. No wonder, if it came from the Grand Duke... of course he would have been angry to see it. It all made a horrible amount of sense. "I'm sorry I lied to you. I just... it's hard to talk about what happened. Still, I... I'm happy to hear about her... she disappeared when I was young, so I don't remember as well as I'd like to. I remember what she looked like, and I remember her smile, and that she was very kind, but... I didn't get to know her that well, so hearing about her... it makes me happy. Thank you for telling me about her. I always wondered what she was really like, but that man would never tell me. He just got angry if I said anything... so I'm really glad to be able to know more about her. Thank you..."

[Intermountain States]

Somewhere in Anselm
Asche

After washing her face with water from the river, Asche materialized a canteen. Filling it up, she took a swig for the ice cold water to refresh her throat. She thought of the attack at the camp. When she tried to interrogate the Jackal commander, the man had some sort of poison pill that he used to kill himself. Fortunately, she was able to snag some important documents and files from the commander's tent and found some information on Kaesar so the storming of the camp wasn't completely a waste.

As she walked through the trails, she thought of her next move, finding Kaesar's safehouse at Ennestein. She heard footstep and she jumped back, a bow and arrow materialized on her hands ready to use. She looked around for any movements and saw a woman armed with a crossbow standing by a tree.

"Excuse me ma'am? Do you need something?" she asked. The woman did not answer, Asche looked closer to see that the woman was blindfolded. How peculiar. The woman then lowered her blindfold to show a rustic yellow eye on the left and a brown eye on the right and suddenly, Asche felt a shock and her body felt heavy. She tried to move her arms but they wouldn't respond. The woman then raised her crossbow and fired. Instinctively, Heaven's Petal appeared in front of Asche, deflecting the bolt just in time.

"Guess I could use my magic even when I couldn't move my body," Asche noticed. Two seconds later, the heavy sensation was gone and she was able to move. The woman fired another bolt from her crossbow but Asche jumped out of the way and behind another tree. The woman had some sort of magical ability that could limit her movements. Taking her out would be difficult with that ability hampering her room.

She took a glance behind the rock to see that the woman was still there. The woman's eyes could lead to her death if she's not careful. She'll have to keep her distance and have Heaven's Petal at the ready. She needs something to counter the woman's eyes. An idea crept to her mind and a mirror shield materialized.

"This better work," Asche thought as she lunged over the rock, holding the mirror to her face and her upper torso. The woman let loose a crossbow which bounced harmlessly off the shield and then no more arrows. Asche peeked from behind the shield to the woman not able to move her arms (she didn't take a look at her head) and then rammed the mirror shield straight at the woman's face. The impact threw the woman at a tree where a cracking sound could be heard with the contact of her back to the tree. However the woman was still alive and attempted to use her eyes on Asche one last time but was impaled by one of Asche's projected arrows.

Just to be sure that her eyes won't work even when dead, Asche closed the woman's eyelids and put her blindfold back up. She checked the woman's clothes for any notes explaining why she was after Asche and found a folded sheet of paper. Unfolding the paper and reading it, she found her answer. It appears that Kaesar seemed well aware of bounty hunters going after him and instructed this woman to hunt down any headhunters that are on route to his safehouse in Ennestein. The message also said that should the woman die, then he would find her corpse and feed her to his wolf pups. Well that's a rude way to treat a recently deceased. Although some time was spent, she gave the assailant a burial and placed the woman's disassembled crossbow to mark her grave as a show of respect. Now it's time for her to reach Ennestein and find Kaesar.

[Faal Lot Himdah]

Auryon Rakhasa, the The Bestial Butcher
Anselm
A New Deal?

---

Arriving at the new glade, Auryon tensed up when seeing the new figure. She felt it, they were in the presence of divinity. It put her on edge at first, but as the other Archbishop conversed with it, she relax ever so slightly.

"Will this gift help satisfy the eternal hunger?" Auryon asked, "Even if it makes taking prey easier, then I would accept it."

---

Pynus of the Wind
The Merckburger Fen, Anselm
Wind plus Water equals a Big Distraction

---

"I'll keep that in mind for later." Pynus smirked, "As for the waterspout... Adelheid seemed to want it sooner than later, so... I see no problem with doing it right now. Naturally, I'll handle the winds, I need you to handle the water."

With that she pointed to an area of water, "Bring that water into a spiral, I'll get a strong wind blowing above it. Hopefully, that will be enough to start its formation. Once we get it forming, we kick it up, and get it as big as possible before letting nature take over as we run away."

Pynus then looked back at Marina, "Let's get this distraction started."

[Tracian Empire]

Grand Duchy of Wyzkia
Opalinski Castle

Adelajda didn't show any reaction to all that Alina was telling her. As soon as she had finished speaking, the older woman had turned around to look right back at her flowers,and gave no indication that she had even heard what she was saying, let alone understand it. And as the pink haired girl thanked her, a few awkward moments of silence passed, the only think to be heard being the woman humming something to herself, something that sounded like a Wyzkian lullaby. Before Alina could properly realize what it was though, Adelajda stopped, and looked once again at her, as if she had suddenly remembered that there was someone else next to her. "So you're Marysia's daughter?", she asked, her tone and even the way she looked at her changing a little. Usually there was something like a slight hollowness in the way she looked at things, as if she was looking at things that weren't really there, or as if she wasn't really paying attention to them, something that had really put the girl at ease. But for a brief moment there, the woman who looked at Alina wasn't the broken shell that she had met, but someone else, someone filled with life, with a strong will, perceptive and incisive.


But it was gone so fast that she couldn't help but wonder if she had imagined it.

"You don't need to apologize, my dear.", she continued. "Not telling the entire truth isn't necessarily a lie, and no one could have asked you to tell such a truth to someone you had barely met. It doesn't sound like you've had an easy life, so don't worry.. there really is no need for you to be sorry." A smile appeared on her face. "That certainly is the Marysia I know. She loved dragonflies, and she really treasured that necklace.." She then hesitated for a few seconds. "I never liked Czeslaw. Marysia married him because her family needed. It was the honorable thing to do, but even loveless marriages can grow into love and happiness with the right people. I did not love my husband when we were married, but now he certainly is the love of my live.. but someone like Czeslaw.. I never liked him. " Adelajda sighed. "Konstantyn would have been a much better match for her. He is kind and charming, loved by everyone. He is a paladin, not just a noble living off his parents' inheritance, an honorable knight. He is good-hearted and caring. And they loved each other. There was proof for that." She sighed again. "But life never really works how one wishes it to work. I still remember when me and Marysia were training to be ladies in waiting at the ducal court, just little girls, daydreaming about stories of princes and knights and paladins marrying princesses. But those were just that, stories. They never say that there are princes and nobles who aren't soft-hearted heroes, and they never mention that heroes and knights need to spend their lives away from home, fighting, while their wives are left to worry and to shrivel alone."

However, the older woman quickly seemed to realize that she had seriously strayed from what they were taking about, and smiled apologetically, before she turned around again to look at her flowers. "I'm sorry that you didn't get to spend time with her. She was really an amazing woman, and she would have been an incredible mother, I'm sure of it. Since you will marry my son and I will be your mother in law, I will do my best to act as such.An old and rambling woman such as myself might not be a good comparison to someone like her, but I would be happy to have someone like you as my daughter, Alina." And then she hesitated for a few more moments. "I'm also sorry that you never met Konstantyn. He... he would have really wanted to see you, I feel."

[Ceystile]

Gryffin
"Thank you sir." Gryffin flashed the man who dispersed the crowd around her a sunny grin in thanks, standing up to her feet. "Gryffin Archangel, it's a pleasure to meet you." She couldn't deny that she puffed up a bit when he referred to her talents. "You do flatter me, I thank you again. I don't really mind the crowds, it comes with the territory most of the time..in fact, I enjoy interacting with fans but sometimes a girl just wants to have a drink in peace. It can be frustrating for even the most seasoned artists.

Cecily
Cecily looked at her two friends for their answer, but Roter and Zed stared at each other for a long while in a palpably uncomfortable silence. They were probably speaking through their mind link again. Was it something I said? Why are they looking at me like I just quacked? She wanted to go and take down the bastards and get her sister back as quickly as she possibly could, she would go right now but it would be suicide to do so without backup. Her face turned from a steely expression into dawning realization and horror as she remembered Zed’s...delicate condition. He was a cambion, meaning he was more perceptible to whatever the Sins had to dish out even with Roter and herself there. And especially with their lack of training, he’d be totally fucked. No, didn’t quack. But turns out I’m still the duck. “Very well.” she said slowly. “We’ll try out what Sable’s got planned and see where it leads. And Zed...I’m really sorry, I just totally forgot about the whole...thing.”

Clover
He and Spriggan had decided to head back to that little tavern, maybe some drinks would help clear their heads. Or fairies were just looking for an excuse to get drunk. They were halfway back to their starting point when Spriggan sensed a presence behind them. “Sire, it’s that woman from earlier.” Clover looked over his shoulder and saw that it was indeed the plague doctor, turning toward her. “Hello! Miss...Gabrielle, was it? Is there something you need?”

“No, but I have something you two might need. However on behalf of a friend, I have to tell you that it won’t come free.”
“Are you trying to hustle money from us?”
“Absolutely not! But the information isn’t mine to give away.”

[Dragos Bee]

Cecily
Cecily looked at her two friends for their answer, but Roter and Zed stared at each other for a long while in a palpably uncomfortable silence. They were probably speaking through their mind link again. Was it something I said? Why are they looking at me like I just quacked? She wanted to go and take down the bastards and get her sister back as quickly as she possibly could, she would go right now but it would be suicide to do so without backup. Her face turned from a steely expression into dawning realization and horror as she remembered Zed’s...delicate condition. He was a cambion, meaning he was more perceptible to whatever the Sins had to dish out even with Roter and herself there. And especially with their lack of training, he’d be totally fucked. No, didn’t quack. But turns out I’m still the duck. “Very well.” she said slowly. “We’ll try out what Sable’s got planned and see where it leads. And Zed...I’m really sorry, I just totally forgot about the whole...thing.”

Roter-Kaufmann Palaiologos and Zed Argentum

Zed smiled warmly as he said, "I'm happy you understand, Cel. Thank you."

Roter then looked at Sable, because it was her turn now to talk about what she had been planning. At the same time, he felt it, he felt Zed's fondness for Cecily burning bright again after it had almost cooled due to her rash suggestion. That was good, wasn't it? That his boyfriend was happy.

I love you, you know that? Ever since that day when we accidentally crossed the border, no, even before that, I loved you, Zed. And it warms my own heart to see you so happy, basking in others' understanding. I swear, even if Cel and the rest of the Cult of Virtues forget their friendship and harm you, I'll stand by you, whatever happens -

Zed interjected through their mind link, Now who's being paranoid?. Then he said to Cecily, "Don't worry, we'll soon become powerful and experienced enough to fight even the Archbishops of Sin - Then we'll rescue your sister!"

[Tracian Empire]

Later
A glade where the Sins had met

As the Nephilim was using her forbidden magic, breaking into the deepest layers of Meta's mind, messing with it, erasing and restoring memories and pieces of her very being as she so desired, Ekaitz simply stood.. and looked aside. One of the Seven Heroes, the Prince of Xerena, the Knight of Lightning, who had killed countless enemies in the name of the Light and of the Faith, couldn't bring himself to watch someone's spirit being shattered like that. He looked away, and having sheathed his blade, he was holding a rosary in his hands, a string of golden beads, with a golden Flower of the Sixteen tied to it, while muttering a prayer in a low voice. Eventually, as the magic stopped, and as the green haired girl's memories were returned to her, he turned around, just in time to see Saeria look him, and to listen to her. And then, the prince smiled.

"Thank you, Saeria. It is a shame that we had to resort to your magic, but it is a blessing that you could find out the truth hidden in her mind without us having to resort to such barbaric means as torture. She should thank the Gods for your presence here." He then hesitated for a few seconds, thinking. "Her old memories being lost or corrupted...whatever foul sorcery brought her back might certainly be the cause of it. The necromancer had also forgotten who we were when we met him. As for the Velikiyan priest..quite a shame that we missed them. If we would have been able to find them all here and attack them by surprise we might have had a chance, but even if they do return to this glade they'll know that something is amiss and have their guard up. And like that, we wouldn't want to risk it. We especially wouldn't want to risk you being wounded, Saeria. We shall withdraw, and bring them to us. That Velikiyan.. it pains us to use feelings that had originally been pure like this.. but he will certainly come for her. And we will be waiting."

Ekaitz made a motion with his hand, and a screeching scream was heard from above, and a large wyvern, with purple scales, landed in the ashen glade, right behind the prince. "But even so, even with you in control of her memories, we can not be sure that she won't try anything foolish. We can't risk her losing her one chance at redemption." Turning around, Ekaitz took a few items from the wyvern's saddle bags. "Trust is a lie, a dream which only the foolish believe. No matter what you do, in the end mortals will always choose themselves over friendship, love, or loyalty. She used to our ally, our comrade, and our friend, and yet she put all of the Silver Realms at risk just so that she could follow her own selfish desires."The prince took out a small bottle containing what looked to be golden ink, and a small brush. "We know not where the seed of treason lies, in her mind, in her heart, or in her soul, but like this ,we can prevent it from ever sprouting."

With a somewhat melancholic expression on his face, Ekaitz stopped next to Meta, who was still held upright by the magic. He whispered something, in too low of a voice for even Saeria to hear, and cracked the bottle. The ink remained suspended in mid-air, as if it was still held inside of an invisible glass. Continuing to whisper a spell in what seemed to be said in Throne Thyrian, Ekaitz removed his glove, took out a small golden dagger, and cut his palm. Drops of blood fell from it, floating in the air, and mixing with the golden ink.

Taking the brush into his left hand, Ekaitz touched the sphere with it, taking a bit of the resulting mix of ink and blood, and started to draw something on Meta's forehead. A magical crest, with multiple interlocking circles, and with writing in in the flowing letters of the Silver Throne. As the last letter was drawn in gold and crimson, Ekaitz stopped chanting. And the slave crest started to glow, and Meta felt it.


Pain. As if the chains which were binding her body had pierced through her flesh and were now wrapped around her very soul. As if the very essence of her being was now chained, covered, pushed down, as if she couldn't breathe. As if her every through crashed into a wall that surrounded her mind.


The magic holding her disappeared, and she fell to the ground in the ash, as Ekaitz turned around and looked at Saeria with his emerald eyes. "Are you sure that you don't want such a mark of loyalty, Saeria?", he asked, a gentle smile on his face, before he looked at Meta again. "As we order thee, slave of the crest, stand up."

And despite the pain, all she could do was obey.

[Fereni]

Pynus of the Wind
The Merckburger Fen, Anselm
Wind plus Water equals a Big Distraction

"Sounds good!" Marina lifted a hand, pulling the water up and into a rapid spiral. "Yeah, that's fun, isn't it?" She seemed almost to be talking to the water itself. "It's going to be a hell of a lot more fun soon, so hang on!" Looking back at Pynus, she added, "It sure would be a shame if someone got pulled into this, huh?" Her eyes shone with savage glee, and for a moment it seemed like there was an underlying echo to her voice. "Bet they'd have no chance of making it out."

Grand Duchy of Wyzkia
Opalinski Castle

Alina bowed her head slightly. "You were certainly right about that man," she said quietly. "Perhaps it's disloyal to say this, but since he doesn't want me as part of his family, I suppose I don't have to treat him like my father. He was so... so cruel. I always knew they didn't marry each other out of love, because I remember how he treated her. How he treated both of us... like he hated us. I never understood why... but I suppose it doesn't matter. It's too late to change anything now." She closed her eyes. "Did they really... love each other? My mother, and the Grand Duke? I did meet him, if only briefly... you're right about him being kind. And he said I looked familiar. I suppose he saw my mother in me, if only a little bit. If they really did love each other... if they could have been together, I wonder what would have changed..." Her voice trailed off, and she didn't seem to be truly talking to Adelajda anymore. "Maybe those stories could have been true. I always wanted them to be, but I know now... things like that, they don't happen. 'Happy ever after'? What a silly thought." A hint of bitterness slipped into her tone. "They're all just lies, aren't they? Fair maidens and noble knights who rescue them from danger, lives without fear or suffering... it's ridiculous. Of course it is. I don't know why I ever fell for it in the first place. I don't know why I let them trick me... I suppose that man was right, I've always been such a fool. Just filling my head with ridiculous dreams... I'm sorry, you don't want to hear all of that. I..." She hesitated, just for a moment. "What you said, about having me as your daughter... that makes me happy. You're a good person, I know... the flowers keep telling me that. You take such good care of them, so I know you are kind and gentle. And I think it would be wonderful to be part of your family. I think that would make me really happy..."

Once again, she paused, and then quietly asked, "If it's not too much trouble... is there any advice you can give me on being a mother? Since I know I'll be expected to once I marry Rafal. I want to be prepared... as long as it's not a bother to ask." She couldn't help but put a hand on her stomach, feeling slightly ill as she did so. Once I marry Rafal... if he's even still willing, after what I said. If he's not, I... I guess I'll be alone again. That's fine. I'd deserve it. But I really don't want to be on my own... I'm scared. And I don't have a choice in being a mother, anyway... not anymore. No, no, she couldn't start crying again. It came as a relief when no tears fell, despite the way her eyes burned. I shouldn't even be here at all. I should leave. I should leave and not come back. Why am I still... why do I have to be so pathetic? Aurora, please... if you're even willing to listen to someone like me. Please help me. I don't know what to do. I just don't know what to do...

Later
A glade where the Sins had met

Although Meta was finally able to 'sleep', for the first time in her life... she wasn't happy. She'd failed. That bitch had gone into her mind, had taken her memories, had made her forget the most important person in the world--had taken the information that she'd tried so hard to protect--damn it. She wanted them both dead. She wanted to kill them both with her bare hands, if she could just--

Yet when she awoke, she could feel someone close to her, and realized it was Ekaitz as he whispered something that made her realize with complete and utter horror exactly what was going to happen to her.

"A crest is the only trust we need."

She couldn't see him, but she tried to lash out anyway, screaming and fighting against the magic that held her in place, even though she knew it was a useless effort. She couldn't just stop fighting. She couldn't give in. She had to make him stop--she had to--but the brush continued to paint slow, inexorable circles against her skin, no matter how much she screamed for him to stop, no matter how much she struggled. It didn't matter. None of it mattered.

The pain of the crest's activation was one of the worst pains she'd ever felt. How could it not be? Even the chains that bound her to Acedia and Tristitia did not hurt as much as this, since she'd willingly offered up her soul to their shackles. Yet this... she felt like she was being choked, crushed, golden chains pressing in on her, leaving her weak and powerless. It hurt so much.

Falling hurt too. Every nerve in her body screamed out in protest at the impact, and she found herself trembling, blood still streaming from her ruined eye sockets. She wished she could cry. Right then, she wanted nothing more than to really, truly cry.

He ordered her to stand, calling her 'slave of the crest' in that sickeningly smug voice, and although she tried to defy him, her body moved on its own, against her will. It hurt like hell to move at all, but she couldn't stop it. At the very least she still had some control, and she reached up to wipe some of the blood from her face.

"You know, I was just wondering," she rasped, "what was going on with all that civil behavior. The last time we met, you had your blade in my stomach, after all. The breaking my eyes and the torture, though... that's so much more like you. What a relief! If you'd actually changed, I might have even felt bad about killing you." She inhaled deeply, and then smiled at him. "Because I am going to kill you, Prince of Xerena. This damn thing won't stay on me forever, I can promise you that. In fact, if you take it off right now, I might even kill you quickly. Otherwise... I'll definitely make you suffer before you die, and your innocent hero act won't save you. But of course, my prince is going to be very angry with you when he finds me, so he might kill you first... though I do hope not. After all, I want to do it myself... so you'd better not lay a hand on me." She leaned forward, and her smile widened, sharp and vicious. "That way, you might survive a little longer."

[Elysian Kentarchy]

Sable

I shake my head apologetically and finally manage to look up from the ground. "While it is now a moot point I must apologize Archbishop Cecily, I do not know where in the world Lady Saeria went. Even if I did though it is unlikely we would be catch up with her, with how fast Lady Saeria can move if she pushes herself..." I tilt my head think it over for a moment, "to be blunt if she went without sleep she could be anywhere between here and Xerena depending on how hard she pushes herself. She left us here explicitly because we would slow her down when she unleashes her full magic for travel. Though I would not worry too much about their odds, my master is powerful and, according to her, Prince Ekatiz is the most powerful of the surviving Champions of Light so together I have little doubt about their victory."

I hate being apart from her, I know I will become a priestess myself in a couple years but setting out on my own someday still terrifies me.

I dismiss that negative thought from my mind and tilt my head towards the red haired boy in acknowledgement. "Your friend would be correct, based off of our preliminary work the Archbishops are not involved and it is probably underlings. I would not be surprised if it is the usual roving cultists kidnapping people, Luxuria seems to have been ramping that up lately despite our efforts. Though I am unsure... I'm not nearly the huntress that my master is but something feels off. Regardless, unless you have any questions for me I suggest we make for the border with Calaria, our initial reports suggest there has been cultist activity in the area and that is the best place to start with finding them. If you do have any questions I am of course at your disposal." I pause and remember what my master said to me and add, "also, upon her return, Lady Saeria will of course wish to speak with you on the matter of your sister Archbishop Cecily."

[Tracian Empire]

Grand Duchy of Wyzkia
Opalinski Castle


"Oh my dear, it's not disloyalty if that man isn't even... if he isn't even acting like a father is supposed do.", Adelajda replied, a bit more lively than before. it was obvious that even in her state, she had no fond memories of Czeslaw. "You certainly don't have to treat him or to think of him as your father if that is how he acted with you. The nobleman is indeed the head of his family, but it doesn't mean that he can do however he pleases. A true nobleman, even in an arranged marriage, needs to treat his wife with gallantry and respect, and to try to emulate the love that might not exist as much as possible. It's how it's always been. And for his children, he must treat them with love. Especially with a daughter, he has to treat her like a princess. That's what my husband always used to say." The woman then remained quiet for a few moments. "They did.. they really did love each other. They were both so kind, and yet so different in many ways.. but their love was true. They both risked their honor for it, but it was the kind of love that was worth it. I don't think either of them ever stopped loving the other."

Adelajda smiled. "I'm glad that you at least had the chance to meet Konstantyn though. That's a moment.. that you should treasure." But then, as bitterness seeped into the girl's voice, as she seemed to be in pain and about to cry, even if no tears would come, the woman stopped looking at her flowers, turned around, and gently hugged her. "Those stories aren't always true. We know not of the way in which fate works, and we can only place our faith in the Gods and hope. But even, even if there is darkness in our life, we all have a chance to get a happy ending at the end, either in this life or in the next. Your mother might not have known happiness here, but I'm sure that she is one of the heavens above and happy now. She probably even managed to meet with Konstantyn again. And as for you my dear, I know not of all the suffering that you have experienced, but no matter how cruel your previous family was, you now have a new one. You have a chance at a different future." Adelajda then giggled. "And thank you for all the compliments my dear. I'm glad that someone finally understands. The flowers know things that others don't. It's because they liked you that I knew that I could trust you from the very beginning. It would make very happy too to have you as part of the family."

Adelajda then hesitated again, thinking a little. "Advice for being a mother.. it's certainly not a bother, but it is somewhat difficult to answer. Being a mother is difficult, it's one of the most difficult things a woman has to do.. but it can also be the most beautiful, and the thing that can bring you the most happiness. What's important for you to remember is that you won't be alone. It's very easy to feel overwhelmed, and to feel like you'll be personally responsible of everything that happens to the baby, but you won't be alone. You will have help. And you will have to rest. It's exhausting, both giving birth and taking care of a child. But we will be here. Rafal will most certainly not let you alone, and I will do my best to help. Knowing Rafal like I do, he will do his absolute best to pamper you." Adelajda giggled again. "And other than that.. you'll have to trust yourself. As difficult as it is. You already have the most important things. You have the instincts of a mother, and what's even more important, you have a kind heart. Kindness is the most important of all. It doesn't matter if there will be issues, if things won't be perfect, they never are. But as long as you do it with kindness and love, you won't fail. "

[Intermountain States]

Wodzimyśl, Wyzkia
Stefen Rogalski

"Lord Stefen, a man has come to see you," Waclaw said as Stefen was finishing up a paperwork.

"You do not have to refer to me as a lord, Waclaw," Stefen said. "But who is the man who wants to meet with me?"

"My apologies, Stefen. Some old habits are hard to kick," Waclaw responded. "A bearded knight with a Duivenian accent asked if the proprietor of this establishment is Stefen. Claims his name was Jean-Marc." Stefen snapped at attention at the mention of the name.

"Jean-Marc? I haven't heard of that name in a while," he said while standing from his desk. "Where is he? I must meet him!"

"Downstairs at the front room, my Lord," Waclaw answered, pointing at the door. "Otylia is serving him and his blonde companion some tea and cookies."

Once Stefen caught sight of the knight and Vicki, the three exchanged handshakes and hugs.

"Been a while since I've seen you two, what brings you to this city?" Stefen asked over the sound of Vicki munching on some confectionaries.

"The job of a wandering knight brings me all over the realm," Jean-Marc answered as he took a sip from his cup of tea. "Actually, when I was freeing some slaves with Vicki at the Anselm-Wyzkia border, an employee of yours helped out with fighting the mercenaries and she told me of this place. I decided to drop by after bringing the freed slaves to a nearby town."

"You met Asche? Was she alright?" Stefen asked with a slight worry in his tone. His friend nodded.

"She helped us out a ton, thinning down the slavers with her abilities. When I last saw her, she went north to find Kaesar. A skilled fighter, you trained her well, Stefen," Jean-Marc answered. Stefen relaxed a bit hearing the news.

"Well, you are free to spend the night in this building if you wish," Stefen offered.

"Thank you for the offer," Jean-Marc answered. "It has been a long ride and I was planning on spending the night at a lodge in the city but this saves me any trouble. I will offer my service as a knight in helping our any additional bounties for free." He then turned to Vicki who's still munching on the cookies and then turned back to Stefen.

"This is also for any potential food expenses you might accrue from the time Vicki is spent on her human form," he whispered.

"I can still hear you, master," Vicki retorted.

"You know, I've been wondering for a long time, does eating food replenish a Relic's mana?" Stefen asked. The knight shook his head.

"Eating does absolutely nothing for relics," he answered. "Relics don't have to eat but it does remind them of their humanity or Loroiity, depending on the race of their past lives. They could probably enjoy a dish but it won't affect their mana or anything.""

---

Otylia and Stefen sat across from the customer, a worried looking man in his forties. Otylia wrote down everything the man said.

"My mother lives in Świątniki Górne and I heard rumors of a deadly plague ravaging the town. I sent a messenger bird but it hasn't came back once the deadline passed," the man said. "A neighbor of mine who does business with a merchant living in the city and he sent a courier out but that courier never returned. I am worried if the rumors are true and I want to know what happened to my mother.

"I heard this is one of the best private investigation and bounty hunting business in the realm. All I need is closure and a confirmation to the rumor. A couple of concerned citizens like myself have pooled together some for you to bring closure to the rumors." When Stefen saw the money, he was shocked by the amount.

"That is a lot of money for a simple job. I can't justify taking that much for such a simple mission," Stefen said. "Just

"You are a kind soul," the man said. "Thank you for your help. I run a bakery three blocks down so once you finished with the task, you know where to find me." After the man left, Otylia gave a worried look to Stefen.

"A deadly plague at Świątniki Górne? I know you are an experienced warrior but this could be a dangerous task, especially if the rumors are true and you get infected."

"I've tracked down and brought to justice sorcerers and villains who deal with poison and unholy sorcery so I have the equipment for such a job," Stefen responded. "Although, I might need someone with a holy figure to help. Perhaps Jean-Marc would be of assistance."

He found Jean-Marc at the back of the building, practicing with a dull sword on a a wooden target. When Jean-Marc noticed Stefen, he ceased his training.

"What's going on? Need any kind of assistance?" he asked, wiping some sweat off his face with a handkerchief. Stefen nodded.

"There's a bounty job investigating Świątniki Górne of a possible plague that's been ravaging the city," Stefen answered, tossing him a canteen of water. "I have some gears that could help with poison but this job may also require something holy for help. You want to help out?"

"Doesn't sound like it would be too much of an issue for me or Vicki to help out with," Jean-Marc answered. "You can count on our support. I still have the carriage that I stole from the Jackals so we could use that for quicker travels. Just let me know when we're leaving and I'll make my preparations."

"Excellent," Stefen said. "We're leaving tomorrow morning. I'll have the weapons, food, and gears taken care of. Just pack up whatever you need for the trip and get a good rest."

[Tracian Empire]

Later
A glade where the Sins had met


Ekaitz sighed deeply. "Your mind is as clouded by delusions as it has always been. We used to think that maybe your spirits were clouded by the sorcery of the Mage-Emperor, but to see that you simply drifted to being corrupted by the Sins, and that you still have so much darkness in your soul despite not remembering anything.. maybe you've always been that way. Maybe the shade of treason was always present, deep inside you.", he told her, a sad smile on his face. "The magic in your eyes had to be broken, for your safety and for ours, and Saeria diligently doing her duty and looking through your mind was an inevitable consequence of you refusing to cooperate. We know that the Cult of Sins is planning something, and we can't allow the biggest source of evil remaining in the Silver Realms to keep hurting innocents. Desperate times call for desperate measures. You should be thankful that as our former friend, we had the courtesy of restraining to only messing with your mind. Had we given you to the Faith's Judgment like they had so strongly requested, you would have experienced what real torture is like." Another sigh however quickly followed. "You really do hate us, don't you? We are not some common thug. You can at the very least be certain that we won't be laying a hand on you. We proposed it once, that is true, but that is back when we used to think that you were.. something more. Not a pitiful prostitute, driven astray by darkness. Crests confer trust, but using them in order to achieve such means would be.. weak. If one needs the power of a crest to gain something like that, they are weak."

Ekaitz took a deep breath. "We all die in the end, don't we? We don't fear death. And suffering before death is to be expected. If the Gods decide that we must suffer for my actions, then who are we to judge Them? But we do feel like all our actions are justified. Sometimes, in order to protect the light, we must step into the shade. I would welcome the return of the Velikiyan prince. Our failure to kill him permanently the first time has clearly led to the deaths of more innocents. If he's still following that accursed necromancer.." A few moments of silence followed, as Ekaitz stood there, thinking. "But if you remain closed within your bitterness and hate, you will not learn anything, and the path of redemption will remain closed to you. You must learn, at any cost." He looked at her with his emerald eyes, as his sad smile turned into a faint smirk. "You are more than free to say anything bad about us, but so I order you, slave of the crest, for every insult, comment, or remark that you throw towards us, you must say something of the same nature about your beloved prince. Maybe like this, you shall see that us and him.. we're not that different, except for the final and most important choice we've made."

[Fereni]

Grand Duchy of Wyzkia
Opalinski Castle

"A princess?" Alina managed a small, bitter laugh. "No, he certainly never treated me like a princess. I tried wearing that necklace my mother loved one day, and he hit me, he screamed at me until I took it off. I just wanted to feel closer to her, but he wouldn't let me do that. It wasn't the first time he hit me, either... he did that a lot. Rafal saw it, too, when he disowned me. I really think he hated me. I tried so hard, but no matter what I did, it was never good enough... I wanted him to love me, but he didn't. He wouldn't. My mother is the only person who's ever loved me, and she's gone... Rafal, he... he cares, but he doesn't love me, not like that. He feels sorry for me. That's why... he asked me to marry him. I kept telling him that it wasn't fair to him, but he wouldn't listen to me. I wanted to let people think that it's because we're in love, because it's hard to talk about what really happened, but... you're his mother, and if we're going to be family, then I think you should know the truth. We're not in love. He just pities me, and he's too kind for his own good. I understand if that means you won't accept me the way you said you would when you thought I loved him." She tried to smile. "I'll still do my best to be a good wife. If he's giving up his chance at finding someone he loves for me, I'll do my best not to let any of you down... I'll do whatever I need to." She instinctively straightened herself up as much as possible, that familiar voice echoing in her head.

"Sit up straight." He looks her over critically, and grimaces as he sees the dirt on the hem of her dress. "Show me your hands." She does, timidly, and flinches back at the anger in his eyes. "Your hands are filthy. You've been working in the garden again, haven't you?"

"I'm sorry, Father, I was just taking care of some of the weeds--"

"We have servants who can attend to such matters. I thought I made it very clear to you that you are not to do that anymore! You spend far too much time there as it is. Do you think any well-bred man will want a wife who's constantly out playing in the dirt?"

"I wasn't playing, I just--"

"A woman of your station should not be getting her hands dirty. Your job is to oversee the servants, not do their work for them!"

"I'm sorry, Father." She squeezes her eyes shut. Please don't hit me again.

"Sit there just like that until I return. I'll have one of the servants watch you, so don't even think about slouching or trying to sneak off. You will sit quietly, and you will think about the traits a proper lady must possess. Your future husband will want a wife who is beautiful and graceful, not someone who acts like a child covered in mud."

"Yes, Father."

He starts to walk away, and then turns back to look at her, sitting straight and perfect like a doll. "Alina?"

She opens her eyes, a small part of her hoping he'll praise her. She's doing what he wants, after all. "Yes, Father?"

"If I catch you working in the garden again, I'll burn it."

"I just... I just wanted him to love me," she whispered. "But he never did. No one's ever loved me except my mother, and she's... I just wanted somebody to love me. That's why I..." That's why he tricked me. I thought he cared. I thought someone finally cared, but he only-- She shuddered, but didn't say anything else.

When Adelajda hugged her, her eyes opened wide in shock, but she didn't pull away. It was... comforting, she thought. But the words she said... she didn't know, but they were so, so wrong. A better future? The best Alina could hope for was that no one else would find out the full truth. I'm scared, was what she wanted to say. I'm scared. They ruined my life, and I'm pregnant, and there's nothing I can do about it, and I'm so, so scared. But she couldn't say that. If she said that, then surely even Adelajda would be disgusted, and if she wasn't, then she would just pity Alina like Rafal did.

She certainly had no hope of things getting better in the next life. She knew who her soul belonged to at this point, and she knew that nothing waited for her save eternal suffering. But she couldn't think about that, or she would cry again. Instead, she tried to pay closer attention to what Adelajda was saying.

"I'm glad... someone understands, too. People always think I'm crazy if I say I can understand flowers, but it's true, I can. And the flowers here, they're all so happy and content... they're grateful to you for taking such good care of them. And I'm... I'm grateful too. You're being so kind to me."

Her advice was somewhat intimidating. She knew very well just how hard it was going to be, especially since she would be raising the child of a man she couldn't even name, born from something that she never wanted, something that still haunted her every time she closed her eyes at night. A child would only be a constant reminder of that. She had to try and pretend, at least, that it was Rafal's, but she would never be able to convince herself of that. They'd never done anything that could produce a child, after all. It was simply impossible.

"Thank you," she said softly. "Thank you for saying that. I will... certainly do my best." Even if I can never love that child, I... I'll try. I don't want them to feel unloved like I did, so I'll try... "And I know... Rafal will try to help me. He's so kind. Everyone here is so kind to me... it makes me feel a little bit less afraid." That was true enough, at least. She was still terrified, and the rest of her life stretched out before her, frightening and painful--but she wouldn't be alone. That, at least, she could cling to, and she clung to Adelajda, trying to remind herself of that. She had to try and find at least some hope, because otherwise, she didn't think she would even be able to survive until the child was born.

Later
A glade where the Sins had met

"You broke my eyes for my safety? Gods, how many times are you going to try lying to me?" She folded her arms, her tone full of contempt. "I don't need my eyes to see through your bullshit. We were never friends. You never saw me as anything but a prostitute. You wanted to own me, and when I turned you down, you decided to mutilate me instead. If you really only cared about saving people, you wouldn't have tortured me before I died. You wouldn't have mocked me. You didn't cut my eyes out to save me, you cut my eyes out because I had the audacity to love a blind boy instead of submitting to you. How is that justified? Of course I hate you. And I don't believe you for a minute. With all your lies, how am I supposed to? You're just the sort of bastard who would use these crests to get anything you want. You think you're so special, and that you're entitled to everything you want, but I've had kings kneel at my feet. Men like you are a dime a dozen, so why should I give you anything? I highly doubt you could satisfy me anyway. Not the way he did, that's for certain. Yes, I gave him what you wanted, and I loved every minute of it. Even though sometimes, he's just as entitled as you..."

She was shocked at the words that came out of her mouth, yet... she didn't entirely disagree. "He would never follow that damn necromancer, oh no, not him. Since he won't bend the knee to anyone, since that bitch is using him, making him like that... Spending three years only using me as a loyal servant, when I would have done anything for him, and trying to throw me away when it became inconvenient..." She scowled at him. "But I forgave him, so those words you made me say don't mean a damn thing. You're nothing like him, and I'll never believe anything else. Go fuck yourself, since I certainly never will."

[Kylantha]

---

Soren

---

Soren's eyes blinked open as the first slivers of daylight shone upon him through the window. Squinting, the young fellow sat up in bed, trying to remember where he was. To that end, he looked at the tavern room. It was a mess. Clothes, armor, cups, and empty bottles of alcohol littered the floor. A simple wooden table was on its side, and one of two chairs was missing a leg. Soren rubbed at his eyes. It looked like there had been quite the scuffle. So.. Why was he naked..? And why was there a man in the bed next to him, snoring away..?

"Ah.." Soren chuckled to himself as the memory slowly returned to him. Right. The night before had been filled with music and laughter. And in the midst of it all, this fellow - a bodyguard for hire, had propositioned him. Soren recalled that he'd agreed to join him... But only if he was willing to pay in wine and beer. Lots of it. So they ended up drinking all night, with the mercenary expressing some concern about Soren's excessive and continuous alcohol consumption. But to that, Soren only laughed in reply. Since he was really a dragon, he could drink for days and not experience even the slightest inebriation. All it really did was make him incredibly frisky.

With many more bottles of cheap booze left, Soren ended up sleeping with the warrior whom he found was a most virile bedmate indeed. In addition to that, he was a big spender too. It made him want to stay. But his time in this village was done. He had spent over two weeks exploring, and the night before would be the conclusion to his writings about it. Slipping gracefully from underneath the sheets, Soren stood bare naked in the light, raising his arms in a stretch as his clothes materialised about him. He intended to leave right away, but it seemed that his movements had roused the mercenary. The man remained in bed as he spoke.

"Up already? Why don't you lay with me for a little bit longer, little songbird?" he was still quite groggy and kept his eyes closed. All the better.

Soren chuckled more at the nickname than anything, smiling over his shoulder. "I do beg your pardon, warrior-friend. Last night was wonderful, and so were you. But this songbird really must be going... Perhaps we'll meet again, sometime in the future. Hopefully then you'll still be willing to buy the drinks. But until then..." He winked and blew a kiss at the man, who was stunned as a gust suddenly tore through the room, throwing the sheets up in his face.

The man shot up straight in bed, incredulous. The window now hung open, and Soren was gone. Only a gentle breeze remained.

"W-what..? What happened..?" The mercenary suddenly found himself confused and subsequently frustrated. He would clearly remember the previous night of music and romance, but not with whom he had shared it..

---

Later in the day, Soren was making preparations for his departure. He was making for a larger settlement this time. One he had never been to before. He was browsing through various stalls in the village plaza, gathering small food items and ingredients with which to make simple elixirs. He was humming a serene tune to himself as he did so, gaining the attention of a few of those standing around him. A strange sort of calm seemed to fall upon them as they listened. From across the plaza however, there seemed to be some sort of commotion. Soren's tune ceased, and people began to search for the source of the disturbance. Soren tilted his head and raised an eyebrow, intrigued. Staff in hand, he followed the sound of what seemed to be fighting.

A crowd had gathered, and it took Soren some time to navigate through it. On the other end were several armed men who appeared to be picking themselves up after quite the battle. There were six bodies on the ground, three of which were clearly slaves. One who looked to be the leader of the armed men was furious, barking at the others to gather the dead. Listening closely, Soren was able to gather that they were preparing to send out men after a group of truants, likely those responsible for what had happened here. Once he was able to get a direction, he himself set out immediately.

---

Away from the eyes of the public, Soren had shifted into his alternate form, that of a silver hawk. It allowed him to catch up to the slave wranglers and their quarry quickly, though finding them was not easy. At first he followed the path, but found nothing. Circling overhead though, he soon noticed some movement in the woods below. A-ha. It was likely that the escapees attempted to break away from the path to try and lose their pursuers. Locking on, Soren drew his wings close and dove down into the canopy. He came to rest on a branch and then shifted back into his human form as he watched the scene unfold...

[Tracian Empire]

Grand Duchy of Wyzkia
Ⰳⱃⰵⰴⰸⰹ Ⰴⱆⰽⰰⱅ Ⱎⱏⰹⰸⰽⰹⱁⱃ
Grędzi Dukat Wyzkor

Vis e fidelitate efflorescit

Fear. Fear and confusion were spreading throughout Northern Wyzkia. Through rumors, through sermons, and through whispers in taverns. The population had taken the death of the Grand Duke in their stride, burying the sadness that the end of such a beloved man would bring. They had no time for it anyway, with the Night of the Crimson Moons so close...death and blood had then been kept at bay during that accursed night, and the realm had persevered, but dark had quickly started to spread as soon as the first light of the dawn of the following day. Rumors about a plague. Świątniki Górne was an important city in the northwest of the country, build along the Wisłoka river, an important port, and a crossroads of trade, due to the Jałby Pęć, the White Bridge, a metallic, magical bridge over the Wisłoka, built to serve a town of the Silver Throne that had once existed in this region. Extensively fortified due to its position and the not too distant threat of Anselm, Świątniki Górne benefited from imposing walls, deposits of food and cisterns of water, and was defended by a strong garrison and a small company of paladins. As such, it was expected to be able to resist whatever dangers it might have to face during the Crimson Night, and it was used as a refuge by many people from the nearby villages.


And yet, when the dawn arrived, and messengers were sent all throughout the realm, no such messenger ever arrived from Świątniki Górne. Or from the nearby nobles and their castles. The messengers set to the city never returned either.. and neither did the small retinues sent by some nobles to check on the situation. Traders from the city never continued their journey, and traders from the rest of the country were too afraid to continue their journey, as some survivors from the city reached the closest settlements, and incoherently spoke and screamed of a plague and of hordes of undead. The news spread like wildfire. A disease and death, and soon it was the talk of the day in all Wyzkian taverns. It couldn't have been natural. Not on that night. And not when all stories swore that cultists of Invidia had been seen near the city, led by their necromancer-archbishop.

And yet despite the fear and the mystery, some people soon started their journey towards the city. Some following orders, some for money, some trying to help.

---

On the main road towards Świątniki Górne

It was close to dusk, the orange light of the fading sun in the sky above. The main road towards the city, once filled with travelers even at night, was now deserted for miles in every direction, with the exception of a small group of three paladins, riding on their mounts. The gryphons were larger than a couple horses put together, and each of them were holding knights on their backs. The paladin sitting in the saddle of the one in the front seemed to be a little younger.

A dark red helmet was covering his head, with comb-like cheek-pieces that had heart-shaped cut in the middle, a neckguard, and a leaf-shaped visor that masked most of his face. His crimson hair was just barely visible, and his eyes, seemingly alternating between red and blue depending on how the light hit them. The armor itself was relatively light like all paladin armors, mostly covering the upper part of his body - a light, crimson cuirass, a similar metallic back plate, a collar, shoulder and forearm guards, and iron gloves. Crimson pants were only partially covered by lighter armor pieces around the hip and the thighs, and smaller pieces to protect the knees, and the boy also seemed to be wearing a thigh-length coat of mail underneath the armor. Light and mobile, especially when compared to what normal knights were wearing, and necessary when you were flying around on such a large beast. The boy was also wearing a ceremonial leopard pelt over his left shoulder, but what was even weirder was the last piece of his costume too wooden arcs attacked to the back of his armor, raised over his head. Bristling feathers were sticking out of them, dyed in too many colors to count, creating the impression that he had beautiful, angel like wings.. and these weren't just ceremonial. Magical marks were encrusted into the wooden frame, and as such, these false wings really were a paladin's guardian angel - slowing them down and saving them if they were to fall from their gryphons up in the air. The boy was holding a crimson, wooden lance, gilded with golden models and decorations, six meters in length, and with a silver tip, in his right hand, and a shield in his left one - with the same crimson color, but covered with an emblem showing a white rose surrounded by a similarly white crown of thorns. The second paladin was a much larger, well-built and more imposing man, with silver hair and a long beard, and light yellowish eyes. He was armed with a similar combo of a lance and a shield, but was also holding a quite long and heavy war-hammer on his back. The third paladin, ending the group, was a woman, her silver-blonde hair just slightly visible through the helmet, and her purple eyes looking anxiously around them.


"It's getting late, Rafał. We should probably make camp around here.", the older man said in a low voice, as if he was expecting them to be followed. The three gryphons continued to move forward for a little, but eventually, Rafal motioned for them to stop."Let us stop for the night here then.", he replied, pointing his finger at a clearing next to the road. The paladins stopped, and despite their small number, started preparing a camp as their rules demanded, with the tents in the middle. And they waited.

---

Opalinski Castle

Adelajda simply continued to hug her, listening to all that she had to say. The garden was filled with silence, but there was no tension in the air, no fear. Despite the swirl of dark emotions that was going on inside Alina's mind and was threatening to take over all of her, the atmosphere around was calming and serene. A few more such moments passed, until she eventually sighed. "I thought it might be something like that. My Rafal has always been kind, too kind even. He has a soft heart, but also a very strong sense of justice. He absolutely idolizes his father and the paladins, and spent his childhood among stories of knights and heroes. He even had a portrait of Remigil in his room when he was little, he was always his personal hero." A slight smile appeared on the silver haired woman's face. "But you should not worry about it, my dear. Even if it isn't truly love, I am nevertheless glad that it's a marriage that happened because my son wanted it. As nobles, we are bound to our word and to our blood. Too seldom do nobles, even men, have a say in their marriage. The chance of finding true love is very little even for the best of us. So in the end, the fact that he chose it, that he chose you.. it's enough for me. And regardless of that, once you marry him, we will be family. Nothing will change that.", she told Alina, her voice warm and soft. "And you shouldn't worry about Rafal too much. Even if he did this because of his soft heart, you are both kind people. I'm sure that your marriage will be a happy one, and love will eventually grow between the two of you, like it did between me and my husband. And even for someone like Rafal, to choose the option of marriage like that.. I'm sure that at the very least he's seen something in you."

Adelajda giggled. "And after all, even leaving all of this aside, you are Marysia's daughter. Us two.. during the years we spent at the Ducal Court, we were like sisters. Had it not been for the war, and if I didn't to remain here, waiting.. waiting for my husband.."Rafal's mother stopped a little, seemingly a bit confused, but she quickly moved on, "Us two would have certainly met.. a lot earlier. You would have been part of the family even like that. And knowing that you are her daughter.. I'm sure that you will be an exemplary wife. The flowers know it too..I don't understand what they say, but I can feel them. The flowers like you, Alina, and that for me counts more than what any human could say. Flowers know and understand things we don't, and remember things that we forget..."

Once again, Adelajda stopped, a bit of the hollowness from before appearing in her eyes again, as she gently let go of Alina and looked at her. "There is.. but one question that I have to ask you. What would you do, if in a few years, Rafal, as your husband and as the father of your child, goes to war, called to duty, and never returns?"

[Fereni]

Opalinski Castle

"He is too kind," Alina said softly. "He's done so much for me already, and just keeps doing more... I shouldn't have said what I did to him. After everything he's done, I... what an ungrateful thing to do, when he's never been anything but kind to me. I was happy when he asked me to marry him. I didn't think... I would ever have a choice. I was so afraid I'd end up marrying someone like that man, and would have to be afraid for me, for our children... but Rafal is so kind and gentle. I always wanted to marry someone like him when I was younger, I just never really thought I could..." Especially not now. "I don't think... he will ever really love me, not like that. For someone like me, it's just not possible. But that's okay. I'll be happy enough, just knowing that he won't treat me the way that man treated my mother... although he's probably angry with me now. But it's Rafal. Even if he is angry, he won't hurt me." She seemed almost to be trying to convince herself of that. She'd seen him angry for her, and had it been directed at her, it would have been terrifying. He wouldn't treat her like that, though... right? Even though she'd said such horrible things. He wouldn't hurt her. He wasn't like that man at all. He wouldn't shout at her or hit her, even if she did deserve it, for being so ungrateful... He wouldn't... Surely he wouldn't.

You don't understand, a part of her wanted to say. He didn't choose to marry me because he saw something special in me. He chose to marry me because it was the only thing he could possibly do to help me. But she couldn't admit that to Adelajda, not now, not ever. She'd already said more than she'd thought she could.

"I'm glad... that my mother had someone like you in her life," she added with a small smile. "You, and the Grand Duke... I'm glad she had people that cared about her, so she had some happiness. I hope I can live up to her example. She sounds like she was wonderful... I wish I could have known her longer. And I think... I think you're right, about the flowers. I trust them. The reason you trust me is the same reason that I trust you. It's because they like you. If they didn't... I couldn't have told you all these things. I would be too afraid. But the way you care for them tells me that I can trust you."

Adelajda's last question, though... that shocked her. That thought, that Rafal might die, might leave her alone... she'd known, of course, that it was possible. He was a knight, after all, he had responsibilities, and some of those responsibilities would put him in danger. Still, actually thinking about it... it was too frightening. What would she do if that happened, if she had to live on and raise her child without him? Could she even do that, or would it be too much for her? Gods, I really am just a broken little whore, aren't I? The words crossed her mind with very little hesitance. He was right to pity her, wasn't he? Even if she hated it, he wasn't wrong... since just the thought of trying to keep all of this up without him to lean on terrified her to her core.

"I... I would..." She hesitated, and tried to keep her voice steady. "I would do... whatever I had to. Even if he wasn't there, I would still have things I needed to do... I would try to keep going, and raise my child as best as I could, even though I know it would be hard to do it without him. I've done a lot of hard things... so I hope that I could do that, too. I just hope... that it won't come to that, because even if we aren't in love... the truth is, I'm scared to be without him. I'm not a very strong person, but he helps me. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't even be alive. The first time we met, he saved me... there were some men, and they wanted--they wanted to--" A wave of nausea overcame her at the thought, and she practically bent double, clutching her stomach and trying to breathe normally. "He stopped them," she finally said, though her voice was weak and trembling. "He made them leave me alone. I don't know if they would have killed me when they were done, but even if they hadn't, I don't think I could have survived it. I was so scared, I don't ever want to feel like that again. I don't want to have anyone touch me like that again." Let Adelajda think that she was only remembering the men she'd met in that field, even though they hadn't actually laid a hand on her. She couldn't know the full truth. "I know... once I'm married, that won't be an option, but I can get through it, I'm sure I can." She'd have to pretend, after all, if she was going to say that Rafal was the father of her child, though in reality, she didn't think she would ever be able to let him do any such things. The thought was just too frightening. "Rafal... he's saved me in so many ways. I don't know what I would do without him, but... if I had to, I would just... I'd force myself to get through it, I suppose. I don't know what else I could possibly do."

[Faal Lot Himdah]

Kazimiera Baltozyte, The Archbishop of Industria
A clearing alongside the road to Świątniki Górne
Meeting some Paladins

---

An undead plague. Such an event would surely not go unnoticed, and so it wasn't. The Cult of Virtues had recently caught word of the recent events in Wyzkia, and it wasn't long before one of the Archbishops decided to act. Surprisingly, the one who was first to make her decision to act known as the Archbishop of Industria, Kazimiera Baltozyte. Normally, she would want to gather as much information as possible before acting, but due to the nature of the undead plague and its scale, acting fast was necessary. And so, here she was, on horse back, riding for Świątniki Górne to perform her duties as the Archbishop of Industria, and put an end to the undead plague before it could grow out of control.

As dusk fell, Kazimiera came upon a clearing by the side of the road. In the clearing, there were already a few tents set up, and three gryphons. It was the gryphons that caught her attention first, but then it was the three Paladins of Wyzkia waiting in the camp.

"Good evening..." Kazimiera, in her armour said as she approached the camp. She stopped at the perimeter of the camp before continuing, "I assume you are here to combat the undead plaguing these lands. May I join you by your fire?"

---

Pynus of the Wind
The Merckburger Fen, Anselm
Tada, a Distraction

---

As Marina got to commanding the water, Pynus stood at her side. She raised a hand to the sky, and began muttering something in her native tongue. As she muttered, a breeze started to pick up around them, blowing towards the water. Getting the wind moving wasn't difficult, nor was getting it to blow just over the surface of the water. No, the real difficult part was making sure she was only drawing the cold winds. That and watching the surface, because if this worked, well, water spouts don't appear gradually, they are rather sudden when they form.

"Once it forms, I'll direct the winds towards that whatever she is... Maybe she'll be sucked up." Pynus said, "But most importantly, once it forms, we'll need to-"

Before she could finish her sentence, Pynus saw the water start to rise before a column of water and wind suddenly exploded upwards into existence.

"RUN!"

With that, Pynus adjusted the wind slightly, to push the spout towards the location where Mireille was. It only took her a second, and once it was done, she started to run towards the edge of the village furthest from the newly formed water spout. She grabbed Marina's hand as she ran past.

---

Yakr Rugma, the Mountain Crusher
The Merckburger Fen, Anselm
Yakr's First Water Spout

---

Throughout the recent events, Yakr had been relatively quiet, observing and waiting for the moment when his strength would be called on. Of course, he thought that would be when the two strangers appeared, but then a series of events happened, which meant that him taking aggressive action would only cause problems. So, he waited and watched.

"What that?" Yakr said as he watched the water spout created by Pynus and Marina form in the distance, pointing it out as it moved closer.

---

Nykolas Baltozys, The Archbishop of Patientia
The village of Bystravo, Zelkoris
Meeting Gryffin

---

"Well Gryffin, the pleasure is all mine." Nykolas said, offering his hand, "You can call me Nykolas. Mind if I sit? I can appreciate the desire for some peace. Though, I have no idea what its like to have fans... Anyways, what brings you to this village?"

[Tracian Empire]

Grand Duchy of Wyzkia
Ⰳⱃⰵⰴⰸⰹ Ⰴⱆⰽⰰⱅ Ⱎⱏⰹⰸⰽⰹⱁⱃ
Grędzi Dukat Wyzkor

Vis e fidelitate efflorescit


Opaliński Kościół

"Don't worry my dear, I'm sure he'll understand. He never could remain angry for long, even when he was little. And he would certainly never even think about hurting you. That's not how he was raised, by me, by his father, or by his brother. He'd do anything to protect the innocent, like a proper paladin would.", Adelajda answered, smiling again. "He's always been kind, too kind perhaps even. That is why under normal circumstances, I might have suspected you of using his kindness against him.. but whatever doubts I once had, they are gone. The flowers know the truth. And I am happy that you trust me, because I also trust you my dear. And I am happy for you two. No one deserves to marry someone like that scoundrel Czeslaw. You both deserve to marry someone kind, and I am glad that you will both find some happiness through this, even if it isn't true love. it's a chance that not many of those from the Golden Book get. So if you two can find some peace and happiness in this, I will support your marriage without a second thought, the lineages of the book be damned. And if need be we'll see what we can do about you being disowned. Such an unfair and spiteful move.. it sounds just like something Czeslaw would do. The Kębra won't accept it. But this is something for another time..I'm sure that you can live up to Marysia's example. If she were still here, I'm sure she'll be proud of what a wife you'll be."

Rafal's mother then sighed. "I'm sorry my dear, for having asked that.. I'm not sure why I did. I just... felt like asking it. We really shouldn't be discussing such depressing things when we have no reason to. The potential death of our husbands is.. something that us, the wives of knights, always have to live with.. but we need not think about it in times of peace and happiness." She turned around to look at Alina again. "It was a good answer though, the answer of a strong wife. But you needn't worry about it. No matter what will happen in the future, you will be a part of this family, and you will be safe, and you won't be alone, never again. I'm sure my husband will make absolutely sure about that once he and Rafal's brother return. "Her voice changed a little, becoming a little colder and harsher. "People like that, who would hurt want to hurt a woman.. they have no honor, no soul, and do not deserve to live. The Paladins have always been bound by their code of honor, and try not to kill more than necessary in the heat of battle, but those who hurt innocents or try to perform such heinous acts deserve nothing less than death." But then, her attitude quickly changed, as she smiled again. "But don't worry my dear. You are safe here. And you can come to my garden whenever you want."


The woman then turned around yet again, and continued to tend to her flowers, just as the sound of footsteps was to be heard at the entrance. It was Rafal.

The red haired boy had a somewhat dejected expression on his face, and yet a look of steely determination in his eyes. He almost visibly flinched when he saw Alina, even though he had clearly come into the garden to look for her, and after a moment's hesitation he continued to walk forward, stopping right next to her, just as his mother moved to another area of flowers, seemingly not even having noticed his arrival. He stopped right in front of the pink haired girl, looking directly at her.

"Alina..", he began, his voice trailing off. "I'm sorry."

Rafal took a deep breath, inhaling and exhaling, as if simply saying that had tired him, trying to calm himself down. "I wasn't trying to lie to you, I was just... I had no idea what to believe, and I didn't want to hurt you. Such a thing, about your mother, if it is true.. then.. then I had no idea how you'd feel about it. And I have no idea how to feel about it myself. Such strong coincidences..but I never thought the Grand Duke to be a man who could do something like that and.." Again, the boy stood, and took a deep breath. "I know that it might be wrong, but I never, ever want to hurt. That's why so often I treat you.. as if you're made of porcelain. I feel like saying anything wrong might break you, and I'm afraid of that. I want you to be happy, to be at ease, not to be hurt because of something I said. And I often don't know what to say. I've spent most of my childhood training to be a paladin, with few friends I've never been good with words." Rafal smiled sadly, looking directly at her with red-blueish eyes. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to, and it seems that I did the exact thing I was trying to desperately avoid, but I hurt you. I made you feel like I was patronizing you. But I'm not, I just.. I feel bad for you, I do, but it's not just pity, I.. I don't know. I don't know what I feel, and I don't know what to say. But I don't think you're crazy, and I'm sorry. And.. if that is indeed true, then.. then I'm glad. I'd be glad to know that the bastard claiming to be it isn't your father. And, as for Anastazja.. I'm not sure what she'll believe, but I'll be here for you no matter of what she'll feel. And I'll try...I'd do anything not to hurt you. Just tell me what I should do."

---

On the road to Świątniki Górne
A camp

The paladins had of course noticed the approaching traveler pretty early on, so they were standing up, ready for anything, with the hands on the handles of their swords. In the short time that had passed, they had managed to set up a pretty respectable camp, with tents, a fire, and a small perimeter made up from sharpened wooden stakes. As Kazimiera approached the camp and stopped, one of the paladins, the red haired one who seemed to be their leader, took a step forward, looking directly at her.

"Good evening, my Lady.", he replied back, his behavior slightly guarded. "We have indeed been sent here in order to investigate and do whatever we can in order to deal with the reports of an undead plague and the lack of an answer from Świątniki Górne. Protecting civilians is however paramount to our mission. You could most certainly join us, but in times such as these, we have to be careful. Might I ask for your name, my Lady, and ask what it is that you are doing here?"The paladin removed his hand from the handle of his sheathed sword so as to seem less threatening, but his comrades were still on guard. "I do no intent to be impolite however, so let me present myself first. I am Rafal Warensko, Baron of Opalinski, and these here are fellow members of the Order of the Paladins, Krzyszczan Leszyk Tylutk, Count of Markin, and Julana Gwilemina Twaróg, Countess of Bednorz. "

---

League of Anselm
Ⰵⰹⰴⰳⰵⱀⱁⱄⱄⰵⱀⱄⱌⱍⰰⱇⱅ ⰲⱁⱀ Ⰰⱀⱄⰵⰾⰿ
Eidgenossenschaft von Anselm

Liberare necesse est, vivere non necesse


Somewhere in southern Anselm

The sound of metal hitting metal was clinging from in between the trees, not all that far away from the town of Rotangen. A small group of guards and mercenaries, distinguished by their simple armors and gray clothing for the former, and the engraved armors and richly colored clothing for the latter, were forming a rough circle, surrounding a larger group of people that nevertheless seemed to be in a much worse situation. The escaped slaves, for what they were was quite obvious, were wearing ragged clothes, gray or brown coats and tunics, and were mostly armed with stolen weapons, knives, pitchforks, a few spears. Only a few of them, the leaders, and the ones who had organized the improvised escape, were slightly better equipped, with small wooden shields with their emblems scratched off, swords, and even helmets. The slaves were also pretty diverse - a few of them, including their leaders, were humans, others were Loroi, of both the Sun and the Moon, one or two seemed to be of mixed blood, and there was even a Zemrai among them. Most of them had metallic collars, or handcuffs with broken chains, but they had luckily not been important enough to warrant slave crests or the engraving of magic into their collars, with the exception of one of them - a female dark Loroi, with long silver hair, who was clearly in a lot of pain because of her magical collar. The sound of her crying was barely heard over the sounds of the battle, and two other women, a human and a Loroi of the Moon were attending to her as she was laying down on the ground, in the middle of the circle.

The slaves who were able to fight, most of them men but with a few women among them, were organized into a defensive circle themselves, but the short battle was already going against them. Several of them were wounded, with cuts in different parts of their bodies, one was so weakened that he had fallen down on one knee, but he was still defiantly holding his spear up and towards the enemy. And the feeling of death had already spread throughout the forest. A slave, a human teenager, was laying dead in between the two groups of warriors, a sword wound in his chest, and behind the guards and the mercenaries was an elderly man, a human guard, fallen on the ground in a pool of his own blood, a wound on his neck, in an area not protected by his cheap armor. The mercenaries, who had been hired by the Company of the Forsaken to guard the transport, and who had been out drinking while the escape had happened were smiling, but the guards, local people who were doing their duty and had been pressed into service, certainly weren't, a look of cold determination of hate present on their faces.

"It would seem that they do not want to surrender.", one of the mercenaries declared, a male with long black hair and green eyes, who seemed to be the commander of the soldiers. "Try not to kill them if possible, but if they resist, do not hold back. As long as the precious cargo remains alive, the losses shouldn't be too high. Forward!", he ordered, while the slaves said nothing, with the exception of some quiet prayers from the women and children in the middle of the defensive circle.

And the soldiers started moving forward, no one on either side having noticed the arrival of a silver hawk..

[Faal Lot Himdah]

Kazimiera Baltozyte, The Archbishop of Industria
A clearing alongside the road to Świątniki Górne
Introductions

---

"Diligence during any time is never uncalled for." Kazimiera said as she dismounted, and turned to Rafal, giving a slight bow before she continued, "Baron Warensko, I apologize for not introducing myself sooner. I am the heir to the Voivode of Rikniste of the Kingdom of Zelkoris, but perhaps you'd know me better as the Archbishop of Industria, Kazimiera Baltozyte. I too am here to investigate and deal with the undying taint that is supposedly spreading across the land here."

After a moment of silence, Kazimiera continued, "Seeing as our goals align, I would very much enjoy the pleasure of working alongside the three of you."

[Intermountain States]

On the road to Świątniki Górne
Stefen Rogalski

Jean-Marc was studying the map on the way to Świątniki Górne. Stefen was to his left, directing the horses. From what Stefen remembered from his younger years, there were always travelers and merchants heading to and from Świątniki Górne and the roads were always lively. This time, he saw very few people coming from the city and the rumors of a viscous plague begin to worry him.

His friend seemed to have noticed the worried look on Stefen's face.

"Don't worry," he said. "I'm sure there would still be survivors and people we could help. The news had spread, there are bound to be men and women like us responding to the rumors and to bring whatever help they could." Stefen said nothing, despite smiling a little at his friend's assurance. The carriage moved along the road until it was dark and no roadside taverns or inns could be found.

"We'll have to set up camp by the road," Jean-Marc said. "Since we've only seen a few souls, I reckon we wouldn't have to worry about highwaymen taking advantage of the situation."

"Hold on there," Stefen said, pointing at some lights. "See those lights over there? I think that might be a campsite, a military outpost perhaps?" He took out a spyglass from his bag and handed it over to Jean-Marc.

"Take a look through the glass and let me know what you see." he said. His friend took the spyglass and peered through it.

"I see some tents, looks like maybe three. I think there are four people, three men and a woman? I see wooden stakes and a horse," Jean-Marc started. "Oh this is fascinating, there are gryphons. I think we just stumbled upon a Paladin squadron."

"Paladins?" Stefen asked. "If you say gryphons, then that must mean the people you saw were Paladins." With a simple yank from the reins, the horses turned to the direction of the campfire and walked towards the camp.

[Fereni]

Pynus of the Wind
The Merckburger Fen, Anselm
Tada, a Distraction

Marina shouted something incomprehensible as she ran alongside Pynus, sounding absolutely overjoyed with the situation. She didn't really need to run, not in her state, but she certainly wasn't going to object to being pulled along by a pretty elf. "That was great," she finally managed to say, laughing with delight.

Yakr Rugma, the Mountain Crusher
The Merckburger Fen, Anselm
Yakr's First Water Spout

"Nothing good," Lucia said grimly. "The rest of you, run, and if need be I will try to hold it back so that no one is harmed."

Mireille, on the other hand, looked at the water spout with undisguised glee. "That looks cool!" she cheered. "I wanna make one too!"

Grand Duchy of Wyzkia
Opaliński Kościół

As always, the kindness in Adelajda's words and voice made Alina feel slightly dizzy. It was hard to understand how she was supposed to respond--'thank you' didn't feel like enough, but she didn't know what else she could possibly say.

Fortunately, she didn't have to. Unfortunately, this was because Rafal arrived, and despite everything, her ability to speak suddenly seemed to disappear. Her throat closed up, and for a moment she felt like she might faint again. Calm down, she told herself desperately. It's Rafal. He won't--he won't--

Yet when he said her name, and then stopped speaking, she couldn't hold in a quiet whimper of fear. He was angry. He was really angry. That steely look in his eyes--she was working herself into a panic, which was only stopped by the thing she expected the least--an apology.

He continued on, and though her voice shook, she managed to force herself to speak. "It's true," she said quietly. "Our mothers... yours and mine, they knew each other. She was in love with the Grand Duke, and he loved her, too. I know it was her, and not someone else, because... he gave her a necklace, and it was... just like my mother's favorite necklace. And the Marysia who spent time at the ducal court loved dragonflies, just like my mother. It can't be anyone except her. And the thing is, I--I can understand it. Even if people would think it was wrong... she was never happy during her marriage. If she could find someone who made her happy, then I... I don't think that's so bad, is it? If they loved each other, then... it's not that bad. Since there are much worse things that could have happened, I don't... I don't think it was wrong. Maybe I'm being silly again. Maybe those people twisted my mind more than I thought. But I just can't understand why it would be so wrong for her to be happy... I don't think the Grand Duke was my father. Anastazja's, yes, but... he couldn't possibly be my father."

"If you had a father who was willing to claim you... he would no doubt be ashamed to even show his face. Ashamed to admit, no, ashamed to even know that his blood flowed in the veins of a harlot!"

She whimpered again at the memory, covering her ears as if that could block out the voice in her mind. "I just... I think that my mother, and Anastazja's mother... they're the same person, I'm sure of it. But my father--" She laughed bitterly. "I suppose I don't have one. That's fine. It's not as if I..." It's not as if I didn't bring this on myself.

"I'm the one who should be apologizing to you," she finally added softly. "I said all of those horrible things, and I... I know it was ungrateful of me. You've done so much. The moment I said them, I knew I shouldn't have, but I just got so angry... I don't know what's wrong with me. I don't get angry like that, I never have. But I did, and because of that, I was so cruel to you... I just, I hate feeling pitied so much. It makes me feel so small, and weak, and like I'm nothing outside of what happened to me... like I'm just a little broken doll. But still, I... I shouldn't have said those things. I'm sorry, Rafal. I'm really sorry." She couldn't stop shaking, and her eyes burned. "I won't--I won't ever do it again. I promise. I promise, I'll never do it again, so please forgive me. Please don't send me away." Her eyes were focused on something off in the distance, as if she didn't really realize who she was speaking to. "I'll be better, I swear I will, so please... don't send me away..."

[Elysian Kentarchy]

???, the cell of a hermit monk in Wyzkia a couple days ago
I sit there with my eyes closed, contemplating the gods when I hear a knock at the door. "Enter."

"Father Konstantyn?" The voice of a young woman speaks up and my eyes open and I speak calmly.

"Yes my child? Why have you come to seek out a simple monk?"

"The Traitor has returned and we need your help." She says simply.

I tense up at her words, feeling something I have long suppressed but I push it down and ask a simple question. "Why do you concern me with this? Surely the Paladin Maria would be a better choice for dealing with the Traitor."

"The Paladin Maria has been slain, along with all other Paladins stationed at the Monastery of Silver Wings." I feel as though she dumped a bucket of ice water on me with those words. "As things stand there isn't much of the Traitor's entourage left who can tell us if she has any weaknesses, who can help us fight her."

"Weaknesses?" I laugh bitterly and violate a taboo that has set in amongst the Paladins when it comes to her, speaking her name. "Lidia has no weaknesses, that woman was the Perfect Paladin for a reason... there was a reason we all called her that..."

"But Father!"

I raise a hand to stop her. "No, I cannot give you the knowledge you seek. It is beyond my power."

There is a long pause and finally, in a voice of resignation, the woman says, "I understand Father. Good day."

And with that the door to my cell closes behind her. After awhile I sigh. "Lidia, we respected you... I respected you. You were our inspiration, you were the brightest of all the Paladins... Why have you done this? Why have you done any of this?"

Felicity, present time, in the skies above the road to Świątniki Górne

I lean over on my saddle to look at the ground. "That looks to be them, if not we can follow our original instructions and proceed to Świątniki Górne to wait for them. Wouldn't you say?" I ask Ignatius and get a slight nod. "Well let us head down then."

After we land and I get out of the saddle I place my forehead against Ignatius'. "I will go and speak with the other Paladins, don't get into any trouble you hear me?" I whisper to him. While we are not bonded the two of us have come to an understanding of sorts until we determine what to do in the future.

After that I approach the fire and place my fist over my heart in salute. "Squire Felicity of the Monastery of the Silver Wings, Squire to Paladin Maria of the same monastery before her death, reporting in." The words of where I am from sounds hollow to me but that is not a surprise, besides the children I am the last of anyone who lived there thanks to the Traitor.

[Elysian Kentarchy]

Saeria

As the crest is made Saeria glances away for a second before looking back. She has seen crests made in the past but she could never get used to them, she could, of course, appreciate their magic on an academic level but such a thing can be applied to all magic. But her academic understanding helps her understand what has been done and how it impacts one down to the soul itself.

"I am pleased to hear you are concerned for me Ekatiz and I thank you for your praise, as much as I may detest using the magic to rip out and alter memories the Gods gave it to me for a reason and it is for the greater good of the world...." She pauses and resumes speaking. "As for your offer..." Saeria chuckles, her laughter fitting her angelic looks and her smile is a fond one. "I again decline, as flattering as it is I do not need it because my loyalty to you can be expressed through other means." This isn't the first time they have had such an exchange and each time Saeria has always been firm on that front, as much as she may be loyal to him that is a line she refuses to cross because her loyalty is different from the mindless one that people like Rosaria has. At the end of the day she and Ekatiz get along for a variety of reasons and nothing about that seems to have changed, both of them do what they must for the greater good and they have that understanding with one another.

As Ekatiz and Meta go back and forth she ponders Ekatiz's words about the corruption of memories. If the other five are much the same as the two already found then there seems to be little chance of uncovering the truth, literally the memories are just gone, something she had never seen before outside of her own memory magic. But perhaps there is one who might remember. She has heard reports of Lidia's return but not where she is, does Lidia remember everything? Does she have answers? Certainly the fact that her name is remembered and she specifically targeted most of her old entourage and childhood home in a single night implies that something is different about her.

Questions for another day certainly and something to be dealt with later. For now there is the question of the girl in front of them, their old friend, and undoubtedly how a certain someone will probably pursue them when what has been done to Meta has been discovered.

Though she has to say, despite the circumstances and how horrified she should be at what has happened, she almost wants to smile in amusement because Meta has a lot more spunk than she did back in the old days. Time truly does change people, but that statement also includes both her and Ekatiz.

[Kylantha]

---

- Soren -

---

Soren had been watching quietly, assessing the situation now laid out before him. He knew which of these two groups he needed to help. A determined expression remained on his face as he counted the guards and mercenaries, watching their movements and listening to their words. It was imperative that he acted quickly if he was to give the escaped slaves a chance to flee. So once he identified the pursuers' leader, Soren jumped out of the tree and several feet into the air. He performed a frontflip as he soared in an arc over the rounded up slaves and landed with very little sound several feet from two armored guards and the head of the mercenaries.

As he straightened back up, he loosened up his posture so as not to appear threatening at first. He addressed the leader of the mercenaries when he spoke.

"Fairest greetings to you, o warrior." he touched his left hand to his right chest in introduction. "I am Soren, esteemed healer and bard extraordinaire. I travel the lands to vanquish ails and impart music and joy to all. As such, you can understand why I have chosen to step in at this moment.. I believe quite enough violence has been committed..." Unless you refuse to heed my warning.

From there, the silver-haired young man's expression shifted to a more hardened one. "I am now taking these people under my wing. I will lead them away from here and to safety. That means I will also protect them. From you, if need be."

There was a moment of silent disbelief, as expected. After all, what kind of fight would any warrior expect from a pathetic-looking minstrel as he? Soren breathed out in rising exasperation. He wished this approach worked more often, but it couldn't be helped now.

Gripping his staff more tightly, Soren then shot a piercing glare at the commander of the mercenaries. He did not break his gaze for a moment. "I urge you to take your men and leave here immediately, and let these people go in peace. No amount of treasures will be worth what you will face if you refuse..."

Please.. Just leave.. Soren didn't want to have to fight. He was already getting that hollow feeling in his chest at the thought of hurting others and worse, taking lives. But he could not stand to falter and let this encounter drag on, lest the rest of the slave wranglers catch up and make things worse...