“Can ye ''ear it? The rumblin’? How the ground shakes? It means a war’sa coming. It means the children of stone are preparing. My folk. They’re getting ready ta march. That dark times await us all. So brace yourself lad. Shite’s going to be real messy for a while.”


    - Protector Hamlin Grimiron, Defender of Old Kyne, “Protector Grimiron to Human Compatriot”


    <hr><hr>


    A month’s time seemed to fly by, the world resumed ticking with little changes to society at large. “The Day of Sorrows”, as had the tragedy of a bomb and demonic incursion was now officially known, felt so close yet distant at the same time. The city hadn’t taken any overt measures against them yet, at least not officially. Although the Lily Knights certainly faced more scrutiny when operating near, alongside, or even in the general area that Trinity Guards were. Many reluctantly carried out some secretive order to check their papers, though a few were far more zealous.


    Still, Sophie embraced the calm. Her life had already gotten hectic enough. Worries upon worries compounded into a weight that shackled her mind in anxiety. From knowledge of Aryana’s continuing decline in health, to the possibility of whatever shadowed entity had sent assassins after her friends striking again. Nothing had been resolved, only seemingly delayed. Her most recent worry was something far more pressing.


    The Lily Knights had been directly commissioned by one snarky Traxian Princess to play as assistants to her in an upcoming conference. Of which now was only two weeks away. The rest of her friends and family played key roles in helping Princess Lucinia prepare as well. They canvassed most of her connections as well as their own. from the dwarven warrior Tharnus serving as representative of the Stoneseers of Arteria, to their friend Miraeve Elaester, taking on a role that found surprising encouragement from her father to represent elven interests and practice her diplomatic skills. Though he did add that she should “Stop associating with troublesome folk” which Sophie was relatively certain was a warning against her.


    Whoever else might show up was now solely Lucinia’s responsibility. One task that the princess wholeheartedly embraced despite her pessimistic outlook on the conference as a whole. Sophie hadn’t expected her to look animated, but she did. Some people have their own path in life, and she already knows hers.


    Sophie was thankful, at least, for Lucinia’s redirecting of everyone to help her. For it meant that most of them were able to distract themselves from affairs regarding the city. To pretend, even for a little bit, that they were to wholly focus on this and shunt their doubts to the back of their minds. For most of them, that was the case. For her, it only added to the deepening scars that etched themselves within her. Another, in a growing list of failures that swirled around the back of her mind.


    A tired hand grabbed at her face and yanked her downwards, her lips quickly meeting Aryana’s as the girl sleepily pulled her in for a kiss. One that she eagerly returned before the girl threw their blanket over her as well. Sophie giggled a little and buried her nose atop Ary’s head.


    “Ehhh, tickles.” The sleepy girl mumbled.


    “Ary…” Sophie whispered lovingly.


    “Mmm. Sophie.” Ary upturned her head, though redhead’s eyes remained shut.


    “What’s up?”


    Ary let out a small grown and reached up to grasp Sophie’s cheeks with her hand. The redhead proceeded to squish and pull for a moment before tiredly pushing Sophie into bed. Something she submitted to without resistance, finding great comfort in the playful motion. After a few moments, Ary finally let go, the girl’s fingers giving Sophie a small bop on the nose that almost made her laugh out loud. But instead of a warm kiss or more embracing, the redhead stretched a little and plopped herself back into a resting position. Cute.


    “Less… worrying. More sleep.” Ary grunted and let out a yawn, prompting Sophie to yawn as well.


    “Heh.”


    “Heh.”


    The two sniggered among themselves like having just shared a joke.


    With her head now on the pillow, she snuggled up to Ary and the girl instinctively curled up into her arms. Hah, I don’t deserve her, she’s too kind for this world. As they always have, Sophie then nuzzled Ary’s nose, a small smile creeping over the sleepy girl’s face.


    “If you’re… mewh, if you’re going to worry. Do it in blanket. No catch cold.” Ary started slurring her words.


    “Don’t worry.” Sophie gave the girl another peck on the lips, “No more worrying for me tonight. Just you, and a little sleep.” Sophie whispered.


    “Eheheh.” Ary goofily grinned, the girl''s delight reaching Sophie''s heart.


    The two rested side by side, their breaths slowly syncing up as the quietness of the night took hold. An owl or two would hoot from the trees outside the window. Aggressive footsteps from out in the hallway or the rooms above. Chill winds of the coming winter hindered by the window, diffusing it as it failed to breach the defenses of the blankets and each other’s bodies. Streaks of radiant silver moonlight dancing merrily against the floorboards and walls. And Yana sleeping on the opposite side of the room, in a small bird house-like structure that the group had fashioned for her.


    For Sophie, it felt like a night like any other. But at the same time, it was also a moment caught out in time, a reprieve from the hecticness of her life.


    “Good night, Sophie. Love you.” Ary murmured, her attempts to fight off her own sleepiness failing.


    Sophie sniffled and fought back the joy in her heart, reaching over with one hand to gently run it through Ary’s hair.


    “Night, Ary. Love you too.”


    Satisfied by the smile she saw in return, Sophie let out one last yawn and closed her own eyes.


    <hr><hr>


    Sophie woke up free of nightmares just  to find Ary studying her intently. Half freaked out but half amused by the surprising sight, Sophie let out a soft squeak before chuckling. Ary pecked her nose in response before straightening herself, lazily dragging Sophie up with her.


    As if a gentle breeze had brushed up against a blade of grass, Sophie found herself tilting sideways until she rested on Ary’s shoulders, the girl reacting by plopping her head on Sophie’s. They remained like that, their hands eventually finding each other and intertwining. But she couldn’t help but notice how Ary’s breaths were soft, perhaps a little faster than hers, and a little weaker. Sophie’s own throat almost sealed itself shut, her free hand clutching at the bedsheets. Goddess, please keep her well, please.


    A million thoughts raced around her mind, all


    “Sophie.” Ary mumbled.


    “H-huh?”


    “Too tight. Much love.” Ary joked as she raised her hand. One that Sophie had unintentionally been forcefully clenching.


    Sophie looked bewildered for a moment before quickly letting go.


    “Ah, sorry. Was just-”


    “Shhh.” Ary raised a finger to her lips, “I know. You were thinking about me, weren’t you?”


    Sophie was like a deer in the headlights, caught out, and opted to answer with a simple nod.


    “Then that’s enough for me. So don’t worry, Sophie. I’ll be fine.” Ary smiled as she caressed Sophie’s cheeks.


    Sophie smiled back, yet the worries went unabated. She didn’t know if it was the slight flicker of Ary’s eyes as the girl blinked. Or the way that her fingers nervously rubbed against her hand. She could practically sense the unease flowing out of her. It left her wondering if Ary was more trying to convince herself than anyone else.


    If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    “Ary, I know. But, I’ll be here if you need anything, you know that.” Sophie whispered with a gentleness in her own voice that she had almost forgotten existed.


    She had a general idea of what happened back when the city had fallen into chaos and Ary had fled as part of a group down to consult with the dwarves. How they had revealed to her the parasitic nature of her life force’s connection to Sophie. Not that it surprised Sophie, having heard of how terrifying it had been for Yana and the others to witness Ary convulsing or in pain after Sophie suffered battle damage made that connection clear enough.


    What had surprised her wasn’t that. She had always known there were risks and that too much would likely harm Ary in ways she couldn’t begin to want to think about. No, what had surprised her was what Yana had told her in secret, with a look of anxiety. In direct, succinct terms, she had conveyed the message that Ary wasn’t in the process of dying from her connection to Sophie, she was going to die. Her lifespan had already been shortened, perhaps even drastically so.


    When she heard it, she didn’t comprehend the message at first. After all, she already knew of the dangerous connection that was present between the two. But it was the fae’s solemn expression that spoke of the immediateness of the problem, of the certainty that Ary had already been pushed onto a path with one fate ahead of her.


    “Heheh.” Ary’s delightful little giggle brought her back to the moment.


    Sophie cocked her head sideways, curious at what had brought the smile to Ary’s face. Ary seemed to have a grasp on Sophie’s worries despite not having said anything to her about the meeting with the stoneseers. But Sophie accepted that and hadn’t pushed the matter despite Yana’s information, she’ll tell me when she feels that it''s right.


    Ary leaned in close and gazed into Sophie’s eyes, the faintest twinkle of joy travelling between them as Sophie’s heartbeat began to race.


    “This reminds me of when we met.” Ary stated wistfully.


    Surprised by this line of thought, Sophie had to take a moment to try and recall what exactly Ary might be talking about. But she was too slow, and the redhead had already forged ahead.


    “I would always wonder if I could be useful. If I would be able to contribute anything. And now look at us.” Ary giggled, “I’m just hoping that I don’t become a burden, heheh. Just like back then.”


    “Back in Melton?” Sophie queried.


    Ary bobbed her head, “The mountains for me, but yeah. Back there.”


    “What about it?” Sophie shuffled her position a little so the two could rest against each other.


    “I think it was back then.” Ary grinned as she snuggled into place.


    “Back then what?”


    “When I fell in love. At least a little.” Ary plainly admitted.


    Unsure of how to react, Sophie began to blush, the heat in her cheeks making butterflies flutter in her stomach. Perhaps seeing the effect it had, the redhead poked at her cheeks before leaving the tomato a tiny, but loving peck.


    “H-how so?” Sophie stammered.


    “Do you remember? You found me hiding in a cave.”


    “Ah! I do! I was so afraid of you at first.”


    “Afraid of me? Perish the thought.”


    The two shared a light chuckle.


    “But back then,” Ary continued, interlacing her fingers with Sophie’s once more, “I still remember. Being at the meeting of the tribes, with all the chiefs and druids there. And then you came in, only after having just met me.”


    The faint traces of a distant time came flooding back. The torches, the elven wardens. The friendly and then significantly less friendly druids. The gruff warriors, chieftains and tribals. A land where the frosts roam. When she had been separated from her companions. The flight towards Melisgard.


    “I remember.” She replied.


    “I… heh, I must’ve been a bit pathetic, like now.”


    “Stop it. You’re not.” Sophie quickly shot out.


    Ary just leaned in a little closer, her fingers holding Sophie’s a little tighter.


    “But do you remember how you stormed into the war council’s tent? You walked up like it was simply your home. Looked around, saw me, and in front of all the chiefs and druids simply demanded, hahah, demanded to know what was happening.” Ary now smiled eye to eye, a hint of mirth behind the once wistful redhead.


    “Yeah. I couldn’t tell you what I was even thinking back then.” Sophie joined her with a grin.


    “And when the druids asked you something, I still remember your words…”


    “... I’m the keeper of fire.” Sophie finished the thought, the memory now running back in her mind.


    Halfway up the Frostwinds, separated from her friends by an orcish curse or some strange magicks. Lost and confused, she found herself in the void, and then spat out into some poor girl’s little hideaway in a cave. There was a gathering of the Frostwind tribes, about what Sophie could scarcely remember. The only thing that Aryana brought up was finding the redhead tired, confused, and hurt in the middle of a meeting room. The tent filled with shouts, yells, and aruging as they fought over the fate of the girl. And then I stepped in.


    “I think…” Ary’s voice interrupted her thoughts, “I think in that moment, when I saw you. I was happy. For the first time in a long time, someone stood up, fought for me. Though you did get hurt.”


    “I did get stabbed.” Sophie chuckled.


    Ary’s mouth was upturned though strained, “Can’t say I was too happy about that though.”


    “Neither was I.” Sophie joked.


    The two settled into another silence, cuddling with each other. It had been a long time since then, huh? Before Arteria, before even the Academy, stars above.


    “Do you want to know when exactly I fell for you?” Ary whispered.


    “When?” Sophie asked, a hint of genuine curiosity. So it wasn''t the meeting to the tribes? Has she ever told me then? I don’t think so? Huh?


    “When you saved me. The caravan trip over. I was… I was so scared. And when I could see again, I saw you and Sir Taurox.”


    “Ah.” The cave. The first one. Hells, I hate caves. She unwittingly scowled.


    “Heh. And Sir Taurox stayed there to purge it.” Ary’s voice lowered.


    “Yeah. Wish he had been here to help too.”


    “Mmhmm.”


    Having reminisced, Sophie made a move to wake up properly when Ary stopped her. The girl’s arm gently raised to stop her from leaving.


    “Ary?”


    “And then the day after. We stayed in the wilds, camping.”


    “Heh, ‘camping’.” Sophie snickered.


    In truth, they slept poorly in the wild. But she supposed it was camping since she did start a fire.


    “What happened then? All I remember from then is that we slept and woke up.” Sophie sheepishly admitted.


    Ary seemed surprisingly delighted at the fact that she was confused.


    “I know. And that was all the happened, really. Aside from more travelling. But that day, I was… alive. I got saved, again. You came for me. And when we woke up, I thought I would be dead and I wasn’t. And the sun, heh. The sunlight practically glowed around you, like some warrior of legend. Then we got to see the sea and… spirits… I am so thankful for that day.” Ary mumbled as she teared up a little, one of her hands outstretched as if trying to grab at something only she could see.


    Sophie wrapped her arms around the girl, just happy that she was here and a little touched by how emotional she was.


    “I want more of those, Sophie, More of those moments. After this whole thing with Lucy and before your trip to Gratia. Can we…?”


    “Just time alone?”


    Ary nodded, relieved that the message was understood.


    “After the conference, I’ll tell the others. Just a little time off for ourselves.” Sophie confirmed.


    “Promise?”


    “Promise.”


    As if on cue, Yana made herself known by buzzing around their heads angrily, making the two of them laugh despite the serious moment.


    “Love might be in the air, as the two of you live without a care. But take a look at the hands of the clock, and please make more progress than an actual rock!” Yana complained.


    “Alright, alright. We’ll get up.” Sophie answered for the duo.


    “You’d better hurry, or your teachers’ll be in a fury. You still have to get to class or you''ll both... ehh, mostly you won''t pass.” Yana stuck her tongue out.


    "Pffft." Ary sniggered, barely holding back a laugh. How rude. I know that I''m academically not the best compared to her, but still!


    There was something comforting seeing the fae be more active once more. Before last month, she seemed to have been the first to clock onto Aryana’s increasingly dire predicament on her own and had kept mostly to herself. But now that the secret was mostly out, she seemed more liberated, if still moving with some distress.


    Yana fluttered to her usual haunt beside the window as the two roused themselves out of bed and began getting ready for the day ahead. The busy weekend preparing things for Lucinia was over and Astra had arrived once more. Classes would begin and Sophie felt like she was trapped in a surreal world for a moment. The horrors of the demons and deaths were there, haunting her, yet they weren’t at the forefront anymore. Not the same way they were in the days after. There was simply too much to do. Though the ire she felt at the Chamber had only increased internally, bubbling away with every piece of news that they would ‘honor the fallen’, and that the Braveskulls would be re-established.


    Now Ary too, weighed heavily on her mind. Though the redhead’s continued cheerfulness was still enough to assuage her doubts, for now. It was perhaps Ary’s suggestion of a break that had Sophie even more intrigued than before. Their trip to Ostia had been a fairly enjoyable time that seemed to at least reinvigorate themselves and those that came with them.


    Distracted by the thought of a pleasant rest with just the two of them. Sophie couldn’t wipe the wry grin on her face as she got ready for the day. Yeah, that’d be nice, wouldn’t it?