“Why do I do what I do? It is a tough question I must admit. Perhaps the thrill? Promise of riches wild beyond your dreams? The danger of encountering rare creatures? Or the thirst for knowledge? I cannot answer. All I can tell you is this, within my very bones, the call to discover faraway places, forgotten ruins, and chart new paths reverberates through my very being. There is no challenge or adventure so great that I would ever stop, I imagine. To be free perhaps, that is the true goal, to know that whatever happens, I was the one who started the journey. ” - Senior Pathfinder Terrance Bell, Arterian Exploration Guild - ‘An Explorer’s Journey Across Cyndralia’ - Chapter 1: A Fated Calling


    <hr><hr>


    “So Gil, when was that job of yours again?” Master Albert asked.


    “If I remember correctly the contract is to begin in two days time at noon.” Gil replied with a furrowed brow, the dates growing fuzzy in his mind.


    “In that case do you mind if you…”


    “That’s fine, we brought her here anyways and Annalise seems to have grown fond of her company anyways.”


    “I have not! I mean not that I mind you, you’re delightful.” The accused protested before hastily dismantling her own point.


    A small chuckle ran through the room as the ranger pouted and shot Sophie a pleading look. But she ruefully raised her shoulders and giggled at the ranger’s distress instead, unwilling to bring any of the teasing upon herself.


    “That’s good, that’s good. It’s always nice to make new friends and comrades. See to it that you sort things out for her the coming few and take her along if possible alright? It’ll be like a hands-on adventure for free, consider this a small request from me.” Master Albert winked at her.


    “Haaah, you got it guildmaster.” Gil replied.


    “Good, good. Now onto more somber matters, Riza.” Albert announced and the joyful mood in the room evaporated in an instant. “The guild will obviously offer compensation and handle any outstanding legal matter but I do have to ask, what will you do now?”


    His question hung like an executioner''s axe over the gathered crowd, all eyes fell upon the cat as she mulled over the gloomy possibilities quietly.


    “I…I think…”


    “We’ll take care of her too for now, if you’re okay with it Riza.” Annalise interjected as more than a few raised eyebrows turned her way. “If anything you can serve as a minder for Sophie while things…settle down.”


    A pause settled in the room, the frigid silence holding things in place until a slow nod escaped from the cat, her tail curled by slowly standing up straighter.


    “If that’s okay with you Riza then I’m comfortable with drafting up the documents to pin up Hammer Jump as…on an extended hiatus.” Master Albert carefully broached the subject, and his shoulders sagged in relief when Riza gave him another nod. “Well then, that’s most of the important matters settled for now. You two,” He turned to Annalise and Gil, “can speak to Nyria for extra compensation and I’ll even throw in some personal funds for an allowance for her.” He gestured to Sophie.


    “Sir I can’t possibly…” Sophie protested.


    “Nonsense, this is a strange situation all round and I would prefer you to enjoy Eichafen comfortably if not quite luxuriously. I mean unless you have other requests for the guild in which case…”


    “No that’s umm more than enough,” Sophie began, but a thought burst through her mind, “Oh! If it isn’t too much of a bother, would you umm…I mean it doesn’t have to happen but I’d really appreciate it if you could send a letter to Evaline Rosengart to at least let her know that I’m fine.”


    Sophie watched as the guildmaster raised his brow in amusement and tilted his head as if in contemplation before releasing a small chuckle and clasped his hands together.


    “Anything specific you want me to tell her?” He flashed a wry smile and Sophie could feel the tension vanish.


    “Ahh..umm, thank you so much! And maybe tell her I’m fine, that I really miss her and I’m really really sorry for messing up her book.” Sophie could feel the excitement coursing through her veins as she thought of everything she wanted to tell Eva before desperately compressing the list down. “Umm and…oh! Tell her not to worry too much and to have fun before going to the Academy. Ah! And that I’ll join her in Arteria eventually and to make sure to take notes.”


    As Sophie finished blurting out the last of her statement she found that everyone else was looking at her with amused looks, the guildmaster being the only one looking down at a parchment and furiously scribbling away.


    “Sorry for rambling.” She dipped her head apologetically before a few merry laughs filled the room once more. “Um…sorry?” She looked on in confusion.


    “Hah, to think you could see so human and at ease is incredible.” A deep voice bellowed.


    “Thulgrim?” Arnold exclaimed in mock surprise.


    “Kobald ass! I mean, good you’re doing well but don’t get too comfortable, yer only temporary.” Thulgrim growled in displeasure, his normal demeanor returning after a moment of weakness.


    Sophie dipped her head in tepid acknowledgement and saw the guildmaster look at everyone to see if there were any more matters to take care of. Seeing none, he clapped his hands together.


    “Alright then, dismissed.”


    A few sighs of relief and some farewells were shared before the party headed back down, mixed in with Sophie throwing one last greedy glance at the bookshelves lining the wall before being dragged away.


    This early morning dampness outside the guildhall reminded her a little bit of the Mistveil and she shuddered thinking back to her time spent in the ruins. Still, such memories did little to slow her down as she opened herself to trying and enjoying as much of her time here before tagging along on the next job in two days time. Gil and Master Albert have talked something about the excavations team and she personally bristled at the thought about having to visit another set of forgotten ruins, but Gil had assured her the area was secured and that this was more a formality. Though doubtful, Sophie finally acquiesced when Annalise agreed to help her get a set of armour just in case.


    Riza had, on the other hand, remained remarkably nonchalant if a bit upset ever since they woke up. Wilfred had barely time to pester the two when they were collected by Annalise and Sara, offering their apologies and promising to bring the duo back in one piece. Riza had then mostly just trudged along listlessly and Sophie suspected that the finality of coming to terms with the loss of her friends had taken a bigger chunk of her mental wellbeing than expected.


    Thankfully, having the rest of the day to themselves seemed to have brought at least a slight morale boost for everyone as they debated on what to do next. Sara and Arnold, took to keeping Riza company and helping her along as she handled what affairs remained regarding her previous party. Gil had bravely volunteered to remain behind at the guild as he joined the other team captains to discuss an overall strategy for dealing with the undead. That left Annalise and Sophie for a trip to the church and before the armourers. Thulgrim had, for his part, grumbled about everyone going soft before heading to meet with some weaponsmiths in the city.


    Nyria apparently, had already received instructions even before the meeting and when Annalise and Sophie had approached she already had a small pouch with a few coins ready. She had given the two a cool but silent nod as she spared not an extra moment and returned to her work. Sophie had wanted to ask the secretary about the other elves located within Eichafen, but Annalise had quickly shook her head and tugged Sophie along as if trying to warn her of something.


    Taking the hint Sophie begrudgingly followed along and allowed her to be taken outside, allowance in tow.


    “You okay?” Annalise suddenly asked, startling Sophie.


    “Huh? I mean yeah? Why?”


    Annalise wrapped her hands around Sophie’s hair and tied it into a neat little pony tail, tying it together with a small red ribbon she pulled out of her pocket before throwing on Sophie’s hood.


    “Eep!” Sophie squeaked and felt a small pat on her head.


    “Your nightmares and everything is what I meant.”


    Sophie had suspected this already but her mood plummeted nonetheless.


    “Yeah…it’s gotten better I think.” She whispered.


    “Hey, don’t look so glum now, let’s get lunch after visiting the priest. My treat.” Annalise quipped as she gave Sophie a quick comforting squeeze on her shoulder.


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    “Yeah…yeah.”


    With a huff and a sigh the two bid farewell to the others outside and began heading to the east towards Rosendorf Square, but before they could leave properly something stopped Sophie in her tracks.


    In the time they spent inside the guildhall meeting with Master Albert, the immediate area in the platz had transformed completely. Merchants and traders lined the streets, hawking wares and pulling inebriated customers into expensive purchases of ‘exotic’ trinkets, likely local crafts just named differently. Rustic stores stood side by side with dozens of temporary stalls, most slowly being restocked and filled. Freshly baked bread and streetside food wafted tempting scents into the air around them as vendors prepared for the lunchtime crowds.


    Sophie felt her stomach rumble and mouth watering as she contemplated food beyond the porridge and travel rations that they had relied upon the past few days. Not that Rumhol village fare was undesirable, but there was something profoundly less rustic and more appetizing that she smelled from the meals here.


    “One thing.” Annalise tutted, “One thing and then we go.”


    “Huh? Do you mean…”


    “I’ll admit I’m a little hungry too, but I’ve got a place in mind for lunch you know!”


    “Heheh.” Sophie giggled and found herself smiling at the ranger’s disapproving face.


    The frown morphed into a sly grin as Annalise eventually gave in and walked with Sophie around the Grand Platz.


    Having gained approval Sophie bounced around curiously from stall to stall. Trinkets, crafts and all assortments of quilts, silks and furs lined the shelves. It was nice, she thought to herself, pulling her sleeves back to bask in the sun’s blessing, it felt good to have a little calm every once in a while. Stretching her bare arms into the air, she watched a bard with his lute tune his instrument in preparation for the day ahead, a young maiden helping set up her family stall, a burly lumberjack with his loose tunic and vest trading friendly insults with business partners as they all shared a morning brew.


    Hunters and carpenters scurried back and forth, carrying their catches and wares throughout the streets, racing to the main marketplace to sell the freshest goods and hopefully overcharge the early crowd.


    Surrounding all of them, all manners of baked and cooked goods began being placed onto open shelves. But what caught her eye the most was a small confectionary. The scent of baked oats mixing into the sugary sweetness of a cream drew her nose to a small stall hugging the edge of a two story townhouse. A small cake shaped dessert sat perfectly cylindrical on top of what Sophie presumed was a freshly baked oat cookie. Composed of a slightly nutty looking cream filling topped with a layer of berries and oats, Sophie knew exactly what she wanted.


    As she bent over to study it further a hand reached past her and dropped a silver Arte on the counter and the man behind the counter was surprised, but grateful for the patronage.


    “Only if you share. You’ve got quite the eye for expensive things, we’re lucky the guild gave us ample funds.” Annalise whispered to her left and Sophie felt herself blush in embarrassment, that could’ve bought five loaves of bread! Ashamed but already in too deep, she was committed to consuming this delicacy and looked to Annalise for the final seal of approval as they shuffled to a nearby bench. With one last firm nod received and a travel spoon from Annalise’s pocket, she moved in to take a bite and discovered a feeling of pure sugary bliss.


    A distinctive crunchiness from the oats mixed with the mild sweetness of the cream paired swimmingly with the tangy tartness of the berries. Underneath the flavours a nice bite from the cookie beneath as it was just soft enough to easily take out a portion using the spoon, and just chewy enough to convey a sense of firmness without being overly tough.


    “Mmmm!” Sophie exclaimed with her cheeks stuffed like a squirrel and Annalise openly laughed at the sight earning herself a small glare from Sophie.


    “Ahaha, look at you! Oh my you’re absolutely adorable, I almost don’t want to eat any just to watch you.”


    “Mmmm.” Sophie grumbled, partly embarrassed, partly annoyed.


    “It’s called the Mist’s Blessing. Berries to symbolize the harvest, oat flakes for the forest, cream for the mist so it can’t be too sweet. Of course the cookie is just for texture and flavour but we can say it’s to represent the earth we thrive on.” Annalise stated matter of factly.


    Sophie pretended to listen and snuck in a second bite before the other girl could react, eliciting an offended gasp before she passed the treat along. Annalise narrowed her eyes and glared at Sophie with disgust etched on her face as she scooped a bite for herself and Sophie watched her face transform into one of joy. Today feels like a good day, she found herself thinking and from her friend’s expression, Annalise agreed as well.


    <hr><hr>


    The sun had risen higher when the duo finally passed the arch through to the streets near Saint Rosendorf Square. With a lovely desert inside their stomachs their mood was higher than ever as they chatted amongst themselves. Annalise briefed Sophie about adventuring protocol and inquiring about fighting styles whilst Sophie shared more about her time spent with Evaline. But soon the atmosphere around them began changing and though Annalise took it in stride, Sophie found herself fascinated by the town around them.


    Rounding another corner the drab houses around Grand Heldplatz gave way to a flag covered street, each ruffling gently in the wind, bright and dark colours alike clashed for dominance as intricate designs of eagles, lions, griffins, and a whole menagerie of other symbols now dotted the landscape. The townhouses themselves grew larger and more spacious, walled courtyards and fences now became more commonplace as her own cobbled steps faded into stone brick.


    Sophie found that even the street vendors seemed different, instead of some ramshackle blob of vendors and entertainers the ones here seemed so much more organized and haughty. People too seemed to reflect a familiar sense of snobiness, nobles and their retinue of servants, performers striving to earn a patron, clothes all of silk or some exotic thread, their gait more poised and refined, like the noble’s. I’m out of place here, shaking her head. I don’t belong. Drawing her hood closer around her she tried hiding herself before Annalise proudly led her along with head held high.


    “Come on now, Sophie, we’re almost there.”


    Sophie huffed her assent and though she was self conscious she followed along. But her complaints about not fitting in soon vanished as she caught sight of a massive cathedral in front of her. A large clearing filled with crowds of well dressed people milling around shops and restaurants. In the far side were grand steps leading to the church, polished marble flaunting its opulence in a city of stone and wood. Reinforced stone structures towered over her, looming over the town square with large stained glass windows and flanked by a series of pointed arches alongside a low brown wall around it all.


    A preacher stood on the street outside the church, delivering his sermon to the crowd currently blocking the main entrance, clad in comfy white vestments with only a single red and blue stripe on his robes denoting him to be nothing more than Lightbearer, one of the less important roles.


    “Welcome to Eichafen Cathedral Sophie, one of the wonders of the frontier that just visiting will have you blessed for a year! If you believe that rumor, if you don’t then I guess an oversized marble building.” Annalise announced, “Now, after you.” She gestured grandly for Sophie to move and Sophie responded with a bow in kind.


    Slinking their way through the crowd she pushed open the door and felt a chill run down her spine. Sparse few candles lit up the interior and though the sun illuminated all the stained glass, it seemed more like the depicted saints and gods were grotesque versions of themselves staring into the church alongside rows of statue and decorative regalia. A dozen odd parishioners, priests and priestess turned to stare at the new arrival, their gazes filled with an odd mixture of curiosity and tiredness.


    One of the more well dressed priests clad in blue gestured to another and she watched as a glum looking Lightward with medium cropped hair approached her. His singular red and two blue stripes looked oddly fitting for the half hunched man when bathed in the light from the colored glass.


    With a huff the Lightward adjusted his collar before speaking, “Welcome to the Church of Astralis faithful one, we wish upon you a blessed day and if thou shall be seeking guidance then myself or another Lightward could…”


    Giving what she thought was a polite looking smile she replied, “Thank you for the assistance.”


    “Erik” Replied the Lightward.


    “Thank you for the help Lightward Erik, we are looking to a senior priest if possible about some…unsettling phenomenon.” Annalise took over.


    Erik furrowed his brows in annoyance, the reluctance to interrupt his seniors evident on his face. “I mean if I could be of assistance instead? I’m somewhat trained in these matters myself.”


    “Sorry Lightward, but I believe this matter does require more senior authority.” Annalise insisted.


    “Very well.” Erik sighed in defeat and wandered back to the older priest. After what seemed a minute of tense debate the elderly priest instructed another to head over.


    Clad in a robe of pure red with a dotted blue sash, the senior Lightwarden gave a small bow and Sophie responded in kind.


    “I have been told you require assistance regarding matters of paranormal or spiritual matters?” He queried.


    The duo looked at each other and nodded their affirmation to which the senior priest beckoned for them to follow him.


    “I assume you would like some privacy?”


    “That would be nice, right Sophie?”


    “Uhn!”


    “Very well then let me just…there we go.” He unlocked a small cylindrical room filled with what Sophie guessed were shrines to the High Pantheon. Gratiax the God of war and fire; Tesadus the God of honour and earth; Caelinor and Morea the twin God and Goddess of darkness and shadows; Euthyina the Goddess of justice, order and water; Phaenera the Goddess of magic and wind; and Astralis the reclaimer and Goddess of the Heavenly Court. The high pantheon, Sophie huffed in affirmation, at least as far as I remember from the lessons I listened in on with Eva.


    “Ladies, after you.”


    “Thank you warden.”


    Sophie nodded her thanks as they stepped into the stone brick room, a strange silence as it effectively isolated the outside sounds completely. She noticed the carpeted floor and felt a small urge to rub her feet on the carpeting to see how it felt, but figured it would be a little disrespectful to do so in front of a priest.


    “So to maintain some professionality, I am Lightwarden Manric or you can address me as Father Manric. I take it that you needed my opinion that this is not a matter to be taken lightly?” He glared intrusively and Sophie shrunk a little.


    “Thank you for heeding us, Father Manric, my friend here has been suffering not just from nightmares but visions of something…dark.” Annalise nudged Sophie.


    Sophie nodded silent as the flood of grotesque images flooded back into her head, her body reliving the phantom pain caused by the horrifying creature.


    “Excuse me young lady?” The Lightwarden’s voice brought her back to the room.


    “Ahh…” She turned to Annalise with concern.


    “Umm he’s waiting for you to explain everything.” The other girl whispered.


    “Oh!”


    “Your friend is correct, you may begin whenever.” He said with a huff of annoyance, clearly seeing this as a trivial matter.


    Cowed but unwilling to turn back now Sophie began describing what she could remember of the nightmare creature and the words it shared. “Umm it all started up when…”