“Dear Sophie, Aryana, and Respected Commander Taurox of the Argent Curia,


    By the time you read this, I suspect that we are already well on the way of our journey back north. How ironic it is, that as soon as we arrived, another crisis already took hold even before your arrival. Still, you must find it strange that I am the one penning such a letter. Unfortunately for all parties, Ranger Annalise is, as best described, to be functioning less than optimally, thus leaving her duties of heartfelt message conveyance to me. Maid Sophie, I believe you might recall Kimry of Harweald. Should Traveler Aryana wish to know, you may explain to her of our past interactions with the barmaid and the connection shared between her and the Ranger. As for why we returned, we managed to enact a thorough appraisal of both news and rumors to ascertain that an orcish war party had begun raiding operations across the Northern Front. Whether it is, as the rumors say, ‘A New Dark Tide’ , a heretical notion that one should dispose of, is one thing. But, heresy of not, the truth is there is danger there, and Ranger Annalise was beside herself with worry about the barmaid that captured her heart. Irrespective of my personal opinion, I have judged the Ranger to be invaluable to our future operations, and considering her crippled state, I have acted in accordance to what was most optimal for the situation and accompanied her northwards.


    If you are curious as to what our concrete operational stages are for this endeavor, I detail them here beginning with the 29th of Morus, our expected arrival… ”


    - ??Beginning of Letter to Compatriots, Apprentice Inquisitor Lyudmilla Vesel


    <hr><hr>


    “Why so upset?” A sing-song voice cooed above her, soft skin gently stroking her scalp as fingers ran themselves through her hair.


    Sophie grumbled and cuddled up to the source of warmth beside her, smooth velvety fabrics greeting her cheeks. “Murr.” She complained.


    The soft hands now moved down to gently touch her cheeks, the comfort they offered making her purr in content. Satisfied, Sophie managed to compel one eye open, her sluggish motions rustling the blanket she curled up under, the delicate squishy leg shuffling to adjust to her head.


    The first thing she spotted was the silken strands of black hair hovering over her, then the icy blue blues eyes staring down at her own, and finally the soothing smile.


    “Finally awake then, sleepy head?” Elaria chuckled.


    Sophie groggily groaned for a moment before her mind finally caught up. “E-Ela?”


    “It is indeed I, the one and only Elaria of the Void!” Elaria puffed up her chest proudly.


    Sophie blinked back her surprise and shock before descending into a fitful giggle. “Ela!”


    Elaria ruffled her hair a little more and helped Sophie up, tucking the surprised elf between her legs and catching her in a sisterly embrace. “Sophie.”


    “Ela!” Sophie beamed, taking a moment to look around the room.


    She found it more lived in than before, books strewn about the place albeit in neat little piles. A few unopened snacks and a few more articles of clothing than she had expected. She leaned into the hug and the two listened to each other’s breaths for a moment. Whatever tension or dread Sophie had been feeling replaced by a growing sense of serenity that regained control.


    “Mmm.” Sophie mumbled with a sigh.


    “Sophie. You alright?” Elaria asked, giving Sophie a small nuzzle.


    Sophie grimaced and slumped down slightly, sliding deeper into the blanket. “I..” She paused and sighed again, “No… not really.”


    Elaria petted her head slightly and gave Sophie a deep squeeze that the elf shied away from at first, before eventually allowing it to happen.


    “Take your time.” Elaria spoke softly, “I’ll listen to your worries first, then I’ll tell you a warning from the master about ‘the imposter’. The master and I have done some careful analysis of your last encounter with it.”


    “The imposter…” Sophie whispered with a tinge of hatred.


    “Mmhmm. But right now it''s Sophie hour.” Elaria giggled and nuzzled the top of her head, “So, speak. Speak and I shall listen.”


    “But… but… I’d be a burden, and I’m the older one.” Sophie complained.


    “And? No one said you couldn’t be a brat just because you’re older.”


    “I-hey! I’m not a brat! And besides…” Sophie began but choked on her words, her joyous mood deflating rapidly, “... I… I’ve done bad things, Ela. I’m dirty, tainted and gross. I’ve… I’ve killed. People. I’m not… I’m not…”


    “Shhhh, it’s okay.” Elaria cradled her, “Easy now, easy. I’m here for you, Sophie.”


    <hr><hr>


    “Sophie!” A terrified voice cried.


    The sound startled her awake and she bolted upright, sending the person next to her tumbling to the floor in surprise with a heavy thud.


    “Gah!” Aryana groaned, as Sophie leaned over the bed to see the redhead nursing her back.


    “Huh… huh-huh?” Sophie managed to stammer out, her hand incessantly brushing at her ears. No, no, it’s going away, the warmth is going away.


    “Tsss… ahhhh … tsss, that’ll bruise.” The redhead complained.


    Sophie scratched at her face, desperate to try and hold onto the feeling of fleeting comfort that still surrounded her but was quickly fading. Her body had scrambled awake, yet her mind remained dulled, still enraptured by the warmth that was present only moments ago. A firm grip landing on her shoulders only spurred her crazed motions even further, her eyes clenched shut as she clawed at her heart. So pleasant, it was so pleasant, come back, please, hold me.


    “Sophie. Sophie!” Aryana’s voice cut through at last.


    Sophie reeled from the interruption, her hands having left her cleavage sensitive and reddened with pain. She breathed heavily, her mind still acclimating back to reality when Aryana shook her again, the redhead having now dragged Sophie’s face so that their eyes met. Sophie twitched, her muscles still aching to open her heart, but slowly, a sense of normalcy returned with every breath she took.


    “Sophie. Sophie?! Are you alright?” Aryana asked, the girl looking Sophie up and down like some doctor treating a patient, “Sophie?”


    “I-I’m here, I’m here.” Sophie rasped, her own senses recovering.


    “Thank the mountain spirit! You were… I got… umm… when you…” Aryana stammered in a panic.


    “It’s okay… it’s okay… I’m… I’m okay.” Sophie rested a reluctant hand on the redhead’s shoulder, “I’m… yeah… I’m fine.”


    “I got so worried when you started thrashing about…you were mumbling and talking too, just words and meaningless noise. I-I couldn’t even recall half of it! You were like an alien talking in the druidic tongues, a language even I couldn’t understand-” Aryana rambled until Sophie finally clasped her hands on the girl’s cheeks, squishing the freckled face into a soft but strange looking chipmunk.


    “It’s okay. I’m okay.” Sophie managed to say, “Thank you for worrying. But, I’m fine.”


    Aryana furtively nodded and just kept blinking back her own surprise until Sophie finally let go.


    “Who… who is Ela?” Aryana quietly asked.


    “Eh?” Sophie looked back in surprise.


    “You…that’s the one thing I could understand from your rambling. The name, ‘Ela’.” Ayana repeated, but Sophie found it strange how her voice had shifted saying Elaria’s name.


    Sophie looked away for a moment and sighed, “It’s… a long story. One I don’t… I don’t know if I should share.”


    Aryana seemed taken aback for a moment, cocking her head sideways and looking at Sophie strangely. But, after what felt like a minute, Sophie could see the girl’s eyes change to more understanding ones, her expression morphing into a slight if reluctant smile. “That’s fine.”


    Sophie leaned in appreciatively and she could tell Aryana was surprised at the way the girl froze for a moment. Yet, Aryana did not recoil and maintained her position, an act Sophie was secretly glad of, her own body still tired from the vivid dreaming that it was ripped from.


    “Thanks.” Sophie exhaustedly murmured, “She’s… my sister… but…”


    “Sorry. I…I didn’t mean to pry.” Aryana quickly moved to apologize.


    “Maybe… maybe next time I’ll talk about her. For now…” Sophie let out a small yawn, “what time is it?”


    “I-oh… uh, it’s just past noon.”


    “What?!” Sophie let out an incredulous gasp, “It-it’s only the afternoon? But it felt like I slept for so long.”


    At that Aryana seemed to pause, and Sophie found herself being regarded by Aryana’s dangerously amused eyes.


    “Sophie… it’s been a day. You’ve slept for a full day.” Aryana said.


    Sophie squinted at the girl, her mind not fully comprehending the message until she saw that, indeed, Aryana had changed her clothes. It was perhaps on realising that the girl was no longer in her travel gear, and that Sophie herself had also been changed into a rustic but comfortable nightgown that the truth slowly dawned on her. I… I’ve been… asleep… for a day?!


    Perhaps it was the fact that Sophie felt her mouth drop open in shock, or perhaps it was merely her utter surprise. Whatever it was, Aryana burst into laughter, and for the first time in a while, Sophie felt utterly at a loss on what to do. Thus, she resolved to simply stare at the redhead until either the situation changed or her own mind would finally accept this new truth.


    “Eheheh.” Aryana continued chuckling, and Sophie couldn’t help but admire the girl’s spirit. How fitting, a Vaettagh even in action.


    At long last, Aryana sighed when her fitful chuckling finally ended. The girl flashed Sophie a brilliant smile as she held her hand out.


    “C’mon.” Aryana cooed, “I’ve been taking care of you for a whole day already. Now that you’re up, let’s go eat and explore the city. Please?”


    Aryana put on the most puppy dog eyes in an effort to plead with Sophie. Though she wanted to dismiss it off handedly, Sophie found her heartstrings aching a little at seeing the excitement lodged within the girl’s bright green eyes.


    “Fine. But let me get dressed.” Sophie grinned genuinely, “And stop with that expression, it makes me feel bad.”


    Aryana’s entire demeanour shifted as the redhead seemingly grew an inch taller, her whole body quivering with joy. “Yes! Thank you! I also washed all your stuff yesterday! I uh… oh…” Aryana quieted a little, “so I uhh… hope you don’t mind?” She ended with a squeak.


    Sophie let the silence linger for a few seconds, allowing the redhead sometime to squirm uncomfortably before letting out a chuckle and grabbing Aryana’s outstretched hand, albeit somewhat timidly, “So what are you waiting for?” She asked as the redhead helped her up, “Don’t you need to get dressed too?”


    “Ah!” The girl in question yelped, “I-I will!”


    Sophie watched the girl scramble to get dressed. She herself slowly lumbered over to the wardrobe in the room. All Hog Arms inn, that’s where we’re at. Annalise and Mila are heading to Melton, fuck. The Academy has an exam coming up, double fuck. Travel around town, I guess we can spare the day? She grimaced at the thought of more things needing to be sorted out, but turning back to look at how excited Aryana was, she reckoned that spending a day off might be worth it after all. Get a lay of the land and whatever we need for the academy exam, also real food sounds pretty good right about now.


    <hr><hr>


    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Sophie begrudgingly nodded at the girl. Aryana looked ever more excited at the sight of Sophie enjoying a meal. A tangy tomato sauce slathered over veal meatballs and rice turned out to be a decent enough dish that Sophie even ruminated trying to prepare it for her eventual meeting with Eva. Aryana had wolfed it down as demonstrated by her terrifying ability to eat on their trek to Arteria before turning her full attention on the half elf. Under the withering gaze, Sophie had moved to finish her meal, slightly uncomfortable but not entirely offended by the girl’s curiosity.


    Her mind wandered slowly to the letter. they had been given yesterday. Mila had promised that Annalise and herself would return once they either brought Kimmie along or assured themselves of her safety. Sophie couldn’t help but worry, the sickening feeling churning around inside her mind even in front of Aryana’s cheeriness. Still, it''s just something else out of my control, dammit. Just have to hope they make it back, they’re capable. If the cult chases after them… I swear.


    At the very least, Aryana proved a nice counterweight to the doubts Sophie harboured, the girl’s good cheer doing the heavy lifting when it came to injecting some small sense of normality into the world.


    The two eventually wrapped up their meal and Aryana bounded forward towards their next destination, the scholar’s district. There, Arteria’s grand library and countless bookstores lay, a destination suggested by Karzan for the redhead, but that Sophie also affirmed as wanting to check out. In this endeavour, there were two goals for them to accomplish. Firstly, according to Karzan, he had suggested several texts and ‘work’ books that could be helpful in their attempt to enter the academy. Next, were just the joy of visiting the library, one that Aryana wholeheartedly embraced with excitement, whilst Sophie tried to play off her own interest and nothing more. It had been a while since she’d properly relaxed with a story. Even if looking at anything related to Gunmar and Aurelia raised her heart rate at just how close she had come to dying, she still wanted to keep at it. Of course she had one more goal of her own besides that, research into the Myndir and her past. But that could wait.


    To cross into the district of scholars they’d have to head eastward, past the marketplace bordering the plaza and towards the direction of the Chamber of Stalwart Judgment, or Council Palace. Arteria was formed with many architectural influences, from more rustic if still well maintained wooden houses near the outer layers, to the marble and stone brick structures that dotted the area near the guild, to buildings crafted with the lithe and graceful touch of elven hands, and squatter, denser dwarven buildings. All lay under the shadow of a large administrative building that stretched up into the sky, its central spire sticking out perhaps as tall as nine stories in Sophie’s estimation. It was an engineering marvel that had seen many refurbishments, acting as the central hub for the city of commerce since almost a millenia ago.


    Karzan had described it as the dream of most merchants and mercantile guilds to one day earn their place within the palace. For being granted lodging and a company office within the structure also guaranteed one access to one of the most extensive trade networks within the continent. That, Karzan had emphasised to the duo, was why Arteria retained its importance to this day. For it not only allowed access to the strange and exotic wares of the Drake ruled Veronan Republics with minimal tariffs, they also allow one to trade with the Under Empire of the Dwarven King Samol the Golden, ruler of a kingdom based around the High Wall. Furthermore, Arteria was also one of the few Western cities that hosted a small district of Elven aristocrats, one area which Karzan had recommend Sophie checking out, though she had her doubts as besides the aristocrats, many lesser elves find themselves pawned off as servants or slaves to the noble houses, some even out to the merchant companies. Still, whatever misgivings she had could wait, their goal today was neither the palace or the elves, but merely the library that laid before it.


    Their trek to the library was mired by constant disruptions however. For although Sophie also wanted to gawk at the foods, dresses, and shops along the way, Aryana was glued to every new thing that she saw, forcing Sophie to essentially wrangle the redhead along.


    “But it looks so pretty! It’d suit you so well!”


    “That looks so good, can we try it? Please?”


    “Doesn’t that look so cool?”


    Where amongst some of the few phrases uttered as they stopped and started again. With Sophie having to promise that “Later, we’ll be back later.” and “When we get into the academy we’ll have plenty of time to visit the city.” Perhaps the only phrase that really helped inspire Aryana to gingerly keep going.


    The library itself was a grand building, its masonry clearly of more modern construction methods. One large central portion towered above the street whilst two smaller wings flanked out on each side besides it, and judging by the layout, one more wing jut out the backside of the lot. Even Sophie had to take a moment to take it all in, the library was perhaps, as big if not bigger than some noble manors that she’d seen, a rival to even the Rosengart estate.


    The marbled white blue building stood resolutely against the skyline, dozens of scholars and citizens going in and out. A few turned to give questioning glances at the armed half elf and her strangely dressed redheaded companion, but most were like other city folks she’d met before, uncaring and busy.


    “So big…” Sophie mumbled before turning to her companion, “Remember, we’re here for the study texts first. Pleasure reading second.” She tutted.


    “D’aww, okay.” Aryana replied jokingly, her mood barely dented.


    The two ascended the steps to the library, ignoring the few unfriendly gazes as they entered into another realm. Within the building, gilded white floor tiles, magelight hung from lanterns and rows upon rows of bookcases greeted them. Magelight lanterns, no risk to the books and not flammable, smart, if costly. The building’s grand domed center ended in a giant fresco depicting a battlefield, likely the plains in front of Arteria before the gorge was formed, where on one side stood reddened demonic creatures and on the other, the brave soldiers led by outlanders.


    Even here, Sophie could spy a few cloaked guardsmen patrolling the halls, yet unlike the red cloaks or blue stripes, these wore leather armor and doublets of random colors, sporting a variety of unique headgear and short range weapons. But the way they walked reminded her more of the templars she had seen before, professional soldiers trained in war. Must be another kind of guard, curious. A few glanced over at her, likely assessing the half elf clad in blackened leather with the sword hanging on her hip as a potential threat; before they looked back away and continued on their patrols. At least I’m not menacing. Aryana instead eschewed the tactical analysis of their surroundings and just appeared star struck by the sheer volume of books present. Her eyes darted between all the bookshelves in a bewildering frenzy.


    “C’mon, let’s ask someone if they know where what we need is. Then we can read all we want.” Sophie nudged the girl.


    “Promise?”


    “Sure, promise.”


    “Let’s go!” Aryana unsubtly gestured at a robed scholar behind a desk.


    The man looked positively annoyed by their approach, mustering an unfriendly expression the closer they got.


    “Yes?” He sneered, “Here to lecture us about our deficient literature again? The answer’s still no, just because you’re favored by the council doesn’t mean we’ll ‘give out’ the copy of -”


    “Umm… sorry.” Sophie interrupted, earning herself a hard glare which made her grimace slightly, “We’re actually here for… umm…”


    “Uther’s Pavillion. We were told it was in the library.” Aryana added for her, the paper in the redhead’s hands.


    “Uther? Oh. Academy hopefuls are we? My mistake, I thought your friend here was one of them.” The man sneered particularly hatefully at Sophie, “What you’re looking for is off in the west wing, end of the hall, can’t miss ‘em.”


    “Them? What do-” Aryana began.


    “Thank you.” Sophie interrupted, dragging the girl away.


    Though Aryana was a little nonplussed at the sudden interjection, the girl simply followed along, allowing Sophie to drag her across the library.


    “Let’s not bother the people any more than necessary?” Sophie grunted.


    “Okay.” Aryana whispered.


    Thankful for her companion’s na?veté, she watched as Aryana recovered quickly enough and went back to gawking at the scale of the library when a curious thought entered her mind. Shouldn’t she also be an outlander? I remember her having trouble trying to recall things but… Eva described libraries as common enough back in their world. How peculiar, maybe she’s just getting used to everything, mountain life must be… a little miserable.


    As they walked further on however, if entering the library felt like entering a different realm, then they had just entered into a different continent entirely. Once they were through the archway, the gilded marble tiles turned into ones of criss crossing black and white, the walls a little less fancy and more rustic with dimmer colors. The bookshelves too lessened in number, their composition now of a lighter pine instead of the treated oak in the main hall. The aromas too were far more pleasant, the faint smell of tea, coffee, and some baked goods stirred her appetite once more. Smells so… pleasant?! Her eyes traced the scent to what appeared like some bizarre cafe, no it is a cafe… in a library?!


    Her question was answered when they rounded a corner and spotted the consumers of such a product. Of course, Outlanders, Eva did mention they liked relaxing places like this. I scarcely believed her though, a cafe in a library feels… so alien. Gathered around a few tables were The Dragon Wagon, the adventurers chatting happily with a few teens who had gathered around to listen. In particular, she spotted Ryo and Jun, the two outlanders, leading the discussion with what appeared to be teens who looked suspiciously like outlanders themselves. Sporting sleek black hair and slightly flatter faces, though one did look more Meltonian or Ascaran even, with his brown hair, peachy skin, and blue eyes.


    Jun had evidently said something quite funny for Sophie saw the muscular local bellowed with laughter, the other outlanders giving chuckles of their own. His loud echoes of joy only lasted for a moment before another outlander, a very prim looking girl with precisely cut bangs and a long ponytail to contain her hair, smacked the muscular lad, before grumbling some complaints that quickly quieted him down. The duo inched closer to the chatting outlanders, though Sophie saw that Aryana was far more interested in the aromatic drinks than the strangers.


    “And that’s how we fended off the goblins!” Jun declared proudly, a carefree smirk on her face, her miming some movements that elicited some cheerful chuckles from the other adventurers and Ryo.


    “Hah! Do you think they’re related to the ones we dealt with the other month?” The big guy turned to the prim looking girl.


    “It’s a possibility.” The proper looking girl replied.


    “Quite so, and judging by how they tried abducting one of our allies. I would suspect they have a hideout nearby.” The staff wielding adventurer chimed in. Chelmia, I believe is her name, though I was in a right mood when Anna introduced us, I don''t remember much.


    The other adventurers nodded and a small somber silence lingered a second before Ryo took up the mantle to speak.


    “I do hope they find… well, speak of the devil…” Ryo began and paused, “That’s her right there! Well damn! You guys made it!” He announced.


    Sophie squirmed a little under the sudden attention thrusted upon her and Aryana, perhaps a little too much as over a dozen eyes turned towards her. Even the redhead grew a little self conscious and clutched at Sophie’s sleeve, discreetly enough to seem like she was just hanging off a friend to others, but not to Sophie. A little unnerved, Sophie managed to give the others a wave before Ryo and the adventurers started gesturing them to come over.


    She dipped her head low, bending downwards in a polite bow and flashed them all a small smile. “Hello.” She spoke.


    The gathered group offered their own greetings in kind, imploring for the duo to take a seat. “That’s her! The elf we’re talking about.” Jun told the others.


    Sophie felt a little uncomfortable at the not exactly subtle gawking, but resolved herself to appear at least somewhat in control. Aryana on the other hand, merely nodded before settling down besides Sophie, scooting her chair closer in a futile attempt to ward off the attention.


    “Guys, guys!” The ponytail girl spoke up, berating the others “We’re being rude here, don’t just stare at people without introducing yourself. I’m Suzuki by the way, nice to meet you. Cute ponytail you got there.”


    Sophie felt a flush of heat rush up her face at the compliment, the outlander girl giving her a small wink which prompted more than a few laughs from the gathered crowd.


    “Hah! To think madam president could be so smooth!”


    “Oh my…”


    “Wish I was an elf.”


    Echoed the crowd.


    “Guys… cut it out.” Suzuki cringed.


    “Alright, alright. Let’s not draw too much attention.” The muscular guy said, though the lopsided grin on his face spoke otherwise. “I’m Jonathan,” He grinned at Sophie and Aryana, “Suzuki’s right hand and oof-” The man got cut off as the girl in question smacked him upside the head.


    “That’s enough out of you.” She smiled pleasantly at the duo, though Sophie saw how her eyes darted threateningly at the others.


    “My friends and colleagues, though they go to the academy instead.” Ryo finally spoke up once more, earning his statement a few nods from the gathered students.


    “Academy… of Arteria?” Sophie asked.


    “That’s right! These guys are the smart ones of the class.” He chuckled, “You’ve got Suzuki, Jonathan,” He gestured at the two, “These two are Hideo and Aito, think of them like… uhhh the cheer committee for our great Suzuki-san here.” He pointed at two boys.


    “Ryo!” Suzuki scoffed indignantly.


    “Haha, sorry, couldn’t help myself. And these two quiet ones are Hiro and Aoi.” He pointed at the last two students, a guy and a girl who had remained relatively uninvolved but laughed along nonetheless. “And of course, this is more so for your mysterious companion there, but I’m Ryo, this is Jun, and my party, Chemia, Torran, Muriel, and Dina.” He gestured at his party who all smiled happily in return, though Sophie could swear there was a flash of jealousy in Jun’s eyes.


    Seeing the attention falling back onto her, Sophie offered another small dip of her head, “Err, hey everyone. My name is Sophie, I’m… a maid and knight. A pleasure to meet everyone.” She chucked a sneaky glance at Aryana, the redhead giving her a nervous smile.


    “Umm… and I’m Aryana… a… a farmer, umm I like herbs and reading as well.” She stammered.


    The crowd was silent for a moment before everyone broke out into a large welcoming cheer.


    “A knight!”


    “A farmer!”


    “Nice to meet you both!”


    The crowd toasted, making both of them a little anxious at the sudden attention.


    “We’re actually here to get books for the academy entrance exams.” Sophie quickly added before everyone was swept away by the mood again.


    “And to relax.” Aryana added, giving Sophie a look that was a little bit playful but also pleading.


    “Yes, and to relax. As she said, she’s a book lover and well… enjoy it too.”


    Suzuki stroked her chin and nodded approvingly, “It’s good that you guys want to study. And if you’re preparing for the exam, then I wish you the best of luck.”


    “Yes! Best of luck!” Jonathan added.


    “I don''t know why you want to join, studying is so boring.” Aito chimed in.


    “It’s not that bad.” Hideo argued.


    “It is."


    “It’s not.”


    “Boys, calm yourself.” Suzuki chided the two.


    “Yes prez…” The two drawled.


    “Well we won’t hold you up then! Was gonna offer you two drinks, but just glad to see everything’s alright!” Ryo smiled.


    “Nice meeting you two.” The group echoed.


    “Nice meeting everyone too. Hope to see you at the academy!” Sophie responded.


    “Y-yes!” Aryana stammered, eliciting a small round of chuckles that mortified the poor girl.


    Waving their farewells, the duo slowly walked away from the little cafe and onwards towards where the pavilion should be. Aryana seemed shaken from the sudden interaction but Sophie could tell her nose and eyes were pointed back at the aromatic drinks, a sentiment she too shared but felt too apprehensive to say anything about whilst they left. With a sigh and huff, she dragged the conflicted redhead with her. I wonder if those outlanders know about Eva?