“Monitus Code Procebium: Deadly Force Enforcement Event at the Grand Library.


    Incident Date: 25th of Phaerus


    Report Date: 29th of Morus


    Casualties:


    - Combatants: 3 Legionaries Deceased, 1 Critically Wounded, 1 Lightly Wounded.


    1 Unidentified Mercenary Deceased (UM). 1 Adventurer with Fatal Wounds (AFW).


    1 Renegade Scholar injured but Fled Containment (RS-FC).


    - Noncombatants: 2 Library Staffers with Mild Injuries. 1 Civilian with Superficial Wound.


    Section 1- Report Details: On the date (25th of Phaerus) violent altercation occurred on the second floor, northern annex, Brandt Hall of the Grand Library. AFW engaged RS-FC and UM in protracted combat after still unknown reason led to armed hostilities. Library Security Team sent forward scout group to investigate and found open combat. Attempts made by on-site Legionaries to stabilise and deescalate the situation failed. UM launched an attack that fatally wounded 2 responders, and injured assistant officer in command. Remaining legionaries engaged target and subdued UM. But RS-FC had incapacitated AFW and pushed past with deadly efficiency. 1 more Legionary was incapacitated and officer in command suffered critical wounds protecting civilian from danger. Civilian suffered minor bruising in the process. RS-FC escaped down into the main hall of the Grand Library and wounded 2 staffers as they tried to stop him from fleeing the scene. Investigation ongoing but suspected infiltration element from hostile party.


    Addition: AFW suffered critical injuries deemed unsurvivable, but current status suggests abnormal halting of physical decline. AFW remains comatose but ‘alive’. Suggest urgent investigation to be performed on AFW to detect traces of malicious magicks after civilian leaves. Avoid intrusive probes until then.


    As of this incident, and of the date (29th of Morus) in which this report is produced. All current on duty legionaries are to be on high alert, maintaining operational procedures Aqua. Investigative team will continue tracking down RS-FC. Associated enforcement units under the Arterian City Guard and Trinity Guard have been informed and will cooperate with further investigations.


    Section 2 - Information: Attached below are detailed descriptions of the suspects involved, names, and any necessary…”


    - Clover Legion Second Company Tessar: Allen Monsitori - “Incident Report: Grand Library - Pg 1"


    <hr><hr>


    Five Days Later


    Cold, she felt so, very cold. Aryana rocked gently in her bed, the blanket drawn over her upright form as she shivered in place. She had awoken in a cold sweat, her skin clammy, overheated and uncomfortably moist. She listened quietly to the low hum of the tavern below, then to the buzz of the city that echoed long into the night, and finally to the unsteady beats of her own heart. The pounding of battle reverberating through the ambiance and danced furiously within her. Flashes of her time in captivity chilled her to the core, the sudden awakening followed by the rapid explosion of violence that had seen dozens slain in moments felt eerily similar to what she had just gone through.


    She had snuck up behind the legionaries and found them talking to the strange man, the giant armoured warrior obscuring her view of the duel happening behind him. Without warning, the giant cleaved through two of the legionaries, his blade stopping only when a third legionary managed to partially parry it would his own spear. The guard who had warned her then began an attack of their own that saw his spear piercing into the giant’s skull. The blood and bone that followed a sure sign of a clean kill.


    Then, there was a lull as the two remaining guards focused on the duel, and to Aryana’s shock, she found that Sophie had practically been cut open by her own blade. The regal sword now coated with the knight’s blood and a substance darker and more congealed than normal blood. Above her friend was the robed man, a man that looked like no man she had ever seen before. His face was warped and twisted as sinewy bulbous muscles and hideous parasitic growths pustulated on his bare flesh. Like a monster possessed, he had brought down one of the guards in an instant, before the remaining one engaged him. To her horror, the guard captain had noticed her at the last moment, saw the oncoming monster and used his form to shield her from the attack. In turn, the man had suffered a horrific blow of his own.


    Her eyes traced a trail to the report that now sat upon the foot of Sophie’s bed. Perhaps seeing how distressed she was or just some random act of kindness or procedure, the same legionnaire who had protected her was also in the medical center and had slipped her a copy of the report on the last day of her stay with them. The other guards within the library had responded quickly enough after the skirmish and soon brought both Sophie and Aryana with them back to Fortress Clover. Admittedly, Aryana knew she was only allowed to tag along because she had been unwilling to be separated and had babbled incoherently at their rescuers until they dragged her along. Together, the two of them had been admitted inside the Fort’s medical wing, carefully monitored by guards.


    As Sophie floated listlessly between life and death, Aryana could only wallow in her own self pity, the distant feelings of uselessness now reaching a boiling point within her. Not only had she let her friend and guardian go alone. She had also been stricken with such a fright that the guard captain had also suffered grievous injuries in order to protect her, and this was potentially the reason why the monstrous scholar had gotten a chance to escape. She found herself drawn to the awful realization that, if she wasn’t there, there could’ve been a chance that the situation remained contained, that the guards wouldn’t have needed to attempt to deescalate without a civilian, that they could’ve just jumped into the fray. But they didn’t notice me until the last blow, right?


    A vision of Sophie invaded her mind and she winced at the thought. The fight had only lasted a minute or two at most, at least the portion that Aryana was present for. But, in that timeframe alone, Sophie had suffered wounds that most would agree might place one beyond the realms of recovery. There was a deep gash below the half elf’s abdomen, the cut exposing some of her insides as blood and some strange translucent almost clear looking ichor spilled out with it. Her arm too had been pinned against the hallway’s walls by her own sword, the monstrous scholar looking almost triumphant in his violent dispatching of the elf. It was only after the captain had engaged the monster that Aryana was able to approach Sophie, rapidly pulling out the jammed blade only to find the elf had long since lost consciousness from the pain. Yet, the one thing that Aryana did manage to process during her panicked shaking of her friend was the difference in bloodied fluids left behind.


    Splattered across the floors and walls had been blood, most normal but two kinds that she distinctly remembered looking peculiar and eliciting an uneasy churning of her stomach. The first had been the darkened patches of sticky foul black ichor that likely came from the wounds the monster had sustained, its pungent diseased stench almost pushed Aryana to the point of illness.The other that caught her eye was Sophie’s own fluids, the ichor that flowed alongside her blood and clearly came from within the elf. However, the more Aryana had tried to stem the bleeding and gotten it on her hands, she found that not only was the elf’s translucent ichor almost undetectable. Like water, it was clear, scentless and strangely viscous when coating her hands despite feeling also like nothingness.


    Aryana had remembered that Sophie had no heart, that her friend was less than whole as a living being, that there was something missing. But, at the sorry state of her now, Aryana now knew for certain that there was something strange with Sophie. For the strange liquids flowed just as her blood would, lingering outside her body on Aryana’s hands for mere moments before they dissipated just as suddenly. It would have been unnerving if she had seen it for herself on any other day, but her mind had been so panicked that only now did she truly have a moment to spend worrying about what exactly her friend was.


    She sighed mournfully and finally roused herself off the bed, leaving behind the safety of her blanket and slipping into her boots. The legion had kindly cleaned and ensured that all of the duo’s belongings were cared for and returned whilst they took care of them in the infirmary. Aryana had lain or hovered around Sophie’s bedside before the legion had finally gently kicked her out, asking that she let the medical personnel and healers to perform their tasks without interference. It had been a savage blow to morale but she could rest a little easier in that Sophie had begun breathing once more the day before. This was an improvement from the uncertain state that she had first arrived in. Her gaze eventually landed on the Lion’s Mane or something now rested in its sheath on the empty bed and she grew enraged at herself.


    She had been so useless, so inadequate that, every step of the way, others had done most of the fighting, planning and struggling. She had even gotten herself to be kidnapped by orcs and if fate wasn’t on her side, consigned to toil within darkened caverns forever. It infuriated her even further to know that so far, she felt as if she had contributed nothing, offered nothing to help her allies and companions, unable to do much more than smile and tag along. She hated the feelings of weakness and most of all, hated herself. Now, Sophie was lying somewhere, unable to do anything and there was nothing she could do to help, nothing.


    She balled her hands into a fist and slammed them against her leg, the numbing pain keeping her focused on her surroundings and not her thoughts. She needed to do something, to be useful. But how? That was the question she grappled with and the one thing she remained unsure of. At home the answers were always simple; carry on with routine, harvest some crops and fruits, carry the water pails, feed the chickens, and read a little if she was lucky enough to find the time. Frustrated, she fought the urge to cry and shimmed out the room. Not here, not now.


    Aryana found that, despite trying to make herself less noticeable, it didn’t matter. In the city, people were too busy to notice unless someone deliberately drew attention to themselves anyways. On one hand, she was relieved, happy that she could move about freely. On the other, she began doubting if she should inform the others, to at least talk to the siblings lest they too found her bothersome. She assumed that they didn’t plan this, that this was some purely out of their control and that perhaps they would be willing to lend their aid if she could just talk to them. It was a risk born out of desperation, but fearing inaction most of all, she had convinced herself that they could help. Regardless of her doubts, she didn’t know what else to do. Thus, with a soft and tense sigh, she set off for the elven quarter.


    <hr><hr>


    A low chill hung in the air and the hairs on her neck stood up in fright. She recognised the sensation and the message it brought, the coming of the frosts. They were named the Frostwinds by the lowlanders and became a moniker that was adopted by the highland tribes. The Frostwind Ranges acted not just as a geographical barrier to the northern realms, but also as a physical barrier that broke some of the frigid air that pushed towards the southern coasts. For the various tribes and clans living there, this time of year signaled a halt to most outdoor activities, a sign for people to buckle down and stock up supplies as the chaotic frosts stormed across the peaks and valleys. It was a time when the frosts would buffet the entire mountain in snow, cold, and heavy storm gusts that often left behind icy wisps in their wake which reaped havoc with woodland trails. For Aryana it meant a time to secure her animals and collect what crops she could bundle up. Of nights spent hungry as she never had quite enough for more than one or two meals a day.


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Here though, it felt familiar yet different. More like a warning of the coming frosts than the frost itself. To her, it almost seemed like everything was working in tandem to wring her spirit dry, to push out whatever little joys she still had from just being in a new environment. What rotten luck, she grumbled to herself. The day too, had grown slightly darker as she got closer to the outskirts of the elven quarters, the passage of time since her release marching ever forward despite her inability to help Sophie.


    The bustling streets that once filled her with wonder now looked more terrifying than before. Each darkened alleyway and path was a potential hiding spot for the monster that escaped the library. Just what in the name of the Mountains was that thing anyway? It didn’t look like the undead back in Melisgrad. Do Lagraians always keep such things just sequestered away? She grimaced at the thought and perished it from her mind as the walls of the elven quarter came up in sight. I need to make sure the hatires know what’s happening, I mean, they can’t be involved, surely not? They are our friends after all. If anything, they might know just that much more about the scholar and it could help Sophie. Maybe.


    Imposing yet elegant and carefully constructed walls were the first things that greeted her. The craftsmanship involved giving her goosebumps as she took in the sight of the curves, etchings and smooth surfaces of the wall. Large bastion towers dotted the expanse and she found herself feeling increasingly small in the face of things. She shook not from the cold but the nerves of having to approach the hatires on her own, to be the one who pushed things forward. Come on, for Sophie, you can do this.


    Her confidence nose dived when she felt the accusatory gaze of a hatire guardian staring at her from besides the gatehouse. The hatire clad in ornately crafted battle gear that comprised of a carved chest-plate, greaves and a helmet, all of which looked dull yet lustrous as the same time. It was like being in the presence of an ethereal guardian that judged her harshly, the hatire’s narrowed eyes scanning her up and down.


    “Halt outsider. Few merchants come through this gate, fewer outsiders with no commercial business. What is the purpose of you visit?”


    Aryana froze and queried her thoughts, her mind racing to find a suitable answer.


    “Uhh… umm… I’m looking to meet with uhhh… Maylesa and Thalnor ummm… Calnodel?” She managed to stammer out.


    “Uh huh, sure. What else? Looking to see the ambassador too?” The guard.


    “Ummm… n-no?”


    “Right, sure.”


    “I-I just need to talk to them about our fri-friend.” She managed to eke out.


    “Sure, nows the part where you tell me you’re friends or something, that they’d really like to see you. Riveting end of the world important stuff.”


    “I-”


    “Enough outsider, if you don’t have an appointment made they’re probably not looking to see you.”


    “But-”


    “If I see them, I’ll say some strange girl with red hair is trying to see them. Now get lost, outsider.”


    “But…!”


    The guard tapped his quarterstaff at her and she flinched, gradually backing away. She felt his gaze on her the entire way until she backed off far enough that she melded back into the crowds of the city.


    <hr><hr>


    She wandered the city aimlessly, lost within her thoughts and unable to properly compose herself. A small chime in the distance echoed across the city and alerted her to the impending descent of evening. Her stomach growled in displeasure at not having been fed but she pushed on, heading to the one place she knew offered some small comfort, the library.


    The atmosphere within was tense and she spotted more than a dozen guards within the entry hall alone, the legionaries now joined by both redcloak and trinite guards. Their multicoloured capes offered a stark contrast to the grim mood that hung within the building, the eyes of the guards carefully scanning each individual with utmost caution. She shuffled her way to the cafe and ordered her usual orange black tea. This time however, as she deposited the coins on the table, the owner gently pressed them back into her palm, making her look up in fear.


    “On the house.” He quietly whispered.


    Aryana was quiet for a moment as she studied the almost consoling smile on the man’s face. Sensing no trick, she tiredly accepted the gesture and managed a sad smile before she slinked off to a corner seat.


    She leaned against the wall and slowly sipped away at her drink, her body grateful that some sort of sustenance was being provided at all. Midway through the fourth sip, she heard what felt like familiar voices and turned to find a group of Vaettaughs chattering away as they moved to order. What did Sophie say again? Outlanders? The group of outlanders merrily went about their business and Sophie could just about recall a few of their names from the faces she recognised. Girl, Suzuki. Boy, Jonathan. Boy, Aito. Boy, Hideo. The four were joined by three others whom she did not recognise, a boy and two girls, though one of the new girls seemed to be well respected by all the others. As they chattered away she felt a pang of sadness that they didn’t seem to recognise her. It made sense, of course. They hadn’t been seen for almost a month now, and she had been hiding behind Sophie for most of it. Still, she let out a quiet sigh and went back to sipping her drink.


    Their arrival had, however, sent the cogs within her mind spinning once again and slowly a plan began to form inside her head. She couldn’t really help in any feasible way with Sophie’s recovery, but, as she looked around the library, her thoughts were drawn to the area in which the fight took place. There might be clues or evidence still left behind, the question is, how well guarded and seared by the guards is that area now? It’s been five days, but I think they’ll be combing through every corner given that a few of theirs… by the spirits, and the captain, all because of me.


    Her malaise wore off soon enough and she turned her attention back to thinking about the north wing. Had Sophie been about to stumble onto a secret? What happened to the scholar to make him a monster? Are the guards hiding something? All questions that mulled around in her head and all that she desired answers to. Her growing determination had been so all consuming that she barely noticed the figures that strode closer to her table. Her hand had been clenched onto the table and the hems of her skirt when a voice interrupted her contemplation.


    “Hey! You’re… Aryana right? I’m Suzuki, do you remember us?”


    Aryana instantly spun around and looked at the new arrivals with a hint of fear in her eyes. To be so casually addressed by the Vaettaugh still felt like a daunting prospect that she was unprepared for. She mustered her strength and offered a quiet nod, her eyes still darting between the sudden influx of faces.


    “Hah, sorry for spooking you.” Suzuki shot her a cheeky grin, “Jonathan here noticed you were super tense and figured we’d come say hi.” She pointed at the big guy.


    The outlander in question flashed his own hearty grin only to drop slightly when he caught sight of Aryana’s expression.


    “Whoa, hey. Sorry for intruding if it isn’t a good time.” He spoke gently.


    “It-it’s okay.” Aryana murmured.


    “Really, I’m sorry if we’re interrupting something.”


    Aryana empathetically shook her head once more, but only managed a sad shake instead, “It’s okay.”


    “Well uhh… if you’ll need us we’ll be right over here,” He pointed to the table, “It’s uhh… good seeing you. I hope you feel better.” The man awkwardly smiled before turning back to the table.


    Aryana felt a small smile of her own reach her face, his gesture was welcome and offered a minuscule amount of warmth, but warmth nonetheless.


    “T-thank you.” She dipped her head. However, her eyes shot past Suzuki and up at the figure that had strode up curiously behind the black haired girl.


    A small tap on the shoulder and Aryana watched Suzuki nearly jump with fright before bowing in apology, the movement eliciting a small alluring chuckle from the girl behind her.


    “Suzuki, I’d hardly think you were one to bother random people in cafes.” The girl spoke.


    Aryana admired the unique style of dress on display; the girl sporting a finely cut bodice and dress that both firmly landed in the camp of elegance, but remained fitted and tight enough to also be fully functional. Her trousers also indicated someone who often performed physical exercise, offering up an air of comfiness but also slightly worn from constant use. Her hair was a mix of deep light brown and a hint of honey brown, falling in two neat little bangs to her sides and an organised bun at the back.


    “Sorry. We know her, promise.” Suzuki joked before turning to Aryana once more, “This is umm… Aryana.”


    “Nice to meet you Aryana.” The girl dipped her head slightly.


    Aryana just dipped her head respectfully, hoping that the message of greeting had gotten across.


    “By the Gods, she looks terrified.” The girl unwittingly commented.


    “It’s fine sensei, really.”


    “Ahem.”


    “Right sorry. Umm Aryana, this is our sensei. That is, a teacher for me and the others. So meet sensei Eva.”


    “Suzuki.”


    “Right, sorry. She doesn’t like being called a sensei in public.”


    The girl just furrowed her brow and jokingly shook her head in disappointment before rolling her eyes and flashing Aryana a warm smile.


    “But yeah, my name’s Eva, or Evaline, though I’d prefer Eva if that works for you.”


    A flash of recognition shot between Aryana’s eyes at the name and she quickly found her mind racing once more as she tried recalling every relevant detail that she had remembered about such a name. Her mouth opened unconsciously before she even had a chance to stop herself. “Eva… Rosegard?” She whispered out.


    The air around the trio seemed to stand still as both the others had looks of concern flash through their eyes. Eva looked accusatorially at Suzuki, whilst the outlander shook her head and indicated her own confusion.


    “It''s Rosengart, and where did you hear that, hmm?” Eva asked. Aryana could sense the tone in Eva’s voice shift ever so slightly. The pleasantness replaced by a more cautious and measured choice of words.


    Aryana swallowed her worries and answered, “S-Sophie… you’re Sophie’s…” She froze as she say the subtle change in the girl’s expression. From concerned, to recognition, to curiosity, and finally a mix of desperation or desire, which one Aryana couldn’t tell.


    “Did you say… Sophie? As in… a half elf… maid… called Sophie?” Eva asked as she leaned in, a slight chill radiating around her. Even Suzuki seemed to freeze in place and cautiously observe the exchange, unwilling to butt in.


    Worried once more, Aryana just nodded. “Th-that’s the one. Maid, weird, friendly.” She stammered out.


    Eva took a deep breath and let it out deliberately. The girl closing her eyes for a moment before she glanced over at Suzuki.


    “Tell the others that I’ll be busy and to not disturb me until absolutely urgent.” Eva ordered.


    “Of course.” Suzuki nodded in acknowledgement, “And err…” She pointed towards Aryana.


    “You take charge if I’m not finished in time. Just make sure to meet by the piers around nine. If I’m still not there, just head back without me. It''s Sunday so I''ll head back with the late night ferry if I don''t make it.”


    "Got it."


    Aryana was terrified. Eva’s face had shifted from friendly to purely professional in a matter of seconds. Her warmth was gone and turned icy cold with how she gave her orders. Suzuki too, noticed this and just quietly nodded, giving Aryana an apologetic wave before she rounded up the other outlanders. With her gone, Aryana found herself looking up at Eva.


    “Pardon me for the rudeness again. But, you’re Aryana right?”


    A nod.


    “And you said you heard about me from Sophie?”


    Another nod.


    “I’m sorry to take up your time, but we need to talk.”