“Brave children of the stone,


    With your steel held proudly high,


    Look to the shadows deep,


    And banish it with the light.


    Brave children of the stone,


    Alone and when death is nigh,


    Think of family and weep,


    But fear naught and fight.


    Brave children of the stone.


    With nothing left but a sigh,


    Fight for home and keep,


    Stand proud with runic might.”


    - ??Emerick Paulson, Linguist, “Translated Dwarven Works: Hearth Guard Pre-Battle Chant”


    <hr><hr>


    “I can walk just fine, Sophie. It’s my arm that’s healing.” Aryana groaned.


    “But still!” Sophie whined, “It’d be best to be careful. And, if anyone bumped into you, how would you balance?”


    It had been a week since she had found Aryana at the Cathedral of Stars, a week since she now took up the mantle of caretaker the same way the girl had done for her. Sophie knew she was a little overprotective, perhaps in a similar vein to how Eva had cared for her. Yet, try as she might, she only felt more guilty whenever she loosened up slightly; knowing that Aryana’s current predicament was mostly her fault. Even though Aryana had begun a healthy recovery, Sophie was determined to ensure that everything would go smoothly, aiming to help Aryana enjoy herself if also to atone for her own sins


    Now, the two were trying their best to enjoy what little time they had left in Arteria before the Academy’s opening ceremony and the rigorous academic life that awaited them. Much to their relief, when Sophie had met with Inquisitor Janos and Korvin again, the former had given the okay for Aryana to be released and for Sophie to once again depart from church oversight. Korvin did not disagree, but did tell her that he would be watching from afar should the situation change, a worrying notion. Still, her mood was bolstered with the fact that Aryana was no longer in church custody, a fact the girl had grumbled about every time Sophie went to visit the past week.


    Sophie had eventually appraised the girl about the news she received from the North, a move that had brought her friend to a grim silence as she contemplated the new information. With a few quiet shared looks, they had wordlessly agreed to simply move past the topic and keep the issue shelved for another time. Just didn’t want to deal with it, which is fair I suppose. Instead, Aryana had just asked if they could go shopping for whatever else they might need before they were sequestered in the Academy; a request that Sophie gladly went along with.


    However, that became a problem on its own as the week of bedrest coupled with the pained expression on Aryana’s face meant without support, it pained her to walk. Sophie in essence had to shepherd Aryana along, an act that seemed to earn her a small scowl from the girl who only now chose not to lean upon Sophie for strength. Fortunately, with a bit of coaxing and a few well placed smiles, Aryana had at least allowed herself to be begrudgingly babied on their journey through the city.


    Aryana just sighed as they stared at a shop window, the girl’s green eyes having dulled a few shapes. Sophie despaired at how the girl’s curiosity and joy, once found in abundance, seemed to have been worn away ever so slightly by recent events. Sophie grimaced to herself, I guess she didn’t take the news well, not that I’ve been feeling much better myself. Truthfully, Sophie could tell whenever the thought of Anna or Mila etched themselves onto Aryana’s face, the slight furrowed brow, small scowl, and quick look into the distance told her all she needed to know. Yet, every time, she also found herself despondent at the thought, unable to cheer the girl up when her own mood had also soured.


    Sophie sensed no true words beyond platitudes that she wanted to speak and settled for gently giving the girl’s head a soft pat. Ary stiffened slightly, before Sophie felt the girl’s shoulders ease up as tension was released and she leaned back slightly against Sophie. Sophie just wrapped her arms around the girl’s waist and pulled her closer. It took but a moment for Sophie to find Ary fully leaning against her and the two simply held their position, quietly staring at their own reflections on the shop window.


    Behind them, the world moved along at its own pace, the city abuzz with life. Chimes and jingles from shops and merchants trying to attract customers. Thousands of people passing through the Arterian streets as they began their own little routines within the safety of its walls. Guards changed shifts as the quick takeover of Legionary positions by the Redcloaks went unnoticed by the public at large over the course of little more than a week. Whatever chaos Arteria had been thrown into the past two weeks had been quickly forgotten, the city having shrugged off the worse of it and now continued as it always has.


    “I heard the Primus is returning on his trip after everything.”


    “As he should. He was elected by the Chamber after all. He should work for us more than the Abenstadters he always seems to frequent.”


    Two nearby women gossiped.


    “The guard’s changed again. Haven''t seen Gress on the street corner anymore.”


    “Shame, always liked the fucker.”


    A set of craftspeople complained.


    “Honoured Lord, the display is ready and the merchandise is there.”


    “Yes, yes.”


    A haughty man dismissively waved a hand at his indebted servant. Both dressed remarkably well with their gilded suits and high class booths.


    Sophie grumbled her displeasure at the sight but thought no more of it. It was simply a fact that many wealthier merchant houses within the city had a legion of servants and other debt owing folks under their ‘care’. Slaves, really, but as long as the actual slave trade did not happen within the city or Arterian jurisdiction, the authorities would only keep a close eye on it if at all. For in their eyes, this was just the repayment of debts. On one handSophie felt herself lucky that she had seen little of this side of Arteria, but, in hindsight, realized that she and Ary had barely actually seen the city at all. Library, guild, tavern, church, market. Rinse and repeat. Library, guild, tavern… It seemed bizarre to her that of the two months they spent in the city, they had barely actually seen it for what it is, and for what it had to offer. They had just been so caught up in preparing for the exams, handling the rogue scholar, and just trying to sort their own lives in order. That even whilst the two of them resided in what many considered to be the beating heart of Cyndralian trade; they had barely actually seen any of it at all. I hope I get the chance to explore more once we''re in the Academy.


    It was a depressing thought that gnawed at her so much so that Aryana had startled her out of her contemplation with a poke to the cheek. Her own mind too caught up to react before it was too late.


    “Bweh?” Sophie grunted in surprise.


    “You look sad.” Ary exclaimed tiredly.


    “I’m not.”


    “But you look sad.”


    “I’m not.”


    “Fine, but then why the frown.”


    “You’re frowning too!”


    “Because it hurts to move.” Aryana growled.


    “Right, sorry. Forgot.” Sophie quickly looked away.


    “Whatever, so what’s on your mind anyway?”


    “It’s nothing.”


    “It’s about the others, isn’t it?” Aryana stated bluntly before she cocked her head away from Sophie.


    Sophie rolled the words around with her tongue for a moment before she settled for a quiet grunt. The girl wasn''t incorrect; the others hand been in her mind as well. Though she also wasn''t wholly correct either considering that Sophie''s thoughts were turned more towards the city. Still, to Sophie, it was a train of thought she''d rather keep to herself for now. Aryana grunted in response and the two fell into another small silence before the girl wiggled herself free from Sophie’s arms.


    A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    ‘Sophie?”


    “Hmm?”


    “Can we go somewhere else? It''s...” Aryana hesitated, "it''s too loud here."


    “Sure. Where do you want to go?”


    Aryana hummed to herself for a minute before she nodded, her head lolling backwards to match her gaze with Sophie’s.


    “Can we go back to the park?”


    At that Sophie found herself temporarily frozen. But what if we run into Tristan again? What if there are traitor legionaries still lurking around? What if the elves weren’t being honest with us? What if its crowded and you get pushed? All were concerns that floated across her mind, her thoughts running around trying to solve every problem only to fail. Yet, when she opened her mouth, she felt no reluctance in her own voice, just a brief tint of peaceful acceptance, “Sure.” Sophie said, “It’d be nice to relax a bit.”


    Seeing Ary throw on a tired but toothy little grin warmed her soul somewhat, and with a cheeky sigh of her own, she helped the girl steady herself. The two traded smiles before they set off on a calming walk through the chaotic streets.


    <hr><hr>


    The busy hum of the city had faded into a monotonous hum that barely went noticed amongst the trees and plants that shielded the park from the outside world. It was’t the same as being outdoors, but it was certainly better than just sitting within stuffy old rooms stuck thinking. Sophie felt almost at peace for a brief second, just before she realized that she had barely been on the road for just under half a year now. She was partly horrified at how natural the thought had slipped her mind until now, how she had almost forgotten what life surrounded by gilded hallways was like. How she could scarcely remember what it felt like to snuggle into Eva’s fluffy bed, or the fact that to her, relaxing walks filled with peace and quiet were more like an ostentatious luxury that she could barely recognise anymore.


    Sophie turned to find Aryana with a wistful expression in her eyes, the redhead staring almost dejectedly at sky. Her turn to get distracted by thoughts of the past, eh. Sophie felt guilty that she had never thought of asking more about the redhead’s home, family or what things she had done in the north. There had been such pain in her eyes that Sophie just thought the girl wanted to avoid the subject. But, seeing her now, and combined with what was happening with Anna, Sophie couldn’t help but feel that she had failed as both a friend and protector. If I reached out more to Anna, would Mila have to chase her down? Are they still fine? Goddess please keep them both safe.


    Seeing that Aryana seemed to have no desire for a conversation and remained lost in her own thoughts. Sophie decided that perhaps she would ask about her another time. For now, Sophie adjusted her position slightly and leaned back against the bench. Her eyes wandered up to the roof of the pavilion and, there she saw an old mural, a few vines here and there decorating the faded art piece. It showed off what looked to be a some caricature of a demon, battling what Sophie assumed was a Saintess who sat high atop a mighty steed. The Saintess was flanked by a trio of knights, two silver clad templar and another more ordinary noble looking knight. So even back… whenever this was made, the templars were a thing. Huh, how peculiar. They fought upon a field of ice and snow, the bloodied ground painted a vibrant scarlet red, now faded through the passage of time. How poetic.


    Sophie closed her eyes and felt the frigid prod of frosty air that hailed the coming winter surround her. Little prickly lances of chill tickled her body even as the rays of the afternoon sun shone through the openings of the pavilion, the warm rays dancing aggressively against the spikes of cold. It wasn’t an unpleasant experience, almost relaxing even, almost. The chill bristled against her spine and her hairs shot up in displeasure at the feeling, only calmed by the rays of sunshine that followed soon after. Only now, in the middle of the park did Sophie realize that she had rarely heard the majestic melody of bird song within the city. Only here, did she catch a few notes of a melody, the sounds carrying through the tree and echoing however they could. For within the city itself, the birds were either lacking, or the unending crowds too loud. If that’s what I noticed… what about Ary?


    Sophie flicked a cheeky eye open and found Aryana still maintaining her pose, staring wistfully out to the sky beyond. Sophie followed the girl’s gaze, wondering if anything would catch her attention only to find the redhead staring at nothingness. A few clouds perhaps, but nothing else. So she really is just lost in her thoughts. Sophie was curious though, wondering what was going on behind those green eyes. To her Aryana was both like an enigma and the most simplistic puzzle ever. The girl wanted freedom, to see the world, forget the past and make friends, those were the goals that Sophie could piece together. Yet, on the other hand, Aryana’s generally carefree demeanour also meant that Sophie wasn’t usually able to hone in on what exactly the girl was thinking.


    The silence between them was only interrupted by the distant hum of the city around them, the clicks of bird song, and the occasional voice of some other citizen wandering about the park. The two would’ve likely continued their quiet vigil if not for the fact that two surprised gasps echoed from down the path. Both girls shot up and turned to the direction of the noise, finding two equally surprised elves staring back at them. Hah, I guess some friendly faces would do Ary some good. Though I have my own questions I want to ask them, they don''t seem to be here for a fight, might just have to bide my time before confronting them about the scholar. Or at least until Ary is off somewhere else.


    The Calnodel siblings hurriedly rushed over, much to the alarm of both Sophie and Aryana. With a wince and a groan, Aryana pushed herself up and Sophie quickly moved to help.


    “Halfie! Red hair!” Maylesa exclaimed half excitedly and half concerned.


    “F-friends!” Aryana grunted.


    Aryana staggered slightly and Sophie quickly steadied her, the girl giving her an acknowledging nod.


    “Oh my! Are you… are you alright?” Maylesa tried to ask, her question making her brother practically roll his eyes.


    Sophie almost chuckled at how Thalnor winced. The elf’s eye downcast at how his sister tried to dance around the fact that Aryana’s arm was wrapped in an encompassing cast and bandages. Aryana took it in stride and just bobbed her head softly.


    The two elves scrambled over to the duo and Sophie could see that there was at least a genuine sense of concern within their eyes. Hopefully they didn’t set us up, I really hope not. Poor Ary would probably lose her mind if they did. Maylesa huddled over Aryana and though the redhead grimaced slightly at the sudden attention, Sophie spied the small smile on her face and couldn’t help but also smile slightly at the sight.


    “Maylesa, Thalnor.” Sophie acknowledged.


    The siblings bowed their greetings before they promptly turned their attention back to the injured humanoid. Aryana casting bewildered glances at the two newcomers with a goofy grin on her face.


    “What happened?” Maylesa asked.


    Aryana’s expression darkened and her lips tightened up, leaving Sophie alone to answer.


    “Have you two heard about the Grand Library?” Sophie mumbled.


    “The Library? Yeah.” Thalnor answered, “We just thought… hoped that the two of you were alright.”


    “Mmhmm. If we knew what would’ve happened…” Maylesa began.


    “S’fine.” Aryana murmured.


    “I suppose, considering you’re both alive now, the technicality does fit the definition of being fine. But still, you in particular,” Maylesa prodded Aryana, “you look…. far less than optimal condition.”


    “The scholar…” Sophie began, “he betrayed us and started attacking. It’s a long story but, he’s part of a cult of sorts.”


    “A cult? That deeply embedded into Arteria? That’s concerning.”


    “Yeah, and it turns out the Legion was involved too.”


    “The legion?! Thalnor gasped, “So then the rumors of troubles in Brightfields?”


    “It was connected.”


    “By the Divines, connected… to a cult? Is that why the Redcloaks are subsuming legionary guard posts?”


    “Probably.”


    “Then her wounds…” Maylesa added, turning a concerned eye at Aryana.


    “Mmm. Was from them.”


    “That is… quite concerning.”


    “Indeed,” Thalnor sighed, “sorry.”


    “Huh?”


    “Sorry for sending the two of you to meet with this scholar.”


    “If we had known…” Maylesa chimed in.


    “It’s fine.” Aryana quietly interrupted, taking everyone’s attention to her, “I know you didn’t mean to hurt us.” She whispered.


    The siblings traded awkward grunts but let the subject drop, their eyes instead turning back towards Sophie.


    “Did you…” Maylesa began and Sophie just nodded.


    “Yeah, we did manage to learn a few things.”


    “Oh… oh! That’s… unexpected but errr, good I think.”


    “Indeed, at least some good came out of this mess.” Thalnor hesitantly agreed.


    Sophie sighed tiredly but nodded nonetheless. “I suppose we do have a bit to catch up on, huh?”


    “True! We do have our own things to share with you two!” Maylesa sparked back to life.


    “Heh, well then I guess-” Sophie started but felt a small tug at her sleeve.


    She looked over to find Aryana with a small frown on her face.


    “Yeah?”


    “Can we go eat?” Aryana whined.


    Sophie was so caught off guard that she chuckled slightly, prompting the siblings to turn their own curious gazes at the girl in question who could only futilely try to flap her free arm.


    “I’m just hungry.” Aryana defended herself.


    The siblings both cracked a smile and nodded knowingly at the new information.


    “Very well, then if you two don’t mind. Perhaps we can catch up over a meal?”


    “Indeed, we were here to kill some time before dinner but seeing as we’ve run into you two, I suppose it matters little if we were to dine early. Best to dine in the company of friends anyways."


    The siblings both agreed. Sophie added a small chuckle of her own and Aryana looked almost embarrassed despite the signs of mirth on her face. The four traded a few looks before they shared a warm nod amongst them. A plan was drawn up and they all agreed that a few moments of respite spent over food would do everyone good. Watching Aryana grow almost excited once more at the prospect of hanging out with friends brought a small sense of comfort in Sophie’s heart. It’s nice to see her happy, I just wish Anna and Mila are fine too. Damn. A worry for another time I suppose. For now, I just gotta keep Aryana safe and make sure these two aren''t actually up to no good.