“The Kingdom of Zephyr is a human-elven nation completely alien to most Cyndralian mindsets. Their close, if sometimes turbulent, alliance with the eastern elvish factions have also meant a wholly unique culture. In human terms, their buildings emulate the grandiose decorative marbled columned styles of their neighbours in Gratia and Potomia. whilst still taking on the far more lithe, spire-like, and organic form of elven architecture. Visitors from Western Cyndralia should be quick to notice that elven architecture in Zehpyr’s eastern forests varies drastically in comparison to buildings found in the Adonar. One could say that those of Zephyr find much more artistic style in embracing their locale and appear far more modest than their Adornari counterparts despite likely being far more intricate in construction.”


    - Danilo Sinclair, Traxian Architect, “Peering into Zephyr: An Architect’s Guide”


    <hr><hr>


    “Eva!” Sophie cried out for the umpteenth time, “Wah!”


    The older girl just chuckled and ruffled her hair again, giving Sophie a few quick pats before nodding once more.


    “Spoiled little gremlin.” Eva smirked.


    Sophie found herself unsatisfied and nuzzled herself against Eva even more. She unintentionally began rubbing her face against Eva’s like an animal trying to claim territory, only freezing in absolute shock when she heard a giggle come from Aryana.


    “You look so silly.” Aryana pointed out with a chuckle of her own.


    Sophie immediately felt her face flush with embarrassment, slinking down slightly only for Eva to pull her back in an embrace.


    “She’s right, you know.” Eva jokingly tutted, “You do look, so very silly sometimes. But, that’s what’s so adorable about you isn’t it?” Eva finished with a small peck on Sophie’s forehead.


    It was warm, soft, and very unexpected. Sophie felt herself go into overdrive before breaking down, the sudden attack forcing her to bury herself with her shirt in hopes the others wouldn’t see the blush on her face.


    Eva hadn’t had much time during the entrance ceremony, being called to perform alongside the other speakers. But what little time they shared, Sophie treasured. So it was that they agreed to properly meet up a week later, at a small cafe frequented by Academy students just beyond the dockside walls. She expected maybe a light meal and some gentle conversation over a few hours. It was something she had looked forward to for the whole week and found herself unreasonably anxious about, worrying if she would fumble her words.


    Her worries were for naught, however. For when today finally came around, Eva had shared that she even managed to persuade the cafe owner to lend them a private room for the day and surprised the duo with a terrific little multi course meal, leaving Sophie barely able to contain her excitement. She felt almost electrified at the sight, her nerves finally forgetting some of the ingrained tension she gained from the months of non stop danger.


    Now, no matter how hard she tried, she found herself unable to detach from Eva’s side the long months away piling on all at once. Though more than once, she noticed a brief melancholic note flash across Aryana’s face, the expression so brief that Sophie almost began doubting herself. Didn’t know the arm bothered her that much… though I guess I wouldn’t really know given how my body works. Sophie flashed Ary a small smile but the girl was too busy tucking away at her meal.


    Eva had also treated them to a fine tea experience with countless little odd snacks. From Verona cold platters to little bite sized sandwiches with the flavours of Carrador, every morsel was proving to be a delight. At this, thankfully, Aryana seemed to find pure joy in doing so. Sophie noticed the redhead''s happy expressions when she was tasting all the different foods and couldn''t help but admire the innocence on display. Cute.


    As for herself, she could shamefully only join the others for half the meal before the excitement of being around Eva filled up the rest of her belly with anxiety. She bobbed incessantly until Eva drew had beckoned her over, before plopping her down on her lap like some oversized toddler. She was a bit miffed at the implication but the closeness with which she now shared with her mistress proved overwhelming. It felt almost normal again, whatever normal was before her journey throughout the north. Almost like a dose of nostalgia turned up to the maximum, she felt warm, cozy and comfortable whilst snuggled up against Eva; the older girl getting in a few cuddles of her own.


    “Heheh, alright alright. Before we get into anything else…” Eva began.


    “Mmm?” Sophie perked up.


    “Can you two tell me how exactly you both ended up here?” Eva glanced between the two, “As in… well… what happened?” Her voice now is a mixture of confusion and seriousness.


    “Ahh…” Sophie and Ary both echoed before they turned to each other.


    "I know it''s a bit of a sudden ask but..." Eva shrugged, "it''s been on my mind."


    The jovial mood plummeted instantly, Sophie’s shoulders slumping slightly lower as she recalled more than a handful of unpleasant memories. Aryana meanwhile seemed more perplexed than anything, though the sad frown on her face said more than enough. There was a silence that settled over the trio, Sophie and Aryana both contemplating past events while Eva began squirming a little more uncomfortably at the quiet.


    “I umm...” Ary began before she gently pushed her sandwich off to the side, “I…umm…”


    “I can start, if you don’t mind.” Sophie said in a low whisper.


    With a hushed grunt, Aryana wordlessly agreed.


    Sophie turned to find Eva with a practiced diplomatic expression on her face. The same one she used whenever Duke or Duchess Rosengart would bring them to formal events. Ahh… yeah, that’s fair. Sophie took a deep breath and felt Eva gently rest a hand over hers.


    “Sorry. That was… is, a bit tactless. I’m used to talking with my students. Take your time Soph, I… I can see there’s a lot more than I thought.” Eva reassured her.


    “Mm.” Sophie echoed Aryana’s grunt.


    She closed her eyes and felt her mind begin to wander. The events of the past few months running across her mind.


    “Ah…” She sighed softly. When she noticed the concerned expression on Eva’s face she quickly leaned in. “Sorry.”


    Eva seemed horrified just upon seeing Sophie''s expression. The girl quickly pulling Sophie for a heavy hug before looking at her with eyes filled with worry, “Sophie please don''t apologize, you''re doing fine little gremlin. I’m the one asking about what happened, if anyone needs to apologize it’s me for not reading the room. Evidently, you had a far more unpleasant journey than I thought.” Eva quickly spoke, “So if you guys just want to enjoy this afternoon then please. Pretend I never asked, eh?”


    Sophie smiled sadly but just shook her head, trading a small glance with Aryana before she nuzzled up to Eva once more.


    “No… it’s fine.” She whispered, “I just… I was so happy to see you again that I almost forgot… for a while anyway.”


    “Sophie…” Eva spoke. But, Sophie could hear the emotion in her voice now, the same concern that Eva always showed whenever Sophie did something stupid that made Eva sad. Sophie shushed Eva by holding up a finger to the girl’s mouth, before Eva''s voice made her lose her nerves. Eva’s eyes widened in surprise but she did not resist.


    “Just… give me a moment to collect my thoughts.” Sophie flashed a sad smile.


    Eva nodded and Aryana seemed unlikely to interject. Knowing that she now had time to collect herself, she closed her eyes once again, tapping her hand across the table until she felt certain she knew what to say.


    “Well…” Sophie began, “that night that I got kidnapped, the prison wagon was hit by what I think were elven freedom fighters…”


    <hr><hr>


    For her, the experience began during her kidnapping in the Mistveil; the frantic escape followed by her first experience of the cultist rituals of the undead. She told Eva about meeting the adventurers of Runebound and Eichafen, the short but interesting time she had spent in the city. Her mood dropped further when recollecting the ill fated expedition to the ruins and the fall of the fortress city; the loss of almost everyone involved besides Annalise distressing her even further. When she mentioned how she was picked up by the Inquisition, she could see Eva’s frown of dissatisfaction. Though she did carefully skirt around the issue of the Entity and its connection and by extension her connection to the void. Still unsure if it was something to be told to others or kept secret. What didn''t help was trying to figure out how to describe Elaria and the void realm, how she had not just traveled dimensions, but, also gained an odd sister of sorts. She figured this was probably best shared, another time.


    At this point Sophie nibbled on a small sandwich, but the other two kept silent, letting the depressive feeling carry on for almost far too long until Sophie reluctantly started speaking again. She then recounted her experience in Melton, talking in depth about Mila, Annalise, Kimmie, Taurox and the slow trail of the cult that she began following in Harweald. Eva had once or twice complimented Sophie’s handling of the situation, only looking more sour whenever Sophie mentioned anything about fighting.


    Sophie spoke fondly of the strange encounter with Aryana, the girl herself offering a cheeky smile amidst the depressive tale. It was then however, that she found herself almost unable to speak about the events of Melisgrad, the frosty chill of Lady Rutley still lingering on the edge of her mind. Taking a moment for herself, she tapped absently at her tableware. The other two had a mixture of expressions on their face; Eva with one filled with horror; Aryana with one of sorrow and recognition. She omitted the deal she struck with Lady Rutley that led to the fall of the castle, talking only about how the Lemurach had aided her on her journey and crowned her a knight with a sigil. She also spoke in depth about the cult’s ritual at the top of the tower that saw the release of the Imposter. At that, Sophie noticed that Eva briefly glanced above her head and subtly scratched her scalp. It felt good for sure but she wasn''t sure just what the girl was looking for since there was nothing but hair there. Concerned, but undeterred, Sophie then spoke about how the crisis was resolved before gesturing at Aryana. Tactfully avoiding the horror of how she had brought down Marcus the traitor.


    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    Aryana then picked up the tale from how the new King of Melton had rewarded them, granting Sophie the official sigil to carry forward House Rutley’s name as its knight. Eva at least, managed a weak smile to congratulate Sophie, an act that restored some semblance of calm to Sophie’s despondent form. Aryana then talked about her experiences in Sturmbreaker and the Ascari wilds, how Sophie had come with Taurox to save her from orcs and goblins. The pair then traded glances and took turns narrating their experiences in Arteria, about how their traveling companions absconded back to the north. How they had accidentally unearthed a sleeper cult within the city’s legion.


    Eva seemed to blank out at this point, the overwhelming amount of information having taken them almost two hours to recount. But instead of simply leaving it at that, Sophie felt herself being pulled in as Eva wrapped her in a tight hug, the older girl’s hands giving a comforting caress of her back.


    “I…I… didn’t know. If I had known…” Eva began but Sophie quietly huddled in and shushed her with a sad nuzzle.


    “It’s okay. There wasn’t anything you could do.” Sophie said.


    “But-”


    “Eva… please… I’m happy enough just being here. Happy enough that I get to see you again, but… I’d rather avoid remembering for now.”


    “I know…but… argh.” Eva roughly ruffled Sophie’s hair, “By the Goddess, I’m sorry for not being there. I’m sorry I couldn’t do more, hells, didn’t do more. Goddess knows I could’ve.”


    Sophie could feel Eva’s heartbeat quicken and her muscles tighten in frustration. Trying to avoid agitating Eva too much, Sophie gently placed her face against Eva’s and felt the comforting warmth emanating from the girl.


    “Mmm. I know.” Sophie mumbled.


    “And Aryana?”


    The redhead looked away but the two could tell she had her own thoughts on her mind. Eva seized the initiative and wordlessly gestured for the girl to come over, the redhead looking to Sophie for guidance. Sophie merely nodded and watched as she gingerly shuffled over before Eva drew her into their hug as well.


    “Eep!” Aryana squeaked.


    Eva chuckled dryly and held the two of them in place, Sophie feeling the minute movements of Eva’s comforting pats across her back.


    “Gods, it’s like you two have been through hell and back just to get here.” Eva sighed.


    “Mmm.” Aryana mumbled, now slowly copying the nuzzling that Sophie was doing.


    “Sophie you silly idiot.” Eva continued, her words making Sophie suddenly fill with fright. A scolding? Now?


    “Y-y-yeah?” Sophie stammered.


    “Heh…” Eva hung her head low,” you did all this just to come back to me…” Eva leaned back and looked up to the ceiling, Sophie cautiously following her gaze whilst Aryana just rested lazily on Eva’s other shoulder.


    “Sophie.”


    “Y-yeah?”


    “You fucking idiot.” Eva let out an exasperated huff.


    “S-sorry?”


    “Why? Why do you put yourself in danger like this?” Eva’s voice grew more ragged.


    “Because… because I wanted to come back to you.”


    It was Eva’s turn to lean towards her. Sophie felt the gentle increase of weight on her shoulders as Eva burrowed into her shirt. When a quiet moment passed between the trio, Sophie found Eva looking up, meeting her gaze with eyes filled with equal parts anger, confusion, sorrow and joy.


    “You… you… stupid gremlin.” Eva fought back her emotions before breaking out into a tearful smile.


    “Eva?”


    “It just… it feels so surreal having you here. I think I’ve just finally processed the fact that you’re… well… here.”


    “Me too.” Sophie replied with a breathy whisper after a beat.


    “Gods, and the things you’ve gone through.” Eva managed to say, “Fuck…ignore me rambling. I guess all I’m trying to say is, it’s good to see you too.” Eva beamed through the moisture that formed at the edge of her eyes. “And nice to meet friends.” She shot Aryana a cheeky little glance.


    Aryana let out an alarmed expression and quickly nodded before turning to Sophie for guidance. She unfortunately could offer little more than a quivering smile of support for the redhead. Eva’s sudden burst of emotion had caught her completely off guard. She blinked back her confusion and pressed her head up against Eva’s, gesturing for Aryana to lean into the hug as well as they turned the tables and now hugged the vulnerable noble.


    The trio shared a tense silence for a few seconds before Sophie couldn’t help but break out into a chuckle at the absurdity of the situation. All her days of fighting and struggling hadn’t prepared her for their reunion and she found herself secretly a little overjoyed that Eva too, cared this much. But with her small chuckles, Aryana hesitantly followed with a few nervous grunts of her own before Eva also chuckled a little herself.


    So it was that they wrapped themselves in a hug and just accepted the state of the world at that moment. Sophie finally surrendered herself to the moment and revelled in the wondrous but strange emotions that now held them in its grasp. Home. I’m home.


    <hr><hr>


    “You alright?” Aryana chirped from beside her. The redhead sounded a little more chipper than before.


    “Mmhmm.” Sophie acknowledged.


    Though the days grew colder and the skies darker, she had found the light that guided her path. She had reached what had seemed impossible only a few weeks before. But in spite of all the joy, the exhilaration, the love; she found a part of her mind gnawing away at her. A sliver of doubt that kept reminding of the sacrifices it took to get here, and the need for her to see the threat to an end. It was a sobering thought that spoiled the happiness she felt, but it was an understandable feeling and one in which she was willing to at least bear the burden of. At least if it’s me, then the others won’t have to suffer. And if I can find the Myndiri towers and crystals, I can at least do something about this cult and their ‘Death God’. She shivered back to the memory of the monster, the treacherous being that had deceived her into sacrificing one of her own, to sacrifice Riza for herself; even when it was in control all along. Bastard.


    “Sophie?” Aryana quipped again.


    “Eh?”


    “You’re spacing out.”


    “Eh!”


    They had just finished their day spent with Eva and sat around in their room at the tavern. Though Sophie had imagined perhaps more traveling and walking around the city; their emotional moment had meant they ended up in the cafe for the whole day. Not that she minded; she had gotten more than her fill of energy from just being within Eva’s presence. It was almost like an intoxicating feeling that she yearned to always experience, though she did not know why. Perhaps it was a matter of comfort; or perhaps it was just something more instinctual and familial. Regardless, it brought her peace of mind to know that Eva at least, was doing fine. I wish Anna and Mila were here too, she’d definitely leave an impression on them.


    “Sorry.” Sophie sheepishly grinned, “I’ve just got a lot on my mind.”


    “As expected.” Aryana tutted dismissively.


    “Heh, well…”


    “It''s a fair sentiment though. The two of you did seem really close.” Aryana spoke, though Sophie noticed a moment of hesitation, “Must be nice to be back. Or rather get here and be welcomed so… openly? To be welcomed with such love and joy.” Aryana’s shoulders sagged. Jealousy! Jealousy or sadness, maybe a little bit of both. That’s what I was sensing from her. No wonder it felt like something was off. I wonder...


    Buoyed by the positive energy from meeting Eva, Sophie quickly plopped herself down next to Aryana on the bed and wrapped the girl in a hug from behind.


    “Eek!” Aryana jumped in surprise, but leaned back against the embrace anyway.


    The sudden shift in weight distribution sent the two tumbling backwards, and Sophie found herself pressed against the bed with a fuzzy mop of red hair above her. Amused, she disentangled her face from it and gave the back of Ary’s head a gentle blow.


    “Hnn.” Aryana squirmed from the sudden attack.


    Sophie broke out into a small giggle at the out noise and squeezed the girl tighter in the hug. Ary flailing helpless for some form of escape, but also not really trying too hard to free herself from the embrace.


    “Sorry.” Sophie whispered softly.


    Hearing this, Aryana settled back down and Sophie could feel the girl’s chest rising and falling alongside her own. The two spent a few seconds in silence before Aryana awkwardly wiggled around to face her.


    “Sorry for what?” The girl quirked her head.


    “You were feeling a little lonely earlier, weren’t you?” Sophie asked directly.


    This caught the redhead off guard and Sophie watched the girl’s freckled face shift through a multitude of expressions before settling into one best termed ‘apologetically guilty’. Sophie almost burst into another giggle at how Aryana’s green eyes tried to focus on everything that wasn’t her own. The display feeling reminiscent of the times she herself had been caught slacking by Eva in the estate.


    “Gotcha, didn’t I?” Sophie snickered.


    “I…”


    “It’s okay. I know I’m… a little dense sometimes. But even I could tell something was a little off.” Sophie sighed, giving Aryana a small squeeze. “Thinking about what if things were different for yourself?”


    She evidently hit the bullseye as the girl flinched at the accusation, only offering the tiniest hint of a nod in return.


    “Must’ve been lonely back home then,” Sophie paused, studying Ary’s expression, “I mean, you said as much.”


    “Mmm.” Ary muttered.


    “Truth is, aside from Eva I didn’t really have anyone else either. But, I suppose the estate staff treated me… well enough.” Sophie grimaced at the thought of Head Maid Hilda and Duke Rosengart’s imposing form. “So I don’t really know what you’re going through, I guess. But I am here for you. As a friend. As a knight too if that helps.” Sophie finished with a cheeky smirk.


    To her surprise, Aryana seemed taken by the statement and quickly turned to meet Sophie’s gaze directly, the girl lowering her head slightly and grew close enough that Sophie could feel the soft little breaths dancing along her neck. Sophie blinked back her surprise at the act and just met the curious gaze with her own. Finding something else besides loneliness hiding behind the girl’s eyes but not quite knowing what it was. It was only after several blinks that Sophie suddenly grew much more aware of the physical contact they shared and began burning up from embarrassment. The soft rising and falling of her own chest matching the redhead''s, her breasts pushing ever so gently against Ary''s. Her legs too tingled as the two just stared at each other whilst semi intertwined.


    Fear well up inside her as a cloud of uncertain emotions took hold. But, as soon as it arrived, it dissipated as the two seemed to snap out of their trance and Aryana finally broke free and rolled off her and onto the bed, deliberately facing away from her.


    “Y-yeah.” Ary quietly affirmed with a hint of panic, “It…it was pretty lonely being on my own.”


    Sophie wanted to offer another hug but froze, her arms now also making her feel very self conscious.


    “I guess I just… I just wished I had someone like Eva to cheer me on.” Ary murmured, “Not that I’m saying it’s not nice to have friends like you, Maylesa, and Thalnor. Just… someone more like family.”


    “I get you.” Sophie whispered back.


    Ary replied with a grunt and the two found themselves awkwardly laying on the bed. The redhead refused to look back at her but in return, she was too self conscious to reach over. What felt like a comical amount of time passed before either of them finally stirred from their nearly frozen positions. With Aryana being the first to act as the redhead slid off the bed.


    “We umm… we should probably get some rest.” Ary suggested.


    “Huh…uh, yeah. Today was kinda exhausting.” Sophie agreed and also hopped back over to her bed.


    Though it had been routine before, she found herself hyper aware of every clack, and unclasping of buckles as the two changed to their nightwear. The untying of shoelaces and unbuttoning of shirts was the only thing she could process in the moment.


    “I’ll go… use the restroom first and brush.” Sophie spoke in an effort to distract herself.


    “Mmhmm.” Aryana agreed before making a half hearted wave, “Umm… g’night… Sophie. I''ll uhh, go use it after you.”


    “Yeah, goodnight Ary.” Sophie replied.


    But as she made her way to the restroom, she couldn’t help worry about the undeniable sense of tension that had flared up between the two. Let''s just hope it''s nothing too serious.