“Commission Notice: Silver Rank or Higher ONLY


    Commission Type: Goblin and Orc Extermination Quest


    Objective: Assist local militia and guard units in conjunction with Astralian Templars to oversee the destruction of emergent goblinoid and orc settlements.


    Duration: 3 - 4 Days


    Status: Report to local guild official and inquire about details with branch master.


    Tents and sleeping arrangements will be provided by Templars. Parties should bring food and supplies.


    Pay:


    Base Rate - 25 Gold Artes  - Pay Negotiable


    Addendum - 5 Copper Artes per Goblin Ear”


    - Sturmbreaker Adventurers Guild, “Commission Posting”


    <hr><hr>


    A full week had already passed since her outing to the city and subsequent overnight stay. Since then, she had gone to class as usual, learning a little bit more about everything but not entirely enough to say that she had actually learned anything. She did however, also return to both the dueling club and the junior adventurers, though she had mostly just practiced their drills in the former and restrained herself to remaining unnoticed in the latter. Her experience from last weekend souring her opinion of them ever so slightly. On the bright side, she earned herself some brownie points when she managed to soothe Aryana’s worried nerves with not just the latest volume of ‘Gunmar and Aurelia: The Frozen Hells’, but also agreeing to Ary’s request that they spend the next weekend together. It was a happy little memory and one she was thankfully for as she glanced at Aryana’s sleeping form resting on her shoulders.


    The weekends had arrived sooner than either of them had expected and Aryana had wailed about the fact that she still had some experiments to do herbology class and spent most of Gratus slaving away. Thus, when Caeus and the weekend finally arrived, she had not just overslept but also woke up tired beyond belief. Sophie then spent most the day simply studying her history books whilst Aryana half napped, half stumbled around in a daze. Taking pity on the poor girl, Sophie had considerably brightened the redhead’s day when she suggested that they read Gunmar and Aurelia together, a suggestion that was eagerly accepted.


    So it was that when Morus came, they both yearned to leave the dorms and campus, agreeing to visit Arteria once more. Aryana evidently, was still a little exhausted, and within minutes had fallen asleep on the ferry ride. But that was fine for Sophie, and she looked down fondly at the mop of red hair beside her and happily shouldered the burden. Her nose too, was treated to the familiar scent of floral vanilla, and Sophie couldn’t help but smile at how warm everything felt in this one moment. Sophie almost felt saddened by the fact that this ride would only last for another few minutes. The sun shining down from high above amongst clear blue skies, the waves that gently rolled by beside the ferry, and the soft excited chatter of students on the ferry. Throughout all this, Sophie felt an immense sense of calm overtake her, and in spite of all her worries and doubts she still had, she was happy.


    Her calm was soon interrupted by the ferrymen announcing their arrival and she reluctantly prodded Aryana until the girl woke up. Bleary eyed and still too sleepy, Aryana looked up and squinted to get a better look at Sophie, leaning closer and closer until Sophie could practically feel her breath dance across her face. For what felt like a moment far too long, she could see every little bit of the sleepy redhead’s face, every freckle, wrinkle, muscle and movement. Her mind melted into a flustered mess as her heart raced, and she was frozen in place, staring at Aryana until the girl seemed to realise she was sleepy and shook herself awake, pulling herself back.


    “Bweh.” Aryana made a noise as she rubbed her eyes, “We here?”


    Sophie could barely nod until she released a breath she didn’t even know she was holding. “Y-yeah. We’re here.” Hah, my chest. Why is it so tense?


    “Hwah.” Aryana yawned, “Let’s go?”


    “Uhn. Let’s go.”


    With a burst of speed that surprised Sophie, Aryana practically raced out of the ferry and merged into the city streets. Aryana slowly regained her vigor and grew more excited with each passing moment. Her eyes seemed to fill with life and Sophie admired the way that Aryana was so easily amused. A little more relaxed than she was a moment ago, she slowed her beating heart by taking a quick glance in the direction of the port district. Almost instantly Sophie could feel her mood dip at the memory of the previous week. Right… that happened. Musing about that day’s events she found a frown forming on her face only to hurriedly wipe it off when Aryana looked back.


    “Sophie?” Aryana stared.


    “Ah… it’s nothing. Come on, let’s go.”


    “But you look bothered.”


    “I know… but… it’s fine, alright. Just like before it’s something I got myself into. Nothing much to worry about.”


    “Mmm… okay.” Aryana frowned, eyeing Sophie suspiciously, “But you know you can talk to me about anything, right?”


    “Hah… yeah, I know that.” Sophie ruffled Ary’s hair, “Thanks.”


    “Heheh.” Aryana flashed a goofy grin, “Aren’t I the best?”


    “Pfft. Yeah. I guess you are.” Sophie chuckled.


    Unable to look worried in front of Ary’s cheerful demeanour, Sophie smiled back and the two finally set off, moving away from the Academy port. To the two of them, Arteria seemed both the same and different from before. With the coming winter and approach of the frosts, there was certainly a change in the attire of the citizenry. Most tunics and shirts were now augmented by another layer or thicker outfit, changing up the colors of the city with more browns and dark blues. The spirit of the city however, felt much like it did before, lively and undeterred by the chill settling over the land.


    Their first stop ended up being a small little restaurant located just past Hiromi park. They were served a delectable platter of roasted vegetables and meats that evidently were spiced in Lucurian fashion. It proved to be an addictively spicy combination of flavours that were just hot enough to be tasty but not overwhelming. With their meal finished, Aryana had then insisted that they go to the Grand Library. Sophie found it almost endearing how the girl had seemed to be enamoured with the place, whereas for herself, her memories had become decidedly less pleasant after the scuffle with the mutant. Still, it was an opportunity to do more research, although she had a creeping suspicion that Aryana wasn’t really expecting the two of them to separate like they usually did. Not that I mind too much.


    Arriving at the library, they immediately headed towards the cafe, both of them getting a small cup of warm orange black tea. The familiar, comforting scent and flavor making the two of them sharing a giggle at pleasant memories. They then spent the rest of the afternoon huddled up on a couch in the west wing, Aryana with her face buried into a few adventure books and Sophie slowly nodding off to yet another dull history book on Myndiri culture. She thought she had read through a passage about Myndiri magical constructs including the crystals, but her mind had been so addled, that when she tried to find the passage again, she only drew a blank.


    She was therefore quite thankful when evening arrived sometime afterwards. It not only meant the end of her futile attempt to parse what information she could out of the book, it also meant that they would soon grab dinner. Aryana meanwhile, was fully engrossed in a tome, having not even noticed that Sophie had stirred. Sensing her moment, Sophie took full advantage of her companions'' unawareness to set up the perfect, moving her fingers into position to poke Aryana’s cheek the moment the girl turned her head. Unwilling to disturb Aryana’s focus however, Sophie opted to wait patiently like a hunter after its prey. Slowly, she allowed herself to be immersed in the moment, closing her eyes until she could feel every breath she took enter and exit her body. She had achieved oneness with her environment, able to feel the very air around her as it shifted.


    When she opened her eyes again, the first thing they focused on was the nearby clock. Five minutes had magically passed and Sophie could only blink back her shock when she quickly looked at where Aryana was. Panic set in as she could see no trace of the redhead and she turned to look around, she was caught.


    “Meep.” Sophie squeaked in surprise at the finger that now poked her cheek from behind.


    Turning around, she saw Aryana smirking with a triumphant look in her eye. Aryana wasted no time and quickly equalized the situation by poking Sophie’s other cheek as well. Sophie felt like she had been caught in a hunter’s trap and waited nervously for the conclusion. Aryana’s face shifted into a more mischievous expression, looking much like how Eva would whenever her mistress would tease her in situations like this. Yet, instead of pulling a fast one on Sophie, Aryana just let out a huff and wrapped her arms around Sophie.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    “Wakey, wakey.” Aryana greeted her with the widest of grins.


    “A-Ary?” Sophie managed to say, “I was just… how did you… when?”


    “Eheheh, you started nodding off just sitting there. I couldn’t let you go when I saw you were going to poke me.” Aryana stuck out her tongue, “Also fairs, fair. I deserve some excitement too! We came here to relax and you just immediately picked up a history book. Don’t you get enough homework from class?”


    “I mean history could be interesting, often is.” Sophie retorted.


    “But was that book interesting?”


    “Ehh…. pass.”


    “Heheh, boooring.” Aryana teased, “But…”


    Aryana trailed off, giving Sophie a sly look.


    “But?”


    “But I guess it’s also fun just spending time with you.” Aryana smiled. Cute.


    “Heheh.” Sophie giggled and finally started to move again, wrapping her own arms around Ary, “I guess it is quite enjoyable.”


    “Mmm.”


    Aryana uttered a satisfied noise and the two remained like this for a few moments. It was a comforting embrace and one that made Sophie immensely happy. She treasured what she could from this moment and felt almost jealous at the world for having to share her companion. Throwing away her self control, Sophie unrepentantly let the spoiled inner child take over. Turning the tables, she pulled Aryana a little closer and simply squished her cheek against Ary’s, nuzzling the now increasingly beet red girl.


    “S-S-Sophie?” Aryana managed to stammer out, all the bravado from earlier sucked away by the sudden attack, “W-what are… you doing?”


    “We don’t get to hang out as much, because of classes and student groups. So I’m taking in every little bit of you that I need to get through the week.”


    “Wauh? Umm… ahhh… Sophieeee.” Aryana broke out with an embarrassed howl., “Wha- what do you mean!?”


    “Mmmm, you smell nice.”


    “Sophie?!” Aryana gasped.


    Out of the corner of her eye Sophie watched with amusement at how Aryana seemed even more embarrassed than she was, the girl trying her best to not expose the brilliant shade of scarlet that now dominated her face. Though Aryana’s presence had also brought some much needed comfort to her own mess of a mind. Sophie decided that she had perhaps teased the poor girl enough and slowly withdrew from the embrace.


    “Sorry Ary, I couldn’t resist.”


    “Grrr, Sophie!” Aryana squeaked.


    “I know, I know.” Sophie grinned.


    Aryana let out a flustered huff and pulled her arms away, settling for just gently brushing her fingers against Sophie’s. Still a little more greedy than usual, Sophie closed the distance and enveloped Aryana’s hand with her own. Aryana squirmed but did not retreat, the edges of a smile creeping up onto her face. Seeing another opportunity, Sophie squeezed and after a moment, Aryana squeezed back. Ecstatic at the little victory, Sophie felt a wisp of mischievousness surface.


    “Aryy, what’s on your-oompf?!” Sophie tried to speak when Aryana’s free hand covered her face.


    “Shh, shhh, shh. You’re stuck now, I’m not letting go that easily. Besides, we’re going to dinner now.” Aryana shakily declared, “Yeah… that’s right. I’m… hungry and we’re going to dinner now.”


    Sophie had to practically leap over the couch as Aryana simply tugged her along with reckless abandon. A little confused but not at all displeased at the turn of events, Sophie just giggled and allowed herself to be taken. There was a lightness in her chest she couldn’t quite explain and for a split second she almost allowed the fantasy in her mind to take over. Shaking off the strange emotions she felt, she was however thankful that she could just about toss away all the worries that still lingered at the back of her mind. I could get used to this.


    <hr><hr>


    Throughout the rest of the day, Sophie noticed that every moment they weren’t doing something else, her hand would find itself intertwined with Aryana’s. Whether it be the girl gradually giving her hand a small prod, or herself naturally ending up falling instep with the redhead. Whenever she noticed or the gentle brush that signalled for her to hold one, her heart would always choke up for a moment and she found herself torn between two worlds. On one hand, it was a comforting and familiar feeling to her childhood, to the times when Eva would spend the more quiet moments with her. On the other hand, Sophie could feel her emotions lurch in turmoil, a new uncomfortable sensation welling up within.


    What the day did make certain, was her resolve to ensure that Aryana would continue to be able to enjoy life here at the Academy. And to make sure that she doesn’t get caught up in all of my shit. Sophie scowled at the dark thoughts that were now cropping up. The harsh truths that had simply waited for a time to appear. For if there was one certainty that Sophie knew, it was that those who sought to hurt the innocent never wait patiently for a challenger, and that they strike whenever they please. A fact she herself remembered all too well.


    There were some small wins though. For as the day had begun, Sophie now found herself next to a sleeping Aryana once again. The girl had apparently unlocked a reservoir of untapped energy after dinner at the All Hogs Arms. Meaning that they ended up taking far longer than expected in their last minute sightseeing. They had stopped by the markets once more but to Aryana’s disappointment could find no trace of Karzan. Unfazed, they then visited Hiromi park, and Aryana wandered around the area. She burned away the excess energy by studying each plant specimen in depth, taking out a small little notebook and jotting things down in it. With her brain overloaded with observation notes much like Sophie had with history, by the time they got to their seats on the ferry, Aryana had simply passed out.


    Ultimately, Sophie found herself pleasantly content with the situation as it currently was, with Aryana leaning against her shoulder once again. That is, except for the solitary crow that had clutched onto a railing on the side of the ship. Unnoticed by the crew moving about the deck, it merely held in place before it cocked its head at Sophie. Its beady eyes gave no indication as to what malevolence might’ve possessed it. But, there was no doubt in her mind that this crow was a confirmation of her suspicions. a reminder that something lay just around the corner, watching, waiting. What irked her even more was that even though there had already been, so many lives sacrificed, so many who suffered untold horrors. The crow was a reminder that all of it had only been a delaying tactic, that whoever was behind the rituals was still out there.


    She clutched onto Aryana and pulled the sleeping girl a little closer. Sophie’s expression dropped to a snarl as she glared back at the crow. Someone out there had noticed her, and she didn’t know who. It could’ve been associates of the monster of the library, the Direktor, cultists, or even someone else who the crows were allied with. There was just too much uncertainty and all she could do was hope that by the end of it all, everyone would be able to walk away alive. A gust of wind thankfully sent the crow fluttering away from the ship and all she could do was follow its trail intently until it was little more than a speck in the darkening sky. When it was finally gone, Sophie sighed in relief and allowed herself to sink back into her seat. For now, she could still rest, for now.


    <hr><hr>


    Aryana yawned and opened her eyes, giving her itchy head a little scratch before slapping herself awake. The day had been exhausting if fun, and she had thoroughly enjoyed spending it with Sophie. Yet, by the time they returned to the campus, she had felt that something was bothering her friend, that there was something more worrying than simple relationship troubles. Sophie was generally reserved at the best of times, but, after got back to the room, she was almost uncharacteristically sullen.


    She knew that Sophie felt no small amount of anguish over something related to Eva, the last week proving as much with how often she had caught her friend simply staring off into the distance. But tonight was different, there was less melancholy and much more instinctual worry, the kind one might get when they felt themselves being watched by a predator when gathering berries in the wild. It was a sort of paranoid protectiveness that Aryana had noticed. Especially when Sophie seemed to keep Aryana either right next to herself or behind her. Although Aryana was flattered by how it felt like Sophie was protecting her, she was also concerned that something was going very wrong within her friend''s mind.


    Thus, she told herself to wake up at some point during the night and double check her suspicions. To her dismay, as soon as she had gotten out of bed and peaked over at Sophie, she found that her own predictions had been accurate. She had recognised the signs, the similar way Sophie had acted before, when they had first met.


    Sophie was trembling, half way between thrashing about and curling in on herself. Sweat covered her form and her blankets had been flung into a corner despite the chilly weather. Though her eyes were closed there was an agonised expression on her face, one that made Aryana’s chest ache just by seeing it. One hand clawed at her own chest and another had practically latched onto the bedding with a death-grip, mumbling some incomprehensible words even while she struggled.


    Aryana gave Sophie a small prod, the first of her attempts to rouse her stricken friend. But before she could even tap Sophie’s shoulder, a hand grabbed ahold of her wrist and held on tight. She grit her teeth as Sophie’s fingers dug into her but soldiered through. Aryana whispered a quiet apology under her breath and then clambered onto the bed, hurriedly enveloping Sophie in a hug to stop her from thrashing about. Her head pressed against Sophie’s chest and she could hear the frantic heartbeats and spastic breathing that was happening. Aryana clutched on tighter as Sophie’s nightmare induced state tried to throw her off.


    A knee smashed into her stomach and she gasped from the blow, momentarily stunned before quickly wrapping her legs around Sophie to restrain her. There was another bout of heavy thrashing but Aryana could feel Sophie’s arms responding on instinct and wrapping around her instead. Though there was a moment she worried about being crushed by the bear hug around her, she could feel Sophie’s panicked breathing slow down ever so slightly. Aryana held on tightly until Sophie’s muscles slowly started to relax, the tension buried transferring itself to Aryana’s back. As Sophie’s breathing steadied, Aryana could feel something wet run down onto the top of her head, the faint sounds of a whimpering coming from above her.


    Worried that Sophie had woken up, Aryana snuck a glance upwards and found Sophie still sleeping. Slightly relieved, she gently snuggled up closer, hoping that her presence could continue to calm the troubled soul.


    As the night wore on, Aryana couldn’t help but constantly check up on Sophie constantly, her own worries keeping her awake. But after one more yawn and making sure that Sophie was still sleeping soundly, she stealthy shuffled off the bed. Quietly stepping away, she gave Sophie one last affectionate ruffle of her hair. Smiling at the calmness that settled once more, she returned to her own bed and settled down for the night at last. With the blanket pulled over her and having burrowed deep into her own little cocoon, she closed her eyes and uttered a small wish. I hope everything turns out okay. Sophie, if you can hear me… please don’t face your burdens alone. You might be my knight, but I meant it when I said I’ll be your support. So rely on me too, please.