“Where the cold wind blows,


    Where the darkness grows,


    A garden sits, with no life within.


    Where the darkness roams,


    In the evening’s gloam,


    The king doth rule, beneath blackened skies. ”


    - Excerpt from Translated Tribal Prophecy, Attributed to Second Age Frostwind Tribal Tablet.


    <hr><hr>


    There was a solemn stillness to the seas around Arteria, only interrupted by the drops of rain and the gentle lapping of tiny waves against the side of the ferry. It was as if the world itself had calmed down only to lament memories long since forgotten. For Sophie, the only difference was that she couldn’t even still her trembling hand at memories too fresh in her mind to simply forget. She was soaked to the bone but it mattered little for her nerves were still numb from the shock of battle, the disquieting sensation within her only growing as time passed. Salty sea air lashed out against her cheeks, the soft spray of water intertwining with the rain that left a lingering wet little mark.


    Life. Such a precious thing and yet… so easy for it to just… disappear. Her hands clenched tightly against the railing, her heartbeat picking up as the gloomy nature of her musings agitated her further. So fickle. Her head pounded with the sounds of battle once more, the soft little squelchy gurgles as she cut through the cultists. The screams of the strange knight Osgil as she had used to void to break his very being. She shivered from the thought or the cold, she did not know. All she knew was that she was disgusted with herself. She imagined the same sights and sounds replaying themselves inside her head, but this time in Melisgrad when she made the fateful choice to breach the final sanctum and consign the city’s survivors to oblivion. She also remembered how distant she felt from the situation, and yet, when she thought back upon it, she wondered how absolutely terrified everyone must’ve felt as their last fortress fell.


    It perhaps hurt all the more when she recalled her helplessness when Riza had been taken. The silent sorrowful expression in the Maujurrin’s eyes when the imposter had snagged her away and the innocents lost just to get so close and to fail. Her free hand balled up into a fist at the image in her mind. Bastard of a God. Sophie stifled a curse under her breath as a stray crew member walked past, his heavy footsteps pausing for a quick moment as Sophie felt the concerned gaze lingering on the back of her head before he moved on. Alone once again, she turned her eyes up towards the sky, the rain making her flinch as the droplets fell closer to her eye. Only a few wispy dark clouds hung about in the sky, the pale facade of the moon still piercing through and blanketing the land in its ethereal glow.


    A jet black figure cut through the night sky and Sophie at once lowered her hand to the hilt of her sword. Piercing through the cloud veil, a determined crow darted straight for the ferry, a singular caw the only acknowledgement of its approach. Her eyes tracked it warily as it descended to maintain a level speed with the ferry. Its dark brown eyes stared directly back at her, the two locked in anticipation of conflict to come. After another moment, it let out a screeching caw and made its approach. I knew the crows I saw were watching me, but who? Why? I somehow doubt it’s the inquisitor. Could it be the remnant of the crows? A shapeshifter maybe?


    Her questions were put on hold as it swung wide and flew over, flapping its wings to steady itself and perch upon the railing next to her. There was a tense silence only interrupted by the pitter patter of rain as the crow shook itself clean.


    “Caw” The crow cawed.


    Sophie remained on alert until her eyes slid down the crow’s form and landed on its talons. Caught within its right talon was a brownish white feather almost the size of the crow’s entire body, even then, to Sophie it looked as if it was only part of a feather. What is that? Certainly not a crow feather.


    “Caw” It cawed a bit more accusatorially, pointing its beak at her.


    Its talons clattered on the railing as it inched closer and Sophie found it looking towards her and then down at the feather. Suspicious but understanding the message, Sophie carefully reached her free hand out towards the crow, her other ready to flick the sword out at any moment.


    “Caw.” The bird hurried her.


    Scowling back at the crow, Sophie flinched as it snapped its beak at her. After a moment, it seemed to return to its post and simply glared as she reached for the feather. Sophie slipped it out from under its grasp. The crow offered no resistance but kept looking at her expectantly.


    “Caw” It snapped at her.


    Sophie ignored the bird and examined the feather in her hand. The hells is this? Running her hands over it, she found it was both coarse yet smooth. The strange brown and white pattern on the feather looked almost regal if not for the fact that she had just snatched it from a crow. What is this meant to be? A warning? A clue? It’s a message that’s for sure. Someone had to have trained it to deliver this to me. Or it could be a familiar. The question still applies, why? And who?


    Sophie looked back up to find the crow still staring at her. A little unnerved by its intense stare, she rummaged through her pack to distribute a few pieces of extra ration at the delivery bird. The crow continued to eye her before pecking at her hand, a look of partial disgust even as it ate away. When the last bite was done, it immediately backed away, looking satisfied before rearing back on its talons.


    “Caw, caw.” It bellowed at her before pushing off the railing and launching itself away, off into the night.


    Sophie was left holding onto the feather and an empty hand. With how strange the encounter had been for her, she found herself caught between curiosity and sulking as her doubts returned to the fringes of her mind. At least I have something, I''m gonna have to have someone look at it though. Still, I hate how it feels like someone’s watching me. Stupid crows. With a frown, she pocketed the feather and sighed. At least it’s a distraction, saints above… my head’s such a saint damned mess right now. I did good though… right?


    As the boat rocked ever so slightly from side to side, Sophie finally pushed herself off the railing as well. Heading back into the main cabin, there was a small sense of relief at the familiarity of it all, at the closeness when compared to what felt like an infinite expanse of water. She returned to her seat and yawned, sliding into the chair and staring out the ferry window. What a fine mess you’ve gotten yourself in, eh? She grinned at her reflection and leaned into the chair, closing her eyes for a well deserved nap.


    <hr><hr>


    When the ferry finally docked at Larusport, a strange sense of unease swept over her. A feeling of regret mixed in with sorrow and disappointment in equal measure. Stepping off the ferry, she felt almost like an alien in her own skin as she readied her transition back to the Academy life. She would become a student once more, milling about her day to day activities, her, a half cursed killer. Wonderful.


    With a snarl, she stepped off the ferry and immediately met a few pairs of unfriendly eyes. More accurately, four Traxians that she felt almost annoyed by just at the sight of them. Lucinia, Olvia, Carlo, and Maxus I believe. Saint damned hells, what a fine time to run into them. The quartet seemed amused at her presence and she detected a smirk on Carla’s face as the girl whispered at her compatriots, pointing at Sophie, no doubt ridiculing her ridiculous attire. Not that they were wrong, the plain tunic and pants felt wrong to her as well, though thinking that her armour was more familiar and comfortable brought about a distressing realisation. I’m getting too used to being ready for anything.


    It was to their misfortune then, that they had sighted upon her as a target and approached before they fully comprehended her full complement of kit. Beyond the travel pack on her bag, she turned sideways a little to reveal the sheathed blade by her side, one hand resting upon the hilt. That was a display they seemed to understand, and she could see their eyes suddenly reevaluating the situation. She could feel them looking her up and down, but when neither side seemed to have any words to share, she just dipped her head with a dutiful nod and walked pass. After a few paces, she could briefly hear their whispered voices, but that too was soon drowned out by the sounds of the port town. It mattered little though, they hadn’t confronted her and that was that. Though I suspect either the princess or her attendant will bring it up in class, how irritating. Probably could’ve been more diplomatic about that too, ugh. That’s not something someone of her rank is likely to forget. Good going Soph, always making more trouble for yourself.


    Scratching another reminder in her mind to calm down, she then headed towards the direction that they had come from. Her brisk walk to the Academy carriages were not free of troubles however. The moment she arrived at where they were parked, yet another familiar face availed itself to her. A couple had stepped out of their carriage alongside a few other students. At first, his glance had passed over her, but when he noticed that she was waiting for the carriages, she could see the flicker of recognition pass by his eyes.


    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    Moritz scowled at her just as she scowled at him, their gazes locking as he walked by. There was a moment of palpable silence passing between the two and this time, Sophie could just feel the difference in energy from before in that she couldn’t just flex her way out of this encounter.


    “Sophie.” Mortiz growled quietly, the displeasure evident on his face, his brows knitting themselves together.


    “Sir... Mortiz.” Sophie stated, swallowing the emotion that should’ve been in her voice.


    His female companion seemed to perk up at this exchange, her eyes twinkling under the streetlights as she pointed at Sophie.


    “Is that…?” The girl’s questioning voice trailed off when Moritz nodded.


    “Yes.” He sighed with annoyance, “That’s her.”


    “Ohh, she looks… er… interesting…” The girl raised an eyebrow.


    “Heh.” Mortiz sniggered.


    “Tch, nice too see you too.” Sophie unwittingly let out a growl, “And who’s that?” She gestured at the girl dismissively.


    Moritz’s eyes perked up and Sophie felt a sense of dread overtake her when he grinned, “This is, in fact, my dear friend, Sam.”


    The girl called Sam giggled before adopting a kinder face and giving Sophie a quick bow, “Samantha Edelin at your service.”


    Sophie moved to respond only to freeze at how familiar her name sounded. Scraping through her memories she recalled Edelin being Freddie’s last name. And if Frederick’s a prince… then she… Horrified at her own lackadaisical treatment, she apologetically bowed. “My apologies for the rude introductions, your majesty. I uhh... I am... I apologize.” Wait, how does Moritz know her? Shit. This whole time…? Gah, why is everything so complicated sometimes.


    The girl seemed to giggle some more at her display before stifling her chuckles. “No worries.”


    “Thank you, your maj-” Sophie started to speak when a soft hand covered her mouth.


    “Now, now. Since we’re all students of equal standing academically, you can simply address me as… Sammy.” Sammy beamed.


    “Mmfph?” Sophie let out a confused mumble, her own eyes widening in surprise.


    “Don’t mind her, she’s always like this.” Moritz sighed.


    “Mmrphf?”


    “Sam, I don’t think she can talk.”


    “Oh?” The princess raised an eyebrow, “She could always throw off my hand.”


    “I don’t think she wants to test that.”


    “Pfft, spoilsport.” Sammy grunted and allowed Sophie to breath again, “So? What brings you out here?”


    Sophie blinked for a second until she realised she was the one being addressed, “Me?”


    “Duh, who else?” Sammy rolled her eyes.


    Sophie was taken aback a second time. It wasn’t just that she met royalty twice by chance, but that Princess Samantha seemed so carefree. For the first time in her life, she looked to Moritz for help, Eva’s brother looking amused for all of a second before his expression dropped to a more resigned one and just shook his head. As if to say ‘you’re on your own.’ Sophie was mollified and she could only swallow her doubts once more as she headed into the breach.


    “Going back to the Academy.” She stated uncertainty.


    “Well, no shit. Why were you out?” Sammy clicked her tongue.


    “Err…” Sophie stumbled as she was caught off guard by the casualness of the princess.


    Mortiz at this point, burst out laughing and Sophie could swear this was the first time she had seen him laugh. HIs outburst earned him a swift poke to the side and he fell silent at once, holding back a giggle before his stoic expression returned.


    “Well?” Sammy waited.


    “I err… I came back from an adventure, your… err, Sammy.” Sophie said, her tongue still not quite grasping the awkwardness of addressing Princess Samantha Edelin as just, Sammy. Though she suspected this was more reminiscent of the Traxian Princess Lucinia. How ironic.


    “Ohh an adventure. How exciting. Would you…” Sammy leaned in before Moritz coughed a little.


    “The time.” Moritz gestured at a nearby clock.


    “Dratz, late already. Gah. I suppose we’ll just have to meet some other time.” Sammy looked expectantly at her partner.


    “We… will.” Moritz managed to reluctantly utter. Again, for the first time since her childhood, she almost wanted to thank Eva’s brother.


    “Stellar! Do take care of… umm… ah! Do take care of Aryana now!” Sammy winked cheekily.


    “I…” Huh?! Ary? How did? When did?


    “Ahaha, look at her expression. She looks so surprised.” Sammy giggled.


    Before Sophie’s bewilderment could fully settle in, Moritz cleared his throat to get her attention. “We met her at Aster Park, she seemed lonely, headed back to the dorms, that’s all.”


    “That’s… all?” Sophie repeated.


    “That’s all!” Sammy chimed in, “She is very adorable though, like a little stuffed toy.”


    “I…” Sophie was now completely thrown into a state of confused panic when Sammy seemed to calm down and flashed her a warm smile.


    “Sophie.”


    “I… yes, your ma… Sammy.”


    “You looked so serious when we just met. So angry too. Whatever it is, I’m guessing your adventure must’ve been pretty tough, eh?”


    “I… yeah.” Sophie tensed up before letting her shoulders sagged, “Yeah.”


    Sammy seemed delighted and wrapped her arms around Moritz’s, “You look better when you’re not frowning. But, we won’t keep you. Still I’m glad I could distract you even for a little. Hope you cheer up soon.” The girl blew Sophie a kiss.


    Sophie was left dumbfounded and could only stare as Moritz gave her perhaps the friendliest nod he had ever given her. She watched their backs as they walked away and barely realized the carriage was ready for passengers. Luckily, she was one of the only ones returning to the Academy when the night was still young and there had been no nearby witnesses beyond the carriage master and the other students who exited earlier. Absently flashing her student identification at the carriage master she wordlessly entered the carriage and sat down, her mind now abuzz with a new series of confusing thoughts. How did they meet? What is their relationship with each other? Was that really the princess? How is Ary? Why is tonight of all nights so confusing?


    <hr><hr>


    Her questions found some answers by the time she arrived back at the Academy. Tomorrow, it turned out, was not just an average Phaerus meant for student clubs, but a more general holiday for both staff and students. Explains why everyone was headed towards the boats for a night out. Also explains this atmosphere.


    There was a sense of liveliness around the campus, in that even though the moon slowly hovered closer to midnight, the campus felt alive with activity. Normally, only the most excitable of students would spend their nights wandering the campus grounds, but tonight, it seemed as though there were far more than usual. Of course, it also meant far more people who happened to cast curious glances at her bizarre outfit. She looked like a traveling peasant who didn’t belong but her serious expression kept their questions to themselves. Even a few who looked inebriated were thankfully held back when their friends noticed the blade at her hip. The two guardians who escorted her due to her weapon also probably helped in keeping the crowds away.


    Her mind too, had managed to calm down from the dark thoughts that had plagued her earlier, Sammy’s surprising demeanour having added just enough levity to stave off the worst of her worries. Doesn’t change the fact that I’ve committed more than my fair share of sins though. She sighed.


    “No trouble?” One of the guardians asked when they finally arrived in front of her dorm room door.


    “I won’t make any.” Sophie replied.


    “Good. Rest well.” The guardian nodded before marching away, his heavy armour clanking back down the hallway.


    Sophie winced with every step she heard amd could only imagine what gossip or words were shared by the students that did see her getting escorted like a prisoner. Probably nothing pleasant.


    Tired, a little annoyed and still somewhat jumpy, Sophie sucked in a deep breath to calm herself. She licked her lips and couldn’t help the small smile that appeared onto her face, heh, home for now. Ary too. Filled with a little wellspring of warmth at the thought, she pulled out her keys and plugged them in, a sudden nervousness making her hands tremble once again. Whoo, it’s alright, here we go.


    A click, a turn, and the door opened.


    The first thing she saw was the darkness with slits of moonlight snaking under the blinds, the familiar room in almost the same as she had left it a few days ago. Beyond that, she managed to catch the faintly comforting scent of floral vanilla. A rush of cool air brushed past her and tingled her skin with a pleasant sensation. Off to the side, in the dark part of the room where the beds lay came the gentle rhythmic breathing of her companion.


    Quietly sneaking into the room, she held her guard up for a moment before realising that Aryana was well and truly asleep. Sophie grinned to herself before moving over to her corner of the room and unpacking. One pack of rations, her soiled undergarments, a sad pillow, a feather, an inquisitorial badge, the battery, two relics, and whatever was left of her map. It was a sad haul if not for the discovery of the fact that she could actually use the relics. One was surrendered to the inquisitor for him to study, whatever else was in the ruin were given to Professor Segosa and the research students. She also had a few of the starstone fragments with her, though these seemed duller now that she looked at them. The Academy’s barrier maybe, interesting.


    She held onto her sword for a little longer, unable or unwilling to drop the blade. It feels almost like I''m just dropping a part of myself. Stars above grant me strength. Gritting her teeth, she balled her free hand into a fist and unclenched it before finally pushing herself to let go, placing the blade back down atop her cabinet. Whew. Oh man... that... With that out of the way, her back straightened a bit as a weight lifted from her back. Letting out a deep breath, she undressed herself and wrapped herself with a towel, a spare change of clothes in her other hand. Stars above, I need a good, long shower.