“Abenstadt might just be called a duchy on paper. But, its ability to field essentially an army of mercenaries alongside its homeguard can be considered a sizeable deterrent to any would-be foe. Though mostly allowing a plethora of companies to base their headquarters within the state without much oversight, it is when threats to the duchy appear that the slumbering monster awakens. In most contracts, the companies are granted great leeway in their affairs in exchange for the obligation to field at least a full myriad (10,000) in the duchy’s defence should the occasion call for it. Exceptions are made for small companies of course, but all in all, one can expect that alongside the home guard, at any given conflict point, Abenstadt can easily be found wielding at least six divisions of veteran mercenaries, augmented by local troops and smaller companies. Almost overnight, the Grand Duchy of Abenstadt can become a force capable of rivalling its neighbours, force consistency aside.”


    - Marshal Jan Bathloy, Field Marshal of Volksgrad, “Treatise of Military Readiness - The Abenstadt Model”


    <hr><hr>


    Date! Date! Date! Sophie’s mind spun in a giddy little loop. For what felt like another first in a litany of firsts, she could barely remember the last time she had been this wholly excited for anything. She had practically bounced up and down when they woke up in the morning, electing to finally dress in the dress that Aryana had picked for her before their Academy life had even begun. It brought about a light amount of teasing from the redhead but as they leaned in for a quick morning kiss, Sophie could tell from the twinkle in the girl’s eye that she appreciated the choice. She did however, have to scramble to find a jacket to keep herself from freezing, an act that Aryana seemed almost amused at.


    By the time they sat in the ferry, Aryana had pulled a classic move and promptly began napping, though this time fully curling up beside Sophie. Sophie in turn, nuzzled the sleepy girl for a few moments, drinking in the comforting aroma before turning her attention back out to sea. In stark contrast to her own mood, the skies were a blend of gray and blue, some bright spots still remaining despite the storm that had battered the lands last night. To her, it all looked a bit dour and dispiriting, the storm traveling in parallel with the talks of war, creating an all round foul mood that blanketed the Bay of Arteria. Beyond the weather, what made it even more apparent that things were taking a turn for the worse were the naval warships that patrolled the waters. Whereas previously maybe one or two would pass by alongside the ferry’s escort ship, now there were dozens of warships patrolling the coasts. Some looked like the ferry itself but with angular plates attached to the sides, some like what one expected a normal warship to look like and others that dwarfed everything nearby like behemoths of the sea, armored monstrosities bristling with clockwork weapons and magical constructs.


    The world was hurtling towards chaos as demons, cults and wars loomed on the horizon. Peace might soon become a luxury and Sophie was loath to let go so soon after finding a proper purpose in her life. But there is nothing I can do about that. I’m not Eva or Frederick, no one really even knows my name, heh. I suppose that’s a plus though, no need to worry about my image or deal with the hassle of being a noble. Sophie sighed, heavy thoughts weighing down her mind as the idea of responsibility and duty soon began creeping in as well. She leaned back into her chair and rested her cheek atop Aryana’s silky soft hair, taking one last tiny sniff before she closed her eyes. I guess a nap could be good too. Argh, why does she smell so nice, I just want to hug her all day, ahhhh.


    <hr><hr>


    Their first stop was the restaurant where the siblings had taken them to. It was pricier and a little more high end than what Sophie had expected, and their attire seemed out of place. But the jingle of coin meant business and they were allowed in. It was a quiet if delightful meal that they shared; starting with an Adornari forest salad, drizzled with a lightly spiced herb sauce; a main course consisting of venison, mushrooms, and produce shipped from Ascar; before finally finishing with a sweet custard creme br?lée and a forest inspired parfait. The last dish in particular made Sophie almost choke up as the nutty, earthy flavours reminded her of the Mist’s Blessings, taking her mind back to Eichafen and the start of her journey. Aryana had noticed her lapse in emotions and gently coupled her hand, squeezing down to offer some quiet comfort against the depressing memories.


    Sophie flashed a sad smile and together, they had left the restaurant in a more morose mood than she had intended to. Their plans then shifted to spending a relaxing time in the park, wandering around and taking in the little slice of artificial nature. It was then that Sophie stumbled across an unpleasant visitor whilst Aryana was admiring the flowers. Perched above a pavilion at the pinnacle was a crow. But when Sophie met its gaze, she knew at once that it was the same crow that had visited her not that long ago. Bastard, so I am being watched by someone. Who? And dammit, the feather.


    “Sophie.” Aryana poked her stomach.


    “Wah?”


    “Heheh, stop spacing out. Look!” Aryana pointed at a flower, “It’s getting colder out but look over there, lilies.” Aryana giggled, “Aren’t they pretty?”


    Startled a bit baffled, Sophie took a moment to reorientate herself before seeing the bed of lilies. They swayed, uncaring of the new pair of eyes on them, though they had some obvious height and size changes to their spring and summer counterparts  in preparation of being winterised. Besides them were little curated beds of snapdragons, primroses, and a seemingly overwhelming amount of little flowers that stretched for the entirety of the park wall. Though her mind was still hung up on the crow, they did look serene enough that she knew she ought to respond to Ary. Sophie squeezed Ary’s hand and nodded.


    “Yeah, they’re pre-mmh!?” Sophie had started to speak only to be surprised by a kiss.


    It was quick, snappy, and unexpected. But the pleasantness and warmth it brought had completely distracted her from both flowers or birds.


    “Pretty like you.” Ary pulled back with a cheeky grin on her face.


    Sophie could feel her heart race a few beats quicker at the sight, her emotions squeezing together like sponges to drain all her thoughts and absorb the joy that washed over her. Sophie was torn; her mouth wanted more; her hands just wished to be wrapped in an embrace; her body felt steamy; and her heart just wished for all of it at once.


    Having amused herself enough, Aryana simply dragged Sophie along as they toured the park once again. The changing of seasons offered up a bountiful change of familiar scenery as well.


    “You’re always so mopey, Sophie.” Ary teased, “C’mon, it’s our date today. We should be happy.”


    Upon seeing Aryana’s cheery demeanour and hearing the word date again. Sophie’s mind fluttered once again with happy thoughts and she allowed herself to beam a smile back at the girl. Satisfied with the answer, Aryana pulled Sophie in for another kiss, this time with a hint of forcefulness that kindled new emotions within Sophie. She squirmed under Ary’s touch and returned a quick peck of her own. Basking in the moment, they embraced for a few seconds before breaking away and continuing on their date. Stars above, I''m enjoying this far too much.


    <hr><hr>


    The two then wandered through Arteria back through the Noscali gate to the northern districts. Taking in the sights and sounds of a city nervously waiting for the call to war. Their own steps carried a bit less of a bounce than when they had started. Sophie felt her own barriers breaking down as she began constantly squeezing Aryana’s hand for support, the girl always squeezing back without fail, a slightly sad smile on her face. I don’t want to depend on her or burden her… but… Sophie sighed, it’s tempting.


    They soon arrived back at the Grand Library of Arteria, the regal looking structure welcoming them back into its embrace. Though it had only been just under two weeks since she had left the city to sneak into the ruins of Saclia and the devastation that she had wrought there. She felt like she had stepped into a completely different world when they entered the library once again. Huh, that’s right. Even before that, once we got into the Academy, I’ve barely come back to this place. Sophie took in the sights when she could and turned to Aryana, whose eyes were already darting towards the direction of the cafe. Sophie let out a small snort and earned herself a mournful glare from the redhead. She sure likes that orange tea, huh? I wonder… I still need to make her a Mist’s Blessing… what if I paired that with the tea? Hmmm.


    “I know, I know. Let’s go.” Sophie grinned, gesturing Aryana along.


    Stolen story; please report.


    The redhead huffed victoriously and led the both of them to the cafe. With Aryana in charge, Sophie let go a little, gladly letting the girl simply take her along. When they arrived, Aryana giddily went to order their drinks while Sophie snagged them a seat. It was only after she sat down and started to relax with a stretch that her ears began to wiggle uneasily, as if anticipating something. Straining herself to try and figure out what it was, she turned her attention back towards the entry hall.


    It was the sound that she first recognised, a voice that could be discerned out of any crowd. Her chest tightened in anxiety, that anxiety bursting into fruition as she finished turning her body, there it was. The saints and their teacher, Eva. To be fair, Aryana and her had been wandering for the better part of the afternoon, and recalling her previous encounters with the saints at the library typically occurred an hour or two before dinner time. No! I’m not ready!


    She tried to bury her head in her arms, hoping she wouldn’t be noticed. Her plan lasted for around three seconds before the familiar call roused her back to attention.


    “Sophie? Is that you?” Eva’s voice cut through the low hum of the library.


    Sophie winced at being addressed but raised her hands to sheepishly wave at Eva and her students anyway. A few smiled and waved back, a few more seemed amused, and Eva carried a distinctive twinkle in her eyes that Sophie knew meant that there were quite a few words she wanted to say. Stars above, I probably shouldn’t have tried to avoid her last week, Sophie cringed at the thought of her own cowardice. Felt nothing rushing into a ruin, with barely a plan. Talking to Eva though, Goddess help me, I just don’t want to disappoint her or make her upset. Especially… damned hells, I must’ve looked ridiculous losing my mind training. Swallowing her doubts, she could feel her heart rate pick up as the posse approached her.


    “Sophie! It is you! Come’ere!” Eva beamed with arms outstretched.


    Unable to resist Eva’s call, she got off her seat and moved in for the hug. There was a different kind of comfort she felt the moment they embraced. She still felt worried and tense, yet at the same time her muscles relaxed. It was a familiar but not unwelcome sensation. It’s like… a hug for home, or… or for a sibling.


    “Eva…” She whispered, “H-how are you?”


    Eva balked at her before grinning, “How am I? I’m fine! More importantly, how are you? It feels like it''s been a while since the last time I saw you… well…” Her voice trailed off, the grin turning into a concerned grimace.


    Sophie’s own expression mirrored that, her hands unconsciously fidgeting with her ears as she searched for the right words. Truth? Confrontation? Lie? Half life? With a sigh, she knew that it didn’t matter, she could never bring herself to lie so blatantly to Eva. Besides, she ought to know… as a concerned friend or parent should.


    As the other saints filed in around them; with a few she recognised giving cursory waves of acknowledgement. Sophie managed to eke the faintest of whispers, “D-date…”


    Eva seemed to not comprehend it at first, tilting her head with a questioning look on her face. Sophie meanwhile, could not meet Eva’s gaze. Nervously trying to hide the blush slowly blooming on her face, she felt her mouth dry up as words failed her once again. She wasn’t embarrassed, or at least she didn’t think so. It just felt bizarre to acknowledge it so offhandedly with Eva; this just being a chance encounter for the two. Still, I suppose if we should talk, it’s better sooner rather than later. And… and it’s not like she isn’t dating either. She’s dating Frederick, so this isn’t weird. But… Why does it make me feel like this? I feel so nervous! It’s not like Eva’s going to judge me, it’s Eva! Right…?


    “Hmm? Did you just say…” Eva frowned, “date?”


    Sophie tepidly nodded.


    Eva’s face drifted into a frown before her eyes widened, her hands clasping Sophie by the shoulders. “You’re… dating? My little Sophie… has a date?!” Eva’s voice started to get louder, but not unpleasantly so.


    “Shhh, Eva, we’re in a library!” Sophie hissed at the girl to keep her from getting into trouble, “Inside voice, Eva.”


    “Oops.” Eva giggled, playfully clamping her hands over her mouth, much to Sophie’s consternation.


    “Evaaa.” She pleaded.


    “Fine, fine. But you did say date, right? I’m not like, hallucinating noises or something?”


    Sophie immediately looked away, her cheeks now burning, “Y-yeah.”


    Eva recoiled and sucked in a breath, “Sophie… who?”


    “Me.” A voice quipped from beside them.


    They were so caught up in the conversation that only now did she notice Aryana holding two drinks, looking at them both with a neutral expression, her lips quibbling slightly. Heheh, she looks better when she’s having fun and relaxed. She’s trying so hard to look angry.


    Eva appeared nonplussed for a few moments, studying the two with a look of bafflement as Aryana put the drinks down on the table. Sophie could see the exact moment everything clicked into place within Eva''s mind when she flashed a cheeky grin. Without warning, Sophie was enveloped in a large bear hug as Eva squealed with delight.


    “My little Sophie’s growing up!”


    “Ack… Eva… squishing…”


    Eva’s cheek rubbed up against Sophie’s, the older girl’s grip was unshakable and she found no solace in Aryana’s now bemused expression. Help, she tried to plead.


    Your problem, Ary’s shrug seemed to suggest.


    “Really? You two?” Eva looked excitedly between them.


    Aryana broke her expression and nodded, taking the opportunity to shuffle closer and wrap her own arms around Sophie from behind. Sophie was left helpless between the two of them, her mind brimming with affection thrown at her from both of them. Only after a few moments did Eva break away, prompting Aryana to swap her hug to a hand hold as she stood beside Sophie, gesturing for all of them to take a seat.


    Only when they finally sat down did Sophie’s ears turn a bright scarlet. She finally noticed how most of Eva’s student’s were watching the sudden outburst of energy from their teacher, their curious eyes and subtle grins likely meaning that they heard everything. Ahhhh. It didn’t appear to bother Eva as much, but when she looked over at Ary, their shared glance exchanged enough. Ary''s trying to put on a brave face but she''s a little nervous too, heh.


    “I can’t believe you’re dating! Congratulations! Oh man, what the hells have I missed? I was gonna say you seemed worse for wear back then… but well…”


    “Heheh, thanks Eva. Really, thanks.” Sophie smiled, opening herself up for another hug.


    This time when Eva hugged her, she hugged back, a pleasant smile sneaking across her face. Guess I worried about nothing after all. Should’ve just… talked to Eva before everything… hah… it’s like a weight just got lifted off me. It is nice to be back.


    “It’s good to see you.” Eva cupped Sophie’s cheek before tugging them, “I’m glad you’re alright. You too, Aryana.”


    “Oh, uh, thank you.” Aryana tried to bow, her bluster disappearing now that she realized Sophie wasn’t under threat.


    Sophie wanted to giggle at how adorable the notion was, that Aryana seemed ready to defend her when Eva first arrived. Perhaps the redhead assumed her mental state still wasn’t proper; not an exactly incorrect assumption, but still, it was a welcome gesture. She was surprised, that’s for sure, hells I was too. So could she have been… jealous? The thought intrigued Sophie but she had no time to express it. Eva gave her cheek one last squish before finally moving back and waving at her students.


    “I’ll get my order in then do you guys mind if we talked a little? I mean, obviously, sorry for intruding since it’s your date and everything, so if you-”


    “Eva, it’s fine. It has been a while, and it is good to see you too.” Sophie smiled, “We’ve also got the rest of the day to ourselves so spending a moment to catch up… wouldn’t be that bad.” She hesitantly looked at Ary for reassurance.


    “Yup, yup.” The redhead bobbed in agreement.


    “It… it…” Eva paused, “I’m just happy to see you’re doing okay, Soph.”


    Sophie choked up, a sudden spurring of emotion threatening to splutter forth from within. Holding herself back, she instead smiled as widely as she could. “And me you, Eva.”


    Just like that, Eva turned to walk away and Sophie felt Aryana instantly grab her hand to offer a small squeeze. Sophie squeezed back and turned to find the girl with a soft smile on her face, her brows slightly raised in amusement. Aryana then pulled Sophie in, looking almost like she wanted to whisper a secret when she stole a kiss instead.


    “Mmpf?” Sophie mumbled in surprise.


    Aryana pulled away with a glint of mischief in her eyes and a smirk on her lips. It was a look that had Sophie feeling suddenly very much entranced by the alluring aura Aryana was giving her. Before anything more could happen the girl winked and leaned in to whisper words that unleashed some pent up desires that Sophie was very much unaware that she had.


    “I’m glad everything’s good again. You’re both close and neither of you should lose that connection over a misunderstanding. For that, I''m happy.” Ary whispered, “But your heart’s mine, okay?”


    Sophie didn’t even bother responding before sealing that agreement with another quick peck. The two pulling away under the sound of giggling from some of the nearby tables, somewhat embarrassed looks on their faces. But it mattered little, the deed was done and Sophie felt more confident than ever. By the stars! She was jealous! But this… feeling that I have. It''s like she''''s trying to claim territory or something... and yet, I kinda like it, heh. Sophie sighed, by the Goddess, today''s already turned out to be one crazy day, hah!