“Send them home, send them home.


    The poor souls in distant lands,


    Send them home, send them home.


    Left buried in forgotten sands.


    Send them home, send them home.


    Fighting for forests we won’t keep.


    Send them home, send them home.


    As all the widows weep.”


    - Traxian Protest Song, “Send Them Home”


    <hr><hr>


    Aryana was utterly baffled at the current situation. Where there had been one Sophie, then two but one was actually some bizarre shadow clone. Now not only did Sophie have a twin, but a sister who was a somewhat famous bard had popped up out of nowhere. They found her on the ship to Ostia, entertaining the crew with a dark elf in tow. Despite being almost aloof and stoic in the face of the new arrivals, the dark elf proved to be a pleasant companion. Though Raylani, as she called herself, seemed more curious about Aryana’s presence amongst a group that could be described as almost beyond human upon learning that she had no real powers or combat skills of her own.


    Sophe’s sister Elaria on the other hand was both far more jovial and terrifying to Aryana. Not only did she look almost unamused with mortal proceedings, there was a part of her that detected a hint of contempt floating within Elaria. It sent shivers down her spine and it didn’t help that rather than looking like Sophie, she looked more like a cross between Sophie’s mistress Eva and Sophie herself. The comparison did intrigue her slightly as she wondered if this is what Sophie’s child might look like one day. Heh.


    Aryana also detected what felt like jealousy from both the newcomers. Elaria seemed to dislike the affection Sophie had held for her. Raylani’s proclivities became clear enough once she noticed Elaria’s attention oftentimes finding itself also directed towards her. It was truly a bizarre situation. Sophia at least, seemed mostly at peace with everything, acting as a more mature but grizzled version of Sophie. Which naturally meant she found Aryana’s company endearing at the very least.


    But none of this fazed her much, for Aryana was content. Sophie had returned to her side and seemed more tender than ever. It was a little worrying, and she knew that something had changed in their dynamic. She relished it all the same and took a page from Sophie, it’s a problem to be fixed later. For now, her priority was a basic but important one. To coax every possible hug, snuggle and kiss out of Sophie that she could. A fine way to spend a boat trip, Aryana smiled.


    She leaned over and gave the resting Sophie a small kiss before gently biting an exposed nipple. Hearing an instinctive moan from Sophie, Aryana nudged her awake and straddled her. Seeing the half elf’s groggy eyes widen in surprise, she leaned in and kissed her properly before letting out a whisper.


    “Good morning sleepy head.”


    “G-g-good morning.” Sophie mumbled.


    “We dock today, you should get dressed soon.” Ary giggled.


    Sophie looked aghast before playfully poking Aryana’s boob, the girl leaning into the touch and laying atop Sophie, rubbing their chests together.


    “Says you.” Sophie whispered, "Lovely girl."


    “Mmmm. Says me.” Ary offered a small kiss, “I wouldn’t mind cuddling a bit.”


    Hearing this, Sophie ruffled Aryana’s hair and nuzzled the redhead. Aryana felt incredibly loved at the moment.


    “That sounds good to me.” Sophie smiled, “Let’s just hope Alodie doesn’t get made we’re a bit late.”


    <hr><hr>


    Ostia, a land east of Arteria and even the Empire. Sandwiched by the Evenspire Peaks to the east, the Tranoire to the west. Where the mountains turn to plains before rolling into the Trannoire river, a small little nation that sat straddled between north and south. An orange glow enveloped the city as The Home Afar cruised slowly into the city’s port. A gentle frosting of snow had left its mark across the rooftops and taking advantage of the rays of light, Captain Noyen skilfully navigated the ship past the busy trade lanes of the river.


    Where Arteria was filled with buildings of all shapes and sizes; Absenstadt a more squat and square shape; Carrador with its mostly rectangular townhouses and large manors; Melton with buildings mostly low to the ground. Ostia took after a combination of Gratian and Potomian style of architecture. Rounded towers with smooth surfaces painted a brilliant white and light blue pushed up into the sky, taller than even the trees. Here, even the smaller properties seemed to be built around courtyards of sorts, some even with little plants decorating them. There was a lightness and liveliness here that reminded Sophie of Arteria. It was a familiar sense of carefreeness that she had seen before, of people living life knowing that ‘although the world is in trouble, it’s not our trouble’. On one hand she was envious of their opportunity, of the idea of being able to be so frivolous. On the other, she understood that only in places like this, where peace was the norm rather than a luxury, could gentle souls like Alodie truly thrive.


    There was a distinctive air when they neared the city that differed from Arteria however. For the more Sophie tried to take in the sprawling cities and its manored houses and towers, the more she felt a strange sense of whimsy. There was a child-like fantasticalness that illuminated the city under the setting sun’s glow. A certain part of her brain that simply screamed that everything looked too peaceful, that there had to be something wrong.


    “Cities of this world seem quite fascinating.” Elaria plopped herself on the railing beside her.


    “Heheh, what''s your new goal? See everything first?” Sophie quipped.


    “Yes! I mean, no! Of course the mandate still holds firm and the master’s-”


    “I’m kidding Ela. But it would be nice to see a few things first though.” Sophie chuckled.


    “I… yes, that would be nice.” Elaria grumpily agreed.


    Sophie smiled at Elaria’s sudden bashfulness, the strange dark elf Raylani looking at the two of them with questioning eyes. Sophie beckoned her over much to Elaria’s surprise and pointed towards the city.


    “Ever seen things like that before?” Sophie asked.


    Raylani seemed to purse her lips, looking unsure of answering before deciding that Elaria’s sister was worthy of words.


    “Not like that. But a lot of buildings… back below. Tall and sometimes rounded.” She whispered, casting nervous glances around to make sure no one was listening. “Less bright too.”


    “Mmm, I’d have wanted to see that. Err, maybe just from afar though.” Sophie hastily added, earning herself a singular chuckle from the dark elf.


    Raylani nodded in agreement before settling beside Elaria. Sophie took in the sight with no small amount of wonder of her own. She still couldn’t quite get over the fact that Elaria, who she last remembered residing in the void, was suddenly just here. Her tale of how they got here was just as wild as Sophie’s own.


    After she left the void realm, Elaria had found herself somehow summoned by second rate sorcerers that had also trapped Raylani. Suspecting that the master hijacked the summoning, she broke free and took Raylani with her as a retainer. Together, the two travelled across the Traxian frontier until accidentally performing their dance routine, or rather, Raylani dances and Elaria sometimes sings but mostly sits around, in front of a Traxian prince, one Sinlar Trax. The prince was enamoured by the duo and allowed them to accompany his legion on the way to the front. After fighting picked up however, it turns out the prince had tricked them due to safety concerns and sent them on the boat to Ostia instead of allowing overland travel to Arteria through the battlefront.


    Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    Sophie would’ve thought that maybe Elaria had embellished it a little. After all, travelling with a dark elf was more than fascinating enough. That was, until Raylani showed off a little medal that the prince gave her; covered in Traxian iconography and script. It depicted an eagle with its wings spread, and what she could barely read as ‘The Empire Flies Forever’, cheesy but fair.


    All this did amuse her to no end. For now that she thought about it, these strange siblings of hers seemed to have a propensity to meet with royalty. Sophia met with the dwarven king a few days ago, and now it turns out that Elaria had also met a Traxian prince. Excluding the encounters at the academy, Sophie herself had met with the current kings of Melton and Carrador, though admittedly the latter was when she was Eva''s maid. A simpler time.


    “Prepare for docking!” Captain Noyen yelled from somewhere.


    Two crew members hefted a heavy rope over the side of the ship to impatient dock workers who hastily helped them moor the ship. The crew then hurriedly lowered the gangplank and within seconds, two sailors and the captain headed off to talk to the port authority.


    “W-wah.” Aryana squeaked as she reached the deck, wobbling unsteadily from the weight of her pack.


    Sophie’s heart froze as she remembered why Ary seemed so weak, the pang of guilt almost making her break out into a cold sweat.


    “Easy, easy.” Sophia helped push her up, the two stumbling up to the deck.


    Sophie rushed over to support Ary and the girl flashed her a small smile, though she could also sense a tinge of sadness from the redhead. Ignoring it, she turned her attention to the backpack’s passenger clutching on for dear life. Yana just glared at her while shivering. Can’t she just fly? Oh right, we’re going to a city, duh.


    Hearing chimes, bells and music coming from the city streets reminded her of Arteria. Banners of all colors hung in archways and between buildings, presenting a whimsical vibe as they were surrounded by rooftops dusted by snow. Decorative statues and freely drawn art were painted on the walls, further covering the city in a festive mood. Why… ah! Right! Saints Day! Oh no, I hope we didn’t miss it. Sorry if we did Alodie! Sophie whispered a small prayer.


    “Welcome to your destination. We are here at Ostia, pleased to have you on board and thank you for choosing Southshore.” Captain Noyen announced smugly.


    Slowly, crew and party began unloading from the ship, with dozens of crates being piled up on the dock. Captain Noyen bid them farewell and the sailors continued on with their duties while the party moved towards a few waiting Ostian officials. Unlike Arterian officials, their soldiers wore little armour and instead sported only a single chestplate alongside gaudy looking cloth sleeves coloured red and blue and with dozens of patterns on it. Their weapons reflected their extravagance and Sophie noted how most had rapiers strapped to their sides, though a few did have the more traditional spear as their main armament.


    “New arrivals!” One of the soldiers called out, ushering them over to one of the port buildings.


    Inside, they found a few organised queues and another set of guards. This time, they were screened by the guardsmen, mostly passing by unscathed save for Raylani, whose bizarre appearance for an elf necessitated an additional security check. She ultimately passed their inspection and the group found themselves in front of a security checkpoint, a weathered looking official sat behind a desk, an amused eye cast at all of them.


    “Welcome to Ostia, name and purpose of your visit?” He asked.


    Everyone looked to Sophie for guidance and she could only shoot back an exasperated look. Since when was I the leader?


    “Sophie.. Kastiane. Here to spend Saints Day with friends.” She answered, her tongue savouring the strange sensation of speaking her new last name, “Those two are my sisters. Sophia and Elaria. The elf is Raylani Nelass, she’s a… family friend. This one is Aryana, no known last name.”


    “Huh, just in time. Festivities happen in the city center starting at noon tomorrow.” The official looked mildly intrigued by the other details, scribbling with a little more care than his lackadaisical attitude would suggest. “Fancy last names, nobles?”


    “Err, I don’t think so?” She looked at Sophia and Elaria, who both shrugged. They really don’t care.


    “Shame. And professions or status of employment?” The official continued.


    “I’m a knight, the Lily Knight of Melton.” Sophie bobbed her head.


    “Okay. And the rest of you?”


    “I’m unemployed, I just follow her.” Sophia gestured at Sophie.


    “Errr, and do you do anything while following her?”


    “I help her fight, does that count?”


    “Hmm, a squire? Nah, I’ll mark you down as a bodyguard then. Less questions for you. And you three?” He turned to the others.


    “Bard. She’s part of my act and… dancer.” Elaria leaned towards Raylani.


    “I’m… I’m… ahh, I guess I could be a healer, but I’m still studying at Arteria.” Ary mumbled.


    “Bard… dancer… okay. I’ll mark you down as student then. Alright?” The official nodded.


    “That sounds good.” Ary affirmed.


    “Excellent. So a knight, a bodyguard, a bard, a dancer and a student. Here for Saints Day. Does that all sound correct?” The official asked.


    “Yes sir.” Sophie answered.


    “Perfect.” The man muttered before scribbling something more onto his piece of paper, “Well then, stay out of trouble and welcome to Ostia.” He gestured at one of the guards who then stepped out of the way.


    Dropping into a polite bow in response, Sophie led the others past the guard and into the city proper. Revellers and cheery townsfolk wandered around the streets with a relaxed air around them, enjoying their break from work. The few folk who still worked trudged around in the snow, making a point to avoid catching sight of the festive goers, trying their best to stop themselves from joining in with the merry-making. While the air remained a little chilly, there was a very clear warmth that sort of lingered over the town.


    Sophie found herself smiling as she saw how overjoyed everyone else looked. For once, there was no feeling of obligation beyond trying to find Alodie. She could tell how this affected the others as well, particularly Aryana who seemed to breathe a little easier. It could just be because she likes the snow. Though I wonder how the snow here’s different from the Frostwind.


    She didn’t have to wait long as Ary immediately tried to act inconspicuous before sticking her tongue out to lick a little bit of snow. Sophie fought hard in an attempt not to burst out laughing as Ary’s face immediately contorted into displeasure. To her amazement, the girl then licked at the snow again, this time appearing a bit more contemplative.


    “So?” Sophie finally asked.


    “Geh!” Ary squeaked, surprised at being discovered.


    Everyone else shared a slight chuckle at her misfortune and Ary’s face erupted into a deep scarlet.


    “The snow, silly, how is it?” Sophie giggled.


    Ary gently swatted at her in mock annoyance before leaning into her. “Little bitter. But happy. Happier than mountains now, but more bitter than mountains before.”


    “Mountains? You mean the Frostwinds?”


    Ary nodded, “Back then it was more pleasant, cooling. Now there is a trace of darkness at home, of hatred. Unpleasant. Here it is also present, but less so.”


    Sophie comforted her with a gentle pat on the head before turning to the others. “There’s an inn just beyond the town center called ‘The Traveller’s Ward’. If we don’t find Alodie there we’re supposed to have the innkeeper send a message.”


    “But will there be enough rooms?” Elaria queried.


    “I… ah… that I do not know.” Sophie admitted, “I’m pretty sure she expected only two people.”


    “Oh then-”


    “No, no!” Sophie quickly stopped her sister, “I can more than pay for another set of rooms from quest rewards. So please, don’t worry about it. Besides, technically you''re the younger sister.”


    “If you insist." Elaria clicked her tongue, "Though I was going to suggest that Raylani and I could also work to earn some funds.”


    “As the mistress says.” The elf nodded in support of Elaria.


    “I mean I… honestly don’t know what to do. But if you want to work it’s not like I’m going to stop you.” Sophie said.


    “Lovely! All for my little Sophie.” Elaria beamed, “Although we’re coming back with you to… uh…”


    “Arteria.” Raylani helped.


    “Yes! We’re coming back with you to Arteria after this is over.”


    “Of course.” Sophie nodded, but how the hells do I explain I suddenly have a twin and a sister? What would Eva’s reaction be? Stars, I can almost imagine it.


    “Sophie, Sophie!” Ary practically bounced up and down, startling her poor faerie and everyone else.


    Following her eager gaze, the group found Aryana staring longingly at a group of Ostians crowding around a food stall. Sophie giggled and gave Ary a surprise kiss, the move making the redhead squeak with embarrassed joy. She handed the blushing girl a few coins. As Ary scuttled over to the vendor, everyone else shared a light chuckle and Sophie found herself feeling happy. Happy that she had friends, happy to be spending time with sudden family, and happy that Ary was there.


    “Get something for the rest of us too!” Elaria shouted after her, making the girl give a flustered mumbling of assurance.


    Ahh, Sophie sighed contentedly, this is the life.