“- Old Kyne suffers from disease outbreak


    - Traxian skirmishers harass Lucurian patrol


    - Saints Day protest in Gratia


    - Adventurer’s Guild Issues Report: Undead gathering in Barren Lands


    - Governor Marchiess gives rousing speech


    - Zephir hosts new elven diplomats”


    - Transcribing the Tranoire, New Year Edition, “Headlines”


    <hr><hr>


    The new year started with a bang. One that saw Ostia’s calm night sky flash a multitude of brilliant colours as accomplish mages were given their chance to shine. Ostia’s city wards temporarily taken down for a display that mesmerized the crowds. The air was lit up by patterns and shapes which showed the story of Ostia’s origins; how the city had welcomed saintlike figures in its early history to help with its creation. In truth, Sophie as a little confused by the bizarre light show in the skies above Ostia, but she appreciated the beauty of it.


    The two most excited were Aryana and Alodie. They had struck up a fast friendship with how much wonder they seemed to find in the world around them. And this is Alodie’s home too, heh. I guess things just seem a little different with friends to share it with. That wasn’t to say Sophie was completely at ease, for she did feel the niggling sensation of jealousy writhing in the depths of her mind. The two have gotten rather close rather quickly…


    Her doubts were somewhat softened by the presence of Ary’s passenger. Yana sat atop of Ary’s scalp with her arms crossed, the faerie’s face wrinkled with dissatisfaction. Catching Sophie staring, the faerie seemed to huff a little before fluttering over. It felt weird for her to see a humanoid looking creature with wings, and even after travelling in her presence for a while it still felt weird. But I guess that’s what happens living a sheltered life.


    The faerie stared her down, her lips downturned before erratically gesturing at the light show above them. Her wings beat emphatically and she flew around Sophie making her head spin until she came to a rest, hovering just in front of her. Catching a look of expectance in her eyes, Sophie sighed and nodded, motioning for the faerie to speak whatever it wished to.


    “What a horrendous waste of mana, so sayeth your dearest Yana.” The faerie pouted, her arms crossed haughtily.


    Sophie snickered a little at the sudden rhyme, arching an eyebrow and gesturing for her to continue.


    “A preposterous display of light, yet it doesn’t even match my might!” Yana huffed proudly.


    “Care to demonstrate?” Sophie chuckled.


    Yana seemed to genuinely consider the prospect for a moment before shaking her head. “No, it would be a pointless waste, for my powers are not to be spent in haste.”


    “If you say so.”


    Yana bristled at Sophie’s remark but she paid little heed to it. Annoyed, the faerie stuck her tongue out at Sophie before flying back atop of Ary’s head. The redhead felt the sudden weight and looked up in surprise, Alodie following suit. Their gaze then turned to Sophie, who just innocently shrugged, much to Yana’s increasing annoyance.


    The rest of the night was mostly spent merry making and enjoying the festivities. The two halves of the party reconvened an hour later, spending another few hours watching travelling bards and magicians ply their trades on the city’s stages. Once more Alodie and Aryana were fascinated, her siblings on the other hand felt a little more distant and analytical. Siblings… how odd… I guess... I have siblings now. What mysterious ways this world works. Though I am thankful, the world also feels a little… less alone.


    It was during these late night hours that she first felt it. The uneasy sensation that prickled the hairs on the back of her neck. Sophie cast her gaze upon the different alleyways and rooftops around the town center. But with such an abundance of people and things to look at, she could find no hint of anyone specifically focused on her apart from Ary. She mentally relayed her concerns to Sophia, her counterpart immediately also starting to search around, but far more discreetly than her. Yet, even with their combined efforts, neither of them could come up with any direct evidence that they were being spied upon.


    Sophie was left in a weird state of limbo, knowing both for certain that there had to be something there, but also that they were good enough to avoid detection. While the others did not notice or had but ignored the sensation, her and her counterpart were now extra cautious. Unable to shake this sensation, Sophie spent the rest of the night fretting, occasionally catching glimpses of what felt like something hidden in the darkness just beyond, waiting, watching.


    The sensation left a sour taste in her mouth, bringing back memories of the Mistveil, of time spent alone and stalked as she wandered through the treacherous woods. Here it was again, much the same as before, but with the stomach churning feeling coalescing around her within a place filled with people. Stars above, just who the hells is watching us? Cause I know they’re somewhere, it feels too… too present. I don’t like it.


    “Sophie?” A sweet voice piped up.


    Sophie jumped as a finger prodded her cheek. She looked back to find Ary staring quizzically at her, a concerned look in her eye as she held her finger out, demanding to prod her cheek again. Surprised but relieved, Sophie moved to get her cheek poked, replacing Ary’s concern with one of delight. Reacting on instinct, she wrapped Ary in a hug and to both their surprise, lifted the redhead and spun her around before setting her down. Yana clutched onto Ary’s hair for dear life as Alodie let out a small shocked ‘oh’. Ary and Sophie meanwhile, just smiled warmly and giggled at each other, Sophie being extremely glad to be temporarily rid of her worries.


    “Sophie…” Ary cooed, “What’s wrong?”


    Sophie just smiled and pecked Ary’s forehead affectionately, giving her hair a little ruffle. "Nothing. Just thinking about everything is all, nothing too spectacular.”


    Ary narrowed her eyes with doubt but opted to just bop Sophie’s nose instead, “If you say so.” She frowned. She definitely doesn''t believe me. Gah.


    “I do.” Sophie winked, “But what’s up with you two?”


    “Ah! Right! Almost forgot. Alodie was wondering if we could turn in for the night. She’s getting a little worn out.”


    As their attention turned towrads the other girl, Sophie saw Alodie give a little excited wave. Though, she also noticed how their host was wobbling a little unsteadily, evidently far more tired than she let on.


    “You doing alright?” Sophie asked her.


    “Of course!” Alodie beamed, “But uhh, yeah, just a little tired. Don’t mind me. Have I mentioned how happy I am to have everyone here? Really! Thank you all for coming.”


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    Sophie gave the girl a friendly pat before gesturing at the city. “Thank you for hosting us. It really has been a wonderful day after... everything." Sophie bowed as deeply as she could, "But honestly? Me too. I''m also feeling a little tired and to be honest, heh, any more of these lights and I might even start seeing things.”


    “Oh! I hope you aren’t too sensitive to light, sorry.” Alodie dipped her head.


    “Pfff. I was making a bad joke, no need to apologize. But yeah, I think it’ll be good to get some rest too, right Ary?” Sophie asked the redhead.


    Ary replied with a sudden yawn, that then spread to the other two. A little more exhausted than before, they silently conveyed their agreement to the plans and motioned for the others to follow. But as she joined the two and the group began making their way back to the inn, the briefest blink of light in the sky caught her eye. Amongst the copious colors and shapes being displayed with light spells, the lights managed to land upon the single thing that was looking right back down at her. For within the chaos, Sophie spotted a singular crow, its head cocked sideways, circling the town center, its eye pointed directly at hers. Shit.


    The moment she tried to point it out, a hand reached out to stop her. Sophie turned to find herself being held back by Sophia, the other half elf having adeptly slinked her way to Sophie’s side. Without giving her a chance to question why, Sophia just shook her head and redirected her attention to the rest of the party. Alodie and Aryana still seemed to be chatting the night away with Yana looking mildly more bored than when they had begun. Elaria and Raylani also appeared to be having fun, the two busy plotting something or another judging by their hushed whispers.


    Not now. Her counterpart told her quietly, let the others have their fun, They could all use a break right now. Besides, what harm is our mysterious friend doing? We can just keep an eye… back on them.


    What and we should just leave it alone? Sophie grumbled.


    For now. Besides, what can we realistically do from here? Sophia replied.


    Sophie just about scowled but grunted, her counterpart’s argument making some sense given the crowded environment around them. Catching a glimpse of Ary’s smiling face made her pause. With a heavy sigh, Sophie grunted her assent. Sophia gently let her hand go and also turned up to where the crow had been. The two found no sign of it and Sophie muttered a curse while her counterpart patted her on the back.


    Look, there’s not much it can do anyways. If it really is the harbinger of something bad, we’ll deal with it when the time comes. Isn’t that what we always say? A problem for later? Sophia chuckled.


    Sophie scowled but failed to suppress an amused snort, Sophia taking this as a sign to continue.


    So we can keep an eye out for anything suspicious, but let’s just relax a little, yeah?


    Perhaps feeling slightly defeated or simply unwilling to push the matter further, Sophie nodded. Her counterpart offered her a firm squeeze on the shoulder that signalled her approval and pulled away from her, returning to whatever conversation she and the others were sharing. Left alone, Sophie’s eyes began wandering back to Ary. As she took in Sophia’s words, she sighed to herself and smiled. Fair enough, enjoy today, worry tomorrow. Stupid crow spy.


    With renewed gusto, she caught up to the two excitable girls and quickly placed herself to Ary’s side. Seizing the moment, she warped her hand around Ary’s and tried to nonchalantly hold it. The redhead looked up at her with surprise before giggling, delighting in the awkward little gesture and giving her a squeeze. Sophie blushed and grinned, hah, this is the best.


    <hr><hr>


    The night passed by without any other surprises. With how early everyone had woken up on Saints Day, sleep was something that wasn’t hard to come by. It was around midday when Sophie awoke to find Ary curled up next to her, the girl’s hair covering her like a makeshift blanket. Amused, she brushed aside some hair and gave Ary’s cheek a small peck, the girl subconsciously smiling in response. Touched, Sophie remembered her days spent back in the estate, the mornings in which Eva would wake up groggy and cranky but appreciative of her help nonetheless.


    Dutifully, she got dressed and moved to arrange Ary’s clothes, casting a swift glance at her still sleeping form before laying everything across the empty bed in their room for easy access. Pleased with her work, Sophie rummaged through her own clothes for an outfit when she found Yana had created a little sleeping pod out of one of her tunics. The faerie was settled in this soft and cozy looking nook that Sophie dare not rouse her, choosing instead to wear a different tunic instead. On the downside, Sophie never knew that the fae could also drool in their sleep, although her tunic had suffered, she had now acquired that very knowledge that they very much could.


    Once she was properly dressed for the start of the new year, she carefully made her way to the window and opened a sliver of the curtain to examine the city outside. Huh, there’s something oddly serene about winter here. The frost seems less… angry? Dark? Whatever the case, it matches what Ary felt about the place. Unlike in Carrador where the snow simply blanketed the land with the winter’s wroth. Here in Ostia, the snowfall was more of a soft, gentle wispiness, like the world itself was quietly rocking the city to sleep. Even the people below seemed to accentuate in this mood, gleefully but lazily attending to their tasks, still partially revelling in the festive spirits that overtook the town yesterday.


    “Gah-choo!” The tiniest of sneezes echoed behind her.


    Turning around, Sophie found Yana having awoken, the faerie’s face scrunched into a frown at the sneeze. Perhaps due to tiredness ro just a general lack of awareness, the faerie piloted herself above Sophie’s head and simply settled down atop her scalp. Sophie was uncertain how she should react or what to do, choosing instead to pretend nothing had happened and continue staring out into the city streets. As she did so, she heard a ferocious yawn echo from Yana’s lips before the faerie feel asleep once again.


    Outside, the city had come alive once again. Instead of the joyous chaotic crowds of yesterday, there was a bit more order in the streets. Many vendors were back to hawking foods and other winter wares along the streets. Beastfolk workers finishing their morning shifts bantered with their human counterparts moving to take the day shift. What she thought were bear kin beastfolk were simply the city guard in their winter uniform, their presence now more noticeable without the crowds present. Amongst the variety of guards, Sophie remembered at some point, Alodie had mentioned something about chevaliers, though she seemed to spot none of them out and about right now. I wonder if they’re proper knights, like those in Carrador.


    Her mind drew upon the image of a heavily armoured but skilled fighter like Sir Bayerlein had been. Equipped with some of the most protective gear that was on the market and a menace to fight for those unfortunate enough to be in their way. I heard Gratia chevaliers and Potomian cataphracts might fit that criteria. Sophie let out a light chuckle, and there’s me, somehow a knight. She sighed wistfully and continued people watching, taking interest in a band of what looked to be adventurers trying to barter for something at a stall. She found much delight in how their healer’s face radiated happiness when the man tasted something good, quickly raving to his companions about it. Must be outlanders too, I wonder if they’re like us. Or if we were also like that yesterday. Hah, must’ve been quite a strange sight, especially that Raylani.


    A cute yawn finally broke the calming scenery and Ary seemed to stir from her sleep. Still caught in her fussy maid demeanour, Sophie stepped away from the window and hurried to the girl’s side. Ary let out a tired groan as her arms reached out for Sophie’s position on the bed only to find nothing. The redhead pursed her lips, whatever tired noise escaping them was followed by a downcast expression. Her heart broken at Ary’s saddened expression, Sophie reached out to tap Ary’s shoulder, drawing the girl’s attention behind her. Sophie melted all over again as Ary looked up like an excited puppy, the sheer joy in her face brightening even Sophie’s day. The two kissed and giggled before Sophie gestured to the other bed. Seeing her already organized belongings, Ary smiled up warmly at her.


    “Good morning, Sophie.” Ary murmured, the twinkling of her eyes contrasting with her sleepy tone.


    “Morning, Ary.” Sophie smiled.


    The two traded a few more pecks before Ary finally got out of bed, her little glances back to make sure Sophie was still there making the half elf fall eve more in love. Their noise did disturb their companion, and Sophie felt the faerie slowly waking back up, making a mess out of her hair.


    “Morn of… to you… dear Aryana. It is I, the Yana.” The fae sleepily rhymed.


    "Morning Yana." Ary replied.


    Though she could not see Yana’s expression, she could practically envision it as the faerie immediately threw herself off of Sophie’s head.


    “Ahhh nooo, how could I have rested there? That is not Aryana’s hair!” Yana squeaked as she retreated back to her sleeping pod, the faerie practically hissing at Sophie.


    The two girls were caught off guard and stood with questioning expressions being shot at each other until Sophie shrugged. Then they both giggled at Yana’s expense, the faerie looking mortified at having nested on Sophie. The two girls were happy, and perhaps in the moment, for Sophie, it was all that mattered.