“To strike in the darkest of nights, veiled by the shadows, coated with the malice of a thousand lost souls. That is the work of the Sindrin Assassins. The most noble of retainers during the day, the courtly courtiers in charge of administrative duties. Yet the horrors that rule the darkness beyond when the soul shade fades.”


    - Thaleil Ashenthil, Eryinian Assassin, “Lores, Myths, And Dark Truths - Chapter: The Dark Elven Menace”


    <hr><hr>


    “Breathe.”


    Sophia sucked in a deep breath and held her pose. Her heart had steadied out, the rhythmic thumping keeping her grounded as the waters crashed against the cliff below.


    “Release.”


    Sophia blew out gently, her stomach gradually expanding as she released the breath.


    “Visualize.”


    Sophia closed her eyes and focused her thoughts. Her head began to pound as a somber shadow enveloped it. Within the darkness she caught the briefest glimpse of a flicker, the shine of metal as it clanged against another, the sparks giving sight for a momentary second.


    “Withdraw.”


    Sophia obeyed and pulled herself back to reality. The salty sea air, the wind that was whipping against her face, the faint clamminess of her skin. Naturally, her eyes drifted sideways, to the dark elf watching her from under a shaded alcove. Hidden from the pale blue sky and sun shining down from above.


    “Listen. Feel.” Raylani grunted.


    She caught onto the distant squawks of seagulls nearby. The low hum-drum of people of the city. The lives that were lived as each second seemed to pass her by. She felt the soles of her shoes, her left hand embracing the wind, her right hand dancing gently above where her hidden blade was. Her nose wrinkled at the combined smell of Elaria’s perfume ever so subtly wafting off of Raylani and the acrid saltiness of the sea air. It was calming, for a time. Then something metallic jangled in the distance. A flash of red cutting into her.


    Then her heart beat faster, a spike of pain. Agony filled her mind as the peaceful scene was tainted by a dull, throbbing ache. She grimaced and grit her teeth, the darkness growing stronger.


    “Enough.”


    Sophia panted as she tore herself out of the mindscape, her pounding with the unpleasant sensation. Sweat formed above her brow and dripped down her cheek. Coupled with the humidity, it was a miserable time.


    Raylani’s piercing red eyes lingered upon her own. Sophia was defiant, for all of a moment. Then in a display reserved only for herself, she let out an irritated growl and sighed. Her shoulders sagged as the weight of the world dragged her back down. Like a bird that tried to fly but couldn’t.


    Her gaze flickered over to the dark elf who just shook her head.


    “That’s enough.” Raylani repeated.


    “I guess.” Sophia muttered.


    “It doesn’t get any better. Not for a while.”


    “Then how…” She gritted her teeth.


    “You wait. You wait and hope you feel at peace at some point.” Raylani pushed herself off the wall. The dark elf barely made any noise as she moved.


    “But it’s barely helping. When it’s quiet, when it gets too quiet. I can’t help but think. For one born of shadow this is… humiliating.”


    Raylani just nodded and pulled Sophia into the shade of the alcove with her. The dark elf’s expression remained mostly inscrutable and stoic as she always was. But here and there, Sophia could sense the smallest amount of pain behind the dark elf’s gaze.


    “It is humiliating. It is awful. Quite frankly something I try to forget too.” Raylani whispered.


    Sophia frowned and grunted. Whatever past Raylani had she kept close to her chest. The little she had shared already painted a gloomy enough picture. Even for one who served the shadows such as herself. And now that her own experiences brushed against that darkness, she only hoped there was some way out.


    “But that’s why I… we must try to simply find a semblance of peace first. Only then can we afford to confront the shadows lurking in the quietness.”


    “Tch, easy to say.”


    “It is easy to say, that’s why I say it.” Raylani grinned.


    Sophia rolled her eyes, the dark elf rarely grinned or made much facial expressions at all. But as she looked on, she could see a hint of sadness behind it.


    “It’s surely easier than dealing with the pain.” Raylani whispered.


    The two of them settled into an uneasy silence. Their gazes lingering over Arterian cliffside as life carried on, uncaring of the two lost souls. Bells chimed, whistles blown, and the fleet of merchant ships of the coast continued cutting through the waves.


    Sophia turned to Raylani, a curious look in her eye. The elf didn’t even look over, but whether from some intrisinic sense or a sly glance, she just nodded, giving permission for the unspoken question even if the answer was already known.


    “How did you cope?” Sophia quietly asked.


    “I didn’t.” Came the reply.


    Her chest tightened a little. The elf’s answer was unexpected and not reassuring in the slightest. Sophia gripped the parapet, her fingers trying to dig into the stonework. The sensation bubbling within the back of her mind was unpleasant to say the least.


    “Then how…” She whispered.


    “Hmm?”


    “Then how… did you… how do you act like… well, you?”


    Sophie clicked her tongue unconsciously, herself still unused to the uncertainty that she still felt about everything.


    “Hmm, I wonder?” Raylani snickered, “I suppose in a way, I act like me because of where I was.”


    “Pardon?”


    “You know where I’m from, the land where our lady rules.”


    “Ah.”


    From what little she had shared, dark elven society was as brutal as it was alien. A place shrouded in secrecy and dedicated wholly to the worship of Morea and Caeus, the twin Goddess and God of shadows and darkness. A place where death was but another currency, where the strong ruled unquestioned, only to be then replaced by those even stronger than they.


    “I worked with what I had, did what I could. Back then, I fought, I killed, and I became the most valued tool.” Raylani shared, a distant look in her eyes, “Thankfully that is me no longer.”


    “And now?”


    “Now? I hide from my memories. I try to focus wholly on your sister. Whatever Lady Elaria desires I shall accomplish. For now, that is enough.”


    Sophia frowned before smiling a little. As messed up as that sounded, she felt a little relieved that Raylani’s relationship with Elaria sonded tight. Though it did raise another. How she could run away from her own thoughts given that she didn’t have someone like Elaria by her side. It was a strange yet stifling thought. As she stared out into the Sea of Sorrow which surrounded Arteria, Sophia felt lonely.


    She had her sisters, that much was true, whatever the bizarre circumstances of her and of their creation were. Being the shadowy part of Sophie that was ripped out and reshaped however, had its downsides. She understood Sophie’s worries and shared them. Unfortunately, that included the girl’s desire for love and acknowledgement. Something which Sophia had thus far suppressed for the most part. But in seeing how the ever stoic Raylani muse a little wistfully about her bond with Elaria. Sophia was a little jealous.


    She sighed, it was but another avenue to consider in her desire to continue to grow. Yet one that had now found some form of credence within her. Another path to augment her own strengths.


    “Sophia?” Raylani asked.


    “Sorry. Just… taking a moment.” Sophia replied.


    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    “Mmm, take your time. I’ll listen.”


    “Heh, thanks. I mean it.”


    “I know.”


    The two casted understanding glances at each other before resuming their overwatch of the sea.


    In a world bathed in the light of the stars, it felt strangely calming for Sophia to have befriended one of the few touched by the Goddess of Shadows. A comrade at the very least. She allowed herself a small smile at the thought.


    “Better?” Raylani arched a brow upwards, making the elf’s eye look more amused than menacing.


    “A little. Maybe.”


    “Maybe, huh? Hmm.” The dark elf took one last look over the wall before motioning for Sophia to follow, “If it helped even a little. Then that’s good. Follow along then, the mistress-er, Lady Ela is probably anxious for our return.” She spoke without looking back.


    Sophia just grunted her affirmation and followed. Better… better… is this really helping? Ugh, too sweaty to keep thinking.


    <hr><hr>


    “Sophia.”


    “Elaria.”


    “How was it?” Elaria grinned as she downed what she claimed was a tankard of ‘juice’.


    “Was helpful. I think.” Sophia absently moved the food on her plate.


    “D’aww, don’t be like that. I think you’re doing better.” Elaria patted her shoulder.


    “Hah.” Sophia let out a dry laugh. Yeah right, I look miserable probably.


    “I know I’m not exactly one to talk. Given my… alien background.” Elaria winked and nudged her shoulder, “But I really do think you’re doing better. Even if it’s only a little for now.”


    Sophia sighed and gnawed on a bit of bread. She let her saliva soak through the bread before she finally finished chewing and swallowing it.


    “I guess that’s good.” She answered.


    “That’s the spirit.” Elaria adopted a more sisterly tone, “If you do have anything, I’ll be here to listen too. I’m not Raylani, but I can be useful too.”


    “Mistress!” Raylani protested.


    “Raylani, you know what I meant.”


    The dark elf seemed to skulk, but that somehow only made Sophia feel even more jealous. This bond they share… how nice. She watched analytically as the two dueled through a series of glares, glances, and frowns. Whatever they tried to fight about was settled when Raylani relented, shrinking into her seat. Elaria meanwhile, shot Sophia a toothy grin before spinning back towards her own meal and slurping a spoonful of soup.


    Somewhat demotivated, Sophia dedicated herself to the meal before her. Thin slices of beef drizzled with gravy atop a small bed of vegetables and pieces of bread. A savoury mixture cut through by the freshness of the greens. It was filling if not the most enjoyable meal she had, but one that she appreciated on a day like this.


    It still felt disqueting for her to be out with the others no matter how comforting their presence was. Even though the Scholar’s Rest Inn was decidely more quiet than the rambunciousness of the other more popular establishments like the All Hog Arms. The ambient noise of people around her made her uneasy. As if at any moment, a wall of eyes would descend upon her as they had fallen upon Sophia. Or the other victims of the company, I wonder how they’re holding up. She shuddered as the thought alone brought back flashes of her brief captivity.


    Her hand dropped to her side. She unknowingly began clenching and unclenching it over where her hidden blade was. In a way, Raylani was someone to follow. One who found her stride in the darkness, in the art of subterfuge, the ways of the Shadow. Though she had been forced, Sophia couldn’t get the thought out of her mind. Violence could be a most potent tool, especially for one touched by the Lady of Shadows.


    She liked violence. Or at least the thrill that battle brought. Sophie had been changing when Sophia came to form. The remnants of struggle have taken root to create a sickening mixture of adrenaline and delight. And it would be so easy to just... kill. As her emotions catalyzed to be dragged out by the Lady of Shadows, Sophia herself became a twisted reflection of the original. Yet she was able to retain control, to keep the worst of it in check. Ironically due to her having also inherited Sophie’s lingering ability to switch between emotionally vulnerable and absolute apathy in her professionalism to carrying out her tasks.


    Before her musings could delve any deeper, a light pain flared from her nose as Elaria playfully flicked her with her fingers.


    “Gah!” Sophia yelped.


    Elaria reached up and ruffled her hair, giving Sophia a gentle nudge at the same time. She gave Sophia a knowing look before tapping her spoon against the dish of food, making a soft clink in the process.


    “We’re here for you, you know.” Elaria stated.


    Sophia returned a tired smile, “Yeah, yeah. No need to keep repeating.”


    A hand rested firmly on her shoulder and gave her a squeeze. She turned to find Raylani simply giving her a calm nod.


    “Take your time. Consider today a day to relax a little. Or at least to just get your bearings somewhat.” Elaria winked.


    Sophia felt a sudden chill run down her spine. Not one of world ending proportions. Nor was it one that sensed something amiss. It was a dread that spoke of extended social interaction. Catching sight of the glimmer of something mischievous brewing behind her sister’s eyes.


    Curious, Sophia watched as Elaria then wandered over to who she presumed was either a barkeeper or tavern owner. The two traded a few words before Elaria performed a particularly elaborate looking bow and the owner seemed to look over at her appreciatively.


    “It helps to have a goal.” Raylani whispered.


    “Guh?” Sophia made a noise.


    Her heart raced just a little bit faster, her muscles tensing as she reacted almost instinctively to being surprised by reaching for her blade. Perhaps having sensed the reaction, Raylani shot her a kind smile and patted her shoulder, something she found oddly comforting today.


    “I center myself on Elaria and on our performances. The happiness I glean from those moments distract me long enough to make it to the next one.” The elf mused, “Now you’ll get to see it in action.”


    “Eh?”


    “To take my worries and use them as inspiration for bettering myself. To reshape the pain. That has helped me find… mor enjoyment in things.” Raylani sighed, “Perhaps this might inspire you to understand that too.”


    “How…” Sophia mumbled.


    “Hmm?”


    “How… nice.”


    “Hah, sometimes. Sometimes.”


    Sophia watched curiously as Raylani broke away to join Elaria. The bard sticking two thumbs up at the dark elf as if she were a little gremlin. Her sister then waved to her and Sophia awkwardly waved back, the performative duo already bringing some attention to her unintentionally. She shifted in her seat as she could feel a few pair of eyes linger on her, and the hushed whispers that followed.


    Thankfully, when Raylani took off her hooded cloak, almost everyone had their attention dragged back to the the duo. They captured the room when Elaria wandered up to a stage and pulled out a lute from her knapsack. It wasn’t the usual instrument that Sophia could recognize and she surmised that over the past weeks, Elaria had managed to master yet another performative tool.


    Sophia sat back and just watched, the noise in her mind quickly returning with a vengeance at the absence of her sister and friend. Although this time, her doubts were different. Sophie was a void blessed child with a martial arm to boot. Elaria was a void touched being that seemed to throw herself into the art of entertainment with. One could even argue that manipulating a city’s common folk during a trial could be her greatest accomplishment so far. Both had their own supports to counter deficiencies they might have. Then there was herself. Touched by shadows but lacking the almost alien blessings that the other two had. She had martial prowess, that was certain, or at least she hoped so. But compared to the other two ‘Kastianes’ she seemed woefully lacking in both skillset and achievements.


    “Hello! Students, teachers, visitors, and local Arterians! Some of you might recognize me, or at least my voice. But for those that don’t, my name is Elaria Kastiane, but a humble student at the Arterian Academy and I’ve got a special show for you!” Elaria’s voice boomed from the front of the inn.


    An excited bout of whispering rushed through the other patrons and Sophia saw how almost effortlessly Elaria had been at capturing the entire room. More than a few people seemed to recognise her, some students even began animatedly gesturing towards her. Hah, I hope getting more bothered by people won’t get traoublesome for her. Though knowing Raylani… her gaze shifted to the elf who was patiently awaiting her cue, I suppose it wouldn’t be much of a problem anyway.


    “Of course. For those of you whom I’ve interrupted from your meals or meetings allow me to apologize. But myself and my colleague will be performing her for a few moments. She, of course, might be more famous than myself. The most mysterious of elves, my assistant Raylani.” Elaria spread her arms wide to welcome the elf.


    In stark contrast to how subdued the elf had been, it was like something had replaced her. The elf unclapsed the rest of her cloak and let it slide off her as she strutted up to the bard. Now, the whispers became full blown conversations as people wondered what was about to happen, mixed with a dash of awe as they now felt as if they had full permission to truly ogle and examine the strange elf in detail.


    “She was right there.”


    “Her skin…”


    “Is that make up?”


    “She''s real, can''t you see?”


    “They go to the Academy too!”


    "Ah! That''s the one Ben talked about!"


    A few people at a nearby table discussed.


    “Today, I’ll be performing a few songs that most of you should recognize soon enough. Of course, my lovely assistant here will dance to the music. And trust me, aside from how good looking she is, there is something in the way she moves that will surely pluck at your heartstring. They sure tickle my own.”


    Uncertain but excited cheers came from the crowd. Even some of the students leaned in to get a better look at the duo, perhaps inspired by Elaria’s more playful tone near the end.


    “Our first song however, will be one more quiet and melancholic to set the mood. The beginning of a play, the quiet before the storm. So please, continue to enjoy your day, and without further delay, let us begin with a soothing, slow tune, An Ode To Tainted Tulips, an original composition of ours.”


    This caught Sophia’s ear and she looked over. Her suspicions were confirmed by the wry grin upon Elaria’s face as their eyes briefly met. Worried, anxious, but a little intrigued, Sophia leaned back into her seat and sighed loudly. She gave her meal a proper sniff, taking in the meaty yet herb filled scent of the seasonings.


    Around her, the chattering had reached a near crescendo. Those who knew of the strange elf and the bard or the ‘bard that broadcasted from the Chamber’ had informed their compatriots, who in turn were now also more eager to see what was to unfold.


    As her sister’s first finger struck the lute, the singular note rang out ahead of the melody to follow. A wave of something passed over the crowd and something akin to a collective hush entranced the room. People waited with bated breath as Raylani’s military ready boots remained on instead of dancing shoes. Yet the moment she moved, even Sophia felt her heart swell a little. Despite the heaviness of each step, of each motion, there was a gracefulness behind it that couldn’t be denied.


    “Lost, alone, the tulip did sway…” Elaria began, her voice pitching up to become one of a serenade.


    Sophia froze, their eyes locked upon each other. The room fading as she focused solely on her sister.


    “Horror, darkness, pain won’t go away…”


    Today’s going to be a long day. Ahhh, why’d I let them convince me to come out here.