A Knight's Lilies

“Winged Knights of Victory

With the refugee crisis of Ingramar and recent events around both Melton and Carrador. Volksgrad finds itself more and more overwhelmed as resources are strained to the breaking point. But in a stunning display of skill, decisiveness and power, the famed Winged Knights scored a terrific victory against an undead bastion within the Mistveil. Presenting Volksgrad with a much needed win in these darkening times.

While there is no doubt the undying hordes will continue to plague the lands for decades to come, this stunning victory brought about the downfall of a cabal of undead mages that terrorized the Northern Mistveil. Without them, Volksgrad’s borders gain that much more of a reprieve and should also see less undead activity for a time as… ”

- The Nordland Sentinel, Second Page Story, “Security Segment: Winged Knights of Victory”

Mila was a shadow of her former self. At least, that was Ary’s opinion of her. Even the girl’s scowl lacked the certain vicious determination she was often found wearing. Though admiteddly, it had been months since they last met. Beyond that, she seemed mostly passive, remaining relatively quiet and subdued within class.

Class went about as well as it could have. Though she could sense the curious gazes their other classmates directed towards the new girl who joined in the middle of the year. What they likely didn’t know but Ary suspected, was that the church likely pulled some strings. This made her frown.

The Inquisitors were also helping Sophie out originally, then Taurox. Then a supposed priest at her trial. Ary’s eyes narrowed as she bit down on a particularly tough chunk of carrot. Now Mila’s suddenly back. Something’s definitely going on. Mulching up the bit of carrot, she felt a tap on her shoulder.

Turning to her left she then felt a finger poke her cheek, a half smiling half elf behind it wearing a wry grin on her face. A little startled, Ary could only stare as the girl took advantage of her confusion and pulled her in. Wait! I’m still-!

Sophie’s tongue intertwined with hers and she tried her best to swallow her food. Sophie pulled away just as suddenly, but slowly enough so that Ary could see her own shocked expression reflecting off of Sophie’s eyes. Those which then twinkled with mirth and planted a kiss on her cheek.

She felt Sophie’s hand rest atop hers, a tired squeeze coming from the elf who likely did a lot more soul searching than Ary had expected in the past two hours.

“Look, I know you’re worried, Ary. But I’ll handle it, really.” Sophie reassured her.

“Bwah?” Ary let out an incoherent noise, too flustered and confused to form a proper response.

“So please, I know you’ve got a lot on your mind. So don’t worry too much, okay?” Sophie ruffled her hair.

Ary could only blink a few times. She had been caught completely off guard by the ambush. Sophie had paid more attention than she thought and she was outmatched. This was a total defeat.

Mila seemed to think so too, as the girl let out a soft, if pain tinged snicker at her loss. She even got Mila to laugh?!

Ary sighed, settling for a warm smile and swallowing the now violated bit of carrot. Without verbalizing a response she just leaned onto Sophie’s shoulder and purred softly. This time, this time only. Ary chided herself, she doesn’t know how much I actually worry, haaah. But if this is what she wants… who am I to argue? But as she tried to relax, she couldn’t shake the feeling that not even Sophie believed her own words. That she would need to patch up a broken soul sooner rather than later.

She chuckled grimly, pulling away from the girl to take another bite of food. Everything seems fine, but… why do I still feel so nervous? Geh, better finish lunch before I run out of time.

Lunch’s end meant the separation from both Sophie and Yana as she needed to return to the mage’s tower for class. Mila seemed almost lost, looking between the split party before bidding both groups farewell and heading off to her next class. Ary felt some small amount of guilt at the girl’s departure, having not helped her much at all. Whereas Sophie had been far more supportive and kind to the returnee.

As she sat down for her class, she couldn’t help but return to her speculations about all the recent events slowly getting entangled with each other. Sophie might’ve genuinely been confident or not, but whatever the case, Ary vowed to be prepared.

Lost in her own thoughts, she kept mostly to herself as her professor lectured the students on magical ingredients and other alchemical formulas. Unlike Professor Werncke, Professor Manion was a more relaxed figure, though no less knowledgeable than his counterpart. Although there was one thing that Ary found at fault with her alchemical studies' magic professor was that he was in a way, too smart to teach properly.

It didn’t help that unlike in her other classes, she found few faces here that were friendly to the outsider that intruded on their territory. On the plus side, unlike her former tribe members, just because she was the odd one out, meant that the other students just avoided her instead of actively harassing her.

So it was that when class came to a close, she had been given more than enough time to mull over the situation at hand. Her immediate concerns mostly revolved around Sophie and Sophia, wondering what she could do to at least support the both of them in whatever hard journey that they might have to make to heal from their wounds. Her other worry was whatever Galen had planned.

After all, Tristan had gone out of his way to warn her about the mere fact that Galen was planning a ritual. Considering he had risked discovery to just bring her the information, meeting her notwithstanding. It meant that he had at least deemed it important enough that she was able to mentally prepare, a fact that was not lost on her.

In her musings she had wandered to her and Sophie’s prearranged meeting spot. A small square in front of Alliance Hall where they could decide on whether or not they would have dinner alone or go try to find some of the others. Today was different however, today had been very different.

From Sophie having had a flashback to Mila’s arrival. Ary felt as if she had been stuffed into a barrel and tossed down a raging river. Churned up and spat out by the waters of life, she had been left on the backfoot trying to desperately sort everything out. It was a frustrating sensation, one that made her frown.

Needing to distance herself from her thoughts, she took a deep breath and turned her attention to the campus around her. Though scarcely three weeks ago there had been a shut down. Now, aside from more guardians on patrol, it could almost fool someone into thinking that nothing had happened at all.

Her eyes lazily landed on a clock just barely glimpsed from a window. The metallic clockwork mechanism likely ticked away on the inside of the classroom as she looked at it. The gears cranking away in the background, their little clicks, tick, and tocks could’ve fit in perfectly into Runegarde Hall’s workshops. Or at least, if she could hear anything besides the ambient chattering of students passing by around her.

She directed her thoughts on the siblings. Maylesa and Thalnor had been mostly wrapped up in their work and what seemed to be an endless amount of projects. They were, however, also surprisingly well connected, which made sense given their familial ties even if their personalities spoke otherwise. She wondered what they had heard about Sophie’s trial, and what of the ongoing one against the Braveskull Company.

Hah, she sighed, I barely even get a chance to talk to them in class anymore. Hmm, Ary toyed with her braid, I’ll have to see if they want to get lunch or dinner with Sophie and I at some point. It’ll be good to check up with them anyhow. To amusement, when she caught a glimpse of her reflection on the glass of the window, she saw not a pondering face, but one that was frowning, her lips upturned without her even knowing.

She pulled her hands to her face, examining every line and crease that she could. She clenched and unclenched her fingers for a few moments, trying to visualize the different joys she had since getting here. Friends, food, studying… all had once felt alien to her when trapped behind the veil of her tribe. Now that she was here, they were almost routine, things that she had almost begun taking for granted.

I like making things, the stray thought invaded her mind. She could almost hear the thudding and clanking of metallic cogs as she helped prototype the pipework for Sophie’s mini battery. A fusion of the safety and order found in mechanical precision, blended with organic arrangements already preordained by nature to be effective. She smiled to herself. Yeah, it’d be nice to talk to them soon.

Taking a moment to survey her surroundings and finding no immediate sign of a Sophie. She sighed and retreated from the window to a bench opposite Alliance Hall. A brisk nighttime wind brushed across her face, the light chill prompting her to close her eyes. It’ll only be a minute.

There it was again, flashing lights, the gleam of something over the horizon. Strange colors that warped the very reality around them. An unknown language, pictures, and all manner of things scattered themselves across her mind. Her head thudded with an ache, the echoes of an electrical rhythm thumping into her very bones from underneath.

Rain clattered next to her, their shadows illuminating a tiny potted plant that rested wistfully under the lights. It was soothing, relaxing to gaze past the brightness, past the explosion of color. The sky above was unlike any other, dark, foreboding, and utterly devoid of the stars.

A flashing pulse tore her attention downwards, her head almost snapping from the rapid transition. It called to her, clawed deep into her soul as gnarled fingers seemed to pull her down, making her hunch beside the window. An object tapped gently against the walls, a sad little donk echoing out every time it smashed into it.

“Stupid robot.”

Soft words muttered under one’s breath. A guttural, reflective utterance. The venom filled annoyance and disinterested sigh. But she remembered. Robots, machines, lights, skyscrapers.

The world thumped harder against her, the noise from below now an incomprehensible screeching as she looked back up.

Amidst the rain and the lights, a flicker of a reflection. A face not her own. The face of a heroine. Yet as she tried to make out the details, they slipped from her mind like water upon the smoothest rock. A fuzzy trickle as the sound now thundered against her, ripping out her sanity with every note.

It was at the last moment that she saw the image distort, the face contort into something more recognizable. Of a young girl with red hair, of someone who almost looked like her. But it was then her heart went into overdrive, her mind lost in the throes of panic and dread. The girl wasn’t her either.

Wait! Ary jerked awake, her hand clutched upon her heart as the other pawed desperately against her face. A vain hope for what little memory of the dream to be brought into the light. But like the rain in her thoughts, there was only darkness.

As her eyes adjusted to the world around her, she shuffled a little and felt a softness beneath her. Alarmed, she squeezed and found herself atop a bed, still dressed in her uniform. Ahh, huh? The room was dark, lights dimmed and curtains half closed. A sharp pain made her wince.

In the wake of flareup, her head now throbbed with a dull ache, the sensation slowly spreading throughout her body. She groaned before trying to focus, forcing what consciousness she could muster to obey her.

She knew she was back in her dorm, that much she was certain of. Did Sophie…? She clutched her head as another pulse of pain wracked her mind. Ngh. Sweat poured down her forehead, her hands somewhat clammy as she felt her way around the bed. She clenched her teeth and eyes shut, hoping to relieve what little pain she could.

Her nose however, still functioned. It told her the alarming detail that this did not smell like her room whatsoever. Instead of the light, floral scent that permeated her side of the room, and to an extent Sophie’s side as well. Here, her nose wrinkled as it took in the new scents. One that was more neutral yet nutty at the same time. Not… our room?

Wha…? She tried to ask, but her mouth was parched, the dryness affecting both her throat and her tongue making it uncomfortable to try to speak.

“Easy there.” Sophie’s voice called out, a little huskier than usual. Must’ve worried, spirits forgive me.

Happy at the sound, Ary forced her eyes open only to freeze. It was Sophie but not Sophie. Her expression was more calculating, her posture a little distant. Sophie?

“You feeling okay?” Not Sophie asked.

Ary pinched herself, checking to make sure she was in the waking world.

“Ahh…” She croaked at the slow realization. Not Sophie… Sophia. Ah? Sophia?!

“Here.” Sophia reached over to a table and held a small flask towards her, “Water.”

Confused but grateful, she gingerly reached out to grab it and took a small swig. Soothing, refreshing liquid cooled the back of her throat, offering a temporary respite from the pain. Her head still ached but now that she was fully conscious, she could suppress the worst of it.

“Better?” Sophia asked.

“Thanks.” Ary smiled a little before she groaned, “How…?”

Sophia grinned a little mischievously before pointing at her.

“Carried you here myself. You were struggling out there.”

“Out… there? Ah!” Ary covered her face, did I fall asleep there? Gah! That’s so… wait a second.

She searched hastily around only to find Sophia already pointing at something. Following the finger, her eyes landed on the hands of a clock. Half past seven… huh?! That’s?! Two hours?! Then…!

Sophia was ahead of her again, the older girl’s more subtle movements barely giving Ary any warning before she practically teleported to the opposite side of the room. In what felt like an instant, she was walking back with two little wooden lunchboxes, adorned with the name of Griffin Hall to the side.

“Don’t worry.” Sophia put on a sad smile, “I already let Sophie know.”

Ary was about to ask how when Sophia tapped her forehead. Right. Hah.

“Yeesh.” Ary sighed, letting herself relax a little before stiffening at the realization, “Umm, what happened to Sophie? Is she in trouble?”

“Didn’t ask.” Sophia admitted, “Just asked when I would send you back. Figured she was sorting things out with Mila.”

“When you would… sorting things out with Mila?” And she just forgot about me?

Sophia shot her a look before the half elf opened up the lunchboxes. She beckoned Ary over. Although Ary was a little worried about the lack of a proper response, she scuttled over the best she could.

The food looked a bit cold but she supposed that Sophia had been waiting for her. She smiled a little though she felt equally guilty for having delayed her mealtime. Before her, a glazed ham haunch rested on a bed of chard that sat atop some mashed potatoes, surrounded by carrots and beets. It was hardy looking meal that brought Ary a few nostalgic memories of the first few times she had a meal here with Sophie. The two often slinking their way to Griffin Hall in search of comfort food inspired by home. Heheh, what a time that was.

Sophia looked over at her, the older girl displaying an intriguing amount of curiosity at her reactions. Ary grew flustered and tried to divert her attention to the food, the half elf letting out a quick giggle before nodding and tucking in. Ary’s stomach growled at the mere idea of food being present yet untouched and she hurriedly joined in, savoring a bite of sweet and savory ham before swallowing it to satiate the hungry belly. Sensing no objections from within, she greedily began devouring the meal.

“I figured it’s something about everything that happened.” Sophia suddenly spoke up.

“Ermmpf?” Ary grunted, half chewing and half paying rapt attention at the interruption.

“I mean, you’ve been there when Sophie read her letters. Didn’t exactly sound like a good time, heh.” Sophia muttered.

“Mmpf.” Ary agreed.

“It’s been what? A year? Half a year?” Figured there’s some catching up to do between them.” Sophia sighed wistfully.

Ary nodded but looked away. She’s right, but… would I have been that much of a burden? I was there in Melton too. She pushed her displeasure upon the mashed potatoes, chewing the already softened substance even more finely before moving onto the next bite.

“What about you?” Ary managed to ask between another mouthful.

“What about me?” Sophia practically glared at her, the tiredness replaced instantly by an air of wariness.

Ary flinched and hunched a little further into her meal.

“Well?”

“Erm…” She mumbled into her carrots, “was just wondering how you’re doing?”

Sophia grumbled in displeasure, the shift in her mood making Ary uncomfortable. Unwilling to press the matter, Ary followed up with a whispered, “Sorry.” Before fully immersing herself into the food.

She moved to take the next bite only to accidentally swallow a slice of carrot when Sophia tapped her fork against the side of her plate and coughed. Ary stole a peek and to her bewilderment, the other girl was looking directly at her. Ary slid down her chair, a sad frown crossing her face as she awaited a rebuke

“Damned hells.” Sophia cursed.

Ary slid further down, scrunching into herself as she observed Sophie’s sister, wondering what exactly was about to happen.

In a display both bewildering yet concerning. Sophia rubbed her face with her hands, clearly distressed about something. Ary remained cautious, knowing that the half elf was likely still on edge. So, she waited.

Sophia then sighed loudly, almost exaggeratedly so. That made Ary sit up a little, now more genuinely concerned than just worried about a scolding. From behind her hands, Sophia’s blue eyes stared back at her, showing her a message that she couldn’t quite decipher.

“Sophia?” She finally found the courage to ask again.

There was silence, save for another heavy sigh from Sophia. Then, without warning, the half elf violently shook her head like a dog having returned from a distressing shower. Ary let out a startled yelp and shrank once more.

“I hate it.” Sophia finally uttered.

Confused, Ary furrowed her brow, her head cocking sideways as she stared at the half elf quizzically. What does she hate? Is it about what happened? I get it. Or if it’s just about the rest of us being so nosy. I hope I didn’t offend her.

“What do you…” Ary began before trailing off, her courage not yet returned.

“I hate having Sophie’s memories.” Sophia stated tersely.

“Ah?! Oh! Huh? What do you mean?”

“You. I don’t know.” Sophia huffed, her arms crossed as she viciously tore a piece of ham and plopped it into her mouth, “I don’t know.” She repeated, a little softer, more reflective this time.

“It… it’s alright. I won’t mind if you hate me.” Ary tried to sound confident, though she was certain she made what could only be described as a sad whine.

“Grah.” Sophia ran her fingers through her hair, scratching at her scalp with visible annoyance.

Ary took this chance to shuffle a little closer, her chair making soft little thumps as she dragged it towards Sophia. The half elf froze mid motion, and Ary nearly panicked. But though Sophia was staring at her, she made no motion to stop whatever was happening. Taking that as her cue to proceed, she scooted along until they were practically shoulder to shoulder.

“What?” Sophia demanded, jerking her body to face away from Ary.

“Uhhh… are you…?” Ary reached over to comfort the girl, too confused by her erratic mood shifts to know what to do.

Sophia winced and Ary cringed in turn, but it was too late, her hand’s momentum landed it on the half elf’s shoulder. She could feel Sophia stiffen up. Ary considered pulling back, only for Sophia to then sigh heavily, the tension dissipating and she leaned towards Ary.

Now, truly lost and uncertain, all she could do was allow the motion to happen, catching Sophia’s weight as the girl leaned against her.

It was a bizarre experience. Sophia was ostensibly a clone of Sophie, and in more ways than one, Ary had just discovered that she was most certainly like Sophie. Yet, she was not, and that Ary also knew as fact. Still, she wondered what a discontent Sophie would like in such a situation and hoped that Sophia would be much the same.

Carefully, she snaked her arms under Sophia’s and pulled her in for a hug from behind. Sophia’s body nearly went rigid, only for it to relax just as quickly. Much like her sister, whatever resistances she had were held and back and she snuggled into a more comfortable position. Stiff, tense, but also a little soft, eheh.

“I hate it. Sophie’s memories.” Sophia spat the words out with disdain.

“Huh?”

“You know how I’m her shadow made real?”

Ary nodded, trying her best to resist the temptation of blowing around the half elf’s ears the way that she would with Sophie. Though she did try to take a stealthy sniff of the sister. Comforting, but different. Odd, almost.

“She’s known you for a while.” Sophia burrowed her face into Ary’s arms as if ashamed of something.

“Yeah?”

“I see those too, when I look at you. She has a soft spot for you. So I do too.” Sophia mumbled.

“Huh.” What does that mean?

“I just… nevermind that.” Sophia recovered, “Let’s just say I don’t like how I feel almost predisposed to like you as a person. N-not that I mind. I think you’re a kind soul. I just wish I could’ve made that impression of you on my own, you know?”

Ary was even more confused, but she opted to nod along. “I guess?”

“Nevermind.” Sophia sighed, pressing her bodyweight and fully leaning into Ary, "I kind of get the appeal."

"Eh?" Though surprised, she instinctively tightened the hug, feeling the conflict and melancholy emanating from the half elf. She knew that she was out of her depth at processing whatever was going on. All she knew was that she could offer some small comforts and reprieve. And if that’s all she could do, then she would do so.

“It’s okay, I’m here to listen.” Ary reassured her.

“Mmm…I know.. That’s…” Sophia growled at herself, “I know.” She let out a frustrated grunt.

Ary ran a hand over Sophia’s hair. “It’ll be fine.”

“I know.”

The two sat in silence for a minute. Only the ticking of the clock in the room and the occasional raised voices in the hallway outside kept their breaths company.. In time, their breathing synchronized, the two growing closer by sheer proximity if nothing else. On the table, their meals were still half eaten, yet Ary no longer felt hungry, only ever more curious about whatever it is that Sophia was going through.

What felt like minutes was only one. But Sophia was the first to stir from their silence, wiggling within Ary’s arms before releasing a choked gasp.

“Hey, Aryana.” Sophia whispered.

“Mmhmm?” Ary replied, cooing as she often did with Sophie.

“I think… if you don’t mind… I think I’ll take you up on that offer. If you don’t mind listening.”

Ary smiled, but it never reached her eyes. For in Sophia’s voice, she could hear more than just budding friendship or a need to recall facts. She could also hear the pain within, the untreated suffering that had been bottled up.

“Take your time. I’m here.”