Arden said her goodbyes for the time being. She left several notes for Gelehrter to absorb, but he took on the arduous task of cleaning. He scrubbed and weaved magic for the clothes to appear to clean themselves. He kept a close eye on Ana too, for her sleeping habits were continuously halted by other avenues of thought. Her forge roared from time to time, but she produced nothing worthwhile. Scrap metal was quickly making its appearance known in her workshop.

Ana's hammer rang indignantly against her own fatigue, the strength behind each blow diminished rhythmically. He routinely checked her waterskins and filled her coffee mugs while the floated about the abode.

She gingerly set the hammer onto the anvil and glanced over her shoulder. She spotted him enter the workshop again, her grin widening. Though the weight of her tools seemed to grow with each passing moment—almost as if there was some other force feeding off her—she took solace in his presence.

“Is your weapon in good shape?” She broke the silence and he halted. For some strange reason, he spoke even less than usual.

“I've not had the opportunity to give it wear.”

He took a few mental notes as he watched her turn away. Ana took extensive efforts to avoid mirrors. The incident from some time ago had startled her subconsciously and he reached out to her mentally—albeit with a stealthy brush rather than an invasion. He restrained himself from doing a complete dive into her mind and chose the guardian approach. Feelings for her rested within and he took care in his attempts at garnering information. She was not stupid. Several brushes with her as they lived in close proximity only gave more mount for worry and in his mind, worry would only lead to more carelessness.

She relinquished her proxy of the forge and ventured over to him. Her entire being burst forth with strength as her arms crushed his form, his body hefted into the air.

“You've been so busy taking care of us...I'm glad you are here with me.” The door to their abode opened and several people stepped in before Arden. She glanced over to them, released Gelehrter, then took a few steps away. Arden, despite the usual demeanor of camaraderie, wore a different mask. The indifference pierced through his chest and deep into his heart. Other Justicar activated their Blessed Star of Sanctuary, the dark robes covering their body with its luminescent pixel boxes. Arden, however, wore a uniform similar to theirs, but he recognized the small differences between Ovelia's and Arden's. The embroidery on the sleeves and other areas were missing, but the design was relatively the same.

“Hello, friend.” She smiled and the other soldiers took station around them. Ana looked around in bewilderment.

“Why are they all here?” Ana asked. Gelehrter suspected foul play, but swallowed the thoughts for the time being.

“E-Er...no reason. I'd like to talk for a while, if you like.” At this, Ana headed over to the kitchen after Gelehrter. Justicar had filed into this area and were stationing themselves in all corners of the room. The sight of the couple taking their places in front of Arden seemed to displease them. “Lets go over a few things. A few months ago, you experienced a strange phenomenon, how would you describe it?”

Ana seemed taken aback. “What do you mean?”

Gelehrter jumped in before Arden could press the issue. “You see, she has some trauma from her father passing. It is having an effect on her daily life.”

Arden seemed unconvinced. “This event happened many years ago. She has used her work as her therapy, is that right?”

Ana merely shrugged. “I don't really know how to answer that. Papa taught me years ago that if he had passed when I was young, I would keep on with his teachings and spread his work throughout all of Sanctuary. So far I think I am doing well.”

The group of Justicar shifted uneasily. They too were searching with their minds around the area, but appeared to be dormant. One of them glanced to the others but said nothing. He could sense there was more communication than they realized.

He wouldn't dare risk them apprehending him for this, for it would jeopardize his situation with Ana. Gelehrter reached over to her hand and squeezed it. She smiled but seemed unfazed.

“Would your friends like some refreshments?”

“We are not allowed to receive gifts.” One of the other Justicar responded hastily. Their nerves were getting the better of them. Gelehrter was certain there were relatively new to the business and he stood upright. The individual shook in their boots and he strode over to them. Their hood concealed most of their features, many used this even with their friends to share messages in confidence. Though toying with others minds were illegal, Justicar used this knowledge to their advantage. Gelehrter crossed his arms over his chest and merely stood in front of her.

“You're my friend's guard here. You must be new, correct?”

They hesitated, but remained stoic.

“I have seen things you would only read about in manuals. I suggest if you are going to be someone's guard, especially someone who far exceeds your power at this time, then you should be more confident. Arden here is our friend and we are happy to be questioned, even if it means we have to deal with babies who shake in their boots at the slightest hint of something abnormal.” Gelehrter leaned forward and gazed into their eyes as his threat hit home. “I keep my mind sharp, so should you, lest it be stolen by some rock.”

She threw off the hood of her Blessed Star and attempted to strike him. He nimbly stepped to the side and aided her foot further off the ground. Her identity exposed, she turned back on him angrily.

“That's enough. You, get up and resume your post. Gelehrter, be nice.” Arden commanded. They took their respective places, while the newer apprentice Justicar fumed in her corner.

“You're on borrowed time. I hope you know this.” One of the other Justicar piped up but was silenced by a glance from Arden.

“Borrowed time is a relative term.” Gelehrter leaned back in his chair and rested his arms behind his head as he spoke. “It depends if you're talking about myself, Ana, yourselves, or even Arden. Our lives are finite, though some would live until their friends die if a blade doesn't find them.”

“What on Sanctuary are you talking about?” Ana demanded with a low growl. “This thing you keep droning on about is driving me bonkers.”

Arden lowered her head in dismay and imitated her friend. “I suppose there is no need to blanket it any longer. Rena was consumed in an accident involving a Wrath of the An--”

“That is classified information.” The woman from before barked.

“Classified or not, it has an effect on us all.” Gelehrter argued. “Rena is now a Soul Cube. We've not the means to bring her back and the ritual calls for a heavy price. I'm willing to pay, considering the circumstances and the details surrounding my life.”

Ana leaped to her feet in sudden rage, several of the Justicar were forced to place her back into her seat. She snarled and fought with her entire being, but they eventually overwhelmed her into serenity. “...I-I...I see. What if we try to force the Cube open?”

“We cannot break the damn thing.”

“Have you tried?”

“Many times with others. When the integrity of the metal breaks, the Soul is lost and it shatters. There have been cases where people have forced their own way out, but needed a vessel. They floated about, but were unable to find peace.” Arden explained. “Anyway, Rena is needing a new body. She has vital information that Gelehrter does not and we need someone who was very close with her to break free. I am not a candidate because even though we spent many years together, she did not share any details of her life with me. We were partners, but nothing more. She held you in high regard, even when you were missing.”

The smith stood upright and stormed into the forge. Gelehrter scowled at Arden, who nonchalantly rolled her eyes.

“Has she been experiencing anything out of the ordinary then?”

“There hasn't been anything to report.” Gelehrter stated.

Arden extended a gloved hand. “I would like to see your notes.”

Gelehrter produced them and handed them over. She skimmed over several books, her eyebrow raising.

“I see you've developed some artistic talent.” Arden giggled as she stopped at several of the drawing he had made. They were crude renditions of the forge, Ana's behaviors and their variations. He had taken notes of her habits and noted small discrepancies between his memory of her before and after. He lowered his head in embarrassment. Gelehrter took great care in rendering his love with all the right proportions, but negated much of what didn't need to be in the drawing. He grumbled under his breath but made no further reply.

Ana's forge roared in the other room. Her fervor had been restored for the time being.

“It was not your place to tell her.” He scowled.

“When were you going to?”

“It would be before--” The ringing of hammer on steel halted for a brief moment. Gelehrter waited in silence until it resumed. “--I mended her memory. Rena would take my place essentially, since this was the easiest acceptable option.”

Unease spread like wildfire. Arden spoke first. “I understand how you feel, but changing her memories will break her. How will she cope?”

Gelehrter leaned forward and his expression reminded Arden of a simple factor. She had become too accustomed to her promotion. Since the last night raid, they had to wrestle with the fact that vampires could be produced from anyone at any time. Her fingers tucked her hair behind her ear and she leaned forward as well. The other Justicar in the room also leaned forward with their minds, hoping to catch some secret the pair would share. Their focus was altered as Gelehrter rapped his fingers onto the surface of the table.

A flicker was concealed as he balled his hand into a fist. Time around them shifted and beads of sweat trailed from his brow to the bridge of his nose. Arden glanced about and was relieved when the other Justicar halted completely.

“You must ensure that Ana is taken care of. I will not willingly give my life without a guarantee.” He demanded, his tone filled with ice.

“I will assure you she will live a comfortable life. Her work will become her goal and she will remember nothing. Tonight I will stow away her memories. If there is any regrets you have with her, you must do so before twilight. I will be making my way here then and there will be no witnesses.”

“It was my orders to--”

“Your memories will transfer over to Rena when she is released. She will know the gist of what occurred but not the details. This is my last favor to you, friend.” Arden stood upright and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek. She wiped her mouth and continued. “End the spell, they will know if you try any longer.”

In that instant, he released the essence of magic. Time resumed its faithful march and the Justicar appeared none the wiser. He leaned back to feign fatigue.

“What's on your mind?” The female from before piped up, ready to strike on his weakness. He shook his head.

“You've come here for information and found nothing interesting. Take my notes to Gavilis, he will compile him with the rest.” Gelehrter stifled a coughing fit.

“It is a shame. We've heard tales of your exploits, Gelehrter. I expected more from you.” One of the others chimed in now, he identified the direction but not the face which belonged to the voice. Arden stood upright and raised her hand into the air. She glanced over her shoulder before she left, her personal guard vanishing into the dead of night.

He went over to check on Ana. The door swung wide and a blanket of heat struck him across the face. Her arm raised high as she struck the metallic bar and then inspected the shape. Once it passed hundreds of tiny tests, she quenched the piece in a bath of oil. She raised an eyebrow to him but said nothing.

His eyes followed her every movement. Ana knew he enjoyed watching her work and continued on like he wasn't even there. She retrieved the metal from the bath then set it against a grinding wheel in the corner. Sparks sprayed about as her foot worked the petal, the standing contraption built by her surrogate father many years prior. The shape of the weapon was manifesting in her palms and she set the weapon onto the nearby counter.

“There is something troubling me.” She turned over her shoulder and her eyes flashed with curiosity.

“What is it?”

“You've many things in your sleeves.” Her eyes darted to them absentmindedly and she added quickly. “If you're not careful all of the tricks you keep there will be lost.”

He nodded. After the amount of effort he went through to guise the true aspect of their time together, he kept his distance. Though he cared for her immensely, he could not bring himself to journey across the chasm and stand by her side.

“It is the Justicar Way, isn't it? You always are secretive, you must always be thinking of all available possibilities and try your best to stand out on top in case things don't go as planned. I've seen you spar with Rena. You're meant to be ruthless.” Ana hugged herself slightly and glanced away then continued. “I am someone who makes your tools to enable your fighting, but the way you are trained doesn't require a weapon. You are one.”

Gelehrter nodded slowly. He took a step forward while Ana backed away. Her emerald gaze was filled with a sadness he was not familiar with. A keen sense advised him that her heart was breaking. His training forbid him from being filled with some sort of empathetic need to comfort her. He felt nothing. It was this feeling which he wished for in order to follow his orders. Arden had tried to give him a favor, but he needed no such thing. He lived and breathed the Justicar Way.

The Justicar Way was all he knew and all he needed to know. He had forsaken his love finally and made the decision. Gelehrter lowered his head and took a few steps forward. The magic which he had trusted for so long now reared its ugly head. He acted beyond the law, for his actions were waived by the reach of their Sanguine Overlord. Ana's tears streamed down her face and her eyes screamed while her mouth was clamped shut. The forge which normally roared at her command now dimmed as he approached.

“I know what it is you are going to do.” Ana whimpered and she shook her head. Her intuition was something to marvel at. Though she had little to no clues as to what the true reason was behind his actions, she knew of what the result would be. Their love would be something which would live on inside someone else. Gelehrter would become someone else. He would become Rena at the cost of his own identity. Ana realized then as he crossed over with the look of indifference and caught a glimpse of his true intentions. His fingers pressed against her temples and a stinging sensation filled her senses. Others would express their agony, but Ana chose silence. It was this silence which unnerved him for a brief moment.

As his body traveled into the bowels of her psyche, he glimpsed and experienced all of their intimate memories at once. Their bodies entwined in late hours, their minds working together to please the other. Love filled him as he relived all of these memories from her view. He swallowed hard as he slowly changed every single memory slightly. Ana made no attempt to fight him. Her usual strength appeared to fail her, but to his intelligence she held on. She grasped at the fact that he still cared for her.

Each memory which passed changed in small ways to make it appear as if he were only her friend. Their intimate memories he replaced himself with Rena. To make the idea of the love she felt for Rena appear authentic, he lied to himself as well. Their once passion filled days were instead replaced by a platonic exchange. He grimaced as one by one, their love was extinguished to only remain as memories in his own mind. What he knew was real would now be considered a lie.

This is why something like this would be considered forbidden... Tears cascaded down his cheeks as he drowned every hope of having a life with Ana. Their time together would be relived through Rena. She would know the truth but would have to live in his stead.

He imagined a life if he did not exist. The thought had seemed preposterous when he was a lad since he knew of what that type of thinking would bring, but now he was creating a reality where his memory would leave a mundane stamp. Gelehrter knew the reality in which he would continue to serve the Sanguine Overlord was not one he would witness. The Council would rationalize his actions as being against Sanctuary and her Children. Perhaps they would even go so far as to paint him as a villain, acting against the Sanguine Overlord and would use the same brush to paint him as a vampire sympathizer. He cared little for the outcome beyond this moment. In this moment, he was in an extreme intimate embrace with Ana the likes of which intercourse could never achieve. Their shared experiences were treasures to him and now he worked to mend them to be lies.

In a way, he was lying to himself and Ana, who had no choice but to accept. She could not fight and chose not to argue. This final act of obedience reminded him of one aspect of their love. Though her father had taught her to be a woman of integrity, she still had moments of submission.

And in this moment, which happened in only fractions of a millisecond, she allowed their reality together crumble. Tears streamed down their visages as she witnessed her entire life be mended in a single stroke.

Gelehrter stepped away. The shock of his actions would only leave her broken for the time being and she staggered. Her mind appeared broken, for her head lulled forward before she finally collapsed. He caught her and gently lifted her into his arms. With a glance over to the forge, a small barrier snuffed out the blazing coals. Carefully he brought her the stairs and into their bedroom.

The chamber which they shared now seemed alien to him. He placed her gently onto the bed's surface and placed her arm across her chest. The same manner which would resemble someone falling asleep on their bed accidentally.

Several days ago, she was deep into a book he had gotten her from the Grand Atheneum. He retrieved the book from one of the desks set aside with piles of ledgers and other records. Gently he placed the book underneath her callused palms to the page she had halted previously.

He stared for an unknown amount of time. Gelehrter drank in every molecule of her figure, for he knew this would be last time he would ever see her. On his way out of the room, he retrieved his sword, his gambeson and traveling clothes, boots. He carefully shut the door behind him and padded down the stairs. At the final two steps, he put on his attire for what appeared to be the final time.

Silently the door ahead of him opened and Arden appeared again from behind the entrance. She seemed torn, but otherwise certain. Her eyes widened as she drank in his visage.

“You've decided to decline my favor then.” Arden stated the obvious.

“Aye. It is for the best, since Rena knows better than any how to keep a secret.” Gelehrter lowered his head solemnly and continued. “Especially from me.”