Elena escorted Massua to her temporary rooms. Quite a few royals were roaming the halls at this hour, most she was rather familiar with. Even though it has been nearly half a year since the Trial of Knights, some residual excitement was still echoing in the halls here and there. The most they could pick up was wondering where The four record-breakers had disappeared so suddenly, barely celebrating such a monumental achievement. Of course, any such person would have the right to carry their praise and accomplishments to the highest tiers of heaven. But no, nothing but silence. So seeing two of them was a surprise all in itself. Thankfully they weren't swarming the three of them or any of the sort; Massua seemed already trying to hide in Elena's shadows, avoiding even glancing at those who passed them by.

"Thought this place will be a bit busier," Gray said.

"I'm sure many nobles have taken back to their estates," Elena said, then turned back to Massua, who nervously looked like a group of men, whom Elena recognized as members of Dagmyre's family, passed them by. They did little more than glance and grimace, but she could feel the hatred oozing out of those eyes of theirs. They had been trying to convince her father to convince her to marry Dagmyre, therefore combining their estates and increase their standings among the other houses. Not only did she reject him initially, but she humiliated him in the trials, but she barred him from becoming a knight for the next seven months at least. She did her best to ignore such stares, holding her posture high and mighty as she was taught. "You must show no fear, Massua. They respond to weakness poorly."

"I'm sorry," Massua told her. "It's just a bit jarring. On the other hand, from farms to gilded halls is quite the experience."

"You must not worry; you will adjust," she said. "I'm sure your mother will help in that regard. She seems to know her way around these halls better than myself, the way she handled our king. I bet such a person has a lot to teach you."

"One would think she was the King's mother how she chastised him like that in public," Gray nearly laughed.

"Yeah, she's always been like that," Massua lamented.

"Hopefully, you'll have a lot of time to adjust," Gray took a gracious breath of air. "Man, it feels so good to be back. I honestly didn't care if I had to walk here."

"Yes," Elena said. "You should see if your father's in town or not. You really did leave so suddenly."

"I bet the old man's out on some material-gathering expedition, but sure," he turned on his heels immediately to begin his stride in the opposite direction. "Despite his words, there was haste in his step. "Hope you settle well, Massua. May Fate favor your brothers."

"And here you are," Elena stopped them in front of a set of double doors. Massua could barely believe her eyes just at the doors themselves. Like many of the rooms in this palace, they were carved with imagery of plants and animals along the edges, embellished with gold and silver. The door itself may have been worth more than anything their family had ever owned saved the farm. But when Elena opened them and allowed her inside, she was brought forth into a world she surely must be dreaming of. The entire room itself was perhaps twice the size of their living room. Two beds sat opposite themselves, easily large enough to fit four or five men side by side. Pillows that looked soft enough to drown in, blankets cut from the clouds, and beds that invited her. What had she done to deserve such luxury, or was this so-called luxury was simply the standard care afforded to guests? Either way, she found herself in wonder; no other word could be more appropriate.

"Your mother will be here as well," Elena told her, but Massua was so entranced with the view over the city outside that she barely heard her. Elena just smiled and retreated into the hall. "If you need me, I will be staying a few rooms down for the time, okay?"

"Yeah . . ." Massua said in an almost dismissive tone, allowing Elena to close the door and leave her to her comfort finally. She felt the silence once she was alone in the halls. It has been too long on the road. She enjoyed her time in the wilderness; it reminded her of training in the mountains with her father, that closeness with nature that he taught her, embracing the natural auras that come from life itself. These halls are meant to mimic that, with much foliage and indoor plants placed here and there, open windows to allow the breeze to brush by. But none of these efforts really replaced that feeling of adventure. She envy's Lyse's extended time in that way. However, she was interrupted in her contemplation when she felt three very familiar auras suddenly appear around the hall. And as she turned, she was not so pleasantly surprised to see her sisters immediately making their way towards her. Seeing them alone was enough to induce headaches. They may say that they do not use aura, but they seemed always to have a keen sight of where she was at all times.

Her older sister, Selene, and her husband, another member of the noble faction that governed territory in the badlands. He was meek in appearance, allowing his wife to take charge and step ahead. However, he looked over them with keen eyes as they did embrace.

"How dare you," her sister pouted. "Running off like that, we didn't have the chance to celebrate properly. Well, as expected. You're a knight now; how exciting."

"Yes, exciting," Elena moved away to arms-length. "Where's Aura? Isn't she with you?"

"No," she sighed in tired frustration. "Apparently, some urgent business needed to be done at her estate. She usually handles the finances with her husband, so she decided to drop by to see if he's holding everything together. But enough about that. You and your little group have become the talk of the town after your escapades. So where are your little mouse friend and those two plains boys."

"Understandable," Elena sighed. She never really cared much for having these kinds of ears in the streets. However, it was useful that her sister did. It appears their location is still if public interest, even if they disguised it as a merely knightly business. Now that she is aware of Talin and what they were capable of, she feels somewhat justified staying outside of the public consciousness. She also has to be even more careful in talking about what they have done, especially Lyse and his family. "Gray's off to see family. Our group had to split some time ago, but I'm sure Lyse shall arrive rather soon."

"Lyse is the one that defeated Dagmyre, right?" she asked curiously. "And you let him get away. Such a shame. Well, I'm sure there will be lots to celebrate once you are reunited."

"Lyse isn't that kind of person," It took a lot out of Elena to stay unflustered. However, she has had a lot of practice living with these harpies. "And neither am I. We both have duties."

"I don't see anything in the knights' code that forbade you from having a drink, dear sister," she smiled at Elena, then began to walk past her, presumably towards the mess hall. "Farewell then, Elena. I'll be keeping a close eye on you, you know."

"Peace be with you," Her husband bowed before following after his wife. As soon as they turned the corner, Elena let out a deep exhale. Once more, she finds herself missing not being in the city, away from the constant teasing from her sisters. But then, the door to MAssua's door opened, and out poked her curious head. The look in her eyes told Elena that she had been listening as well. That visibly startled her. She didn't even feel her presence. How much did Lyse teach her?

"I'm sorry I eavesdropped on you," she said.

"No, no, you're fine," Elena told her. "We should know how siblings can be, I assume?"

"Uh-huh," that was an expression Elena was familiar with, that cataloging of knowledge that may be used later. She pities Lyse somewhat. "Anyway, I meant to ask you where the saunas are in this place."

"We can go together," Elena said. "We both need it."

(X)

Gray stood outside of the forge. This section of the city was sparse of trees, unlike most other areas where they were a common feature. None could call this the artisan section of the city, perhaps. Around here, Gray had grown up wondering the various workshops and stations of local luxury workers, from tanner shops to sculptures, and of course, metalworkers. His father was perhaps one of the most prolific blacksmiths in Liontari. That was the only reason he was able to afford to go through the Knight's test. His forge is rarely open when either he or his father is not around, but others used the forge when they are out of the city. And as expected, the forge was fully open. The smell of coal being lit, the billowing loud that constantly hovered over their work area, was inviting in all the best ways and inspired Gray to pick up the hammer and tongs and get to work on the next masterpiece. But he reminded himself that those dreams are distant to him now. Now, he has a different calling, the one his father entrusted to him and many other people.

He gave his greetings to all that passed. Rufus the Tanner was laying out new pelts to dry on hot racks. Urla, a young sculpture which came about the city now five years ago, gave a warm welcome as well. The forge's sign was open, and he recognized that two of the hired hands, a pair named Saul and Collus who came all the way from Arkouda in search of work. He had known them for nearly more than half his life, they might as well be cousins as far as he was concerned, and they seemed pleasantly surprised to see him walk in with a warm expression.

"Well, look who scurried his ass back in," Saul wiped his hands from soot as he finished piling coal back into the furnace and began pumping air to heat something he had in the cauldron.

"I can feel homely already," Gray clasped hands with them both. "Good thing to see that the forge is, you know, not a pile of charged rubble."

"And with jokes," Saul laughed. "Good. Well, my lord, I suppose we can't get a pair of hands, eh? We got this crazy commission from this lord who wants the sword bathed in Dragon blood or whatever."

"Sure, but I'm guessing dad is still out then?" Gray wasn't expecting him o be around. Often, very often, he would go out practically unannounced and come back with heaps of materials for making all kinds of things. Gray found himself eager when this time comes, as his father showed such a lively appetite for creation, plain and simple. But still, he was never allowed to come along for obvious reasons. This time of year, where monsters are quite rare, his father is undoubtedly out there, having the time of his life chasing after the next ingredient.

"Oh yeah, he just got back," Saul said. "He should be in the back."

Gray froze, both in mind and body. With those words, something took over him. Emotions that he could not put words to but knew that they were the right ones to have. How long has he been gone that this reaction was warranted? He hadn't been gone long, certainly not much longer than his father in some of his most extreme trips, right? But, he felt the urge to see him so badly. He didn't bother to hear whatever snide comment was flung at him as he rushed down to the tool-house at the very back of the house, the first place his father goes when he's home, where he tinkers and creates. He stopped in the hall, seeing that the door was open, and some small dim light from a candle was seeping out. Now that he was here, another feeling too over, keeping him from facing his father. How eager was he, accept that his father had simply not been there, that he could care less what Gray did as a knight. That was what he was. that was why his father gifted him this sword, his masterpiece. He took all of this for granted, this tiny world of his. And even out there, he somehow brought the small world with him.

"Is that you, Gray," his father's voice suddenly sounded out. "Get in here, I need that little thing I repurchased a while, and I can't find it."

Relief. Gray couldn't help but smile. "You mean that needle. Why'd you bought it anyway?"

"Well, I heard that some of the filigree workers in Aetos use it to make their engravings instead of the methods we use over here," Gray walked inside. His father, a man so unremarkable he could blend into any crown on this planet. He was slim for a blacksmith but with a built set of scarred arms earned from the years of the forge. Nimble fingered searched through every crevice of this tiny workshop, moving about his carious tools and half-completed trinkets that had been left out for later development. His apron was clean still, meaning he hasn't been home long at all. He didn't even look to see Gray enter instead of pointing the finger at one of the many toolboxes scattered about.

"Check over there maybe," he said, shaking his head. "Cursed, that thing cost a lot of money. Why did I buy it if I wasn't going to use it?"

"You know why dad, you let the curiosity get to you as always," Gray sighed. "One thing after another with you, always the next goal."

"Yeah yeah," he waved away. "You sound like your mother, honestly. Anyway, I heard you passed the exam. Congrats on that."

"Y-yeah," Gray halfhearted began opening the box, searching through the loose springs and tools. "You know, dad. I won't be around to be at the forge when you're gone."

That gave his father paused, turning to look into Gray's eyes. He looks as young as ever, despite being nearly twice Gray's age. Disregarding the faint grey hairs, you could call them brothers. "Gray, when was the first time I left you at the forge, home?"

"I was fourteen, I think."

"Right," he sighed. "Yeah. A knight wished to have a blade made from some obscure metal found on the edge of the Wastelands. I came back with half the men I took and only enough to make a dagger. Do you remember what I said when I left?"

"No," Gray said slowly.

"Me neither," he said with a small chuckle. "But I'm sure it related to what you are feeling now. Honestly, since your mom died, I didn't know what to do with myself. She was the one who spurred the spirit within me to give back to those around me and create. She was such a loving person; she saved me then. And you, our child. We often think far too little of ourselves and what we can do."

His father stood and walked over to him. Before a small smile, he hugged Gray tightly. Gray was stunned for only a moment but appreciatively hugged him back.

"But I guess that is what makes it easy for us to thrust ourselves into danger," he said. "I'm proud of you, Gray. And I know she would be too."

Some many wild emotions tolled into his mind. He didn't know whether to cry or be awed by this man. But he resolved that this hug, this moment that they alone shared, was a moment that he will cherish for a long time. Be he an accomplished night, a survivor of a thousand battles over a thousand lands, he can't forget that he was at his heart a son of a blacksmith and will do anything to protect his world, no matter how small it was.

They never found that item, though that mattered little. They stayed until nighttime, merely talking as Gray exposited their entire adventure. Looking back, he seems to of forgotten the emotion of the moment and found only their outcomes. And whether or not he is changed, or he was a better knight, the truth is that he had made it despite his best efforts. Elena was safe. Lyse found his sister and has been set on a trajectory that will surely involve him more. But he did not mind that. He has seen how far down this world goes, this vast world he has no control over. He had seen what lurked in the shadows and felt their blades firsthand. He had felt hopeless and strength he has never felt before or since-his bond with Elena, to the Opal brothers. To the Empire has only strengthened with these experiences.

(X)

Massua reclined onto her bed. The bath she had taken with Elena was the most relaxing thing she had ever felt before. They don't have saunas in Broken Arrow, as far as she was aware. Perhaps the Governor was hiding one, but she was never allowed to their estate, nor any of her friends. But this felt a luxury she could get used to. She felt as if years of grime had been taken off her, leaving only this silky interior left. If she could do this every day, she vowed to abuse her status as a guest to the fullest extent.

That sure was great, wasn't it? Vermilliaa said in the back of her mind. MAssua got a cold chill when she heard the voice suddenly call out and immediately sat up on her bed.

"Do you have to do that?" Massua whispered to herself.

Well, I'm sorry, Vermilliaa cooed. Am I just to remain quiet all this time?

"Yes, actually," she sighed, slamming her face into the soft pillows out of frustration. She almost forgot that this thing lived within her, this woman. She goes on these large gaps of silence, leaving Massua to think for herself until suddenly bombarding her mind. She could never get used to that.

Well, that's too bad, Vermilliaa said. Cause as long as I'm dead; I intend at least to have a taste of the world out there. You have no idea what's it's like to have sensations after eons without.

"Yeah, I guess you have a point there," Massua sighed. "Just don't make it weird."

She lamented how she was going to get used to this new life. While she was relieved that they were safe, at least she felt safe, a part of her was missing, and she did not know why. Lyse's head is big already, and Edlund may very well become a monster staying here for an extended period of time. She will have to try extra hard to keep that from happening. That's if they do ever come back, however. No, they will come back. They are good men, great knights. They will enjoy the luxury she has only tasted because the alternative is too grim for her to accept. Their lives will never be like it was in Broken Arrow. They may not ever return, in fact. Her friends, already she misses them dearly. Perhaps she can cope with Elena, but once more, it will never be the same. It never will. And her mother, what would become of her here. She noticed it. Despite how she thrived in the presence of the noble and royal faction, she noticed something different about her, like some mask she dawned immediately stepping foot into the court. This mask, whatever it was, seemed well worn but fake. Was that her mother before Broken Arrow, before her father. Was this what their life was meant to be?

Are you okay? Vermilliaa asked her. Her voice was strangely soothing. More so than usual at least

"I'm just thinking," she said. "My life is gone, isn't it?"

It seems so, Vermilliaa agreed. I have no way to advise you. I'm not used to being weak, but I can give you the same advice I give my men on the battlefield. It may be difficult, and it may cause pain. But conflict is human nature. This world pays no heed for those who lay about and allow it to roll over them. You must change your surroundings, not let your surroundings change you.

"Strangely wise, coming from you," Massua smiled, then looked out the window at the depleting day, the sun already lowering towards the line of trees in the distance and the tall walls casting shadows on nearby houses. "But I'll accept that."