“He stood in front of the Fringefolk and looked into their eyes, testing the resolve of those who chose to follow him into this hell. Their solemn faces reflected their resolve and dedication to the cause, their weapons clenched firmly in their hands, ready for the battle ahead. He then cast his gaze on the field ahead, the daemon host growled and roared with bloodlust, each standing a head taller than the tallest man and he cursed them. The foul beasts have terrorized the innocents for far too long and with the tribes united, they will drive them back.

Gunmar drew a long breath and shouted the fateful words that would shake the tribes forever, “Forward kinsman! United as one under the blood red sky, forward! May the Goddess bless us with her favor, together! If we shall fall we shall fall as brothers bound in blood!” As one the gathered horde roared and charged forth against the daemon host, pouring down from the slopes like a tidal wave of fury and righteousness. Gunmar could only hope that Aurelia would rally her own people to join the fray before long and looked grimly at the red sky, knowing that the traitor king waited for him. With one last roar he leapt down from his perch and joined the throngs, the fate of the shattered lands dangling by a thread.”

- The Adventures of Gunmar and Aurelia: Rise of the Ainrathi - Chapter 17: A Desperate Struggle

After a stern rebuke from the Innkeeper for causing such a messy scene the mood had cooled off significantly. The unbridled joy plastered across their faces moments ago gave way to a more somber and sorrowful one as the situation fully settled in. Though Riza had strained herself to not bring down the mood, Sophie could tell that her sorrow came from a deeper place and was something she could not bury away.

Riza’s party had evidently been contracted to protect a lumber mill when the undead swarmed them en masse and captured them. She could see both the Crows and the Runebound stiffen when Riza had recounted how the undead had seemed organized as if they were being directed. But they had reacted too slowly, too worried about both protecting the mill staff and lumberjacks that they didn’t notice they had been surrounded, and those who failed to perish were taken for some nefarious ritual. What shocked the gathered adventurers the most perhaps, was the revelation that they had been taken a few days prior to Sophie’s first encounter with them. Originally a group of almost forty odd people reduced to just the adventurers by the end, only for Riza to be the only one to escape. What a horrible way to go.

There was an unspoken tension about her tale, a tension that hovered around the question of how did they survive for that long, and more importantly what were the undead’s goals? No one wanted to draw out Riza’s answers, they knew it likely had something to do with eating one another, but no one wanted the theory confirmed, and with silent glances they had let it drop. Unfortunately, the problem of the undead utilizing tactics reared its ugly head and Sophie could hear whispers of ‘lich’ or ‘bone lord’ and other worrying names until the group collectively decided to table it for the guild.

Their original plan had been to let Sophie and Riza rest for another day whilst they drew up plans for what to do next, but Riza’s stories spurred a sense of urgency and reporting directly to the guild was deemed the only viable action.

Riza had, after that, been promptly retrieved by Sara to ensure her wounds were properly bound and treated for the next leg of their journey. Sophie then, was quietly taken by Annalise who dragged her along to the village tailor in hopes of getting her a new outfit.

Despite the chaotic morning Sophie still found herself distracted by all the rustic sights and sounds. The creaking of wooden doors, craftsmen working at their household workbenches and other strange activities one normally never sees at the estates. Servants and minders generally took care of procuring most of the goods required, well servants that weren’t as some unpleasant rumors might say ‘attached to the hip’ to their mistress. She chuckled at the thought.

It didn’t take long for them to reach the mercantile part of the village, a small fountain pushed out a stream of sad water as the surrounding houses looked markedly better built than the ones around. Stone foundations replaced pure wood and the oak itself was less log and more well cut timber planks painted over with lovely yellows, blues and reds. The villagers here too dressed more fancifully, instead of tunics and coifs, they wore slightly higher quality shirts, adorned in striped patterns as their hats fit snugly on their heads. The air of superiority was one that Sophie recognized well, and she frowned at the thought only for a quick nudge from Annalise pushed her into a store.

“Ah! Sorry!” She yelped as she pushed open the door.

“So dramatic.” Annalise teased.

The interior reminded her of the servant’s quarters back at the estate. Colorfully painted walls adorned with all manner of trinkets, items and in this case clothes. All for them to admire, but never touch. Rows of garments decorated the mannequins throughout the store, all a different variation of ‘fancy tunic’ with a few more unique and chic shirts patterned with intricate designs.

Past a row of styled mannequins a bored man stood behind a counter, dutifully going over a ledger when his eyes perked up at the new arrivals.

“Ah! Welcome to The Pretty Forester lovely madam! How may I help you today?” He bowed reverently in front of the Ranger. “It’s been a while since the last group of adventurers passed by here, I have leather pieces and some treated jerkins if that was what you are looking for.”

The man gestured at the area behind him and both girls peered over to see an assortment of leather armors and other odds and ends organized in neat little stacks. He must be really bored.

She turned to Annalise and the older girl shrugged, so Sophie took that as a sign to start perusing the selections on displays. Annalise in the meanwhile had just barely picked up a slightly more frilly looking green blouse when the man practically fawned over her choice.

“Ohh I can see that it fits you really well, hold it like that, there you go, perfect. Hmm perhaps instead a more regal purple would be better? It would really bring out the flair from your hazel hair.” He cooed.

“Huh? Do you really think so? A purple?” Annalise replied, her interests piqued.

“Yes, yes! It would go fantastic with your beauty, quite refined and majestic. Only twelve silver for that piece.”

Annalise chuckled and glanced over at Sophie, the elf grinned back and nodded her own approval.

A raised eyebrow and head tilt later Sophie finally realized a problem, she didn’t know what she really needed. A shirt? Blouse? Maybe a blouse like hers? Or just a tunic to look more normal? She hesitantly grabbed a dark green shirt, just a slightly quality boost from the normal peasant tunic, and froze. How was I going to pay for this? Thankfully Annalise seemed ready to take up the call to arms.

“That one then?”

“Mmm” Sophie nodded sheepishly.

“Alright, fair enough, if it works for you. But sir do you think it fits her as well?” She asked the man.

He turned his gaze on Sophie and she stiffened at his cross examination, his admiring demeanor moments ago evaporated into one of professional displeasure. He seemed disappointed and frowned when she felt his gaze linger on her ears. She felt a rush of heat as she writhed under the scrutiny.

“My apologies madam, I did not realize your servant was the one who required…cosmetic changes.”

“Uhm she’s not my servant.”

“Oh? My apologies to my lady. She just looks so much like a maidservant.” His voice dripped with venom.

“Look I'll just pay for whatever she needs and we’ll be on our way okay?” Annalise turned to Sophie and gestured for her to continue, “Just get everything you think you’ll need.”

Sophie quickly nodded and hurried along, quietly grabbing a hood under the intense glare of the man. Annalise winced as she put out three silver only for the man to take all of it with no inclination of giving back change. That's gonna sting, but if it means we can just leave. She took a tentative glance at the man and he just huffed and shooed them away. Without wasting a breath Annalise grabbed the clothes and dragged Sophie out before anything else could happen.

The door slammed shut behind them and both girls heaved a small sigh of relief. For Annalise it was a moment of tension that she expected but did not prepare for, and a deep sense of shame overtook her as she realized what she just put her companion through. For Sophie however, it was nothing new, a pretty environment but never for her, though she was always lucky to have companions that tried their best. She flashed the other girl a wide smile and was taken aback by the glum look on her face.

“Wha-what’s wrong?”

“It’s nothing, I just…I should have remembered that not everyone on the frontier is as friendly to elves as adventurers and even then.”

“It’s fine! I got a replacement outfit out of it right?”

Annalise looked at her briefly with an incredulous look before putting on a strained grin.

“Yeah, yeah you’re right. Now you get to walk around in something actually your size and not draw everyone’s attention.”

“Uhn!” Sophie beamed, hoping to cheer the other girl up.

Taking the hint Annalise sighed her frustrations away and moved to ruffle the girl’s hair when something caught her attention. She spotted Markus talking to a group of riders, all clad in semi-professional military gear. City guards? But they rarely patrol this region, local militia should have it covered, well clearly they don’t anymore, but we haven’t talked to the guild yet have we? Shaking off her concerns she walked Sophie back to the inn, the whole way growing more aware of the stares the elven maid caught from the residents.

“It’s okay.” Sophie whispered, aware of Annalise’s growing concern but not why, she gently gripped the older girl’s arm and was pleasantly surprised when she wasn’t shaken off.

“Okay.” Came Annalise's quiet reply.

The war with the Minoran elves has been ongoing for almost two decades now, while it’s turned from pitched battles to just minor skirmishes here and there, Annalise knew that many still suffered the scars of losing loved ones. Carrador might be a populous land but its people still lived at the whims of the nobles and an elven aide for a nobility combined the worst of both worlds. While she knew that Sophie was a good person, she couldn’t help but feel as if there was something darker she wasn’t seeing, the incident bathing last night a sure sign as any. But that was not a question for now, she still needed to take Sophie to the guild, and that was what she resolved to do.

Much to Sophie’s dismay, Annalise had forced her to remove the maid uniform and not wear it until everything was patched up or she got a new one. She knew the ranger was right but she was attached to it, they had been through a lot together and to be separated so suddenly, even if rightfully so, hurt. Thus begrudgingly and still very grateful she found herself dressed in the new dark green shirt and a sense of finality washed over her as the two of them prepared their packs for the day-long journey to Eichafen.

A part of her wished she could stay longer at Rumhol, despite the tense atmosphere floating around her very presence here she still wished to explore more. To see what village life is really like beyond the idyllic tales written in her novels. Yet the other part of her craved to see the city of Eichafen, to journey through another place she had never been to before, this bastion of civilization out in the wilderness. The others had described it as this giant city protected by the massive mountains of the Highwall and surrounded by two sets of stone walls, each a grander demonstration of Carrador’s strength and will to tame the land itself than the last.

She had always wanted to tour the land with Eva, to explore the different sights with her mistress the outlander. It would be a continent-spanning journey from New Berenia to the distant tea fields of Gratia and beyond. Her parents would never allow it of course, but they had already crafted a list of different sights and buildings they had wanted to visit. From the twin citadels of Saintsrest, far to the south; Marsun’s grand ice markets, far in the northern tundra; and even the floating castles of Nautica, beyond the western reaches of Melton. She pictured a grand journey filled with intrigue and trade. With trials and tribulations, but most importantly, friends and a partner in crime.

She didn’t know how long she was daydreaming but by the time she became aware of the prodding in her sides she found the entire party including Riza staring down at her.

“Bweh!” Sophie jumped up and wiped the drool from her face. “Sowrry”

Everyone stared for a moment before they burst out laughing and Sophie burned with embarrassment as the nearby Crows chuckled in the background.

“I’m guessing you heard none of it?” Thulgrim snorted.

“Now, now, let’s keep the fighting for once we’re on the road. Are you ready to go?” Gil swooped in with a save.

Sophie replied with an embarrassed nod and Gil clapped his hands as if to call everyone to attention.

“Alright everyone, we’re aiming to double time it to Eichafen as soon as we can to debrief. That means we’ll try to march through the night if possible. Are we all okay with that?”

“You got it.”

“Ready to go.”

“We’re ready too.”

Both parties echoed their agreement and a flurry of activity brought Sophie to full alertness. Backpacks, weapons, gear and sacks all shuffled around as the two parties began the first leg of their journey to Eichafen, with Markus flashing her a small smile as they departed.

It would seem that the plan was for the gold ranking team to ensure security of the passage whilst the silver rankers would be responsible for transporting Riza and herself.

The warm sun still hung high above the village as morning turned to afternoon, and the trees outside Rumhol swayed peacefully, hiding the ominous darkness that lurked behind the shadows. Horse drawn carts paused as their handlers paused to gawk or hawk their wares to the adventurers, hoping for a quick influx of cash. Evidently Gil had rented out a wagon and both teams placed most of their supplies with it including the two tagalongs.

Though she yearned to join with Annalise and the others in the trek, she could feel the bruise in her leg and lingering wound berate her body for the strain she put them through. Once they were outside of Rumhol proper, the parties began feeling the effects of the Mistveil once more. Unearthly chill mixed with the warmth of the light leading to an unnatural breeze that danced eerily on the skin. With small slits of the wagon open to allow for airflow, even the oiled cloth covering them did little to stop the chills running down Sophie’s spine.

“Sooophie!” A voice boomed in her ear, the sharp pain shocking her.

“Guh?!” She shot backwards and smacked into a supply crate, only to find Riza cackling like crazy, her small tail wagged ever so slightly.

“Ahaha, your face! Look at yourself, you looked so afraid! You’re so easily spooked!”

“We-well anyone would if you just yelled into their ear!”

“Nyeheheh.” Her carefree demeanor caught Sophie off guard, and she struggled to keep up with the supposedly wounded Riza.

“Just don’t yell into my ear again, at least not from that close! They’re sensitive! “ She protested.

“Nyaww, okay, I’m sorry. But they’re so pointy and fleshy, it’s hard to not flick it!”

“Huh?! But-but you have pointy ears too, I mean they look pointy.” Sophie defended herself, quickly running a hand over her own ears just to double check.

“Boo, but these are just like what cats have, Maujurrin ears are always the same. Yours are like humans but pointy, don’t you want to just try licking or scratching them all the time.” Riza wiggled her own ears in mock disdain.

“N-no…no? I mean no! What?! Also your what churn ears?” Sophie blinked a few times, trying to make sense of Riza’s thought process but failed.

“My what ears? Oh! Maujurrin! That’s me! I’m a Maujurrin! Did you not know?”

“I…I mean I knew you were a cat folk? What does Mau? Mao? Jerin? Even mean?”

“Eheheh,” Riza smirked, “It means I’m your God! Worship me!”

“Huh?” Sophie was truly bewildered and just stared at Riza in confusion until the cat huffed in annoyance, realizing she wasn’t going to gain a new worshiper.

“So boring. Fine, I'll tell you what it means. It means we’re a descendant of the Thunder God! With the best feline qualities of course.” She held up her small tail and proudly showed off the striped black and red pattern that crossed. “See marks of the Thunder God!”

Sophie simply looked on with a mixture of shock and amusement, she hadn’t expected this answer, but Riza seemed happy, so it should be fine. But a question did bubble to the surface.

“But…if you’re a Mao-jerin, does that mean I shouldn’t call you a cat?”

Riza sniggered as if she just heard the dumbest joke. “Nyeh, it’s fine, people got lazy and just called us cat folk and that’s also easier to recognize nyan? It’s also been centuries so it doesn’t matter anymore heheh. It’s just what we should call ourselves when dealing with other beast folk.”

Sophie nodded thoughtfully, it made sense the world wouldn’t want to refer to them as maojurrins, cat folk was an infinitely easier term to say or remember than murrjerins. Still the snippet about usage in the company of beast folk could come in handy and Sophie tried to store it in her mind.

Riza's manic mood overtook her once more and Sophie watched as the cat jumped up in front of her.

“So you know we’re headed to Eichafen right?” Riza asked.

“Umm, yeah?”

“Have you been there before?”

“No?”

“Well it’s super umm functional but it is still a really nice place you know? They don’t have a lot of decorations but they have these huge markets because of how lots of traders still need a waystation before Volksgrad in the north, do you know where that is?” Riza gestured rapidly, drawing circles, squares and all manner of shapes in the air.

“Yeah.”

“Right so there are these huge markets there and it’s so pretty when the snow first comes down, have you seen snow? It’s so fluffy and you just want to play around in it…”

Sophie blinked, the rapid fire words having left the realm of compression as she nodded along. Taking in the bumps and light rattling of equipment as the wagon rolled along, she felt relaxed. The low drone of conversation outside combined with Riza’s soothing speech brought her a mixed set of happy feelings. She was happy they all treated her kindly, but she couldn’t help that she was still a bit estranged from them. Her eyes came back to focus on Riza, the girl’s fur bristled with excitement as she spoke and Sophie found herself enamored.

“...Oh! And you have to check out the view from ‘The Last Hunter’. It's an inn on one of the higher streets and the owner is pretty friendly! He looks like a right bastard but he and his wife always make sure I get enough to eat. You should also…”

She tried as hard as she could but her mind wandered to what it would be like if she traveled with Eva. How the mistress would always stroke her hair when stressed, or just quietly take tea as Sophie read a book in the corner of the room.

“You should be careful about the Waldsreich Plaza though, I mean you seem nice enough but your people are always a bit snooty and holier than thou, like really mean. When I passed by once they just glared like I was subhuman or something and…”

My people? Elves in Eichafen? Would they happen to know anything about all this?

“My people?” Sophie queried.

Time seemed to slow down as Sophie’s words reached Riza’s ears. She watched as the go-lucky smile just evaporated into a frown and her ears visibly drooped, her tail curled up before going unnaturally still.

“I-I…I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to generalize, I mean aw man I saw your eyes glazing over but I didn’t stop rambling and said something stupid, I’m sorry!” Riza whined, almost prostrating herself on the wagon bottom.

In her own hurried panic Sophie quickly reached over and placed her hand on Riza’s fur, giving her a reassuring pat.

“No I didn’t mean it like that, you didn’t do anything wrong and hey are you okay?” Sophie’s concern grew as she felt a shudder from Riza. “Hey, Riza? Are you…”

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to ramble.” Riza said between heavy breaths.

“R-Riza?”

Sophie’s surprise only grew when the catkin nestled herself on Sophie’s lap, a depressed looking expression replacing her mania.

“What’s the matter?”

Riza burrowed herself in Sophie’s pants and sobbed slightly. Hesitantly Sophie raised her hand and gently gave the cat what she could only hope were comforting pats.

“Riza?”

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay, take your time.”

The cat heaved up and down as she fought to regain her composure and Sophie tried her best to offer support.

“It’s just, I just.” Riza sighed, “I just thought of …my friends when we got on this wagon and…Kelli, she was the other Maujurrin, she was like a sister to me.” She finished with a whisper.

“It’s okay, just umm take deep breaths, in and out.”

“Nurr.”

“Just take your time, in and out.”

Riza brushed away Sophie’s hand before she paused and turned around.

“It’s just, I’m sorry, I talk a lot when I don’t want to think.”

“That’s fine, don’t worry.” Sophie comforted, trying to remember what Annalise and Eva would do. “Just take it easy now.”

“It’s scary, you know. What do I do now? I would always ramble on some stupid idea and Kelli or Gregor would also try to keep me in check. They would always be like ‘think about this realistically’ or ‘you can do that after we’re done’ and then we would do a job, get back, and share a nice meal together. But what happens now? I mean I…Nyeh!”

Sophie pulled the cat up and sat her between her legs as she imagined a sister would, ignoring the surprised squeal.

“Do you want to talk about them?”

“Huh?” Riza replied still slightly surprised.

“We have a long ride ahead of us after all. I can listen.” She lifted one of the cat’s furry hands and ran it past her right ear. “These elf ears are pointy for a reason right?”

Riza tilted her head for a moment before she let loose a small snigger. “Yeah, pointy for a reason right?” Came the raspy reply.

“So do you? I won’t mind if you don’t or do.”

“I-I…do.” Riza whispered. And the two settled in, with Sophie supporting Riza as she began reminiscing about her comrades, the first real quiet moment in a while to process her emotions. As the floodgates opened, Sophie clutched her tighter, hoping that what she was doing could at least help Riza feel better.