“The ancient Myndiri empire relied heavily on battlemages proficient in both melee and ranged combat. Evidence of this can be found in scattered documents as well as historical relics we have been able to unearth from ruins and other surviving elements of Myndiri architecture. Unlike the elves of now, they seemed to share an innate and hereditary connection with most forms of magic as opposed to singular elements that define elven society today. This, coupled with their vast array of resources and lack of any near peer competition, is a key reason why they remained dominant for so long, subjugating any who opposed them with ease.” - Liliana Ornholm, Senior Historian, Arterian Academy of War, ‘Unparalleled Power: Myndiri Rule Before the Dark Tides’ Chapter 2: Achieving Dominion

“Sophie! Riza! Are you a sight for sore eyes!” Arnold exclaimed excitedly, “And a…mercenary? Better than nothing I suppose.” He shifted his gaze to one of slight suspicion upon seeing Otto.

“Arnold!” Sophie and Riza echoed in relief.

Otto glanced around nervously, acknowledging Arnold with a brief nod as his eyes darted around the guild like a shrew.

The guildhall itself was a flurry of activity, but unlike the lackadaisical nature of it before, many of the adventurers now were properly geared up, huddled in their own little teams and seemingly waiting for something.

“Gil and Anna are in a meeting with the other team captains and the guild master. Sara’s out over in the training yard helping out and getting ready for triage in case I'm just here in reserve I guess. And to keep an eye out for you two rascals.” He said with a grin, he saw the lingering question and feigned a disappointed sigh, “And Thulgrim is actually a capable builder so he’s out with a few other teams shoring up the street side barricades, I take it he wasn’t at the checkpoint?”

Two heads shook their replies and he nodded sagely, as if everything was already predetermined for him “Figured as much, guess that means they’re finalizing the last few barricades in the backstreets. By the saints you guys are soaked head to toe.”

Riza and Sophie glanced at each other and laughed before they shivered at the damp reminder. Arnold was right, their journey through the storm had some definite consequences and they very much did not escape unscathed. The three reveled in their reunion when Sophie suddenly remembered why they were here in the first place. She quickly tugged at Riza’s sleeve and mouthed the words ‘Maud’ and the cat quickly understood. Their quick swap to searching for someone did not go unnoticed however and Arnold’s jovial mannerisms evolved into one of concern as they remained oblivious to his change in demeanor.

“Ahem.” He coughed, “Looking for something?”

“Sorry.” They quickly apologized, “We’re looking for a person called Maud, a big lady with muscles that could tear an orc in half. Kind of darkish brown hair, a mercenary, and…” Riza began.

“She’s a mercenary too?” Sophie exclaimed in surprise.

“You didn’t know?”

“I mean…it makes sense in hindsight but she just acted so…”

“Normal?”

“Yeah…”

“Big lady called Maud huh? I think someone fitting that description got called up by the guildmaster too.” Arnold interrupted.

The two girls looked at each other and sighed in relief, at least that was one problem solved.

“And what the saint damned hells are you looking for? You’re more wound up than Sara on a good day.” Arnold finally confronted the mercenary.

“Huh? Me? I’m looking for the guild secretary.” Otto replied.

“The secretary? You mean that quiet and stingy elf? Trying to extract some protection money or something? Threatening to ambush our guys on the streets?” Arnold bristled uncharacteristically.

“What? No! I’m looking for her because…”

But Otto’s reply was cut short as a brilliant flash stunned those near the window and temporarily blinded anyone unfortunate enough to not be blinking at that moment. Seconds after a vicious shockwave shook the building so utterly that even a few windows shattered from the tremor. Tables and belongings flew everywhere as many were caught off guard and lost their balance, crashing to the floor in a state of panic.

“Watch out!”

“Careful!”

“By the saints!”

“My eyes!”

Many cried out in shock or surprise and though a few were bruised or scraped, the only injuries mainly came from annoyed adventurers wondering what the hells was happening. Sophie had thankfully caught herself on a bannister and blinked at the right moment but Riza and Arnold were flat on their asses whilst Otto leaned against the doorway furiously blinking the light away.

“Morea’s tits what the fuck was that?” Arnold cursed loudly.

“Was it magic?” Riza groaned.

“By the saints, Sara’s gonna be working overtime.”

“I suppose we now know what that sorcery does.” Otto interjected.

“Huh? Sorcery?”

“Right I forgot…by the Gods, my eyes. The three of us saw some foul magicks in the skies when we arrived, a bolt of which seemed to take out one of the city’s bell towers.” Otto said as he rubbed at his eyes.

“Oh yeah! And the sky took on this purple hue when we passed by too, like violet clouds or something. And this strange purple bolt smashed into the city.” Sophie added.

“Purple?" Otto queried.

“All I remember seeing was a lot, I mean a lot of storm clouds. And the fucking rain” Riza’s tail curled in annoyance.

“Aye, definitely no natural storm but there was a bolt of something for sure.”

“Huh?” Sophie looked at the two confusedly, “You guys didn’t see all the purple?”

“Are you sure it was purple?” Otto asked.

“I…I’m pretty sure, yeah.” Was I just imagining things?

A strange silence formed between the band of three as they contemplated the information before Otto finally spoke up. “Purple or violet are generally the result of mana produced through high levels of necromantic magicks. It's a destructive form of magic and one of the ways in which mages used to identify tainted mana wells. It has been outlawed I don’t know how long ago, and if that’s what you saw we should inform the guildmaster at once.”

“Necromancy….damn. The merc’s right, get this to the guildmaster at once.” Arnold ordered, “This might be the clue we need to figure out what’s going on.”

As if right on cue, a flurry of steps made their way down from the second floor as team captains and staffers quickly rushed to their respective teams to check on everyone. Panicked gazes and reassuring words were doled out all over as the last step of boots echoed down the step. Guildmaster Albert, Secretary Nyria, Maud, Captain Markus, Gil and Annalise finally filtered through alongside an unknown man. Gil and Annalise visibly perked up at the sight of the duo at the doorway and Sophie couldn’t help but feel a little sorry for them seeing their barely masked haggard expressions. Maud had thankfully seemed unafflicted whatsoever and her innkeeping smile still broke through the gloomy crowd and Sophie and Riza both took a small sigh of relief.

What had perhaps caught the entire guild off guard was when Otto pushed himself off the doorway and found himself wrapped in the loving embrace of the haughty looking elf, her own expression softening as they whispered some quiet words. Whilst Master Albert and the unknown man shared a knowing look, for the rest of the guilders a sudden silence descended upon the guild and Sophie found it easier to count the number of mouths not agape in shock or surprise at the sight of Nyria warmly embracing, to them, a complete stranger. Even Gil and Annalise’s tired faces reflected a small sense of shock as Sophie watched the ranger’s eyes widen. Maud for her part whispered some quiet encouragement to the couple as she waved and made her way over to Riza and Sophie’s position, an even bigger smile plastered on her face.

“Well what the hells…” Arnold muttered under his breath, his face a mixture of emotions.

Maud had waded through the confused crowd and now turned her concerned eyes fully on the duo, a look of stern disapproval on her face.

“Two little treasures like yourself standing there soaking wet will just end up sick! I’m sure old Wil thought to expedite things seeing that Otto’s also here, but the nerve to send the two of you with no protection against the elements!” She huffed angrily, “I’ll bet he didn’t even serve breakfast. Really, how does he expect people to walk across town in the pouring rain with no food in their bellies.”

At the mention of such Sophie and Riza sheepishly traded glances as a small gurgle escaped from their stomachs, the morning’s exertion finally catching up.

“You two better make sure to get a good meal in before anything happens. And definitely do get a fresh change lest you catch a cold.” She wagged an accusatory finger.

“Yes Maud.” The duo chorused.

Their sheepish gaze eventually met the guildmaster’s and whilst he nodded in acknowledgement Riza perked up and gave Sophie a slight jab.

“Ah!” Sophie yelped, “What was that for?”

Riza rolled her eyes and turned to Maud, recalling how Wilfred wanted them to check up on her and how he wanted her to head back to the inn. Earning her a sigh and a tut from the lady.

“Of course, it all makes sense now. So that’s why Otto’s here as well. But fair enough.” She chuckled, “I suppose he does need a competent cook around, I swear he’d serve drinks all day if I wasn’t around.” She gave both of them a firm pat on the shoulder, a look of gentleness in her eyes, “You two take care now.”

With a subtle nod at the guildmaster and the unknown man, and one final pat on their shoulders, Maud casually pushed the door to the guildhall open and strutted out into the storm without seemingly a care in the world. It was as if time had been restored and as the door swung shut, murmurs, chatter and life returned to the inhabitants inside the guildhall as adventurers began discussing amongst themselves. Much of it gossip about the new couple and some of it about potential injuries suffered.

“Right, fuck, I can’t get the image of those two boning out of my head. You two uhh, should probably head to the guildmaster.” Arnold finally spoke, his expression still stuck on one of bewilderment, “Right yeah, come on then.” He patted their backs only to recoil upon realizing that they hadn’t yet dried off and were still soaked to the bone.

Riza chuckled heartily and Sophie quickly found herself being pulled along as the cat dragged her through the crowd.

“Sophie! Riza!”

“Gil! Anna!”

Came the opposing replies as the duo pushed through. Trading little air hugs as the other two look horrified by their appearance.

“Glad to see both of you alright. Everyone was about to receive their marching orders.” Gil smiled.

“Are you two okay? No new sudden injuries or anything?” Annalise narrowed her eyes in concern.

“No no! A little rattled up and cold but that’s all.” Riza held up her hands defensively whilst Sophie just smiled and shook her head.

Annalise sighed, her concerns temporarily alleviated but Sophie could tell she was watching them out of the corner of her eye.

“Huh, to think it’d take a potential crisis for her to come clean.” A gruffer voice chimed in from the side and everyone turned to find the guildmaster stroking his beard thoughtfully.

“Her? Guildmaster?” Gil asked.

“Nyria of course! Heheh.” He chuckled to himself, “But it’s good to see both of you here as well.” He turned to Riza and Sophie.

“Ah! Sir!” Sophie quickly interjected.

“Yes?”

“Um, I have a report to add before you move on.” She chimed in softly to the surprise of Gil and Annalise.

“Oh? Very well, let’s hear it.” Master Albert said with a raised eyebrow.

Sophie looked to Riza for some support and with the smile received in response she quickly recounted the events of the day and the warnings from her nightmares.

The unknown man it had turned out was the vice guildmaster who had barely had time to introduce himself before being sent into the storm to reach and act as a liaison with the merchant’s guild. Gil and Annalise had regrouped with Arnold and Sara whilst a fair few other teams began being deployed across the city to aid the city guard. Markus had shared a small amused look at Sophie’s disheveled state before he led The Crows out to assist the defense of the town’s main gate.

Sophie had faithfully recounted the events to the guildmaster with Riza’s support and the sullen announcement he made to everyone else after that inspired fairly little hope. Possible necromantic invasion, dark magic, spirits, and other dangers were all considered and Sophie could feel the life drain a bit from the remaining guilders as they huddled together, a little more demoralized than before. Otto and Nyria remained to assist with the guildhall’s defense and Master Albert began taking personal charge of giving out orders.

It was in this state that Sophie and Riza found themselves inside the guild armoury searching through sets of armour to fit them and were hopefully not soaked to the bone. An uneasy silence lingering between the two as the storm outside howled in fury, and lighting bolts crashed into the earth with vengeance. The two could tell something wasn’t right, and while Riza’s fur stood on end, her tail coiled in anticipation, Sophie could feel the changes happening physically.

The feeling was not unlike the entity’s appendages piercing through her body. It was an invasive feeling that caused her muscles to tense up, a feeling of despair that seemed to compound by the minute, growing heavier as time ticked by. On the bright side having some gear between herself, the elements and a potential blade felt all that much more reassuring considering recent events. It also helped that they let her keep Wilfred’s sabre, not that she knew much more besides, poke forward and slash.

Riza purred in contentment as she stretched herself over the armoury bench, a small sigh emerging from her lips as she closed her eyes. Sophie looked at the cat in amusement and finished strapping a leather chestpiece on before shuffling above the cat. Riza has been uncharacteristically quiet most of today.

“Bored?” She asked.

“Murr, only a little.” Riza replied as she opened one eye.

“Worried?”

“Maybe.”

“Wanna talk about it?”

“Pfft,” Riza snorted, “Probably.”

“Thinking about your old team?”

“Mmm.”

Riza scrunched her brow together and sat back up cross legged, wrapping her tail around her right hand. “Val would always stomp up to a table and try to give a speech before a hard job. Then Greg and Jut would ignore him and flirt, Kelli would be sleeping and I would be bored out of my mind.” She stroked her tail and closed her eyes, trying to draw out her memories. “But now’s not the time.” She mumbled and Sophie nodded.

“Fair enough, sorry for taking so long.”

“It’s alright, the quiet just makes them louder sometimes.”

Sophie didn’t know how to respond and opted to just grunt her acknowledgement, hoping that it conveyed enough of the meaning to Riza.

The cat shrugged in return and she assumed it got through and began picking up her stuff.

“Come on, let’s go.”

“Murrr fineee.”

The duo silently headed back out into the main room and found significantly less adventurers remaining. A few were still kitting themselves out or eating the last remnants of their meals while the guild staffers, most former veterans themselves, began donning their own equipment stashed away behind the staff counters. Otto dipped his head in greetings at their approach and Nyria simply raised an eyebrow before pointing them towards a small side room.

Sophie flashed them a smile and dragged Riza along, pushing open the door to find Gil’s team fully gathered and Master Albert pointing to a map.

“Fantastic timing you two. I hope it’s not asking too much but we need your help.” Albert shot off as they entered, “Gil, you can catch them up to speed. I need to head to the guard barracks.”

“Of course.”

Guildmaster Albert quickly flashed them a friendly smiles before he left, his footsteps echoing away until they could be heard no longer.

"So do you remember the plan for the mission?" Gil asked as he took charge.

“Ehhh…kinda?” Sophie sheepishly chuckled and Riza quickly bonked her on the head.

“Silly, the mission to the ruins you were preparing for?”

“Ah! Sorry I forgot!”

“Stupid elf, can’t even remember dates right.” The rain soaked dwarf growled

“Thulgrim!” Annalise protested.

“Focus, everyone, time for jabs later. Sophie you recall now yes?” Gil asked as he silenced the party.

Sophie nodded, slowly remembering the mission scheduled for tomorrow.

“Good. So you know how the exploration guild and a few researchers are already on site? Master Albert and the others want us to head over to the exploration team today. It’s a three day trip and we need to make it in one.” He stated matter of factly.

Sophie looked to the others and received some grim nods in return, this is going to be rough.

“And we’re going too? Even with what’s happening?” Riza asked, turning a concerned gaze at the air around them and gesturing to the storm outside. Sophie didn’t interject, but her thoughts mirrored the cat’s opinion, this seemed like a really bad idea.

“Especially now, mostly because of you.” Gil said as he narrowed his eyes in annoyance.

“Me?”

“I wanted our team inside the walls and well, Master Albert figured we’d be the best escorts just because you know us better than you know the others. Our new orders are to get you to those ruins.”

Sophie noticed the expressions on everyone’s faces, clearly not a first choice assignment in the midst of what could be a potential siege. But why? Unless…

“He thinks there could be a connection of the nightmares to the ruins?” Sophie wondered out loud as she peered over to the map, a small town shaped figurine and the flag placed alarmingly far away.

“Don’t forget the possibility of necromancy, you’re the one that brought it up. We’re to get you there and unravel whatever’s inside your brain.”

“But why the ruins?”

“Master Albert suggested that the ‘temple and refuge of ages’ and something ‘yore’ could indicate a connection to something Myndiri. Potentially also look for signs of necromancy and put a stop to it. Also happens that the closest experts on the Myndir and two mages are with the exploration party, Annalise did mention that you were looking for a mage too.”

Sophie grunted a response back and found Annalise looking at her with a sly smile.

“And to make sure they aren’t dead.” Annalise quipped sarcastically.

“And to make sure they aren’t dead, yes.” Gil sighed exasperated, “I thought that much was evident.”

A moment of quiet descended upon the group as Sophie took another look at the distance they had to travel on the map. The pitter patter of rain interspersed by loud claps of thunder were oddly calming yet disquieting and Sophie had to shake off the uncomfortable feeling before glancing back towards the others and flashing them a nervous smile.

Gil turned to Annalise and the two shared a questioning glance before he finally turned back to Sophie and Riza with a clasp of his hands.

“Well then, we’re on the way to potential doom, nightmare creatures that invade our minds, zombies, magic? Any objections? No? Good, let’s get on with it and pray that we’re all home by the week’s end. May we be graced by the stars.”

“Graced by the stars.” The grim response from the group echoed throughout the room and Sophie could not help but feel a slight sense of excitement. I'm terrified, horrified but by Stellesia I’m going on an adventure! You just wait Eva, I’ll be back in no time.