Greigh's Point of View

Reed Family Farmstead

“Have you heard anything?” The sergeant asked me as we flew through the gloomy sky.

I shook my head as we closed in on Cassidy’s home. “No. That’s what worries me. Cass has never been one to get this sick, and Ayda isn’t one to shirk her responsibilities.” Giving Ziah a glance, I spoke. “She barely checks in on the project, which in itself is concerning. Both have been rather distant.” The heat from my breath could be seen in the cold.

My fellow Zugal frowned. “Maybe they just needed some time and space.”

“Austin said Cass was sick and that Ayda was helping take care of her. Something’s off. I can feel it.”

“Even if that is the case, do we have the right to pry?” Ziah questioned.

“I’d rather not, but the Priestess is summoning all of us.” A frown came to my lips. “Given what the news has to deal with, part of me is concerned about telling Ayda.”

We landed in some light snow and immediately headed for the door. Giving it a firm knock, the two of us waited for a reply. The sound of footsteps could be heard coming down the stairs, and I half expected Ayda to open the door. Instead, it was a different Elf entirely.

“Hello?” A familiar voice called as she cracked the door open.

Ziah was the one who replied. “Lady Rennal?”

The door opened entirely to reveal the blue-haired elf. “Sergeant Ziah Tib and Captain Greigh Nasa.” She greeted formally. “I am surprised to see the two of you here.”

“I feel the same way, Lady Rennal. We’re here to see Cass and possibly Ayda if they are available.” I told her.

She frowned and looked up the stairs for a moment. “I wouldn’t want to be rude to either of you, so please come in.” We entered the warm home, and Rennal gestured to the kitchen as she continued. “Please make yourselves at home. I’ll let them know that you’re here.” They had a fire in their stone oven, which kept the house nice and toasty.

I quirked a brow at that as we took off our jackets. “Where are they?”

“Sleeping.” Rennal answered as she showed us to the kitchen.

Ziah glanced at me as we both realized how unusual this situation was. “Sleeping?” She repeated. “Is Ayda sick as well?”

The elf shook her head. “No. We’ve been taking turns watching over Cassidy. Austin is in town right now getting supplies.”

Another frown came to my lips as I sat down. “If she was that sick, why didn’t you take her to the Temple?”

“Do you think Cass wanted to go to the Temple?” Rennal shot back and crossed her arms as she stared at me. “Would you be able to force her to go?”

My sergeant giggled at that. “She’s got you there, Greigh.”

Rennal smirked. “Ayda said it wasn’t life-threatening, and given how old her brother is, we’ve been trying to help where we can. She is doing much better now, though.”

“May we help ourselves to some refreshments?” I asked her.

She nodded. “Of course. I have no doubt that Cass would expect nothing less from her friends.”

“Thank you.” I turned to Ziah. “Sergeant, would you mind?”

Ziah moved throughout the kitchen and grabbed some mismatching mugs as Rennal left. There was a fire going with fresh water already present. The Sergeant quickly made up some tea for us as we both knew where everything was. However, as she moved around and Rennal was upstairs, we spoke.

My Sergeant spoke in a whisper. “Something is wrong.”

I lowered my tone as well. “I know.”

“Should I go take a look?”

I pondered her question for a moment. “You might be able to get away with it since you’re a woman, but I’d rather not upset Ayda and Cassidy if we can. Whatever it might be that they’ve been doing, as long as they’re okay, I’m willing to overlook what they’re up to.”

Ziah replied as she moved through the kitchen. “I suppose we’ll know in a few minutes.”

She placed the mug in front of me, and I nodded. “We will.” I confirmed. “Arthur told us to keep an eye on Cass, but I didn’t think she’d be this sick. How long has it been since she checked in at the project?”

“Almost two weeks now.”

“So, about the same amount of time since the Priestess heard from General Alwin and Lady Lucia?”

I nodded solemnly. “That’s what she says.” Taking a sip from the warm mug, I sighed. “I’m concerned she’s thinking about sending Ayda and Cassidy to investigate.”

Ziah leaned in as she sat down. “I don’t think she would do that. If anything, it’ll likely be you and me.”

My eyes shot to hers. “If that happens, you’re staying behind.” She opened her mouth to protest, but I quickly leaned in to match her. “Both General Alwin and Lady Lucia were a part of that group. Even Kine was there, and despite him being just a student, I dare say he is rather talented.” I brought my hands together on my mug to warm them. “Their group was not one to be taken lightly. If something happened to them…” I trailed off just in time.

“What are you two whispering about?” Ayda’s voice cut in from the doorway.