“We believe that all potential infiltrators within the Clover Legion of Arteria have been dealt with and detained. Transference of custody to Saintsrest will occur at the end of the month barring any external troubles. We are confident that resumption of Legion activities should no longer be hindered. Extra members of the Argent Curia will be deployed in the streets to ensure compliance with reformation mandates.”

- Report on desk of Lord High Commander Miccahias Thorn, “After Action Advisory; Arterian Legion”

Aryana listlessly wandered around the campus grounds as she let the chill air calm her shaken mind. She huddled up to herself and carefully avoided the main paths in a misguided attempt to keep herself unnoticeable. She scolded herself for her weakness and fear. For how quickly she had been overwhelmed by a situation that for all intents and purposes she knew might happen at some point. After all, they had unfortunately met Tristan in Arteria and he was clearly wearing Academy robes. But still… to have him not just be here, but in my department too. She shuddered.

Her mood further soured when she was met with the hefty realisation of just how mundane her troubles seemed to be in comparison with what Sophie dealt with. Yet she couldn’t shake her own feelings on the matter and couldn’t ignore the guttural reaction that the very sight of Tristan elicited within her. It wasn’t as if the memories were worse than the others she had, nor was it as terrifying as her encounter with the orcs. But it was the sense of sour betrayal that couldn’t seem to be erased no matter how hard she tried.

They had been close, perhaps the closest she had been with anyone besides her parents. Or Sophie, she chuckled at the pleasant thought. Her mood darkened as her mind swung back to her current predicament. Tristan had not just been her confidante and only friend in the tribe, but they had been best friends, albeit tenuous ones given her situation. Still, she wouldn’t have minded as much if he had simply acknowledged the pressures of the clan on his shoulders, and how he would have to leave her behind. Or so she told herself. She would’ve understood that eventually the clan would keep her at arms length, a fact she had come to understand ever since she was young. Yet, it was how he had simply abandoned her within the blink of an eye when she needed him the most that she couldn’t forgive. And here he is, winking and smiling at me as if nothing had ever happened. Piss.

Her musings led her to sneak across campus to somewhere quiet. Knowing that the majority of the alchemy and herbology departments were at the ceremony, Aryana cautiously approached the stairway up to Aster park. A large obelisk stood in the center of the park and the calming sound of running water brought her a temporary reprieve from her thoughts. Nice little plants, trees and other colourful decorations dotted around the place and at once she could feel the relaxing aura of the place coil up along her weary mind. The small sanctuary on campus was mostly quiet this evening, with most students off doing their own thing or celebrating with ceremonies like her own department considering tomorrow was Phareus, the third day of the week. She wondered briefly about what student groups would be hosting fun activities and recalled Aubrey sharing one about the cooking club doing an event in the Phaeyan center. It’d be nice to check out, would be nicer if the siblings would come, and if Sophie was back.

A few recreation rooms were dotted around the place and as Aryana strolled past them, she noticed one that had a particularly clear view into the center of the park. Skittering inside, she felt the nice cool air of the room loosen her tension as the moonlight illuminated the obelisk outside with an ethereal glow. Stocky little trees and some more exotic looking foliage swayed under the evening breeze, casting playful little shadows against the walls. She soaked in the moment of serenity and sat herself down on a small bench next to the window. With the moonlight raining down on her and the stars glistening ever so gently in the night sky, she laid down.

Though her mind was still in a panic, her heart had already begun to calm as her body slowly released the tension she held within. Soon, even her mind slowly succumbed to the calming presence of the quiet room and her thoughts peeled away from her immediate problem to existential questions about her place in the world. She remembered the words the siblings and Fana had used to describe her. Odd, absent. They weren’t wrong, and she couldn’t help but deflate a little at just how close to the truth they were. The stupid prophecy meant she had always been the odd one out. Even without it, she felt almost useless compared to the others around her.

There was Sophie, who happened to be some strange half undying hatire who was also a powerful fighter. Eva then, was one of the saints, her and her students all. She had only briefly seen some of them training before but they all appeared to be immensely capable and super human. Beyond them, she thought about the other companions that she’d met so far. Adventurers, craftsmen, merchants and even students like Fana or Aubrey. They were all capable and knowledgeable, educated in the ways of the world whilst fulfilling a multitude of different responsibilities. On the extreme end there were even geniuses like the siblings and their role in keeping an entire city running. How do you even compete with that? Yet here she was, meeting Sophie and crew at the right time to be awarded a monetary sum from a king. Money that had kept her going since then. I didn’t even do anything to earn it.

Dejected, Aryana sulked and wondered just what the fates had in store for her as she gazed up at the ceiling. Half her vision filled with brick, the other half at the stars beyond the window. The spirits had surely played their part in ensuring her mother had been a Vaettagh, a wanderer from another world. A powerful witch who had helped defend the clans from the creeping influence of darkness from beyond the mountains. Then, after she had just grown into childhood, everything went silent. Mom had just disappeared after an excursion north of the mountains and that was the last of that. Then, she was lonely. That was when the clan discovered she had nothing of her mother’s heritage, none of the skills, magicks, or even warrior-like fierceness. In the blink of an eye, she was an outcast. And mom still never came back.

Suitably sullen, she turned on her side to stare out the window, her mind emptying of thoughts as the calm atmosphere morphed into a depressing one. Damn. She let her head loll off to the side and just laid there unmoving. She knew that people might get worried if they noticed her absence or if someone was specifically looking for her. But at this moment, all she could think about was how she didn’t even know what she herself was capable of. For all intents and purposes she had been treated and was taught like a Vaettagh back in the clan. She had even seen glimpses of something greater. And yet… I can’t remember a thing. While Eva and the others seemed to be perfectly fine. She sighed, I suppose that’s just how the spirits are. A trial, hopefully. Otherwise… and Tristan, ugh. She curled up on the bench and let the doubts finally overtake her, drifting off into a quiet, tense and sad little nap.

She awoke to feelings of loneliness and a desire for a warm embrace. When her hand grasped out at what she hoped was the familiar form of Sophie beside her to find nothing there, she was disappointed. After noticing the lingering sadness that tainted her emotions, her ears twitched as they heard what sounded like voices echoing from deeper within the building. Before she had time to stir, she could hear the interior door click and she froze. A sharp piercing giggle was the first thing that she caught from the door opening, followed by a hearty, deeper bark of laughter.

“You’ve got to be more careful next time.” The feminine voice drawled.

“Yeah, yeah.” A second voice, growled angrily.

“Hahah.” The third, laughing voice chortled, “Didn’t think you’d pop so fast.”

“Filled me right up though.” The female voice giggled again, “Wouldn’t mind a little more. If the three of us went another round... I might just start leaking.”

"Please stop. Please." The second voice groaned.

Third voice snorted.

“Okay, okay. I get it. That’s enough out of you two!” First voice snapped, “Keep it up and next time I’ll… wait, what, who is that?”

Oh no. Caught in a bind, she felt the gazes on the back of her head. Seeing no other option, she stirred and turned around. She was like a fish out of water on her bench and saw three pairs of eyes gawking back at her.

One was a skimpily clad brunette whose Academy robes seemed hastily thrown on and barely hid the undergarments she wore. Another was a muscular black haired student who sported hawk like features and dark black hair. His expression was twisted into one of amusement and was likely the source of the third voice. The last was an embarrassed if somewhat surprised looking guy who had messy brown hair and bright hazel eyes, definitely a size smaller than his counterpart, but still more than a match for Aryana.

They likely regarded her with some level of shock as well, for both sides spent a few seconds just staring silently at each other, no one really knowing what to say. It was the black haired guy who broke the stalemate, bowing slightly with a smile capable of smiting the spirits themselves.

“Pardon me, milady. But might I kindly ask what you overheard before we continue?”

Aryana’s heart raced in terror at the dangerous glint in his eye, quickly righting herself and straightening her back as she sat back up. Rubbing the grogginess out of her eye, she shook her head, “Nothing much. Was napping. Heard door and woke up.” She stated matter of factly, trying her best to present a facade.

“And just how long have you been here?”

“Err…” Aryana paused, looking around to find a clock striking just past ten in the evening. She wanted to respond but paused, when did I even leave the party? Still a little too nervous to think rationally, she leaned backwards and stared up at the sky. The moonlight at least, seemed to cut past the obelisk strangely compared to where it was before, the shadows still dancing, albeit differently. Ugh, I’ve been asleep for at least an hour, ew. With her brain a bit mushy, she answered in perhaps the worst way she could, “Moon wasn’t like this before. Maybe an hour?” No! That’s a horrible way to explain things!

Aside from making herself wince with such a horrid reply, it also had the effect of making the other three do a double take. Aryana watched as their expressions shifted from wary curiosity to confused suspicion. The only real thought that ran through her mind at the moment was a vain hope that her own expression didn’t look too awful in their eyes.

“Right... So… you were napping?” Black hair asked.

“Y-yeah?”

“That’s it?”

She nodded.

“Huh. Not gonna lie, didn’t expect that. I’m a bit baffled.” He said before turning towards his companions, “Thoughts?”

“You really been sleepin for an hour or more?” The girl asked.

“Yeah…” Aryana mumbled, now a bit more worried.

“And you heard nothing?”

“Mmhmm?”

“Shit. Good noise management that.” The girl nodded approvingly letting out a mischievous grin, “We weren’t exactly quiet, eh?”

The brown haired guy seemed to sheepishly look away whilst black hair was on the verge of letting out a chuckle.

“H-hello?” Aryana awkwardly waved.

The three’s merriment was interrupted and they turned to stare at her for a moment before half heartedly acknowledging her. They seemed to brainstorm amongst themselves before giving her another odd look.

“Yeah?” She tried to meet their gaze but couldn’t quite muster up her courage.

“You won’t tell anyone you saw us, right?” Black hair spoke up again.

“No?”

“Good.”

“You just gonna take her word for it?” Brown hair guy asked, finally speaking once again.

“I mean, she seems like a good kid. You are, aren’t you?” Black hair asked.

“I think I am.” Aryana replied.

“Good. Good.” Black hair nodded, “You didn’t see us here, alright?”

“I… I didn’t.”

“Nice kid, see?" He grinned, "What’s your name?”

“Err…” Aryana mumbled, uncertain.

“You’re doing it again.” The brown haired girl quipped.

“Again?” Black hair raised an eyebrow.

“Being overbearing. Look at her, she’s terrified.”

“Is she? Are you?”

Aryana shrugged but retreated a little.

“See.”

“Sorry. Miss.”

“It’s… it’s fine?” Aryana answered, still unsure what to make of this bizarre situation.

“Tell you what. Let’s make a deal. I’ll tell you my name, you tell me yours, just a little insurance, I hope you'll understand. So let me start, I’m Carus Trax, what’s yours?”

Trax? That sounds familiar. “Err… Aryana.” She replied, somewhat flustered at the situation. “That’s my name, Aryana.”

“Aww, isn’t that precious. Look at her!” The girl chimed in with a radiant smile, “My name is Samantha Edelin, and since we’re now all little conspirators together, you can call me Sammy.” Sammy finished with a playful flying kiss.

The two of them then looked expectantly at the last of their trio, the brown haired boy who just rolled his eyes before letting out a defeated sigh. “Ugh, fine. Why does she need to know our name anyway? But for what it’s worth, I’m Moritz Rosengart.”

Hearing that, Aryana froze and did a double take. Rosengart? Isn’t that Eva’s last name?

“Don’t be such a grouch.” Sammy jokingly scolded Mortiz before planting herself upon his lap and very sensually rocked herself on him.

“Okay, okay! Goddess above.” He let out a flustered grunt.

“So you won’t say anything, right?” Sammy winked at Aryana. Her expression soon shifted into a frown. “What’s wrong err… Aryana? Aryana right?”

“Er… n-nothing. I think.” Aryana muttered.

“Aww, do share. You shouldn't be keeping secrets right now.” A warning entered her voice.

Aryana looked away before bracing herself, “Well… umm… I was just wondering if I could ask a question.”

The three traded glances before shrugging. “I don’t see anything wrong with it since we’re all here. Whaddya want to know?”

“Umm… are you… that is, is he… Eva’s brother?” Aryana asked.

That brought the jovial mood to an end as more serious expressions overtook their faces. Uh oh. They seemed to regard her warily once more before Mortiz gently moved Sammy off him and stood up. “And how’d you know her name?” He growled.

“Uhh… she’s my… she’s Sophie’s friend?”

“Sophie… Sophie who knows Eva, and happens to also be a half elf?”

Aryana nodded.

He closed his eyes and sucked in a deep breath. Remaining quiet as he examined her after his eyes opened again. “And you’re not going to say anything? To them?”

“No?”

Carus nudged him slightly and he raised an eyebrow, moving to the side and letting the black haired boy take over.

Carus flashed Aryana a tired grin, “And you see nothing wrong with me also being here?”

“Err…” Aryana fidgeted, is this a trick question? Ah, whatever. “No?”

Carus rubbed his chin for a few seconds then gently slapped Mortiz on the back and playfully poked Sammy in her sides. “I like this one. She’s quite direct isn’t she? Just takes it as it is.”

Sammy pursed her lips before grinning as well, “True. I do like this one, too. She’s… odd. In a good way of course.”

There it is again! Everyone’s been calling me odd today! Aryana silently fumed. They just met me and they think I’m odd. Argh.

They then looked at Mortiz once more, prompting the Carradorian to groan. “Fine, fine. I won’t make a fuss, don’t you two worry.” He grumbled.

Seeing the tension diffuse, Aryana relaxed a little and let out an audible sigh. Carus sniggered briefly and Mortiz just glared at her. Sammy continued to smile and shot her a small wink whilst trying to mouth something. Having established an uneasy peace between her and the trio, she stood up and motioned at the doorway.

“So… I’ll umm… I’ll head out?” She hesitantly started shuffling over.

The trio seemed to consider their options before Sammy broke out into a fitful giggle. The other two seemed a bit surprised but simply waited for an explanation and Sammy ignored them to flick Aryana a small thumbs up. Grateful, she bowed in thanks and moved towards the exit, relieved that this strange ordeal was over.

Somehow more rattled and tired than before she had taken the nap. She made her way back to Rosewood with a multitude of conflicting thoughts crowding her tiny mind. So Eva’s brother is a couple with that girl Sammy… but so is that Carus guy. So they are one big couple? How strange. Aryana fidgeted with her braid and wondered what that feeling would be like. Her face grew hot at the sight that she remembered seeing, the sensual nature of how Sammy had grinded against his thighs. They were so close… and back at the venue, Aubrey snuck away with that other guy too. Is… is everyone coupling with each other? What about Fana? I could probably ask her. Gah.

She flashed her student tags at the guard outside the building who waved her through. Within the hall, a low buzz of activity still filled the corridors as the night was still young and many continued to take advantage of the lack of classes tomorrow. Making her way up to her room, her mind was now plagued with strange thoughts that hadn’t really been there before. Shutting the door behind her, she felt herself blush at the idea that she would be doing something like what Sammy had done, to so aggressively initiate skinship. Amidst all the emotions, she felt a small sense of dread at the image of Tristan being the one to approach her, the very thought sending her stomach churning with revulsion.

When she finally set her weary head down on her bed however, her mood had swung yet again as she clutched at the sheets. The pleasant thought of Sophie’s comforting presence now sent her heart aflutter and before she knew it, her eyes widened at the sudden thought that snaked its way into her mind. What if I tried it with Sophie?

Immediately embarrassed at strange emotions and thoughts surrounding her friend, she buried her face in the pillow. What is this?! Why am I thinking about this right now? Ahhhh. Despite her desperate denial, she couldn’t help but wonder about just what her companion thought about her in kind. They had traveled together for a while, and she had been diligent in keeping out of Sophie’s way, hopefully. Yet, she never really spent the time to dig into Sophie’s mind out of fear at potentially pushing away one of her closest friends. Sophie seemed friendly enough to reciprocate her need of physical contact to calm herself, yet she couldn’t shake the doubt that Sophie might just be trying to be polite and not pushing her away. So many questions! So little answers! Frustrated, she let out a small scream muffled by her pillow before flopping back onto her back. Shutting her eyes, she tried to push out the thoughts and pulled her blanket up around her. Gah! So many thoughts, ahhhh!