“Due to the increase in intensity of the Gratian civil war. Ostian Gardes are set to step up monitoring and supervision of visitors from both the Republic of Gratia and the Gratian Kingdom. This measure will be enacted on Saint’s Day and continue until further notice. Thank you for your cooperation.”

- Travel Bulletin, Office of the Harbormaster, “Notice on Arrivals from Gratia”

Freshly charcoal roasted sweet potatoes proved to be a welcome treat to combat the chilly temperatures of the Ostian winter. A smoky scent intertwined with sweetness to offer up a comforting snack for the party. Sophie found herself pleased with Ary’s food choice and pecked her cheeks in thanks. Ary blushed and smiled happily, hooking Sophie’s arm and bringing herself closer. It was Sophie’s turn to become flushed as she realised what this signified. We’re a couple, and now everyone will know.

Whatever Ary may have thought was hidden behind a voracious appetite as the redhead devoured the potato in the time it took for Sophie to take but a few bites. Noticing Ary’s gaze drifting over, Sophie offered her share and the girl sheepishly accepted it, taking a few nibbles exactly where Sophie had bitten. Sophie giggled and the two playfully exchanged bites until they reached the main thoroughfare that ran through Ostia.

Hundreds of people dressed in bright coats and outfits wandered the streets. Many stalls selling equally tantalising snacks as the sweet potato lined the sidewalk. Other merchants hawked more festive wares with statuettes of the Saints and other little trinkets that seemed delightful to her eyes. Her sister Elaria was particularly starstruck by a beige flute. Seeing her desire, Sophie nudged her and cocked her head at it. Annoyed at being found out, Elaria initially held an expression of playful disdain. When Sophie tried to pay for it however, Elaria pushed her hand aside and rummaged through her own pouch to purchase the instrument. Both Sophie and Raylani shared a look and both felt a small sense of contentment at Elaria acquiring the object of her desire. The dark elf looked almost pleased that her mistress actually indulged herself with material goods for once.

Sophia meanwhile, kept her eye out for trouble. But Sophie noticed how her counterpart would often wistfully look back at her, thoughts hidden behind a veil that Sophie could not discern. But when their gazes met, Sophia would smile gently, showing her a more kind expression. It worried Sophie that she couldn’t accurately read her counterpart anymore. Still, judging by the guarded nature that Sophia still acted, she suspected that it would be pointless trying to pry out an answer without her being willing to provide one.

Perhaps the most amusing member of the group was the faerie Yana. Sophie watched the supposed cave faerie’s wide eyes examine any and everything with a studious look of bewilderment. Sophie would’ve made fun of it if she didn’t also suspect the tiny creature to possess immense power. To even halt the magical connection between me and Ary, hells to just see that. Sophie shivered. Catching the faerie’s tiny little nose wiggle at the scent of food tugged at Sophie’s heart strings. Be it pity or curiosity, she offered what was left of the sweet potato to it. Before either Ary or Sophie could react, the sweet potato vanished into thin air, the flap of the bag lowering as a minute chewing sound could be heard. Amidst the sudden chaos a tiny thumb stuck out of the pocket, approval. Sophie grinned to herself, celebrating by giving Ary another kiss.

Eventually, they managed to push past the thoroughfare and emerged onto a side street that was just as packed. But there, at the street corner, surrounded by colourful buildings, was a plain greyish structure. It wasn’t as fanciful as the others but still carried with it a few decorative engravings that spoke of a more elegant style of decor. Well, here we are. Huh, it seems… borderline fancy, at least it's not gaudy. But then again, Sophie looked up and down the banners all across the streets, the whole damn place looks fancy.

Entering it, they found a tavern packed with people. A handful of staff were servicing more than two dozen people and the innkeeper barely paid any attention upon their entry. People were drinking, shouting, dancing and generally having a good time, but it proved overwhelming for Sophia, who shrunk a little behind the rest of the party.

“Welcome to the Traveller’s Ward, please take a seat and give me a moment.” The Innkeeper half heartedly greeted them.

Unsure of how else to actually find Alodie besides arriving, the party shuffled over to some empty space on the bar counter as the man continued serving customers. A waitress came over to take their orders in the interim and Sophie shuddered, her mind flashing back to when Annalise bonded with the small town waitress Kimmie, Goddess, Anna! I haven’t even found out what’s happening with her and Mila. Stars, I don’t even-

“Sophie. What drink?” Elaria nudged her out of her thoughts.

Startled, Sophie felt like prey caught in a trap, frozen with indecision until Ary spoke for her.

“Lavender milk tea for her.” Ary bobbed her head.

The waitress looked a little uncertain but Sophie at least managed to nod her affirmation, allowing the poor girl to continue with her work.

The others crowded in around Sophie, shooting curious glances at her, with only Raylani standing dutifully next to Elaria remaining mostly aloof.

“What’s wrong?” Ary asked.

“Mmm…” Sophie mumbled.

“She’s worried about Anna and Mila. Remember how their last letter suggested something was going down between them?” Sophia answered on her behalf.

“Anna? Mila?” Elaria queried, “Also how do you know all this?” She squinted at Sophia.

“Old friends of ours, err, Sophie’s. I told you before, didn't I? That up until the exact moment we split, I have all the same memories that she has.”

“Then…” Ary whispered, a look of horror slowly dawning.

“Err…” Sophia sheepishly grinned, “Sorry?”

Ary buried herself in Sophie’s arms as Elaria wearily looked at her counterpart.

“It’s just fascinating to me how this process might work. And to think a Goddess did this…” She mumbled to herself, “I doubt the master would approve.”

“Well I’d like to doubt it cares that much.” Sophia grunted.

“The master cares. Why else would the master send me to aid you otherwise, well, aid both of you.”

They both looked to Sophie for opinions but she was busy playing with Aryana’s hair, trying to get her mind off of her failure to aid Anna or Mila. She was ashamed that she hadn’t even bothered to check up on them. The soothing scent of flowery vanilla she was so used to helped hold back her despair. She synced up her breathing with Ary’s and found a comforting rhythm that helped steady her mind. I… I could write a letter? I could write a letter! The others, having noticed her lack of reaction, shelved the issue for now and stewed in their own thoughts.

The silence was pushed aside by the timely arrival of their drinks, all made fresh and proved appropriately comforting for a winter’s day. Sophie’s drink soothed her soul sufficiently for her to return to normal, her eyes now dancing across the inn as she tried to spot Alodie to little success.

“So how can I help you folks?” The innkeeper asked, catching her eye.

“Uhh we’re looking for someone called Alodie. Said she had a room reserved for us.” Sophie replied.

“Ah! So it’s you good folk the lady’s told us about. Though you are two days late…” He looked over the party, “And there’s five of you instead of two.”

“Sorry about that. If there’s a late fee and perhaps the possibility of also reserving another room, we can pay for it.”

“Hmm…” The man mumbled as he tried to think before snapping his fingers, “We do have a room on the top floor. It’s one of the luxury rooms though, so the price might be… a little higher.”

“How much for a week?”

“Hmmm, normally it’s twenty gold.” He stated the eye-watering amount without even pausing, “But considering the little lady’s friends with you… I’d say ten sounds fair. But I don’t-”

He tried to speak but Sophie had already pulled out the gold coins, the man’s eyes widening in surprise.

“Well, well. Consider me humbled. I suppose the lady does make some classy friends. I’ll have one of the staff bring up an extra bed.” The lady huh, I wonder what relation Alodie has to this place.

“Thank you.”

“Anything else you need? A meal or more drinks perhaps?”

“Ah yes! Do you happen to know where Alodie is?” Sophie asked.

“Hmm, the lady’s probably back at the manor. Shall I send her a message that you’ve arrived?”

“That would be appreciated, thanks.”

“Very well.” The man clapped his hands together and grinned, “I hope you enjoy your stay at the Traveller’s Ward.”

As he walked away, there was a small silence shared by the group before Elaria rounded on Sophie.

“Sophie!” Elaria hissed, “You didn’t need to!”

“I know but it’s my treat.”

“Yes but it’s expensive! As detached as I am from worldly affairs, my time here has at least taught me the value of currency!”

“I know but here’s the most important thing.” Sophie wagged a finger to stop her sister, “I… I want more private time with Ary.” Her voice faded into a whisper.

As realisation dawned on the others, both Ary and Sophie blushed furiously at her abrupt declaration. Rayalni seemed amused while Elaria and Sophia both nodded in understanding. Sophie felt Ary’s hands grip her shirt a little tighter, the tiniest sign of approval being given to this plan. Oh… Ary… Sophie felt her own emotions swell but kept herself contained.

“Nooo…” Yana wailed softly from her bag pocket, “They’re both so pink.”

Sophie and Ary both looked mortified, even Sophie’s ears burned with embarrassment. Sophia guffawed and Elaria just looked away, Raylani meanwhile, met Sophie’s gaze and winked mischievously. Stars… the stupid faerie!

By the time the night drew to a close, the party managed to snag a suspiciously complementary dinner that Sophie made a mental note to thank Alodie for. After taking a cleansing shower to wash off the travel grime, the time to settle down soon approached. Everyone first went to examine the luxury room, finding a spacious interior unit that had an elegant set of furnishings and three fluffy beds. There were so many accessories such as desks, tables, closets and storage spaces that Sophie felt almost a bit miffed that she had so simply given it away. She even found Ary eyeing the decor with a glint of envy in her eyes.

Thankfully when she and Ary retired to their quarters, they found a still cozy if less luxurious experience. Sharing a glance with Ary, they spent a few minutes pushing the beds together, blushing all the while as Sophie was sure that they both began getting naughty ideas in their minds. Yana finally escaped from her pocket and flew around at her leisure, poking and prodding at every little thing. Growing somewhat aware of Sophie’s attention on her, the faerie stuck her tongue out and fluttered around her in an attempt to annoy her, but Sophie just grinned. She’s being a little friendlier to me at least.

Their room however, did prove to be a little chillier than their companions and the two looked disappointingly at the slightly frosted window. Noticing their displeasure, the faerie flew in front of them with a smug look on its face.

“All you must do is ask, and I shall accomplish the task!” Yana announced.

Ary snickered but complied nonetheless, “Oh little Yana, please help us out.”

With little warning, Yana twirled and darted towards the window. The duo felt only the wave of energy emitted from her for a brief second, but then they felt the warmth that settled across the room.

“No wind nor chill shall batter thee! So please pay more attention to me!” Yana complained, rubbing her stomach with mock anger.

The duo broke out laughing and nodded to each other. Having not really touched her rations while in the deep, she pulled out one of the last remaining ones and offered it to the haughty faerie. Yana still seemed displeased but made no complaints about the jerky and biscuits, the faerie taking it and nibbling on it after setting herself down on a table. Ary looked pleased and therefore Sophie was also pleased. The two nuzzled against each other and settled down on the bed, taking their time to enjoy the newfound warmth in the room.

Weary from the few days they spent at sea, the moment Sophie flopped onto the bed, she let out a satisfied sigh. This prompted Ary to immediately roll atop her, knocking the wind out of her lungs but providing a familiar weight that Sophie grew to enjoy. The two sparred quietly with their eyes, sending each other a mixture of questions and desires between them. But as they moved to shower each other with kisses, Aryana suddenly froze, a tiny feigned sound of gagging emitting from the table in the room.

Caught off guard, the duo burst into laughter and kissed more passionately than they had first intended. Peeking one eye opened, Sophie spied Yana trying her best to eat but still watching the couple intently. Well, if she already knows what we look like down there… Feeling more mischievous than anything, Sophie gently shifted around until Ary was below her, the girl looking up with wide eyes in curious anticipation. Admonishing herself for the silly idea, Sophie pushed ahead nonetheless and pulled Ary up so that the two were now back to sitting on the bed. Before Ary could react, Sophie spun around to lean against the redhead and practically tore off her own tunic and coat. Having not found a new bra to replace the damaged one in the deeps, her bosom sat exposed as she felt herself grow more aroused than expected. A lover behind her and the poor audience member ahead. With one final bad idea, she pushed herself towards Ary’s ear.

“Someone’s watching.” Sophie whispered and winked.

Mortified, confused, bewildered and uncertain. Ary froze as the scarlet blush from before returned to her face. Sophie then playfully ran her fingers around and threw off Ary’s winter coat, taking her time to loosen her tunic before removing it altogether. Ary simply watched with bewilderment as Sophie continued unabated, unclasping her bra and cupping her chests, showing them teasingly to the faerie who was now watching with mouth agape, the last piece of biscuit still held tightly in her tiny hands.

Sophie then pulled back and undressed completely, exposing herself to both sets of eyes and winking mockingly at Yana before turning her full attention to Ary. Both faerie and redhead shared the same shocked look, but unlike each other, Ary had finally roused herself from her stunned state and moved to follow Sophie’s example. Shooting an apologetic look at the completely baffled Yana, Ary had little time to react before Sophie descended upon her. The two trading loving caresses as much as giggles at the absurdity of the entire display.

Morning came with a frantic knocking on the door, startling the couple awake as they hurried threw on what they could and opened it.

“Well you slept like a baby.” A somewhat disheveled looking Sophia chuckled, “Couldn’t even wake you up through your dreams.”

“What’s happening?” Sophie asked in a panic.

“Innkeeper knocked on our door earlier, scared the shit out of us. Your friend, Lady Alodie, is coming in an hour. Get dressed, prepped, take some stuff and meet downstairs.”

“I… oh! What time is it?”

Sophia just looked towards the window and the duo followed her gaze, their own expressions morphing into ones of sheer shock at the lack of sunlight. Stars, the sun’s barely even there.

“Yeah, hence why we got unpleasantly surprised by the sudden knocking. Guess Alodie’s real excited to see you too or kinda pissed. Anyways, that’s my notice delivered, see you two downstairs.” Sophia grinned.

Leaving as suddenly as she had arrived, Sophia closed the door behind her, leaving the duo alone. They groggily turned to each other in confusion before slowly registering the message that was conveyed. Alodie, today, saints day. Ahh! With their panic shared between each other, they quickly scrambled to get properly dressed. Sophie had considered just her tunic and coat, but her hand hovered over the exquisitely crafted dwarven breastplate. She wasn’t one much in line with showing off, but she suspected that Alodie would find it fascinating. Ary seemed to agree and flashed her a small smile. Taking that as confirmation, she donned the dwarven breastplate, finding the fit snug but still flexible enough. Its colours of dark brown almost black blended in with her plain dark tunics and she looked very much like a gritty almost dark knight in training. A knight with some special cargo in tow, she smiled at Ary.

There was an excited buzz as they headed down the stairs, their three companions greeting them warmly from one of the inn’s tables. Everyone appeared at least somewhat fatigued with their early awakening, but there was an undeniable air of eagerness to explore the city in earnest. They shared a small if passable breakfast and discussed their plans moving forward. While the end goal was to return to Arteria, Sophie was brainstorming how to properly enroll the other three into the Academy. Sophia would likely be in position to earn a martial scholarship but then Sophie began wondering just how different the two of them were. Sophia, if you were to go to the Academy, what exactly would you like to study?

Her counterpart pursed her lips, her brows furrowing as she descended into the depths of her own mind. Never really thought about that, just assumed we’d be… you know in the same classes. Huh.

Elaria on the other hand, set her sights on both the historical and creative pursuits. A desire to see the world long since implanted by Sophie’s tales back in the void. Her more bardic pursuits on the other hand, only acted to serve her immediate interests and by extension, Raylani. The dark elf was mostly confused by all this surface world discussion, only offering that they had gladiator and magisterium academies in the underground. Sophie had a hard time placing where she would go but shrugged, we’ll figure it out when the time comes.

For the most part, beyond the sounds of some prep in the kitchens, the tavern had fallen relatively silent, their own conversation being one of the few things that disturbed the silence. It made it all the more obvious when something large stopped outside the inn, likely a carriage, and someone hopped off before sprinting towards the inn. Alodie, Sophie grunted at Ary, who grinned in return. Time to see what Ostia has in store for us.