“There’s so many of them now. Diseased, thrice dead, and all manner of things. One should be careful venturing into the Mistveil or anywhere not on a well maintained path. Something went wrong here, more than it already was. The mana has been tainted and hordes of undead roam just beyond the treeline. If you see an undead? Just run, run and pray you aren’t already surrounded. Aside from that, I can only suggest you look for the necromancer and kill them. If you can't see it? Well, say a prayer before you die, at least. ”

- Azeriah Gaius, Silver Rank Adventurer, “Adivce On Navigating The Mistveil"

“It’s only temporary, right? I’ll go talk to father again, see if we can’t persuade the council to be more lenient. I think a year is far too much for what you did. You even helped repair relations and-”

“It’s alright, Freddie. Really.” Eva interrupted the prince’s ramblings.

Prince Frederick deflated like a balloon and his unceremonious breaking of character spooked his retainers, most of them maintaining a healthy distance from the duo. Only Evaline’s assigned guardian ritters and the kingsguard stood closer, but even then, they allowed the prince his privacy. For even under orders from the Carradorian high council itself, the ritters were unwilling to check the limits of Prince Frederick's patience.

“It’s not fair though. To have you in temporary banishment for so long. A year?! When Lord Krastein broke the articles of the treaty it was only a month!” Frederick complained.

“Freddie, I know. But it’s all because of that damned Meltonian.”

“A public embarrassment and debacle, I know.”

Eva glowered for a few seconds before she reset herself, retaining an image of calm even as her mind raged with dozens of possibilities. But amongst all the actions she saw, she knew of one certainty, she was petty. That they had been so rash with their actions to disavow her was understandable. But to also disavow the champion that had helped mend national wounds was one step too far.

“So what now? We just… let it all slide?” Freddie asked.

Eva considered the possibility for a moment. Understanding that would be the safest and most efficient way of moving past this problem. After all, a few of the nobles including King Edelin himself had been hesitant to outright condemn or punish her. But the hawkish factions would let no such act as harbouring a foreign elf and provider of assistance to Melton go unmolested. It just turns out, there are foreign policy symbols such a group desired. And I’m going to twist every goddamn screw.

“No.” Eva declared, her expression becoming more malicious.

“No? Then what’s your plan?”

Eva licked her lips, excited yet still uncertain. But they have to be reigned in, I’m sorry. I can't just let them slide.

“You tell them exactly who I am.” She chose every word with care.

“What do you mean?”

“You tell them that I am a saint, actively working not just with the church, but the inquisition. Then, then if those fucks, have the gall to act smug, you tell them this.” Eva leaned in, giving the prince a tender caress, “You tell them, that I wasn’t the only one. That Sophie’s some prophecy child or something else of the church. You tell them that, and make them squirm.”

Frederick’s eyes widened, the prince picturing the different scenarios that this would cause. The confusion and chaos within court. Eva could tell that while he was concerned, he was also just as tantalised by the chaos it could cause. It was a fickle, infantile desire to seize some sort of control, one that Eva also shared. She reached into her pockets and held out a small writ, pressing it into Freddie’s hands.

“Eva that’s…”

“I know. I already have a badge, perks of being a trainer.” She snickered.

“Then this writ...” Freddie whispered.

“Proves those claims. No need to torture your family or Duke Platts, but for those warhawks? You make sure they damn well know I’m going to argue against everything they partake in with the church.” Eva snarled.

“Are you really…”

“Pfft, of course not dummy. They just need to think I am. Besides, that would be way too much work.”

“Hahah, that does sound like something you’d do.”

“Doesn’t it?”

The two giggled and shared a long hug, their arms wrapped tightly around each other. Looking longingly at each other as they couldn't outright confirm their relationship in public. Damned ritters and knights.

“I’ll see you in Arteria, Freddie.”

“You as well, Eva. Take care.”

They shared their acknowledgements and Freddie raised his hand to signal the ritters and guards.

From where the guards had stood, six Carradorian ritters trotted alongside a carriage, their imposing forms now directed to assist her in her journey back to Arteria. It was certainly bound to be a strange trip, being asked to stay at the academy for a year. Eva smiled, a nostalgic bit of her memory flaring up. The days spent on her own in university loitering at the edges of her consciousness. Maybe a few of the saints will be back in Arteria too, that’d be a good time to train.

Stepping onto her assigned carriage, she waved farewell to Freddie once more. The ritters shut the door behind her, making a few gestures as the carriage began moving, taking her away from the prince that now held the writ. She knew it was both petty and politically dangerous for her to ask Freddie to do what he was about to do. But she was more than just petty, she knew that losing a saintess and having one declare her hostility to the state would be gut-wrenching for the warhawks. Heh, my only regret is I won’t be there to watch them squirm.

She had played her hands as well as she could. For by only attacking now, the court that had thought her a quirky and odd child would now be caught off guard. Is this why you like fighting so much, Sophie? This strangely satisfying feeling of triumph even in the face of something dire?

For her part, she did care about her family and had informed them the day before of both herself and Sophie. She wanted them to be ready for when the inevitable accusations from court came in. Strangely enough, they did seem ready, the Duke and Duchess taking the information far more calmly than she thought they would. Coupled with how Mortiz had already figured this out long ago, she suspected they all had some inkling of the truth before this moment. As long as they are ready for it. She didn’t know what level of backlash would come from Freddie’s reveal, though she doubted that the selfish hawks of Carrador would let things slide this easily. But they declared this war first, not me.

As the green forests and valleys of the Rosengart estate rolled by, Eva rested against the pillowy couch and closed her eyes. I suppose the only thing I can do now is relax. Stay safe, Frederick, see you in Arteria. And sorry for potentially getting you in trouble.

She had just crossed the border of Carrador’s western grand duchy into what was now Arteira. She couldn’t help but stare smugly out the window, imagining the sheer panic on the faces of lords who realized they temporarily banished their nation’s saintess for a year. The moment of catharsis was only barely eclipsed by her thoughts of the future, brimming with possibility now that she no longer had to act as the somewhat prim and proper daughter of nobility. For a year, at least.

It was an intoxicating line of thought and she wondered if she would be allowed to accompany the saints on more expeditions, or to perhaps find ways to get more practical experiences of her own to teach. Such freedom.

The carriage rolled to a halt and Eva immediately tensed up. Pulling back the curtain to the window, she peaked out and saw the faintest outline of four riders moving to intercept them. The ritters drew their weapons, spears and swords at the ready as the riders approached.

“Halt! In the name of King Edelin of Carrador! Identify yourselves!” One of the ritters called out.

“Hold fair knight! Inquisitor Janos of the Astralian church! We’re here to meet with a certain Evaline Rosengart.

Eva smiled slyly and chuckled to herself. What a timely arrival.

Ignoring protocol, she open the carriage door and leaned out of it, surprising the nearby ritter who pulled in his horse’s reins to stop it from staggering away.

“It’s alright kapitan, I arranged for this meeting before we even set off.” Eva called out.

“My lady…” The ritter shifted awkwardly in his saddle.

“Trust me, kapitan.”

“If you say so, my lady. But our job is still to get you to Arteria proper.” The ritter looked at her.

“And you will. I won’t run.” Eva reassured him.

The kapitan seemed doubtful but whistled a command and the other ritters turned to him.

“Let them through. Eyes up.” He ordered.

“Yes, sir.” Came the forward scout’s reply.

The inquisitor rode forward with a familiar sight behind him, Grorok the orc but clad in inquisitorial colors. My, my. They were followed by two templar warriors, those two remaining where they were to appear less threatening as only the inquisitor and his trainee approached.

Coming to a stop in front of Eva’s door, the inquisitor tipped his hat as Grorok beat his chest. Eva replied with a polite head nod and a gentle rapt on her own chest as well, acknowledging the warrior’s greeting. The ritters looked nervous but she paid them no mind, gesturing for the inquisitor to continue.

“Lady Rosengart, a pleasure to see you in good health.” Inquisitor Janos said.

“Likewise to the both of you.” Eva politely smiled.

Janos pulled out a small sealed scroll, handing it over to her. Amused, Eva took it and nodded her appreciation, taking the moment to look towards Grorok to see if the orc had anything to add. With a hearty grunt, the orc shook his head.

“The Orator was… not expecting the urgency of your last communique. I have been dispatched to check on your well-being. Which I assume is alright?” Janos spoke.

“I’m doing fine. Any news on Sophie?” Eva asked.

Janos stroked the brim of his hat and Eva knew that the man was thinking about how to share the information without tell her too much. Damned Inquisitors and their secrets.

“I’m unsure of how much you’re already aware of. But your retainer has successfully travelled to Ostia and returned. That is all. Safety wise, she appears in good health, and with an… interesting amount of companions to boot.” Janos needled his way through explaining anything worthwhile. Companions? I thought she was just with Aryana and her other friend. Huh, how curious.

“Anything else?”

“Not at the moment, Lady Rosengart. Though she is due back in Arteria… likely already there by the time you arrive.” Janos replied.

“Me arrive? What about yourself and Grorok?”

“Mmm, we have our own… concerns that have arisen within the region. Nothing for you to fret over.”

Eva grunted, clicking her tongue before looking to the scroll in her hand. “And this?”

“The Orator prepared a missive. Your eyes only, naturally.”

“Huh, fair enough. I suppose I won’t keep you two then.” Eva declared.

“Likewise, mam.”

With a tip of his hat, the inquisitor pulled back. He gestured to Grorok and the templars, the church squadron moving to the sides of the road and riding past the ritters. Eva watched them depart before signalling to the kapitan, they were cleared to move.

“At once, my lady.” The ritter acknowledged.

He made a series of whistles and the ritters reformed around her carriage. Closing the door, Eva pulled the curtains back together and turned to the strange scroll that was in her hand, the church’s seal still stuck firmly upon it. Well aren’t I a lucky damsel. She scoffed, dreading just what it might contain. With another half day’s worth of riding ahead of her, she broke the seal and unfurled the scroll. Now let’s see what this is about.

Arriving in Arteria reinvigorated her. Eva was used to carriage rides but she still found them exceedingly tiring in practice. Her stiff limbs slowly cracked back to life, her mind behaving just as sluggishly. With a yawn and a groan, she stepped off the carriage and delighted in experiencing a different surrounding than the carriage walls. She took a deep breath and drank in the strange city air, feeling zen as she released the remaining tension within her.

“We’re here, mam.” The kapitan stated the obvious.

“Thank you, kapitan. I can take it from here.”

“As you say.” He bowed.

The ritters helped pulled out her two suitcases from the carriage and bowed before departing, leaving her alone in front of the academy dockyards. Eva looked up at the already dark sky, the winter night making her shiver even though she was well dressed for the weather. A chill to the bone, how unpleasant.

“Eva, student.” She flashed her identification towards the nearest gate guardian.

The academy guard simply waved her along. Simple enough. Letting out another yawn, Eva made her way towards the ferry with her luggage, finding a few other students hanging around, likely others who had arrived in Arteria far too early.

Seeing them, Eva wondered how Sophie was doing. Companions huh? I wonder if she’s with an actual adventuring group now? Must be nice, heh. Eva’s small smile then faded as her mind drifted back to the scroll she read on the way here.

The orator had essentially offered a plethora of platitudes that were meaningless, yet hidden among his drivel were words of warning. A warning that they would have to prepare the saints even harder, for trouble was not far behind. Worse, the orator had also expressed concern about Sophie, asking Eva to keep an eye on her. Doesn’t sound good if even the inquisition is worried. Trouble is, I don’t exactly keep tabs on her, do I? Though I suppose Janos did say she is in the city.

Eva clicked her tongue in annoyance and scrubbed the thoughts as she boarded the ferry back to academy isle. To her relief, her mind slowly began turning towards more academic worries. Wondering about what extra curricular classes or clubs to pursue and planning out her academic year. She did get curious about how the other Carradorian kids would view how, what difference it might make in her experience within the academy. Though I suppose I’ve always been a bit distant from them, so maybe nothing changes, huh.

Watching the sea slowly pass by her, she was filled with melancholy as she reflected on the week’s events. She wouldn’t be able to go home for a year. Although she often tousled and argued with the Rosengarts, she still viewed them as family. But Mortiz… he’s changed.

A part of her was happy that through Freddie’s actions, she would have scored her own little victory as she sent the national council into a small panic. Yet, she also felt somewhat remorseful, knowing that she was about to burn more than a few bridges with her targeted attack against the noblity.

But she knew there was a time and a place for regret. That it was too late and frankly nearly impossible to stop now that she had Freddie commit to the process. But Gods, I would very much like to see the reactions, hah!

The academy itself was manned by a skeleton crew and the few other students who spent winter break within the safety of its walls. Though now that there were less students in general, she noticed the curiously high amount of mages that helped maintain everything as quite a few of them wandered outside of the mage’s guild towers. She supposed they had always been out and about, but that the crowds usually hid their numbers pretty well.

However, in her eyes, there was an eerie sense of loneliness that had seized the academy withe absence of the majority of the student body. The academy was huge, large enough to be a small town or city if more densely packed together and with a few hundred more buildings. It also meant however, that without an adequate population to create the same hustle and bustle, the place felt like a ghost town. Even with the large permanent guardian garrison still present, it only added to the creepy ambiance as the grey cloaked armoured soldiers looked more like ethereal spectres roaming the campus grounds.

An ominous sign if anything.

Emotionally and physically exhausted, by the time she arrived in her room she pushed her suitcases to one side and flopped onto her bed. With a tired groan, she closed her eyes and tried to focus her thoughts. For the first time in a while, Eva felt overwhelmed. Normally she would have things somewhat managed, but ever since she realized her own failings from when Sophie was kidnapped. She realized that there was so much she would still need to change just to catch up with Sophie.

Gods, I couldn’t even find her and rescue her. She damn well saved herself essentially, probably even saved the world along the way. Hahh, Eva sighed. Fiddling with her fingers, she became more certain than ever that she needed to train more, to improve and prove to Sophie that she could stand alongside her. Yeah, that’s what I’ll do. You just wait Sophie, I’ll catch up. I’ll make up for my mistakes.