“The Arterian Affair - Arterian Affairs

Chaos At The Port - A Worker’s Hat

A People Torn In Two: The Arterian Dilema - Forward Pont!

Unreported Truths: Darkness in the World’s Eye - Adventurer’s Guild Journal

The Confederation of Chaos - The Legionary

Riot in Arteria- The Carradorian

A Scandal Most Foul - Academy Gazette

To Shape Our Future - The Deeper Look ”

- Various News Headlines, Astra the 19th, “Day After ‘The Arterian Scandal’”

Sophie fought to stay silent, to keep herself still even as the sensations overwhelmed her. Mere moments ago she had been staring at the ceiling, then, out of nowhere, they came. Through her innate connection with her counterpart, they could occasionally share thoughts and words. This bout was different, it was raw unadulterated emotions. And none of it was pleasant.

Pain, sorrow, hatred, despair, loss, anxiety, fear. All flowed through like water breaching a damn, crushing whatever was caught within its onslaught. The torrent of emotion was so vivid that Sophie could feel the phantom tendrils wrap around her, the different feelings blending into a swirling vortex of chaos that sent her heart pounding.

Sophie gasped trying to process the deluge of jumbled thoughts all at once. The constraints around her binding her ever more deeply into her own thoughts. She rasped, her body realising that she had forgotten to breathe for a minute.

Then, it stopped.

There was a low drone, like the whirring buzz of a beetle or insect flying by. Then nothing. A silence. An emptiness that terrified her. For although she could put up her own mind palace to hide her thoughts from her counterpart and Sophia being able to do the same. There was always a gentle tickle at the back of her mind that reminded her of the other’s existence.

Like a lone firefly in the dark night sky, she reached out. But no matter how much she flashed, there was no connection. Or rather, only an impenetrable wall remained. Something’s wrong. What happened?

Ever since waking up, Sophie was filled with anxiety. Though she managed to hide most of her worries from Alodie, even when recuperating with just the two of them. Her mood was uplifted when news of Aryana’s recovery also reached her, the equally worried redhead and her sister alongside the dark elf paid a quick visit. The trio shared what they had heard in the meantime and Sophie wasted no time in catching up on lost kisses with Ary.

When they had to leave due to an Academy wide curfew and inspection of rooms, she and Alodie made their own fun with a deck of cards that the trio bought for them. Even Miraevie managed to make an appearance in the short time she had to wish them both well. The glint in the elf’s eyes made Sophie swell up with no small amount of pride, for she could tell that her classmate now saw her differently than just the ‘crazy half elf adventurer kid’.

Things came to a head when Veteran Inquisitor Alaran and Inquisitor Cross finally returned on Morus with some troubling news. In their investigations on campus and amongst the guardians, they had discovered evidence of not just traitors, but a handful of members that willingly betrayed their mission to aid the assassin. Thankfully all of them were promptly detained with the majority being held by the elite Raven’s Wrath, but a few given over to inquisitorial custody. Good news however, was fleeting. For apparently Taurox had arrived in the dead of night to inform the inquisitors that there was an increasing probability that the corrupt guardians and assassin could potentially have had something to do with one of the city’s trading houses.

Though there was no actionable plan yet, the inquisitors were at least kind enough to share that they planned to extract what they could from the traitors before forming a proper investigation. All of this was nominally better than the situation they were in before, where they had little to no information. But Sophie couldn’t help feel uneasy. For if Taurox was here, that meant Eva and Sophia were off in the city by themselves. And while she had no doubt they were both capable, she knew that both Eva and herself were quite rash individuals. Meaning that her clone, Sophia, would likely be equally as rash. Considering that they were dealing with a trading house, she could only hope they focused more on leisure and relaxing in the city instead.

But considering the nightmare and strange sensations last night… I somehow doubt it. She shuddered and shot Alodie a look, the girl glancing back curiously in-between bites of her porridge. Seeing her, Sophie felt a pang of guilt. For someone as innocent and kind as her current partner in recovery to have gotten hurt through no fault of her own, reminded Sophie of why she would continue to persevere. To make sure people like Alodie or Ary can live without worry. And perhaps to unravel the mystery of the Void. She chuckled a little to herself, apologies for getting so distracted. Though she doubted the Entity really cared, she figured trying to ingratiate herself wasn’t the worst idea in the world. Goddess, if it’s only that simple. With Princess Samantha’s being hurt… I wish the Entity’s the only thing I needed to worry about. Hah, and the stolen dawn. Whatever all that’s about.

“Sophie?” Alode asked.

“Eh? Nothing. I was just thinking about things, is all.” She answered with a grin.

Alodie seemed unconvinced but the girl bobbed her head nonetheless. “As long as everything’s alright.” She hummed.

“Yeah, that’s the hope isn’t it? I guess… well with all that has happened, I just think things are about to get a whole lot worse.”

Alodie’s pleasant expression faded, the girl’s lips forming a thin frown. Her downturned gazed spoke of an unspoken pain there. But then she smiled and looked up, though there was still a tension there.

“Nothing we can do about it though.” Alodie grunted.

“I… yeah, nothing we can do. At least not from here.” Sophie snickered.

The two shared a smile and settled back down to their meal.

Sophie sighed. The weight of the world still heavy upon her shoulders. She could at least theorize how everything happened, though she found little delight in the idea of another conspiracy. She also dreaded the idea of the Academy being pulled into a war. To have this last bastion of peace be thrown into chaos made her ill at ease. But whichever way she looked at it, a Carradorian princess was injured during a Traxian event. Both sides were more than willing to blame each other and while she was relatively certain neither Samantha or Lucinia would be the ones to instigate more hostilities, but that others in their camps would.

She absently toyed with her ponytail and scratched at her ears. The more immediate issue of how Eva and Sophia were getting wrapped up in this worried her even more. Leaning back against her chair, she closed her eyes. Alodie’s right. Nothing to be done from here. Might as well just… relax a bit.

“Let me through!” A snippy voice snapped outside the room.

Sophie and Alodie both jumped from their reading, the two having tried to peruse some of the church’s reading material. They looked at each other and Sophie instinctively moved in front of Alodie, gesturing for the girl to back up slightly.

“Mam, we cannot-”

“I know the two of them are in there. You can’t deny me that.”

“Mam.”

“I’ll have you-”

“That’s enough out of both of you.”

“Lord Inquisitor!”

“Ah! An inquisitor?!”

“What’s going on here?”

“I errr-”

“She’s looking to gain entry to a restricted area, sir!”

“Oh?”

“M-my err saviours, they’re in there!”

The sounds of shuffling happened, something was whispered or hissed quietly outside, their words inaudible to the two. It didn’t take long before the click of the door handle was heard and the door to the prayer room swung open. Sophie sucked in a small breath. She recognised the inquisitor in charge of the saints, Janus. The man looked at her curiously but chose to say nothing. Well at least this evening is turning out more exciting than expected.

Next to him, the temple guardsmen was standing to the side as the haughty figure of Princess Lucinia Trax strode past the disgruntled guardsmen. Her entourage included the bizarre combination of the ever present Lady Olivia, but also included Eva’s brother Mortiz looking out of place.

Alodie and Sophie traded a look, the two confused by the sudden arrival of the group.

“Well?” Lucinia tapped her feet.

“Err, hello?” Sophie mumbled.

Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

“Disappointing, you should be indebted by this visit. At least demonstrate some social graces.” Lucinia said, “But…”

“Lucy is happy that you’re alive.” Lady Livy grinned.

“I could’ve said that.” Lucinia hissed and turned back towards the duo and dropped into a half bow, “My thanks for your timely assistance.”

“And that she hopes you are recovering well.” Livy added.

“You do not need to speak on my behalf.”

“On the contrary, I do, otherwise when would you inquire about her health?” Livy dropped a formal bow.

“Tch. Your glibness does you no credit.” Lucy tutted, “But yes, I see you are… well enough.” The princess eyed Sophie.

Sophie didn’t know whether to be offended or pleased that the princess addressed her so dismissively yet cared enough to visit. Her attention then landed on Mortiz, arching an eyebrow at Eva’s brother.

“Hey don’t look at me like that.” He frowned, “I’m just here to see if you’ve seen Eva around anywhere.”

“An anwser I am most keen to discover myself, young Lord Rosengart.” Janus chimed in from the doorway.

HIs voice made the room visibly tense up, none of the students were overly keen to deal with an inquisitor. Sophie was startled but not surprised like the others. She had already noticed the analytical look in the inquisitor’s eyes. He already knows most of everything, he just wants me to confirm it.

“She’s in the city with my sister. They went to… check up with some friends to see if they knew anything.” Sophie replied. Technically the truth. At least, I think so.

The room waited for the inquisitor to respond, the man just giving her a calculating look before half smirking and turning away. “Strange friends you must have, for them to be possibly clued into an assassination attempt. But alas, I suppose I’ll have to ask the saintess myself when she returns. Oh and,” He paused in the hallway, “Good work.”

Sophie could feel the chill run down her spine. However many eyes the inquisition had on her before, she certainly had their attention now. Without another word the inquisitor left, and even the temple guardsmen seemed to let his shoulder sag in relief.

“Strange friends indeed.” Lady Livy hummed, a teasing grin on her face.

Sophie looked up warily but chose to just shrug. “Happens when you end up thrown everywhere with no plan. Make stuff up, meet people.”

“Whatever the case, we should be going now.” Lucinia declared, her nose upturned even as her eyes kept trying to survey the room, her curiosity unquenched.

“As you say, Lucy.” Livy casually bowed, earning herself a firm pat from Lucinia.

“Ugh, can you ever be more formal when we’re outside of court?”

“Absolutely not.” Livy beamed, “But yes, Lady Lucinia is right, we should depart. Lucy just wanted to make sure you were alive anyway.”

“I did not!” Lucinia protested.

The princess practically stomped away, though she did take the time to perform one last polite bow as she left. Lady Olivia moved to do the same and then nudged Mortiz and beckoned for Sophie’s attention.

“Lady Edelin is recovering quite well, though I’m sure she’d be delighted if you visited more.” Livy looked pointedly at Mortiz who shuffled awkwardly, “I’m sure she’s missing some intimacy.”

“Wha-what are you talking about?!” Mortiz blubbered. Sophie didn’t know he could look so flustered.

Lady Olivia however, simply scoffed at the exchange as she brushed past his reaction and turned to Sophie, “She also extended an invitation to meet with you as well. For what…” She held up a finger to keep Sophie quiet, “I do not know. But likely to thank you in person, I suppose.”

“Huh.” Sophie grunted.

“I’ll take that as a yes. But do take care. I’ll see you in class. And I hope that you both have a speedy recovery.” Livy waved.

Sophie hesitantly waved back whilst Alodie just embraced the chaos and bid the noble goodbye. That left Mortiz as the two turned to face him. Without the others around, he seemed almost out of his depth, and his nervous gaze only betrayed how strange it must’ve been for him to interact with Sophie by himself. That makes two of us.

“Err…” He mumbled under his breath.

“This is Alodie, a friend of both Eva and me.” Sophia pointed at the curious girl.

Alodie bobbed her head enthusiastically, “Hello.”

“And that is Mortiz. Eva’s brother.”

“Yeah, hello.” Mortiz scratched his head uncomfortably.

“Anyway, I notice that you’re still here. So either you’re finally putting in the effort to get to know me, or you still have some questions?” Sophie put on a tired smile.

While Mortiz seemed even more uncertain of himself, Alodie was initially confused. Sophie could see the girl look between the two, before her mouth opened into an ‘o’ as she realised that the two didn’t exactly have the best of relationships.

“Err… right. About Eva, can you let her know that father is coming to visit next weekend?” Mortiz almost shamefully spoke, “And that she should meet with him in the library.”

“Father? As in, Duke Rosengart?” Sophie’s eyes widened in confusion.

“Yeah, the one and the same.”

“Wha-what? Why? Now?!” Sophie exclaimed.

“Look, I don’t know why either. But I suspect it’s because of the banishment and your supposed treasonous activity. Might be he talked the lord’s council into agreeing with something.” He shrugged apologetically, “Honestly, his letter told me little else besides he was coming to meet with her. I just figured she should be mentally prepared.”

“I… I suppose you have a point. But why not just send a letter to her instead?”

“I think father-errr, the Duke is looking to spring something unexpected on her.”

“Which Eva would just positively love.” Sophie sighed sarcastically.

“And then the two get arguing and fighting. Yup.” Mortiz agreed.

“Stars above, and to arrive now of all times. Given the situation here…”

“I’m sure father would be less than pleased at how everything turned out. If he finds out that Princess Samantha was the one injured. I’m… sure he’ll have some choice words to share.”

The two acquaintances snickered and regarded each other with wary but understanding looks. Mortiz let out a deep sigh of his own before standing up.

“Sorry about the fuss. But maybe try avoiding father next weekend? I doubt he’ll have anything nice to say to you.” He mumbled.

“Pfft.” Sophie chuckled, “I’ll make myself scarce. Doubt he’d be disappointed he couldn’t see me. Nor am I particularly inclined to see him.”

“Yeah, what a damned shame.” Moritz chuckled

The two smiled a little, more friendly than they had ever before. Mortiz then waved goodbye to the duo, Alodie once again bobbing her head until the door to the prayer room closed.

Giving it a moment or two, the duo waited until they were certain no one else was around. Alodie then shot Sophie a questioning look and the half elf smiled a little.

“So what was all that about?” Alodie asked.

“Ahh, Eva’s got a little beef with her family at all times. They aren’t exactly the most fond of well, me.” Sophie casually explained, "But they love her, I'm sure."

Alodie looked surprised and almost a little sad. But the girl didn’t interrupt, just nodding for Sophie to continue.

“You were there when Eva told us all. Being branded a traitor probably didn’t help any familial rifts that were there before. Though why her dad is coming to visit next week… I confess, I cannot think of any good reason.” Sophie sheepishly smiled, “And let’s just say that while Eva’s usually respectful around him, they don’t really see eye to eye, like ever.”

“Oh! That’s unfortunate.” Alodie turned away. Man, Ostia seems so different. Her family was tight, if a bit uptight.

“Don’t worry about it. I’m sure they love each other in their own way too. After all, I’ve been around them most of my life. I should be able to tell.”

“But if you’ve been around so long, then why…” Alodie shifted pensively

“Because history, I guess. While Carradorians are nicer than Traxians, being next to the Adonar and the receiving end of unexpected incursions means that they aren’t very friendly to elves either.”

Sophie’s mind briefly flickered to the memory of her first encounter with them in force. The prison wagon and the rebels that rescued her. Yet a dull sense of unease washed over her. That’s right, the convoy got ambushed outside Eichafen. But was it to the north or south of the city? Because if they hit us to the south, then that is deep into Carrador. She frowned, more importantly, how did they know where we were? They clearly knew they were rescuing elves. So how?

“How sad.” Alodie softly muttered.

“Eh, it’s what it is. Like you said earlier, something that the two of us can’t do anything about. Especially if we’re stuck here. Heh.”

“Eheh, true.” Alodie shuffled a little closer, “So, do you have any stories about Eva? You must’ve spent a lot of time together.”

“Hmm…” Sophie tapped her nose, “I suppose I do have some, yeah. Just make sure you don’t tease Eva too much.” She giggled.

“Of course!” Alodie made a dramatic hand gesture and looked mockingly offended.

“Well, this one time the two of us snuck into the kitchen in the royal palace…”

Their night was interrupted by an urgent knocking on the door. Judging by the lack of whispering or arguments from the hallway, Sophie suspected that it was someone that the temple guard recognised. Alodie clearly had the same thought as the girl mouthed the words on Sophie’s mind, trouble.

“Who is it?” Sophie called out.

“Lady Kastiane? It’s me.” The younger inquisitor’s voice called out.

The duo wanted to breathe a sigh of relief, a friendly face was welcome. Yet, they knew that him being here almost frantically was a bad sign. For Sophie, her gut tightened as she wondered what terrible news lay ahead.

“Come in.” She responded.

A few whispered murmurs happened outside the door and the temple guardsmen let in the inquisitor.

Inquisitor Cross looked haggard, sweat pouring down from the man’s face as he hastily wiped them with his sleeve.

“Lady Kastiane? Do you think you are sufficiently healed to ride a carriage?” He asked without delay, a half nod to acknowledge Alodie’s presence.

“I…” Sophie checked her wounds, the temple healers had done a marvellous job at patching her up. But as she moved a little, she could feel her skin strain against the movement. The past few days have been boring, but they were boring for a reason.”... don’t think so.” She reluctantly shook her head, but deep inside, she already regretted her answer.

“Is that so? Unfortunate.” The inquisitor seemed surprised by her response, only to bite his lip, “In that case, we’ll designate this room as a recuperation room. I… I suspect you’ll need to prepare yourself mentally, both of you.” He seemed almost hesitant.

“Inquisitor, what seems to be the matter? Is it the scouting force? Have they returned?”

He sighed heavily, his brow creasing in frustration, “They… have. But Lady Kastiane, I must confess, though they are both back, they are not well.”

“Inquisitor, what the fuck does that mean?” Sophie demanded, her voice rising.

“I apologize mam, but believe me when I say it would be best that they talked to you. If you could have some patience, I’ll ride to Laurusport and fetch them at once. Please.” He bowed.

Sophie was in full blown panic mode, though she tried her best to hide it. Something went wrong and the inquisitor was reluctant to say it. And an inquisitor being reluctant is never good.

“If… if that’s what you deem best, inquisitor.” Sophie hesitantly affirmed.

“It is, mam.” He bowed, "They can be cared for here." Cared for? What the fuck?

“And um, what would you lot be doing when they get here?” She asked, stopping him as he turned to walk away.

“They have acquired ample materials for us to begin our investigations.” He answered noncommittally.

Despite his wavering tone, there was nothing Sophie felt that she could do. With gritted teeth, she grunted. “Very well, inquisitor. We shall prepare for their return.”

“May we be blessed by the stars.” He mumbled as he left.

“Blessed by the stars.” The duo echoed.

As the door closed behind him, Sophie turned to Alodie to see the same doubts and fears in the girl’s eyes. Just what the hells went wrong?