“When the leaves sway gently from their branches,

Gnarled and dried like the autumn air.

When the world slowly shifts as the seasons change,

Warming reds change to brown and white

When winter’s chill embraces the land,

Coating the world in snow so pure and sublime.

When frigid winds howl against the empty night skies,

Is where my star shines the highest and brightest.”

- Alodie Elftheria, Student At Academy of Arteria, “Poem: Winter’s Star”

Aryana bobbed happily as she left the classroom. Professor Mckinley offered a few kind words but other than that, she wasn’t fussed over too much and that felt swell. Her mood was further bolstered by Fana and Aubrey inviting her to a get together friday night. It would certainly mean she’d be tired by the time Aetemo and Taveia’s party rolled around. But going without Sophie also meant that she wasn’t likely to stay too long. That however, brought about a completely different line of thought.

She lowered her head as her face exploded into a furious crimson blush. Her mind, though a little addled at the time, remained cognisant enough to remember everything. As she remembered how Sophie had pushed her up against the wall, she tried not to let out a soft moan at the idea of it happening again.

“Stop spacing out, or you’ll make me pout!” Yana bopped her head.

Ary giggled, “Sorry, sorry.”

Not having had Sophie around, she had to hand Yana off to Elaria. But now that Sophie was back, the half elf could resume care for the errant fae. After all, she had gotten lucky that her incident in the magic tower was marked as an anomaly. She had no intention of pushing her luck and putting Yana at risk of discovery by the mages if she didn’t need to.

Ary tried her best to push the lewd thoughts aside. She would have plenty of time to ravish Sophie at night, there was no need for such things in the middle of the day. Argh. Need to focus. Math class with Sophie next! Eheheh.

She squished her cheeks and tried to massage the burning sensation away. All it did was make her want to give Sophie’s cheeks a squish as well. They were less soft than hers, but there was a certain tautness that was delightfully bouncy to the touch.

Her inner thoughts quickly turned to reality as she sighed Sophie’s distinctly black hair amongst a crowd of students, tied, as she always did, in a ponytail. Excited, she bounded over, Yana letting out a soft yelp of alarm as her human jolted forward. Ary’s feet tapped against the paved stones with trepidation, her toes curling as she prepared to spring forth with a kiss.

As her mouth opened to call out, the words died before they even left her throat. Around Sophie were the most unusual of sights. The Traxian Princess Lucinia and her attendant, and a hesitant looking catgirl that was busy scanning the area around them. On any given day and with any other person, seeing a half elf, beastfolk, and traxians together would be strange. Seeing them with Sophie however, Ary could feel her heart sinking. Something happened. Spirits above, no!

Yana zipped past her to attract Sophie’s attention. Though Yana held the half elf in low regard, there was no true enmity between the two. In an instant like this, Ary was thankful that the fae was both more perceptive and decisive than she was. After all, she wanted to call out Sophie’s name, but she couldn’t. She felt helpless. Sophie’s hurt again, and again, there was nothing I could do to help her.

Sophie almost immediately caught sight of the flying fae. Ary watched with a small sense of amazement at Yana’s adeptness in the air. With but a simple twirl and a dive, she had gotten the point across. Sophie’s tired expression traced the motion and lit up slightly when her eyes landed on Ary’s. Yet, even from here, Ary could tell that all was not alright. For Sophie’s smile never quite reached her eyes. Instead, there was joy, but only sprinkled amongst an expression that looked far too tired.

“Ah! The commoner!” Lucinia’s distinctively regal voice carried to her despite it being a whisper. If there was any confusion, her finger pointing directly at Ary gave little wiggle room for who she was looking at.

“That’s Aryana.” Lady Olivia chimed in. Ary was thankful that there was someone to keep the princess in check.

“I knew that! I was just surprised!” Lucinia pouted.

The two Traxians helped Sophie along as the catgirl lingered slightly behind, bobbing her head to acknowledge Ary. Despite herself, Ary beamed a smile. However bad a situation was, at least she had the chance to make a new friend. Better yet, for some reason, the Traxians were at least not outright hostile to Sophie. A small mercy.

She waved them over and bowed respectfully.

“Ary!” The relief in Sophie’s voice hurt all the more. It meant she had already suffered some pain.

“Sophie.” Ary shot back up, “Lady Lucinia, Lady Olivia.”

She looked to the catgirl and waited. The feline in turn, also seemed to be waiting.

“That’s Kyrie. Our classmate.” Lady Olivia introduced, “This is, as I told Lucy earlier, Aryana. She’s Sophie’s partner.” She shot Ary a wink that made her squirm a little.

“Pleasure.” Kyrie bobbed her head.

“Likewise.” Ary followed along.

Their collective gazes finally turned towards Sophie, the half elf looking a little dazed before writhing uncomfortably under the attention.

“What?” Sophie groaned.

“What happened?” Ary asked.

The others seemed a little uneasy, Sophie’s eyes slanting downwards.

“Sophie?” Ary pressed.

“Bad memories.” The half elf mumbled.

Ary immediately moved closer, reaching out to offer a gentle caress. Yet, Sophie recoiled slightly and she froze. The others around them gave her a sympathetic expression. Sophie seemed rattled, though she eventually moved close enough for an embrace, one that Ary now cautiously provided. Her heart ached at the touch, the joy she had imagined was nothing more than melancholy now.

Still, she vowed to at least help nurse Sophie back to a semblance of normality, slowly pulling the girl into a deeper embrace.

Ary cast a thankful gaze upon the others. After all, whatever disdain the Traxian’s might have of elves, they still helped. Maybe they’re just thanking Sophie for the assassination attempt. Lady Olviia put on a warm smile, one that brought a little life to Ary. Lucinia was, as the princess always was, a little miffed. But she nodded in acknowledgement all the same. The catgirl awkwardly bobbed her head.

“Thank you, I’ll keep her company. We have class together next anyway.” Ary informed them.

“Right.” Lucinia tutted.

“Just let her rest if she needsit, it was a… shocking experience to say the least.” Olivia added cryptically.

Ary could only sadly smile. Sophie didn’t always have nightmares. But they were often enough that she had already gotten used to being occasionally kneed in the stomach whenever they cuddled every once in a while. It was a sobering line of thought, for she knew that the more Sophie adventurered and did what she did. That the darkness in her mind would only ever continue to grow.

She tightened her embrace and finally felt Sophie relax, the older girl returning the gesture and resting her head against her shoulders.

“Ary…” She murmured softly, “And thanks everyone, sorry for the trouble.” She put on a more dejected tone, her shoulders sagging into Ary’s.

“Tis fine. Just don’t be so irritating in the future.” Lucinia tutted, “Oh, and, now we’re even.” The princess sharply turned on her heel.

Ary found the gesture entirely absurd and had to bite her lip to stop from snickering. Sophie thankfully, seemed to recognize something more than blind disdain and bid her farewell.

“Don’t worry, she’s grateful for what you’ve done.” Lady Olivia chimed in, “We’ll be-”

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

“Livy!” Lucinia let loose a shocked gasp.

Lady Olivia chuckled, “She means well. But as my lady says, we’ll be out of your hair. Take care.” She bowed.

The duo separated, both offering respectful bows of their own, much to the princess’s increasing consternation. She grumbled something else before hastily waving and departing, her attendant in tow.

That left the stray maujurrin who seemed a little more nervous than when they had begun. The feline shifted uneasily on the spot.

“Thanks, Kyrie.” Sophie addressed her, “I’m sorry for the trouble, really.”

The cat hastily shook her head, “No, no. It’s fine. I just…”

“It’s okay.”

“I just never seen someone scream in so much pain before. And nothing was happening.” Kyrie toyed with her feet, her eyes only half meeting the duo’s.

Ary could see Sophie wince and gently pat the half elf’s head. Spirits, it must’ve been a bad flashback.

“Don’t worry, I’ll keep her company. Promise” Ary forced a smile before attempting her best wink.

The feline frowned but wiggled her ears, “Good uhh, good luck.”

“Have a good day as well, hopefully we meet under better circumstances.”

“Likewise.” The cat perked up a little before waving goodbye.

“See you.” Sophie whispered softly, the half elf unintentionally gripping onto Ary’s sleeve.

There was a certain tension there that Ary could feel. It wasn’t one of longing or anger. It felt more like the desperate clawing trying to stop something from disappearing. There was a pain that irked her. A pain that she could barely understand yet remained familiar all the same.

Left with just the two of them, Ary managed to sneak her fingers in between Sophie’s. The other girl took a moment to relax, the lingering feelings not having completely dissipated. She squeezed. After a nervous second, Sophie squeezed back. Ary internally let out a small sigh of relief. At the very least, she was present, and that was enough for her.

Yana flittered back, seeing the crowd disperse. The strange little fae glaring wearily at Sophie before gently fluttering down into Ary’s pocket. Her tiny face gazing up at Ary curiously, as if trying to inquire about the situation.

Ary flashed her a depressed glance before looking towards Sophie, hoping to convey that the elf was suffering. Whatever the case, Yana let out a tiny harrumpf and crossed her arms before settling down to lounge inside her pocket. Ary cracked a smile, there was something bizarre having a faerie in her pocket, let alone its mannerisms.

Sophie finally seemed to return to her and caught a glimpse of Ary’s expression. The half elf drew a little closer so that their cheeks touched and she could also peer into the pocket. Yana’s eyes flickered open now that the sun was entirely shaded. Catching a glimpse of both of them together, Ary could hear a little growl emanate from the fae.

“If it isn’t the half dead elf, you need to take better care of yourself.” Yana snorted.

Ary suppressed a chuckle and looked up just to find Sophie assessing her. There was a certain melancholy there, but there was also an expectation. Sensing this, she let out a tiny giggle. Once she smiled, Sophie joined in and also giggled a little. Ahh, I see, she feels lost from loss.

Ary nuzzled Sophie and sighed into her, the girl shuddering from the breath.

“Ary…” Sophie whispered.

“I’m here.”

“Ary.” Sophie grabbed onto her tightly.

“Mmhmm.”

“I’m such a mess.”

“Maybe.”

“Sorry to be a bother.”

“You’re not.”

“But I…” Sophie’s voice wavered.

“But you care. That’s all they can ask for. For you to hold onto their memory.” Ary squeezed.

Sophie let out a deep sigh, maybe not accepting but at least willing to offload some of the tension into their embrace. Ary found herself more than willing to at least help carry some of it.

“Y-yeah.” Sophie softly rasped.

Ary adjusted herself so that their noses touched, Sophie wincing a little before her jewel like eyes locked onto Ary’s.

“Sophie, hmm.” Ary mumbled.

Sophie waited, the half elf searching her eyes for direction.

“We’ll go rest if you need it, okay?” Ary began.

“But I-”

Ary shushed her with a gentle kiss, “I said 'if you need it'. For now, let’s go to math class. Maybe some numbers will scare you back to normal.” Ary grinned.

Despite of whatever turmoil she felt, Sophie’s lips wobbled. “Pffft.”

Content with her small victory over Sophie's pain, Ary pulled away and giggled. Sophie’s distant gaze swapping to one of mirth as the edges of her eyes crinkled from a suppressed chuckle of her own.

“I know it must be rough, but I’m here for you. Rely on me a bit more, okay?” Ary purred.

“Mmm.” Sophie smiled, “I’ll… try.”

Hand in hand, Ary gave her one last squeeze and dragged her forward. Though initialy reluctant, Sophie soon matched her step. I’ve got you.

When the duo arrived in mathematics and greeted the usual crowd. Even Aetemo and Tavevia could tell something was up with Sophie. Though with a knowing glance from Ary, the wolf kin did not pursue the matter further. It was only then that they joined the other students in discovering something.

The red scaled Professor Tarscrim was late. Unlike some of the other professors, he never really complained about students who filtered in late, but he himself tended to be within the classroom at least ten minutes in advance. By now, his missing presence had alarmed them all. Ary felt a small pit forming in her stomach. Today had started so wonderfully that all these setbacks made her grow even more alert, which in turn made her more exhausted than she had expected.

Tired, Ary leaned against Sophie for a brief respite, the girl still too tense to respond normally but offered a nominal head pat in compensation.

With the class keeping an eye on both the clock and the door, it wasn’t long before a student stirring near the doorway alerted the whole class to the professor’s imminent arrival.

A little nervous, Ary sat back up, her eyes glancing over at Sophie before training themselves on the doorway.

When the clacking of the professor’s shoes stopped at the doorway and a click sounded from the lock. The class could only curiously watch on as their lizard folk professor strode into the classroom as if nothing was amiss. Yet, as he entered, the source of his delay followed suit.

Behind him, a dour looking girl with her dirty blonde hair tied in a ponytail like Sophie emerged into the classroom. Her dress uniform was nothing short of immaculate; free of the creases and scuff that plagued everyone else. Upon her face, an ever familiar looking scowl etched there despite her best attempt to smile. Almost instantly, the class broke out into hushed whispers. Ary meanwhile, squinted hard at the newcomer, trying to identify why exactly she looked so familiar.

“Ahem.” Professor Tarscrim silenced the class.

In a showing or remarkable alacrity, the wave of noise quickly subsided as they waited for their professor.continue. The lizard’s lips upturned in satisfaction at the class's rapid response. He then coughed to firmly assert his presence and to draw everyone’s attention to him.

“Ah…” Sophie let out a soft, barely audible gasp.

“Class. I know this is a special occasion, but this month has been anything but normal.” He announced.

A small round of chuckles followed. Ary joined in, certainly not a routine month, or at least, I hope not. Heheh.

“But I’m here to announce a new student who is here to join our journey into better understanding the world of numbers. Please welcome a new student to the Academy, Lyudmilla Tavzda.” He gestured to the girl beside him.

Her eyes widened as her mind spun in overdrive at the realization. Ah! That’s Mila! Is it really? Is she back? Ary’s shocked expression mirrored Sophie’s earlier outburst. When she looked over to Sophie, the look of awe in her eyes was more than enough to confirm that they were indeed seeing the same thing.

“If you don’t mind, a quick introduction for your colleagues before we get started with the class?” The professor gestured.

“Of course.” Mila bowed towards him before lowering her head at everyone else, “Hello everyone, my name is Lyudmilla but you can just call me Mila if it’s simpler to remember.”

“Mila?!” Sophie unwittingly called out.

Aside from the momentary embarrassment, Ary caught a glimpse of another emotion present in her partner’s eyes. There was something akin to a longing, no, not longing, more like… an understanding… ah. Ary deflated a little, she understood both Sophie’s surprise and what the half elf had seen. Of course. Mila’s a fighter too. A comrade, a real one.

“Ah..." The girl let out an estranged cry before remembering where she was, "Soo… sorry. Right. I’m at the Academy to learn more about problem solving skills be they in mathematics or the humanities. Errr… that’d be all.” Mila tipped her head, trying to hide how flustered she had become

“How very succinct.” The professor jumped in to rescue the errant student, “Do you two know each other, err, Miss Kastiane.” He probed Sophie, who nodded back. Mila too, offered a small if embarrassed nod. “Well then, I was going to ask who would like to help get you accustomed to things, but if you already know each other then I’ll let Miss Kastiane there before the one to help you ease in. You got that?” He directed the last question at Sophie.

Sophie looked almost determined when she nodded her affirmation. Unlike how she had been just before class, there seemed to be a surge of energy that had arisen out of nowhere. Though Ary was happy for her, she couldn’t help beut feel a little saddened. That it wasn’t her who managed to break Sophie out of her stupor, but rather, the appearance of an old friend. Then what good am I?

“Very well. Then Miss Tavzda, if you don’t mind moving to that row and joining them.”

“Of course sir.” Mila confirmed.

As the girl drew closer, now Ary could properly recall all her features. The never ending scowl, the slightly overly aggressive gait, but isn’t she in the church? Shouldn’t she be in the church program?

“Aryana.” Mila greeted her with a polite little bow.

“Mila!” Ary bobbed her head enthusiastically,

“Sophie.” Mila continued, her gaze suddenly turning to the side, almost as if she was ashamed.

“Mila.” Sophie smiled widely.

Though as she watched the two trade glances, Ary could sense something was amiss. But what, she did not know.

On one hand, Ary’s heart was filled with a small sense of relief at the fact that their friend was safe, however suddenly she had arrived. Another part of her also lamented what her presence could possibly mean for the rest of the gang. Just like that, life gets a little more complicated. Hah.