A Knight's Lilies

"Joy Against The Storm
Sturmbreaker recently celebrated its founding with the 'Sturmende' festival. Giant status and arches of the city's numerous 'Storm Breakers' were erected as merchants and visitors from all across the Ascaloni coast and the free cities gathered to honor the city's name sake for taming the worst of the storms that once battered the Ascalon Coast from the Sea of Sorrows."

- Arterian Affairs, Seventh Page, "Section: Events Across The Realm"

A whirlwind of events followed soon after their meeting with the Carradorian council. Aside from a brief moment of respite in the aftermath of the negotiations, there was still much to be done for the Lily Knights. With the Astralian church's support only carrying them so far, the rest of their expedition would have to be a mixture of self raised funding and what resources that Mila could requisition in order to aid them.

It led to a brief splintering of the group where Elaria and Raylani now tried to ply their trade in Neun Carad's taverns. The unlikely trio of Hanabi, Sigrid and Lucinia being assigned to procure any last minute supplies they think the group might need now that they are underway. And the unenviable task for Sophie to have to figure out an outfit with an overly eager Eva using her to play dress up and the equally eager to see the results Ary in tow. Her only consolation prize was that they had managed to coax Sophia to go along with them, and it was perhaps a little uncanny but also satisfying being able to see her own horror at the situation reflected so accurately.

The four of them, alongside Eva's entourage of saints, roamed the streets of Neun Carad like a pack of tourists. It felt almost like a surreal recreation of when she had explored Ostia alongside Alodie and the others. That hint of wonder at the new environment tinged with an appropriate amount of caution at just how obvious it was that most of them were first time visitors.

In a way though it was it's own blessing and curse. On one hand, she didn't need to strictly train alongside Sir Taurox in the precious little time that she did get to spend in the capital. On the other, she found herself terrifically embarrassed by the low cut dress that Eva and Ary were now giggling over.

Goddess, could they not choose something more appropriate for me? She groaned.

At least those two are taking their time, do you know how many different things this gaggle want me to try? Sophia shot back. Sophie could practically hear the snarl emanating from her sister's thoughts.

Are the outfits at least cute? She posed what was perhaps the most pertinent question to her sister.

There was an uncanny silence and she almost smirked out loud. Only the storm of grumbles that followed indicated any shifting of emotions or opinions.

They have better taste than you. Was the only answer she received.

Heh.

"Fine fine, you're right." Ary chuckled, "We should be a little more serious."

"Hah, it would've certainly made a statement. Tah, a shame though. I think she would've looked nice in that." Eva answered.

"Mmmm, yeah. Hah."

Their voices drew Sophie's attention back to the dress. A frilly top with ribbons and a surprisingly revealing cut. She winced at the sight. If anything, it felt like something better suited for Eva or Ary more than her. Would fit their figures much better too. Hmm, I definitely wouldn't mind seeing Ary wear it…

Mildly amused by the notion, she broke out of her trance and quickly bent over to give Ary a peck.

"Ah!" Ary squeaked.

"Hah, Sophie." Eva beamed, "I'm guessing you would prefer something less flashy?"

Sophie exaggeratedly rolled her eyes and stared at Eva expectantly.

"Boo, shame." Eva teased.

"Shame, eheheh." Ary giggled playfully.

Sophie ruffled her hair and earned herself a gentle slap.

"I think you would look cute in it though." Sophie grabbed onto her hand, guiding it over the dress.

"Ah?!" Ary blushed a little, her cheeks reddening.

Sophie shared a smile with Eva and they held up the dress over Ary, both nodding in sync as if in agreement. Ary squirmed in her wheelchair, evidently feeling a fresh new wave of embarrassment at suddenly being the object fussed over by the two.

"It's fine?!" Ary tried to resist.

Eva shook her head, "We have to try. Heavens knows this girl would rather wear her armor before anything nice." She huffed.

"Hey, I can look cute and pretty too." Sophie mockingly pouted.

"Pfft. I'm sure you can. No doubt Aryana would agree too, eh?" Eva snickered.

"Heheh." The redhead sheepishly chuckled.

"Still," Eva rapt Sophie atop the head, "I'm guessing that the best we can do this time for you is probably something more functional than elegant or cute. Maybe like what I'm planning to go in, a riding uniform or some form of soldering attire. Hmm."

"What are you imagining?" Sophie narrowed her eyes.

Ignoring her, Eva lowered herself next to Ary like a conspiratorial artist and held up her hands to frame Sophie.

"Can you see this, Aryana? I'm thinking maybe a more militaristic style, maybe tight breeches, whatever we can find that is form fitting. Then for her top, a short jacket over her tunic, tight sleeves, maybe a blue if we can find one. I can see it already, a handsome northern cavalry officer returning from the war."

Perhaps eager to have the attention be focused away from her, or just eager to see Sophie get dressed up, Ary nodded enthusiastically at the suggestion.

"Ohh, maybe instead of blue, green and black? Weren't those your umm, family colors?" Ary added.

Eva's eyes widened for a moment and Sophie swore she saw something akin to pride swell within her.

"Hmm, not a bad call. I could see it. It'd match her hair too. Though I feel like maybe it needs one more element to the outfit. A belt? A coat? Nah, a coat would be too much. She'd look like an actual Volksgradian at that point." Eva mused, "At least they're stylish."

"A belt would look nice." Ary affirmed, then she sniggered.

"Ary?"

"Hmm?"

The two of them queried the redhead.

"It's uhhh… a bit dumb sounding… but what if she wore an ornament or floral hair clip of sorts?"

"Ahhh, I see." Eva nodded thoughtfully, "A lily for the Lily Knight."

Ary bobbed her head, relieved that Eva didn't dismiss her idea.

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"Eva, this is too much. I'll be fine, really." Sophie sighed futilely, knowing Eva's mind was already made up.

"Tah, I'm back on the family allowance, though the church's is still more than sufficient to cover these expenses. For you too, Aryana. We need to make you stand out… err, poor choice of words there."

"Pfft." Sophie snickered.

Ary jokingly groaned but smiled nonetheless.

"Right, let's go about searching for a jacket and some breeches, shall we? Sophie's gotta look her best after all." Eva excitedly clapped her hands.

"Uhn!" Ary grunted.

Sophie just groaned. This is going to take a while, isn't it? Wouldn't just a nicer tunic and pants be fine?

Sophie and Sophia tried their best not to look at each other amongst the cackling of the others. Evidently, the sisters and their similarity in appearance had inspired something within the outlanders. Eva had suggested the idea of a cavalry uniform for Sophie. Apparently, the girl called Miyuki had done the same and the idea was readily taken on by the other saints.

Except that with Sophia's generally more quiet demeanor, she did not put up enough of a fight and ended up as the originally envisioned version of Sophie. Unlike the green and black jacket that Sophie wore, hers were the blue and red of Arteria. Atop her head was also a wool cap sitting above a simple grey cloak instead of Sophie's new hair clip. Across her chest was also what looked to be a sash of sorts, completing the look of a Volksgradian light cavalryman in full.

"I must say, sensei has good taste." Suzuki giggled.

"Hah, I guess Miyuki and I both were thinking of hussars, hmm? Didn't take you for a student of history as well." Eva grinned.

The saintess in question meekly nodded her head, trying to appear unnoticed.

"On occasion." The girl whispered diminutively.

"That's what spare time as a miko must get you." Another girl nodded thoughtfully, one bearing sword and shield and stood at just about Sophie's height. Emi, I think.

"I-I studied too! Did stuff with friends too!" Miyuki protested and slid up towards the other mage of the saint squadron.

Wearing a uniform not dissimilar to Sophie and Sophia save for the fact that everything was a tad baggier than the tight jacket and pants. The mage affectionately bopped Miyuki on the head with her wand.

"Ayumi, you spoil her too much." Emi teased.

"What can I say? She's quite spoiled." Ayumi chuckled.

"Hey!" Miyuki pouted.

"I'm just a little jealous." The only male saint of the squadron mumbled. Clad in leather armor and standing a little bit further off from the others.

"Why's that?" Suzuki queried.

"Those uniforms look pretty cool." He muttered.

"Hear that? Riku likes the style too." Emi gave the miko a nudge and a wink.

The two in question quickly looked away from each other and blushed. I see.

"He's right though. I can't believe I'm saying this, but you two do look pretty nice in uniform." Suzuki redirected the conversation back to the twins.

The saints nodded or mumbled their ascent. Now it was Sophie and Sophia's turn to feel a little embarrassed once more. Ary was just happy, the girl having clutched onto Sophie's hand since the others reunited with them. In truth, the gesture alone pleased Sophie immensely though she tried not to let it show. To her, it felt like Ary was doing it more than just for reassurance, but rather, to make it clear that Sophie was hers. And Sophie liked that.

"I mean, it'd be nice if we got something showy, maybe." Riku muttered.

Suzuki side eyed him and a mischievous glint entered into her eyes, "Are you alright? Us in uniform? Don't tell me instead of demure girl you actually prefer the handsome dashing type?"

"Suzuki-san." He grumbled.

"A quiet, charming princess, ready to spring into action." Suzuki gleefully motioned back towards Miyuki.

The saintess and saint in question were now both profusely flushed. The others laughed on and teased a little more as Eva tried her best to calm them down. Guess she took on the role of their teacher even more than I thought, heh.

She smiled fondly at the sight, her brief moment of levity enhanced by a loving squeeze of affirmation from the girl beside her. Delighted, she also grew keenly aware of the one who still stood, if not physically, then mentally away from everyone. Sophia didn't seem to mind that, but Sophie could occasionally feel ever so faint flickers of confusion or disappointment here and there. Enough that she knew Sophia was content yet still wished she could be more social. The worst part was that she suspected the pain and trauma she felt was likely the cause for her sister's struggle to overcome that barrier. That despite being almost a full clone of her, any immediate chances to imitate Sophie socially, however awkward that she sometimes was, had been stifled.

Sophie couldn't begin to understand how to help heal that pain. Not back then, not now. But she could try, and she had seen Sophia start to participate more. Picking up idle chats and banters with the others now that she was growing more familiar with everyone. And she now saw it more acutely, the longing in Sophia's almost overly composed demeanor, how her sister was trying to stop herself from joining in the moment alongside what were practically strangers. So Sophie did the next best thing she could.

She took on the role of an older sister and slipped her arm around Sophia and pulled the girl in for a surprise hug before ruffling her hat.

"Oi." The girl hissed.

"It's alright to relax every once in a while, you know?" Sophie answered the aggrieved hiss.

Having already learned most of Sophie's body cues and far more about her than anyone else would, Ary interrupted any potential complaints with a cheeky giggle.

"Hug, hug!" The redhead demanded delightfully, bringing the three of them together.

Unable to withstand Ary's cuteness, Sophia acquiesced, much to Sophie's amusement.

"Eheh." Ary giggled some more as she took up both their hands in hers, "My two beautiful soldiers." She proudly announced it to the world.

Her words elicited some smiles and cheers from the others, absolutely thrilled that the two sisters seemed to now be playing up their similarities. Eva even let out an audible snort, though for entirely different reasons. She was the only other person who was abundantly aware of the dynamics between Sophie and Sophia. Amidst this upswell of joy bombarding them, Sophia cracked out a rare genuine smile. And though Sophie held no intention to dampen her thunder, she did have to add a tiny morsel of advice. All the more pertinent given that she knew Sophia shared her memories at the time of creation.

She's mine. She quickly added.

It earned her an amused chuckle as Sophia just arched a brow at her.

If I wanted her she'd already be swept off her feet. Her sister shot back after a moment.

Sophie bristled at the comment and stared at her. Sophia naturally stared back. Her sister was more than eager to match her hostile gaze. Then, as if buoyed by the absurdity of everything, they shared a laugh together. It was only for a brief moment. But for Sophie, it was good. Another small step in the right direction.

The grand party reconvened in the cathedral of Astralis in Neun Carad. Flanked by massive statues of the first saints and Goddess's pantheon, Starchosen Meclin of the cathedral carried out an Astralian ritual of blessing over the group. It was ostensibly something to grant them luck and to ward out evil, though for Sophie, the holy magic had little effect. For Sophia, it was likely far more agonizing. The fact that she was a being of shadow made manifest only made the process all the worse.

Thankfully, Elaria's own resistance to magic was strong enough that her presence beside Sophia was able to mitigate the worst of it. Still, judging by the pained reverberations that flowed from Sophia's unrestrained thoughts, Sophie could only hope that her sister would recover quickly enough. She also made a mental note to ask Mila about holy magicks in the future. Alongside Elaria, she reached over to grab Sophia's hand, trying to provide what relief that she could. Sophia just gritted her teeth but did not pull away.

With a few flicks of holy water that fortunately missed her sister, the ceremony came to an end and also the gradual conclusion of the day's events. They were all now free to relax once more and the night was up to them.

A few relieved sighs even emerged from the saints, clearly the religious rituals did not inspire them much either. Out of everyone besides the templars and inquisitors, only Lucinia seemed to fully immerse herself in the moment. The former princess had taken great care to perform the movements of the prayers without fault. Sigrid was trying her best not to nap. Heh.

All of this made Sophie feel almost a hair nostalgic with the mundanity of it all. Of course, she never got the chance to actively participate while with the Rosengart household. But she had been around enough to know that their faith remained strong. And for back then, it was more than enough to just be around on the periphery. Compared to now, it was a far simpler time for her.

As for herself, she still didn't know what to think about everything yet. Everyone knew the Goddess is real and her pantheon too. But she suspected that beyond religious figures or blessed individuals that they do not often get a chance to see the world through different eyes or even interact with them. She had seen the infantile nature of life, seen it through the realm of the void beyond. And here, she had even talked, spoken directly to the Goddess of Shadows Morea. Though she hadn't 'seen' the Goddess, that Sophia existed at all was proof enough. Yet, it was that which also caused her great concern.

Bah, too esoteric to think about for now, she grumbled.

Instead, she cast her gaze back on the others. With the ritual over, it meant that their next hurdle was the Carradorian ball and confronting the court of nobles. Eva's reintroduction to Carradorian society was already going smoothly. The event itself offering up a celebratory reprieve for all involved. It was what happens afterward at the court that worried her. For she was to petition the gathered members of court to strike down the proscription of her as a traitor to Carrador. And if the meeting of the council was any indication, then there'll probably be even stiffer opposition. But oh well, she sighed, I'm already stuck in it, no point backing out now.