A Knight's Lilies

"It was said that once the Myndiri Elves ruled the Highwall Basin (now Carradorian Basin) and Carnatorus Wastes (now Barren Lands), they constructed many secret fortress structures to hide away their many unethical experiments and prison camps for dissidents. While their tinkering did cause large scale plagues of undeath to spawn from the respective regions. The latent energies within these places is why the two areas seem so different now. In Carrador, their experiments broke free but were eventually subdued or driven deeper into the Mistveil forests. Whereas in the now Barren Lands, a land already teeming with foul magicks, Myndiri sorcery only amplified it and caused an unstoppable tide that forced even the Myndir to retreat. "

- Archivist Renauld Talash, Library Of Traxia, "Introduction Into The Astral Church: How Necromancy Shaped The Foundations"

Heavy clock hands struck another note as muted jingles signalled the passing of yet another hour. The musicians adjusted their instruments as they dropped into a slower symphony. If Sophie remembered what little she did of Carradorian musical culture, she reasoned that it was likely one of the ballads dedicated to the story of King Jarcan Edel, the first officially noted king of Carrador and his rebuilding of the nation after the shattering.

An older, more classical piece about a broken land and warring people's journey of renewal and growth. Of how they overcame their struggles through determination and the Goddess. At least, that is what she assumed the themes would be if she asked Eva for an answer. In truth, Sophie hadn't really had much time to appreciate music. Though she certainly found the ball to be relatively enjoyable so far. Now, if the nobles were not about to judge her charge of treason in about an hour, she might even be able to actually enjoy the night.

Still, at least Eva looked like she was finally able to let loose, if just for a few hours. Sophie dreaded to think about the amount of planning that needed to just facilitate that allowance of both such a large entourage, but to also have so many folk meet directly with the king and his council. Prince Frederick had to be involved in some capacity but how Princess Samantha played a role remained a mystery to her. Though she supposed if anyone would just tell her about it, the princess was also the most likely one beside Eva, presuming she asked.

Those that hadn't been invited out onto the ballroom floor by then had settled into relaxing chatter surrounding Sophie's table. Though with everyone present, she still noticed that Elaria and Raylani remained elusive still. The bard and her assistant were still nowhere to be found even when she tried to look over the crowd into the middle.

While everyone else might've been worried for the bard seeing as she had thus far eschewed violence and outsourced it to the dark elf. Sophie wasn't, for Elaria came from the darkness beyond, much like herself. But where It had only changed her, Elaria was a being made wholly by the Void beyond. Though Sophie was uncertain about the scope of abilities granted to the girl, if they were anything like her own and perhaps even more so, then there was nothing to worry about. She can handle herself, though it'd be nice if she let us know what the hells she has planned every once in a while.

Next to her, Ary lazily yawned. The cute expression made Sophie want to reach over to squeeze her cheeks. Catching onto the dangerous expression, Ary shot her a playful warning and the two shared a giggle.

Across the table, sat perhaps the third most unpopular person at the ball only falling behind Sophie, Lucinia. Though in this case, having gained a newfound respect from the saints, she seemed far more at ease than when this whole affair had started. In a way, Sophie even saw a little bit of Eva inside the Traxian. They both strived to make the world a better place in their own way, albeit that Eva had been thrust onto that position rather than the conscious choice that Lucinia made to champion her own cause. It also helped that based on what she could see, both of them were held in relatively high esteem by the saints, although undoubtedly, their loyalty still laid fully upon Eva.

Mila sat with a laidback sort of demeanor, the inquisitor at this point still trying to keep the veneer of aloofness and merely observing the proceedings. Sophie wanted to draw her into things, to engage her in conversation. But given that Mila had also kept her own and the church's plans close to her hand, Sophie got the feeling that she was very much fully focused on whatever she needed to do. Add to that with Inquisitor Janos also present and chattering to a few members of the nobility, Sophie didn't want to draw any unwanted attention to the girl.

Meanwhile, Sigrid was busying herself with some more food, the mermaid's insatiable appetite proving a strange spot of amusement amongst the group. She cared less about the pomp and circumstance of everything happening after the first half hour or two. An admirable mindset given that the party wasn't technically here for the ball itself and were only really passing by as a brief stop before moving on. And she seemed relaxed enough right now that Sophie was happy enough to leave her be.

Out of everyone, Sophia seemed the most uncomfortable by today's events. Sophie's twin sat almost as still as a stone. For much like Sophie herself, they both shared an aversion to having to intermingle in such large crowds. But unlike Sophie, she did not yet have someone like Ary or Eva from whom she could easily draw strength and also distract herself from the events around her. The only positive side from the situation being that Sophia remained far more alert than almost everyone else, keeping an eagle eyed watch over the ball and for anyone who might have ill intent towards them.

"Nervous?" Ary queried.

Sophie flicked the girl's palm and tutted, earning her a raised brow from the redhead.

"Of course. Our mission to the Frostwinds could be riding on this." Sophie answered.

Ary let out a soft snort and crossed her arms.

"What?" Sophie poked at her.

"Have some faith in me, I can procure supplies with the clans if it comes down to it. Count on me too." Ary mockingly pouted.

"Pft."

"What? Making fun of me?"

"Ary."

Ary sighed, holding up her hands in defeat before relaxing her stance as she took the opportunity to lean against Sophie, "I know, I know. You and Mila planned for me to help you navigate the clans up to the Frostwinds. And I appreciate the trust in me. I just want you to know…" She gestured around them, "Be able to do more, in my own way." Her voice lowered, "I know there's not much more I can contribute but still."

"Feeling antsy already? We haven't even gotten past the ball, let alone the court." Sophie chuckled glumly.

"I… a little." Ary murmured, "I don't know. I feel relaxed here, too relaxed. It's making me feel less relaxed, if you can imagine it."

"I can. Me too. At least I think everyone else is also a little relaxed." Sophie motioned to the table around them, "But we've had a… tough year." She snickered, "And let's not discount academics too. Stars, half the stuff went over my head by the time exams rolled around."

Hearing this, Ary let out a small giggle, "That's just because you're a little slow and you don't study enough."

"Oi, uncalled for." Sophie protested and tickled the girl's sides.

"Nyuh, Sophie." Ary squirmed, utterly unable to escape.

"I study quite a lot, I'll have you know." She huffed.

"Only when I ask you to study with me."

"Well… yeah." Sophie let out a flustered grunt, "I mean, there's a lot to get done in a day."

"Oh? Is there? You know, Eva told me she caught you napping off in a corner of training fields an hour before you're supposed to be there. Just left you there because you looked too peaceful." Ary smirked.

"I… ah! That's… no wonder that day felt like a bit of a blank." Sophie grumbled.

"Mmhmm, and Lucinia also tells me that you often try to nap before your morning classes."

"Huh? And how would she know that?"

"Who knows? But am I just not calming enough for your sleep anymore? You're usually not doing anything in the evenings besides me anyways." Ary wore a mischievous grin as she whispered the last few words.

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"What no! Nothing of the sort!" She protested emphatically.

"Eheh, I know." Ary beamed before sneaking in a quick peck on the cheek, "I'm just saying you have more than enough time to study."

"I… urk… tch, fine. I'll keep it in mind for when we get back."

Ary snickered before nodding approvingly. The girl was satisfied by her flustered response. The two of them then shared a glance. Sophie found Ary's eyes wide as puppies and her lips upturned in a smirk. After a brief second, the two then shared a giggle as their hands wandered over to grasp each other once more.

For Sophie however, the joy didn't last. Whether it was the melancholic music of another ballad in a minor key or just the dimmed lighting in the environment. Something about the ballroom made her feel uneasy. A shimmer in the glassware, her own hazy reflection in the room's grand windows, or just something else entirely. She didn't know why she felt that way, only of the fact that everything felt almost unreal and unnatural. That she didn't belong here, or anywhere.

Though she loathed to make the girl worry, her rattled mind could not find answers from within. The quiet examination of her own mind has made a mess of it and required an outsider to transcribe it. Of everyone she knew, it was Ary's trust that she most valued. And thus the weight of her opinions to follow. So after a few more moments where they simply listened to the low hum chatter in the room, blanketed by the soft music and tapping of shoes in the ballroom, Sophie finally deemed it an appropriate time to speak.

"Makes you wonder, doesn't it?" Sophie began, catching the redhead off guard.

"Hmm?" Ary squeaked.

"I mean like, I'm being genuine here. It feels like studying is such a small part of life."

"Mmhmm, that's why you need to do it more."

"I, that's not what I meant."

"Heheh, I know. But go on."

"I just mean our life at the Academy. We learn, we try, we do exams and mostly pass."

"But…?"

"But all this, Ary." Sophie ran a hand through her hair, before stopping to flick at her ponytail, "The ball, the Frostwinds, my sister… the weird creepy one who I still don't really trust."

"Heh."

"Heh. But you know what I mean, right?"

There was silence for a moment. Ary's joyful expression dropped slightly, her lips now curled more thoughtfully as her gaze started to wander.

"Yeah. I think I do." Ary hummed, "Feels weirdly separate. The Academy."

"Right! Exactly. Like it's there. But, we're probably going to see some shit that we'd rather not. Hells, some of the templars with us even didn't make it. And we don't even have time to worry and think about it. Just move to the ball before we have a trial and set off again." Sophie started rambling, "Saint damned hells, and we even know about the darkness that keeps growing. And then there's the Academy." She sighed.

"Hmm?"

"I mean. Think about it. Lady Miraevie, the Calnodels, Alodie, Aetemo and the others. With any luck they'll never experience any of this. Hells, I was in Gratia, I saw the war up close, though it was during a truce. The death wall and Annalise, or whatever the hells happened to her. It feels almost… surreal to think about in comparison. And then you… fuck." She stopped herself too late.

A sad look overtook Ary at being reminded of the Highwall. Where her hand once clasped tightly onto Sophie's, she now stroked her with a somber affection more reminiscent of a parent caring for their child. But Sophie didn't pull away. A part of her wondered if she just wanted some reassurance in the moment, or if her thoughts had simply started spiraling out of control. What she did know was that she had unintentionally wounded the girl. Whatever the case, Ary's gentle touch was greatly welcomed. Now however, she had a far more urgent goal in mind. To ease the hurt that she had brought back.

"Ary…"

"It's fine." The girl eked out a half smile, "I know what you were trying to say. I get it."

"That's… that's not…"

"It's fine, Sophie. Spirits below, I mean, look at me." The girl giggled a little, "Already a little too comfortable with the wheelchair. Ha-hah."

Sophie looked away, ashamed to meet her gaze.

"But no," Ary continued, trying to forcefully brush past the topic "I know what you meant. That it feels like we're living through lifetimes while things at the Academy just… keep going the same they have before. Minus that one time Lucinia got herself in trouble."

"Right."

"But you're also worrying too much, Sophie."

"What do you mean?"

"You really want me to believe this all came because I wanted you to study more?" Ary chuckled.

"Huh? No, of course not. It's just… this room, and us not being able to do much now. I guess it just gave me too much time to think."

"Heh, I don't blame you. It would be rude for us to join in, considering your status and the fact that we aren't Carradorian. So that's a little stifling. Then I can't exactly go exploring without making a racket so you're stuck here with me. Just sitting." She patted her wheelchair with a tired expression, "So I get it. Really. Just make sure you don't have an existential crisis every time I ask you to study more."

"Ary!"

"Kidding." The girl smirked, her smile bringing some much needed composure to Sophie's addled mind.

The two let a brief sigh, both having slowly felt the tension dissolve just as her thoughts began rearranging themselves almost as quickly as they had splintered into disarray.

"Sorry. I guess talking about the Academy just made me think of some doubts I didn't realize I had hidden away." Sophie mumbled apologetically.

Ary just brushed the back of her hand before pausing to smile.

"Being here just reminded me of that a little. Separated into their own little worlds while everything around them keeps changing. I guess since I've run the whole gamut, it almost feels like I don't belong. Like I'm a stranger. And here especially."

Ary seemed to wait for her to finish, prompting her to give the girl an affirming nod. With the permission granted, Ary reached over to hold her hands tightly.

"But you do belong." She reassured her, "The rest of us go to the Academy. And Miraevie, Alodie, everyone else cares in their own way."

"Mmm."

"Even here. I mean, you're here, aren't you? If anything, Eva cares about you too. As does her partner, given his friendliness to you. We wouldn't even be here otherwise, right?"

"I… yeah, I guess."

"Exactly. You might feel a little strange, and I'll admit, I definitely feel out of place most of the time. But it's our home for now, so let's make the most of it."

Hearing this, Sophie let out one last sigh and nodded, her confidence restored. A mischievous smirk slowly crawled onto Ary's face however, and Sophie was immediately less certain about her conclusion.

"And if you're really worried about being a part of Carrador, well, judging by the way Eva's looking at us from the main floor, I'd say you're about to find out." Ary snickered.

Huh? Alarmed, surprised, and utterly baffled. Sophie was unable to hide the shock on her face when she turned to search the ballroom floor for her mistress. Eva was in turn, confused by her surprise. The daughter of House Rosengart shot her a few questioning glances to assess her current state of being. Fortunately for the both of them, Sophie gained enough motor skills to at least nod to confirm that she was indeed, fine. Relieved, the older girl flashed Sophie a few subtle hand signs. Although Sophie couldn't interpret the majority of them, it was still enough to get the message across.

The court would be soon, and it was now her duty to get the others up to speed. In the meantime she took one last good luck at the others enjoying themselves. The saints and Hanabi were engaged in what looked to be a deep philosophical conversation as they made various gestures to emphasize their point. Lucinia and Emi meanwhile, had finally taken up Sigrid's noble example and had turned to food to pass the time. The mermaid herself having finally come to an end of her streak, though mostly now just staring blankly into the table as she tried to process all the different foods and flavors that she was able to experience.

Mila caught on quicker than the others. With nothing more than a glance, the Inquisitor had already comprehended the meaning behind the look Sophie threw at her. The inquisitor gave her twin a nudge, Sophia turning to question it before Mila whispered something in her ear and made the girl shoot Sophie a glare.

Could've just told me, Sophia complained.

You know I don't usually talk to people through my mind, right? Sophie shot back a playful glare of her own.

Ugh, whatever. At least then it'll mean we don't have to watch you two be lovey dovey the whole time. Sophia grumbled.

I thought we kept it relatively subtle. Sophie stated.

After Eva got asked to dance by Frederick? Yeah, no. It's pretty easy to see.

Sophie blushed a little. Half embarrassed, half worried about what others had seen throughout her whole exchange with Ary the past hour. From her affection to her doubts. She had gone through plenty of emotions while remaining seated beside the girl. To distract herself, she tried to pose a question for her counterpart.

Ah, right. What did Mila just say to you? Sophie asked.

We'll go look for Elaria and Raylani around the room. Haven't seen those two for a while. No one's worried but they have been out of sight. Sophia replied brusquely.

That was a sentiment Sophie could understand.

Fair enough. We'll stay here for now, and I doubt they'd have gone too far. If they aren't in the hall, let me know. I'll come with. She affirmed.

Sophia didn't reply, just nodded. Although Sophie could've sworn she heard the vestigial echoes of a grunt in her mind. Whatever the case, they would need to be ready. And just like that, the quiet moments of joy and reflection that she was able to obtain with Ary would disappear once more. For she could never quite escape her responsibilities for long enough. Though she would say it was a hair more interesting to be tried in another court than to study. Not that she would ever say that to Ary.