A Knight's Lilies

"Fluctuations in the ley energy map near the foothills of the Highwall close to the point obscuras suggest that the recent abnormalities actually originate from under the mountain itself. With collated reports of other recent activity within the region, I suspect that it could be an underground complex or tunnel system that had been disturbed. If we were allowed to go deeper, I hypothesize that the tunnel system would also have ley energy fluctuations that can help pinpoint the source of this disturbance. "

- Dr. Ekaterina Yotkin, Pathfinder Guild Research Division, "Commissioned Investigative Report On Disturbances"

Sophia was soon replaced by Elaria, the bard keeping her ever affable smile as she trotted up to the court dais. Sophie's twin had been almost stubbornly evasive in answering any questions about her origin to the point where Sophie half expected one of the lords to simply shout out of turn at her by how she kept dodging the questions. Thankfully, before it could come to pass, she had finished the majority of her recounting and the final thoughts she had, allowing Lord Vinberg to quickly defuse the situation by inviting another's testimony.

Unlike Sophia though, Sophie had honestly little to no idea what Elaria would babble about once on the stand. The bard was cheerfully mysterious at the best of times, and other times almost wholly uncaring of anything around her. And unlike the others, she always seemed to play up the crowd wherever she went. The ball was no different and Sophie could only hope that this didn't turn out into a disaster.

Still, it was under that same banner that meant she was the most 'outsider' of Sophie's close associates. Like Sigrid, she was relatively free form and uncaring, something that might actually be able to win some of the lords over by just being herself. It probably also helps that unlike Sophie or Sophia, Elaria had no outright elfin features, something that likely lent more credibility to her words than theirs.

"Elaria Kastiane, traveling bard, at the court's service." She bowed dramatically, "And to answer the question already in your mind, yes, as my name would suggest, I am indeed of the same family."

A few of the nobles dropped into a hushed whisper, but most weren't surprised. Even Lord Vinberg merely nodded before motioning for her to continue.

"Though I have yet to have toured much of Carrador, if thou art in doubt of my reputation. I have performed in front of Traxian princes, noble families in Ostia, the usurper princess of Gratia, argued in the courts of Arteria, and even with the underfolk." Elaria calmly listed her own accomplishments.

Huh? The underfolk? The dwarves? When did this happen?

As if expecting Sophie's confusion, Elaria managed to sneak in a sly smirk. Almost to say 'I don't have to tell you about everything I do' which, while fair, still surprised Sophie. Though she supposed that Elaria would've likely had those opportunities simply because she often performed on the weekends or when classes weren't in session and the party wasn't otherwise occupied with journeys such as this one.

Elaria then continued, babbling about concepts like heroism and honor. Then she linked those to Sophie, in particular her desire to protect the innocent and the pain that befall Arteria that day and her part in helping it heal. Sophie felt almost embarrassed by the way Elaria had made her sound. Like some flawless heroine who fought only because of her own honor and courage. Like Aurelia, huh.

It felt ironic to her in some way. That she so idealized the idea of being someone like Aurealia or even Gunmar. Yet now that she was at this stage, having assembled her own little eclectic band of compatriots and warriors. Those thoughts of being a hero or saving others had mostly dried up. Death and darkness awaited many, but if she could keep her friends and comrades alive, then that was all she could ask.

Heroism, it seemed to her, suited those of noble purpose and strength. People like Eva or Sir Taurox, those with the strength and will to back it up. Power that she would not even have if not for the Void's touch.

Elaria proved to be as charming as she always was, rarely needing to field questions from the court and even occasionally garnering their interest. By the time Sophie started tuning in again, the girl was already done, offering one of the most measured yet aggressively confident bows that she'd ever seen done in court. A movement that conveyed both respect and strength in equal measure.

"Thank you Ms. Elaria Kastiane. The court now asks Lady Evaline Rosengart to provide testimony and opinions on the individual Sophie Kastiane. If you would please make your way up here, Lady Rosengart." Lord Vinberg announced.

Without missing a beat Eva stood up in an almost rehearsed fashion. The girl then threw a reassuring grin towards Sophie before turning to walk towards the dais.

By now, most of those on the sidelines in the gallery or members of nobility who had not originally cared much about the proceedings were paying attention. Not only had her case been going on for quite a long time compared to ones like Eva's. But it had also been the recipient of so much testimony and 'outside' discussions that even the uncaring nobles could pick up that this was a unique occasion.

"Lady Rosengart, you may begin." Lord Vinberg tapped his fingers on the table.

"Thank you, adjudicator." Eva bowed.

She looked over the crowd, then seemingly finding everything within acceptable reactions, she continued.

"Let me begin by making a pledge to all of you. That, as far as Sophie Kastiane is concerned, I will personally take responsibility for any actions that she might take within Carrador. That I am willing to stake my own reputation upon her to show the seriousness and intent of my claim."

"Your declaration of intent will be noted, Lady Rosengart. Please continue." Lord Vinberg motioned.

"Thank you, Lord Vinberg." She dipped her head, "To expand upon a point where the previous speaker, Elaria Kastiane had touched upon, I would also like to offer my own character assessment having grown up with Sophie Kastiane. In this regard…"

Eva spoke upon how they had always sought to make the world a better place. A stretch on their dreams of imitating Gunmar and Aurelia but at least understandable. What made her start to squirm a little in her seat was how Eva next talked about her. Where Elaria presented her as a heroine striving for justice. Eva made her sound like a wounded soul, searching for a place to belong and how she then strived to do the best she could, be it making a good call or bad call. Unlike Eva herself and most of the nobility, Sophie cared little about politics or the optics of a situation, instead rushing forward to do what she felt was right.

In Sophie's own mind, she was none of those things. An idealist to be sure, but one whose naiveté had been tempered by the world. The suffering that she had seen and also caused in the selfish pursuit of her own goals. Even now, there was much that she hadn't mentioned to the court because it would be inconvenient or put her own argument into jeopardy. Chief of which being the first of her sins. When she had turned the hopes of the innocents into fuel to save the Maujurrin Riza. How she had used their belief in salvation to buy time for her. How she had then failed both of them.

At least everyone else seemed to have a somewhat clear idea of what they wanted to say about her. Because to her, when she had first taken to the stand, she simply rambled. It didn't help that she didn't know much about herself either.

In fact, because of her meeting with Annalise and Pyra in Gratia, she was left with far more questions than answers. Some of which she now hoped to find up in the Frostwinds. When thinking about her goal in that context, it felt almost absurd, patently stupid even. Making her sink a little more into the chair was the realization that beyond just absurdity, she had roped in so many others into her absent-minded endeavor without any guarantees beyond vague words and promises from what was clearly a half delusional princess.

Ary, Sigrid, Hanabi, and Lucinia. None of them should be with them on this trip. They were but people who deserved a more peaceful chance to explore the world. Their dreams and ideals did not need to be tainted by the darkness that followed in her wake. Her kin, perhaps, were understandable in that none of them were 'people' in the truest sense of the word. But even then, with how much Sophia had suffered, she too, should be given a chance to heal. To grow and be her own person. Only Mila shared the questions of Annalise and Pyra most acutely with Sophie. For they had seen their friend get transformed, and both been victims to revelations and events that happened beyond their control.

The only consolation she drew from this line of thought was that they all did stand with her regardless of the situation. The trust they shared being one that she vowed would not see them disappointed. She owed them that much.

She shook off the stupor that was slowly overtaking her mind. Being forced to present herself so and hear the others talk about her had opened an unexpected flood of doubts. It was irritating at best and distressing at worst. There was simply too much time for her to examine her thoughts, too much time to second guess everything now that she wasn't actively throwing herself at the task at hand. Or rather, she couldn't, not yet anyway.

Frustrated, she tried to refocus upon the court. Eva now busy fielding the occasional question or two that the nobles were throwing at her. To Sophie's relief, nothing seemed to be bothering Eva too much, meaning that there wasn't anything too unexpected at the moment.

Seeking some form of support to help calm her mind, she turned her gaze back towards Ary. Except instead of Ary being focused on the court, Sophie found herself staring into Ary's quizzical eyes. Sophie almost jumped in surprise at the unexpected meeting. Ary having to suppress a small giggle as she found herself amused by Sophie's jumpiness.

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While they two were separated by a few chairs and thus couldn't easily whisper to each other, they could still communicate with each other. Ary smiled at her, the girl's warmth was easily conveyed across the distance, gently enveloping Sophie. Sophie grinned and smiled back, earning herself a happy little bob of Ary's head. Heh. Cute.

Buoyed by the small flutter in her heart at the sight, Sophie fought back a yawn and collected herself once more.

"Thank you Lady Rosengart." Lord Vinberg's voice echoed out onto the floor.

"Of course." Came the reply.

The court then retreated into itself, the nobles now engaged in small scale chatter amongst themselves. Their discussion occasionally saw one or two of them glance at Sophie's direction, creating an uneasy atmosphere within the court. The judgement that hung within the air growing into something resembling a permanent decision of sorts. It felt as if this whole affair was drawing to a close, and the nobility still held their true opinions to themselves. It made her scratchy and nervous. After going through all this talk, she had, in her own way, hoped for a positive resolution.

Lord Vinberg then turned his gaze upon her and she stiffened up. Guess it's my turn next.

"The court has decided to call upon the individual known as Sophie Kastiane once more. Before the matter begins, we would like to offer some clarification for members of the committee, the public, and the gallery currently present." He began, his words chilling the room and silencing any whispers, "Throughout this examination and the court's own investigations. There have been a few inconsistencies that presented themselves that we have yet to find an answer for. Therefore, it is in our opinion that we would want to call her back to the stand one more time. Ms. Kastiane, please step forward."

Sophie did as she was told, the sense of unease now a blanket that was strangling her. Unlike the first time she stepped forwards, there was no hint of politeness or attempt at the same niceties, however forced they might have been originally. In the same vein, once Lord Vinberg was certain it was her and not Sophia, he wasted no time starting up once more.

"Sophie Kastiane. The court is curious about your origins. According to your compatriot Lady Rosengart and other sources, you were merely found in the Mistveil between Volksgrad and Carrador, is that true?"

"Yes, sir."

"Do you remember your parents or the reason you were there?"

"No sir."

"Now that you are older and likely have had time to process those events. Do you have any suspicion or idea of why you were left there?"

She blinked a little. She remembered coming to consciousness at a ritual site. But a ritual of what was a question that still eluded her. And if she was being honest, once she had a home with Eva, she hadn't ever considered going to try and find it again. She shook her head.

"No sir."

"Then is there a possibility that you were left there for a reason?"

"Maybe?"

"Very well." He maintained a neutral masque, "Next point of inquiry. Why did you hide yourself from the nation? Why maintain the veil of secrecy regarding the matter of citizenship and service to the Rosengart family?"

"I… I'm not following."

Lord Vinberg scowled, "Why did you not make your presence known to state authorities while serving the Rosengart's in an official capacity?" He rephrased the question.

"I…" She paused. In truth, there were two factors. The most obvious of which being Carrador's disdain for elves if not outright distrusting them. It meant that there was a very real chance that they would've simply torn her away from Eva. The second of which was that Eva shared those same worries and thus also kept her out of the limelight. But if she said that, it would put the spotlight back onto Eva, and she didn't want that.

"I learned that Carrador did not like elvenkind and worried that revealing myself would jeopardize my position and that of House Rosengart." She came up with an answer.

"A dangerous accusation, Ms. Kastiane." Lord Vinberg's scowl deepened as she scribbled something down onto a sheaf of paper and passed it to his assistant who took it to Grand Duchess Falkenwrath. Only when he returned with a reply did he continue.

"Moving on. Regarding the matter of your presence in the Mistveil during the events that befell Eichafen. Why exactly were you there when you were there?" He glared at her.

She stiffened up a little. Forced to face forwards, she wished she could turn around to search for the answer in Eva's eyes. For it was something that had irked her back then too. Why exactly did I get kidnapped? Hells, who even did it?

"I…" Do I tell them about it? Would that affect Eva's family? And if not, what do I say otherwise? That I was there to… find out about the reason why I was left nearby? Would they even believe me? She gulped and hoped she didn't make things worse. "I was slated to escort Lady Rosengart, that is, Evaline Rosengart, to the Academy of Arteria after her acceptance. Before that could happen, I was kidnapped."

There was a brief pause then the nobles of the court exploded into a flurry of activity. Hushed whispers turned to conspiratorial words, worried mutterings gave way to outright doubts. And worse of all, the one thing she could hear upon all their lips, Melton.

"Order. Order please." Lord Vinberg called out to little success.

The man looked to the king who just shook his head, the decision to simply let this furor die down on its own was now confirmed. Reluctantly, the lord remained standing but did nothing else, narrowing his eyes at Sophie as if blaming her for starting this ruckus. Only after a minute of heated discussion did things start dying down.

"Ms. Kastiane. Elaborate. Now." He demanded.

Sophie nodded and recounted what she remembered. She was getting changed when masked and armored men broke into the room and knocked her out. She remembered waking up in the prison cart filled with other elfin and a few others. Then the subsequent raid that followed which freed them and her. Though being a half breed meant that she got left behind.

Disappointly enough,, the kidnapping itself nor the slavers didn't bother the lords too much. But rather the route they were taking and the raid that happened.

"The Adornari operating in our borders?" Some muttered.

"But the slaves, do you think they were bound for Melton?"

"Where else? It's not like they'd sell the elves their own kind."

"Focus." Lord Vinberg growled, "Ms. Kastiane. Do you know where exactly you ended up?"

"No sir."

"Then how did you find your way to Eichafen?"

"I said it the first time, sir. After some wandering I was found by the adventuring party Runebound. It was they who took me to the city."

"But you did not mention the kidnapping the first time. But continue, why were they there?"

"Hunting bandits. Ah!" She unwittingly let out a noise as more of her memories slotted into place.

"Ms. Kastiane?"

"They were working with another party, The Crows." She babbled.

"And?"

"The Crows were the ones who betrayed Eichafen, or so I was told."

This set off another round of words between the nobility. This time, Lord Vinberg didn't bother wasting his time.

"Told by who? And you are certain of this Ms. Kastiane?"

"Yes sir." She stood her ground, "By an inquisitor, sir. Though his name escapes me in this moment."

"Would you swear upon the Goddess for it?"

"Yes sir. Unconditionally."

He let out an uncharacteristic grumble under his breath and waited for his colleagues to be done. A small torrent of notes and papers now being frantically passed around before most of the relevant ones inevitably ended up in his hands. After reading them all, he looked at her again.

"You have no inclination of where the caravan carrying you was headed to?"

"No sir. I told you. I was groggy and barely conscious for half of it."

"Of course." He growled before silently scanning the gathered lords.

He received mostly nods though a few did shake their heads or simply not respond. He then looked not at her but behind her, possibly towards Eva. Only after receiving a look that Sophie could not ascertain was what did he then turn to the king. King Edelin gave him a cautious nod. Lord Vinberg then visibly sighed. He muttered something to his assistant who then wandered off to the gallery. She could hear Eva's voice faintly whispering something to the assistant who then relayed the message secretively to Lord Vinberg. The man's brow then knotted together as if demonstrating great distaste for what he was about to say before he continued.

"Ms. Kasitane. It is this court's opinion that there are still too many unknowns to you and your story." He began.

She paled.

"As such. You will not be considered a member of Carradorian society and you will not be considered a freelance operator the same way your colleagues are."

Dammit.

"However." He paused and double checked with the other lords, none making any movement to oppose or affirm his words so far, "Because of the information you have… volunteered to the court so far and the uniqueness of your situation. The court is willing to place you under a probation in which the duration is infinite. Pending only one condition."

Oh?

"You mentioned your destination earlier. The Frostwinds. By which you will pass through Melton. Correct?"

"Uh, yes sir." She stammered out.

"You will be assigned some minders. Before you reach Melton, go to the ruins of Eichafen. Find out what you can. Tell us what happened. And figure out the truth of the city's fall. That is the price of your return. If the results prove satisfactory… then you may consider yourself a free agent within Carrador once more. Furthermore, while restricted, you will be allowed to move freely even if you cannot interact with Carradorian society. We will also permit Lady Evaline Rosengart to act in your stead, and obviously the Church as well, should they deem it necessary. Is that clear?"

"Yes… sir?" She mumbled out, disbelieving at the sudden turn of events.

A brief silence settled in the throne. Neither side was making a noise. Then, rather reluctantly, Lord Vinberg held out his hand before gesturing for her to go.

"You are free to go, Ms. Sophie Kastiane. See to it that you do not end up in this position again."

Sophie stiffly bowed and turned away. The members of her party and Eva's slowly shuffling out of their seats as well. Only when she reached the doorway and stepped out into the hall did she let out a breath of relief. That's it then… that's it? Stars above. Her joy did not last long, but to Eichafen… she shuddered, I just hope the place is abandoned now. Goddess guide us.