Ysaryn chuckled lowly, watching Kire to ensure she didn't actually murder her friend like the giantess predicted. As Kire lay herself down and stared upward thoughtfully, Ysaryn watched her. "Yes and no." She admitted. "My first bedding, I quite enjoyed." The elf grinned wildly. "Much older male. After a battle four ten years back. Against a group of men who came to burn us out of our homes, chase us deeper into slums." Ysaryn inhaled and sighed. "Much heart racing after fight. Blood pump, as they say. We met eyes and just-" Ysaryn clawed her hands and brought them together. "-all night. He did not care I was Scindere's daughter and hair." She frowned, translating in her head. "Heir. To him, I was a strong woman who fought beside him, and he a male who could handle me." Ysaryn grinned wistfully. "He did not make it another five years. Another fight. He did not survive."

Sighing, she rolled onto her side to face Kire, her head propped up on her arm. "Now, yes. Is not so easy. I know what I deserve, and cannot find a mate to meet."

Kire grinned when Ysaryn described her first, happy that she was able to experience that, and a little envious for it, too, though she went somber when the elf finished her story with the man’s fate. “You are a great warrior and an incredible woman.” She glanced sideways at Ysaryn, smiling fondly, remembering their drunken conversation before her return to Amria. “I’m sure you will find a mate who could match your worth someday.” Kire chewed on her lip, trying to decide if she should continue, having half a mind to tease her about how close she had been to asking the elf to bed three months ago. She looked into the elf’s pretty eyes for a few more moments before looking back up at the ceiling, a grin on her face. “Maybe I could lend you my cousin for that.” She said instead after a silence, snickering a bit before simmering down. “Alright. I’m exhausted. I did not like that cell at all. Ugh.” She yawned, stretching on the cot. “Good night, milady.”

Edward had meant to stay up but not for the whole night so he could catch some sleep and adjust his schedule to his cousin’s. But even without this intention he rose a little before noon, his mind too excited to settle. He knocked on their door, wondering if they were up already, knowing Kire would usually need to be dragged to her feet unless there was something urgent. He was glad to note she was already up, though by the look on her face and the way she hadn’t fixed her hair yet, Kire probably wished she could sleep the rest of the day off.
“What’s the name of the elf woman again? The one who showed us to the rooms?”
“Farryn,” Ed answered with a grin. “Good morning to you, too.”
Kire narrowed her eyes at him, knowing her cousin found her morning attitude amusing. “Narda and I need to bathe. Do you think she’s awake?”
“We shall see. Come on, let’s hunt her down and talk on the way.”
Kire nodded, then called her other two companions to join them.

Kire and Ed walked side by side while Narda walked behind them with Ysaryn, with Ed giving her a description of how a typical day in Lithilote was like, and a continuation of his narration about how they had ended up here. Kire smiled as she listened; it reminded her of days in the Palace, when he would give her a daily report, or discuss important matters with her before a meeting. There were many days she found these parts of her routine as Empress tedious, but given everything that had happened to the two of them, she found herself missing those moments. “How many soldiers in total are here?” Kire asked.
“Fifteen. Eight men, seven women. They don’t have the same liberties that I do, unfortunately, but they’ve been given proper care.”
“Good. I’d like to bring them home as soon as I can, though as you know, the portals tax me. I don’t want to risk anything going wrong with each portal, so I could only bring—” she paused, thinking it over, “—three at a time, at most. Half on one day, the other half the next.”
“I thought you needed help locating the gate?” Ed asked.
“I do. I just need a general location. The soldiers have been through enough, same as you. There might be danger at the site of the gate, and I don’t want any of you near it.”
“I see you have not changed a bit, cousin.” Ed raised a brow at her, though there was a kind smile on his lips.
Narda huffed. “Imagine not having you around to clean up after her mess. We’d had to fill that role in,” the giantess put in. “Still trying to carry the world on her shoulders, this one. And we aren’t even on the same world anymore!”
“It’s comforting to know you still have that insufferable habit,” Ed teased, clapping a hand on Kire’s shoulder even as she glared at Ed and Narda. “Let’s talk again after you and Narda are back from the baths.”

After Kire and Narda were led to the baths, Ed beckoned to Ysaryn, asking if she would like to accompany him on another task. “Lady Ysaryn, I do apologize for not being upfront about the language and startling you,” he said. “I wasn’t taught Elvish during my time here, and I’ve had to learn quietly by myself. I have gotten used to keeping that close to my chest.” Just like yesterday, there were fewer elves about during the day, though Ed hoped he would see Aera awake earlier.

Ysaryn barely slept; besides the anxiety that coursed through her over the idea of sleeping here, among these elves, so far from where she felt safe, she didn't feel right. The bracelets. She tossed and turned, occasionally waking to try to pry them off again, only to find there was no way to remove them short of severing her hands from her wrists. She wasn't powerful in the ways of magic, and didn't suffer as much as Kire had, but wearing these stupid things made her feel like she slept beneath a heavy, itchy blanket. It was hard to get comfortable.
At some point, she rose and, with a soft snarl, she quite literally tore the dress off of her, tossing it off her cot so she could sleep in nothing but her cloth bra and the pants she'd claimed. It helped, but the elf still struggled to rest.

By the time morning came, she'd given up all hopes and moved to the little stream within the stone wall. Using one of the sleeves of her torn dress, she rinsed her skin, tearing off the bandages binding her leg to rinse free the salves and medicine the Raielwen had coated her flesh in.
After washing and re-braiding her hair, she rummaged through the wardrobe again, finding a silk shirt to cover herself.

Then, it was just a matter of waiting. Narda woke after she did, then Kire, who looked like she struggled quite a bit to keep awake. Around noon, Ed arrived, and Kire asked for a bath. Ysaryn frowned, having completely forgotten they could ask for one. With a shrug, she followed after the others, unwillingly slipping on the sad little slippers the healers had provided.

Walking after the other three, she felt naked. No leathers. No weapons. No magic. If things turned for the worse, she'd have to rely on the other two, or three, or four, if Zeke found them, to remain unharmed. And the chance of that? Ysaryn had eyed the guide just as Zeke had. Most of the elves here had little else to do but practice and perfect their bodies and skills.

"Hm?" Ysaryn looked up when she heard her name. Ed. "Och. No. I am daughter of a chief. Not a lady." She insisted, falling into step beside him. Her braid swayed lazily behind her. "I understand. I rarely let on that I knew the common tongue. Listened to men talk. Sometimes the surprise is fun. You already know you are pretty. Is no matter to me that you know I think it." Ysaryn flashed her sharp canines at him.
"I listen to you and Kirai speak. Are you to stay with us by the sea until you can leave?" She wondered. "I cook well. No doubt you miss meat, hm?"

The Amrian women were led silently into the mountain, the corridors muted in comparison the the night light hours. The halls were cooler, the warmth of the court less potent, but the flower smell lingered, even when the ceramic planters and urns disappeared.
On the second tier, Farryn directed them into a small corridor that swooped down a set of stairs and into the belly of the mountain itself into a short but wide chamber. It arched upward, enveloped in darkness. The sound of droplets sounded on the stone floor as water built up and fell from the ceiling. On either side were two round pools of water, partially hidden from view by more dividers. All four of them steamed lazily, the mist rising up from behind the barriers. The sound of disturbed water betrayed that someone was already present, though they remained unseen.

Farryn turned to speak in elvish to them both, indicating to her robes, and gesturing to the stone shelves along each wall, above a set of cubbies that held neatly folded drying robes. She gestured a few more times, to the water, to the dividers, while still speaking, trying her best to explain regardless of the difference in language.
When she finished, she bent low in a bow and swept from the room to wait.

“Ah. My apologies, then, Ysaryn.” More and more, Ed could see how Kire and this elf had become friends. He nodded when she said she understood his situation, then chuckled at her remark about him being pretty. “I will still regard it as a compliment,” he said with a slight bow of his head towards her. He gave her question some thought. “I won’t go home until all the soldiers under my command have been sent back. And Kire needs rest between using her portals, so yes, I’ll be staying where she’ll be staying. She mentioned that seaside settlement to me briefly last night, I would be honored to stay there and taste your cooking.” He smiled. “While I’m grateful for the care the Raielwen had given, yes, I do miss meat. And Amrian food. Though I likely will not be able to taste it until I get back home, seeing as my cousin is a disaster in the kitchen.”

Ed spoke to an elf, asking about the whereabouts of his Amrian fellows. “Perhaps Kire could take you to see our home someday,” he said, walking towards a corridor, where armed elves stood watch. They acknowledged ‘Beleger’, and after he told them of his business with the people sleeping within, they nodded and let him through. He knocked on the first door, and a stocky, bleary-eyed man answered. Seeing that it was Edward, he straightened up and bowed, offering him to come in. Ed smiled, shaking his head, and spoke in Taakalon to him. The man’s eyes widened as he looked sharply at his Captain. “Gather the others. Half an hour,” Ed instructed, and the man, with a different kind of dazed look now, nodded and bowed again.

As they made their way back out, Ed said to Ysaryn, “Could you tell me a little more about your people, if you don’t mind? As Kire might have told you, there are no elves in Amria, and what I know is limited to the Raielwen and what they have allowed me to learn, or what I can scrape through on my own while I’ve been listening.”

--
After Kire and Narda were led to the pools, they chose one of the other unoccupied pools. Narda was the first to disrobe. “Remember the hot springs?” she said as she dipped into the water, happy to find that it was a comfortable temperature.
“Yes. Oh, those were nice,” Kire said, lowering herself into the pool opposite her friend. Narda eyed the scars on Kire’s body, then looked up at her face. Though she had seen them a few times, it never ceased to surprise her how they looked. Evidence that the Paladin had fought a dragon, and evidence of the many times people had attempted to kill her because she was Empress.
“You have that thoughtful look,” Narda said. “Spill it out, Wyvernling.”
Kire didn’t speak at first as she cleaned herself. “Ed has done very well, even when he’s been stranded here for nine months. He’s watched out for his men, the same way he’d watch over me, he worked through his injured body, learned Elvish, kept his composure.”
“I think I know where this is going,” Narda grunted. “Did you tell him you weren’t sure about being Empress again?”
Kire sighed. “No. But he knows me as I know him. He can probably guess.”
They chatted softly in Taakalon as they bathed, Kire in particular finally happy to slough off yesterday. She hoped never to feel as weak again. Poor Rulitus. Remembering her promise to get their affairs done as soon as possible, she turned to Narda and reminded her they needed to finish up. “I don’t want to be in the receiving end of his snark again,” Kire commented, albeit a little jokingly.
Narda snorted. “Between the two of us, you’re the one who takes longer in the baths.”

Ysaryn grinned. "She did warn about her cooking. She has made no attempt. I think she is aware we have suffered enough." She wandered along beside the Amrian, still absently fidgeting with the bracelets, though that stopped when one of the Raielwen elves they passed eyed her critically. Recalling the warning of their guide that they would not hesitate to harm her, Ysaryn dropped her arms and shoved her hands into her trouser pockets. "Whatever they decide to call the city, it is pleasant. Good smell. Strong stone. Lovely view."

Her fuchsia eyes turned toward him. "What of your tall friend?" Ysaryn asked. "She can cook, yes? Perhaps, if not, she and Kirai can give instructions, and I may try. Not all of us who can wield a sword are disasters in the kitchen."

She fell quiet as Ed knocked on the door and spoke to his soldier, the elf standing aside but listening with interest. The tongue they spoke, the way Ed spoke it to the man, the respect and reaction the man had before bowing (so much bowing!) and obeying. Ysaryn studied Ed curiously. Knew enough from Kire and Narda to know he was a leader of sorts. She could tell from his posture that he was a good fighter. Strong. And he had the loyalty of his men, who had lived here, willingly or not, on his guidance.

"Mine?" Ysaryn chewed on the inside of her cheek for a moment. "We are not Raielwen. I assure that." The elf mused. "We have not had good lives. No prosperity. But it is changing. With Kirai's journey here, with the help offered to her, we have found a way to a gooder, erm. Better life." She considered it in more depth. "We take pride in combat. The ability to stand a ground. We are loyal to the chief and his family, as is me. It is our duty to see to the well of all the tribe. Much like any chief. Like Kirai, with her throne. Yes?" She asked, glancing toward him.
Ysaryn followed his guidance, having no idea where anything was in this marble maze. Her skin still itched due to the bracelets, and it irked her not to be yanking on them repeatedly, to not be putting in an effort to break free. Knowing they were currently out of sight of any Raielwen, Ysaryn withdrew her hands from her pockets, inspecting the bracelets again. "We are not allies with this tribe." Ysaryn grumbled, gesturing to the blasted accessories. "There is no trust, and I cannot wait to be out. How Rulitus has volunteered to remain in the prison is out of my mind. At least here I can see more and be distracted."

She threw her hands back into her pocket as she heard footsteps, and Ysaryn inhaled, rolling her shoulders uncomfortably. "The fact that you learn the language is impressive. How many of them are aware?" Ysaryn asked him with a mischievous smirk.

“I see.” Ed observed the elf woman beside him. “I’m glad Kire was able to help. That’s always been how she is. She can’t leave things alone when she knows she can do something within her power. And even when it goes beyond that.” A warrior culture then, he thought, noticing how ill at ease she was with the bracelets. “Like Kire with her throne, yes. She complains about it often, but in the end she wants nothing but the best for everyone.” He noted Ysaryn’s description of the enmity between the two tribes, and he could see it. They were as different as night and day. He raised a brow at the mention of Rulitus. “Kire had brought him up a few times—several, actually. Let’s hope we don’t need to be kept here for too long then, for his sake, and for everyone else’s. I know I’m not the only one looking forward to home.”

At her last question, Ed grinned. “Many think I only know a few words, enough to get around. If I don’t interact with them at all, I wager they wouldn’t even think this. They call me ‘Beleger’, so that one I think they expect me to infer the meaning. It’s almost like a backhanded compliment with them; they don’t expect anyone who wasn’t Raielwen to measure up to their standards. The Princess knows I speak enough to be competent in the language, and we’ve had conversations before.” He smiled softly at that, before he continued. “It’s not easy, especially if the odds are stacked against you. Kire had asked that I teach her the language. Hopefully it goes better than the last time I tried to tutor her,” he added, chuckling.

By the time Kire and Narda were done and had dressed to meet Ed again at noon, a group of fifteen had gathered outside, watched closely by their elven guards. When Ed approached they all bent into a curt bow, but upon sight of Kire and Narda behind him, the soldiers gaped. They were told who to expect, but like Edward yesterday, they hadn’t wanted to believe it until they had seen with their own eyes.
“Your Majesty…” The man Ed had spoken to earlier was the first to break the stunned silence. “We live to serve the one, true Empress of Amria,” he said, and sank to one knee, bowing low. The others fell in and bowed much the same, one fist over their breast.
Kire’s lips pursed, emotion welling up inside her. Even after everything… She had prepared herself for skepticism, ambivalence, even some hostility. What kind of commander would leave them abandoned in another world for almost a year? And despite that, they knelt before her, their loyalty unwavering. She stepped forward, returned their bow, and touched the man’s shoulder lightly. “Rise, children of Amria,” she said in Taakalon. “Now and always, I accept your fealty.”
They rose as she had ordered, some, she noted, on shakier legs. “You’ll be going home soon. But I should warn you, Amria hasn’t been quite the same.”
“We have been told, Your Grace, by Lord Edward,” another replied. “Overrun by Gemini or not, home is home.”

Ysaryn only twitched, glad that everyone was eager to leave, and not only her and Rulitus. Kire, at least, wasn't forced to wear these damned things, and Narda had no magic to speak of. Ysaryn raised her head, suddenly aware that she hadn't seen Zeke since they were locked in the cell together. She should ask about him, later.
At least they couldn't lose track of Ruli.

"Judging from the way they act, yes, it is a backhand. 'Strong one', as if they thought you would have given up." Ysaryn wrinkled her nose. "Despicable. Strength should be honoured." She opened her mouth, then closed it. "But, I cannot speak against it. Had you landed in our slums nine months ago, many of mine would have argued to cut you throats." Ysaryn glanced sidelong at him. "Sorry. Men had long abused us. We are not trusting, either." She rubbed the spot on her abdomen where the cut had been made against her flesh, feeling the scar through the thin silk.
"A long time ago, we were more trusting. Perhaps, in the new home, we will become again. The Ziadi know we are not the elves that hunted them and destroyed their city. So perhaps they will not grab they children when they see us."

As Kire and Narda appeared, Ysaryn glanced to Ed and let them unite, her hands still fists in her pockets. While out of the way, she observed the way the Amrian soldiers lined up, their eyes on Kire like she was a dream. Their Empress, out of the shadows to spare them from this cruel world of vegetarians with rods up their arses.
Speaking of which, Ysaryn caught movement from the corner of her eye and turned her head to find Zeke standing beside a dark haired elf she assumed to be Aera, judging by the deep set of purple eyes. They both watched the Amrians speak to one another, as they bowed in awe to their Empress. A few of the Raielwen guards, or guides, whatever they were calling themselves, glanced toward their princess in question.
As Ysaryn looked back to the princess, she gave a soft shake of her head, expressing that this behavior didn't bother her.

Interesting. Ysaryn looked back to the soldiers, watching the exchange.

"She must be a great leader." Aera commented idly to Zeke. "Despite the fact that she doesn't currently hold her seat of power."
Zeke shrugged. "I haven't interacted with her much, but she seems genuine." He took steps as Aera moved down the stairs to approach the Amrians and her own kin, clasping her ever-gloved hands before her.

"I am please to see you reunited with your Empress." Aera said loudly to the Amrians, knowing at least the majority of them would understand. Those who didn't had others to translate. She then turned to Kire. "Not many of our numbers can withstand sunlight. But any assistance you need in getting your men and women home at last, we will gladly offer." Aera promised. "I would say you are invited to stay as long as you'd like, but beside the fact that these warriors are likely very eager to return to their families, you have a very irate party member in our possession who may very well begin biting the next hand who tries to feed him."

Kire grinned at her soldiers’ resolve. Really, she didn’t deserve it, but she was grateful. Now she must do right by them and get them home. “Thank you for looking after them,” Kire said. “Your people have the eternal gratitude of mine. And thank you for your offer of help and hospitality, but yes, you’re right about our desire to go home. And if I don’t return my stubborn friend promptly to Envy he would give me a good dressing-down.” As she spoke, Edward met Aera’s gaze and smiled warmly. Before they depart, he made a note to speak to her and express his gratitude.

Meanwhile, Kire turned to Ysaryn. “Are there temporary houses at the peninsula that could shelter my men and women for the night? If not, we will bring them back to the caves, since the Little Ziad camp’s mostly empty by now.” She addressed the others next in the common tongue for the benefit of the elves, with Edward translating each part in Taakalon. “This is the plan for your transport: we will take you all back to a place where my friends are residing, and from there I will be taking you home. But I can only take back to Amria half of you today before it gets risky to use my magic, the other half will then have to wait a day. So I’d like you to decide amongst yourselves how we will split the group.”

“There’s one other matter,” Ed put in, facing Aera. “Kire needs to know how we had ended up here in the first place in order to make sure these incidents don’t happen again, or at least to prepare in case it does. So she would need to know the locations where each of us had been found, and from there be able to deduce the center of the magical abnormality that served as our entry point.”
“We only need the locations where you have been found,” Kire stressed to the soldiers. “I won’t ask you to venture in close to the world gate and risk you getting lost. That goes for everyone else,” she added, addressing the rest of her companions, repeating what she had said to her subjects in the common tongue this time. “I’m the only one who can move between this world and Amria at will, and I can risk getting closer to the gate’s location.”
“If I may, Your Grace,” Ed said, not wanting to overtly undermine Kire’s authority in front of everyone else, then switching to the common tongue. “May we discuss this with the rest of your party? I’d be more comfortable if you didn’t go in alone, at least until a certain point,” he added in a quieter voice. “You still need people watching your back.”

Kire huffed. "Fine."

Aera lowered her chin as Kire thanked her. "A risk of trust, well rewarded." The princess answered, meeting Ed's warm look. Her own eyes flashed in kind response. She held his gaze as the Empress turned to the dark skinned elf, who raised her chin in thought.
"Yes." Ysaryn answered briefly. "Enough room." She thought to mention that her people, crammed inside the slums for so long, had often slept elbow to elbow. She herself, even as her father's daughter, had slept with someone or another using her leg as a pillow, while she used someone else as one. A few days of it once more wouldn't kill them. But she felt no desire to betray that fact of her people's suffering in front of the Raielwen princess.
Not that she believed it would matter. The cliffside city was vast, and with not only the northern side far from full of her people, the southern side contained the very few survivors of Ziad. There was room for fifteen men and women, easy.

When Ed turned toward her again, Aera's eyes shifted back to the Amrian from the dark elf she had been observing. Her face was blank again, but her eyes not as cold as before. "Ah." She said, inhaling in thought. "I will gather than information for you. We have kept records." She listened politely to the exchange between cousin and cousin, listening to the language they spoke with interest. Few languages outside of their own was spoken here in the Moon Court, the common language making its roots only because of her own knowledge and persistence. She had for a while asked Ed to try to teach her this language of his homeland, but it was so heavy on her tongue she'd given up quickly. Only being able to recognize perhaps a half a dozen words, at best, Aera gave up trying, their speech far too fast.

As it seemed they decided to involve the others in their party, Aera cleared her throat. "I must also raise an somber topic." The dark-haired princess spoke as she began to walk with them toward the holding cell and the fiend within. "We have a small number of your soldiers who were not so lucky in recovery." Aera informed Kire delicately. "Their bodies have been cared for and laid to rest, overseen by your cousin, but I have every reason to believe you will want them returned to your home. We will make this as easy as possible for all involved."

As they neared the archway that led to where Ruli was held, Aera's expression hardened again, but her steps were unfaltering. Ruli, inside, was still pacing, and clearly waning in patience and strength. Sweat coated his skin, the cell reeking of it, and he had purple crescents beneath his eyes from lack of sleep. He went the bars when the group approached, his blue eyes quick as he took in their faces. "Are we leaving?" He asked, his voice unable to hide the hope he felt. His eyes fell on Ysaryn as she stood in the elven silks, the stiffness in her shoulders, and the lack of a limp. Then his eyes snapped to her wrists, as if he could see the bracelets hidden beneath her sleeves.
"Soon." Ysaryn promised him gently. The word echoed, Aera having said it at the same time. The two elven women glanced to one another; the purple gaze utterly guarded against the challenging fuchsia stare.
Ysaryn gave first, lowering her gaze to the floor. Seeing Ysaryn back down, Ruli turned to growl at Aera.

She looked utterly unbothered, but her eyes were empty and cold once more. "You have a fine group of allies around you." She stated simply. The only tell of her emotions was the hammering flutter of her pulse in the hollow of her throat. Aera opened her mouth to say more, but her words were lost. Instead, she turned to face Zeke, a muscle feathering in her jaw. If I can speak to him, so can you, her stare seemed to say before she turned away. "I'll fetch the information you need and leave you to speak among yourselves." Aera said, her voice muted as she left the corridor.

Zeke watched her, his grey eyes disapproving, but he turned to face the others, waiting patiently.
"Have they harmed you?" Ruli asked Ysaryn quietly, glancing to Ed for a moment when he recalled that he could speak the language.
Ysaryn grinned and shook her head. "I am fine. I swear it. Aside from dirty looks, they've done nothing, and you know I give as well as I get."
Ruli's pale gaze went to Kire, then. "What are you waiting for, then?"

Kire was thankful the Raielwen were diligent about documenting the Amrians’ locations when they were found. She and Narda walked in step with Aera, while Ed gave his soldiers a few quick instructions before he, too, followed after Kire to the cells. “I see,” Kire said, nodding solemnly. “Thank you for giving them dignity in death. If possible, yes, we would like to return them so they can be interred in Amrian soil.” She turned to Ed, the two cousins speaking softly in Taakalon, with Ed confirming the names and the provinces to which the dead belonged.

She wasn’t particularly surprised by Ruli’s state, and she both pitied his state and admired his stubbornness. Still, better get him out as soon as they could. Kire frowned as Ruli, Aera, and Ysaryn spoke in Elvish, the tension thick between them. Kire nodded to Aera in thanks as she left, while Ed merely raised a brow at the exchange between Ruli and Ysaryn, appraising this Rulitus. He looked like a trapped animal, which, given his current circumstances Ed couldn’t really blame him for. He and his soldiers had been in the same boat during the start of their stay here in Lithilote. But frustration and weakness aside, Ruli seemed to Ed then to be a dangerous man. He wasn’t sure yet if that was wholly good or bad.
“Information,” Kire answered Ruli, hoping to be firm but not combative, “the Raielwen had recorded the location of my people when they were found. I’ll—”
“—We’ll,” Ed put in, just as firmly.
“We’ll use that to pinpoint the location of the world gate. First, we’ll return to the cliffside with everybody. From there I’ll bring the first batch of them back to Amria, as many as I could manage with my portal limitations, the next batch tomorrow, along with the remains of the three who died. When all of them are back home, I’ll—”
“—We’ll go find the world gate,” Ed interrupted again. “Along with anybody else among us willing to help.”
“I still think I should scout on my own, in case the world gate decides to fling anybody within reach of its power into Amria,” Kire stressed.
“And I still think you need backup, in case you encounter things other than the world gate,” Ed pushed back, before turning to the others, “this is blood magic we’re talking about. Of course, all this will be rendered inconsequential if you decide not to come along.”

Ruli's gaze shifted from Kire to Ed as they spoke, the latter correcting her to emphasize that she was not doing this alone. He gathered that this was a habit of hers, taking on the world on her own. Somehow, that didn't surprise him. They look similar. Ruli agreed with Kire's statement in the woods. 'He looks like me.' She hadn't been lying. The same angle of the eyes, the same shade of blonde, the same way they carried themselves. Proud. Their bodies were relatively relaxed, comfortable and glad to be near one another.
They smelled like the elves, though.
At least he did. Kire smelled like mineral water.

He groaned and bent, the bars crying in his hands as he squeezed them. "So we're just waiting on whatever she went to get?" He demanded, his torso parallel to the ground for a few seconds before he straightened again, now rolling his shoulders. There was no sign of Kire's Ring, but the sword she'd gifted him had been removed from his belt and set on the cushions behind him. "Then we're leaving with them. Your men." Ruli stated back, trying to understand. He should have just asked Aera to let him leave ahead of them, let him out.

"And of course, you're not going to this thing alone." Zeke said casually behind them.
Ruli glanced his way, still frowning. "Well, look. Something we agree on." He snarled.
Zeke frowned back at him, and Ysaryn rolled her eyes and cut them off. "We fought beside you once, Kirai. We glad to do it again." She smiled wickedly at the Amrian woman. "Plus, I want to see how you friends fight." She added, gesturing to Narda while her eyes fell on Ed.

The Paladin watched Ruli piece together what she had just told him, watching the tension in his body as he all but writhed in discomfort. Her own palms itched, made her antsy as she stood there in front of him. All things considered, he was holding himself together as best as could be expected. She eyed the blade she had given him, resting on the cushion, and she almost craned her neck to check if the Ring was there, too. She brought her attention back to them when Zeke answered, frowning when Ruli snapped back. When it seemed that everyone was in agreement about coming with her, Kire groaned softly.
“You’re all hopeless,” she muttered, though there was a hint of a smirk.
Narda scoffed. “That’s hypocritical of you to say, Wyvernling. And come now, I haven’t fought beside this one in a long time,” she added, grinning at Ed as she nudged his shoulder gently. Ed had caught Ysaryn’s look and cocked his head slightly, intrigued.
“Alright, alright, enough, I have been outvoted,” Kire said, clapping her hands once. “Let’s hurry up so Ruli can get out.”

“You’ve really found yourself an interesting bunch, haven’t you?” Ed commented quietly, amusement in his voice.
“I’m glad I did. I wouldn’t have made it this far, or killed Ikegai and Akuma, without them,” Kire said as they walked back up to meet Aera. “Why?”
“Oh, nothing. I trust you. Just be careful,” Ed said, speaking the last part in Taakalon. Narda heard it and smirked a little.
“She’s a big girl, Ed. She’ll make her decisions, right or no. And so far they’ve led her to you.”

Ruli snorted when Kire called them hopeless, releasing his grip on the bars to pace again. He dug his knuckles into the small of his back, as if trying to ease the pressure the wards sent against his spine. Ysaryn smirked at Ed before looking back to Ruli. "I will stay with you." She told him as the Amrian's filtered out. "Maybe gossip about these elves will make you feel better, hm?"
"Easy." Zeke warned, and both Ruli and Ysaryn shot him a dark look. "They are helping us, if you haven't noticed." He turned and followed the others, leaving Ruli and Ysaryn alone.

Tailing behind the others, Zeke studied the three from behind. Kire seemed to chomp at the bit often, while Ed was the stone to her fire. Sturdy, strong, grounded. He hadn't decided on Narda, yet. But, Gods, she was tall. His grey eyes roamed her strong shoulders, wondering how Envy felt about her.

Aera stood on the second tier, along the edge where she could watch them approach and they could see her well enough to know in which direction to head. Before her, on the marble railing, was a cup of tea brought to her by one of the servants, already half gone. Calming tea, for her nerves that had frayed when she debased herself by speaking to him. Aera inhaled and sighed, sipping once more as the group crested the stairs. "I am having the map brought here." She offered before they could inquire about the lack of papers before her. "Have you all eaten?" She wondered in return, turning to have something brought out, regardless.

When the maps were delivered, by a tall blond male with dark blue eyes who frowned at Ed as if the Amrian had displaced him, he splayed it on the table. With the corners weight down with small stones, Aera dismissed him and stood before it. It was quite vague; it seemed the Raielwen were not willing to divulge much in regards to their territory. "This," Aera pointed to a spot on the map that beheld nothing but empty space. "is where you entered our territory." She informed them as if she could see far more than they could on the sparsely adorned paper. The the princess drew her finger sideways, to the west. "This is where we found the majority of your men. These markers indicate where each was found, in order. You were the third." She added to Ed, glancing at him from beneath her dark lashes. "The first was your brunet soldier with the freckles. The second is one of the three who did not make it." Her fingers tapped on the corresponding markers.

"Not long before, we felt a surge rip through our wards. A power that was unsettling and dark. Part of it moved, away from our borders. We were inclined to lie in wait for the rest of the disturbances to settle, but there was something about the way you all felt. So we investigated."
Sighing, she went back to the map, gesturing to a blank spot. "This is where the disturbance originated. If I had to guess, this is where your gate is. I forbade my people to go near it, and to give it a wide birth." Aera swallowed. For all she knew, more bodies lay near it, abandoned for the sake of safety.

"To get there, we will deliver you to the edge of our borders, then you head due west for two miles. When you begin to feel it, angle yourselves southwest, and its not far." Her finger tapped a spot, the edge of their territory where they would exit. "Just tell him to return you here, and it will be easy to find." Aera said, meaning Ruli and his Walking. Not once yet had she been able to say his name.

“Food, please, yes,” Kire said; Narda almost chuckled at how fast she had answered that question, though she, herself, was famished. As delicious as the food here was, they both looked forward to a heartier meal. The map was soon brought to them, though Ed had to ignore the pointed stares the blonde elf was throwing at him. As Aera examined the map, the three Amrians stood around it, frowning at the vagueness of its details. Kire glanced at Ed for some sign that he knew a little more than they were seeing, but even he was peering with slight confusion at the map.

They followed along as she explained, Kire frowning at the implications. Two miles. The zone that the gate had affected was wide, which didn’t surprise her. The Black Storm had similarly damaging effects, so the Raielwen were lucky it did nothing more than hurl her soldiers from Amria to their doorstep. And inflicted Ikegai on Ziad. “I don’t blame you for cautioning your people about approaching,” Kire said. “World gates are unpredictable.” She glanced at Ed again, apprehension in her eyes at the thought of them following her into this danger. Ysaryn and Ruli could at least get away if they need to, but Narda and Zeke. And Ed. If something had happened to Ed so soon after they were reunited, she wouldn’t be able to forgive herself. Ed saw the look Kire gave him and offered a small smile. We’re in this together.

“West for two miles, then southwest towards the disturbance.” Kire nodded. “If we’re near enough, I should be able to feel our way to it. Thank you.” She glanced at Aera. “We can leave as soon as possible, once your guides are ready to escort us. We’ll return to investigate the world gate by tomorrow.”
“If I may help in the preparations, such as preparing our dead for the journey,” Ed put in, “I’d like to accompany Lady Aera.”
“Oh—of course.” Kire patted his back. “See you in a bit, then.”

Kire and Narda, inviting Zeke along, went to meet with the soldiers to speak to them about other news from Amria as best they could. Somehow, Kire also felt Zeke might be at home in their company. Meanwhile, Ed stayed behind with Aera. “Since we’re leaving soon, and after tomorrow I’m not sure when I’ll be coming back, I wanted to thank you for everything. I suppose, firstly, for not shooting on sight,” he said with a chuckle to let her know he wasn’t serious. “You didn’t have to take us in, but you took care of my people despite the complications of the situation. Not to mention gracing my days here with your company.” He smiled warmly at her then.

"I will toy with this map a little more." Aera promised. "Add a few landmarks that will help." She gestured apologetically at the vague map, her eyes scanning the paper as if already planning each mark she'd make. As Kire moved off, she turned to a lingering servant. "Please wake Cohnal. See that he will be ready to escort our guests to where I instruct him."

As Ed remained behind to speak to her, she smiled softly. "You are very welcome." The elf responded. "A long time ago, unfortunate circumstances found me half dead at the feet of someone who had long been my enemy. He extended a hand and kept me alive. Gave me friendship in places I never thought I would find it." Her expression was warm. "I thought I would pay the favour forward. So far, it has been greatly rewarding."

Slowly, she tucked a gloved hand into a hidden fold of her dress and withdrew something. When she held out her palm, a round brooch, about the size of a coin, rest on the soft silk fabric. There was a moon flower made of a white-toned metal in the center, with twisting and braided whorls beneath. "Should you ever have the desire and capability to return, this will tell our scouts you are a friend." Aera raised her gaze to him, tucking her hands into one another once he'd taken it. "You will always be welcome here, Edward of Amria."

Ed smiled fondly at Aera. “Rewarding, indeed. I am glad you had been lucky to find that friend, then. Thanks to him, I’ve had the honor of knowing the Lady Aera.” He peered at her hand, curious, as she produced the brooch with the moon flower embossed upon its face. He took it gently from her palm, examined it as he listened to her words, then looked up again to meet her gaze. “I will treasure this always, my lady,” he said softly in Elvish, pinning the brooch before clasping his hands together behind him. “In Amria, court custom usually dictates that a gentleman kiss a lady’s hand in greeting, gratitude, or farewell. But I would rather not be impudent.” He touched his hand to his chest as he bowed before Aera.

Meanwhile, the Amrian soldiers not only looked excited at the prospect of going home, but doing so in the company of the Empress herself. When questioned, most couldn’t wait to see their families and provinces, while a few were raring to rejoin the fight and avenge their losses. “You can’t even stand for too long without your left knee shaking!” they’d cajole one of the soldiers, who laughed off the remark.
“Don’t care, and don’t embarrass me in front of Her Highness! Beggin’ your pardon, my liege,” he added with a brief bow to Kire.
“Our first stop is the Northern Hold,” Kire said, smiling. “Lord Edward’s sister the Lady Elva is holding the fort there, and while I’m sure the elves here had treated you with the best care at their disposal, I’m sure my cousin will still want to look everyone over and see if there’s anything she can do for you.”

“Your Majesty,” another said, one of the few who wanted to get back into the fray, “would you need more soldiers to accompany you to the gate? We may not have magic, but like the Countess and your friend,” here she gestured at Zeke, “some of us are still able enough. We’ve done nothing but sit on our haunches for nine months, Your Grace.”
“I appreciate that. Truly,” Kire replied, “but it is my duty to bring you back to Amria, and it is your duty to return. When we are all home, we have a bigger fight to rejoin. And speaking of rejoining,” she said, spotting Edward approach. Her eyes went briefly to the brooch pinned to his collar. “Are you sure you want to come back?” she said, teasing Ed a bit.
Ed rubbed his nape with a grin. “More than anything. Aera’s fetching our guide. We’ll be off soon.”

Her pale face coloured softly as he spoke to her in her own tongue, never quite able to get over the flutter of delight she felt in hearing it. His following comment on the customs of Amria produced a soft chuckle, and the princess extended her silk swathed hand. "You could never me impudent, Edward." She answered, her thin fingers gripping his gently.

As he departed, she turned her attention to the map, adding what landmarks she knew to help them find their way, before she rolled the map and carried it with her, following Ed toward the Amrians. When approached, she bent her head in apology for interrupting. "If I may ask for six of your men or women." Aera requested. "We lay your soldiers to rest in coffins, two to each should be enough to carry them."

With Ed, Kire, Narda, and three of their soldiers followed Aera to were their cemetery lay nestled against the mountains cold face. There was a structure made of marble that protruded out of the mountain; the entrance to the catacombs beneath that housed their own dead. This place of sacred ground outside of it was for those who could not be interred within; so it was sparsely filled. Three boxes lay neatly aligned side by side, a gathering of moonflowers resting on their engraved lids.
Aera stood aside, her dark eyes roaming to the nearby tree that sat on the edge of the cemetery plot; there was a host of lavender flowers growing from the base of it. She stared at it for a time before shifting her attention back to the others, guiding them back out wordlessly when they'd hoisted their deceased.

Conhal was waiting for them. The only evidence that he'd been woken from a sound sleep was the subtle lines if his pillow against his neck. He bent low to Aera, who stepped up to him to speak low, offering him instructions on where to take their group. He nodded in understanding, and Aera turned to the others. "Cohnal will gather the rest of your party, and than lead you to the border." She bent at the waist, her black hair falling over her shoulder. "I bid you all safe travels. May you have joy and laughter until our next meeting."

Ruli and Ysaryn were directed out of the holding corridor, the elf still wearing her borrowed clothing, but her leathers and weapons, including Ruli's sword, were tucked against her torso. The bracelets had been removed, and she looked deeply pleased about it. Beside her, Ruli was still fidgeting, looking every bit like an animal that just wanted to run and expel energy. Cohnal muttered a pointless threat to them both, and Ruli and Ysaryn snarled in unison.

Their journey to the border was longer than their journey in; they moved directly outward, leaving the mooncourt behind them. Cohnal walked relentlessly, apparently holding no inclination to slow his pace for the coffin bearers. Ruli was silent and strained, Ysaryn casting amused glances his way. It wasn't until Cohnal turned to them and announced they'd arrived at where Aera had indicated that Ruli groaned and vanished immediately.
Cohnal, looking relieved at his disappearance, pulled the map from his robes and offered it to Kire. Immediately after, Ruli reappeared, looking wind tossed and damp; his skin smelling of rain. "Storm." He said shortly to Ysaryn. "Take them to the caves." He reached into his tunic and withdrew Kire's ring from one of his hidden pockets, offering it to her.
"Thank you, Cohnal." Ysaryn said. "You're dismissed."
The male bristled, curling his lip at her, but he moved away, stepping just on the other side of the group, no doubt just inside the border, to observe.

They split the group up, Ruli with all his built up energy taking seven on his own and vanishing instantly, without so much as a warning to the Amrians about how it would feel. He stepped into the caves with them, gesturing with his hands for them to step back and make room for the others as Kire and Ysaryn brought the rest. He counted, his pale eyes moving from body to body before he once more vanished without so much as a word. Ysaryn slipped away shortly after, muttering about her clothing.
Outside, the rain roared loudly, the rolling thunder echoing against the rocks.

"I gather that went well." Envy's voice came as he cautiously stepped forward, having waited until he heard enough familiar voices. He bore today a bright teal top with purple stripes. "You sound happy enough that I feel I may accurately guess you found your cousin?"
Introductions were made, Envy listening patiently, before he nodded in the direction of Ed. "Your cousin was very concerned about you. I am very pleased to know you've been well cared for."

He turned, searching, his nose pointing at Zeke. "How is Aera?"
"She wrote back." Zeke announced instead, fishing into his pocket to withdraw a handful of folded papers. "I, uh. I'll help you read them, later."

Envy extended his hands and gathered the papers against himself, his clutch gentle on what he deemed precious to him. "Thank you." He said to Zeke before looking back around to the others. "Rab and Aeron have found spare houses on the southern side, they'll show you whe-, erm. Boys?" He called, and the two both rushed in from outside, drenched and grinning wickedly. Envy paused, listening to their breathing. "Please show the Amrians where they'll be sleeping. And make sure you dry properly or you'll fall ill."
"Alright." Aeron said, pushing strands of his soaked hair from his face. Rab made a noise that could have been laughter.
Envy turned back toward the Amrians. "I gather many don't speak our language, so please inform them they have the freedom to go anywhere and do anything they please so long as its not destructive. Knowing the Raielwen's dislike for meat and Kire's love for it, we have four spits cooking, pork and venison, as well as a squid stew. Clothing has been provided in each of the homes, though I have no idea if they'll fit. The hearths will dry their own clothes, however."
"Turns out Rab is really good at setting fires." Aeron mentioned with a grin, looking around to Rab, who smirked.
"Don't make me ground you both." Envy answered, and both their smirks dropped.

The Amrians were silent as they made their way to the borders with Cohnal at the lead, somber despite the elf hurrying their pace. They will get their proper rites back home, at least, Kire thought. Ed, too, was wrapped up in his own thoughts. The weight of the dead as they carried the coffins reminded him that his own brother had been dead for months now. His thoughts went to Elva, then. Like the rest of the Wyverns, she was strong in her own way, and as a healer she had held life and death in her hands many times. But he could only imagine what it had been like to lose both her brothers at once, along with the seat of power.

Now and then, the Wyverns and Narda would make sure to look over their people to see if they were keeping pace, knowing some of them, like Ed, were also still suffering some residual pain from healed injuries. But the soldiers had known difficulty before, and despite the nine-month absence didn’t keep idle. Even if their bodies had slacked, their resolve to leave and bring their brothers home was enough to keep them going.

After the long journey to the spot Aera had indicated, Kire was about to turn to Ruli when he had vanished without warning. Ed glanced at her, and Kire could tell he had already begun to form an opinion of her friend. Wait, she mouthed at him, as she took the map from their guide. A blink later and Ruli did return, though even without his warning they could tell what weather they were to expect. While Kire took the Ring from Ruli and slipped it onto her finger, grateful to finally feel it on her skin again, Ed was the only one of the Amrians to chuckle softly at Ysaryn’s remark.

Half of the group was already gone. Kire was part of the first group; though no longer a stranger to Shadow-walking, she, too, had to catch her breath.
“Well,” Ed said, hands on his knees. “That was—something.” Kire had told him how it would feel, and earlier he had relayed it to the soldiers, but nothing could have prepared them for the shock of the darkness.
“Everyone alright?” she called after making sure Ed was alright, her voice raised over the roar of rain and thunder. The next groups appeared not long after, and Kire checked on them the same way.
At the sound of Envy’s voice. Kire turned, striding towards him in case the soldiers got startled. “Very happy,” she said, grinning, gesturing for Ed to join her. Ed, after recovering from the shock of Shadow-walking, took in the strange sight: he seemed to be an elf, but definitely different from any elf he had encountered so far. His eyes only briefly went to the clothing, not wanting to be impolite, before realizing that the tall elf seemed to be blind. “May I introduce to you Edward, the Captain of the Guard of the Capital, my cousin and, now that he has returned to us, still the eldest surviving Wyvern. Ed, this is Envy, our most generous host and—I suppose we could call you the patriarch? Of the inhabitants of Ziad.”
Ed had softly elbowed Kire at her comment about his age. “Well-met, Envy of Ziad. My eternal gratitude for sheltering me and my people,” he said, glancing at Kire to silently check that he hadn’t missed any titles. When Envy told him Kire had been worried about him, he smiled. “She must have missed me picking up after her mess.”
“I did, indeed,” Kire said in retort, but nevertheless she wrapped an arm around her cousin and squeezed in an affectionate hug.

“Ach, this weather,” Narda said, shaking her head, as Envy called Rab and Aeron inside. Kire grinned, seeing how the two enjoyed themselves—the most she had seen either of them do so, in the short time she’d known either of them.
“Really, Envy, this is very generous of you. I’m in your debt,” Kire said, while Narda and Ed translated what the Kartaian had told them to the rest of the Amrians. The apprehension in their faces quickly turned to delight at the thought of a warm fire, a hot meal, and a roof over their head. Turning to her subjects, Kire said in Taakalon, “Before I take the first half of you home, we will eat together and, if our hosts have it, drink together, to celebrate our meeting, and to celebrate our fallen.”
“Pace yourselves,” Ed remarked with a playful smirk. Narda chuckled at that. “We’ll get settled first in our temporary lodgings, and then later we will meet to dine.”
“Will you be joining us?” the giantess asked Envy. “We have not had proper conversation, and as your guest, it would be remiss if I leave without having a sit-down with you.” Ed and Kire glanced at Narda then at each other, grinning.
“Come, come, let’s not keep Aeron and Rab waiting.”

Envy only grinned at Ed, lowering his head slightly. "Patriarch." He repeated. "I like that." The elf chuckled, the sound filling the caves beneath the roar from outside. He listened to the tones of their voices as they spoke, hearing their smiles and sensing the tension easing out of the Amrians, even if he couldn't understand the entirety of the words said to them by their empress.
"There is no debt." Envy said simply. "You helped my family when you had no obligation to. You took down the enemy responsible for our scattering. Offering a dry place to rest with full bellies is the least I can do."

He tilted his head, listening, then searched a few seconds, before he realized Ruli was not present. The lack of concern or tension told the Kartaian, at least, that nothing had happened to him. After being near Aera, Envy could easily guess the blond needed time alone.

As Narda address him, Envy turned toward her, smiling kindly. "It would be rude of me to refuse." He obliged. "Allow me to set these letters in my chamber, and I'll-"
"I'll take them, Envy." Zeke said, stepping forward. "I want to change, anyway."
"Ah." Envy held out the letters to Zeke, assuming 'to change' is where Ruli had gone, as well, perhaps. He turned back to Narda's direction and smiled. "Well, it seems I am free to join you now. However, as theres only one hearth I can reach without borrowing Ruli or Ysaryn, I can only say I hope you don't mind pork."

"Uh." Aeron glanced over everyone, counting. "Okay, ten with me, five with Rab. Rab, you go north side, to the homes found there. He can't speak so just watch him for directions. You're going to get wet. He'll show you where to go for food first, then take you to where you'll sleep. Right, Rab?"
Rab nodded, though he looked slightly apprehensive around so many strangers, let alone at the thought of being in charge of them.
"Go, then." Aera shooed, and Rab shuffled back into the rain, five of the Amrians following. Aeron waved to the remaining soldiers, leading them to the southern side, into the brunt of the storm.

"You three." Envy said to Ed, Narda, and Kire. "We've found a three bedroom house near the crest of the cliff that should suffice." He pointed to the Ziadi side on the south, near to where his own chambers were. "It's the house nestled against the base of the palace. There are actually more rooms, but part of the roof is collapsed, so just try not to sleep in the exposed rooms. The other three are dry, and the hearth is in tact. The bright side is with this rain storm you'll find the bathing chamber full of water." He grinned teasingly. "Highest house, just against the palace wall. Small garden in the front, you can't miss it. Once you're ready, I'll make sure you find food and drink."

Narda grinned, satisfied with Envy’s answer. “Unless that pork is made out of vegetables and fruit, I do not mind it at all,” she replied, her remark making Ed and Kire chuckle. The three first watched as the soldiers followed Aeron and Rab, before turning to Envy again.
“House near the crest of the cliff, with gardens,” Kire said, tucking the map carefully against her. “Got it. We’re ready when you are.”

The three followed Envy as he led them to where food and drink were. Kire could see the day had started to wear Ed down, with the relentless pace Cohnal kept during their trek to the borders, and with all the overwhelming events leading up to their return here to the cliffs. “You alright, old man?” Kire said, grinning. “Just to be clear, Envy, we don’t mean you. Ed here’s a century and twenty.”
“Never better,” Ed said, scoffing, “it’s like I’m thirty again. And if I'm old, you are, too!” Nevertheless, when Kire linked her arm with his, he didn’t complain. Narda, meanwhile, stayed by Envy’s side.
“My cousin here’s gotten quite cozy with the princess, too,” Kire remarked, touching the brooch with curiosity and not a little teasing. “She seems to like him well enough; her smiles are different. If I didn’t know better, I’d say you learned Elvish just to charm her. Sorry, Nard. Women just find Ed irresistible.”
“Alas, whatever will I do,” the giantess said, shaking her head, though she had a smirk on her face. “Fear not, I will survive. I’m sure I will find someone quite worthy to warm my bed, if they could manage to fill it,” she added with a laugh.
“Lithilote is beautiful, though. If not a little too cold for my liking,” Kire put in. “It feels as though they are always in mourning, even at night when most of them are awake. And I don’t like that they don’t trust Ysaryn.”
“You can’t expect a people to get along just because they share origins,” Ed said softly. “Wyverns and Geminis don’t get along too well, either.”
“….Yeah. About that…”Kire’s voice trailed off, a shadow of worry on her face, remembering how Narda had reacted. Ed narrowed his eyes at his cousin.
“Mm. I’ve kept my promise, and will continue to keep it, with regards to the boy. I’m sure Ed will have a better temper,” Narda put in, before addressing Envy, “and speaking of which, I should like to properly apologize for the rough start the other day.”