“Once there was a vicious dragon,

Off in the countryside, did it roam

Then it burned all the village and men, leaving all naught but pyres

So did the good king say, a man who cared for his subjects prayed

“Oh valorous men at arms, and knights and squires and those of plucky hearts

Come and gather and slay this beast, a fitting reward ye shall reap.”

So off to war the men did go, to slay this most heinous foe

But fire and flight proved to be too much a fright and the king's men perished in the night

Finally a young lad called, with the eyes of a raven and the roar of a lion,

He said “Dear king let me go, but in return I’ll sit on the throne.”

The king who did care for his subjects, stroked his beard with a vigorous grip,

The king then said “If you can kill that beast, then the kingdom’d be yours to keep.” ”

- Verse from Meltonian Ballard “The Lion that Slayed a Dragon”

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Sophie smiled to herself watching the others just enjoy their time at the park. The elves entertained Aryana with questions and the redhead warmed slightly to the idea that she was, in fact, a friend to some more hatires. She herself was a bit confused on how to feel, her own suspicions had been given more evidence, more suggestions that fed the fires of her own theory. That she had Myndiri blood in her veins. It made sense, given what she knew, it affirmed the words of the entity, that she was a child lost in time. According to Maylesa and Thalnor; the Myndiri had quite a few distinctive characteristics with one of the most recorded ones in texts being their jewelled eyes. Unlike a mage's eyes formed through extensive use of magic, or those born through natural mutations, Myndiri eyes held a certain otherworldly quality to it that could often make people uneasy. Maylesa even suspected that their jewelled eyes were one of the reasons Myndir society was known for its extensive use of magics of all kinds. A mage could eventually manifest a variant of those, given enough hard use of magic over the course of decades if not a century.

The rest of Myndiri physiology was lost on her though. Sophie was neither as tall, powerful, graceful as they were, and her ears were far smaller and rounded than even traditional elven ears, much less Myndiri ones judging by what the siblings told her. Though it did raise an interesting question that she kept to herself for now, if these eyes do represent magic, and that Myndiri bloodlines are practically mana infused, why can’t I practice spells? She had, of course, tried by herself, reading or seeing a few small sigils performed and trying to replicate them to no avail. Even when she did, she couldn’t channel any mana at all.

Regardless, knowing that she had the potential to be Myndiri just depressed her. She never expected to meet her parents, or even siblings or relatives if she ever had any. Eva was all she needed. Yet even so, she couldn’t help feeling disappointed in knowing that what little possibilities there had been on that front had just vanished. The Myndiri weren’t just dead and gone; they had been actively hunted to extinction and for good reason.

All the history she knew about them mostly read like a giant list of crimes with a sprinkling of veneration. They had in fact built great wondrous cities, terraformed environments like the land that is now Carrador, they had granted knowledge of arcane arts to all under their rule. But these were coupled with the fact that they virtually enslaved every race that wasn’t them. They sacrificed countless thousands in their thoughtless experiments, treating any non elven life form as lesser beings more akin to rats than cattle. Their were cities built off the backbone of millions of enslaved beastmen and humans, their lands transformed and completely ravaged at the first signs of resistance in a storm of cataclysmic magic. With what survivors were left, they released crucial arcane knowledge necessary for survival like a slow drip, keeping the populace servile and reliant on their new masters.

One particularly ironic twist of fate is that the few Myndiri who were born with ‘lesser’ magic, ones with normal eyes and slightly differing physiology, were often shunned to the edge of society. They were the same ones who became the elves as known to Cyndralia today. Not that any of this mattered, the siblings had tried their best and, aside from some information that confirmed what she already knew, they hadn’t really shown her anything new. Though she did still appreciate the effort.

Sophie shook her head and cleared her mind. Not that this helps me with anything, I’d suspected as much after the entity brushed on the topic. She sighed and turned to the trio admiring flowers when she spotted a another small group of people heading over to the pavilion. Look's like trouble. Sophie pinched her nose in frustration; what had been a relaxing day was slowly morphing into one of deep introspection and potential conflict, so much for just hanging out.

The one leading the gang was a well built man, his bright ocean like eyes suited his visage well under the soft but prominent light brown hair and gentle beard. His lips curled with curiosity and he strutted forward with a refined but not entirely graceful gait. He wore a fancy finely tailored jacket that contrasted with the rough linen tunic underneath. The posse behind him dressed much the same but looked far more spiffy, their well pressed shirts. Their half plaited hairstyles reminded her of Meltonian fashion, their colors too supported that conjecture. Bar one who sported short hair and glasses. Though coupled with his uniformed appearance, Sophie reckoned he looked like the premier image of what someone would assume a scholar or researcher would look like. That haughty holier than thou walk would certainly say as much.

An anxious feeling coursed through her stomach as she saw the trio still unaware, too engrossed doing something with the flowers. Aryana even crouched down and held a dandelion next to her face, giving the siblings a sheepish smile whilst the two looked on with amusement at the redhead. Sophie had no idea what they discussed but, when she followed the bearded man’s gaze, she could only bite her lip nervously, for the man was looking straight at the redhead, his eyes furrowed into a frown. I have a terrible feeling that I know who this is.

She collected herself and stood up, gaining the temporary attention of a few posse members but the trio didn’t notice. Before she could get even a step in, a hearty bellow emerged from the man.

“Aryana? Is that really you? Little baby Ari.” The bearded man called out. Oh fuck.

Aryana had held the flower to her face, the sheepish smile she wore was nervous, but genuine as she had asked the elves something. Sophie caught the moment when all the joy vanished and the redhead’s smile had dropped. The girl’s eyes widened, the hint of recognition replaced by bone chilling fear as Sophie watched her freeze mid breath. Aryana’s entire being turned deathly still. The elves noticed the change but had no further thoughts; the siblings just stood up and tossed curious glances to all the nearby people, trying to figure out what was happening.

“I’d recognise that look anywhere! How’d ye even get here? Guess ya didn’t bring doom after all.” The man continued without a care, “And… oh my! Didn’t know you made friends already. My apologies for not noticing, master hatires.” He bowed politely, the posse dipping their heads alongside him. I guess Aryana really was onto something when she thought she saw a ghost from her past.

The siblings seemed perplexed, perhaps also intrigued at the strange turn of events. Sophie swore she could see all the options currently flashing within Maylesa’s eyes. Thalnor was quicker though, and he stepped forward before anyone could act.

“Of course.” Thalnor replied to the man, but Sophie noticed him sneaking a peek at her, looking noticeably relieved when he saw her heading towards them.

Aryana still remained frozen, yet she did track Thalnor’s gaze and met Sophie’s own concerned look. Like some ancient mechanism had been activated, Aryana began to stand back up at a glacial pace, her body stiff and breathing sporadic. Sophie’s eyes then travelled up to the posse and the man seemed surprised that a third elf like being had appeared, dipping his head politely at her arrival.

“By the spirits, so many new faces. You’ve made quite a few friends here Ari. And of course, my warmest greetings to you, madam.” The man stated smoothly without missing a beat.

“Yes, our humble greetings to you all.” The spectacled young man added, also bowing politely.

Sophie grunted her acknowledgment and replied with a small curtsey of her own.

“What might bring you here, fair scholars?” Maylesa chipped in before Sophie could speak, a diplomatic smile plastered onto her face.

“Much the same as you I assume, my fair lady.” The glasses wearing man replied, “We come here to relax and study. The environment is quite pleasant in comparison to noisy streets nearby, for studying that is.”

“Indeed, I, we, find this to be a nice little alcove, perfect for a quiet afternoon amidst our often busy schedules. So we choose today to spend it with some of our… friends.” Maylesa gestured at Sophie and Aryana.

“Ah, of course, madam. That is how we...” The young man gestured to the posse, “all met too. We needed to study and needed a place that could offer us a little quiet within the city.”

“Would the library not be more productive for that though?”

“It would! But it is further than here by quite a walk.”

“Fascinating! Then I assume that, given your way of dress, you are all academy students?” Maylesa queried, the elf casting a quick glance at Sophie and she understood what was being conveyed. I’m running out of ideas, help.

“That we are. Ah! Pardon our rudeness as well, we forgot to introduce ourselves. My name is Daniel Ashfield, this here is Tristan Elliot,” He pointed at the Frostwinder.

By this point Aryana had fully stood up, her body rigid and tense, the flower falling from her grasp as her eyes locked themselves onto Sophie, a pleading look in her eyes. Sophie noticed Aryana’s head trying to instinctively turn towards the speaking voices, but the girl steadfastly refused to look away from Sophie, even as her body began to tremble slightly. Stealthily, Sophie inched herself towards the quivering girl and was immediately latched onto as Aryana quietly shuffled behind her, the girl’s fragile hands clenched firmly onto Sophie’s blouse.

“A pleasure to meet you all.” Tristan bowed.

“Likewise.” Thalnor acknowledged, “Our companions are Sophie and Aryana, no known house affiliation. Myself and my sister are Thalnor and Maylesa Calnodel respectively.”

If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

“Calnodel, isn’t that one of the houses that built the palatium lift in the council chambers?” One of the posse stated.

“That is us indeed.”

The posse looked mildly more impressed and surprised at the discovery, the lot showering the siblings with a little more attention than they expected. The two glanced at each other with a hint of uncertainty in their eyes but smiled politely anyway. Aryana meanwhile had buried her face into Sophie’s back, the half elf feeling slightly uncomfortable but at the same time she would hold her ground to protect the girl.

“Then that means you’re related to the twins in the academy’s top class too?” Daniel stated with a voice filled with reverence.

“That is correct, though we are also aiming to challenge their position.” Maylesa snorted, her face dropping at once.

“Sorry, what?” Sophie unconsciously stated, drawing all eyes onto her, “Err… I meant that I didn’t know… you had more siblings?” She awkwardly finished her question.

“We did, but you never asked.” Maylesa huffed.

“My sister also believed that we are more than sufficient companions without relying on our elder’s merit. A sentiment I agree with.” Thalnor added.

Sophie couldn’t help but snort a little, the movement frightening the poor girl behind her a little more. She was internally sorry for the startling move but also quite amused. Unlike their odd but refined and graceful demeanour, it seemed they were also quite prideful when it came to talking about elder siblings. She had to fight not to chuckle out loud at the snark in their voice. So they aren’t completely alien after all.

“I think you both know I am thankful for your fine company and kindness.” Sophie reassured them.

“As you should.” The siblings agreed.

“And who might you be, my lovely lady.” Tristan bowed at Sophie, a little too smoothly for her liking.

But she could tell someone like him was capable of charming many. His voice was just deep enough to stir emotions but not enough to scare away the crowds. His half groomed appearance offered a suave and charming yet also wild and untamed, allure to him. I wonder if Eva knows about him. Her mind flickered back to the words at hand and offered a light curtsey.

“I am Sophie, a knight adventurer and academy applicant.” Sophie spoke.

“My! An academy applicant! Does that mean you’re all applying? Including dearest Ari there?” Tristan asked.

Sophie almost frowned. There was something different about his voice when he mentioned Aryana, a slight shift in tone that signalled a different emotion. She had expected ridicule, hatred, or at least some level of feigned indifference. She hadn’t expected to hear fondness. How curious, wasn’t he a bully? I swore that’s what Aryana told me.

“That we all are.” Maylesa beamed proudly, sneaking a cheeky wink at Sophie as the elf noticed the maid’s moment of hesitation. Thank you, Sophie smiled back.

“My, then I assume you’ve all taken the recent round of entrance exams then?”

“Indeed we have. The little ones did remarkably well as well, despite them only having one week to prepare.” Maylesa boasted. Shit, now I’m gonna find out I failed, thanks for jinxing it. Also damn, she called attention to us, and I was just about to thank her later for taking the heat off us.

At the very least, Sophie saw that the elf had spoken it as a point of pride. Like she was proud of the two of them, that much was heartwarming. The fact that Maylesa’s face dropped into a horrified then apologetic look was also appreciated.

“Then let me offer our congratulations on making it through. And for the two of you for earning such high praise from a prestigious family.” Tristan agreed. Ahh, the classic sucking up to important people.

“Many thanks.”

“Of course! And my congratulations to you too Aryana, though I realize that perhaps being so forward after such a long time might not have been the best idea.” He quickly added.

Sophie felt a small shuffling behind her as the girl debated moving out from her back, but ultimately decided to remain where she was.

“Thank you.” Aryana reluctantly muttered into Sophie’s back, so quietly that the half elf doubted even the elves hearing would pick it up.

“She said thank you.” Sophie dutifully relayed the redhead’s message.

Tristan smiled for a moment before Sophie followed his gaze to the pavilion. She quickly waved them along.

“Please, we’ve been here a while so we’re on the way out soon enough anyway, it’s all yours.” Sophie smiled.

“Oh but-” Maylesa began but Thalnor gently nudged her.

“And I thought I was the one who needed more subtlety.” Her brother hissed.

Maylesa flashed a playful scowl but nodded along “Sophie is right, we’ll be going now anyways. It’s been a pleasure meeting you all!”

“Oh, we could share the space. I don’t think any of us mind.” Tristan turned to his companions who all shared friendly shrugs.

“Please, it’s fine. We’ll have chances to collaborate and see each other again soon enough at the academy.” Maylesa said.

“We look forward to it.” Daniel joined in with a wide genuine smile.

At that the two groups began separating, Sophie’s heading back out as Tristan’s posse of six took up their former positions. She did notice that Tristan kept glancing towards Aryana as they passed, and wondered just what exactly was the history between him and the redhead. She did say he bullied her but the way he's acting doesn’t seem overly malicious or even targeted, one might wonder if it's even a little overbearing. Still, questions for another time I suppose.

Sophie felt Aryana’s arms wrap around her waist, holding her as if someone had tied a brick to her. She had to practically drag the girl along as they left with the siblings, the two trading words amongst themselves in pure elvish.

“Sorry.” Aryana managed to eke out a muffled mumble from Sophie’s back.

“It’s okay.” Sophie reassured her half heartedly, “Let’s just get out of here first.” She finished her words a little loudly.

The siblings got the hint and nodded their acknowledgements at Sophie picking up their pace slightly. The motley group managed to eventually slink their way back out of the park. Aryana had been attached to Sophie’s back the entire time and Sophie could feel the girl mumbling to herself the entire walk. It wasn’t until they finally exited Hiromi park that Aryana was finally willing to separate herself. Though, even then, the redhead clutched onto the hem of Sophie’s blouse, never allowing herself more than a hand’s width away.

The group spent a moment to recover their senses, the siblings taking the time to glance around for any signs of being followed before they turned back towards the duo.

“We apologize for any distress you may have suffered.” Thalnor quickly spun around to say.

“Yes, indeed. We had not planned to run into such a crowd at this time.” Maylesa also apologetically added.

Aryana just vigorously shook her head, “It’s fine. Not you. It’s me. Sorry.”

“Ah, but still.”

“Please, no need to be sorry. It’s just my own past, my fault. Sorry for ruining the day.” Aryana declared glumly, “But you are all good friends. The very best.” She added with a half-hearted echo.

The two elves apologetically turned towards Sophie, their expressions imploring for her to help.

Sophie just smiled and shook her head, “She means it. It’s… complicated, but trust me. You guys were great hosts and great friends.”

The siblings still held onto a modicum of worry on their faces but looked a little more relieved. Likewise, Sophie kept a close eye on Aryana, trying to gauge how the girl was feeling and how long it might be before she recovered to full functionality. The girl in turn looked back up at Sophie, her green eyes searching desperately for some semblance of calm in Sophie’s own. Sophie just bobbed her head slightly and the girl seemed pacified for now, turning her attention back to their new friends.

“I guess we’ll save Selmora for another day.” Thalnor hummed.

“Indeed, you two should get some rest first, especially you.” Maylesa gestured at Aryana.

The redhead quietly bobbed her agreement and sighed. “I’m… I’m really sorry for ruining everyone’s day.”

“No! It’s fine, really. We’re here to support our friends as needed.” Maylesa quickly stated.

“That is the truth.” Thalnor joined in.

Aryana continued murmuring her apologies as the siblings tried to reassure her. Sophie meanwhile just watched the entire ordeal and felt a small smile snaking its way up her face. It’s nice to see they actually care, however they choose to show it. It’s nice to see someone else fuss over her for once. She inadvertently let out a small chuckle that ceased the exchange and the three of them now turned to look at her.

A little alarmed, Sophie froze for a moment before she chuckled openly this time.

“Halfie?” Maylesa queried.

“Nothing, I’m just… I guess I just feel glad you guys care so much. I know she’s too shy to say it but… I think it means the world to her. Even if we've all really known each other for more or less a day or two.” Sophie smiled and tossed a cheeky smirk at the redhead.

The siblings seemed relieved by the words, and they too shared a small smile. On the other hand, Aryana exploded with a furious blush, the girl’s pale face rushed to join her fiery red hair. Sophie watched with increasing amusement as Aryana desperately sought for somewhere to hide, but, having recently just evicted herself off of Sophie’s back, she found herself unwilling to approach the maid so soon. Aryana squirmed for a few more seconds before Sophie finally clicked her tongue and decided to rescue the poor girl from her predicament.

“There, there. I’ve got you.” Sophie spoke softly to the distressed girl before turning to the siblings, “I guess we’ll call it a day early, we know the way home so you don’t have to worry about us. Besides, you’ve helped us out plenty already. You’ve shown her that you guys do genuinely want to be friends.”

“We do!”

“Of course.”

The siblings replied. And, though Aryana currently hung her head low to hide her blush, Sophie could sense that the girl was likely also trying to hide an equally prominent smile at the comforting words.

“You’ve shown us new places and gone out of your way to help me too. With looking into the Myndiri research, I mean.” Sophie continued.

“It is only proper.” Maylesa stated, “But, if you do wish to learn more about the Myndiri on your own volition.”

“Which I might do.”

“Which you might do. Then, you’d be happy to know that I’ve informed Quaestor Nix that someone might go seek his insight into Myndiri.”

“Quaestor Nix?”

“He’s a scholar who frequents the library and often explores material on the Arneathians, that is also the term you should use when conversing with him. He is quite peculiar on colloquialisms and insists on addressing the Myndir as their proper name of Arneathians, part of where we picked up the habit too.”

“So this Nix fellow, he’s a scholar on the Myndiri then?”

“Not a university scholar, but definitely knowledgeable about them.”

“Huh, the more you find out I guess. Thanks though, really. It was a pleasant enough day and I definitely will hold you to the idea of showing us Selmora Boulevard.” Sophie clicked her tongue.

“Of course! And best of luck with your endeavors in the meantime.”

“Likewise for you two. We’ll definitely meet when the results get announced eh?”

“Indeed! Until then.” Maylesa beamed.

“Until then!” Thalnor followed.

“Bye.” Aryana managed to mumble faintly.

“Until next time!” Sophie smiled, her own emotions reaching a temporary high. Friends, I’ve made honest to the Goddess friends that haven’t been forged with bonds of battle or terror. It feels… nice.

The two pairs separated at least and Sophie waved until the siblings finally dipped behind an alley and were out of sight.

“C’mon then, let’s get to the tavern and we’ll figure something else out for dinner, yeah?” She turned to the redhead and gestured for Aryana to follow. Complying, Aryana slowly shuffled along beside her, the two headed back to the tavern once more. Maybe she’ll tell me more about this Tristan fellow, they definitely have history based on his bizarre reaction. She paused for a moment to scratch at her nose before shaking off the thought, we can worry about that stuff after dinner. For now, let’s make sure she slowly calms back down.