“Field Report 2394A-29B
Northern Force - Operation Runefang After Action Report
Action: Raid on suspected Heretic Stronghold Designation: Ghoulwood: - successful. 28 Heretics dispatched. 2 Minor demons dispatched. Summoning ritual disrupted.
On site evidence points to further rituals beyond city limits up in the Frostwind. Effectiveness uncertain.
No Argent casualties. One city guardsmen killed in action.
Team awaiting orders.”
- Letter on desk of Inquisitor Viktor von Krantz
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Sophie groggily awoke to faint warmth across her face and chest. With a hearty yawn, she tried to stretch only to find herself restrained. Alarmed, her eyes shot open and winced at the light that now flooded her vision., reigniting a splitting headache. When she finally regained her vision, she found the most curious sight of a blanket. Snuggled under it was Aryana’s naked form, the redhead’s arms draped over her being the source of the weight from earlier. She prodded the soft fleshy appendage, provoking a small snort from the still sleeping girl. Her eyes then circled the room, only to find that they were in some place unfamiliar. No wait… wooden floors, nice looking furnishings, a couch… ah! We’re still in the city?! The party house?!
In a panic she scanned her surroundings more thoroughly. She and Aryana had been sleeping on pillows that the couch was clearly missing. A blanket had been draped over them, presumably not through their own actions. Their stuff seemed to at least be present, all heaved onto a small pile beside them. Further away, she saw no signs of anyone that had been there the night before. Goddess above, my head though. Letting out a quiet groan, her attention turned back to the redhead beside her. Aryana’s peaceful sleeping face had wedged itself just under Sophie’s armpit, as if she had been snuggling up against her breast. Heh, cute. Shit, no, focus. What happened?
Her face then immediately started to heat up as the image in her mind cleared. First the faces and words, then the unmistakable sensations that made her quiver even now. We…?! Despite the initial shock at the revelation, it subsided when she looked back down at Aryana. The contentment and comfort that radiated from Aryana’s sleeping face was too enticing, Sophie threw her concerns to the wind and showered Aryana’s still sleeping form with a barrage of soft kisses. This stirred Aryana from her slumber and the much loved girl groggily tried to process what was ahead of her. Unfocused eyes widened at the sight of Sophie’s unclothed form, and as Sophie pulled back in embarrassment at being caught in the act, Aryana pressed her attack.
It was now Sophie’s turn to flounder as the redhead delivered a multitude of devastating blows, showering Sophie in a torrent of kisses as well. The two then burst into soft little giggles as they admired each other, a look of affection crossing their eyes more than once. The two wrapped each other in an embrace, and what would’ve been a pleasant awakening, turned to a quiet admiration session between the two as they looked each other up and down. Calm, relaxed, and content, their fingers interlocked and the two pulled each other into a deep embrace.
Knock
A soft knock on the door startled the two and they quickly pulled apart, scrambling desperately for their clothes.
“You guys awake in there?” Leon’s familiar voice called out.
“Y-yeah, a second!” Sophie replied, shooting Aryana a hurried look.
“Take your time, we’ll be downstairs.”
Sophie and Aryana exchanged glances, we’ll be? Embarrassment blossomed on their faces as they both came to the realization that not only had they slept with each other. Not just that, but they had slept with, and also fallen asleep in someone else’s house completely naked. Someone else gave us the pillows and blankets, oh stars.
As they got dressed, Sophie’s ears twitched as she finally started hearing normal sounds again. The soft creaking of wood, the shuffling of feet and clothes, and the muffled noises of the city streets outside. Her senses too, restored themselves after pleasant rest. Taking advantage of this, she quickly leaned over and took in an unsubtle whiff of Aryana’s delightful scent. Though it was faded, the comforting smell brought a small smile to her face. Aryana stiffened but pretended not to notice, even if Sophie could see the redhead was now beet red.
After Sophie put on her dress, Aryana flashed her a smile that struck deep in her heart. Sophie returned the gesture but could hear the beating of her chest rumble throughout her. Despite this, she feigned some sense of composure and dipped her head in acknowledgment, signaling that she was ready to go.
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Signs of revelry still littered the place, even if a fair bit more organized than before. Dozens of cups and bottles lined the shelf space, clothes and rugs hung up to dry after a thorough wash, and more than a few snores than there were bedrooms in the house.
Downstairs, the duo were greeted by their three hosts and a surprising pair of Fana happily chatting away with Isobel. The wolfkin and Leon simply waved their greetings before continuing preparing breakfast. Isobel seemed friendly at least, while Fana seemed both delighted and absolutely gobsmacked when she saw the duo descend with their arms linked. Knowing looks were shot at the duo and they tried to keep their heads down to hide their flustered expressions.
Sitting down for breakfast, the group continued their discussions now with the duo involved. Most of it revolved about the night itself, of who had sex with whom or some particularly exciting moments such as another student chugging a keg. Occasionally they’d talk about things of a more serious nature such as their vacation plans, but most of it remained fairly jovial.
“So you two… you’re more than dating, I take it?” Fana asked.
Aryana shyly nodded and Sophie just followed along.
“Hah… I should’ve guessed.”
“Erm…” Ary muttered.
“Yeah?”
“Where did Aubrey go?”
“That girl?” Fana rolled her eyes, “Probably with wherever Kolin went.”
“Kolin?”
“The guy she was hitting on. They went back to campus with a bunch of others.”
“Oh…”
“And before you ask, yes. I stayed to make sure you were alright.” Fana nodded appreciatively at their hosts.
Aetemo had a smug expression before Tavaevia smacked him on the head. Everyone else giggled and resumed the rest of their breakfast. Fana gave Sophie a brief side eye, but after examining her further, the Lucurian seemed to at least offer her some level of approval. Sophie understood her concerns though, even if perhaps her own were on a different perspective. She wasn’t just an Academy student, she was also a fighter and strange half person from the void. In theory, there was a great risk that she would end up suffering and indirectly hurting Aryana. A pang of pain ached within Sophie’s chest at the thought, her eyes turning to look at Aryana with a fondness. I hope I don’t hurt you. I don’t want to see you cry.
“Thank you.” Ary whispered.
Fana grinned and seemed to let the matter drop, gesturing for everyone to return to their meals. Sophie breathed a quiet sigh of relief, simply glad that she wasn’t going to be put under scrutiny. For a while, Sophie felt thankful for the normalcy, to be allowed to simply exist without much obligation.
The morning came to a pleasant close when their hosts bid them farewell. Isobel and Fana would join the duo on their trek back to the Academy port. Though the mood remained jovial, the tension of a city on the verge of war now wrapped around them like an oppressive mist. There was a chill in the air that nipped more aggressively than before, a sign of the coming frost that seemed to be eyeing the very sea itself. However, the heart of Cyndralia stood resilient, its people remaining boisterous and lively despite the knife’s edge that their fates rested upon. For goods and coin would change had whether or not a war broke out, and the economic hub of the continent would not cease to be simply because the empire threatened it. They had sent the imperials packing once before, and they would do so again if they must.
Redcloaks patrolled the streets in far greater numbers than before and even a few Trinite’s were guarding areas beyond the noble districts. To Sophie’s surprise, it would seem that whatever the Clover Legion had to do was over. For a few of their number stood stoically at key checkpoints throughout their walk back.
The other three chatted about classes, plans and everything in between. Sophie felt a pang of jealousy at how easily Aryana seemed to drop into their conversation whereas she struggled to keep up with the quick pace of topics. Still, at least she’s having fun. Her ears then perked up as she caught the sound of a few armoured boots clanking together as they made their way through the crowds, a far heavier step than those of Arterian soldiers. Before she could turn to check, a voice cut through the street and directly at them.
“Sophie of House Rosengart?” A gruff voice snapped her and everyone else out of their thoughts and conversations.
“Eh?” Fana was the first to speak, “Who, what, where?”
The other two seemed to slowly be coming to their senses and Sophie was caught between shock or worry. Someone’s looking for me? That doesn’t bode well, ever. Concerned, she cast a sideways glance at Aryana who shrugged, the girl also baffled at the sudden summons.
“Is she, are you, Sophie of House Rosengart?” An armoured man pointed at her.
Unlike the red or blue cloaks, nor possessing the flair of the legions, this man wore a thick fur coat that draped over his armor. But underneath, it was clear for all to see that he wore the sliver plates of the church. A templar. Behind him, two more hooded templars stood at the ready, no weapons drawn or maneuvers made. They don’t seem to be looking for a fight, so what is this about?
“That’s me.” Before Fana could reply, Sophie spoke up, earning herself a small frown from the tall girl.
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The armoured man regarded her for a moment before reaching into a small sack and producing a small scroll. Everyone’s eyes seemed to converge on it before he then pulled a smaller pouch out of the sack, dropping both into her confused hands.
“For your eyes only.” He gestured at the letter, “And compensation for your services.” He shook the pouch slightly, the distinctive jingle of coin following suit.
“Who…?” Sophie murmured.
“Services to be rendered in the repayment for your debt. Is there anything else?” The man asked, leaning backwards. His cold tone and aggressive pose suggested that she very much should not, have anything else.
Taking the hint, Sophie shook her head.
“Very well. Blessed by the stars, wanderer.” The templar nodded, satisfied.
With a single tilt of his head, the three armoured warriors continued their advance, disappearing into a side alley and out of sight the moment the group blinked. What the…?
The group sat in stunned silence before Isobel began unsubtly prying open the pouch, Sophie not even bothering to resist. The girl’s eyes widened as she let out a small whistle.
“That’s six… seven gold Artes. The hells did you do?”
“Yeah… what was that about?” Fana narrowed her eyes at her.
“Honest, I… don’t… know?” Sophie stammered out before it hit her, a debt… is this… the Inquisitor?
“You don’t sound sure about that.” Fana growled, “Also what is this ‘debt’ huh? You’re not going to drag Aryana into this, are you?”
“Fana…” The redhead in question meekly protested.
“Hey, it’s a legitimate concern! Those were templars, stars above. You don’t deal with them unless something’s wrong, and you certainly don’t usually have ‘debts’ with them.”
“Fanaaa… it’s okay, we’ve worked with the inquisitors before.” Ary half pouted. The inquisitors? Ahh… Mila, huh. How are you doing now, I wonder? Everything is alright, I hope.
“You… what? You’ve both… worked with them before?” Fana’s jaw dropped.
“Yeah?!”
“That’s… that’s not something to be happy about! Templars are dangerous people.” The girl hissed, “What do you mean worked with them before?”
“I… uhh, well. We-”
“They helped us get here, to Arteria, that is.” Sophie interrupted, shooting Aryana an apologetic glance.
“Huh? What? Really?” Fana looked in disbelief at Aryana, “They… helped you get… here?”
Aryana emphatically nodded, looking to Sophie for approval who offered the redhead a small smile.
“Tsk… you’re getting involved in dangerous things if the church is involved. I assume this ‘debt’ thing is also theirs?”
Sophie nodded.
“That’s bad news right there. I'm warning you, don’t you dare drag Aryana into it.” Fana sighed, “How are you connected with them, anyway?” Fana turned her sights on Sophie.
Sophie clicked her tongue and massaged her ears, seeking some sort of answer. Turning to Aryana, she found the girl looking sheepishly away. So she didn’t tell them about how we met in detail, huh. Fair enough. Sophie fiddled with the scroll before stuffing away alongside the pouch.
“Sorry Isobel, you’ve just met us and well…” Sophie apologized to the girl who was poignantly standing off to the side.
“Oh, no worries. I’m… not going to say anything if you don’t want me to.” Isobel held up her hands, excusing herself from getting involved.
Sophie sighed and reached out for Aryana, the redhead shyly holding on her hand as their fingers interlocked. Sophie squeezed in search of reassurance and Aryana squeezed back.
“Well… if you’re curious… I suppose we’re almost at the ferry. If you don’t mind lending me your ear,” Sophie breathed out uneasily, I don’t even know her that well. “I guess I could share a little about myself once we’re onboard.”
Fana seemed to bristle but said nothing else, letting out a small ‘hmph’ before turning away. With the situation temporarily calmed, Sophie wondered how much she should actually share. I somehow doubt she’d believe some of the shit we’ve seen, heh. Still, got a few minutes before the ferry, I just hope Ary doesn’t mind me embellishing her role a little, heheh.
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By the time the ferry ride was over, Fana seemed more worried than satisfied, whereas Isobel seemed hooked on the details of her adventure, questioning her about the places and foes she faced. Sophie had kept the story to a bare minimum, but even them, she had mentioned the undead, cults, and orcs, tying it all together with their journey to reach Arteria. In hindsight, it made sense that the dead and the cults featured so prominently, adding a good excuse to explain away their connection to the church. She cringed as she realized why Fana seemed even more worried. She had described their connection to the church as ‘simply tagging along’ after her experiences in Eichafen and therefore sounded more like a whimsical encounter rather than the horror that had accompanied it.
Still, it was a tale that she had told before, though probably in more detail. It was one that had at least halted any direct confrontation back. Fana was at least understanding that the duo shared a bond built through trials and that there was something more genuine behind their mutual affection for each other. Isobel on the other hand, was more enamoured by the idea of being an adventurer more than anything. She hadn’t known any of them for long, but saw in Sophie the twinkling hope of grand quests and lofty goals. For Sophie’s part, she was more than happy to answer what she could, seeing much the same kind of curious admiration in the girl’s eyes that she used to have when reading about Gunmar and Aurelia.
The four of them finally separated when the duo headed to Rosewood as the other two left for the other side of campus. Fana had left Sophie with a dutiful reminder that, ‘Don’t you dare hurt Ary.’ Something which Sophie already had inscribed in herself before she had even met the girl. Don’t need to worry about that, I want to keep her safe more than anyone.
By the time the duo got back to their room, they flopped onto Sophie’s bed and snuggled tightly together. Amidst their loving embrace, a few kisses were traded before they righted themselves, turning their attention to the letter that rustled within Sophie’s pockets. Pulling out the small scroll, Aryana shuffled closer as Sophie broke the seal and unfurled it.
“My considerate research assistance.” Sophie began reading, “I believe I have uncovered a way in which to both utilize your powers as well as to repay your debts to the church. On this I promise that if you aid me in this endeavor, our partnership can be considered completely dissolved afterwards, leaving you with no obligations.”
“Partnership? Debt?” Ary queried.
“Ugh, his fancy way of saying I worked with him to explore my powers.” Sophie pinched her nose, “And since he helped… cover up what happened in Saclia… he says I owe the church.”
“Oh.”
Sophie smiled and ruffled Aryana’s hair, taking a long sniff that made the girl giggle a little. “Anyway, let’s keep going.”
“Of this request I have two needs from you. 1) A full week or two of your time the moment your academic semester pauses. 2) Utmost secrecy in this matter until stated otherwise. I am not ignorant that my request summons you without due cause may interrupt your own plans for the coming months. As such, beyond the small stipend I have gifted you, we may negotiate further as necessary.” Sophie took a breath, “Huh, a secret eh? Doesn’t sound like anything good.”
“Doesn’t” Ary shook her head in agreement, “But also, two weeks! Isn’t that close to our time to catch a boat to Ostia? To visit Alodie?”
“Stars. You’re right. But I don’t think this is something I can just refuse.”
“Why not?”
“Ary… the Astral church…”
“I know. But I can still be mad.” Ary pouted, letting out a small sigh before poking Sophie in the stomach, “Keep going.”
“Eh? Alright.” Sophie continued, “To this end, upon the cessation of your semester. You will come meet my contacts within The Scholar’s Rest Inn. They have my full authority to act in my stead and should you still have concerns, you may negotiate with them. This task, though arduous, will feature immediate hostile elements, and that your sword arm can rest easy. Blessed by the Stars.”
Sophie’s voice trailed off as she finished, looking up at the ceiling with a resigned feeling before turning to Aryana. The redhead’s lips were pursed in disappointment, her freckled brow knit into a tight frown to signal her growing displeasure. The two held hands and rocked in each other’s presence for a while, taking in the silence to calm their emotions before they finally spoke.
“So… what do you think?” Sophie asked.
Aryana uncharacteristically clicked her tongue, making Sophie worried. Yet, she then kissed Sophie on the cheek, leaving the half elf more flustered than she had expected to be.
“Ary?” Sophie murmured.
“I don’t like it. But you don’t have a choice, do you? You’ve told me before, you and Anna. That the church is this big organization with eyes everywhere. So there’s no avoiding this, is there?”
“Not really.”
“Then what do I need to think about it? It’s happening regardless.” Ary pouted some more.
“Ary…”
“I mean, what can I even do? You’re going to get involved in something dangerous again!”
“But he said we’ll probably not run into any trouble-”
“And you trust that?!” Ary almost yelled.
Sophie shamefully looked away and shook her head, “No… not really.”
“But you’ll go anyway.”
“Yeah…”
“Ugh! Sophie!”
Sophie winced at the accusatory tone but said nothing.
“You!” Ary growled before sitting herself on Sophie’s lap. The redhead stared at Sophie with a fury before bringing their lips together with an aggressive kiss. “You’re just going to get hurt again! I know it!”
“Ary… I-I won’t.”
“You… won’t? Last time you got more than just hurt.”
“I… yeah… I’ll try.”
“Grah! You!” Ary glared at her with a fury before sighing. The girl then simply leaned against Sophie and rest her head on Sophie’s shoulder, snuggling in closer. “Mmm… try your best. If I’m not going to be able to stop you, then you should at least spend more time with me.”
Sophie was momentarily stunned before she let out a small giggle, giving into fate and leaning against the redhead. “Ary…” She let out a breathy whisper.
“Mmhmm?”
“I…I promise I’ll try my best.”
“Tsk, I have no doubt you will. But… fair enough.” Ary mumbled, “Now, one question.”
“Yeah?”
“Do you… that is… ugh. Do you remember… everything last night?” Ary let out a shy squeak.
Sophie blushed and let out her own flustered squeak at the sudden mention. After a second however, she pulled Aryana closer and showered her with more kisses. The redhead pulled back before responding in kind.
“Mmhmm, most of it.”
“Eheheh, me too.” Aryana goofily giggled, “Sophie…”
“Yes?”
“When you leave tomorrow. Promise me you’ll do your best to stay safe.”
“Of course! I promise.”
“Because once you come back, we’ll go to Ostia. But before we go… well… mother always taught me to repay good deeds. And you were very kind to me.” Ary smiled slyly.
“Sure! But what do… you… ahhh?!” Sophie covered her face as her mind clicked on the implications.
Aryana giggled some more and rubbed herself on Sophie, pushing the two of them down onto the bed. Instead of stripping however, the redhead simply curled up inside Sophie’s embrace. Confused but not displeased, Sophie squeezed the ball between her arms and ran her hands through Aryana’s hair. The calming effect made her let out a deep sigh, rumblings of joy spreading throughout her.
“I mean it… okay?” Ary mumbled into Sophie’s chest.
“Heheh, I believe you.” Sophie kissed the top of her head, “For now though, a nap?”
“Even after we’ve already… uhhh, slept so much?”
“Mmhmm. I still have some residual headaches from drinking last night. I…” Goddess this is going to sound so stupid, “I think only by having you around will it go away.” Sophie finished with a blush.
“Ahhhh?!” Aryana let out a soft scream as she buried herself deeper in Sophie in embarrassment.
Looking down, the half elf found an untold amount of happiness at the sight and took comfort in it. Together, the two pressed a little closer as Sophie felt their breathing synchronize. They fell into a soft rhythm as they closed their eyes and napped, readying themselves for the adventures ahead.