“A Voice From Beyond
Welcome dear readers! We are back once again on this traveller’s sponsored segment in the papers to show you, a little slice of the world. Now, a little delayed story but this is about Saints Day roughly a month ago. The feature was delayed in part due to the escalation we saw in Gratia but that’s not why you’re here. Today, I’d like to talk about a travelling minstrel that popped up in the short time I was in Ostia! While her songs were nothing too unique, it was her voice that had captivated me, ensnared me in the presence of an elf whose skin looked nothing like any other elves in the world! Together, they were a blend of warmth and ethereal energy that sent shivers down my spine with every note. She introduced herself as Elaria Kastiane, a most curious name; and her assistant as Raylani. But before anyone could even strike up a conversation, she had disappeared to pop up elsewhere around Ostia! Like a true spirit! What first… ”
- Forward Pont!, Lifestyle and Travel, “A Pontian’s Adventures Column: Ostia”
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“That’s close enough. Please remain with the others.” The closest guardian stopped her.
Sophie kept her foot in place, but made no more move to advance, the gesture satisfying the soldier for now.
By the crowds, the shouting was dying down as Eva’s shock meant she was neither bothered by or bothering to reply to insults hurled her way. Unfortunately, this pause didn’t go unnoticed and heads began turning towards Sophie. When the realisation slowly hit the crowds, the vitriol followed soon after.
“That’s her! The knight elf whore of Melton!”
“Traitor! The real one!”
“This is how you repay being taken care of?!”
A few Carradorians shouted, stirred by their own rising fervour. Some were faces she recognised from soirees or events that Eva attended before. Despicable. The Traxians, thankfully, seemed mostly to just sneer at her presence with disdain, occasionally muttering only what she could assume to be less than kind words in her general direction.
Ignoring them, Sophie steadied herself as she sucked in another breath.
“Evaline Rosengart! This is unsightly! It is time for us to leave!” Sophie bellowed.
Her outburst temporarily silenced the crowd as they now seemed to be waiting for a response. Eva remained somewhat frozen as Sophie saw the flicker in her mistress’s eyes as she tried to process everything. The silence stretched for eternity as Sophie was out of ideas and the crowd crew antsy at the sudden break in the middle of their conflict. The quiet tension was only pierced ever so slightly by a faint whisper that barely carried in the wind. Words that were heard only because Sophie had grown used to reading Eva’s lips.
“Sophie…?” Eva seemed to be questioning.
The awkward air was then shattered when the Traxians seemed to finally register who she was.
“It’s always the half-bloods! Thinking they’re like the kni-elves, trying to control everything! Even right now! She speaks to the saintess as if she were nothing more than a servant!” A particularly lanky Traxian yelled at his compatriots, “Always trying to pretend to be your betters. Human or elven!”
“Y-yeah!” One of his comrades agreed, “It’s people like those that try to ruin everything!”
“Probably why she fucked them Meltonians. Hahah.” Another sniggered.
Not willing to be out done by their rivals, the Carradorian students began hurling more abuse at her as well.
“Sellsword wench!”
“Half breed!”
“She has Traxian hair too!”
Sophie almost deflated, but seeing that the other saintesses and guardians now began ushering the still confused Eva away gave her some hope. At least they might get her away. Time to play it up I guess.
“What? Can’t stand being shown up by a half elf?” Sophie snorted.
She scratched her arms to calm her nerves and steady herself. Though she could not see her own attempt at a stoic expression, she suspected that she likely looked more like a fool. But as the others started to rail on her instead of Eva, she found the crowd closing in. With her sight lines cut off by the people just past the worried guardians, she could no longer keep track of Eva’s position.
Sophia, she called out.
Already on it. I’ll keep an eye on her. Came the reply.
Thanks. Sophie breathed a sigh of relief. It pleased her to know that in its own way, her little plan was working out. Of course, she appeared less like a savior as the other saints were the ones extracting Eva. Her main concern now was how to escape the plethora of eyes that had been turned towards her.
“Mam, please refrain from causing more of a fuss.” The guardian in front of her dejectedly asked.
Sophie wanted to growl but just barely stopped herself, merely nodding mutely in response.
“Yeah! Get out of here half blood!” The lanky Traxian jeered.
“Away! Away!”
“Begone! Foulblood!”
“Blight of the world!”
More joined in.
Eva’s almost away, the others are dragging her. Just another minute. Sophia informed her.
“I’m more of hero than any of you welps!” Sophie fired back, her soul increasingly drained as every ounce of her simply wanted to flee and be alone.
“Who’d you seduce for your knighthood, halfing?”
“You-” Sophie opened her mouth.
“That’s enough out of all of you. What preposterous display of civility is this? Are you born socially damaged? Your lessons forgotten? Or perhaps you simply wish to be expelled for being a nuisance?” A sharp, piercing voice came from behind her.
“We-” One of the Traxians tried to answer only to freeze.
“Deplorable as this ingrate might be,” The voice continued and Sophie saw a feminine shadow gesture at her, ahh, another Traxian. “That does not excuse your behaviour nor the mockery of court ethics and etiquette of which is invested within us by your families, the state, and the emperor himself for this opportunity to be here. To be the best of the best. And this is how you all choose to act?”
“Princess, we-” The Traxian tried to rebut.
Sophie gingerly turned her head to find unexpected assistance coming from one who never shied away about her dislike of Sophie. For Princess Lucinia seemed positively incensed about the entire situation, the girl’s brows knit into a tight frown as a scowl overtook her face.
“I shall hear no excuses. We are here to represent the empire, in whatever capacity that we attend this institution in. Especially given the ongoing conflicts, we must strive to stand as paragons of humanity against the darkening tides. To be peerless against the masses that have not been enlightened to the Imperial truth. So then, pray tell, Lord Emil, son of Marquis Hippos, what are the students and colleagues around her to determine about our people from this display? That we are brutes? Uncivilised rabble here to simply scream and shout? That our power is unparalleled but shattered upon the shoulders of one singular half wit of an elf?” Princess Lucinia growled, taking a menacing step forward. Ouch.
Sophie watched as the guardians who were clearly aware of the Princess’s identity did not move to stop her the same way that they had stopped Sophie’s own advance. Perks of nobility, I suppose.
Before the lanky Traxian could reply, Sophie found the princess staring directly at her, the noble’s eyes boring a hole into her skull as she seemed to search for something. Having extracted whatever she wanted from Sophie’s worried but thankful expression, Sophie realised how bad her earlier impression of the Duchess had been.
“Begone, half-blood.” Princess Lucinia commanded. Behind her voice, was an air of authority that Sophie found ever so familiar. Now that, was how the Duchess talked when she was angry at Eva.
Hearing the tone that left little room for misinterpretation, Sophie found the Princess’s almost baleful glare far more threatening than her usual demeanour in the classroom. But sensing her own out and already exhausted, she simply meekly dipped her head and shuffled backwards towards the outer crowd.
“Everyone, disperse. What a shameful display you have all participated in. We are all students at such a prestigious academy, and yet…” Lucinia’s commanding voice faded into the background.
She let out a full bodied sigh of relief, thankful for her unexpected rescuer. A hand reached out from the crowd and dragged her away, her moment of relief replaced by surprise as the figure pushed her past the crowd and back out in the open. Her surprise turned into disgruntled appreciation as Sophia turned around and stuck her tongue out at her, clearly revelling in being able to pull Sophie away so easily.Sophia cheekily winked at her and Sophie instinctively winced with emotional damage, adding on to her wounds already present from the crowd.
Behind them, Lucinia’s voice rose a bit higher but more strictly. The speech evidently disheartening the Traxian contingent, and the plummeting mood evidently spread to the Carradorians as they seemed almost listless and awkward without Eva or Sophie present.
As Sophia continued to lead her away, their pace gradually slowed the further away they got. Her counterpart’s nimble and soft footed steps only drew to a halt once they made it up the steps into Aster park. A few curious students casted questioning glances at the half elven twins but mostly kept to their own business.
Secluding themselves to a corner shaded by a snow covered fir tree, it was Sophia’s turn to sigh and just lean back. Sophie said nothing as her counterpart’s head plopped onto a snow covered bench, the girl jumping straight back up as she let out an animalistic squeal.
Sophie chuckled at her sister’s expression of frozen shock. The girl quickly shook it off and upon catching sight of Sophie’s laughter, smiled herself.
“I wanted to lie down too.” Sophie admitted.
Stolen story; please report.
“Hah! I knew it!” Sophia smirked before grimacing, “If only it wasn’t so cold. Brrr, I might regret it a little.”
“Heh. Stupid.”
“Tch.” Sophia sighed, “You alright?”
“Huh? Yeah?”
“I mean… they did not go easy on you.”
“Didn’t expect them to. But I’m used to it. What happened to Eva?” Sophie asked.
“She got out fine, started kicking and screaming when she figured out what was happening. Shadows bless Suzuki, that girl’s stronger than she looks.” Sophia mumbled admiringly.
“I’ll thank her in class.”
“Mmm, you do that.”
The two sighed in unison, their attention landing on the other students just relaxing around the park.
“Feels a little strange doesn’t it? A noisy little get together with hundreds of students and here… they probably don’t even know what happened.” Sophia mused.
“Mmhmm. Welcome to life in civilisation.” Sophie snickered, “High walls and taller houses can easily stop you from noticing many things.”
“I don’t need you to tell me that.” Sophia rolled her eyes.
“Says the one born, oh I don’t know, around a month or two ago?”
“I’m your clone!” Sophia hissed, her eyes darting around to make sure no one could hear, “The time difference doesn’t matter.”
“Uh, I'd say it very much does.”
"Oh yeah? If I'm like a child then you're even more so!"
The two disengaged for a brief bit of respite, taking in the lightly snow covered scenery and admiring the little grassy hedges protected by magic. Sophie turned to ask a question when Sophia held up her hand and nodded.
“No need to thank me.” Sophia said.
“I… huh? I was going to ask a question?”
“Damn.”
“But thank you for the save. A... timely extraction.” Sophie relented.
“Heh. Glad you noticed.” Sophia smirked a little, “And to answer your question, yes. I think they’re going to be a problem. They don’t seem the type to just forgive and forget if they’re willing to pick a fight with a saint.”
Sophie groaned, “Right, I try to be nice and forget you can read my thoughts if I’m not careful. But yeah, I guess that’s the gist of it. What about the princess? I think she’ll at least mediate if the Traxians are involved.”
“Small mercies.” Sophia agreed.
“Which way did Eva go, by the way?”
Sophia frowned and closed her eyes, the girl letting out a huff as she tried to picture the campus. “Headed down the road. Probably to the cathedral. ‘Least that’s where the others seemed to be dragging her.”
“Right. Saints.”
“Might make it hard for us to get a chat with Eva today.”
“Unfortunately so.” Sophie grimaced, “Still, at least she’s safe.”
“Mmm. We could always swing by if you’re worried.”
“Fair enough.” Sophie nodded, “Say, what were you doing around Grats anyway?” Sophie changed the subject.
“Huh? Me? I mean, I’m doing what you should be doing.” Sophia poked her chest, “Training.”
Sophie winced. That was a low blow.
“Something, something. Don’t let Ary get hurt.” Sophia continued.
“I get it. I get it.” Sophie held up her hands in defeat.
“Good. Then tomorrow afternoon, two o clock sharp. You and I will spar.” Sophia eagerly grinned, “Just like back then. Except this time, your shadow can fight back.”
Sophie felt a slightly chill run down her spine but acquiesced without protest. Her counterpart spoke the truth, there would never be enough practice. Besides, I think Ary is busy then too.
“For now, I guess we did what we needed to.” Her counterpart spoke, “But I suppose-”
“For now,” Sophie interrupted, “we swing by the cathedral just to make sure Eva’s fine. Then if you aren’t doing anything, we’re having a tea party.”
“Tea party eh? And your siblings didn’t get an invite? How tragic.” Sophia pouted with puppy eyes.
Sophie pinched her counterpart’s nose, making the girl almost squawk in alarm. “Didn’t cross my mind at the time, okay? Sorry. But also, speaking of which, where are the other two?”
“Ela and Ray?”
“Yeah.”
“They’re basically cuddling, or fucking. One of the two. Catching up on missed chances. You know, considering we were around for the better part of the last month.”
“I… I…” Sophie was speechless at her counterpart’s brazen attitude. Sophia just looked happy that she had so easily baffled Sophie. “I didn’t need… fair enough.”
“Heheh, you asked!" Sophia tittered, "Though I’d like one of whatever relationship they’re having. Or...what you have.”
“Pfft.” Sophie scoffed.
“Hey, not cool. Sharing my genuine feelings here. But that aside, well, we have a plan now, don’t we? Check on Eva and the tea party?”
“That’s right.” Sophie smiled, “So let’s get moving. The others might be getting antsy.”
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“... And that’s how we ended up back here.” Sophie wrapped up.
“Can you believe it? The priest was about to call the templars to throw us out. Us! After everything we’ve done for them!” Sophia whined indignantly.
“Technically, it was for the Inquisition, more specifically, an inquisitor who kept to the shadows. I somehow doubt just any church would have heard of our exploits.”
“What I mean to say, is that they were just as rude as the protestors.” Sophia growled.
“I know, I know.”
“Hey, I don’t mean to be rude or cut you off, but isn’t it weird? The whole talking to your twin thing. Doesn’t it ever feel like you’re just talking to yourself.” Fana asked, “I mean, you two definitely look far too similar. And Ary said you guys can sometimes read each other's... minds?”
The duo paused and examined each other before shaking their heads, “Not really.” They answered.
“It’s a little weird watching them though, right? In a fun way.” Alodie chipped in.
“I guess?” Fana shrugged, unconvinced, “Still, what exactly happened on your little ‘excursion’, Aryana?”
“What do you mean?” The redhead squeaked.
“You said you guys explored some caves and met some dwarves. Wild enough story in that you just casually got to visit a dwarven city. But fine, given what you two have done so far,” Fana shot an accusatory glare at Sophie, “I guess danger and exploration kind of come together. But what Aryana here hasn’t really mentioned yet was just how you found a fairy and also just conveniently met Sophie’s long lost twin sister. All she said was that they stumbled into you, is that true?”
Sophia looked to Sophie for guidance. But in this, Sophie had none to offer and just offered a pained smile./
“Errr, I guess?” Sophia sheepishly answered.
“You… guess?” Fana prodded.
Maybe a little more than that. Sophie chided.
Well maybe you should’ve been the one to answer then! Sophia shot back.
Just tell her the basics, maybe.
Ugh, so demanding.
Was just a suggestion. Sophie shrugged.
“Yeah. I was actually scouting out a dwarven ruin for relics or things to sell actually. Only inside did we bump into each other. I remember being so… surprised by her sudden appearance I thought I was dreaming or something.” Sophia answered.
“More like she found me stumbling around. But that’s the gist of it, yes.” Sophie acknowledged.
“How very intriguing. It’s shaping up to be quite the mystery.” Miraevie’s contemplative voice joined in.
“What do you mean?” Alodie asked.
“Mysterious ruins, the stonekin, ancient magicks, telepathy. Quite a bizarre series of events I would struggle to believe if not for the proof in front of me.” The elf replied.
“Mhmm, it’s just a little weird, isn’t it? But it's a great tale.” Alodie chirped.
“A lot of strange coincidences, that’s for certain. Still, why do I get the feeling you know a little bit more than you’re letting on.” Miraevie stared at Alodie uncertainty. Dammit, the weak link.
Alodie could only sheepishly smile and scratch her head.
“So she knows?” Fana mused out loud.
“Alright, alright. That’s enough speculation for everyone.” Sophia interjected before another round of interrogations could occur against Alodie, “We’ve said our piece. Whatever we didn’t say has a reason to stay hidden. If anything, we’re all here in one piece, and that's what matters, right?”
Fana just nodded, though still clearly dissatisfied. Aubrey only half paid attention, more focused on drinking tea and emptying the box of snacks that Fana had brought.
“I like this version. Much more assertive and certain.” Miraevie looked approvingly at Sophia, “Much more to the point, though I suspect perhaps a little less peaceable than the other one.”
Ouch? Was that an insult or a compliment? Both?
“She is a little more conscious of herself than I am, admittedly.” Sophia smirked.
“Good to know." Miraevie chuckled, "Alas, just on the cusp of unravelling something, I must depart for dinner as I have other obligations.” The elf stood up somewhat slowly, taking her time, “It was a pleasure meeting all of you and thank you for the delectable treats and tea.”
“Thank you!” Fana and Ary replied at the same time. As the two giggled at each other, the elf tuned to her compatriot
“Come on, Alodie. The others should be arriving at the dining hall soon. Literature club.” Miraevie explained upon seeing Sophie’s confused expression.
“On it!” Alodie cheerfully packed her things, joining the elf in heading towards the doorway. “Thanks for the meet up! It was nice catching up.” Alodie smiled at her hosts, “And thanks for the food too!” She saved another smile for her new friends.
“You’e welcome!” Fana smiled, “Though I suppose that means it's our time to go too, eh?” She nudged Aubrey.
“Boo, no more tea and cookies.” The girl jokingly pouted, “But yeah, this was fun. Thanks for hosting us.”
“No worries!” Ary beamed. Still unsure of what the girl thought of her Sophie opted to just politely smile.
The last member of the non roommates reluctantly stood up to join the others. Sophia emulated the bow Sophie had often performed in the Rosengart estate.
“Guess that’s my cue to check on what the others are up to. Remember Sophie, training in Grats hall tomorrow.”
“I know.” Sophie groaned in despair.
“Cya Aryana!”
“Bye Sophia!” The redhead bobbed, "Stay safe!"
Waving goodbye to their guests, the duo finally found themselves alone as the sky outside had already darkened. They both let out exhausted huffs and giggled upon catching each other’s gazes. Yana had long since grown bored of the relatively uneventful conversations and had flown over to relax upon the spare bed, perched on her reading stick and appraising the information in one of Sophie’s history books.
Only when the hall outside grew quieter did the two scoot closer together, their hands interlocking without any words exchanged. Ary's hands were warm and comforting, her fingers opening up to allow Sophie's to snuggle up against them.
“Training?” Ary asked in a soft whisper.
“Mmm. Sophia wants me to actually practice and not, you know, get hurt all the time.” Sophie replied with a kiss.
“Heheh. Fair enough.” Ary giggled with delight, “Long day?”
“Ughh, so long. Who would’ve thought there’d be so much controversy with Eva?!”
“Mmhmm. Sounds kind of reckless compared to how you usually describe Eva.”
“Well… yeah. I mean she was yelling back at everyone! It was such a mess!” Sophie complained as she slid down and rested her head upon Ary’s lap. Sophie purred in contentment as Ary ran her fingers through her hair.
“Kind and lovely. But occasionally too hot headed and reckless.” Ary loomed over and stared into her eyes, “Like someone I know.”
“Hey… learned it from the best.” Sophie squirmed a little.
“But whom I also adore dearly.” Ary leaned down and the two kissed. The soft tingle of their lips rejuvenated Sophie’s exhausted form somewhat as she sat up to lock Ary in a proper embrace.
“Says the cheeky little mountain girl who’s the most adorable thing ever.” Sophie teased. Stars, she's so precious.
Ary blushed a little but did not pull back.
“Don’t worry about Eva. I’ll go check on her tomorrow with Sophia.” Sophie wrapped her arms around Ary.
“Mmm. But one weekend, we should save just for ourselves.”
“I’d like that.” Sophie grinned, “Hup!”
“Bweh?!” Ary squeaked as Sophie lifted her up, a faint sense of panic in Ary's eyes.
Gently, Sophie plopped Ary onto the other bed and crawled over her until she straddled the redhead. Ary’s expression of surprise slowly shifted and her eyes widened with desire as she assessed their positions. Sophie noticed the girl’s breathing grow a bit heavier and her nipples poking up from her tunic. Ary licked her lips instinctively and started looking Sophie up and down, the attention making Sophie even more eager than she had expected. The tingling she felt before now rising to an ache that could only be soothed by her very own darling.
“For now,” Sophie leaned in and whispered, “after such a long day. How about some time to ourselves right here?”
Without saying a word, Ary drew her into a deep kiss and the two melted into each other’s arms.