The Age of Splendor beget the Age of Ashes. The Age of Ashes beget the Age of Terror. The Age of Terror begets the current age. Bloodshed shall grow the trees that remain. The axe forgets, the tree remembers, but the tree will always fear the axe.

On their horses, the duo rode the trail into town. The wild grass and wind faltered away to peasant farms and podunk villages that surrounded the main attraction. A city with buildings of sparkling lights. Each step took them closer and closer in, the people turning from dirtied youth scrambling to chase the livestock to adults in clothes and silk fit for nights about the town. Upon their horses, the duo rode, the faces pointed away but the eyes pointed at them all the same. Even with those peering gazes, Avean still felt the need to reprimand.

“You cannot keep doing that. Heroes are people of stature! People that give hope and are more than the average person, not less!”

A scoff from the sister. “I’ll do what I want when they start talking shit. And drop the accent Ave, there’s no one to impress here.”

“I just mean that we’re supposed to be better than that. We’re heroes, Lu. This isn’t back at the orphanage where we just helped hunt and rebuild. “

“It doesn’t matter when he says it. It doesn’t matter when the kids at the academy said it. None of it hurts you, Ave? “

“Countess Lilabeth-”

“Countess Lilabeth used to hire us out to clear forests and act as irrigation! We’re not some demons and we’re certainly not just some tools to be pushed around. I’d rather be treated like people than property.”

“I’m not denying that she could've been a better foster parent, but she gave you Bartleby and gave me Atax. Horses fit for champions! “A sigh came from Avean as he looked up at the clear blue sky. “I just think that heroes should be better than fighting stuck up nobles. We aren’t kids anymore.”

“When we were kids, I could fight whoever bullied us.” A small smile arised on Lucia’s face.” Well, more like bullied you.”

“S-shut up!”

“Poor little Ave who couldn’t even make a water spell without flooding the basement and was too pussy to fight back.”

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“Oh! So you were any better? Your first few days of training and you could barely go without breaking your desks when you stood up.”

“Only the first few times.”

“What was the special order again? Iron and Steel Braces? “

“... Steel Braces and bolted to the floor.”

“Exactly!”

Lucia rolled her eyes dramatically. “Whatever Ave. Let’s get this done so we can get to the Capital.”

As the stable boys took away the reins as the two dismounted, the both of them looked at each other before going towards the door of the Countess.

(Knock Knock!)

Two knocks. Polite knocks. Avean must be home. A woman dressed in silk sat alone in front of her fireplace. She was beyond the prime of her life. Women of her age would more than likely attempt to grasp what little beauty they had left through lively enchantments but the crow's feet and smiles lines upon her bronze skin showed that she would go as naturally as she came.

“Countess Lilabeth! We have returned.”

The first to enter the room was Avean striding across the room with his hands already grasping the silken woman. Following behind him was Lucia, who leaned against the doorway.

“Ahh. The two troubles return after abandoning me for so long.”

“The assignment didn’t take that long. Twas a Rias Boar in need of subjugation. We simply came to visit before reporting to the Queen.”

“Of course, of course. Did Lucia behave herself?”

“As best as she could, madame.”

“Good,good. Keep her out of trouble. You know how she gets with her temper.”

A shout from the doorway. “I’m right here y’know!”

With all the woman had, she yelled. “And I mean it all the same!”

Avean couldn’t help but smile at the both of them. “Sincerely. We are so glad that you are ok. After we visit the Queen, we must have dinner together some time.”

“Of course, of course. But dear Avean. “Lilabeth grabbed the hand of Avean with both of hers. A grip that surprised Avean with how hard it felt. “Keep her safe, young man. Keep each other safe. You’re never alone.”

Avean looked back at his sister, hands in pockets and more concerned with leaving the estate than staying any longer. He nodded to his foster mother.

“With all I have, madam.”