Tessa had naively believed that seeing Cassie again would be made easier because of already experiencing something similar with her other sisters and parents.

Yet as she stood there before her silent sibling, Tessa realised she couldn't have been more wrong.

The experience felt just as chaotic, just as poignant, as meeting her other family had been. Her hands shook with a subtle twitch as she moved to stand before Cassie, meeting eyes that might as well have been reflections of her own. She did this partly to protect Elora, having seen her sister's hand move to the cutlass at her hip, and partly to overcome her own fear, to move before her body realised the nefarious feeling was flooding her system.

Unable to match her gaze for long, Tess looked for something, anything, to distract her. She stared at Cassie's uniform. The immaculately maintained black and blue dress tunic suited her sister well. She'd known many soldiers during her life as a mercenary and, in most all cases, she'd noticed that the uniform seemed to wear them instead of them wearing it. She was glad to see that the latter was true for Cassie, but she should've expected nothing less from her formidable sister. She spotted the stripes of Cassie's rank upon her shoulders, the golden symbols marking her as a Lieutenant of the Ragoran Navy. Another glint caught her eyes a moment later, the shining medallion on her chest. The siren of the raiders, the prestigious body who were famously thought of as the protectors of the country. Tess would have let a wry smile loose if she'd been able to move. Of course Cassie would not settle for being a mere sailor, aiming for the most dangerous role in the Fleet. Tessa felt pride bloom within her unexpectedly at seeing the medal pinned to Cassie's chest. She found herself wishing she was there when she first received it.

There was not a hint of wear and tear to the woman, despite the fact that she smelled like the sea. Tess assumed that she'd only just arrived back on land yet she seemed completely at ease, untouched by her time away. Her auburn hair was pulled tight against her scalp, secured to ensure no stray strands would fall in front of her eyes, which shone a darkened grey, shining like the edge of a razor. Again Tess was struck by how similar that steady stare was to her own. The children of Mastan all shared similar colouring, with the exception of Lilian and Freida, but the similarities ran deeper than that. They both held that hint of violence, one which seemed to be barely contained beneath the surface, and they were not the only feature of Cassie's which were a reflection of Tessa's.

The mercenary found herself taken aback by the look on her sister's face, for she'd seen it in the mirror countless times over her years in Venos. They could have been mistaken for twins if not for Cassie's age, darkened skin and Tessa's far more savage appearance. For some reason that gave Tess great comfort. She'd thought herself alien when first arriving in Nian, when standing next to her sisters, each more beautiful than the last. She had never placed much stock in her looks before, but it was hard not to be intimidated by her sisters in that regard. The fact that she and Cassie were so similar made her feel more grounded, less of a pretender and more like she truly belonged.

And it was not just in their looks, but in their builds. They shared the same height, the same lean, muscular frame. Like Tess, Cassie was sculpted for devastating speed. She could see it in the way her sister stood, the easy tension in each of her limbs despite her tumultuous emotional state. The mercenary was positive that, should her sister find a reason, she could draw that cutlass of hers almost as fast as Tess could draw her daggers.

These were all passing thoughts that fleeted through Tessa's mind before she realised the source of the anxiety that rippled through her own body. Cassie was afraid. It was strange to consider, so odd to comprehend, it had taken Tess this long just to conclude that very fact. And it wasn't just fear. In her eyes, so like her own, Tess saw a guilt so soul-crushing in its intensity that her heart near leapt into her throat. There she saw one undeniable truth that made her empathise with her sister on an entirely new level.

She blamed herself.

Cassie had always been the strongest, the most sure. Even as children Tess had known that. In many ways she had acted like the oldest sister instead of the middle child. Freida, Lilian, Dawn, all of them were emotional, prone to rash actions and not thinking things through. Cassie was the opposite in many respects, untouched by the rush of feeling that flowed through her sisters. Her calm and considered demeanour had been oddly soothing to Tess when she was still young. In fact, she recalled more that one occasion when Freida or Lilian would pass her off to their quiet sister, hoping that she could settle her when she was becoming too difficult to handle. It shocked Tess that she remembered something that happened so very long ago, yet the memory of being cradled in Cassie's arms was as fresh in her mind in that moment as it had been back then.

'Cassie is strong'. That had been her thinking at the time inasmuch as a child of that age was capable. Whenever she was scared, Tess would always seek out Cassie first. She'd always known that her big sister would protect her from the things that lurked in the dark, the monsters her over-active imagination had conceived in her mind.

The monsters had become very real for her when she'd left Nian, but that didn't mean the old ones disappeared. They'd lingered, infecting her family. Tess saw them in Cassie, in her pain and doubt.

When the embrace came, she was half-expecting it, but the act still took her by surprise. Cassie had never been an affectionate person, rarely one to initiate physical contact and yet here she was wrapping her arms around Tess as great sobs caused her body to shake. The repeated mantra of 'I'm so sorry' followed soon after and the agony within those words made Tessa's eyes fill with tears all her own, barely held back with a tremendous exertion of will.

She had never been good at comforting others, though she realised she relied on it herself more often than she wished. Orin always knew what to say to make her feel better, always had the right words, but Tess had never been like that. The few times she'd attempted it in the past had all fallen flat. Yet now she found herself in the scenario she had long since dreaded. What would Orin do, she thought to herself. What would her Knight say to ease such a great hurt, one which was all-encompassing?

For as well as she knew Orin, for as much as every aspect of his being was etched into the very fabric of her soul, she couldn't find the answer to that question. So she fell back on what she knew, the silence of the unspoken word, the comfort of simply being near, of being close and sharing in Cassie's pain.

So that's what she did. She let herself feel and held her sister tightly until her sobbing subsided, until the shaking stopped. Only then did she think to let go, but found that she could not, for Cassie wasn't ready.

When the end of their embrace came, the two sisters pulled away to stare at each other with small smiles on each of their faces, each feeling better having shared the moment. The dark self-hate in Cassie's eyes was diminished, but it was far from gone. Still, she looked far better than she had before, her reddened eyes with no more tears to shed. A match for Tessa's.

“Hello, Cassie.” Tessa began. She wasn't one to initiate, but some instinct within her said that she would have to in this instance. She didn't remember much of Nian, but nearly all of it was focused around her family. She knew Cassie well enough to know that if she wanted to get a response out of her she needed to speak first. Again, this put Tessa on the back foot. She was never the one to do something like this, to make the first move. That's what her Orin is for.

“Hello, Rainie.” Cassie replied, her voice soft and without edge. She sounded exactly the same as she had all those years ago. A little older perhaps, but the same.

“Tessa. Tess.” The mercenary shrugged as she corrected her big sister, more for something to say than anything else, “I prefer it.”

Cassie's smile widened by a fraction, her eyes lighting up, “Not a little girl, anymore.”

“No. Not anymore.”

“Then... Hello, Tessa.” Cassie hesitated, rolling the name around on her tongue for a second before she continued, “It suits you.”

Before Tess could respond, Cassie pulled her into a hug once more. This one was significantly shorter than the last but just as charged with emotion. When her sister pulled away again she released her hold entirely, hand returning to the cutlass at her hip where she fiddled with the hilt, a comforting habit.

“You look strong.” Cassie said simply, her attempt at casual conversation awkward for the both of them. Of all in their family, they two were definitely the most socially challenged.

“Mother said the same.” Tessa replied. Cassie must have sensed something in her voice, a hitch, a quiet shiver that caused her brow to raise.

“You've spoken with them.” It wasn't a question. Cassie's tone darkened, as her other siblings had all done when the subject of Mastan and Theadora arose, “When did you arrive?”

“Three days ago, Lady Cassandra,” The one to speak was Elora and for that Tessa couldn't have been more thankful. The conversation would have soon fizzled, the two warriors mutual dislike of speaking making such a situation inevitable.

Cassie turned to Elora with a cocked brow, clearly trying to place her and coming up short, Tessa thought that was the appropriate time to make introductions, “Cassie, this Elora. My Sister-Smith.”

“Sister-Smith? Then this 'Lord Orin' who father is training is-”

“Our Knight,” Tessa nodded resolutely, “Yes, he is.”

“And he... is he a good man?” Cassie asked awkwardly.

Tessa smiled brightly, “He is. The best.”

The instantaneous relief that filled Cassie was near palpable, legs very nearly giving way beneath her as she exhaled. The woman who was with her walked up to Tessa's sister, her very presence seeming to stem the tide of Cassie's sudden weakness. Tess didn't know her, though she almost felt like she should. There was something familiar in the way she leaned subtly against Cassie, silently giving her stoic sibling strength.

“I can't tell you how pleased I am to hear that.” Cassie said, trying to mirror Tessa's expression, but it seemed to sit more uncomfortably on her features than even on her sister's. Still, the gesture touched Tessa's heart, seeing Cassie willing to try and convey the happiness she felt, “I didn't believe it when father told us you may still be alive. Even if his tale of you surviving at sea and reaching Venos was true, I didn't... I'm just glad that I was wrong. That you're happy.”

“I am.” Tessa replied, surprising herself by realising she meant it.

The events surrounding their arrival aside, Tess did feel better than she had on the road to Nian. She had Orin and Elora, as well as being surrounded by sisters who wanted nothing more than to get to know her after spending so many years away. Her father was another matter, but even he couldn't fully destroy the joy she'd managed to find during their brief time in Ragora. He'd almost succeeded, almost destroyed whatever chance she'd had at reconnecting, but with Orin and Elora she'd overcome it. Her mother too caused no small amount of conflict to rise within Tess.

She'd tried to reach out multiple times, but Tessa had shut down all attempts to do so. Theadora's inability to make any attempt at denying her husband his every whim had pushed Tess' lack of respect for her mother to the limits. Every time she looked at her, all she felt was pity and a deep, almost all-consuming sense of loss. Training with her had been no different. As she spoke, as she waxed poetical on what she and Elora were doing wrong, Tessa felt nothing but rage well up within her. This was made all the worse upon realising that, for the most part, her mother was correct. She even gave them detailed plans on how to improve their teamwork and control, as well as offering Tess advice on how she and Orin could better utilise Lightning. Having Elora and Annabelle there as a buffer was helpful, but it didn't make it any easier that she had to accept the help of the woman who had spat on her trust when she'd only just earned a sliver back.

In the end, Orin was right to say what he did, Tess could admit that. They needed Theadora and Mastan to improve, to become stronger. They might never have another opportunity like this again. Still, it didn't make it any easier.

The rage still simmered beneath the surface. Tess had been blinded by her need for family, for love. She forgot her most important task, her calling. She was to keep Orin safe, and she'd failed in that once again, this time against her own mother and father. That was unforgivable in her eyes and she swore that she wouldn't make the same mistake again. It was why it was so difficult to leave him now, in the very hands of the man who was behind the ugly anger that perched in her soul.

She hated it when he was right.

When the training had finished, it came as a great relief to Tessa, who'd immediately wanted to return to Orin. Elora had talked her out of it, wanting the two of them to have a training session of their own, sending Annabelle back to Vera to make sure everything was alright. She insisted in fact, not wanting to disturb whatever training Mastan was putting Orin through. Tess protested, but after seeing that the Bond was still sound and still, she acquiesced to the request of her Sister-Smith. Orin would let them know if there was a problem, and he had Boldrin and Vera with him. She had little doubt that they both would die to keep him safe. That was a given where Boldrin was concerned, but it still surprised her a little in Vera's case.

Tess had been watching the First Knight of Venos for a time now. She saw how her opinion of Orin seemed to change, morph. When they left Venos, left Myrin, Vera had done so out of obligation and love to Elora and her family, but that had changed as they spent more time together on the road. Tessa knew that Vera always held respect for Orin, for his skill as a warrior, but something had changed in Yelmora, a major shift in attitude taking place. Tess had discussed it with Elora, though only in passing, and the Princess had noticed the same. The mercenary couldn't help but think that the sparing of Bertrand had been the catalyst for this sudden change, though Tess couldn't for the life of her understand why.

If it had been up to her, Bertrand's entrails would be splayed out on the sand, his death agonising and his last word a scream. She'd felt the need to push the issue with Orin at the time, but had decided against it upon seeing the look on his face. She knew her Knight, knew his mind. At least, she thought she did. Often times Tess couldn't figure out what Orin was thinking, but she knew he was serious about letting the boy live.

Her own upcoming reunion with her family had dominated her thoughts for much of their journey across the White Sea, but Tess noticed Vera's changing behaviour regardless. She seemed to be more deferential to her Knight, she and the First Smith both. Whatever meaning the sparing of Bertrand held for them, it was clearly significant. Tessa was just glad that he had someone else to rely upon, to protect him should the need arise. Orin had doubted Vera and Annabelle after the battle with her father, but Tess hadn't, not for an instant.

Whatever the reason, she was just glad that they were beginning to see what she and Elora already did.

“The Princess of Venos?” Tess was brought back to herself by the sound of Cassie's voice, the bewilderment that could be heard there. She allowed her thoughts to get away from her again, something that had been happening more and more since arriving in Ragora, “You are Elora of House Brand?”

“I am.” Elora replied gently. The conversation must have continued without Tess taking part and for that she was grateful. Being caught staring into space was something she would rather avoid. Luckily, it seemed she hadn't missed much in that regard.

“That is... unexpected. How does a peasant Heir manage to Bond with the Princess of Venos?” Cassie asked bluntly before looking to Tess, “The Five Houses won't be pleased. One of their slots has been taken.”

Tessa laughed then, Elora joining her soon after, though the Princess was a little more contained than her Sister-Smith, “Orin couldn't give two shits about what the Five want. Besides, Elora is more powerful than anyone they could offer.”

Elora perked up a bit at Tessa's compliment, her proud smile beaming even as her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Tess thought to contain her own grin while simultaneously avoid rolling her eyes.

“I doubt that,” Cassie said with a resolute shake of her head, “The Smiths of the Five have trained to Bond with Heirs since they could stand. You can't honestly tell me that she is a greater Smith than you?”

A little hurt reflected in Elora's eyes and Tessa felt her rage stir as a result.

“I can.” Tessa replied, a little edge to her voice as she let her annoyance be known. Elora wasn't Orin, but she was still her soul-bound sister. She wouldn't have anyone disparage her, even if that person was a member of her own family. She tempered her annoyance with her knowledge of how Cassie saw the world. She truly meant no harm by saying what she did. Cassie just spoke the truth as she interpreted it, “She and Orin beat Alden and Deirdric. They would have killed them if it hadn't been for the First Knight and Smith of Venos.”

Cassie whipped her head around to stare at Elora once more, her eyes re-evaluating the young woman. Elora had plenty of experience in dealing with a D'viritazi's glare at this point, not flinching under Cassie's scrutiny, “You and your Knight beat Alden?”

“Easily.” Tessa stated.

“Again, I find that doubtful,” Cassie replied, a subtle edge to her voice, “Alden is one of the greatest swordsmen in Ragora. Not as a good as me, but close enough.”

“Orin is the greatest swordsman in Venos.” Elora said bitingly. Tessa noticed the air was shifting slightly, “He has no equal.”

“Easy now!” The woman beside Cassie suddenly smiled awkwardly, waving her hands laden with bow and bag through the air as though to diffuse the sudden tension, “She doesn't mean anything by it, honest. This is just Cassie being... well, Cassie.”

“I remember.” Tessa replied with wry shake of her head.

Cassie blinked, looking to the woman, “What was I doing?”

“You were about to insult your sister's Knight,” The woman replied in a hushed stage whisper before turning back to the two Smiths, curtseying politely, “I'm not sure if you remember me, Lady Tessaraina. It has been some time and we weren't around each other very much when we were young. I am Willow Merry, raider of the Ragoran Fleet.”

Tessa's memory suddenly came into focus as she recalled the image of a girl following Cassie around without a word. She nodded to the woman, “Of course. Hello, Willow. I should have recognised you.

She truly should have. Cassie's friends amounted to exactly one and Willow Merry had no doubt worked very hard to earn that title. Cassie was notoriously anti-social to anyone not of her blood. Perhaps things had changed in her absence but considering what she knew of Cassandra D'viritazi, she doubted it.

“Greetings, Lady Willow,” Elora curtseyed in return, a little sheepishly, before looking to Cassie, “And apologies to you, Lady Cassandra. I can become quite... protective of my Knight.”

“We both can.” Tess said pointedly, hoping that Cassie got her meaning. While she was willing to forgive some comments up to a point, if it ever ranged into disrespecting her Knight events could take a turn.

A image of herself leaning over the balcony in Yelmora came to mind, madness clawing at her mind and Lightning threatening to consume her very soul. Tess banished the memory an instant later, suppressing a shiver and focusing on Orin, the sound of his voice. It kept her grounded, rooted.

“I understand, and I apologise as well.” Cassie replied softly, “I spoke out of turn. Seeing you again, Tessa, it has thrown me. It is nice to meet you, Princess Elora.”

“And you, Lady Cassandra,” Elora beamed, “But I'm afraid to say I wasn't being entirely truthful in regards to Orin's prowess. He has at least one equal in your sister.”

“Is that so?” Cassie ran her eyes up and down Tess, who remained unmoved by the action, “I knew it. Who trained you?”

“The former Vigilant, Boldrin the Bold, and his mercenaries.” Tessa replied instantly. She'd seen the very same stare that Cassie was utilising in her own eyes often enough to know she was having her measure taken. She gifted her sister with a predatory grin, canines flashing.

“A Vigilant?” Something new appeared in Cassie's voice and a far more natural smile followed than the one she'd worn a moment before. Tess shouldn't have been surprised that it was just as intimidating as her own, but she found herself taken aback regardless, “Formidable. When you were younger, you seemed so much like Freida, like Tilia. I never thought you'd become a fighter.”

“I had to become one.” Tessa stated simply, “For Orin. For myself.”

As Tess spoke, that self-hate in Cassie resurfaced once more as her grin wavered.

“Tessa-”

“Cassandra! There you are!” The attention of the group was ripped from Tessa's sister only find another who could claim that title standing at the entrance to the small, over-hanging garden. Tilia waved at them as she approached, her face red and breathing difficult, made no easier by the heaviness and sheer bulk of the elaborate dress she wore. Tessa almost winced upon seeing it. Considering the intensity of the sun overhead, she was surprised Tilia could walk at all, let alone speak.

Her older sister was not alone, accompanied by Freida, the demure flower dressed in something far more appropriate, her beauty radiant as she smiled at Tessa joyously. Dawn also stood with them, holding her protruding belly affectionately, fixing Cassie and Tess both with a loving stare.

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

“You're home,” Dawn said fondly as the women finally reached the shade of the large tree, embracing her sister along with the others, “We thought you'd be gone far longer.”

“As did we,” Cassie replied easily, tolerating her siblings touch without so much as a grimace. Perhaps she'd changed more than Tessa knew, “There was no trouble at the Border, so we returned without incident.”

“We're sorry, Cassie.” Freida said quietly as she pulled away from the warrior, still holding onto her hands as she did so, “We heard of your return only a few minutes ago. We thought we could tell you before you found Tessa, but we weren't fast enough.”

“Yes. That was a surprise.” Cassie looked to Tess, chuckling to herself, “But a good one.”

“Isn't it?” Tilia exclaimed as she ran up to Tessa, wrapping her up in a embrace which still took the mercenary aback despite it happening rather frequently, “Have you two been talking long?”

“Just a few moments.” Tessa said, staring shyly at her sisters.

Tess had spent quite some time with Tilia, Lilian, Dawn and Freida over the past three days, getting to know each other all over again. It was still rather stiff at times, but that feeling was beginning to ebb as she became more comfortable. More than once Tess had found herself relaxed in their company, enjoying it even, which wasn't something she'd imagined herself being able to do. After all, she'd spent so much of her life around mercenaries and soldiers, their gruff ways of war not translating well to the opulent magnificence of the Nest, but she'd been worried for nothing. Her family were more than willing to approach this reunion at her own pace. She couldn't thank them enough for that. Her worrying at sea seemed so trivial and unnecessary now that she was actually here.

Still, being around all of them at once was a little overwhelming. She found herself going quiet when they surrounded her like this. Not from fear or intimidation, merely because she still couldn't quite believe they were there in the first place.

“Oh, I know! We should have some tea!” Freida said with sudden burst of enthusiasm. If there was one thing that hadn't changed about the woman in Tessa's time away, it was her love of tea. The mercenary couldn't help but find it rather endearing, even if as a group they all grimaced, “Nothing breaks the ice like a nice cup of Ionostrum Green.”

“No more of that,” Dawn said with an instant shake of her head, “Too much is bad for the baby.”

“Nonsense,” Freida scoffed, “I have a herbal blend from the Empire that's perfect for-”

“Then its decided. No tea.” Tilia said with a tap of her chin, trying to ignore Freida's downcast look at the rejection of her idea, “We should go and see Lilian. She'll want to see you, Cassie.”

“Where is she?”

“In her personal training grounds, I believe,” Dawn answered, “Her Smith is visiting family in the city and so she's testing her metal against the guard.”

Cassie scoffed, “Hardly a challenge for her then.”

“Yes. I saw her just this morning. She is... frustrated,” Dawn said with a roll of her eyes, “You know what she gets like.”

“We should all go and see her. She could use the encouragement.” Freida said, looking to her new-found sibling, “Tessa? Will you come?”

“I...” Tess hesitated, looking to Elora, “The Princess and I are training. We should get back to-”

“Of course we'll accompany you,” Elora said with a raised brow to her Sister-Smith, her smirk knowing and unforgiving, “Our training is all but done for the day. We were just waiting for Orin to return.”

“Excellent!” Freida cried, her smile as bright as the sun itself. Tess, it seemed, didn't have a say in the matter. “It'll be fun. We can picnic while we watch Lily train. It'll give you and Cassie some time to get to know one another again.”

“Lilian will hate that.” Tilia quipped, rubbing her hands together nefariously, “I love it.”

“I should get back home. My family is waiting.” Willow said weakly, looking slightly desperate to escape the near palpable energy that the D'viritazi siblings exuded. It still stunned Tess how chaotic they all were when gathered together. Even Cassie wasn't protesting, only smiling at her sisters as they argued back and forth as to what they were doing that day. It reminded Tessa of her childhood in many ways. She supposed putting off training for only a few hours couldn't hurt.

“Oh no.” Cassie said as she gently grasped Willow's arm to stop her from escaping. Tess thought for a moment that the girl shivered from the simple touch, but perhaps that was her imagination, “If I have to suffer through my sisters, then so must you.”

“I don't remember signing up for that!” Willow hissed in protest, but her words were ignored. Freida and Dawn were already making for the doors with a skipping Tilia in tow as Cassie dragged her friend after them. Like a whirlwind, they were gone as quickly as they appeared, waving for Tess and Elora to join them as they walked into the Nest.

Tess couldn't help but chuckle as she watched them go, Elora walking up to stand beside her with soft hands clasped at the front of her dress, “How are you?”

Tessa was expecting the question. She was about to reply with 'fine' but that really didn't do any justice to the turbulence of the moment, of the emotional burden it had placed on her. “She looks so much like me.”

“She does,” Elora nodded with a small laugh, “I thought she was you for a moment there.”

“She also hates herself.” Tess whispered, which caused Elora's humour to flag and fail, “More than the others. She blames herself for me being sent to Venos.”

“I heard it in her voice.” Elora replied gently, “All you can do is be there for her, Tess.”

“What if that isn't enough?” Tess asked, feeling useless. Such pain couldn't be discarded, it needed to be excised. She just didn't feel that simply being there could ever be enough.

“It has to be,” Elora smiled, “It was enough for you.”

Tess was taken aback by that statement, but, after a moment's thought, nodded in acceptance. The Princess was right, it had been enough for her. She just hoped the same would be true of Cassie.

She remembered the moment her sister reached for her sword, the sureness of the action, the smooth skill that was shown in that brief moment. Tessa felt a sliver of excitement take root within her soul upon witnessing it. She'd always known her sister was a fighter, the strongest of all of them, but seeing a hint of what she could do with comprehending eyes was far different than what she'd once perceived as a child. When Cassie went for her blade, Tess had been momentarily worried for Elora's safety. The reason for that was a simple one.

Tessa wasn't sure if she could stop her.

Tess grinned, “She's strong, Elora. Very strong.”

“Stronger than you?”

Tessa scoffed, looking to her Sister-Smith, “Let's not get ahead of ourselves.”

The Princess laughed as they walked over to join the others, beginning their journey into the bowels of the Nest. Tess was becoming more familiar with her home as the days passed, more memories of the winding corridors returning to her the longer she spent within the labyrinth. She'd surprised herself by finding her way to the library, easily navigating through the maze without a single hint of hesitation, as though the map of the Nest was already deeply ingrained in her mind.

The sounds of her sisters voices were a calming balm for Tess. She'd never realised just how much enjoyment she received from simply being around them, from being in their company. Cassie didn't speak at all, though Willow whispered in her ear as they walked, the two chuckling as though sharing a private joke. Tess couldn't hear what was being said, but given the reassuring tone, it obviously had something to do with what had happened moments ago. Her heart was warmed by the sight of her sister and her friend. Cassie was cold when Tess left Ragora, rarely speaking or being affectionate with anyone. To see her open up, to speak without being prompted, it put a spring in Tessa's step.

It was so strange to be invested in people who weren't her Knight. Tess had gone through most of her life while focused on a single person. Now she found herself caring for others, including Elora, which surprised even herself considering her opinion of the Princess after she'd first Bonded with Orin. She would have laughed at the idea of such an occurrence only a year ago, herself cold and indifferent to the needs and wants of those around her. Yet here she stood, part of a family. It was so bizarre that Tessa often thought she was dreaming at times.

“You're smiling.” Elora said fondly, looking to her Sister-Smith and giving her a small nudge.

“No, I'm not.” Tessa immediately growled, though it lacked any bite as she bantered with her Sister-Smith, “You're smiling.”

Elora rolled her eyes, “I'm always smiling, Tess.”

“I am aware of that,” Tess said, “You do know it's fucking annoying, right?”

“So you've told me more than once.” Elora's eyes suddenly widened as she gripped the black tome in her hands all the tighter, “Oh! I was going to tell you, I think I've found a new way to make the most out of Darkness.”

Tessa turned to the Princess curiously. Their time training with Theadora had mostly focused on control and becoming more coordinated than they already were, but the latter half of their session had been devoted to Elements. Tessa's mother was more than familiar with Lightning, given that it was the Element of her own Knight, and had a dozen different suggestions that Tess planned on raising with Orin later, but Theadora had been unable to help Elora in the same way. Beyond a few very vague hints on how to better understand her Elements, Theadora was at a loss with how to deal with the Dark, let alone the enormity of Space. Annabelle had helped some in that regard, having served with Gida on the battlefield many times in the past and spoken with her at length about the power she wielded but, for the most part, Elora was on her own. Tess had gone to the library in search of anything she could find on Space, the barest mention of it, but so far she'd come up with nothing. Speaking with Deirdric's father hadn't helped, the man too stunned at seeing her standing before him to offer any real help.

The mercenary had found something on Darkness, a few small tomes that seemed to explain it in more detail, but they wouldn't be of any help to Elora and Orin. They already had the manual given to them by Julian, one which contained the secrets of House Brand's Techniques. Tess had flipped through it more than once but little to nothing within had made much sense to her.

“What did you find?” Tess asked, only half listening as she kept throwing furtive glances at Cassie, their similarities still striking her.

“Nothing, really. Well, perhaps something in time. It's on how to merge Techniques with other Elements,” Elora explained, “It usually requires two Knights, but given that Orin is an Heir I thought that we might be able to do it without. I've found little that apply to us directly. Most of the Dark Techniques are ranged attacks and seeing as we've already got First Sword: Rionna, it seemed rather counter-intuitive to try and replicate them.”

Tessa definitely agreed with that. The potential of Elora and Orin's Technique was insanely high, especially so when supported by the Storm. She couldn't help but feel a little jealous at how powerful it was, how it was theirs and only theirs, but the fact that Orin guided the Technique with her Gift did take the sting out of it slightly.

She just needed a Weapon. Once she had that the Techniques would come like rain, or so she hoped.

Tess shook her head of the thought of Raiken, the stubborn thing unwilling to appear no matter what she did. Her mother had given her the same advice as Annabelle had, which was not to force the Forging, but every day that passed seemed to take her further and further away from her goal. When she'd first Bonded with Orin the last thing she'd been worried about had been her Weapon. She'd known what form it would take since the moment she touched Orin's forehead all those years ago. What made matters worse was that it acted as a catalyst for the Lightning Element, meaning any ideas she came up with on how to apply it were moot until the fucking thing decided to make an appearance.

Why the fuck wouldn't it manifest? She'd thought she'd had it upon seeing the mural, and she knew her Idea had taken a step in the right direction, but it still wasn't enough. What was she doing wrong?

“Tess, are you alright?” Elora's voice drew Tess back into reality once more. Shit, she really needed to stop doing that.

“Aye, I'm fine,” Tess grumbled, “Just thinking about my Weapon.”

“Remember what your mother and Annabelle said-”

“I know, I know,” Tess said, more than a little annoyed, “It'll come with time.”

“And it will.” Elora spoke with such confidence, such belief, that Tess began to believe it a little herself. “I have faith.”

“Whatever you say.” Tess snorted derisively, hiding her own insecurities behind a facade which Elora pierced with ease.

“I'm looking forward to meeting your Knight, Lady Tessaraina,” Willow's voice broke through Tessa's melancholy as she looked to the young woman, “I've heard so much about him. Am I right in assuming that he is the Scarred Knight of Myrin? The same who broke the siege of Dunwellen?”

“He is.” Tessa answered, ignoring the blistering jab of rage that came with hearing Orin's Knightly name. She hated that all knew him only for the pain he suffered.

The agony she hadn't arrived soon enough to prevent.

“I knew it!” Willow crowed at Cassie who blinked at her friend in confusion, “Did you hear that, Cassie? Your sister's Knight is already famous!”

“The Scarred Knight?” Cassie asked, her eyes moving between Tess, Elora and Willow.

Willow nodded earnestly, “I've heard tell of him at port. They say he beat a dozen Knights all by himself despite being newly Bonded. I didn't imagine that he was the Heir.”

And just like that, Tessa's anger curbed by pride as she raised her head a little higher. She also noticed Elora doing the same, both basking in the praise given to their Knight, even if the stories of Orin were slightly exaggerated.

“I've never heard of him.” Cassie said bluntly, before looking to the Sister-Smiths apologetically, “But I rarely listen to rumour from the mainland. I find most of it is exaggerated.”

“It often is,” Freida interrupted, looking to Tessa with a smile, “But not so much in the case of Orin, it seems. You'll like him, Cassie. He's a fine young man.”

“So Rainie has said.” Cassie replied, her eyes narrowing slightly, “We'll see.”

Before Tessa could interpret Cassie's strange tone, Willow had already moved on to asking Elora more questions, “Is it true he saved your life, Princess. That he earned your heart and took his place by your side?”

Elora looked taken aback, “He did save my life, yes, and we were married after the siege of Dunwellen. Tessa stood by my side when we gave our vows.”

Tess didn't need to be reminded of that particular event. She could still feel that blasted dress on her skin, the irritation of the too soft fabric haunting her very dreams. Orin said she looked nice, though, which made up for the humiliation she suffered. At least, in part.

“Oh, that's so romantic,” Willow said, giving Cassie a lingering look which clearly made her sister a little uncomfortable, “And what about the scars on his back? Many at the docks said he looks like he has been whipped-”

“He was whipped!” Tessa snapped, finally losing her patience, “To within an inch of his life, when he was only a fucking child.”

Willow took a sudden step back, the air becoming heavy, a hint of Tessa's bloodlust and power on display. Cassie watched her curiously, unaffected by the change unlike the others, who all but stopped as they turned to face her.

Elora took a gentle hold of Tessa's arm, trying to soothe her but it was no avail. There was only one person that could and he was currently being trained by the man who'd nearly killed all of them not even three days before, “Tess-”

“A piece of filth tortured my Knight to within an inch of his life, so I found the man who did it and cut him open. As I did to all the others who tried to hurt him,” Tessa grit her teeth, trying to contain herself. Her sisters and Willow had all gone pale, their faces absent blood. Only Elora and Cassie remained unchanged by the admission, “Does that add to the story of the Scarred Knight? Is that something that strangers need to know about my Orin?”

“She meant nothing by it, Rainie.” Cassie stated, her calm and unconcerned eyes frustrating Tess all the more.

“I didn't, Lady Tessaraina,” Willow said. The raider had gotten a hold of her own fear, though Tess noticed her hands still trembled, “I was just curious. I'm sorry. I didn't know.”

“No one knows and that's the fucking problem,” Tess spat out, “Orin is more than his scars. He is more than any of you could possibly understand.”

The silence that followed that profound statement was a damning one, which hovered over the group as they continued on their way. As the quiet continued to linger, Tess felt guilt roil about her gut as the red in her eyes cleared, giving way to reason once more. She cursed herself in her own mind, knowing she'd done wrong. She could have gotten her point across in another way, a better way. Simply telling Willow that she didn't enjoy Orin being referred to by his title would have been far easier, yet she'd let her anger cloud her judgement.

She took a deep breath, grabbing a hold of her anger once more and pushing it down. It was getting worse. Her rage, her protectiveness. She'd thought that she would have a little more control after Bonding with Orin. She did for a time, but after what happened in Yelmora, as well as what followed with her mother and father, made her fury difficult to control. She focused on Orin once more, the sound of his voice, his fingers in her own. The promise of his presence, the resonance of his soul and their connection. It helped, like he promised it would, and the rage ceased a moment later.

“I'm sorry,” Tess whispered to Elora, the vulnerable hitch in her voice making her cringe, “I just couldn't-”

“Don't worry, Tess,” The Princess replied just as quietly, reassuring and comforting in their Knight's absence, “They understand. They love you. Speak to them.”

She was right, of course. Tess opened her mouth to speak to the backs of her family but nothing emerged. She frowned, trying to find the right words but finding it difficult as the seconds ticked by. Eventually, she just decided to say something, anything, to remove the black cloud that now hung over all their heads.

“I-I'm sorry.” Tessa spoke up, speaking through dried lips as a cold sweat developing on her brow. The fear of rejection reared its ugly head once again, “I- I didn't mean to-”

Tess didn't finish before Freida was hugging her. Her big sister was so much smaller than her now, yet the embrace felt exactly the same as when she was small. Tilia was next, followed by Dawn and, finally, by Cassie, whose steady stare wavered with pain before she wrapped her arms around all of them and pressed her forehead against Tessa's.

“You don't have to say sorry, Tessa,” Cassie said softly, Their eyes were locked, all of them frozen in place, “Not to us. Never to us.”

“She's right,” Freida cut in, Tess could hear the tears in her voice but was gladdened to see they had yet to fall, “We know you went through some terrible things, Tessa. We know what your Knight means to you.”

You can't know that, Tessa thought to herself silently, but thank you for trying.

“I second that.” Dawn kissed Tess on the cheek.

“And I third it.” Tilia said, “You look a lot like Cassie, you know that? Especially when you get angry.”

“I noticed.” Tessa laughed and her sisters followed suit, all except Cassie, who smiled with a roll of her eyes.

“It is uncanny, isn't it?” Freida said as they all pulled away, “You could be twins.”

“I wonder who's stronger?” Tilia had to say it and now it was all Tess could think about as her eyes met Cassie's once more.

Her older sister had always seemed like a monolith in her mind, even more so than her father in many ways. Lilian was strong, powerful, but even she didn't come close to the sheer presence, the sharpness, that Cassie exuded. The idea of fighting her excited Tess in a way that she'd not felt for a long time. The only people who could ever truly challenge her were Orin and Boldrin, and even they had to push themselves to their limits to beat her. Well, Orin did. She could never be sure with Boldrin and that was what frustrated her about fighting him. After she won a bout against her mentor, he would brush it off as if it were nothing, revelling in her victory alongside her. She'd always believed that there was some deep part of him that he was hiding, some aspect of his personality, his prowess, which he kept contained. If he fought with everything he had, Tess wouldn't beat Boldrin. In fact, she doubted that she would even come close.

Cassie had that same aspect to her, but it wasn't contained as it was in the mercenary captain. No, it was on display. Tessa wasn't sure if she could beat her sister. She wasn't even sure if she would last five minutes or five seconds, but she wanted to find out. In that single moment, more than anything, she wanted to know who the strongest D'viritazi was.

Tessa saw the answer to her challenge in Cassie's eyes, a resounding acceptance and matching eagerness. They were warriors. Building a connection through the telling of stories both old and new worked for her other siblings, but something else would be required with wild sister. A method that Tess was more than happy to employ.

To bond with Cassie, she would have to fight her.

“Another time, you two,” Freida said, her big sisterly energy yanking them away from imagined feints and stabs, “You've only just reconnected. I won't have you bashing at each other with wooden staves until at least a few days have passed.”

Tessa almost laughed when Cassie looked to Freida with a pout, a genuine sign of emotion at being denied her chance to fight, “Freida, we are grown-”

“Grown you may be,” Freida immediately stopped Cassie in her tracks, “But, for me, can you just leave it for a little while? I can handle you and Lilian hurting one another well enough, though I never enjoyed seeing it. Seeing you and Tessaraina fighting...”

“I understand.” Cassie said quietly, gently squeezing her sister's hand, the show of affection gone only an instant after it appeared, before turning to Tess once more, “Another time, then.”

“I'd like that very much.” Perhaps it was for the best, Tess though to herself. If she was going to fight, she'd want Orin to see her win. He enjoyed watching her battle, she'd found.

As the group continued on their way, Elora fixed her Sister-Smith with a proud stare as they fell into step once more, “Well done, Tess.”

“I barely did anything.” Tess replied with a hushed whisper.

“That's how you know they're family.” Elora said with a shrug, “You don't have to.”

Elora left Tessa to ponder that mystery as they continued to walk towards Lilian's training grounds, but she didn't want to arrive without settling one other matter.

“I'm sorry, Willow,” Tessa said with difficulty. It was easier to say with her family, but given that the young woman was nearly a total stranger, it made it all the harder, “I shouldn't have spoken to you like that. I am... Well, I can be protective at times.”

“You said that in the garden,” Willow replied with a wide smile, “Don't trouble yourself, Lady Tessaraina. I'm sorry as well. I shouldn't have pushed things like I did. I tend to do that sometimes.”

“Don't I know it.” Cassie muttered, causing her friend to scoff in her direction.

They arrived within the next ten minutes, the garden they'd been studying in not too far from their destination. It was a rather simple affair, all told. Like the garden that they'd only just vacated, the small arena in which Lilian trained was an overhang that was suspended over the air itself and offered a blistering view of Nian below. The smell of the White Sea assaulted Tessa's nostrils, a scent which she was growing more fond of as the days passed her by. The circular arena, constructed of earth taken from Dealanaich, was covered by a large pavilion with all sides raised, offering protection from the sun overhead. There was an abundance of practice arms around the ground, wooden weapons of all kinds, each seeming to have been well-used and well cared for. There were also a few seats for spectators ringing the entire enclosure, which brought to mind another memory from Tessa's past, when she would sit and share lunch with her sister after she'd finished training, worrying over her heavy breathing and red face.

Tess shook her head at her childish innocence. She realised now that the reason Lilian had acted tired was only to receive more affection off of her little sister, playing up her exhaustion. In terms of fighting, there was few that could match Lily when it came to stamina. Tess doubted even Cassie had managed to overcome that nearly limitless well. The trick had always been to put Lily down fast, before she could gain momentum. Given her choice of weapon, that was more of a rule rather than a trick.

Tess watched as her sister blurred, the dirt beneath her feet flying upwards as she knocked another guard on their ass, her hammer already spinning as she did the same to the man trying to get behind her. It was telling that all four of her opponents were in full armour. Even more so that they all seemed to be shaking in terror. Tessa couldn't help but grin as she dismantled the D'viritazi guard, each of them unable to put up much of a challenge against so great a warrior as she.

The end came sooner than expected, with one of the swordsman over-extending, his very real and very sharp steel sword being near broken by a single negligent swing of Lily's hammer, only for the hilt to rap against his helmet a moment later.

“Enough!” Lily cried out, her breathing still even, her face twisted into a frustrated frown, “Thank you. That'll be all for the day.”

The men and women groaned as they each struggled to their feet, helping each other until they were upright enough to give shaking bows to their Lady. They made for the steps leading down into the dirt with all due haste, almost as though they were afraid Lilian would call them back for another beating. Lucky for them, she spotted her family first.

“Why, I believe I have guests!” Lily said with a cry of exultation, throwing her hammer over her shoulder, the heavy implement very nearly knocking another guard unconscious, the man diving out of the way as a plume rose from the hammer's landing, “Hello, all!”

Lily looked like she'd been training for most of the day, her face slightly red as she ran up to them, “To what do I owe the pleasure? Coming to visit little old me? Hello, Tessa.”

As Lily was wont to do, she came up to Tess first, wrapping her up in a sound hug. Her big sister whispered in her ear, “I promise I'll stop with the hugging eventually. Just want to make sure that you're really here.”

“It's fine, Lilian.” Tessa replied, slightly surprised that she didn't mind it as much as she had done upon arrival. The love she felt from her sister had a part in that, no doubt.

“So what're you all doing here?” Lily asked as she pulled away, patting at her grime streaked body, “Can't say I'm really dressed up for visitors.”

“Hello, Lily.” Cassie moved through the small crowd to stand before her sister, “I'm home.”

“Cassie! Welcome back” Lily laughed as she drew her into a quick embrace, pulling away to look between her and Tessa, “Spirit, you two do look alike, don't you?”

“That's what I said.” Tilia piped up.

“Did the others catch you before you ran into each other?” Lily asked, concern in her sky-blue eyes.

“No, they didn't,” Cassie replied, “But in terms of surprises, this was the very best of them.”

Lily smiled, “Have you two talked much?”

“A little,” Cassie said with a shy look aimed at Tess, “I've only been back a few hours.”

“We came to see you, Lily,” Dawn explained as she took a well-deserved seat on one of the few marble pews that ringed the arena, “Freida thought we could watch you train.”

“I just finished,” Lily sighed as she massaged one her shoulders, her messily bound hair bouncing in place, “I couldn't work up a sweat, though.”

“You won't if you're fighting the guard.” Cassie said, folding her arms.

“I am aware of that, Cassandra,” Lily said bitingly, “But you weren't here and I needed someone to train against.”

“Well, I'm here now.” Cassie grinned, that predator's smile on display once more.

Lilian's answering smirk was confident, her head thrown back and arms folded to match the posture of her sister. She met Cassie's clear show of aggression with impassive coolness, “You are, but you just got home. I don't want you moaning for days about me beating you senseless because you still had your sea legs.”

Cassie's expression floundered as her eyes narrowed, “I've never done that.”

“Yes, you have, Cassie,” Dawn giggled, “On several occasions”

Cassie's face flushed and Tess decided then that she truly had changed. The Cassie she recalled from childhood was untouched by emotion, barely able to keep up with the briefest of conversations, yet this Cassie seemed entirely transformed, able to interact and empathise on a level she never had before. It was a good thing in Tessa's opinion and, as she stared at Willow, she believed she knew the reason why.

“I only spent three days away at sea,” Cassie said as she loosened her tunic, removing her sword and scabbard as she did so, “And we saw no fighting. I need to let loose.”

“Well, I'm always here for that, dearest sister,” Lily laughed, elation lighting up her eyes as she bounced from foot to foot, eager for the bout to begin, “You're in for a show here, Tessa. Watch closely, you might learn something.”

“Actually, I think I might join you.” Tessa grinned as she stepped forward, causing all of them to freeze in place.

She couldn't help herself, she needed this. After that brief stand-off with Cassie and now seeing the confidence shining in Lily's eyes, Tess needed to see how she stacked up to her two older sisters. Each were warriors, each strong in their own right. Tessa felt her heart begin to beat faster in anticipation, as both women fixed her with pointed stares. She regretted not waiting for Orin to bask in victory with her, but the expression on his face when she told him would be enough.

From only the brief glimpse of Lily's prowess, she too had grown tremendously in the ten years that Tess had been away. The chance to test herself against not one, but both of them was not a chance she was willing to pass up.

“What do you think?” Lily looked to Cassie, who was still staring at Tess.

Cassie was already smiling, that hungry light shining in her steely eyes as she clenched her fists, “I don't know if I can beat her.”

“Well, that's good enough for me, and oddly terrifying to boot,” Lily laughed as she glanced between the two of them once again, “By the Old Gods, you even smile the same. I've got a feeling this is going to be fun.”

“No, no, no,” Freida stepped forward, standing between Tess, Cassie and Lilian, “You can't fight Tessaraina. You said you wouldn't”

“ But why not?” Cassie asked, confused, “She's a warrior, Freida.”

“No... She's not.... She can't.” Tess gently grabbed a hold of Freida, turning her sister around to face her. She saw terror in her eyes, a shining fear for Tessa's safety that pulled at her heart, “You don't have to fight, Rainie. You shouldn't have to fight anymore.”

Tessa could not deny fighting any more than she could breathing and even if she was offered the option, Tess would always say no, but she understand her sister's pain. Freida was soft, gentle, and the Tessaraina she remembered was the same. But that wasn't who she was anymore, “It's who I am, Freida. It's what I am.”

“But-” Freida made to argue but Dawn grabbed her before she could continue, pulling her back gently, though the stunned look of despair still remained on Freida's face.

“Don't worry, Freida. Let's watch,” Dawn said compassionately, “I know you don't like fighting, but something tells me this will be one to remember.”

“Gods, I should've invited some members of the Nobility,” Tilia said, a greedy glint to her eye, “I could've taken bets, made out like a bandit.”

“I bet everything on Tess!” Elora shouted, her grin wide as she met her Sister-Smith's eyes, “In no world does she lose.”

Tess laughed at Elora's enthusiastic shout before turning to her sisters. The three stood in a triangle, not a one of them backing down nor showing even the slightest hint of fear. In fact, the opposite was true. All three seemed possessed with the same excitement, ready for the battle to come.

“So a free for all, then?” Lily asked politely as she rolled her muscular shoulders.

“I think that would be best,” Cassie replied, just as polite.

“You two can team up if you want, I'll win either way.” Tessa said savagely, her grin and bloodlust on display, letting her true self out as she readied herself for carnage.

“Pride comes before the fall, littlest sister.” Lily replied, unaffected by the look in Tessa's eye, her own battle presence becoming all the more palpable as her eyes narrowed, her exhilaration plain to see. “You'll never beat me.”

“This is exciting.” That was all Cassie said, but her shifting body spoke to her state of mind. She was more than ready, more than willing.

“I pronounce this battle of the combat-inclined D'viritazi sisters to commence forthwith!” Tilia shouted, anticipation etched onto her face, “Who is the strongest sister? Hang onto your hats, folks, cause we're about to find out!”

“Must she do that?” Freida asked nervously, still clutching at Dawn's hands.

“I don't think she can help herself,” Dawn said with a sigh, “Tilia, sit down.”

“I will not. Let the battle begin!”