Somnia sits up groggily and tries to stand using a nearby object as leverage, smacking her cheeks to orient herself. Realizing she has her left arm again, a weight lifts off her chest as if waking up from a nightmare. Clenching her fist repeatedly, her face reflexively wincing, expecting pain still vivid in her memory of a distant future. Gathering her bearings, the object she had been leaning on turned out to be a suit of armor, and its occupant was all but a skeleton. Somnia falters and stumbles away, now taking in the scene before her. This spot would be a terrible labor camp nearly half a century into the future. Now, it appears to be a forgotten battlefield with battle standards and suits of armor strewn about. A dense and thick fog obscures her vision, not allowing her to see not even twenty feet in front of her in broad daylight.

‘Well, this is unexpected. I hoped for a nice field or a town with friendly people.’

My voice made Somnia jump like the first time we spoke, "Oh, it’s you, Aevumi. Um, where are you?”

She looks around with an expressionless face, but I can sense an inkling of concern.

‘I’m inside of you. Don’t worry, it's still your body, but I’ll have to borrow it to rest. I used the last of my power; even that orb form is too much for me now. I temporarily restored your left arm using residue mana from our journey. If you find a mana source, I can recreate it once it begins to fade, as I am too drained to sustain it myself. For now, move somewhere safe. There is not much to see, so I can't help but I am capable of sensing malice. Good luck.’

She nods hesitantly, still processing the information, then wanders into the fog, feeling her left arm as if it would disappear at any moment. It pulsated in response, reminding her of that dreadful night; the pain was erased, but the memory persisted. However, a slight smile appears on Somnia's complexion as she releases her grip from the artificial appendage, “Thank you, Aevumi. I won’t let you down.”

Silence fills the air beside the tiny thumps of footsteps. Not even a gust of wind will grace this battlefield. Countless suits of armor, rusty weaponry, and broken arrows litter the ground as Somnia avoids them.

‘Something about this place doesn’t feel right…’ I looked into the world through Somnia’s eyes; it was a battlefield that did not belong in this plane of existence, yet it felt familiar.

Somnia looks around nervously in response to my remark as she continues walking, her vigilance now on high alert, "What's that?"

Noticing a shiny object in the distance amongst the remnants, she picks up the pace, curious as to what could break through the dense fog. Reaching out to it cautiously, Somnia can see it is a ring that adorned a skeleton wearing only a plain cloak, “A ring…? We don’t have any money. Should we pawn it off when we get to a town?”

Before I can reply, the ring is already in Somnia’s pocket.

‘We just arrived in the past, and you’re already scavenging bodies?’

“It will help us sooner than it will help them; these skeletons look like they’ve been here for ages,” Somnia noted indifferently as she scanned for more loot.

‘That is irrelevant... Looting a body after death is no better than stealing from a live individual. This time, I will allow it once. Do try not to make it a habit.’

I tried to scold Somnia to ensure she understood the gravity of her wrongdoing. Somnia steps past the skeleton, thinking over my words as she continues into the fog. Morally ambiguous as it may seem, survival comes first; morality is a luxury she can’t afford right now. Voicing my concern, in turn, will hopefully cultivate Somnia’s morals for the future. Yet, given the situation, I will let it go. It is a better alternative than openly condoning such acts.

Clop. Clop. Clop. Clop.

In an instant, Somnia dives onto the dirt ground. A horse trots towards us, but despite the danger, it could be an excellent opportunity to find the nearest town. ‘Somnia, we should meet with them. Surely, they could have some information we can use. If they turn out to be an enemy, I will protect you.’

She shakes her head at the thought as she keeps staring at the sound’s direction. ‘Not yet; I want to see what they look like first.’

“Excuse me?”

Somnia jumps away from her hiding spot after hearing an unfamiliar voice. We were too focused on the sound of the horse to notice this new presence. However, Somnia relaxes as she sees it's a girl around her age. She had long black hair, piercing amber eyes, and wearing a white cloak. Somnia dusts off her clothes and approaches warily, “Um… is there anything I can help you with?”

She stares at Somnia momentarily, her eyes radiating innocence but also something strange, like hunger. Yet, I didn't detect any blatant malice. To my surprise, she points at the glowing object in Somnia's pocket, “Can I have that, please?”

Somnia blinks a couple times in rapid succession, clearly taken aback at the sudden request. Although the other girl seems nice enough in appearance, Somnia does need a place to stay and food to eat. She takes the ring out of her pocket and inspects it closer. It was certainly pretty and looked like it would fetch a hefty price. It was made of platinum and adorned with a large dark sapphire. As Somnia ponders on her request, the trotting horse's sounds approach quickly in the girls’ direction.

Hurriedly, Somnia pockets the ring again and attempts to dash away, but she feels something holding her back. The other girl had Somnia’s sleeve as she stared at the glow again, her eyes reminiscent of a frightened animal, “I need it, please!”

Attempting to shake her off, Somnia spins out of her grip and runs before the horse arrives. Looking behind her, she can see an energy emanating from the girl. Even through the dense fog, she was still visible, trying to catch up to Somnia. A dark and sinister aura, an Obsession. ‘Somnia, be careful! She’s becoming deprived!’

'What does that mean?!'

The girl dashes after Somnia much faster than earlier.

‘Give up the ring already! We can find something else!’

Darting through the debris and nimbly hopping over skeletons, Somnia endeavors to escape. In an uncharacteristic moment, Somnia panics, not listening to a single word I said.

Looking behind again, the girl chasing Somnia only got closer as the energy grew alarmingly. Vaulting over the fallen and attempting to take a path with even more debris in hopes that it would slow her pursuer proved in vain as the distance between them did not change. Sure enough, the trail was too dangerous, especially in the dense fog, as a stray spearhead caught onto Somnia’s clothes, nearly piercing her skin. The force alone caused her to be sent spinning.

“Oh shi-”

She collapses onto the soil, landing on her back, knocking the air out of her, narrowly avoiding the other weaponry strewn about. Somnia is already met by the other girl as she scrambles to stand. However, Somnia stops in her attempt as she catches a glance at her attacker's face. The girl was crying. A painful expression is strewn across her face. With a forceful shove, Somnia is flat on her back, and the other girl pins her down, “Please! Please, please, please…”

Somnia looks away, confused and unsure of what to do. After a long breath, she meets her gaze, her calm demeanor returning, “You can have it. I’m sorry for making you cry…”

Surprisingly, Somnia apologizes despite the situation, but the other girl frees her grip, and Somnia fishes out the ring. Sitting back up, she hands it over, “Here.”

The girl snatches it out of her hands and lets out a sigh of relief. The sinister aura immediately dissipates upon taking the ring, leaving behind the ordinary crying girl. Now filled with gratitude, she hugs Somnia as if to thank her.

‘I know we’re in an unfamiliar place, but you need to relax and retain your reasoning. Panicking like that will be your demise one day.’ I chastised her for her rash actions after everything seemed to have settled. A ring is not even close to having the same worth as Somnia’s life.

‘You’re right. I’m sorry. Not sure what came over me.’

‘As long as you know your fault. I won’t press on it further. I have one more thing to say; that girl seemed to bear no malice towards you.’

'Really?'

After a short while, the two separate, sitting across from each other in the silent dense fog. The other girl puts the ring into her cloak, and the glow disappears. Somnia fidgets quietly, unsure what to say next; she introduces herself, “So… what’s your name? My name’s Somnia.”

Somnia holds her hand out for a handshake, and the other girl freezes and clears her throat, nervously taking her hand, “A- Ahem. My name is Aphra. Aphra Seiren. Thank you for giving me the ring. I am very grateful. I know I’m being insulting, especially to someone I just met-”

Somnia holds her free hand up to stop her, uncomfortable with being thanked, “It’s fine, Aphra. I shouldn't have run away. You don’t have to be so polite. We’re about the same age anyway. While I need money, I’ll find something else, so don’t worry about it. I just panicked when I heard the horse…”

Silence falls between the two again as Somnia nearly forgets as to why she has started running in the beginning. Suddenly, giant footsteps approach, startling the two. A significant figure in armor walking with their horse emerges from the dense fog, a sword dangling from their hip. Before the two could get up to run, the suit of armor gestures for them to stop, "Please wait. I do not wish to harm you."

When they remove their helmet, Somnia recognizes the face even all these years ago.

‘Deidru?!’

Somnia stares with her poker face, but I can sense her flame growing inside. The middle-aged man walks over, a far cry of appearance from his future self. His complexion had far fewer scars, his hair as dark as night with a streak of white, and his eyes gave off a softer glow. Squatting down a couple of meters away, he speaks gently to not startle the girls, almost like trying to soothe a cat, “I saw and heard everything. Do not worry, I won’t hurt you. I am a knight of this country.”

He stands up, takes his helmet and sword, and then deposits them into his horse’s knapsack. Somnia and Aphra watch apprehensively but stay put as Deidru approaches them again to talk, “What are you two doing here? It’s hazardous to play on this battlefield of all places.”

‘Play…? Is he sure he heard everything?’

Somnia and Aphra look at each other and share a small laugh. Deidru looks on with confusion and notices the rip in Somnia’s clothes, “Well, anyway, it’s far too dangerous to stay any longer. Please come with me before it gets too dark.”

That piques Somnia’s interest as she looks around her, thinking back to what I said earlier, “This place is strange; is there something special about it?”

Noticing that the sun was setting, the dark and dense fog grew even heavier. In the distance, it almost appeared like a battle was ensuing, but no other sound could be heard. The shadows of people fighting and the suffocating darkness sent shivers down Somnia’s spine. Deidru walks back to his horse, gesturing for the girls to follow, “This place is known as the Lost Battlefield. It’s extraordinary as it will not be in the same place twice. If one stays here too long into the night, it’s said that they will be drafted to fight the endless battle here forever. With that said, my friends and I have a camp nearby. Would you two like to join us? Unless you want to explore a little longer?”

After hearing a story like that, Somnia and Aphra hurriedly approach the horse as Deidru saddles them with Somnia in the front and Aphra in the rear, chuckling at his own story. He walks alongside to ensure the girls are safe, leading the horse. ‘He seems so laid back now; it’s pretty charming. It makes me feel awful about what will happen in the future…’

Somnia shakes her head. ‘I will carve a new future for us. I promise.’ I laugh, realizing just how determined she has been since Deidru appeared.

The fog starts to fade as we continue riding, a couple of conversations striking here and there.

“What’s your name, sir knight? What exactly are you doing out here?” Aphra asks as she holds on tight against Somnia. She seems to not do well with horses.

“My name is Deidru Lucia Regis. My troop and I were on patrol until I spotted the Lost Battlefield, a rare occurrence. I ordered them to set up camp while I surveyed the area. After a short while, I noticed a shine and some yelling. Of course, I went to investigate to find two children playing!” Deidru lets out a hearty chuckle, and the two girls laugh along. Somnia glances at Aphra before speaking to me, ‘I meant to ask you, Aevumi, but what was that dark aura around Aphra?’

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

‘Oh, that? That was the drawback of an Obsession, a powerful God-given blessing or a curse for some. Aphra must not have satisfied it until you came along, Somnia. If it is not apparent by now, she is obsessed with collecting objects.’

‘Satisfied? Blessing? Do I have one?’

‘If you are my Direct Creation, you should be able to resist most harmful effects. Although that would be the norm, you are a Perfect Direct Creation, so you will have no Obsession.’

“Somnia? Somniaaa? Earth to Somnia?” Aphra pokes Somnia’s back as she is deep in ‘thought.’

Somnia jumps and clears her throat, “Ah- Ahem, is something wrong?”

“Nope! I just wanted to talk. But, now that you mention it, what were you doing there, Somnia? You said you needed money?”

Somnia ponders the sudden question, trying to devise a convenient lie.

‘We can’t tell her we’re from the future, Somnia.’

‘I know that!’

“I was just looking for things to sell. I need food and a roof over my head and all.”

Deidru, walking alongside the horse, perks up at Somnia’s statement. By now, we have entirely left the fog behind. The rolling plains come into view with no towns in sight. The sun set into the coming evening, painting the world in a golden hue. The small gusts of wind tickle their faces as they stroll down a dirt path.

“You’re a scavenger, Somnia? That line of work is too dangerous for someone so young. Where are your parents?”

‘In my head, I guess.’

‘You’re not wrong!’

“They’re… gone. I don’t know; I have amnesia. All I can remember is walking around on that battlefield just now.”

After hearing that fib, Deidru and Aphra appear shocked, but the truth will always elude them. Aphra hugs Somnia from behind, trying to console her, “That’s... That’s awful, Somnia. I’m sorry that happened to you and that you had to deal with me first. I'm also in the same boat. I ran away from my parents.”

This time, it was Somnia’s turn to be shocked, and Deidru was flabbergasted, not to mention me, ‘She looks so innocent to do something so rebellious!’

Noticing their reaction, she tries to hide her face from embarrassment using Somnia’s back, “It’s just that I can’t stand living with them anymore! Everyone is cautious of each other and trying to hurt each other. It didn’t feel like home. You were the first to show me any real worry and be genuinely nice, Somnia.”

Aphra gently hugs Somnia again. Deidru, on the other hand, seems to be off his gourd after hearing the two converse about their circumstances, “So you both don’t have a home to go to?! That’s outrageous!”

Deidru stops walking and stands before the horse, “Listen, I know you both seem very independent, but please. Let me give you the roof above your heads and the food to keep you two full!”

Once he declares that, Somnia and Aphra look at each other momentarily, and they nod as if it is what they need. Somnia especially has no qualms about being under the care of her dear mentor again.

‘I must say, running into Deidru so soon is a huge blessing.’

'You're right. Everything that's happened feels like a dream…'

Aphra leans back slightly, cradling her chin, “So… Sir? Mr.Deidru? What should we call you now?”

“You both can call me… Father, this is fantastic! My wife and I have always wanted a daughter. Now we can have two!” Deidru lets out another hearty chuckle.

Somnia nods along, accepting the accommodation with no qualms. Aphra seems to be highly flustered, realizing that is what he meant earlier, “F- F- Father?! Isn’t that too sudden?! I mean, if you want us to…” Aphra stammers, going along with Somnia.

“Yes! Please do! I’m sure it will feel natural in no time. Ah, I can see the camp coming up.” Despite his age, Deidru walks with more vigor, strangely elated to take in two near strangers, ‘Even in the past, he’s a unique one.’

‘Don’t say that, Aevumi. Deidru offers a waterskin that I’ll gladly take this time around.’

In the distance, a handful of tents were established around several campfires. The sun had set entirely, plunging the trio into darkness, but the light of the camp was all we needed. Deidru keeps up the conversation, worried that the girls fear the dark, “My family consists of myself, my wife, and my two sons. My wife’s name is Amaryllis, and she is by far the best cook in all of Ars’ Lucia. My oldest son, Avalon, takes pride in his training to be a knight. However, he seems to want a different path recently… My youngest, Alfonso, is in school. He is smart, but he stands to be troublesome in some aspects. Try to get along with them, as I will ensure they treat you two as family.”

Somnia listens with curiosity; she has never heard Deidru speak of his family. Aphra seems to have fallen asleep on the gentle ride.

‘She’s adorable, isn’t she?’

‘I… guess? I don’t think she’s ugly.'

'That's not what I meant…'

Shortly before we arrive at the camp, cheerful conversations echo into the air. The soldiers were drinking, making merry as we approached. One of them spots us, and they announce our arrival to the rest, immediately making them put down their drinks. Deidru strides over with us in tow as they line up at attention, and he speaks with them, “Anything to report?”

A shaky but determined voice rings out, “No, sir! It was a clear patrol, sir! We sent out scouts as you ordered; they found nothing but plains, sir!”

“Very good, dismissed.” Deidru salutes and takes the horse by the reigns again.

With a returning salute, they scatter back to their seats, drink in hand, and merry to be made once more. Somnia feels a small pair of arms tightening around her abdomen, signaling Aphra is waking up, “Are we there yet? I’m hungry…”

Seeing this, Somnia wonders how Aphra could have survived out in the world, ‘She reminds me of the cats that wander around the camp.’

‘She must feel safe around you two.’

‘I’m glad, but now I’m worried about leaving her alone for too long.’

‘She must have the devil’s luck to run into us.’

Deidru guides the horse to a post and then carries us off. While tying up his steed, he gestured at a nearby tent more significant than the others. Somnia nods and offers Aphra to ride on her back. She climbs on with a yawn, “I’m sorry, Somnia. I feel drained after everything that happened.”

“It’s fine; we’re almost there anyway.” With ease, Somnia lifts her.

Upon entering the tent, several mats were laid about with a sizeable knee-high table in the center. A handful of lanterns provide ample lighting as Somnia lays Aphra on one of the mats and prepares her own next to it. Through the eyes of Somnia, I scan Aphra’s body for injuries, ‘Being deprived at such a young age. I’m glad she chose to live her own life away from her estranged family, but that experience of deprivation is nearly worse than death itself… What bothers me is how used she is to being Deprived.’

I can only note the lack of disfigurement that comes with being deprived.

'The Obsession is a double-edged sword that gives benefits and adverse effects depending on its strength.'

'It only sounds awful to me…'

'We have yet to see Aphra's artifact, but I agree it may seem more of a curse in most cases.'

Somnia sits on the adjacent mattress, sighing, ‘It must have been awful wandering around like that… I’m glad that we met her before anything happened.’

‘You seem seriously attached to someone you just met. Remember what you came here for. Do you really think Aphra is safe with you?’ I question her knowing full well about the future that can occur.

‘I… I’m not sure, but Aphra is the first person I met. I'll try to keep her safe in the meantime before then.'

'If you say so, Somnia. I will trust your judgment. Please make the responsible choice when the time comes.'

'I will. I really am thankful to you for this chance.'

A short while later, Deidru enters the tent. Plates and bowls of food balance on his arms. Steak, ribs, and soup soon fill the once-empty table, the scent practically calling Aphra to wake up. She gets up in a trance, and we soon gather around the table. After saying their thanks, they take a bite with ecstatic expressions, Deidru having the largest of them all, “Oh, good heavens, this is the stuff. You girls are lucky since we usually have rations while on patrol, but this is a special occasion. A tavern owner in my city came along to look for inspiration for a new dish. When he does, he always cooks up a feast fit for a king!”

Scarfing down the food, Somnia asks a question that’s been bothering her since meeting Aphra, "What exactly is an Obsession?”

Upon hearing her question, Aphra nearly choked on her steak, prompting Somnia to help her swallow it by rubbing her back and handing her a waterskin. Deidru swallows and ponders on the question, “Usually, it’s common knowledge, but that's where your amnesia comes into play. An Obsession is what every living race has, a blessing that aids them in what they truly desire-”

“It is not a blessing.”

Aphra interrupts with a dark expression, “Every month… I have to search for something that's in the back of everyone’s mind. Anything rare. It has to be rare, or my Obsession will take over my body. It’s a curse. Every single month…” Aphra wraps her arm around herself, shivering in the warm tent. I was foolish to think that she had grown used to the effects of deprivation.

Deidru furrows his brow, slowly setting his utensils down, unquestionably taken aback at her remark, “Every month? That can't be… That can only mean-”

“...I’m sorry, I’m going to bed.” Aphra gives a slight bow and then excuses herself from the table, her face riddled with regret. Somnia stands up, but I must stop her this time, ‘Aphra has been through a lot. We should wait until she wants to talk about it. Making her reveal her troubles will only cause her to be wary of issues later.’

She sits down quietly with a tinge of a troubled expression. Obsession must be a complicated topic for Aphra. Forcing it out of her would do no good.

Deidru watches Aphra lie down and sighs, “Well. From now on, I’ll ensure not to discuss this in front of Aphra. Continuing what I said earlier, an Obsession is bestowed to you by your patron God at birth and will determine how you live your life. When it manifests, it is left to the individual's ambition to do what they choose, and it usually forms at a young age. Some are stronger, and most are weaker than others, but they all aid your endeavors by providing artifacts.”

Deidru outstretches his hand, concentrating briefly, and a shield materializes. A large, white-golden, oval-shaped shield appears on his left arm. He brings the artifact over for Somnia to inspect, “This is the artifact that my Obsession has given me, Ancile. A shield to protect those around me. My Obsession is the Sentinel out of the other eight variants. While I do not have any goals that need to be satisfied in a set timeframe like most Obsessions have, if any person I want to protect is hurt, I take the injury for them. Some view it with prejudice, but I will not have it any other way.”

Again, he outstretches his arm, removes Ancile, and drops it; however, it does not touch the ground, disappearing moments before the collision. “Artifacts are connected to your soul after one obtains their Obsession. However, once your soul passes, the artifact will become another item to be picked up and used. Ah, before I forget. The timeframe I mentioned depends solely on how powerful one’s Obsession is.”

Squires come in soon after to clean up the meal, allowing Deidru to teach Somnia more about Obsessions face-to-face, going well into the night, just like old times. Soon after, Somnia lies down on one of the mats, finally resting peacefully with no worries.

➔➔➔

‘This timeline is going much better than the others. Deidru never showed his mug every other time until we were nearing the end. In one timeline, I transported her to a specific city, which didn’t go well. Thankfully, this time around, she wasn’t recruited into a shady organization right when we arrived, with no mercenary groups in this one yet. I suppose the time was the most important factor.’

Being a Goddess, I do not need sleep. I float above, having regained a minuscule amount of power, watching over Somnia as she sleeps, ‘It’s unbelievable that she was a dangerous mercenary in one timeline. She disguised herself as a merchant for assassination plots, an orphan in the capital, and even a fugitive running from the army! I wonder how her brain adapts to every scenario.’

Floating ever closer, I inspect my Creation, which I meticulously sculpted to lead this world to a better place, whichever was the best for her. Her starry-black shoulder-length hair with red streaks is reminiscent of an alloy I created, Adamantite. While her eyes are closed, I know the warm wine-red eyes she uses to pull off her poker face. I want them to appear intimidating, but that won’t work until she ages. Unfortunately, she still wore her slave attire, an unwelcome reminder of her future. Still, they pass as everyday clothes, a simple, plain, knee-high black dress that's surprisingly flexible albeit dirty from everything Somnia has been through.

“Somnia…”

I jumped at the sudden voice as it was late into the night. Not a single light source was lit. Fortunately, it was Aphra looking down on the sleeping Somnia. I float away, observing the scene before me, ‘What an interesting character. She never was in the other timelines. What effect will she have, I wonder?’

Not saying another word, Aphra lays down next to Somnia and brings the cover over the both of them. ‘Aw, she must have trouble sleeping alone. It seems like Somnia will have a great friend this time, too. I believe the other friend’s name is Reina?’

Watching for a short while longer and thinking idle thoughts, I can feel my spirit growing heavier. ‘I guess I need to recover more power before I can roam freely. Traveling this far back makes me lazy…’ Attaching myself to Somnia’s soul, I, too, fall “asleep”.

➔➔➔

Somnia awakens to the sunlight from the tent’s entrance, the sounds of armor clanking about as the soldiers start their day early, and a familiar voice barking orders. She attempts to get up to find an arm draped over her. Surprised at first, it soon gives way to a look of confusion once she notices its owner curled up next to her.

‘Good morning, Somnia!’

‘Morning, Aevumi. What’s Aphra doing here?’

‘She came to your mat right after you fell asleep. I think she has trouble sleeping alone.’

‘Uh-huh…’

Somnia pokes at Aphra’s cheeks, attempting to wake her up. Laying on her side, she only elicits uncomfortable groans. I laugh at her reactions, ‘Hah. Not much of a morning person, huh?’

Somnia escalates her gentle poking to a light shake on her shoulder, “Wake up, Aphra. We might be leaving soon.”

“Hehe…” Aphra lets out a small giggle as she rolls over flat on her back.

Somnia looks around, and sure enough, all the mats are empty. She sets aside Aphra’s arm and sits up to stretch from a pleasant rest. The sounds of orders being given ring out into the tent and stop at the entrance. With a rustle of the entrance opening, the head of Deidru emerges with a grin after he notices Somnia is awake, “Good morning, Somnia. Is Aphra still asleep? My soldiers will care for the tents, allowing us to depart first. Once you’re ready, meet me at the post from last night.”

She nods, and Deidru leaves to bellow more orders at his men. I look at the near-comatose body that is Aphra, ‘Perhaps you should try carrying Aphra?’

Somnia looks down at her own petite frame, “Yeah, maybe in a couple of years.”

‘No, I promise you’re strong enough. Give it a try.’

Skeptical at first, Somnia stands up and attempts to princess carry Aphra, noticing that her cloak is surprisingly soft. On her first try, she lifts her like a feather, “Wow, she needs to eat more.”

‘No, she’s healthy. That is your past experiences showing through. You do lack muscle as of right now, but you can fully use them at all times without being tired. Skill and technique prevail over pure strength at times.’

Somnia walks out of the tent with an understanding nod, speculating about other skills she may have developed. As she was heading towards the post, a few soldiers noticed her. They approach and salute, “Hello, you two must be Deidru’s new daughters. He’s been rambling- I mean informing us about yourselves all morning. Anyway, sorry to keep you. Do not hesitate to ask us for anything from now on!”

With a straight face, Somnia nodded, but I could tell she was uncomfortable with the sudden attention. She feels movement in her arms as Aphra yawns, the soldier's enthusiasm waking Aphra from her slumber. At first, she glances around sleepily, and when she tries to sit up and can’t, reality finally strikes her as her face blushes. Surprisingly, Aphra does not say a word as Somnia continues walking. ‘Aren’t you going to say-’ However, I stop as I notice Somnia blushing, too.

“Good morning, Aphra.”

“Oh! Yes, good morning, Somnia…”

“Did you want to walk?”

“Um… No…”

“Okay.”

‘Ah, you two are so cute.’

‘...’

My attempt at teasing falls on seemingly deaf ears as Somnia walks in silence for a short while until they reach the post. Deidru waves them over until he notices Somnia carrying Aphra and rushes over, “Is there something awry with Aphra?! We have a doctor stationed over there-”

Somnia vigorously shakes her head, “No need. Aphra’s fine, just a little lazy, I guess.”

“I am not lazy! It feels nice…” Aphra looks up embarrassed, her cheeks puffed but quickly settles down comfortably.

Deidru sighs in relief and chuckles at the pouting Aphra as he guides them to a wagon. It was a state-of-the-art horse-drawn vehicle with a standard axle and a white layer of cloth. Urging them onto the back, Somnia lets Aphra down, much to her dismay, as they climb in with the help of Deidru. In the back were barrels of training weapons, straw dummies for practice, and crates, but enough room for passengers. The girls sit across from each other, and Deidru takes the reins in the front, “Sorry about the mess. It will be temporary, I promise. First, we will return the wagon to the training grounds and then take a proper carriage to my estate in the city of Adelle.”

Somnia and Aphra looked at each other as if wondering who Deidru was to own an estate.

‘He must be a high-ranking captain, critical to the royal family or some other faction.’

Somnia nods at my theory, and not long after the three talk about inconsequential matters to pass the time, rolling forward on dirt roads. A short while later, they passed through a handful of villages, all of which seemed happy for the most part, and onto a paved road. The outline of a city breaks through the horizon—our first steps into the unfamiliar past.