Arceana's Point of View

Helmsforth Temple

“That is excellent news!” I told the guard. “I am positive Ayda will be thrilled once I tell her. Please inform Lady Aydalia that she can expect visitors soon if she is in good enough condition to do so.” He nodded and left the room.

Aydalia being awake would lift Ayda’s spirits. She’ll need the good news until we find out what happened to Alwin and the others. Lucia entered my mind for a moment, but he adored her. It was one of the reasons I wasn’t too worried. If anything, he would make sure she was safe above all else.

My eyes drifted to the falling snow just outside. The windows were covered in frost on the edges, and it made for a beautiful moment. Perhaps it was this snow that kept Alwin from checking in. They’d been gone for several weeks. Arthur and Elincia had been gone for longer, but the Temple was oddly quiet. It was lonely. Perhaps it was just my age catching up to me or a moment of melancholy.

Finally, the doors opened and in walked everyone I summoned. “Welcome.” I greeted the group. “It is good to see all of you.”

Captain Greigh and Sergeant Ziah escorted the group in before they took their spots behind them.

Per the norm, the Leiflans led, and the others bowed when they bowed. “Greetings, Priestess. You look as beautiful and radiant as ever.” Drewes Leiflan greeted for the group. “The sight of you alone is enough to warm us on this cold day.”

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“Always a way with words, Lord Drewes.”

“Doesn’t he just.” His wife’s grip tightened on his arm to what appeared to be a painful amount.

Then I nodded my head toward her with a smirk. “And always the firm hand.”

“Always.” Lady Luthi confirmed.

My attention then turned to my students. “Cassidy, Floyd, and Ayda. It is good to see all of you. You especially, Cassidy. I am glad you appear to be doing better.”

She nodded. “Far better, Priestess.” The girl replied.

“Floyd, I assume you two have been well?”

“Sherry keeps firing me for giving out free food, but not to worry!” Floyd started. “I’ve once again rehired myself and am once again giving to those in need.”

A sigh escaped my lips. “I thought we talked about this, Floyd. That is technically trespassing. She filed another complaint about you.”

Floyd merely waved my words away. “Don’t worry. This is just how things usually go between Sherry and me. She fires me, goes to extreme lengths to keep me that way, but she always comes crawling back.” He then gestured to himself. “Not to brag, Priestess, but have you tasted my cooking? I’m amazing.”

Ayda and Cassidy seemed to reluctantly give the man credit where credit was due. These were the little moments that amused me the most. Things that I couldn’t account for or predict. It was a shame that they only last so briefly.

“I will take your word for it.” My attention then shifted to Ayda last. “How are you?”

The young Elf seemed on edge, which was to be expected. “Anxious, Priestess.” She answered.

I nodded. “I can imagine. No doubt you heard what some of this meeting entails?” My question was met with a nod from many. “There are a few topics I wish to discuss, but the one I have no doubt you are most concerned with is your brother.”

“It is.” Ayda confirmed. “Has there really been no word for almost two weeks?”

“Indeed. However,” I gestured outside to the falling snow. “The snow has worsened, and there could be a storm in the west near the veil. That was the last known location of their party.”

Drewes spoke up. “Have you sent someone to investigate?”

The question was quickly followed by his wife. “Or perhaps reinforcements?”

Shaking my head, I answered. “No. Given the situation, I’m afraid that there is no one I would trust to send and make it back successfully. Maybe if my sister or General Kheri were here, but both Alwin and Lucia have gone silent.” My words did not put them at ease. “Part me expects Kine to come flying in through the snow, chilled to the bone with news, but there has been nothing.”

“Send me!” Ayda quickly shouted.

“No.” I immediately answered expecting it.