Lady Azure’s camp wasn’t much of one. Ariya would have gone so far as to say it wasn’t even really a camp at all. It was just a single traveling pack thrown on the ground in much the same way Lusya did with hers when she needed to fight. The pack itself was even almost identical, with the only real difference being that Azure’s was a little bigger and white to match her uniform—the Sacred Knights apparently liked white way more than Ariya had thought. There wasn’t any sign of a fire, there wasn’t a tent, there weren’t any sleeping mats or other supplies out. The pack was against a tree that provided some shade, but that was the only thing resembling shelter. Yeah, she was no expert, but Ariya was comfortable saying this didn’t qualify as a camp.

“Here we are,” Azure announced.

She did a little twirl with her arms outstretched, like she was presenting a palace to them. She followed that up with a little laugh and went to her pack. She leaned her spear against the tree, then dug through the bag before pulling out a brown little circular container. The brief glance Ariya got into the bag was a stark contrast with Lusya’s. Everything in Lusya’s pack was meticulously placed based on factors including, but not limited to, maximizing space, how often she needed it, and how fragile it was. Or so she had told Ariya, which meant it was the truth. In any case, the result was that it was super neat. Azure’s pack wasn’t a disaster by any means, but it was a lot more haphazard, and she had to do a little more sifting and searching to find what she was looking for.

“Before we get to talking, here’s that ointment I mentioned,” she said, popping off the lid of the container to reveal a light green cream within. “You might still feel a little sore, but, with any luck, you won’t even bruise. It’s great for the skin in general too. Very moisturizing. Of course, it’s better to save it for when you need it, though.”

Lusya blinked and stared at the container, not making any move to take it.

Before she could say anything, Lady Azure scooped a glob onto her fingers and thoroughly rubbed it along her face. When she was done, she grinned and extended the container to Lusya. “Just so you know it’s nothing bad. It’s even safe to ingest, not that I would recommend it. Worst thing I’ve ever tasted, no contest.”

“I see,” Lusya replied as she took the ointment. “It is appreciated.”

“The cream, or the demonstration?”

“Both.”

If she had been suspicious, Ariya couldn’t blame her. Even with it a little farther away from Ariya, the cream had a pretty funny smell to it. It wasn’t bad, just unusual.

Azure smiled. “Well, you’re very welcome.”

With that, Lusya stepped away to get some room and started undressing to apply the ointment. Lusya being Lusya, she didn’t try to get any privacy or anything. Lady Azure giggled and shook her head. In fairness, Ariya wasn’t sure what Lusya could have really done this time. She could have gone behind the tree, maybe, but that wouldn’t have done anything if someone else came along, and she wouldn’t want to leave Ariya alone, probably. None of those were her reasons, of course, she just didn’t care, but she had an excuse this time.

“It’s encouraging to see that some things haven’t changed,” Azure said. “And where are you from, Ariya?”

Ariya jumped a bit at the unexpected question. “Um, Ovda, Lady Azure, Lady Knight, Lady Paladin, Ma’am.”

Lady Azure chuckled and came closer to tousle Ariya’s hair. “For a friend of Lusya, just Azure is fine.”

“Okay,” Ariya said cheerfully, but she refused to move a muscle.

She wasn’t afraid, per se. Ander had proved that not all Sacred Knights were bad. Sure, Azure had threatened Lusya, but that had just been a misunderstanding. Azure was being super nice now, after all. So, Ariya wasn’t afraid of Azure, specifically.

On the other hand, though, Ariya had never met a Paladin before. Right after the Hero of Balance and Lusya, the Paladins were the coolest people there were. So strong and brave. Now that she knew she wasn’t in danger, Ariya could admit that the way Azure had taken on that demon had been awesome. The parts Ariya had been able to see, anyway. Maybe Ariya could count herself above the Paladins once she did whatever it was Lusya needed her to do. For now, though, a Paladin was an awe inspiring presence, and Ariya couldn’t help but worry she would screw something up somehow. Even if Azure didn’t get mad and there were no actual consequences, Ariya worried she might die of embarrassment if she somehow insulted a Paladin on accident.

“Don’t be so tense,” Azure said. “We’re all friends here.”

Ariya gave an uncertain nod in reply.

“Can I ask why you’re traveling with Lusya?”

“I require her for a task I have been charged with,” Lusya said. “You may know nothing more than that.”

She was completely naked as she rubbed ointment on herself. They weren’t even that far from the road. Anyone who passed by could have seen her. Ariya would have been mortified, but she didn’t say anything. She had accepted that she wasn’t going to understand Lusya’s feelings on things like that. Though Ariya would admit that she couldn’t come up with a good reason Lusya should change other than being taught different. Lusya just didn’t think clothes were vital, and Ariya couldn’t explain why they were.

“I assume you got her family’s permission, right?” Azure asked.

Lusya nodded. “I did, though it took some persuasion.”

Azure hummed in thought and shrugged. “Well, I guess that’s fine, then. I’m sure you have a good reason for your secrets.”

“I do.”

Azure smiled at Ariya gain. “It sounds like you’ve got some responsibility on your shoulders, but are you at least having fun with your little trip? We’re a long way from Ovda I’m sure a lot’s happened while you were coming all this way.”

“It’s been great,” Ariya confirmed with a series of rapid nods. “I’ve seen and learned so much and met so many people.”

“Anything that stands out?”

“Lusya fought this big ugly demon,” Ariya said. That definitely hadn’t been fun, but it did standout, and it was pretty cool in hindsight, even if she hadn’t seen most of it. “I met some tiransa too, that was cool. They’re way less scary than I thought. I really like the cities too. They’re big and cool and fun with so many people and cool stuff, like Gavamir’s walls or the Golden Tower!”

Ariya didn’t mention Kadel. That hadn’t been fun either, but it had stood out among everything that had happened. Nice as she was, though, Azure probably wouldn’t appreciate that part of the story, considering how it ended. She also left Ander out. She had liked him, but it felt weird to throw him in when he was dead. The bandits too. She didn’t want to talk about them. Way too scary.

“What about you, Lusya?” Azure said. “Any highlights?”

Lusya’s eyes closed a little for just a second. “Ariya has already informed you of most of the noteworthy events. We also traveled with a caravan and met a budding musician. We saw a play too.”

“How exciting,” Azure said. She sounded a little more enthusiastic than Ariya thought made sense for that little bit, but it didn’t seem like she was faking it either. “Anything before you met Ariya?”

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“Nothing I imagine you would find interesting,” Lusya replied.

Azure smiled. “You might be surprised, but I can take a hint. It sounds like quite the journey.”

“It’s not always fun, but I still love it,” Ariya said. “I kind of don’t want it to be over.”

“Well then, you just need to have as much fun as you can first,” Azure said before giving Ariya’s nose a quick tap with her finger. “Your Fyemish is very good, by the way.”

“Thanks! Lusya taught me.”

“That explains it. She was always good with languages. How many do you speak now, Lusya?”

“About twenty well enough to function in society,” Lusya said. She seemed to have finished applying the ointment, so she closed the container and handed it back to Azure. Then she moved to where she had left her clothes…and didn’t put them on. Ariya guessed she was waiting for the ointment to dry a little first. She had rubbed it in thoroughly enough that you couldn’t really see it, but it was probably still a little wet. It was still weird, though. When she was doing something was one thing, but to see her just standing there like that was bizarre. Despite knowing Lusya didn’t care, Ariya felt like she was seeing something she shouldn’t.

“Wow, that’s amazing,” Azure said. “You only knew four last time I saw you.”

“I would not recall,” Lusya said. “My memories of my childhood are unreliable.”

Azure nodded, her smile turning sad. “That’s to be expected, I guess.”

“So I have heard.”

“You must remember some things, though, right? It’s not like you were a baby when you left.”

Lusya nodded. “Bits and pieces.”

“That’s good, at least.” Azure sighed, and there was a brief moment of silence. “I am sorry about how I asked before, but why were you fighting that demon?”

“When I sensed his presence, I thought it better to investigate than potentially be caught unawares later,” Lusya explained. “However, when Ariya realized he was harming mortals, she insisted I stop him. He would not listen to reason, so I was forced to attack him.”

“I’m really sorry about that,” Ariya said. “I couldn’t help but open my eyes when I heard all the banging and shouting. I couldn’t tell what was going on a lot of the time, but I knew you were getting beat up a lot. I’m sorry.”

“It is fine,” Lusya replied. “No true harm was done.”

Ariya hung her head. She felt like she was about to cry. It was all her fault that Lusya had gotten hurt. All because Ariya hadn’t listened. “You always win, so I thought it would be fine. I didn’t think it would go like that. I’m really sorry.”

“There are many people stronger than me in this world,” Lusya said. “However, as I said, it is fine. I accept your apology, so there is no need for further ones.”

Ariya nodded and managed a small smile. “Okay. Thank you.”

Azure cleared her throat suddenly. “Lusya, would you mind getting dressed? I understand there’s no one around, but even we’re going to feel a little awkward if you’re naked the whole conversation. Right, Ariya?”

“A little bit,” Ariya said, pinching her fingers together to indicate the degree. It was actually a little more than that, but she didn’t want to hurt Lusya’s feelings after getting her body hurt. Lusya probably wouldn’t care, but better safe than sorry.

Lusya ran a finger over the last part she had put her ointment on and, seemingly satisfied, nodded. “Very well.”

With that, she started getting dressed.

“Can I at least ask where you’re going?” Azure asked.

“Oh, I know this one,” Ariya said, waving an arm to get Azure’s attention. “It’s, um, Midbad Island.”

“Midbud Isle,” Lusya said. “I did not intend to answer that, child.”

Ariya blushed. “Oh. Sorry. Again.”

“You are forgiven,” Lusya said as she got her tights on.

Which meant Lusya was still a little mad about it. She always used roundabout ways of talking like that when she didn’t mean something, or only kind of meant it, but—Ariya assumed—she knew it was the right thing to say. Like saying, “it is appreciated,” instead of “thank you,” or even, “I appreciate it.” She wasn’t doing the slight head tilt, though, so Ariya wasn’t in it too deep.

“Midbud Isle is nice,” Azure said. “A little cold and rainy in the winter, but nice. Your secret is safe with me, by the way.” She put a hand to her lips and mimed turning a key. “Nothing you tell me gets to the higher ups.”

Lusya paused in buttoning her blouse to blink twice and tilt her head. “Why make such a commitment?”

“Because you’re Lusya, of course. You might not remember, but you’re still very precious to me.”

“I see. Thank you.”

Azure must have been real good friends with Lusya’s mama. Ariya suspected she was a sister or a cousin, maybe. That would explain the resemblance. Wavy hair, similar face, big boobs. Azure looked a lot like Lusya if she was older.

Which wasn’t to say Azure had lied. Ariya didn’t think a Paladin would lie. Even Kadel had been honest. Too honest, even. Family could be friends too, after all. Maybe Azure just thought of Lusya’s mama more that way than as family.

“Oh, Azure,” Ariya said as something occurred to her. “You’re the Seventh Paladin, right? So, you’re, like, the seventh strongest person in the world.”

Azure pursed her lips, hesitating. “Well, our rankings only really count within Ysuge. So, in theory, I’m the seventh strongest on the continent. That said, I’d say Fifth, Sixth, and I are all pretty much tied for fifth. The rankings are a little more complicated than pure power.”

“That’s so cool,” Ariya said.

It didn’t make that much difference in practice to her. Azure and Lusya were both, at best, destructive blurs when they fought. She only occasionally caught bits and pieces of what was going on when they slowed down or did something big like those awesome ice spikes Azure had made. But it was still amazing that she was on a first-name basis with one of the top ten strongest people there were. Ariya didn’t like to toot her own horn too much, but maybe she had a talent for making really cool friends. Maybe that was part of why Lusya had picked her.

“I’m glad you think so, but be careful,” Azure said. She smirked and leaned in for a conspiratorial stage whisper. “Lusya might get jealous.”

Lusya, now fully dressed at last, blinked but didn’t say anything in response.

“Don’t worry, Lusya’s still the best,” Ariya said. “Even if you’re stronger than her. You can be second, though.”

Azure giggled. “You’re an honest one, aren’t you?” She looked to Lusya. “A little too honest, huh?” She returned her attention to Ariya. “I would be honored to be your second coolest friend.”

“I’m friends with a Paladin?”

Azure nodded.

“That’s awesome!”

“Isn’t it?” Azure said with a smile. “Now, no matter what anyone says to you, you can feel confident you’re cooler then them, because you’re friends with a Paladin. The coolest Paladin, in fact.”

Ariya wasn’t sure whether or not that was meant to be a pun. It was pretty good, so she chose to believe that it was.

“You don’t even look that old,” Ariya said. “I kind of thought the Paladins would be a little older, like wise wizards in stories.”

She had heard that the First Paladin was pretty young, but people talked about him like he was extra special, so she didn’t take that as representative of the group.

“Most of the Paladins are around my age,” Azure said. “Our job is to fight. Giving sage advice to budding heroes is just our side gig.” She grinned, and Ariya wasn’t sure how serious she was. “Although, now I’m curious. How old do you think I am?”

Ariya rubbed her jaw while she thought. Azure seemed a little older than Mama, so…

“A little more than thirty?”

Azure chuckled. “Good to hear I’m aging gracefully. I just turned thirty-nine in Ast.”

“Oh,” Ariya said, blushing. She was a little embarrassed to be wrong, but Azure seemed happy about it, so she guessed it was fine.

“If there is nothing more to discuss, may we go?” Lusya asked. “We do not have time for small talk.”

Azure frowned and seemed to think it over for a moment. “You know, there is plenty more I’d like to talk to you about, but it would take a while to get through it all here, and I’d hate to bombard you all at once.” Her face lit up in realization. “You’re going north through the valley, right? Why don’t the three of us go together?”

“That sounds great!” Ariya said, looking to Lusya for approval.

Lusya tilted her head and blinked. “What is your purpose here?”

“Well, I’m going north to discuss establishing a Grand Stronghold in Fedirheld,” Azure said. “I have plenty of time before I need to be there, though, and I thought the Elzen Valley would be nice this time of year. The scenic route sounded fun, so, here I am.”

“I see.” Lusya’s eyes closed a little again. Ariya wasn’t sure why.

“Something wrong?” Azure asked. If she had known Lusya as a kid, maybe she could read Lusya’s expressions too.

“Nothing,” Lusya said. “I would simply prefer not to expand our group. The two of us traveling alone is ideal.”

Azure crosser her arms, brow furrowed. “Surely having a Paladin with you can only help.”

Lusya blinked. She was quiet for a long while before nodding. “You are correct. However, it would cost us some time. You said you intended to take the scenic route.”

“That’s true, and I’d love to see the sights with you, but I promise I’ll keep it to a minimum,” Azure said. “I do have a deadline too, so I’m mostly going due north anyway. Just making slight diversions to see some things. Besides, travel is unpredictable. With me, you’ll find it far easier to get past any obstacles.”

Once again, Lusya was silent for a moment. “Very well. I will agree to your proposal.”

Ariya wondered why Lusya had been so upset and reluctant. Ariya also wondered why Lusya had given in so easily despite that. Was it still about how strong Azure was? Ariya thought it was pretty clear Azure wouldn’t start trouble just because Lusya said no, but Lusya might have seen things differently, as she often did. Then again, maybe Ariya shouldn’t have questioned it so much. Things were working out the way she wanted, after all.

Azure still looked concerned for a second, but her expression brightened quickly. “Good to hear it. I’m really looking forward to traveling with you.”

“We should leave immediately,” Lusya said. “I do not wish to lose any more time.”

“Of course,” Azure said. “I would hate to set you back.”