"Is that...?" Magnus whispered, his voice barely audible as his eyes remained fixed on the woman with striking violet hair. He glanced at Tristan, whose expression mirrored his own curiosity and uncertainty.
"Liora's mother?" Magnus's question hung in the air, filled with the unspoken hope that perhaps, after all this time, they had found someone connected to the young girl.
Tristan studied the woman closely. Her hair, a deep violet that gleamed in the soft morning light, was eerily similar to Liora's. There were other subtle similarities too—the shape of her face, the delicate curve of her jawline. Yet, something held him back from jumping to conclusions. "I’m not sure," he replied slowly. "But she does share a lot of similarities with Liora."
As the woman and her husband began to gather their bearings, they dusted off their clothes and turned to head back down the cobblestone streets toward what appeared to be their home. They moved with the dazed confusion of those who had just awakened from a long, surreal nightmare.
Tristan clenched his jaw, weighing his options. Whether or not this woman was truly Liora’s mother, it was worth a try. If there was even the slightest chance, they had to pursue it. His decision made, he took a few quick strides forward.
"Ma'am, excuse me," Tristan called out, his voice respectful but firm enough to carry over the quiet, awakening city.
The couple stopped in their tracks and turned around. As they faced Tristan, Magnus, and Elysia, their eyes fell upon the small figure resting in Elysia’s arms—Liora, still soundly asleep. The woman’s eyes widened in shock, her face paling as though she'd seen a ghost. Her husband, too, looked taken aback, his gaze locked on the child with a mixture of confusion and disbelief.
Tristan approached cautiously, his demeanor respectful, mindful of the weight of the moment. "I don’t mean to intrude," he began, his voice steady. "But I have to ask... do you have a child?"
The woman hesitated, exchanging a brief but loaded glance with her husband. Their faces reflected a thousand silent questions as they tried to piece together what they were seeing. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the man gave a small, reluctant nod, his arm protectively resting on his wife’s shoulder.
Tristan’s tone softened, sensing their apprehension. "We don’t want to cause you any distress," he assured them. "But the girl here—Liora—she’s been looking for her parents. If you’d be willing to give us a little of your time, we can conduct a simple test to confirm. We can buy the equipment for a paternity test... it won’t take long."
The couple looked at each other again, the woman’s hands trembling slightly. Her eyes flickered between Tristan and the sleeping child.
As the morning light spread across the cobblestone streets of the port city, the market slowly began to wake from its slumber. Stalls were being set up by cautious vendors, each arranging their goods under awnings or on wooden tables, their movements tentative after the night’s chaos. The smell of freshly baked bread drifted through the air, mixing with the scent of herbs and spices that merchants carefully placed into baskets. The soft murmur of early customers drifted through the space, bringing a sense of normalcy back to the city.
Tristan led the couple through the growing crowd, his gaze flicking between the various stalls and shops. Colorful fabrics hung from one stall, flapping gently in the morning breeze, while another vendor set out rows of polished gemstones and trinkets. Children, still in their sleepwear, clung to their parents as they walked by, their sleepy faces lighting up at the sight of sweets being displayed. Despite the warmth of the morning sun, there was an undercurrent of tension, as if everyone was still waiting for the world to shift again.
Amidst the bustling stalls, there were a few permanent shops—stone buildings with sturdy wooden doors, standing in contrast to the temporary market booths that would fold up by dusk. It was one of these that caught Tristan’s eye. The store's facade was well-maintained, with an elegant sign swinging gently overhead, gilded letters announcing its presence: Arcanist’s Provisions. Unlike the open stalls, this shop had a sense of permanence, its large glass windows displaying an array of intricate magical devices and tools. The polished stone steps leading up to the entrance set it apart from the rest of the market.
"This is the place," Tristan said, leading the couple inside.
The inside of the shop was quiet, its air cool and still compared to the lively atmosphere outside. Shelves lined the walls, filled with all manner of magical equipment—delicate glass vials, enchanted quills, and small mechanical devices that hummed softly with magic. In the center of the shop, behind a counter, stood an elderly shopkeeper. He wore a finely tailored robe, his silver beard neatly trimmed, and his sharp eyes flickered with interest as they entered.
“What can I do for you today?” the shopkeeper asked, his gravelly voice breaking the silence.
“We’re looking for a paternity testing kit,” Tristan replied.
The shopkeeper’s brow lifted slightly in recognition. “Ah, that’s a rare request. I only stock the best—precise and reliable, though it comes at a high price.” He motioned toward a shelf behind him, where small, intricately designed boxes were displayed. “These kits are designed to detect even the faintest traces of familial bonds through a magical analysis of blood. No errors, guaranteed.”
Without hesitation, Tristan stepped forward, his hand already reaching for his pouch. The amount of coin he handed over would have been enough to feed a family for months. As the shopkeeper counted out the sum, the couple exchanged glances, their eyes widening at the casual display of wealth. It wasn’t just the money that surprised them—it was the lengths Tristan was willing to go to on Liora’s behalf.
“Very well,” the shopkeeper said, handing over the carefully wrapped paternity kit. “Follow the instructions, and you’ll have your answer within minutes.”
Tristan took the kit, his expression calm but determined. "Thank you," he said, then turned to the couple. “We’ll need just a little of your time to conduct the test. If this is positive, Liora may have found the parents she's been searching for.”
The couple, still processing everything, nodded slowly, their curiosity now mixed with a growing sense of hope. They left the shop and made their way back through the market, which was now fully awake. The streets were more crowded, with people chatting and vendors calling out to passersby, but none of them noticed the weight of the moment that hung over Tristan and his companions as they prepared to uncover the truth.
After purchasing necessary items, Tristan excused himself, glancing around the busy street. "I'll be right back. I need to send a letter," he said, addressing the couple with a nod. "It won’t take long."
He walked toward a nearby building with a large sign bearing the symbol of a quill and envelope—Post & Courier Guild. The guild handled all manner of communications throughout the kingdom, ensuring that letters, orders, and even small packages were delivered swiftly between cities and towns. With the waterway recently reopened, the guild had resumed full operations, and the city was beginning to come back to life. Couriers were busily preparing messages for delivery by ship, taking advantage of the renewed trade routes.
Inside, the atmosphere was bustling with couriers in uniforms, sorting and organizing messages for the first time in weeks. Tristan approached the counter and quickly penned a letter addressed to Killian, detailing their plans and requesting reinforcements at No Man’s Land. The clerk, a sharp-eyed man with ink-stained fingers, stamped it with the guild's seal and assured him the message would reach the capital in a day or two, thanks to the now-clear waterway.
Satisfied, Tristan exited the guild and returned to the couple, this time with a larger carriage waiting by the side of the road. Its polished wooden frame gleamed in the morning light, with ornate designs carved into the sides, and the horses were strong, well-groomed beasts that drew the attention of passersby. The couple, who had been quietly observing the market in his absence, stared in awe as Tristan gestured toward the carriage.
“This will take us back to the manor,” he said simply, opening the door and gesturing for them to climb in.
The couple hesitated for a moment, looking between the grand carriage and Liora, who remained peaceful in Elysia's arms. Their awe at the wealth and status on display was evident, but they followed Tristan's lead, climbing into the plush, upholstered interior. Inside, the seats were comfortable, lined with fine fabric, and the soft hum of the city’s noise was muted by the thick walls of the carriage.
As the carriage started rolling, Tristan turned to them with a small smile, trying to ease the tension. “So... how have you two been getting along in the city?”
The husband shifted in his seat, glancing at his wife before answering. "We get by," he said, his voice rough but sincere. “I pick up work here and there—construction, odd jobs, whatever I can find. My wife takes care of the house, keeps it in order. It’s nothing grand, but we manage.” He let out a tired chuckle. "It’s hard, but this city... you just take it day by day."
His wife nodded silently, her hands resting in her lap, though her eyes kept drifting to Liora, as if trying to reconcile the child in Elysia’s arms with the life they had lived.
Tristan nodded thoughtfully, keeping the conversation light. “That’s all anyone can ask for, especially with everything that’s happened lately. You’ve been through a lot.”
The rest of the ride was peaceful, the sounds of the city fading as the carriage left the bustling market behind and approached the manor where Cedric, Magnus, and the others were staying. The couple’s eyes widened once again as the grand manor came into view—its tall gates and sprawling grounds a far cry from the humble corners of the city they had grown used to.
When they arrived, the carriage rolled to a smooth stop, and the door swung open. Outside, Magnus was already busy inspecting the supplies that had been loaded onto a wagon nearby. His broad shoulders were hunched over as he checked each crate, ensuring that everything was in order for the upcoming journey.
Spotting Tristan, he straightened up and waved. “Got what you needed?” he called out, his voice carrying across the courtyard. His eyes briefly flicked to the couple stepping out of the carriage, their expressions still filled with awe.
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Tristan nodded, stepping down from the carriage. “Yes, and we’re all set. We’ll run the test soon.”
Magnus gave a grunt of approval, gesturing toward the supplies behind him. “I’ll bring these to the ship shortly. Just checking the inventory before we set sail. Let me know when you’re ready.”
Tristan turned back to the couple. "Let’s head inside and run the test," he said, his tone encouraging. The couple followed quietly, their eyes still wide as they took in the manor’s grandeur, and in the distance, Liora stirred slightly, unaware that her life might soon change in ways none of them had anticipated.
Tristan led the couple into the drawing room of the manor, the morning light streaming in through tall windows that cast a soft glow over the elegant furnishings. The room was grand but inviting, with its high ceilings and the gentle crackle of a nearby fireplace offering warmth. The couple, still visibly nervous, sat down on a plush settee, their hands clasped together tightly as they glanced around, clearly unused to such surroundings.
Elysia gently laid Liora, still fast asleep, on a nearby cushioned chair, ensuring the girl was comfortable before taking her seat next to her. The maids, efficient and quiet, entered the room, setting down a tray of tea and preparing the tools for the blood test. Though the couple acknowledged the offered drinks with polite nods, neither touched them, their attention fixed on the impending test.
“This won’t take long,” Tristan said, his voice calm and reassuring as he opened the box containing the paternity test equipment. Inside, the finely crafted tools and vials gleamed, the runes etched into the box glowing faintly with magical energy. “We’ll take a small sample of blood from each of you. The magic will do the rest.”
The couple exchanged a nervous glance before the husband nodded, rolling up his sleeve to expose his arm. A maid stepped forward, gently pricking his skin with a small needle that shimmered with enchantment. His wife followed suit, holding her breath as a drop of her blood was taken. Lastly, Elysia carefully pricked Liora’s finger, adding the final sample to the test.
The vials containing the blood samples were placed inside the device, and the runes on the box flared to life. Threads of light connected the vials, pulsing softly as the magic began to work. The room fell silent, the couple watching the glowing lines intently, their expressions filled with a mixture of hope and fear. Even Tristan, standing nearby, watched with anticipation, his hands resting on the back of a chair as the magic did its work.
Time seemed to stretch as they waited for the test to complete, the soft hum of the magical process the only sound in the room. The glowing threads between the vials shifted and swirled, before finally settling into a steady pulse. As the light dimmed, the result was clear—Liora’s blood was undeniably connected to the couple’s.
Tristan was the first to speak, his voice low but steady. “It’s positive. You are Liora’s biological parents.”
The words hung in the air for a moment, and the couple sat in stunned silence, processing the revelation. The husband blinked, his gaze fixed on the glowing vials, while his wife’s hand flew to her mouth, tears welling in her eyes.
“It’s true?” she whispered, her voice trembling. “She’s really ours?”
Tristan nodded, his expression softening as he watched their reactions. “There’s no mistake.”
The husband let out a shaky breath, looking down at his hands as if trying to grasp the magnitude of the moment. His wife turned to Liora, who was still sleeping peacefully, her small form tucked into the chair. A tear rolled down the woman’s cheek, but her smile grew as she gazed at her daughter.
“She’s our little girl,” the man murmured, his voice thick with emotion. He reached out hesitantly toward Liora, as if still uncertain if he was allowed to touch her, but the joy in his eyes was undeniable.
Elysia, noticing the couple’s hesitation, smiled gently and encouraged them. “She’s been waiting for you,” she said softly, placing a comforting hand on the woman’s shoulder. “I’m sure she’ll be overjoyed”
The couple sat there, taking in the weight of what they had just learned. Though they were still processing the shock, the happiness in their eyes was unmistakable. After so long, they had found their daughter again—a reunion that seemed almost impossible just hours before.
As the confirmation of the paternity test sank in, Tristan and Elysia exchanged a glance before stepping aside to give Liora and her parents the room they needed. Liora, still sitting on the edge of the sofa, stared at the couple in front of her, her emotions swirling as she tried to make sense of it all. The room was quiet, save for the faint clinking of tea cups as a maid tidied up nearby, aware of the delicate moment unfolding.
Liora’s parents, now sitting across from her, seemed just as unsure. They looked at each other, then back at their daughter. There was no grand outpouring of emotion, no dramatic declarations—just a quiet, almost awkward pause as they tried to process the news. The mother wiped her eyes again, her fingers trembling slightly, but neither parent spoke right away.
Tristan, sensing the moment’s delicacy, cleared his throat softly and said, “We’ll leave you to catch up.” He nodded at Elysia, and the two of them quietly left the room, closing the door gently behind them.
Liora was left alone with her parents, who still sat quietly, exchanging nervous glances. The woman hesitantly extended a hand toward Liora, but didn’t speak right away. Her husband stayed seated, looking at Liora with an expression that was hard to read—something between curiosity and quiet hope.
Liora, still feeling the weight of the situation, fidgeted slightly. She stared at the floor, then up at the couple, searching for the right words. Finally, she spoke up, her voice soft but steady.
“My name is Liora,” she said, watching their faces for any sign of recognition, but none came. “It’s the name I was given... by my mother. My other mother.” Her small hands clutched the fabric of her dress as she explained, “She was a lizardman, and she took care of me.”
The couple exchanged a glance, clearly taken aback but not entirely sure how to respond. Liora looked down again, her fingers still fidgeting. “She raised me,” Liora continued, her voice quiet but matter-of-fact. “She gave me this name.”
The woman opened her mouth as if to speak but then closed it again, unsure of what to say. The man, Liora’s father, nodded slowly, his face still processing everything. “We... didn’t know,” he said finally, his voice calm but restrained. “We never had the chance to name you.”
Liora nodded, not entirely sure how to respond either. There was an awkward pause before she looked up at them again, her eyes wide and searching. “But I think... I want to know you,” she said softly.
The couple exchanged another glance, their expressions softening slightly, but they still seemed hesitant, unsure of how to bridge the gap that had formed between them and their daughter over the years. Liora, sensing their hesitation, gave them a small, tentative smile.
“I’m still Liora,” she said, almost as if reassuring them.
Her mother finally smiled, though it was a small, almost uncertain one, and nodded. “It’s a beautiful name,” she said simply.
For a while, they sat in that quiet, tentative peace—no grand declarations, no flood of emotions, just the beginning of something that would take time to grow. And though it was a fragile connection, it was a connection nonetheless.
The silence hung heavily in the air until Liora's father finally spoke up, his voice tentative but gentle. "Would you like to see where we've been living? It’s not much, but it’s home," he offered, a small smile on his face.
Liora blinked, glancing at Tristan and Elysia before nodding slowly. "Okay..." she replied softly. Her mind swirled with a mix of emotions. She had waited so long to meet her real parents, yet now that they were here, it didn’t feel as she had imagined.
A part of her still clung to the team, especially after everything they’d been through together. Leaving them, even if just for a while, felt strange. But another part of her, the small child who had longed for this day, wanted to be with these people she had always wondered about.
She had so many questions—why they left her, if they ever tried looking for her, and what had happened to them. But right now, she just wanted to be with them. Just for now. Maybe those questions could wait.
Tristan and Elysia stood side by side in front of the manor, watching as Liora and her parents climbed into the carriage Tristan had prepared for them. The morning light bathed the scene in a soft glow, and the sound of the carriage wheels rolling on the cobblestones echoed through the quiet streets.
Tristan let out a gentle sigh, his hand coming to rest on Elysia's shoulder. “She finally found her parents,” he said quietly, his tone filled with relief. His thumb gently stroked her shoulder as a sign of shared happiness. He smiled softly, feeling the weight of their journey lighten a little. "I’m happy for her, at least she can finally be with her family now."
Elysia nodded, her gaze following the carriage as it slowly made its way down the street. “She deserves this moment,” she murmured. But as Tristan spoke of family, her thoughts turned to his own struggles, and she glanced up at him. "And now you need to rescue yours," she added, her voice gentle but firm.
Tristan’s expression hardened slightly at the mention of his mother. “Yes,” he replied quietly, the determination returning to his eyes. “We’ll be leaving for No Man's Land soon.”
They stood in silence for a few more moments, watching the carriage until it disappeared into the distance. Just as the quiet settled in around them, the familiar sound of wheels on cobblestone approached again. Magnus arrived, guiding a wagon that was now nearly empty, save for a figure sprawled inside.
Elysia raised an eyebrow at the sight. “You didn’t bring him to bed?” she asked, nodding toward Cedric, still sleeping peacefully in the wagon.
Magnus chuckled, shaking his head. “He was just making sure I'm safe”
Tristan smirked. “He really can't catch a break, can he?"
Magnus laughed, glancing back at Cedric's sleeping form as the wagon rolled to a stop. “Nope. I was unloading supplies onto the ship, and he was keeping me ‘company,’” Magnus said with a grin. “Though, I’m not sure how much company a snoring man makes.”
Tristan's attention shifted back to the task at hand. “How are the supplies?” he asked.
Magnus hopped down from the wagon and nodded. “We’re all set. Food, herbs, and everything else. I’ve got my artifacts, and you and Cedric both have your swords. We shouldn’t be short on anything we’ll need for No Man’s Land.”
Satisfied, Tristan gave a quick nod. “Good. Get some rest once you’ve loaded everything onto the ship. We’ll set sail as soon as Cedric wakes up.”
Magnus waved his hand, dismissing any concern. “Don’t worry, I’ve got it covered. Just need to finish loading him,” he said, jerking his thumb toward Cedric’s sleeping form.
As Magnus guided the wagon toward the ship to finish unloading the supplies, Tristan and Elysia shared a brief look—knowing that their next journey, into the dangers of No Man's Land, would be the most crucial yet.
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A few hours later, Cedric stirred, his body slowly waking from the deep sleep he'd fallen into. The gentle rocking of the ship and the distant sound of waves lapping against the hull were the first things he noticed. Slowly, he opened his eyes and found himself still nestled in the wagon.
Tristan, who had been waiting nearby, approached with a calm but focused expression. "Good, you're awake," he said, giving Cedric a light pat on the shoulder. "A lot's happened while you were out."
Cedric rubbed his eyes and sat up, stretching his stiff muscles. "What did I miss?"
Tristan quickly filled him in on the events after his sleep—the reunion with Liora's parents, the preparations for their departure, and Magnus loading supplies onto the ship. "We’ve got everything we need now," Tristan continued. "Supplies are stocked, our weapons are ready, and the ship’s in good condition. The only thing we’re missing is the reinforcement, but my letter should have reached Killian. His men should arrive on the island not long after we get there."
Cedric nodded, absorbing the information as he stood up and glanced around the ship. "Sounds like we’re ready, then."
Tristan gave a small smile. "We are. We’ve checked everything twice—supplies, weapons, the ship itself. It’s all in order. Now it’s just a matter of setting sail."
Magnus joined them, wiping the sweat from his brow after finishing his tasks. “Everything’s been loaded, and I’ve triple-checked our inventory. We’re good to go.”
With everything in place, Tristan gave a final nod of approval. "Alright, let’s do this."
The crew moved into position, preparing to cast off. The ship’s sails unfurled, catching the wind as the vessel slowly drifted away from the port. The water shimmered under the rising sun, and the familiar sound of creaking wood and the rush of the sea filled the air.
As the ship began its journey toward No Man’s Land, Tristan stood at the helm, eyes fixed on the distant horizon. Cedric and Magnus took their places nearby, each one silently preparing themselves for the challenges that awaited them.
The wind was at their backs, pushing them ever closer to their next destination—and the battles that would come with it.
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Thanks to the magic stones integrated into the ship’s structure, they didn’t need to man the helm constantly. The stones allowed the ship to glide smoothly through the water, adjusting course with minimal input from the crew. This left them free to rest and prepare for what awaited them on the island.
Tristan, feeling the tension ease, made his way below deck and returned shortly after, carrying two cups of tea. He approached Cedric, offering him one with a small smile. “Elysia brewed this for all of us and she said this one is for you” he said, the warmth of the cup seeping into his hands as he took a sip.
Cedric accepted the tea, raising the cup to his lips, but something about the atmosphere tugged at his senses. As he took a cautious sip, a feeling crept over him—something was off. His instincts sharpened, alerting him to another presence on the ship. His gaze drifted toward the lower deck, and he set the cup down.
Tristan noticed the shift in Cedric’s demeanor and furrowed his brow. “What is it?” he asked, watching as Cedric stood from his spot, eyes fixed on something unseen.
“I need to check something,” Cedric murmured, finishing his tea. He began walking toward the lower deck, passing by Magnus, who was slumped against the ship, fast asleep.
Tristan followed, his curiosity piqued. “Where are you going?”
Cedric didn’t break stride. “There’s something else on this ship.”
They moved together, making their way past Elysia, who gave them a questioning look as they descended deeper into the vessel. Tristan glanced at Cedric but said nothing further, trusting his friend’s instincts.
Their footsteps echoed faintly as they reached the cargo deck, the lowest part of the ship where supplies and barrels were stored. Cedric's sharp gaze swept the area as he wove between the stacks of cargo, his senses guiding him.
Then, in the dim light of the storage area, Cedric spotted a small figure huddled behind a barrel. He approached slowly, crouching down until he could clearly see her.
“What are you doing here, Liora?” Cedric asked, his voice calm but firm.
The small child sat quietly, her arms wrapped around her knees as she gazed up at him with wide eyes. She had followed them, hiding aboard the ship unnoticed until now.