"Nova, stop dragging me by the arm. I can walk on my own," Raid said, the weighty thud of his boots echoed against the pavement with every step.

The cacophony of the bustling crowd surrounded them as they strolled down the sidewalk, with heavy wagons and horses filling the large road to their left. Unyielding, Nova tugged at his right arm with a vice-like grip, crushing any hope of escape and displaying no intention of slowing down.

"But you're so slow," she muttered.

"What's the rush? You haven't even told me where we're going. The first thing you do is drag me all the way here from the hospital. The least you could do is pay your room a visit.”

“And what am I going to do there?”

“I don't know. But heading straight to this district right after you're discharged just doesn't seem very proper.”

“Since when did you care about etiquette? What do you want me to do? Head to my quarters, admire the walls for about ten minutes before I leave and head here anyways? Waste of time I say. Consider this a shortcut.”

“You could, at the very least, get a change of clothes. The spares the hospital gave you are a bit oversized.”

“I'll buy new ones. Besides, I don't have any clothes in my room to begin with because I've never been there. It's empty as far as I am concerned, been stuck in a hospital, remember? You know, for someone who has been visiting me daily, I gotta say, even I am impressed with your memory."

"Yeah, yeah, keep your yapping. Oh, look at me, I'm a dumb man, a real idiot, can't tell my left from my ass crack. What's your take? Don't idiots tend to flock together, attracting one another like flies and beggars? Being friends with me, doesn't that say something about your intelligence as well?"

"Are you trying to imply something here? Because for reasons, I just can't seem to understand what you're trying to say."

"Hey..."

"What?"

"You okay with this?"

"With what?"

"With what your wearing. You look like a peasant, nothing but a tunic and dress. You'd think the hospital would give you better considering your prestige."

"They're not a charity, it's not their business. Probably assumed I'd quickly change into my usual like you did. Fool, are you protecting my dignity?" Nova smiled.

"No..." Raid said reluctantly.

"Doesn't hurt to be honest with yourself. I am fine with this, no one knows who I am here, nor will they."

"Your status would say otherwise. Our hair alone is already giving us looks. What happens if we run into someone we know? You're a noble proper, your honor also extends to your dress in case you forgot."

"They could've just given me back my uniform, and we wouldn't have this issue now would we?”

“Your uniform is in the trash, remember? I've ordered replacements awaiting you in your room. So, yes, you have spares.”

“Says the man who just suggested etiquette. A bit rude to enter a woman's room she has never attended, even if you did so out of kindness.”

“Who said I entered your room? A fellow female officer handled it for me. A much kinder woman too, and would no doubt be more graceful if it were she and not you.”

“Are you picking a fight, you whore? Why’d they throw my old uniform in the trash anyhow?”

Raid sighed silently, his exhalation going unnoticed by Nova. “As I've told you twice before it's been ripped to shreds, the entire backside is gone and it's bloodied to all hell. No point even washing the darn thing if the repairs require more effort than making a new one.”

“Right… ”

“Are you even listening to me?”

“I am looking.”

"Looking for what? I don't even know where we're going."

Nova abruptly halted her fast-paced walk, drawn by a large sidewalk sign depicting a bread loaf along with the name of the store, which was written very poorly.

Reading the sign, Raid said "Bennies Bakery?" visibly confused. "Is this why you dragged me here?"

"No, not at all."

"Then where are we headed?" he asked, his tone carrying a mix of emphasis and irritation. Momentarily distracted, his eyes followed a scene across the road, a young boy, perhaps no more than nine, in the midst of a tantrum, a tearful girl beside him, and a mother trying to console the girl, her back turned towards the boy. Two draft horses entered his vision, pulling a long wagon, shortly obstructing his view of the stomping child.

"The Grand Fel-Has, of course," Nova replied, as if it were the most obvious answer in the world.

Raid, now even more visibly confused, narrowed his eyes at her, having never heard of such a place. "Sorry? What the fuck is that?"

"It's a sweet shop, famous for their cakes. Mia told me about them. Apparently, I should give them a chance at least once in my life. They have two locations, one near the city square and another here, somewhere…"

"Lost already smart one?" Raid smirked.

"I might've forgotten a few directions. Should've asked Mia for a note."

"Mia the nurse? Damn her. Now I'm forced to go on a search party with you for a mythical shop that may not even exist. And I'm not keen on buying a slice of cake that's worth a few days' salary either. That stuff is expensive."

"Who said you're paying? And if you're going to complain about money, be consistent. Word has it you lost a week's worth of salary to some blue-milled. Smuggled some whiskey into the hospital, did you? Produced three rooms full of drunks. You're lucky Spencer didn't chew you out."

"Didn't realize rumors spread so fast," Raid said meekly scratching his head, averting eye contact. "Let's just say I hope Spencer never has to work on me."

"Rumors you say?" Nova scoffed. "Anyways, I'm paying, don't worry. I'm craving sugar badly."

"I mean, if you insist. I'll gladly take you up on that. We got Nova the god-given saint walking around the streets now?"

"Keep talking, and you'll be watching..."

"Well, where is this place anyway? How about we talk first, share what you know with me? Better two heads than blindly searching."

The abrupt grasp of his arm silenced their conversation, and once more, Nova propelled him through the bustling crowd. After a long while, passing countless streets and stores, she finally halted, very suddenly, her attention caught. Raid, resigned to her whims, narrowly avoided colliding with her as she came to the unexpected stop.

Raid watched Nova's gaze focus into the store, his eyes swiping up to read its name in large bold letters on the storefront. "Heights Cheese Cakes? Nova, it goes without saying, this isn't our destination. Do you still want to check it out? Though, I admit, this place must make something good if they have glass windows, if a little blue.”

“Dimwit, follow my eyes, look inside, over there, on her own toward the left corner. And who has the money to buy foreign glass anyway?”

“A few nobles might have something to say about that, your family included,” Raid responded, complying with Nova's guidance and attempting to discern some solitary woman in a corner. “Great description, I see like five. Am I meant to recognize any of them?”

“Tilt your head slightly to the right. I think that woman in the fur coat is blocking your view. Look right behind her, very corner, small table.”

That's when recognition struck him. Light brown hair, eyes blending blue with a hazel tint, a small scar gracing her left cheek. She sat alone in civilian wear, seemingly lost in thought, toying with a slice of cake on her plate. “Iris?”

“Interested in going in? I haven't seen her in a while; wouldn't hurt to say hi.”

“You're sure about that? She doesn't seem to be in the best mood.”

“What do you think?”

"Eh, maybe we should go back to the search. Pissy Iris is like horse gambling."

Nova made her way in, opening the door before Raid even finished his sentence.

“So much for my opinion…” Raid sighed softly, following her inside shortly after.

Iris stabbed at the slice of cake, breaking a piece off before lifting it up and examined it with an absent stare, deep in her own thoughts. At least that was the case before someone, or more accurately, someones, rudely and quite loudly, dragged two chairs from a nearby table to hers. The grating noise as the chairs' wooden legs scraped across the floor played a particular tune of irritation to an otherwise quiet afternoon.

"Iris, how have you been?" Raid greeted, smiling as he sat opposite her, already resting his left arm on the tiny table clearly intended for one person, their meal and little else. As his arm pressed against her plate, boldly declaring the invasion of her personal space, Iris subtly tightened her grip around her fork.

“Raid…” Iris responded with an air of calm, though a slight twitch in the corner of her eye betrayed a growing annoyance. “What crime did I commit to earn your face?”

“Wow, look at you,” he said sarcastically. "We've barely exchanged a few words and you're already about to blow.”

“Hi,” Nova intruded, almost buzzing with excitement, extending Iris a momentary familial warmth before seizing Raid by the ear, threatening to tear it off.

Raid nearly yelled, his face twisting. “Aye! What the fuck Nova. It hurts. Stop.”

“I take my eye off you for a second and you're already trying to provoke Iris.”

“I didn't do anything. Barely said a word and I'm already getting blamed. Iris, help me, she's jumping to conclusions. Ah, fuck! Nova, she was already pissy before we got here, you can tell just by looking at her. It's not my fault it got worse.”

“Nova, let him go,” Iris said softly, as though drained. “Why is it that you two always try to cause a scene wherever you go? Everyone is looking. This isn't a tavern, it's a proper establishment.”

“Are we disturbing you?” Nova asked.

“No, you're not. I'm just in a foul mood. Nova, my sincere apologies for the lack of visits while you were under care. It's good to see you're finally out. Although, I must say, your dress is quite… unconventional.”

“Yeah, I know, societal norms and all. As a woman yourself, I'd appreciate it if you could overlook this, for my sake.”

“Understood, with a later explanation of course? Just curious. How are your injuries?”

“I'm fine, just have to take it easy. And there's nothing to apologize for.” Nova peeked around, sweeping the store twice just to be sure a certain someone wasn't around.

“Are you looking for someone?” Iris asked curiously.

“Waylen not with you?”

“Oh, no. He's not always with me, you know that.”

“It always seems that way.”

“That's because we met on duty more often than not.”

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

“That's true. Is something troubling you? You seem troubled. If you don't mind my asking.”

“My replacements. I've been rejected for the 3rd time now. At this rate, I'll be stuck here for the remainder of the war. They've made it clear that my squadron won't be operational under any circumstances until my unit is reinforced.”

“That's what's bothering you?” Raid said, dismissing the waiter that came by in case they wanted anything. “You knew how low our numbers were before the war, it's nothing new we can't get any replacements now that we've fast-tracked our academies dry.”

“Then what? So I sit here and do nothing? As those bastards occupy our south?”

“Even if you can operate, what can you do? There won't be another battle for quite some time, neither side is willing to risk anything,” Nova replied.

“I'll go maverick of course. We have 20 thousand scattered all over the south, fighting the small war against the Lemfords. I intend to join them.”

“With what? Half a fireteam?” Raid said. “You only have 7 members left. You risk getting your entire squadron wiped out.”

“There are knight teams all over fighting the small war. Why can't I? Nothing gets done sitting around.”

"Those knight teams," Raid emphasized, "aren't designated as squadrons. Their roles are different, experience too."

“No point discussing it. From what I hear, you've pinned down Iris,” Nova said. “You want to participate, I get it. But if there's nothing you can do, then that's that. Why not enjoy the peace while we're waiting? We'll all be on the battlefield soon enough.”

“I can't just sit here. I was fine waiting around, but after the Kundis lost, I feel like any time spent is beyond wasteful. If I am allowed to skirmish, every kill, every raid will help the cause.”

“What's this about the Kundis?” Nova asked.

“What? You haven't been told? I figured Raid would’ve informed you. You two tell each other everything.”

Nova shot Raid a piercing glare, who immediately gazed at the ceiling, feeling guilty for some unknown reason. He meekly cleared his throat and said, “Well, it never really crossed my mind. Didn't think it was that important. Like, I kind of forgot, you know?”

"If this is your excuse it's fucking poor," said Nova, bluntly.

“Not important?” Iris said curiously. “What do you mean? The Kundis lost their entire south.”

“They what?” Nova said, shocked. “When did this happen?”

“I am not too sure how long it lasted, but it ended with our loss on the 1st of the 3rd. Battle of Court-Sira, 1st Kundis against 1st Imperial.”

“The news reached this place two days ago too, in the morning, I think,” Raid added.

“Isn't the 1st Kundis our best and finest? And we still lost? Raid, why didn't you tell me this?” Nova asked.

“Don't glare at me like that. What would you even do with that information? Fly all the way to the Kundis and fight the Lemfords all on your own? You make it sound like I committed a cardinal sin.”

“Wouldn't hurt to mention it once, this is big news.”

“To be fair, I thought Marcus told you. The only thing he ever talks about is the war lately. Look, I forgot, alright, didn't think it was worth the mention. My bad.”

“Right, historical battle, the Empire's first solid foothold into the Sundahelm. Turning the war prospects from bad to shitty. And it wasn’t worth the mention?” Iris remarked.

“I have no excuses. There, does that sound better?” Raid said.

“Much better. Now go cry in the corner and reflect on your actions,” replied Nova.

“Does this idiot even know how to cry?” Iris asked.

“I do. But Nova does a better job at it than me.”

“Huh? What did you just say?” Nova responded, insulted.

“Raid… I think I messed up,” Raid said. He attempted to impersonate Nova, wearing his most convincing defeated expression, but couldn't suppress a burst of laughter. “Whoever put you in that state, I have to thank the bastard.”

“Yo-you horseshit!” Nova vented in embarrassment. “You promised me that'll never be bought up again!”

“I did not,” he laughed, even louder now.

Iris observed as Nova attempted to strangle a cackling Raid, her face flushed. The entire store's attention now focused on them. She noticed the waitstaff uncertainly deliberating on how to handle the disturbance, mindful of the other customers. “I think this is our cue to leave. You two, come, I know a place, before we disturb anyone else.”

“I mean, not gonna lie. This is a pretty good view,” Raid remarked, leaning over the battlements to peer down at the countless rows of buildings and roads sprawled below.

“I thought this tower was off-limits, at least, that's what I've been told,” Nova asked.

“It is, mostly for the populace. We have some privileges in that respect,” Iris answered. “The guards would have a hard time refusing three knights, two of whom are nobles, with one tied to the Kadalis. Hence why I so clearly introduced ourselves to the guards. It's hard to refuse a noble without good reason or face unnecessary repercussions. I guess a memorial piece isn't worth guarding with one's life.”

The trio stood atop a solitary tower, tall, large, and old in its architecture. The tower dwarfed every other structure around it, overlooking the heart of the city. Named the Protectora of Vig and located southeast of the central district, it is one of the few surviving structures that has remained unaltered since the city's founding. A tower that has long since lost its purpose as the cityscape expanded beyond the horizon.

“So, no one will face consequences for letting us up here?” Nova sought assurance.

“What consequences? Unless you destroy the tower we should be fine. The restrictions are quite lax. The guards won't be punished for allowing us access, they just need to report to their superiors about the guests they've permitted. No further inquiries will be made,” Iris reassured with a confident smile.

"Seems like the old philosophers speak fact for once, height really changes perspective. So this is how the second-largest city in the Rose appears from above, huh?" Raid remarked.

"I wonder what Astra looks like from above," Nova replied. "Raid, do you recall if Astra has any structures this tall?"

"Can't think of any. But I don't think it'll look much different from what we see here. Just a sea of buildings. Calden might look different though."

"Why Calden? it's scarcely half the size of Vailiran, let alone Astra."

"I am talking about looks, not size."

"And size doesn't effect appearance?"

"I mean it does, but like, I am talking about layout. Unlike Astra and Vailiran, Calden doesn't pack it's buildings together like stock. I've been told the place is more spacious."

"So like, the city's aesthetics, you mean?"

"Yeah something like that. Aye, Nova, look at that cloud there. Looks funny, doesn't it? Like a two-headed dog.”

“A deformed rabbit more like,” Nova answered, joining Raid, both leaning over the battlements. Her eyes swept the orange horizon as the sun descents, observing tiny figures below, akin to ants. “Thanks for showing us this spot, Iris.”

“I am glad you like it," Iris grinned, basking in the fading sunlight, absorbing its dwindling warmth carried away by the gentle, pleasant wind. "I try to come here as often as possible. It helps me relax. I spent most of my military career stationed here in Vailiran. I'll show you a few other places I've grown fond of some other time.”

A sudden gust of wind momentarily eclipsed the gentle breeze. Nova slowly closed her eyes, feeling the turbulent air grace her skin, soothing and chilling. Iris joined them, leaning over the embrasure, her untied hair dancing with the wind.

“People once paid a small sum for this view," Iris said. “After the guards stopped keeping watch, the tower opened to the public. It was later sealed off as a historical landmark a few decades ago."

“Just because it's some historical piece doesn't mean it should be closed off. Waste of a view. If anything, such a designation helps attract travelers and in turn, income,” said Nova.

“Not everything needs a reason, and even less one based on logic. Anything that even has a slight involvement with bureaucracy and nobility can be as simple as a whim.”

“It's getting cold,” Raid remarked. “The drunks are not going to be happy tonight.”

“Why wouldn't they be happy?” Nova responded. “You can't feel the cold when you're dead drunk. Be dead of ice before you realize.”

“True… Nova, you need to drink more.”

“Where did that come from?”

“I am just saying. Now, ignoring your little injury this time, before, when you were with us, you merely watched us, and when you did drink, it wasn't enough. I just want that to change.”

“I consider that a compliment. I am not joining you fools. I've seen what you boys do when you've drowned yourselves. You're not going to convince me.”

“I just want you to loosen up, that's it.”

“Property damage is not typically what I desire in my down time.”

“Well, I don't mean that…”

Iris gestured towards the western horizon, where a cluster of buildings stood, encircled by small stone walls. “You two see those buildings? It's a little far, but that's Andes University. I studied there for a time when I was younger, not for long though, just shy of two years I believe. I was on the eve of nineteen when I first passed those gates.”

“You? Higher education?” Raid said. “I always imagined you joining the knights as soon as you could. Considering your family and all.”

"As much as I love my family's tradition, and I have nothing against following it. History is my passion. Maybe in a different life, I would pursue that dream and become a professor in the craft.”

"You studied history?" Nova asked.

"No, archaeology, actually. It was a new field of study when I first entered, a small group of passionate people. I applied out of curiosity, a temporary pastime before the actual course I was interested in opened up. I didn't expect to actually like it. There wasn't really anything else that caught my interest at the time.”

“Archaeology? I am not exactly sure what that is,” Raid admitted.

“You basically learn and study history by analyzing artifacts and structures. It's quite fun."

"Fun? What about studying old objects sounds fun?”

"Well, during my time," Iris smiled warmly. "There weren't strict rules on how one acquired such artifacts. Some, for instance, preferred excavating in known locations of historical significance. Others, like myself, opted for the more direct approach of permanently borrowing cherished relics or family heirlooms, and the like."

"You mean stealing,” Raid said bluntly.

"Well, when you frame it like that it sounds bad."

"It is bad..."

“You said you were nineteen Iris?” Nova muttered. “That's like what? Two decades ago?”

"Late 34 to mid-36 I believe, couldn't study beyond that." Iris replied. “My family practically demanded that I become a knight.”

“Damn, I was born while you were studying,” Raid said. “And Nova would have to wait another two.”

“If I recall, I am just about twice your age. You are 21 now, correct? And you, Nova? I forgot.”

“I am 18. Will be 19 in a little less than two months. 4th the 5th.”

“Ahh… quite young, I forgot. Kept thinking you two were the same age. Nova, you're too mature for your age, take after Raid once in a while.”

“I'll take that as an insult,” Raid remarked.

"Hey Iris, forget it if it's personal, but I can't help but wonder. If you had such a passion for history, why didn't you stay? Was your family's demand that strong?" Nova asked.

"You could say it was solely because of my capability. My family has only ever produced three mystics, including myself. My artform is what propelled my family to nobility, and maintaining our legacy the moment someone is able, exceeds all other responsibilities. That's why. My brother did not have the talent, neither did my father, so I took the chance, and by luck, I learned it. That's that."

"Mystics are rare beyond any other class. It makes sense," Raid said.

"Family tradition... So that's your excuse," Nova mused.

"What?" Iris said. "What do you mean? Excuse?"

"I mean, maybe you just realized history, or more precisely archaeology, is just the advanced and academic form of grave robbing. So you decided it was probably more noble to join the military before you're charged with a crime," Nova said casually, shrugging her shoulders.

"I-I’m sorry?”

"Like, how long does someone have to be dead before it's considered archaeology and not grave robbery?"

"We don't specifically go for graves…"

“Of course not. Why only go for graves when you can sack the old temples as well, right?"

"Where is this going?" Raid laughed. "Iris is there giving you her family story like you asked, and you're just there like, oh, I wonder, grave robbery?”

"Don't you judge me," Nova said, jumping onto the battlements, fearlessly hopping from one merlon to the next. "I was just voicing my thoughts."

"Nova! Get down from there, what if you fall?" Raid cautioned. "You're one strong breeze away from death."

"Relax Raid. I am a knight remember?"

“Knights can't fly.”

“No, they can't. But my aura should be able to take the impact of the fall.”

"Should or will?"

"Look at Iris, she isn't worried," Nova pointed. "Her confidence means I am fine, so you should do the same, fretter."

"I'm actually worried, just to make things clear," Iris promptly replied. "I just didn't feel the need to say anything because someone else here already clearly stated my concerns. Not that I don't trust you, but, just in case. Now get down Nova."

Nova clicked her tongue, jumping down off the battlements. “You know, I am getting awfully hungry. And I still never had that cake I wanted. You think after we watch the sunset, we can maybe get dinner or something?”

“I mean, sure, we can hit a tavern. Saw one right by the tower, quick and easy," Raid said.

“No taverns,” Iris said. “I know a place, a good spot. You two will like it. But, we have to get dressed up, it's been a while, I want something a little formal tonight. Let's head back to the barracks after this, change our clothes.”

“I don't have anything else apart from my uniforms,” Raid said. “Like, how dressed up are we talking here?”

“Oh? You don't have anything? Even better, let's drop by a tailor on the way back.”

“All this for dinner?”

“Yes, non-negotiable.”

"Oh, come on. Why must we go to some gold laced dining hall when we can just hit some tavern. I don't want to be wearing some expensive tight fitting fancy fucking doublet for a simple dinner."

"Why not? I think you'd look good in formal wear," Iris grinned. "I'll even pick one out for you if you want."

"Count me out then, too much hassle. Nova, what do you think?"

"Aye, I'm with Iris on this one, sorry bud. Was already planning on visiting a tailor anyways, remember? Even better if you come along."

"Raid, you're repaying a favor," Iris smiled. "I saved some of your men back in the rearguard, remember? That has to count as something. But hey, I get it, might be embarrassing for a brothel’s man like you to attend a restaurant, but you have to remember, other noblemen go there too. It's not that bad. It's also more fun to go in a crowd. I don't do this often, it'll be fun."

"But I am not a noble," Raid snared. "It's a matter of courtesy, I don't belong there do I?"

"But you're going with us," Iris assured. "I'll also pay for your wears."

"I can afford a doublet, it's fine," Raid groaned, his frown deepening.

"It's considered a bad omen and extremely feminine if an active soldier who isn't a noble to go to these places," Nova whispered loudly to Iris, grinning ear to ear. "Your usual soldier's superstition. He'll be laughed at to no end if the men find out about this."

"First time I am hearing of this," Iris said.

"It's a man thing," Nova shrugged. "Better that you don't. They have too many, and the knowledge does you no good either. This one doesn't really apply to knights, more of a common soldier's thing."

"Aren't you too old and educated to be believing such things Raid?" Iris grinned. "I get it if it's the illiterate masses, it's common for them. But I recall you growing up in a noble's household? If only for a period of time."

"Let me alone, I said I am going, end of discussion." Raid storming past a smirking Nova, finding his way to the stairs and heading down the tower. "Let's get this stupid dinner over with."

"But the sun hasn't set yet," Nova teased.

"It's fine," Iris smiled. "We'll just have our meal a little earlier than planned. Let's go.”