Cyrus' top student was scowling at Primrose's prized possession, still trying to pass map reading 101 as he and Olberic nursed their ale. Ophilia was content just people watching as they waited for their bloodstained friend to return.

"I still can't figure out what's going on here, professor."

Ophilia, in need of her own directions scooted up next to Tressa. "Perhaps we can figure it out togeth..." The cleric paused as she looked over the merchant's shoulder. "If you would allow, I could make one suggestion, Tressa."

"Please! I'm totally lost."

Gently taking the map, Ophilia turned it 180 degrees. "It may be easier were it not upside down." Groaning, Tressa yanked back the properly angled parchment. "Weren't you curious as to why all the names were upside down?"

"It's how Cyrus handed it to me. I figured it was a misprint." Tressa pulled her hat down to cover her face. "It's not like I'm a map saleswoman!"

There was no room in the world for feeling insecure about a lack of knowledge, as long as the desire to learn was there. Cyrus had a knack for giving students pep talks and he had one ready, but Olberic denied him the chance.

"There's no need for embarrassment, Tressa. I had boys older than you serve with me that could barely lace up their own boots; they grew into fine men and your wits will be worth twice as much as them."

The solemn brawler's powers had no bounds and his words were no exception. Long sentences from him were like blue moons and he was so sincere that no one could accuse him of lies or exaggeration. Tressa pulled her hat back up and proceeded as if nothing had happened, though she did quickly lose interest in the map.

"Woooah." Tressa stood up knocking everything around. "Look at that woman Primrose is with."

How well timed, Cyrus mused as he took in the intimidating pink haired woman. Just as he was thinking about how mighty Olberic was, Primrose manages to show up with someone that might be able to handle him in a fight. The dancer, now in her original outfit, came at them quickly, her impressive companion in tow.

"This is H'aanit. She helped me find somewhere to wash my dress, so I've agreed to assist her with something."

Cyrus had to restrain his glee. It seems as though Primrose has found herself a love interest. The signs, while slight, were glaringly obvious. A bit of a pitch and pace to the voice, the occasional sideways glance, and a hint of an everlasting smile. It was a marvel to the professor that everyone couldn't pick up on such blatant signals.

It was possible Cyrus had read to many plays but he was stuck wondering, with Ophilia having an interest in Primrose, we may have a love triangle forming. Though, if this is a play, someone must start telling some jokes so we know it's a comedy or we're all in grave danger. "Primrose, H'aanit, what adventure are we partaking in today?"

"About that, professor." Primrose glanced at her new companion, though this was one of discomfort. "We want to avoid too much commotion, so we were thinking just Olberic come with us while the three of you plan our voyage when we return to the road."

Olberic got up without hesitation while Tressa and Ophilia failed to disguise their disappointment. Cyrus related. Whatever the strong trio were planning, it was sure to be an adventure demanding to be experienced.


Ophilia banged her fist on the table, shaking neither the table nor drinks. "You're right, Tressa."

"Uhh, which part? That we should have been allowed to go or how the pink-haired lady looked like a cross between Olberic and a wolf?"

"The first thing – mostly. She's worried about commotion? Are we going to go around stomping and screaming that something is amiss?" Alright, perhaps Tressa would have, but that's hardly the point.

"Pardon me, ladies," Cyrus had, as instructed, been studying their map and making notes. "Have you considered that Primrose's plan is actually the logical course of action? Whatever they're up to is clearly related to brawn while they've left us to use our brains. It is a shame we're being deprived of excitement, but perhaps it's time to be sensible."

Ophilia agreed it was all perfectly logical, but there was more at play here. Cyrus must not have had enough experience with the subject to know when he was being talked down to, but the cleric had been beaten down by life. She knew too well the pain of being unwanted and loathed being reminded of the feeling.

Cyrus is correct though. They do need to find their way to Stillsnow and I to Saintsbridge. Ophilia knew it was her responsibility to be sound in her judgment, but that wasn't doing anything to quell the tingling sense of aggravation. Feeling her common sense degrading, she began to unravel.

Winnehild 51:20 – Come the day Galdera returns, the greatest of our flock will inherit mine blade, bow and rod and rust them with blood.

Aeber 6:4 – Pride is strength. A shepherd cannot lead without it.

Draefendri 10:28 – To worship us is to know not fear. A true believer's soul can never be slain.

Sealticge 4:7 – Admire beauty for what purpose would life have without it

Winnehild 13:6 – Evil is cowardly. From thy heart, strike with fear and be victorious

What does it matter that Primrose is everything I wish I was? It doesn't mean I need to accept her disdain and patronizing like some doormat.

Ophilia launched up from her seat and bellowed, "Aelfric 10:6! The Flamebearer will be fierce and uncompromising. An unstoppable force to spread our word!" She ran to the door, not looking back as Tressa's voice trailed behind her.

"When you come back, bring the cool wolf lady with you!"


It wasn't hard to catch up with Primrose's crew. The trio were so conspicuous that Ophilia didn't need to say any more than, 'which way did they,' before being pointed in the right direction. It was difficult for her to run in her long white dress, but Primrose, Olberic, H'aanit and a giant cat? Were taking their time, striding with purpose.

When they came into view, the four were keeping pace with each other, side by side with an aura of silence all around them. Even the leopard was stoic. Thankfully this allowed H'aanit to sense Ophilia without the rushing woman needing to yell out. The fierce hunter delegated the situation to Primrose who looked more uncomfortable with the situation than annoyed.

The dancer urged the rest of her gang of toughs onward while she dropped back. "Ophilia, you're supposed to be helping Cyrus and Tressa. You need to figure out where you're going."

"You're right, and I'll go back, but not until you tell me the real reason you don't want us coming. Are you trying to abandon us?"

"You all have my map."

True enough. "Are you worried we aren't strong enough to help? I may not have fought the flame guardian but I can hold my own."

"I know that. I know Tressa is too and I'm sure if Cyrus had enough time to prepare, he could kill us all."

Ophilia broke eye contact. "Do you really just despise me that much then?"

Primrose looked over her shoulder with impatience and concern, desperate to stay in and leave this conversation. "Ophilia, I know why you would think that. I've treated you terribly and need to apologize, but I truly don't remember how to do that sincerely. Every time I come up with something to say, it never sounds good enough."

More than anything, Ophilia wanted to ask why Primrose had been so short with her before, but circumstances changed the priority. "Then I can't figure out why you're going off without us."

The dancer inched towards Ophilia, close enough for the holy woman to pick up the scent of bluebells and strawberry. Despite them being the same size, it felt like Primrose was looking down at her, though the tenderness in those dark eyes looked more nurturing than condescending. "While it's not the reason I asked you to stay behind, we are genuinely trying to avoid an uproar. There is a dangerous monster lurking around the woods."

"H'aanit and I went ahead so she could assess the situation and we found something brutal and tragic. There are somethings you cannot unsee, Ophilia and this is one of those things."

"Then why bring Olberic?"

"This is nothing new for him. Olberic's soul is already tainted, just like mine. We deserve to see these things, but you, Tressa and Cyrus, you're all too good for such a gruesome reality."

Trying to ignore the intimacy of the moment and Primrose's troubling words, Ophilia stood her ground. "Do you see me as that sheltered and naive?"

"I owe you some honesty, so yes, I do."

"I wasn't surrounded by white dresses and cathedral walls my entire life. I lost my family, lost everyone to war." Primrose's eyes widened as the conversation took a solemn turn and a fire washed over Ophilia.

"I was a child with nothing more than a change of clothes." Primrose directed her eyes to the floor. "But none of that matters. I am the bearer of the Sacred Flame. It is my duty to tend to all of the world's souls, and it sounds like there are some souls in that forest that are in desperate need."

Primrose turned and silently ushered Ophilia to follow her.

Maybe with luck, I can tend to your soul before we part ways, Primrose.