It was in the early morning that space broke. The fog split apart as a figure appeared amidst it where there had been none before, almost as dark as the night if not for her bright if sunkissed skin. Another kind of darkness surrounded her in streamers that had just before torn reality apart in the area. The figure turned around to wait for another to emerge from a hundred metres distant, now invisible in the fog. Soft, golden light announced him before she could see him again and when he did appear, it was with a deep frown. "Not advisable," Laphi delivered his quiet verdict. "This is really potent, but it tells me quite clearly you're a hellion. You should stay with seraphic artes entirely unless you want to reveal yourself."

This prompted a sigh from Velvet, who crossed her arms and started to walk again. "I figured as much," she admitted, "but we might as well check. It's short-ranged, but I can do it well enough; beats spending months or years to learn your teleportation arte." She paused and turned back in the vague direction of the Spiritcrest. "I wonder how Eizen did it."

Her brother shrugged, for once clueless as well. "No idea. Though I was planning to work on the teleportation for a while. Long-range communication just isn't going anywhere, so I'd rather make the transportation arte less mana-intensive to use; we can pass messages that way well enough."

"Makes sense," Velvet added absently as she eyed the distant form of Griflet Bridge by the roadside. "How about the armatus?"

"Done analysing the changes, but building a new catalyst will take a while." Laphi turned his head to the bridge as well, them having heard the river flow below for some time now. "Any sign of Uno?"

"None that I could see. You're the one who can sense seraphim, so you tell me."

"I... don't think he is around."

They fell quiet after that, marching on and in the opposite direction of where they had originally gone. The meeting with Edna still weighed on Velvet's mind a little, but she could not let it slow her down at the moment. Even if they sometimes forgot that their journey was not just for fun, they could never do so for long.

In the end, her thoughts returned to her earlier experiment and she broke the silence a few minutes later. "I don't think I will work with these artes any further for now." She got a curious look and a 'go on' motion for her comment. "They're... odd. It's hard to describe, but using Malevolence like this feels more, well, raw than mana. It's not clever manipulation, I'm just forcing it to act as I want."

"How is that any different to what you normally do?"

Laphi got a look for that quip, but it did nothing to wipe the grin off his face. Velvet rubbed her temple as she tried to explain her feelings on the matter: "It can reach deeper than before. Like earlier? I just pulled a place in the distance to me and made a step, no careful tunneling around or whatever your arte does." For emphasis, she stopped at a nearby tree and pointed at it. "The problem I see and that we need to look into before I actually put a lot of time into these new artes, is..." She punched the tree and the shock of her fist's impact tore a hole into its trunk. "...that we don't know what they could end up breaking."

As if for emphasis, the tree slammed into the ground before them; birds took flight all around, their wingbeats echoing through the mist. Velvet watched her brother instead, who held a thoughtful expression. After a few seconds, he nodded. "I think I get it. You're right. We need to figure out the limits of Malevolence and how to safely manipulate it before we can develop artes. You know that might take centuries, right?"

Velvet shrugged and got going again. "Not like we have anything better to do when this is over."

"That's fair."

The fog held long beyond their conversation, dispersing only when the sun began to dip low after a day of eventless travel bar some hellions. Far ahead, the two Crowes found their path turn into a slope which, once they reached it, revealed a mesmerising view of what lay beyond. Before them spread a vast mix of meadows, hills, and rivers; the flowing water glinted like diamonds in the sunlight while the occasional tree threw dark shadows. Waterfalls thundered down in the distance, the large river behind them having spread into many smaller ones. Flowers were on the decline by now, but the sight of such a sprawling landscape tinted in warm orange kept Velvet rooted for a while as she admired it. The same went for Laphi. In a way, seeing things like these, such beauty in nature, was reason enough to travel; she only learned to appreciate that over these last few months.

"Lakehaven Heights," Laphi provided the area's name quietly. "It's more beautiful than I thought it would be. And bigger." He raised a hand level to his forehead, shielding his eyes. "I can't even see Ladylake from here."

Velvet nodded and cast a quick look over the area; traversing it would take them a while, she knew. Her brother' side received a faint nudge. "And we won't get to Ladylake anytime soon because someone insists on exploring every nook and cranny."

"No fair, it's only every second nook and cranny!"

She snorted at that and shook her head. "Anyway, let's go. There's still some daylight for us to use." Laphi followed her obediently. Seeing that they just made camp the previous day, neither sibling was tired and they would walk through the night.

"While we're at not getting there soon," Laphi began as his sister hopped over the first small river. "Are we going to go back to Lastonbell first?" He forewent jumping and rather walked across the water, which Velvet knew he did by flying close atop the surface. It was a good question, though.

After giving it some thought and leaving the regular path for good, she had her answer: "It's a bit early for that. We should give them more time to consider." Admittedly, her own anxiety about a refusal made pushing it off easier.

"Alright," Laphi acquiesced and dropped the subject, eyes turning forward to where Ladylake might be in the distance. "I was thinking that maybe we should open a second branch of our tavern in Hyland, what do you think?"

"You think we could operate two taverns like those without making ourselves suspicious? Or stretching ourselves too thin?"

He shook his head and followed Velvet down a hill they climbed. "No, not really. I was just considering if it's worth the risks for greater coverage. And we wouldn't know where to put it; Marlind is too close to Lastonbell for it to make sense and Ladylake is the capital, again. Nothing else is where we would get much out of a second tavern." Laphi pondered a moment longer before shrugging. "Oh well, we'll keep it in mind. What we definitely need to do is hunt some more, if any wild game is still active at this time of year." He eyed a few birds up high and Velvet spotted a deer in the distance, which she then proceeded to run down; a broken neck later, she was busy removing the fur without damaging it. Laphi continued after the short lull in their conversation: "We need funds and information at the moment. Information, we get through traveling and recruiting more seraphim. Funds are a bigger problem until everything is set up and we have something to sell regularly."

Velvet acknowledged his thoughts with a grunt, attention focussed on her kill. Laphi sat down on a rock next to her and kicked his legs. "We could take and sell Atakk's art pieces, but that would be kind of mean."

Now she had to pause to laugh. "Yeah, it would be. Keep it in mind as a last resort, but there are many better ways to get money."

"Such as rifling through the pockets of hellions we kill?"

That only brought a shrug out of Velvet, who then proceeded to get back to the deer. "It works and they're already dead, so yes."

Like this, two weeks passed in a blur as they explored the area; true to her expectation, Laphi more or less investigated every nook and cranny. He appeared to love the Lakehaven Heights more than most other areas they were in before, though Velvet had no idea why that might be. They killed a few hellions on the way and found it quickly getting colder as the days passed; there were even two days of snow during the second week.

Their first big find were the ruins of yet another small village, the number of which became suspicious by now; the siblings could both guess who was responsible for it. Curiously, they also found a shrine to Amenoch, hidden behind one of the many waterfalls around. It was covered by dust, but remained in an almost pristine state. After determining that the chamber was a dead end, Laphi went and built a sidechamber to put another teleportation arte into. After he asked Amenoch not to be mad at him under his breath, that was. Much to Velvet's amusement.

They moved on from the general area two days after finding that shrine, once Laphi was finally content with the amount of exploration he undertook. They did not find much of note, but the sight alone almost felt like it was enough to make up for that; Velvet also spent a lot of these weeks hunting. By herself however, she was happy to see her little brother enjoy himself so much; Laphi examined plants and animals carefully wherever he could, played in the snow when it fell. He could do all the things he never could before and it made her heart almost explode in joy. This was what she always wanted for him, to be happy.

Finding herself with a bright smile, Velvet made to prepare their campsite; they would make their way toward Ladylake the next day. She was perfectly content right now, though that feeling did not last long. It ended a moment after she put down her pack, when something slammed into the back of her head and splattered.

Velvet paused and felt her now damp hair, noting something wet and crunchy before she brought the hand to her face. Snow.

Laphi stood a few metres distant, another ball of white in his hand and the brightest grin on his face. Velvet stared at him, going back and forth between annoyed and amused, the puffs of mist from their breathing the only change between them for several seconds. "You didn't just do that."

His grin grew wider and he threw the other snowball with a whoosh of displaced air. She angled her raised hand to block it, but missed and had the missile splatter against her face; for a moment, her entire world was white as it pushed her back a step. Slowly, ever so slowly, Velvet wiped a hand over her face to get the snow off. Amber eyes met the exact same colour a moment later, but Laphi merely kept grinning. "I did just do that," he crowed. Her eyes narrowed while he quickly dove for cover behind a fallen tree.

She let out a breath and crouched to bunch up some snow of her own. One, two, three balls she made, a little clumsily, before getting up to find where the brat had gone; she surged forward and jumped over the tree, but he was no longer there. Looking around, Velvet found a flash of gold to her right. Then she ducked as another snowball sailed past and into the river behind. A fountain spewed three metres high but thankfully away from her. She gave chase, legs carrying her only every other step as she floated up to go faster.

Velvet shot onto the hill while Laphi gave a startled yelp and scrambled for a patch of snow, but she already had him in her sights. Her right hand pulled back, then snapped forward; the ball hit him right in the small of his back a moment later. Her throw pushed him a metre through the soft snow; he rolled out of the second throw, which left him face-up to take the third up his nose. Velvet grinned at having gotten payback.

She then strolled over to her brother, who sat up and wiped himself off with the brightest grin. "Did you have enough?" The answer was a snowball to her left cheek, shot forward by a stealthily placed wind arte. Velvet then proceeded to hunt her cackling brother over a frosted meadow and down a slope, then up a river. He dove away from her throws and abused his flight to not get hit, throwing back whenever there was an opening. A wandering wolf-hellion turned to them as they approached, but a misplaced throw from Velvet caved its skull in and created a macabre mix of red and white all over its head.

At some point, as night had already fallen and only the stars still illuminated them, the two laughing and completely soaked Crowes returned to their chosen campsite. Despite it all, Velvet enjoyed herself. "And to think you used to hate winter," Laphi told her cheerfully while setting up a small fire. "This is so much fun!"

Velvet just shrugged, being in the process of pulling out dry clothes for them both. "Hellions don't feel the cold, so it doesn't bother me as much anymore. The damp clothes still do, though. Now get changed."

"Yes, ma'am."

By herself, Velvet was still smiling. Perhaps she needed something like this, once in a while.

. .

. .

They met knights on patrol over the following week. Few of them even stopped their horses to talk to them beyond an exchange of greetings, and those that did mainly asked about Velvet's destination. Laphi spent his time watching birds or working on his artes.

When they first saw Ladylake, it was in the morning after walking through yet another night. Deep cold took root in the area by then and made the capital city appear all the more majestic; it was built atop a vast lake, thus the name. This lake sat frozen, its solid surface glistening in the morning sun.

Velvet stood atop a small hill on the cliffside path descending toward the city's main bridge, taking in the sight with Laphi by her side. He was the first to spot something and point. "Look!" When she followed his motion, Velvet found herself looking at a gaggle of children playing on the ice.

The distance made it difficult to discern what they were doing, but she could tell well enough what her brother was thinking. Rolling her eyes, she gave him a nudge. "If you want to go, then go." The encouragement earned her a smile, then Laphi was off and scaled down the cliffside. Velvet remained where she was, watching the goings-on with clouds of mist forming in an even rhythm from her nose. She could observe the main bridge leading into the city from her position, merely a few hundred metres distant. Traffic was light this morning, yet many knights secured the area.

Around the time Velvet wondered how these children below actually made it down onto the ice, she noticed someone walking her way. It was mostly from the corner of her eye, which she left it at in favour of watching the children a little longer. Laphi was difficult to spot among them from up high. A few minutes passed until the other person stopped by her side; she cast a curious glance at them to find a somewhat older woman, possibly in her late twenties. She was dressed sharply, wearing steel boots and vambraces over white trousers and a dark blue, corset-like jacket; the golden trims made rather clear that she was a dame or noblewoman, though the armour implied the former. As did the spear she carried. Velvet could see hints of a stern expression, but they were mostly hidden by a lenient smile as the stranger also watched the goings-on below.

"It is good to see the children play so carefree," Velvet opened with another glance to the side, "despite recent events."

The other woman gave her a look in turn, one eye hidden by her wine red hair. "Are you referring to the skirmishes with the Rolance Empire?"

"Yes." Velvet did not turn away from the sight below, deciding to keep the conversation a little distant like this. "Children shouldn't be drawn into the matters of adults."

The dame did much the same, one arm held behind her back and the butt of her spear resting on the ground. She frowned ever so slightly. "Yet they will be adults soon enough, and this will become a matter concerning them."

"Maybe so, but they shouldn't have to grow up before the time is right. Nothing good comes of that." A stiff breeze caught her braid and threw it forward as she voiced her opinion; Velvet had to grow quickly when she lost Celica, for Laphicet. She did not wish that kind of thing on another.

Her company gave a slow nod. "I find myself in agreement. Yet all those children down there are commoners, enjoying themselves mindlessly while the nobles have to study. What do you make of that?"

Velvet shrugged and threw her braid back behind herself as she considered how to respond. "Nobles are held to different standards; they're expected to carry on their family name with pride, carry out important tasks, and need to manage many more possessions and wealth." She let out a quiet sigh, turning her head fully for the first time and meeting the stranger's eyes with a light frown. "This kind of freedom is something one begins to lose as responsibilities and status pile up. In exchange, I doubt any of the noble children will ever go hungry for their entire youth. They don't have to carefully weigh every Gald, don't have to work from an early age to support their family."

She received a thoughtful nod and was appraised more closely. "That is a wise stance to have," the older woman mused, "especially at your age. You are speaking from experience." It was not a question and they both knew it.

"I am."

Another nod and both of them turned back to watch the frozen lake a little longer, though the conversation stalled out there. Whatever this person had been looking for, she seemed to have found it, one way or another. She soon left Velvet be, who stood to watch until a disembodied Laphi flew back up the cliff and settled within her. Once he returned, she began her march toward the gates, prepared to require new papers much like on her first arrival in Lastonbell. Much to her continued surprise, the knight at the main gate waved her through. "We've seen you talk to Lady Maltran, ma'am. Go on inside, and welcome to Ladylake."

Velvet tried not to look too confused as she stepped into the city. She could only guess that the woman who spoke to her was this Maltran figure, but why that meant anything eluded her. "I heard some of the children talk about her," Laphi provided from within, his voice ringing in her head. "And people in Lastonbell, and in Marlind. Her full name is Hyaci Maltran; she's called the 'Blue Valkyrie' and really famous for being an exemplary knight. She's a role model to every female knight in the kingdom, sometimes even beyond."

Velvet just nodded faintly to herself, being mindful of the throngs of people going this way and that while her brother materialised next to her again. She smelled some Malevolence and found one or two hellions among the crowd, but left it all be for the time being. There had been hellions in Pendrago as well, so the sight did not surprise her much.

As her first step, Velvet decided to find an inn and begin planning their stay. At least that was the idea. But as it was with plans and reality, she did not get far with it as she went down the main road. A hand grabbed onto her arm and a voice called out warmly: "There you are, dear!"

Confused, Velvet turned around to find herself in front of an old woman; her wrinkled face and greyish white hair were the only parts visible due to the thick winter coat she wore, though a bright smile peeked out from its collar. "That you're finally back home for once! I haven't seen you since you were this tall!" The elder held up a hand at the height of Velvet's waist and tugged at her arm gently. "Now, it's cold today. Come along and let grandma make you something to warm up!"

Velvet stared at the woman flabbergasted, her mind racing as she tried to make sense of what was happening. After a moment, she decided against making a commotion and let herself be pulled along with a muttered "Alright". She did not feel right pretending to be someone's granddaughter, but did not feel like she should be rough with someone that old, either.

As she was led through the streets, she heard a middle-aged man mutter to another: "Granny's as forgetful as always, that's the second girl this month." That made her feel decidedly odd, though Laphi was clearly less bothered. He kept laughing as he followed the two women.

Velvet was ushered into a cozy house a few streets away from the main road, right at an old wooden table. "Sit right there, sweetie. I'll have something cooked up for you in a moment!" So she sat, feeling decidedly awkward as she answered half-shouted questions about 'how mom and dad are doing' and the like, playing along as best as she could while Laphi kept grinning as if this was the best day of his life; he sat by her side and laughed with every awkward response, relishing in what happened to her despite her glares.

Then a pot with stew was placed on the table and two bowls put out by the surprisingly sturdy elder, who smiled at her cheerfully. "Eat up, I made lots. A big girl needs to eat."

So she ate, mostly in silence under 'granny's' watchful gaze. She could tell the stew had a pleasant warmth, but failed to taste anything in it. Velvet could not help but lower her gaze to the table. "It's super tasty, grandma," she muttered while trying to force herself not to blush. Laphi giggled and their host smiled.

"Of course it is, my dear."

She felt deeply uncomfortable with every spoonful that she ate. So much genuine kindness was heaped on her, more than she had ever been given in one go since she was ten. The only one who she remembered to have this much warmth for her was Celica.

After she finished eating, 'granny' sat her down a bit away from the table and undid her braid. "It won't do for a pretty thing like yourself not to look your best!" she told Velvet cheerfully as she produced a brush and began to see to her raven hair. "Ahh, such beautiful hair. Just like your mother's!" She kept quiet about having inherited the hair from her father. Laphi got their mother's blonde tresses.

Velvet began to fidget from time and time as the day continued to noon. She slowly made herself smaller as this went on for another hour. The moment she was given an apple pie right out of the oven however, she folded.

"I, I'm not your granddaughter."

"Hm? What was that, dear?"

Velvet just kept staring away, cheeks so hot that she knew she was actually blushing. "I'm sorry I didn't say anything, I just, you looked so happy and I couldn't..." She trailed off, unsure what to say.

That was when the old woman broke into laughter, immediately drawing her gaze away from the tabletop. The elder giggled haltlessly and had to wipe tears out of her eyes when she was done. "I know," she told the befuddled Velvet. "Of course you aren't my granddaughter, I don't have one. I think."

"Then why did you...?"

She trailed off again and made a vague motion for their surroundings; this brought her a cheerful shrug and a toothy grin from the old woman. "It's just too fun to mess with travelers, dear."

Velvet blinked and Laphi started to giggle in the background, but she paid him no mind for now. Before she could actually figure out how she felt about being had like this, she was given another grandmotherly smile. "But I do like the company, too. Stay safe and come visit me sometime, sweetie. And eat up before you go, I can tell you have business to do, but you can't do it on an empty stomach."

That any ordinary stomach would still be filled with stew remained unmentioned. Velvet just sighed and dug in. "You're one weird woman," she told the elder between bites.

"Heh, that I am."

When she left a few minutes later, it all felt surreal. Hours passed like this and she felt oddly warm, even if it had all been part of a prank. At the same time, she was completely confused. "What the hell happened here," she muttered to Laphi, who shrugged.

"She's good," he noted in turn. "I can tell she had a bonded seraph, but she didn't even glance in my direction once." When Velvet blinked at him and asked under her breath why he did not say anything, he grinned again. "It was too funny to watch you getting pampered. How does it feel to be on the receiving end for once?" Velvet was aware of the understanding looks the neighbours gave her as she walked away from this particular house. She did not give Laphi an answer.

Back inside that very house however, an old woman sat down heavily after watching her newest victim walk away. She felt her age in these moments, every month of every year. Yet at the same time, she could not stop smiling.

The two dwelling deep within her shared that feeling.