Anje glanced up as she heard the front runner of the military caravan shout they had found a spot to camp. Dropping her pack immediately in the snow, she raised her arms upward and stretched toward the sky.

Finally, Anje thought.

Basilio had said that the march would be about two weeks to the decent-sized border village. What he hadn't mentioned was how damn inconvenient it would be. Cold? Sure, that wasn't an issue. Long marches? Anje could handle that. Having to sift through at least a full meter of snow that seemed to stick to the bottom of your shoes? It could all go to hell.

"I want this area cleared out and a roaring fire!" Basilio commanded with a vigorous tone. "I'm expecting a warm soup within the hour!"

Neither he nor Flavia seemed to mind the cold. It infuriated Anje that the man walked around like it was the middle of summer. The weather was reminiscent of a snowglobe that had been vigorously shaken-large fluffy flakes cascading down that obscured vision and clung to clothing. It was one thing Anje didn't miss about home.

Basilio had ordered a small squad of sixteen people assigned for the recon mission to Aurenta. On the first day, Anje mentioned to Basilio why they would not bring more soldiers if they thought the town was under serious threat. Her explanation came in the form of the large Feroxi man flexing his biceps and chortling. She dismissed the thought of bringing up tactics again to the Khan, as she either didn't understand it or she was surrounded by people that rivaled her own arrogance; something she hadn't expected.

"You want to help me set up the tent?" Anje looked to her side to see Olivia at her side, smiling. "Or were you going to help cook?"

"I'm a terrible cook," Anje conceded. "Let's get the tent up before Owain tries to help."

Olivia giggled. "Not fond of our local 'hero'?"

"No. The 'hero' is one hell of a blanket hog," Anje huffed. She marched through the snow with her pack slung over her shoulder to a corner of the large clearing the lead scout had chosen. "Never have I been so damn cold in my life."

Olivia began to unpack the tent supplies. "I'm surprised you dared share a tent with a boy. It's, uh, well," the dancer's face flushed red, " I had thought you were wanting to become intimate with him, or that I had...offended you."

Anje threw her head back and laughed. An honest laugh, not forced as she'd usually default to when hearing the soldiers or Owain's poor jokes. "God no, Olivia. You just snore so loudly. I figured I would enjoy at least one night on the road in quiet. Unfortunately, that apparently means being cold."

Olivia continued to unpack but looked away from Anje. She rolled her eyes and began setting up the poles for the tent. "I didn't mean to be negative, but I figured I should be honest," Anje said, shrugging. "I honestly thought you knew."

"No!" Olivia squealed. "Nobody has ever told me that I snore! Oh, sweet Naga…"

Anje looked over her shoulder. Nobody at the camp seemed to notice the conversation; Owain speaking loudly with Basilio and a few soldiers and the others setting up their tents and taking supplies from their travel wagon. Not a worry of someone interjecting.

"Olivia," Anje said under her breath, "How many women have you actually camped around?"

"Not many?" Olivia cautiously replied. "Why?"

"Because I'm thinking that the reason you haven't heard of this before is that the men around you didn't want to offend you or worse."

Olivia's face paled. "What?"

"They were trying to get into your pants, obviously." Anje finished setting the poles and support stakes in the ground. "You're cute but take critique poorly."

"No, I don't!"

Anje rolled her eyes. "You're doing it right now!"

"Well, what about you then?" Olivia gestured to Anje as she stood up and faced her. Gone was the meek girl from before; now a demanding diva stood before Anje with a pitched stance and arms crossed. "You take criticism very poorly!"

"No, I don't. I simply ignore bad criticism," Anje said. "That's different."

Olivia narrowed her eyes. "Doesn't seem different, Anje. It seems like maybe you like to ignore facts when people are careful not to upset me because they care. Maybe it's because I'm simply a more alluring person!"

Where the hell did this come from? Anje shot a questioning glance at Olivia. The woman flipped her pink ponytail and held a gaze of superiority on Anje. Is this what she actually thinks? Do I sound like this?

Anje pointed toward the center of camp and coughed non-discreetly into her fist. "Might want to quiet down, unless you want a full audience."

Olivia's confident demeanor evaporated as her head swiveled quickly, noticing the few soldiers who had slowed in their duties to watch the two women. Olivia's face turned a ripe red like a tomato and she quickly lowered her head, hurriedly working on setting up the tent.

"Right, right, right. Let's get the tent set up, yes?" Olivia said with a warm smile.

Anje returned a look of apprehension but nodded. "...right. Alright, I think that-"

"Anje!"

Anje bolted upward immediately. Basilio's voice cut through the winter air like a knife through hot butter. She spotted the man across the camp, nearby a freshly started campfire and cooking spit.

"What is it, Khan?" Anje asked. She had to raise her voice a bit, lest her voice got lost in the flurry of snow. She simply didn't have the booming baritone of the one-eyed Khan.

"You are on watch tonight. With me. Get set up, and then grab some food."

Oh, joy. Anje couldn't help but squirm a bit at the thought of having to be up all night alone with the Khan. She'd managed to avoid Basilio for most of their travel in the past week, and he seemed fine with the behavior. Almost as if he encouraged her to keep her distance. So why now?

"Yes, Khan," Anje begrudgingly shouted in a practiced voice. She knew she'd be berated for showing any attitude to these Feroxi. It was about maintaining the image of her improvement. She didn't mind it most of the time. Granted most of the time she wasn't reporting to the man who had knocked her lights out.

"Well," Olivia started with a dramatic sigh, "At least you won't be bothered by my snoring."

Anje wiped some of the snowflakes off her pale, chilled face. "You can't make me feel guilty for that." Olivia's slight smile faded. "Besides, with me on watch, that means you get Owain. Have fun being cold."

"I'll wrap myself up so tightly that he won't even-"

"He'll find a way," Anje derisively said. "I thought the same thing the other night. He called himself the 'Lord Commander of Blanket Keep' or some nonsense like that. I'd say he lives up to that title more than any of the other made up one's he's spouted off."

Olivia sighed, her shoulders slumped. "Oh, bother."

Anje stared into the firepit with rapt attention. It was easier to do that than look at Basilio-the man had taken it upon himself to pace about the camp and nurse his large canteen of ale instead of interacting. He'd speak with a few soldiers doing late patrol, leaving Anje to sit back, listen, and meditate.

She was surprised when Olivia said that she didn't believe someone as passionate as Anje liked time to sit and do nothing. Anje had done it before; emptying her head was better than reviewing the awful days at the circus. Nothingness was preferable to pain. Besides, it took effort to be angry.

With her head hung low and eyes half-lidded, Anje heard Basilio approach. Her muscles twitched as he settled down across the firepit from her and let out a deep groan. Anje's brow twitched and she exhaled softly, pretending she was still meditating.

"The last patrol just came back, and everything is still clear," Basilio stated. "Just you and me awake now. Don't suppose you've fallen asleep?"

"No, I'm still awake," Anje said softly, keeping her head down. "Just conserving energy since we'll be asleep for the morning tomorrow."

"Fair," Basilio said. Anje heard the sound of his canteen sloshing, and then loud 'ahh'. "Feroxi firebrand really does hit the spot. Have you tried any?"

Anje shook her head. Why talk to me if you hate me so much?

"You should try it, kid. Keeps your insides warm while your coat keeps your outsides warm." Another sloshing sound and gasp of enjoyment escaped Basilio's lips. "Plus, it's delicious."

"I don't drink," Anje adamantly said. She strained her posture a bit and let out a deep exhale. "Never been fond of drugs."

"It's not a drug, it's a drink."

"It's something people use to escape, but only come back feeling worse." Anje shivered as a large gust of wind entered the camp, threatening to snuff the remnants of their fire. Anje peeked open her eyes and looked up to the man. The Khan held a relaxed posture; one hand on his metal canteen and another on his knee with a thoughtful and distant look on his face.

"Shame we can't see the stars tonight with the overcast." Basilio looked over to Anje and frowned. "You could engage a bit more kid. It's respectful to indulge the Khan in some banter. I'd just rather not order you to."

"I thought you hated me. To kill me," Anje said, her lips forming a thin pursed line. "Why?"

Basilio shook his head and chuckled under his breath. "Naga knows you don't always get to pick your company, but it's bad manners to not speak when on watch and drinking. Old Feroxi code, that there is." Basilio leaned closer toward the fire, the flickering flames distorting his features. "Besides, kid. I do hate you. I think you're a sadistic little bitch. But! That doesn't mean we can't talk. Go ahead, say what's on your mind."

"I'd rather not," Anje grumbled. Shut up! Why must he be so damned persistent?!

"Say what you're thinking already," Basilio said, drinking the remainder of his canteen. "I can't stand soldiers who are too quiet. Even the ones I don't like."

"Fuck you," Anje spat out.

She bit her tongue and cringed. Truthful? Yes. Intended? Anje dared not think of what her image would become if she pissed off the Khan that already hated her. Me and my dumb mouth, Anje internally groaned.

Basilio held a serious glare at Anje for what felt like an eternity. She didn't feel the warmth of the fire with his eyes on her; just the icy coldness of fear coursing through her veins.

Basilio laughed.

"Better. Much better," Basilio chuckled. His face relaxed and became jovial once more as he leaned back, putting his arms behind his head. "See? So much better than trying to hide those pesky emotions. I'd rather you be honest with me than be nice and lie. Some in Ylisse, Plegia, or wherever you are from may be different, but here in Ferox? We say what we mean. Own every word and action. That is our honor."

"And yet you put up with me," Anje mused, quirking an eyebrow. "Even after I nearly butchered your champion."

"Lon'Qu didn't deserve what you did," Basilio passionately rebuked. He took a deep breath. "But, you've proven to Flavia that you aren't just some savage. You want something and are willing to obey. It's something I respect."

"I thought you hated me?"

"Oh I do, kid," Basilio said. "Don't confuse respect with liking someone. Plenty of bastards out there I hate, but respect. Goes the other way too. There is value in both, as I see why Flavia kept you around. Perhaps I hit you just hard enough to knock some sense into that pretty little head of yours."

"Yeah. Maybe." Anje hunched over, trying to keep the warmth inside her, burying her cold fingers into her armpits. "Nearly broke my face."

Basilio stood up and let out a throaty chuckle. "I'm pretty bad at holding back. Flavia said not to kill you, and I said I'd try." Basilio began to walk toward the wagon holding the caravan's supplies. "Maybe I killed whatever was rotten inside of you! Ha!"

Maybe you did.

Anje brought out a cold hand and stroked her face, feeling the slight bump on her nose where it had broken. Robin had done a good job resetting it, but it was just different enough from when Anje would look in a reflection that she'd notice. Maybe Basilio did kill something inside of her that day. She had never been strong enough to kill or control it herself. The beautiful feeling of the thrill and majesty of a dance of death, whether it be beast or man.

She didn't go overboard with the Walrus, but Anje was still unsure if that was an actual change or a fluke. The build-up was nothing as she had expected. Perhaps being off-balance was the key, or was it the expectations? Anje shook her head. She didn't know.

"Here," Basilio said, handing her a bottle. "I brought more rations, and I hate drinking alone. Kinda like taking a dump with company."

Anje rolled the bottle around in her hand. Drinking wine socially was fine, but just to drink? She looked to Basilio who gave her a curt but encouraging nod. She frowned but uncorked the bottle. It smelt like a smokey cedar log doused in honey as she brought it up to her lips, scrunching her face as she choked down a small sip.

Anje coughed and spit. "Should we really drink while on watch?"

"As your Khan, I say it's mandatory. Besides," Basilio gestured to the large expanse of endless white hills around them, "I doubt anybody will ambush us. Even so, I once took on a bear blackout drunk. Suplexed the poor bugger."

Anje forced down another sip, this one slightly larger than the previous. "Why would you do that?" She gasped.

"Killing it didn't seem right. I think he was just curious," Basilio said. "I've always had a soft spot for animals. Like me and the ole' Walrus." Basilio took a sip from his bottle. "Still adorable."

"It's a giant obese lizard thing."

"Yeah. Damned adorable. Big lug still purrs like a kitten when I feed him chickens."

"I'm sorry for what I did," Anje blurted out. The sting of the alcohol danced across her lips. "I don't think I've said that to you yet." Her face reddened, and she glanced downward. "It's not something I like to do often."

"Don't apologize," Basilio replied.

Anje's head snapped up. What?

"You heard me. I don't want apologies." Basilio stood up and began to pace, the bottle of strong alcohol held precariously between his gauntleted fingers. "We're like swords, kid. Some sharp, some dull. Apologies never have sharpened anyone; we make 'em because they are lies to ourselves. Do you know what I tell my men to say when they fail me? 'I'll do better next time Khan'. It shows possession of their failure and a step forward." Basilio rolled his shoulders and chuckled. "That, or they meet my blade if they fucked up too badly. Either way, it keeps things moving. The point is always be sharpening yourself, kid. Don't dull yourself with apologies. Always sharpen yourself against the next challenge."

Anje nodded. "Alright then. I'll do better."

"Good. Apology accepted."

Anje tilted her head and narrowed her eyes. "Wait, what? You said that-"

Basilio waved dismissively at the befuddled acrobat. "You get the gist, kid. Now shut up and enjoy your drink before you remind me of how much I don't like you."

Anje smirked and brought up the bottle to her lips. She could do that.

A dull throbbing echoed at the forefront of Anje's head. Listening to Basilio had been a grave mistake last night. She fell asleep at dawn and slept nearly until noon. Noon! She only woke because the lead scout had shouted out to say that the village was within sight.

This is the other reason I hated to indulge in drinks, Anje thought as she quickly fastened on her leather armor, pulling the straps tight around her torso. She tied her matted hair into a makeshift ponytail and began working on her boots. If I ever went out for a performance like this, I'd die of embarrassment. I must look like a mess.

Anje stepped out of the caravan wagon and made her way to the scouting party's quartermaster. A stout Feroxi man with olive skin and squinted eyes stood nearby with his packhorse and cart full of weapons. His face scrunched up more as Anje approached with a confident stride to her step. She hoped that if she acted focused and determined that it would help banish the throbbing headache quicker.

"I need my gear," Anje stated to the man. He hummed in a low tone and turned to rummage through his cart. Anje crossed her arms and waited patiently as the man dug through his assortment of weapons.

The man tossed out a short bow, a quiver, a hand axe, and a whip. "Be gone with ye now," He snorted. "Time's a wastin'."

Anje flashed a faux smile. "Thank you, quartermaster."

After strapping her equipment to her person, Anje strode off toward the front of the scouting party where most of the soldiers had coalesced. The snowy hills surrounding the road made it difficult to know exactly what the terrain looked like, but in the distance to the West, she could see smoke in the distance down the road.

Whatever they were here to investigate, it was too late. Anje took a deep breath and pushed herself through the small crowd of soldiers, receiving some awkward glances, but they begrudgingly moved aside. It wasn't hard to find where to go. All Anje had to do was follow Owain's boisterous and dramatic voice.

"-And we shall smite the cretin that dare pillage and threaten the good folk of Ferox! We shall- Oh, greetings Lady Anje." Owain bowed to Anje as she parted the crowd, the excitable teen seemingly immune to the odd stares from the Feroxi warriors, Basilio included.

Anje rolled her eyes. "I don't do titles. Anje is fine." She looked over to Basilio where Olivia stood at his side, covering her mouth with her hand and amusement in her eyes. Did she actually enjoy Owain's ranting and raving?

"Good, we're here and Aurenta is just about a quarter-mile away," Basilio announced, everybody giving the imposing Khan their attention and standing a bit straighter. "We'll divide up into teams and search the place for what happened. Our forward scout told me the place is quiet. Too damn quiet if you ask me. Divide up into war trios and I'll assign you where to go. It's not a small village, but it's no city. Stay on guard."

"Any sign of enemies? Bandits?... Risen?" A soldier called out, and Anje found herself nodding along.

Basilio gave the soldier a slight nod. "Forward scout said that they didn't see anyone, but it was dark this morning and they might have been inside. I doubt it's those Grima damned Risen. Not smart enough to hide from what I've heard. I'd guess maybe looters and some bandits at the most." Basilio did a double-take on the crowd for any other questions and then raised his large battleaxe. "Alright, to arms you dogs! Group up and then we'll sweep through this town like a northern storm!"

Anje froze as soldiers began to scramble, pairing up with comrades and friends alike. Unsure where to even start Anje tried to maneuver her way through the crowd to Olivia. Certainly, she'll work with me.

As Anje emerged from the instantaneous mosh pit of soldiers, Anje felt a hand on her shoulder. Instinctively, she reached for her hunting knife strapped to her thigh, but then exhaled and tried to relax. She turned around and groaned.

Not you.

"Allow us to combine our valiant forces in this expedition! With Owain at your side, you shall fear nothing as my uncontrollable sword hand vanquishes all foes who would dare to step in our way!" Anje groaned as Owain unsheathed his sword and held it high, holding a dramatic pose. Anje's flat expression morphed into a frown as Owain nearly clipped her with his maneuver. "For valor and glory, I shall make due on my debt to your daring rescue from that witch's cave and we shall-"

"Owain," Anje interjected, rubbing her temples.

The blonde swordsman's smile faltered a bit as he lowered his sword. "Uh, yes Anje? I was in the middle of inspiring us with an invigorating speech of heroism and virtue to-"

"Kindly, shut the fuck up," Anje said forcefully through her teeth. Owain shrunk slightly away at her icy glare. "I'm all for theatrics, but I'm beginning to wish I left you in that cave."

"Ah, my apologies, Lady Anje." Owain turned to the side and scratched at his head, looking at the ground with a solemn stare. "Sorry."

"You know, I thought it was quite endearing," Olivia said, sauntering up to the two. She had a shortsword strapped to her hip, though Anje raised an eyebrow seeing that the dancer had chosen something so...revealing to go into a combat situation. Silk wasn't known for its durability.

"So would you like me to finish?" Owain said, looking up with a hopeful smile. "I was almost halfway done."

Olivia smiled at Owain, but Anje wasn't fooled. She'd spent enough time to see when Olivia would put someone down gently. Though, I still think my way is better. Doesn't inspire false hope like her, Anje mused as Olivia put a hand on Owain's shoulder and shook her head.

"Perhaps afterward you can give us a victory speech?" Olivia suggested. "The soldiers are leaving us behind already, why don't you catch up to Basilio and get our patrol route?"

Owain sheathed his sword and bowed deeply. "Of course! I shall make haste to lead you, two ladies. I shall not fail you!"

Owain dashed ahead of them, earning a few chuckles from other soldiers, but the teen didn't seem to notice or care. Olivia giggled beside Anje as they watched him run up to Basilio and begin to talk with exaggerated hand gestures, much to the Khan's ire.

"You should be nicer to him," Olivia whispered as she gestured to Anje to walk forward with her down the snow-packed road. "I thought it was thoughtful, trying to raise our spirits."

"He's annoying," Anje huffed. Maybe it didn't help either that her headache still lingered. Damn that man, Basilio.

"He's putting on a tough face. It's a performance," Olivia said. She let out a small, delicate sigh. "I like it. It distracts me from the violence. You should try to relax a bit more."

"Or what, the Feroxi fun police will come for me?" Anje shook her head. "I just want to do my job well, Olivia. I want to fit in and have the world make sense around me." Anje pointed at Owain, who seemed to be wrapping up his discussion with the Khan. "If you can keep him from ranting and raving, I'll stop commenting about your choice of attire."

Olivia blushed, her pitch rising. "What about my outfit?!"

Anje's lips drew tight and gave Olivia a knowing look. "Really? I'm sure you wore that cute little outfit for its protective capabilities. I'm sure any sword strikes and arrows will hit right exactly on those armbands and bracers."

"It's a traditional dancer war garb!"

"I'm all for looking hot, but I can damn near see your ass through that thin material, and it looks cold as hell," Anje said. She gestured to her full grey and white leather armor, complete with bracers, thick boots with wool inlay, and studded leather skirt and greaves. "Look at me. I'm all for wanting attention, but even I know when to wear pants."

Olivia stuttered and her blush reddened. Anje smiled a cheshire like grin and leaned in toward the dancer's ear, noticing from the corner of her eye Owain was making his way back to them.

"Don't worry, at least you look great," Anje snickered. "I'm sure if you shake a bit when a bandit comes out, between your dazzling looks and Owain's rambling, I'll be able to put an arrow between their eyes. That's teamwork, right?"

Olivia bit her lip and didn't respond as Owain trotted up to them. HA! Anje beamed as Owain struck a confident pose before the two performers, hands on his hips and looking out toward the distance with a focused gaze. Anje glanced out toward where Owain was staring and only saw the usual endless expanse of snow, trees, and rolling hills.

And here I thought I was dramatic…

"Follow me, comrades! We have been assigned to the southern part of the town. Let us be on our way!" Owain excitedly said making sure not to shout as Anje kept a leveled gaze on the teen. "Uh, shall we?"

"Lead on," Anje said, gesturing forward. The swordsman smiled in earnest and set a march off the road to circle around the southern end of the town.

Stepping high over the mounds of icy snow, Owain led the group around to a thin tree line that bordered the quiet town. Anje kept her hand hovering over her hand axe, eyes twitching back and forth looking for movement. She'd never been a soldier, but being paranoid and attentive was nothing new to her. Just do the job, let it be known to other soldiers, and then repeat. They already tolerated her, although begrudgingly. It was progress.

Anje and Olivia followed Owain, crouched low as they stepped into the barren dirt street of Aurenta. The dull smells of smoke lingered in the cold air, burning in Anje's lungs. The place appeared apocalyptic with the half burnt down houses, destroyed carts, and a haphazard assortment of tracks in the muddied snow.

Anje inhaled sharply and flexed her hands. It's almost like pictures of home…

"Alright intrepid heroes, we shall need to scout for any brave survivors and possibly any nasty ruffians. The Risen should have passed through already by the looks of things," Owain said in a hushed tone. He lightly traced his fingertips over some of the sodden tracks and nodded. "Yes, they've been gone for a while. We should be fine."

Anje frowned and grit her lower lip, craving some sort of distraction from her intrusive thoughts. "You can tell all that from a footprint?"

Owain turned his head, flashing a goofy grin to the ladies. "Well, that and we aren't knee-deep in undead right now."

"Well, that is very...insightful, Owain." Olivia's hand hovered over her pommel. "Where should we go?"

"I think we should skirt around the border street here and knock on some doors. Be quiet and attentive for bandits who might still be around," Owain suggested. Anje nodded and gestured for him to lead. It seemed reasonable enough.

Olivia and Anje followed Owain's surprisingly careful and methodical lead through the southern edges of the town. Anje half expected the teen to spout some witty dialogue or strange comments, but instead, she saw a razor sharp focus in his eyes. A haunted look graced his face for every pile of rubble or house they found a desiccated corpse. Olivia shied away, averting her gaze, but Anje's eyes lingered on the victims. A dull simmering rage boiled inside her, as the structural damage seemed random and erratic, but many of the dead seemed to be dead to weapons. Too clean opposed to the said mauling a Risen would do to their victims. Different monsters had killed most of these villagers and stolen their valuables.

What would drive a person to be so evil? Anje knew hatred, like an old friend, but these acts...disgusted her. Not a personal hatred or vendetta, but a wanton act of indiscriminate violence and malice. Anje was familiar with trying to survive, and this wasn't it. It's one thing to rob someone, it's another to butcher them…

"How can you look at them?" Olivia whispered to Anje as Owain stealthily peeked inside another broken hovel. "Why do you look at them? Aren't you disgusted?"

"I am," Anje whispered back in a soft voice. "But that's why I look at them. To remember what happened. These people deserve more than the last person looking at them being monsters within human skin. It's what I'd want. Someone that won't forget the pain."

Olivia nodded solemnly, her eyes watery and the tip of her nose reddened. Anje turned her head as Owain slunk back from the cracked open door and hurriedly made his way back to the performers. Anje's eyes lit up in a frenzied hunger. He had found something.

"We've got movement, four or maybe five bandits, inside the building," Owain huffed. "We can sneak away for reinforcements or take them on. I'm down for either."

"How do you know they're not refugees?" Olivia asked.

Owain let out a mirthless chuckle. "I've seen refugees. These guys are way too armed and have a swagger about them. I'd say that-"

"Then let's kill them," Anje said, her voice strained. They needed to pay.

"Um, I think maybe we should get help?" Olivia suggested. "I mean, that is near twice as many of them than us."

"She does have a point, but they're distracted right now," Owain said, casting another glance over his shoulder toward the dilapidated stone building. By the shape, Anje guessed it might have been a business at some point with upstairs living. Owain scratched the back of his head with a quick motion. "Still, I think facing them here might be good. I think they may have been drinking-hey wait!"

Anje ignored Owain, brushing past the swordsman and readying her short bow. The building had several cracks around the door frame, giving just enough for an opening for an arrow to fly through. A perfect hole for a stealthy kill.

"You're just going to shoot them?" Owain whispered in a tense tone.

"Anje, that isn't honorable or the Feroxi-"

"Oh, shut it, both of you," Anje hissed, aiming with her bow, her eyes narrowing on a rather large man in chainmail sitting a circular table inside. She saw six of them in total, sitting around a dull lit lantern with drinks and a pile of spoils set aside, chuckling amongst each other. Anje swallowed hard and pulled the bowstring taut. "They will get the same honor they showed these villagers. And eye for an eye."

Anje let the arrow loose, landing with a satisfactory dull squishing sound followed by an uproar of shouts and scrambling. She smiled knowing she had delivered the shot right through the man's throat. It was better than he deserved.

Anje rushed back across the street, trying to get another arrow out of her quiver. Olivia and Owain had drawn their swords, though Olivia seemed quite wary. Owain stood tall and brandished his sword in a well-practiced manner. Pulling another arrow back, Anje aimed at the front door of the building, and loosed it at the first person exiting; a man in leather armor holding a hand axe.

The arrow whistled through the air and pierced through his leather jerkin, embedding itself in his gut. A wicked and satisfying grin slowly spread across Anje's face as she stowed her bow in favor of her whip and handaxe. It was time for a show.

"Kill the Feroxi bastards!" A burly looking bandit cried out. He pushed his fallen comrade out of the way and pointed at the three with his shortsword. "Gut 'em for what they've got!"

"I'll take point here, watch my back," Owain said, before rushing out to meet the frontrunner of the bandits. Owain did a flash flourish with his blade and pointed it at the front bandit, who had skidded to a stop and sidestepped warily around Owain's range. "On guard ye' terrible brigand, for my uncontrollable sword hand shall show ye no mercy!"

Anje rolled her eyes but followed after Owain. Olivia flanked from his left and Anje on the right, arriving as Owain and the first bandit began to clash swords, making their difference in skills quite evident.

Owain was incredibly fast and precise and would have chopped off the bandit's head after the first two swings if he didn't have to worry about the bandit's allies helping him. The bandit man seemed to realize this as he backed off and muttered between his rough looking accomplices.

The bandit with the handaxe had two others beside him with shortswords and leather armor. Their olive-colored skin seemed to not mirror that of Ferox, but Anje dismissed the idea quickly. It didn't matter; they were bandits. Vultures.

Anje and Olivia began to engage with Owain, joining his quick thrusts with wide and graceful slashes from Olivia, and quick snaps from Anje that threatened to break fingers and keep the bandits from overcommitting. But wasn't there another? I saw six earlier and I killed two…

The final bandit stepped through the doorway of the building, holding a short bow in hand, fully nocked and pointed at Olivia. Anje's eyes bulged. "Archer!"

Owain parried another wild swing from an axe, and seemed to spot the archer, while Olivia looked focused and oblivious as she focused on keeping her bandit's attention.

I don't have enough time to switch to a bow to reach him, Anje hastily thought as she put away her whip. Her hand instinctively drifted toward her knife strapped to her thigh. I could maybe hit him, but he's far. The bandit archer tensed, looking ready to release the arrow.

"Fuck it," Anje said, reaching for her knife. She held it sloppily by the handle but released it with a practiced flick of the wrist and rotation of the hips.

The knife found its mark, buried in the chest of the bandit, but the arrow had already been let loose, followed by a grunt of pain. Anje's head swiveled over to Olivia, but the girl had run through the bandit in front of her with her sword. Instead, Owain had moved to the side and taken the shoot to the shoulder. He dropped his sword and stumbled back from the blow, meanwhile, the large bandit with the handaxe lunged for Olivia as her blade was busy being stuck within her adversary.

Instinctively, Anje gripped her handaxe and threw it at the bandit lunging for Olivia. She smirked as the handaxe embedded itself in the back of the man's skull, dropping him. Her triumph turned to fear though as a sharp pain in her abdomen, followed by the wind escaping her lungs as he back landed hard on the icy ground.

Anje groaned as her vision swam, and then an intense pressure on her head began. The man's boot was on top of her head and trying to crush her skull. She screamed as muddied snow entered her mouth as she struggled for air. She batted at the man's leg with her arms, but it was useless as he leaned his weight onto her head.

I don't want to die like this, Anje thought in a panic, flailing her arms. They were doing so well. So close to ending this simple conflict. She'd come so far already, and if it weren't for the give of the snow and mud, her head would have probably been crushed by now. Still, she fought and raked at the man's leg. If anything, it'd be a final act of defiance. Raw defiance she had refined cultivated most of her adult life.

Then suddenly, as blackness surrounded her vision of mud and snow, the pressure released. Her head throbbed with pain, and Anje let out a dull whimper. It took her a moment to register that someone had pulled her to her feet and was talking to her. Someone blonde. Owain.

"...hello? You okay?" Owain asked, looking into Anje's glassy bloodshot eyes. She nodded back, despite the pain. The arrow stuck out of his right shoulder at an awkward angle, but he gripped his sword in his left hand tightly.

Anje's eyes drifted to the side, where she saw Olivia laying on her side clutching her left hand. Her lips quivered and she rocked back and forth. What had happened?

"H-how did you-"

"Me?" Owain smirked and laughed. "It takes more than a mere arrow to takedown a famed member of the Justice Cabal!" His bravado faded, a more meek look taking over. "But, uh, could you maybe pull the arrow free? I don't think it hit anything important, but Naga knows it hurts."

"Y-yeah, sure," Anje mumbled as she moved to Owain's back. "How do I do this?"

"Pull it out quickly and smoothly, and then keep pressure on it. Not the first time I've been hit," Owain said, then lowered his voice." But, I'd be fine if it was the last. Just lemme know when-ah! Sweet Naga!"

Anje dropped the bloodied arrow and kept her palm firmly against the open wound. "Great now what?"

"Uh, Olivia?" Owain called out. "You okay? You took quite the tumble from that guy's hit."

"Fine," Olivia squeaked out, still favoring her left hand. "Landed awkward, and something snapped in my hand."

Owain exhaled deeply out of his nose. "We'll need to find the main group to get healed. I think I saw someone in Basilio's group with a Heal staff. Can you walk, Lady Olivia?"

"I'll manage, I guess."

"Great, let's go," Anje huffed. Strange magic or not, anything to stop the throbbing in her would be welcomed at this point. She leaned a bit on Owain for support as they walked over to help Olivia up. "Thanks for getting that guy off me, Owain, I-I thought that w-was-"

"It was what any ally would have done," Owain dismissed with a bright and cheery tone. "Besides, I only made it over cause Lady Olivia bought me some time. She had to leave her blade stuck in that other bandit, and charged right at the guy on you. Such heroics! I'm sure you would have done the same for her."

Would I? Anje furrowed her brow as she and Owain helped Olivia to her feet. The dancer blushed as Anje made eye contact with her, but Anje found herself smiling. Yes, without a doubt.

"Thank you, Olivia." Anje gave the injured girl a tender side hug. "I'm...sorry I rushed in. We should have waited."

"It's fine." Olivia winced as she brought up her wrist; a jagged little thing from what it once was. "You can make it up to me later. I was thinking of a duet dance?"

Anje smiled and nodded. "That sounds lovely. I wouldn't have it any other way."

"I'll eagerly await your performance!" Owain bellowed. "Though could you both not lean on me so much? I have been gravely wounded by that treacherous-"

"No," Both women replied. They exchanged a mischievous grin as Owain let out a sigh.

"Such is the price for being such a valiant hero I suppose," Owain mused as the trio hobbled towards the center of Aurenta and the sounds of footfalls on the ice and snow.

A/N: Alright, so here we careen into our little transitory arc since Ferox is basically wrapped up. We'll catch the tail end of Plegia in the coming chapters, with an interlude planned after this to check in on a few different characters. Who those people are? I have 4 characters planned out for brief PoV scenes, but I'm holding my cards close. You'll see :)

Review Response:

drjfaust4: Thank you for the heartfelt review, and I'm glad to hear that my writing can provide a nice escape for you. Hope all is well, and take care out there. These are trying times.

RedXEagl3: Glad to see you enjoyed the Walrus! It was tricky to design, but I thought it turned out well. Glad to see I wasn't wrong :)

TheBobcat18: Owain has arrived! Unfortunately, don't expect him to stick 'round too long. He's got places to be and things to do. And entertaining and unorthodox is what I strive for. Danke.

Cavik: Oh, you know it. It just keeps piling on! haha.

Anyways, that's it for this update as we begin to switch gears for the second act of this story, see some new characters and some old ones we haven't seen in a while. Brief skipping of time between the interlude and the following chapter, but nothing crazy. Anyway, hope you've enjoyed Anje's journey thus far to improve and have a wonderful day.

Also, if you want to check out more FE content, improve your writing, or chat with other fans in the fanfiction FE fandom, stop by the Fanfiction Treehouse discord . gg / 9XG3U7a