Prologue
So it's been a year since I went to revamp and reupdate this. I have deleted the previously uploaded chapters until I fix some stuff and put them back with some new things like flashbacks,
A lot has happened to me, mostly involving my health, and not to mention I cannot play Tera anymore. I've been playing FF14 a lot lately and sorta moved on with my four girls. Also, friendships with some friends whose chars played minor roles in this story are gone, so I made some changes of taking them out.
This was a passion project for me back then. Hell, I wrote a whole 180+ pages worth of notes on what plans I had for each part of the Inquisition game, down to the little details of foreshadowing etc. And then my health took a bad turn and the pandemic happened and I got lured into FF14 after Tera was dying. FF14 gave me new story ideas. It also didn't help when I first started this passion project, my friend who edited it at the time demanded full explanations for lore of both games to explain bits, except I don't want to go into every intricate detail about Dragon Age Inquisition for the readers as this story was meant as a story for fans of DA with some characters from another world along for the ride while they also go through character developments of their own.
I don't want to use editors now as it takes so long so I'll be using Grammarly and hope everything is okay. Obviously, I cannot take any more screenshots from Tera and my art was okay at best, but idk if I want to reupload the drawings I did back in the story again as I slowly try and work on this once more. Even if I've sorta moved on, I feel bad that I never got to finish my four girls' story. By the time my story for FF14 rolled around, these four girls have grown up and matured from the events of this untold work I have had.
So here we are. I want to bring this world back. I need to play Inquisition again too on my ps4 now and even finish that game. The Fae sisters, and Quen's story, I honestly cannot leave them like this after all the work I've put into it, even if I have no more support and friends here for it.
Please endure this slow passion project as I attempt to revive it to the best to my ability.
To answer questions in the reviews over the years:
[Will that be a Quen x Erune? Some scenes show that. I hope Quen takes the mages as allies.]
[Must that be Lavellan x Dorian? Why not Josie?]
[How old is Quen in your story?]
While Erune is 36 in human years, she is mentally 16 in Elin years. Quen himself is gay and around 24 years old.
I was coming out as Genderfluid at the time and starting to understand myself emotionally with my masculine side and feminine side. The Fae sisters, Erune in particular representing my feminine side and Quen being my emerging masculine side who is very much gay-leaning. I played DAI romancing Dorian and that route helped me understand myself and my gender identity a lot more.
Quen and Erune are more like brother and sister, their relationship more platonic than anything romantic. Erune isn't one for romance herself, she's asexual, but she does care for Quen, as a very close friend.
Arborea. Velika. 179 VC. One hundred years ago.
It was the middle of winter, and the snow had heavily fallen on the city, coating the streets in white. As the two Elin sisters reached the top of the stairs, smoke from incense on the altar wafted towards them. The ground in front of the shrine showed signs of multiple visitors that came by that day, freshly fallen snow filling the footprints left behind by the previous occupants in the vicinity.
"I'm so proud of you Eirai! Captain of your own regiment for the Valkyon Federation!" Zyllian beamed at her twin sister, patting her gently on the back. The warrior's wolf ears on the top of her white hair twitched in delight with her tail wagging excitedly. In her hair beside her human ears, she had two feather tokens: black and gold.
Eirai had heard that Zolyn's troupe that Zyllian served under was passing through Velika, so she decided to take a vacation there before she undertook her promoted position in Kaiator.
She flushed, brushing her magenta shoulder-length hair back, hands brushing against the two feather tokens in her hair, one white and the other blue. "It's only a small group of people. I have yet to command an army of my own. We will be the scouting troupe for the main army."
Zyllian adjusted the hood of her winter cape. "Even so, you've come so far to get to this point." She stopped in front of the altar and looked at Eirai. "Remember when we first came here to Velika to join the Federation? We both spoke of our dreams at this spot." A puff of steam came out of her mouth against the cold air as she chuckled. "And look at us. The Gods have been smiling."
Eirai's hood fluttered off her head and fell on her shoulders as she smiled back, her white rabbit ears straightening after being under the hood of her cloak. "It's been a long road for us both-and it still will be. We must help uphold the peace in Arborea and its people." Turning her head, she looked over at the vast landscape of the city. "This world is such a beautiful place. We must protect it in any way we can from being tarnished by enemies." She felt Zyllian step closer to her, joining in on the gazing of Velika and the land beyond the city walls.
"Indeed. And we shall. May the Gods' hearts continue to see us." Zyllian remarked aloud, shooting a smile to her twin.
Arborea. Frost Reach. 203 VC. Seventy-six years ago.
The wind was howling. Zyllian's boots stomped heavily through the thick snow. She struggled to move through the snow bank, carrying Zolyn's arm over her shoulder. The white snow had been stained with puddles of blood from both of their wounds.
The horse Zyllian had grabbed to make their escape had finally died from its injuries, she would now have to make it on foot through the mountains in the miserable cold. It did not help that her leg had been cut deeply past the leather armor, causing her to limp slowly. The hot blood from the wound cooled quickly in puffs of steam as it made contact with the freezing air.
It had been a simple mission: Their regiment was to investigate Deva sightings in the area. So how did it come to this? How were they overtaken so easily?
"Lady Zolyn, hang in there," Zyllian murmured, adjusting her hold on the Elin Princess's waist, trying to avoid touching the arrow deep in Zolyn's shoulder. She knew the arrow was poisoned, but she could not risk her Lady bleeding out further and thus did what she could with the antidote she had on her. The medicine wasn't powerful enough to purify whatever toxin the Devas coated their weapons with, but it mitigated the effects.
Their summoning mount stones were lost in the crossfire, so she hopped onto the nearest horse that had helped carry supplies. While the rest of their regiment was slaughtered, she managed to grab Zolyn and carry her to safety.
Zyllian gritted her teeth, trying to shake the memory of her comrades as they were slain. Their healer had tried to reach Zolyn's side as the arrow pierced her through her armor, but the young elf boy was caught unawares by a Devan spearman-he managed to yell at Zyllian to take Zolyn and run before his body fell, a gaping hole in his chest.
The frost-biting snowstorm made it hard for Zyllian to recognize her surroundings. They were lost. She hoped she could make it back to one of the Valkyon outposts. Their regiment had passed by one not too long ago. The wolf Elin swore under her breath, her eyes squinting to see through the clouded white that buffeted her vision barely. Her nose couldn't work here, all it did was collect more frozen snot that chilled alongside the sweat of adrenaline. The cold froze the tips of her human ears, she could barely feel the black and gold feather tokens rubbing against them from being blown in the wind.
"Zyllian," The Elin stiffened at the call of her name from her Princess beside her. "Zyllian, leave me," Zolyn gasped out. "I'm just slowing you down." She looked at Zyllian through glazed pink and blue heterochromia eyes. Zyllian noticed the heavy sweat dripping from Zolyn's forehead. Even the frost-biting temperatures of the snow couldn't cool down the boiling temperature Zolyn's body was at.
Zyllain shook her head. She continued forward, her uninjured leg using more strength than the bleeding one. "No." She said adamantly. "I'm not leaving you to die Zolyn. I swore an Oath to protect you and I will honor it."
"You were," The fox Elin chuckled despite her injuries. "always the stubborn one of the Fae twins."
The warrior grimaced in response. "That's what made me swear that Oath of Loyalty, my Lady." Glancing behind the two of them, she swore once again. She had hoped the blowing snowstorm would cover their tracks, but there was enough blood staining the snow that it left the ground lightly pink. Shaking her head, she moved forward. Hopefully, the two had managed to cover some distance from the enemy at least.
Her wolf ears pricked a war cry above the wind. "My lady," She whispered, reaching back to unsheathe her remaining short sword from her back. During the skirmish, she lost one of her blades. It didn't help that she was badly hurt and carrying Zolyn.
"Zyllian. Just go." Zolyn weakly tried to push herself out of the other Elin's grip. Zyllian shrugged and tightened her hold.
"I'm not going anywhere. If I'm going to die, I'm going to die fighting." She turned them both around to face the oncoming enemy that drew closer. Zyllian then mumbled low enough under her breath that Zolyn couldn't hear her words. "For you, my lady, I will protect you. No matter what. That is my promise. My heart sees you. Always"
Arborea. Pora Elinu. 275 VC. Four years ago.
Sunlight shone through the treetops down upon the flower field grove. Amongst the flora sat a young cat Elin who held a bouquet in one hand.
Being a young Elin, she was a little more than half the height of a typical high elf. She had light blue hair parted from the right side of her hairline that was styled in two pigtails, with extra locks of her long hair framing her face and reaching her shoulders. On her forehead, she had a golden circlet with a blue gemstone drooping down the middle. Her cat ears and tail were made of dark black fur, contrasting with her hair. Her eyes were the colors of purple opals, sparkling in the sunlight. The short dress she wore was made of light silk colored sky blue and lined with golden yellow.
Singing to herself, she delicately broke the flower's stem and added it to the bundle. Butterflies flitted around the Priestess, the sun's rays reflecting the intricate colors on their wings.
In the darkness
The dragon wakes
The dragon awakens
To a heart that is numbed with cold
The dragon takes
With you at my side
the dragon sleeps
On dragon wing
your wishes will leap
The song she sang was for Vergos, the last of the great dragons that used to rule the skies of Arborea back in the ancient days. In this day and age, dragons ceased to exist, their kind killed by the gods long ago. Such a song was taught to her by her older sister, Eirai.
Today Erune was given time off from her studies by her mentor and Princess, Rida, and thus she found herself collecting flowers during her pastime.
"Erune!" The Elin's cat ears twitched as she heard her name being called. Turning her head, the Priestess saw her twin sister, Eruno, a squirrel Elin, enter the grove, resting a giant axe on her padded shoulders. She was followed by a snow-white tiger with a saddle on its back.
Eruno was around the same height as Erune and they shared the same eyes, though Eruno's glinted feistiness in them. She also wore her hair in two pigtails, but her green hair was more wild and untamed compared to Erune's; plus, she had the front of her hair styled into bangs while Erune's hair was parted to show off her forehead. Her squirrel tail and ears were the color of a honey brown with her tail large and bushy as it could be.
"There you are!" Eruno said before she grinned at her sister. "I was wondering where you were. Princess Arin said that Rida let you loose early today from your studies."
Erune smiled back as she rose from her sitting position and went over to pet the tiger named Reignhard. "Eirai told me that Finnoe was coming by, so I decided to get some flowers to decorate the house a bit as a welcoming gift." Looking at her sister from head to foot, she noticed that Eruno's dark green clothes and armor were slightly burnt and dirty. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah. Princess Arin had sent me and some other Elins to deal with a couple of young Fangspawns that were seen hanging out around the area. They were small fry, so it was easy. No sweat."
Full-grown Fangspawns usually took a group of experienced soldiers to take care of; their bulky, ginormous arms could easily crush a sheep and they breathed flames that could incinerate an inexperienced fighter. One also could not forget the large teeth from their mandibles that were known to break iron armor with a powerful bite.
"Thank goodness." Erune sighed in relief.
"You shouldn't worry so much lil'sis. I can handle myself. Eirai's said that I've been improving in my skills!" To emphasize that, she flexed her arm, showing off her muscles. Although the two were twins, born at the same time, Erune was always considered the younger of the two.
"Still, I do worry."
"We had a healer just in case. No one got hurt. Badly. Just a few scratches." Eruno chuckled as her tiger nudged her. "Eirai is probably wondering where we are. Let's head back." Holstering her axe on her back, the Berserker hopped onto Reignhard's saddle and helped Erune up to sit behind her. As soon as she felt her sister's arm wrapped around her waist, she whistled, and her tiger mount turned and ambled away from the flower field.
Closing her eyes, Erune rested the side of her cheek on her twin's back, enjoying the slight vibrations from Eruno as she broke into song.
Roads go ever ever on,
Over rock and under tree,
By caves where never sun has shone,
By streams that never find the sea;
Over snow by winter sown,
And through the merry flowers of June,
Over grass and over stone,
And under mountains in the moon.
Even though she and Erune were thirty-three in human years, they were only fifteen in Elin years. Being mentally mature less than half their human age, one could often forget they were often more immature compared to the other races who were short-lived like Amani, Popori, and Humans. Taking advantage of this, longer-lived races like Elves, Baraka, and Elins could get away with getting away with buying a pint of beer for themselves at a bar (That is if the bartender had little time to do the mental math for their diverse races of patrons which many didn't. Many just followed the human age system: twenty-one or older were eligible to drink)
Even if they were mentally immature to their human age, Elins were taught early on how to fight and fend for themselves. Elin teens often found themselves recruited amongst the lower ranks of the royal guard as one way to harness their skills.
Eruno continued in her singing as her tiger mount let out a rumbling yawn.
Roads go ever ever on
Under cloud and under star,
Yet feet that wandering have gone
Turn at last to home afar.
Eyes that fire and sword have seen
And horror in the halls of stone
Look at last on meadows green
And trees and hills they long have known.
xoxoxo
Two older Elins sat across from one another at the wooden table, the rabbit-eared Elin poured herself a cup of tea while the fox Elin stirred a spoonful of sugar into hers. The fox Mystic's Healing Thrall danced around the room, the little fairy-like creature admiring the ornately carved bookshelves and metal chests that gave off a slight magic aura from the items that were stored inside. As the Thrall passed by the rabbit Elin, she smiled gently at it before taking a sip of her tea.
Eirai's long wavy curled locks had been braided together into one long braid that had reached her waist; she had been growing her hair out since the birth of her two younger sisters. Her clothing for the day consisted of dark purple and grey leather. Having spent her morning helping train some of Pora Elinu's troops, she kept her simple armor on.
Placing her cup back on her saucer beside a wooden box, she looked back at her friend. "So how goes research on the Argon front?"
Finnoe paused in her stirring to add some cream to her cup. Like Eirai, she was an older Elin with a mature body that happened to be short. Even though she was almost a hundred years older than Eirai, both were around the same height for older Elins. She had heterochromia eyes, pink for the right and blue for the left. A single monocle sat upon her nose for her right eye, due to the bad eyesight one her different colored eyes suffered from. Her yellow blonde hair was in two large pigtail braids that reached down to her waist.
As she stirred her tea again, her lips chapped with light purple lipstick pursed in the thought of her friend's inquiry. "My colleague, Yasring, has been doing tests on the fauna affected by the Argons there. She has sent samples back to the Mysterium facility in Allementheia and they're conducting further experiments as we speak." Her fox ears twitched in annoyance as her Thrall tried to grab the entire plate of biscuits in the middle of the table. With a low tsk, the Thrall put the plate back where it was and snatched one of the confections before flying off to explore more of the room. "I currently have not been a part of the main research team for that part for the last few months."
"Oh?" Eirai raised an eyebrow. "I was wondering why you sent a letter, saying you were coming by to visit. I know the Mysterium Order barely gives you time off."
The Mystic sighed. "Indeed, it does. Through the hundred and seventy-seven years of my time in the Order, including apprenticeship, I've only gotten an estimated total of seventy-five years' worth of breaks. I have been unable to attend most holidays since I'm constantly working. Nevertheless," She smiled. "I do enjoy my work immensely. It is always fascinating to learn new things and help improve our technology."
Finnoe then changed the subject. "I've been on a different research team now. I assume you've heard of the Stepstone Isle Children? I know you've retired from the Federation." She trailed off, awaiting Eirai's reply.
Eirai quirked a brow back. "Since I'm an Honorable Veteran, they still send me summary reports. They've mentioned the Children. The Great Tree Tiaran on that island has blessed five children born there with the Gift of Sight."
"Yes. Their Sight in the Dream is on a greater level compared to Princess Rida and Syona's. While our two Princesses can enter the Dream and converse with our Gods through their visions, these children have been able to foresee possible events of the future. The Federation has been using that to its advantage in the Argon war. I've been assisting with the research there. Which brings me as to why I'm visiting here today,"
Before she could continue, the front door opened, drawing the two Elin's attention away from the conversation.
"We're back!" Eruno chirped with delight as she placed her axe near the door and strode from the front hall into the dining room. Her squirrel tail flicked happily when she noticed her older sister sitting with a familiar face. "Hi, Finnoe! Long time no see!"
Finnoe smiled back. "It has been a few years. You've grown your hair out since the last time I've seen you." She then noticed Erune walk out from behind Eruno. "Erune, is that circlet new?"
Erune blushed as she raised her free hand to touch the jeweled circlet resting on her forehead. "Yes. It was a birthday gift from Princess Rida for doing well in my studies with her. She gave it to me a few days ago." She giggled at Finnoe's Thrall as it came up and nuzzled her face. The little fairy spirit then rested on her shoulder. She then placed her bouquet into a nearby vase and filled it with water from a pitcher.
Eirai's rabbit ears straightened. "Ah yes. I almost forgot. Eruno, this is for you. It came in just today at the postal service." She handed her younger sister the wooden box on the table.
The box was made of the highest quality ashwood, gilded with golden metal that formed various symbols. In the middle of the box's lid was the symbol of the Valkyon Federation.
Eruno cocked her head in curiosity for a second and then her eyes brightened in joy. "Is it what I think it is?"
Eirai nodded. "Open it." She then got up to move to one of the chests at the far end of the room.
Erune peered over her twin's shoulder as the squirrel Elin carefully undid the latch and lifted the lid of the box. In the box was a small leather-bound booklet, a folded map, a silver compass with the Federation symbol, and an envelope with the Federation seal.
Taking the envelope out, Eruno grabbed the butter knife on the table and opened the wax seal. She rolled her eyes as her older sister reprimanded her from afar to use the letter opener instead. Finnoe chuckled at the young Fae sister tore off the wax seal from the envelope in such excited haste.
Unrolling the parchment, Eruno held it up to the sunlight seeping in through the window and read it aloud.
Eruno Fae, you have been selected for admission to the Valkyon Allied Forces. You are to report to the city of Velika by the end of the month of First Harvest. Your first assignment is the Island of Dawn expedition. Further details of your assignment will be given to you when you arrive at the Valkyon Federation Headquarters in Velika.
Your sister, Eirai Fae, being a veteran general of the Federation, has been permitted to accompany you during your service in the army. She will have received a letter as well with all the documents granting her permission.
This box contains your basic recruitment supplies:
A map of Arborea that is magically enhanced to show your exact location on the map. Additional instructions are enclosed with the map.
A silver compass engraved with the Valkyon Federation to serve as your badge of service to the Valkyon Federation army
A handbook summarizing the main laws of the Valkyon Federation that you must follow. Further rules shall be given to you once you report for duty at Headquarters
The rest of your army-issued equipment will be given to you at Headquarters.
We are proud to have you as an army cadet amongst our ranks.
For the Federation
Isutiel
Army Recruiter, Valkyon Allied Forces
As she finished reading aloud, she looked over at Eirai with a wide grin on her face.
"As the letter says," Eirai began. "I have also received the paperwork for me to accompany you. They recommended I bring my recruitment equipment as well." Eirai smiled while walking over with two metal boxes the same size as Eruno's; both with the Federation symbol engraved on their lids as well. "It seems they've changed the style of the recruitment boxes since Zyllian and I received ours," Eirai said as she placed the metal boxes side-by-side next to the wooden one on the table. One of the boxes held Eirai's recruitment supplies while the other one was empty; its contents were lost many years ago.
"I'm so proud of you Eruno" Erune smiled at her twin who was at the edge of bouncing for joy in her seat. She picked up one of the biscuits and fed it to the Thrall on her shoulder. "We should celebrate with Struthio and Moon gourd stew tonight!" Clapping her hands together, she then looked at Finnoe. "Will you be staying for dinner?"
"Yes. I shall be staying over tonight." Finnoe replied. Her healing Thrall nudged Erune's cheek, sharing a piece of the sugary delight in its hands.
The cat Elin nodded before heading to the kitchen with the Thrall in tow. Eirai hustled Eruno aside to place the three recruitment boxes in her bedroom and go help Erune in the kitchen. The eldest Fae sister then looked back at Finnoe. "So, what business brings you here to Pora Elinu?" Eirai asked.
"The Mysterium order has called for volunteers for their research. Thanks to the Island of Dawn Expedition, we're understaffed in this department." She glanced at the kitchen. "Erune is going to be here alone while the two of you are away correct?"
Eirai sighed, leaning back in her chair with her arms crossed. "I have already discussed it with her. She understood that if Eruno was accepted, I probably would be enlisted for my past services to the Federation. Erune knows how to care for herself," Looking back at Finnoe, she raised an eyebrow. "You want her to volunteer for your research team I'm assuming?"
Erune poked her head around the corner. "Hmm? Volunteer work?" The two older Elins looked at the Elin Priestess as she joined the two of them in the dining room. Eruno was listening in from the doorway while peeling vegetables in her hand and Finnoe's Thrall danced around the kitchen with the spices. "You want me to help you out Finnoe?"
"I'm working with a team on the Stepstone Isle," Finnoe said. "We are a little short on fieldworkers at the moment. It's nothing much, just collecting fauna samples and helping monitor equipment. Seeing as your sisters will be away during the expedition, I was wondering if you'd like to come along and view the Mysterium studies."
The cat Elin looked at Eirai with hesitation. "It'll be a good experience Erune," Eirai reassured her. "And as Finnoe said, it's an island so there shouldn't be any real threat of monsters there. It'll give you something to do while Eruno and I are away."
"Well," Erune shifted nervously, thinking to herself. "If you say so." Her face then softened. "I've always wanted to travel to more places outside Pora Elinu, but I've been so nervous about leaving the comforts of home." The Elin Priestess looked back up with a boost of confidence. "I'll ask Lady Rida if it's alright. And if so, I'd be happy to come along!"
Finnoe nodded. "Excellent. I was planning to depart back to Velika in a few days after I got a couple of volunteers. Let me know your answer as soon as possible."
Erune retreated to the kitchen to continue with her cooking with Eruno. Eirai eyed her Finnoe across from the table. "I know it should be a simple task for her and very few dangers, but if something does come up..." Eirai warned.
Finnoe's face narrowed. "I understand your worries for your little sister out on the field, considering some of the dangerous environments I have worked in the past, but I assure you, this is completely safe. The Argons know nothing about the Gifted Children, and we have hired local soldiers who patrol the island. Don't worry Eirai. I promise I will look out for her. You have my word. I won't let you down like last time."
Eirai glared at her friend. "You better. Even if your Mysterium has sent many apology gifts for what happened with Erune in the past, I am still watchful for her.."
"I know. Do not worry my friend. The people who were assigned to her in the past are not included in this study." No apology could make up for the past of how Finnoe's colleagues treated Erune when she was a child. Even so, Erune didn't hold any ill will toward the entire organization. Perhaps this venture to do simple fieldwork would be a chance for the young Elin to express interest in joining as a scholar in the future. This was Finnoe's olive branch to her friend Eirai.
"Alright." Eirai let out a sigh of reluctance. "I hope things will go well for the both of you."
xoxoxo
A few days later found the four Elins outside the Fae residence. Finnoe had a small wagon filled with supplies from Pora Elinu for the Mysterium island research team. Her summoned Guardian Thrall stood beside the caravan with a stern presence. Upon the cart, Erune sat with her hands in her lap, her travel bag beside her on one side with all her essentials and a simple wooden staff on the other side of her.
The Mystic had been unable to find any other volunteers in Poporia, but she reassured the others that her associates procured a few in the other regions.
"It is too bad Princess Rida can't come to see us off." Eruno lamented, hoisting her knapsack higher up on her shoulder. She surveyed the group before her.
"Lady Rida has a meeting in Allementheia with General Fraya. She departed from the pegasus flight service quite early today."
Though she looked like a child, like other Elins, Princess Rida had the age and experience equivalent to the leaders that stood before her. Many had long learned not to take the youthful-faced race so lightly, as some like Rida had lived far longer than a typical human's lifespan and served quite the mature leader for the Federation.
Eirai strapped her bow to her back, her hip pouch made with magically enhanced fabric to hold more supplies than the small bag seemed to be able to contain. Compared to her younger sisters who had simple standard equipment, the older sister's belongings were high-grade, expensive, and typically only issued to those of high-ranking status in the Federation. Finnoe, being a high-ranking scholar in the Mysterium order, had similar high-quality equipment to Eirai.
The flight service was typically only used for important officials, those who had some rank in the Federation or Mysterium order, or those who had the paperwork with permission. The flight services only open to the public, for a hefty fee, of course, were at the three main cities of the three major regions of Arborea.
Eirai, being a retired Honorable Veteran to the Valkyon Federation, and Finnoe, being a head researcher for the Mysterium Order; both had the privilege to use the flight services any time they pleased. The two could bring along at least one companion during their flight but since Finnoe had to bring a multitude of supplies that the flight service could not carry, the group decided to travel on foot to the city.
Once the group was ready to depart, Finnoe, Eirai, and Eruno held up a stone with either metal or crystals surrounding the pebbles that fit in their palms.
Concentrating their willpower and magic, three mounts appeared before each of the three Elins.
For Eruno, her mount was her snow-coat tiger with armor. The beast playfully growled as the squirrel Elin reached up to pet her bonded mount's head. A magic gemstone was embedded at the collar of the armor, giving off a magical aura.
"I did not know you had a mount of your own Eruno," Finnoe observed the young Fae sister while she slipped onto her steed, an enchanted firebird encased in armor. The flaming bird cocked its head at the other Elins before letting out a low squawk.
Eruno grinned as she scratched behind the white tiger's ears. "I got him a couple of years ago. His name is Reignhard."
"A fitting name for your steed. I hope you two will have many wonderful adventures together as I have with Seraphin." The fox Elin patted the firebird's neck as she mentioned its name. The bird chirped in delight, letting out a small puff of fire from its beak. Its flames did not harm Finnoe: a sign of its trust to the Mystic riding upon its back.
Eirai's steed stamped its skeletal hoof on the ground, and the armored reanimated horse corpse reared its head in annoyance, rattling the many chains that bound its temper. The Archer caressed her mount's head, whispering soothing words under her breath as she held strong eye contact in the undead skeleton creature's flaming purple eyes.
The skeletal horse ceased in its thrashing as it gazed into Eirai's eyes, acknowledging its master before lowering its head, allowing the Elin archer to climb onto its back. She gave a few soft thumps on the armor of her horse's neck lovingly as she took the reins. "I hope so too for Eruno. A mount such as Reignhard is good for the travels she'll be having with the Federation in the future."
"What about you Erune?" Finnoe glanced back at the cat Elin passenger in the cart, her Guardian thrall attached a yoke to her blaze so they could pull the cart along. "Have you thought of getting a ride of your own?"
Erune shook her head. "I'm fine. They are pretty expensive. Usually, I sit alongside Eirai or Eruno. Unlike those two, I don't travel much."
"That is true. You won't need one for Stepstone Isle. The island is small enough to get around on foot most of the time. And once you've finished your volunteer work, I can escort you back to Pora Elinu."
The Priestess sat up straight, flustered. "That's alright, you don't have to!"
Eirai moved her horse to stand next to the cart. "Nonsense Erune. Accept Finnoe's offer. I don't know when I'll be returning from the Expedition. It'll depend on how well I see Eruno fit to handle the military life on her own at her age. Anyways, traveling on foot from Velik city to Pora Elinu is dangerous if you go alone."
"That's true." Erune conceded to her older sister's words.
"Come on! Let's get going already! You guys can talk along the way! The daylight isn't going to last!" Eruno complained aloud, slumped over the back of her tiger steed like a bored child. Reignhard let out a yawn in agreement with her.
Finnoe rolled her eyes at the young and impatient Elin. "Very well, we should start heading out anyways." She snapped the reins and Seraphin began to move, pulling the cart along, Finnoe's Guardian thrall walking right beside it on guard.
Eruno let out a shout of approval, nudging her mount into a run. "Hey, sis! Race ya to the nearest outpost!"
Catching up to Eruno with her horse, Eirai looked at her younger sister with a hint of a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Very well." Suddenly she kicked her heels into the sides of the skeleton horse's armor. "We start now!" The archer took off like a lightning bolt, covering a good distance from her younger sister.
"Hey, that's cheating!" Eruno shouted, flabbergasted by Eirai. Clicking her tongue quickly, her mouth turned into a snarl. "Come on Reignhard! We're not going to lose to her!" Reignhard growled in approval and leaped forward into a run.
Erune laughed as her two sisters raced against each other until they were out of sight. Finnoe sighed with an annoyed tone. "Honestly. Those two."
xoxoxo
It took over a week to travel to Velika from Pora Elinu. After Eirai had finished checking in with the Valkyon Federation headquarters, she headed back to the main market. The central plaza of the city Velika was bustling with various races. Smells of spices and sulfur filled the air from the shops and smithies.
"Have you seen Erune?" Eirai asked as she walked up to Finnoe, who was tallying down her supplies for the ferret Popori shipmaster to load onto his fishing boat. The Mysterium had hired the locals to help ferry over cargo to the Stepstone Isle.
"She said she was headed to the lookout overview of the city where the shrine for the Goddess Velik is." Finnoe paused to talk to the Popori sailor. Nodding at his words of approval, she handed him a set of papers, leaving the supplies she had brought from Pora Elinu with him. "What about you? Did you get your paperwork filled out?"
Eirai nodded. "Eruno is picking up a few supplies she is told she would need on the expedition. The Federation issued her some equipment and money, but she has to get the rest on her own. I also sent an inquiry to my acquaintance, Vynca, on information for an alchemist I can commission potions from. She said she'd get back to me as soon as she can." Finnoe motioned for Eirai to follow, the two Elins walked through the plaza, looking at the different items for sale from the shops and stalls. "When does your ship cast off?" The rabbit Elin inquired to her friend, pausing at one stall with a Baraka that was selling jewelry that was magically enhanced to help the wearer in combat.
"The Captain said that we head out in three days. You and Eruno leave by the Federation airships and pegasi tomorrow, correct?"
Eirai picked up a gemstone brooch, holding it up to the sunlight. She asked the Baraka a few questions before turning back to Finnoe. "First thing in the morning. You and Erune will be able to see us as we leave the flight docks." Taking out a few coins from her purse, she paid the merchant and pocketed the brooch. "By the way, I discussed with Seir about the Stepstone Isle. The sap from the Great Tiaran Tree is what's helping these children with their visions in the Dream." She eyed her friend while the two walked away down a quieter part of the city. "You aren't just taking Erune to help volunteer, are you?"
Finnoe sighed, conceding defeat she was found out. "Erune's gift to Dream is rare amongst us Elins-and the fact she's not one of the royalties is something the Order has been wanting to study, even to this day."
Eirai glared. "Her connection is not as strong as Rida's or Syona's. She has been able to enter the Dream while she sleeps, but she has no gift of the Sight to see messages from the Gods, or Arun, and Shara. You know it has gotten them nowhere and she hated the constant studies they did with her while she is still learning to control it. I'd rather have her work on learning how to use her power under Princess Rida as her mentor than have the Mysterium Order take her aside to study her again."
"Eirai, the aura of Tiaran has enhanced these children's powers. All the Order wants to know if this will affect Erune as well. Consumption of the sap of the Tree is not necessary. Just being in its presence has had effects. I know you don't want us to do any more research on her and we're honoring Pora Elinu's Queen's decree of destroying the records of our previous studies of her. Even so, my colleagues are just curious to see if it will help improve her gift.
"All she is required to do is show up at the Island and help out in the volunteer work, and I take notes and observe how Tiaran affects her."
Eirai leaned against the wall of a shop closed for the day and huffed. "You'll be studying her once again."
"I won't mention her name nor her race in my paperwork." Finnoe tried to assure her.
"I don't want anyone to know about her gift at all Finnoe. Even if she does not have the Sight, someone out there will want to abuse the fact she can even Dream at all. If they capture her, who knows to what lengths they will go to try and open her up and coerce her to use what little power she has? The fact that she's an Elin who can enter the Dream is just enough to spark the curiosity of the enemies out there. Any Elin who has been able to Dream in the past has been recorded to be able to have the Sight as well."
"But Erune doesn't have the Sight. She is just like the other races who can Dream-only she is more aware of her surroundings of the Dream realm itself."
Eirai slammed her fist against the stone wall in frustration, startling Finnoe. "You know that. I know that. The Queen knows that. Your damn colleagues know that. But does anyone else? No. She's not like Rida or Syona who both must constantly be on guard, lest the enemy tries to take advantage of them.
"I've taught Erune to fend for herself, but she's still too weak on her own. She's too kind and sympathetic.
"If anyone finds out about her, she will break under their care-far too quickly. I'm not losing her like Zyllian or Lady Zolyn." Gritting her teeth, she looked away from her friend.
Finnoe's eyes went downcast. "I," She struggled to find the right words. "Very well. I'll let my associates know that it is best advised not to do this research as it would still breach the protocols of our agreement with the Elin Queen." She reached up and placed her hand on Eirai's shoulder. "All she's going to do is volunteer work. Nothing else. Anything out of the ordinary with her power and I will only tell you-only you. My associates will know nothing. This I promise."
Eirai turned her head back to her friend. "Keep her safe. I know I asked you to do so before we left Pora Elinu, but I'm asking you again. I don't want any harm to come to Erune."
Finnoe held Eirai's fierce gaze and nodded. "I will notify you as soon as possible if anything happens."
The archer sighed in relief as she looked to the side. "Am I being too protective of her Finnoe? Here, Eruno is joining the army almost 10 years younger than when Zyllian and I enlisted, while Erune is interested in the adventures of the outside world but she is also too scared to go off on her own. You'd think after my army experience-and what happened to Zyllian-I would be against Eruno applying to join the Federation, yet here I am encouraging her while making sure Erune doesn't get hurt."
"You have every right to worry about Erune, Eirai. She is very young in spirit despite her age-even I care greatly about her. The essence of Elinu's purity is strong within Erune. You are not being too protective. You're just watching out for your little sister." Squeezing her friend's shoulder lovingly, she let go and the two walked back to the plaza.
Eirai smiled gently to herself. "Someday, I do hope to take her out and show her the rest of Arborea-but right now I need to make sure Eruno is fine on her own."
"It's been hard raising those two hasn't it?"
Eirai chuckled. "It has been. Those two have done well growing up though that's a relief."
As the two entered the plaza, they spotted Eruno from far away, waving at the two of them with her knapsack slightly larger than before. Finnoe whispered to Eirai low enough that Eruno couldn't hear them. "I'll take care of her for you. Don't worry."
"Thank you." Eirai smiled as Eruno walked over with a pep in her step to her older sister and friend.
xoxoxo
"Ah, I wasn't expecting anyone here today." At the sound of a woman's voice, Erune turned her head. She was kneeling with her hands clasped in front of an altar that overlooked the city of wheels. An elven Priestess walked down the cobblestone path and stopped near one of the beds of flowers that surrounded the path up to the altar. A basket of offerings was slung from one of her arms, the scent of freshly baked bread giving off a pleasant aroma from the basket.
Erune got up quickly and bowed to the woman. "Oh! Forgive me! I was just praying."
"It's no bother. It is nice to meet a fellow Priest here." The woman smiled, crossing her arms in amusement, her soft light teal-colored robes flowing gently in the breeze that blew through the city. Strolling forward past the Elin to crouch down, she placed the contents from her basket upon the altar. Pausing for a moment to murmur a silent prayer, she rose and glanced at Erune. "May I ask what you were praying about?"
Swaying side to side on either foot nervously, Erune finally spoke. "I was asking the Goddess Velik for her blessing to watch over my sisters as they head off with the Federation Expedition to the Island of Dawn tomorrow."
"I'm sure Velik will hear your Prayers and grant your request." Tucking a stray lock of blonde hair behind her ear, the elven Priestess eyed the Elin from head to toe. "What is your name if I may ask?"
"Erune. Erune Fae."
"Fae." The woman paused to think the surname over. "I think I've heard of that last name before...oh where are my manners? My name is Ciebel." The elven lady curtsied back. "I am the Priestess for the Goddess Velik."
"Oh my! It's an honor, my lady!" Erune was flustered. She had not expected to run into the Goddess's emissary.
Ciebel chuckled. "You do not need to be so formal little Elin." Moving over to one of the stone benches, she sat down with her hands in her lap, placing her now empty basket beside her. The elf looked up at the sunny sky with soft clouds of white, the sound of birds flying overhead the city. "It's such a lovely day today isn't it?"
Composing herself, Erune smiled back at the woman. "It is."
xoxoxo
Eirai heard two voices chatting with one another as she walked up the brick stairs to the overview of the city. It had been ages since she visited this part of the city, the gardens filled with different floral growth compared to the time she and Zyllian had come here almost over a century ago.
Slowing in her steps, she thought back to when she and her twin stood on the altar, talking about their life dreams and goals. A twinge of pain went through Eirai's chest as she tried to forget the painful memories. She reached up to touch the black and white feathered charms tucked in her hair.
Sometime back when she and Zyllian were soldier recruits, they were both stationed at Kanstria. The two had decided to look at the shops in the meager village that struggled to survive despite the Argon war being just outside of the perimeter of the area. A Castanic merchant was selling various charms, four of which caught the young Elins' eyes.
The feathered tokens came in black, white, blue, and gold, each having a clasp on the end of the quill tips to clip into one's hair. Putting together what little money they had earned from their services, the Elins bought the four charms, deciding to decorate their hair with two of each: Eirai had the white and blue in between her short magenta locks while Zyllian took the black and gold ones.
After Erune and Eruno were born, Eirai had given them the blue and golden feather tokens respectively.
As Eirai reached the top of the stairs, she saw Erune chatting with an elven woman, the sunlight shining upon the blue feather charm on the side of her hair. Her little sister paused as she approached.
"Ah, Eirai!" Erune looked back at the elven woman and gestured to her sister. "This is my older sister, Eirai Fae."
The woman nodded in acknowledgment before she rose and bowed to the rabbit Elin. "It has been some time, Fae child."
Eirai saluted in return with a neutral face. "Likewise, Ciebel."
Erune looked back and forth between the two. "You know Lady Ciebel, Eirai?"
Ciebel answered for Eirai. "Yes. It is good to see you again. Your little sister told me so much about you both and your other younger sister." She smiled.
Eirai looked at Erune. "Finnoe and Eruno are back at the inn. You should head back there. We must get up early tomorrow. I'll catch up with you soon."
Erune nodded and turned to Ciebel, curtsying. "It was an honor to meet you, my Lady."
"As was mine. It was nice chatting with you, young one. May Velik's Grace guide you." Ciebel waved her hand in an intricate motion, the flow of a magical aura filling the air.
Blushing, Erune then left to descend the stairs and head back down to the lower levels of the city, leaving her older sister and the emissary alone with one another.
"I am glad to see you have been well. The last time I saw you, we had left on...not the best of terms..."
The archer looked away and found the flowerbeds extremely interesting. "I... I apologize for my behavior in the past, Ciebel."
"Your actions were understandable. Nevertheless, the damage has already been done as I can see." She gestured to the older-looking Elin's entire body.
Eirai clutched her side in reflex. "What's done is done. Even if I can never truly fix the damage, I can at least atone for it by helping raise my younger sisters."
Ciebel crossed her arms. "And you have. Continue to do so, as both have a life ahead of them you will not expect."
Eirai's eyes widened. "What do you-" Snapping her head back up, the elven woman was gone. Hearing Erune's voice call for her from below, Eirai quickly left the shrine area to join her younger sibling.
xoxoxo
By nightfall, Eirai had left her younger sisters with Finnoe back at the inn as she walked back through the streets of Velika. There was one more errand she needed to do for the night before she and Eruno flew out that morning.
She had heard of good reviews of this alchemist and decided to hire their services. But as the alchemist was only heard of by word of mouth, she had no idea where they conducted business within the city. Only around dinner time at the inn did she receive a note from Vynca with the location of the business.
The directions to the house brought her various winding roads and many smalls turn here and there until she finally reached her destination. The house was plain and blended in with the rest of the other buildings. One would not have expected an alchemist doing business within such housing complexes unless they knew by word of mouth.
Lifting her hand, she gently used the metal door-knocker, lightly knocking a few times. With her rabbit ears, she could hear soft footsteps moving across the wooden floor, the sound getting closer to the door.
As the door opened, Eirai was greeted with the sight of an older Elin, her long hair white and soft. Her cat ears and tail were white like her hair, all contrasting with her darkened skin. Iridescent pink eyes blinked in surprise at such a late visitor at this hour, the white hair Elin wearing a light pink bathrobe for bedtime. "Yes?" She asked, her voice of a lower octave of an older and more mature Elin who had lived long past initial adulthood.
Eirai couldn't put her finger on it, but she thought she had seen the other Elin before. Considering how old the Elin woman seemed to be, at some point Eirai would have probably walked by her in passing in the past. But that wasn't why Eirai felt something familiar when she looked at the Elin. Just from staring at her, she could swear she felt a sense of loyalty and respect for this Elin. Such an air she only felt when she stood before the Elin Queen and her Princess daughters.
"Can I help you?" The dark-skinned Elin furrowed her brow in question.
Eirai blinked, realizing that she had just stood before the house without saying a word for a good minute or so. She inwardly admonished herself for being distracted over a trivial thought. "My apologies," She cleared her throat, mentally brushing away her thoughts to focus on the task at hand. "Are you Reina Rose?"
"I am." Reina looked back with confusion and a hint of apprehension. Eirai was an unknown guest at such a late hour in the middle of the night that it was no surprise Reina would be on guard.
Quickly, Eirai took out a paper from her pouch. "I was referred to you by a friend, Vynca. She told me you are an excellent alchemist in potion making."
Hearing the acquaintance's name, Reina's shoulders visibly relaxed. "Yes. I am." Before she could continue, the sound of a child yawning was heard behind her. Reina turned to the side to address the noise.
From Eirai's position, she saw a very young cat Elin at the bottom of a set of stairs at the end of the hall, rubbing her sleepy eyes behind her glasses. She had short brown hair that was cut in a straight bob. Compared to Reina, her skin tone was of a lighter color, like Eirai's and her sisters. In her arms was a teddy bear. By her slippered feet was a chubby white Felicity cat that curled around her ankles and went up to her knees. The tell-tale flower that grew from the top of the cat's head was closed shut for the late night.
The cat Elin child made a disgruntled yawning noise. "Reina, I'm thirsty."
Eirai watched Reina's side profile soften at the sight of the Elin child. "I'll be right there in a moment Kei. Go wait in the kitchen." Kei moseyed away in her very fluffy pajamas into another room down the hall. The Felicity yawned and waddled after her.
It was rare to see an Elin child so young outside of Pora Elinu's territory but it wasn't unheard of. Judging by the height and baby fat on Kei's cheeks, Eirai discerned she was no older than five in Elin years or eleven in human years. Seeing a lack of resemblance between Kei and Reina, Eirai also deduced that Reina had probably adopted Kei. Had Kei shared facial characteristics with Reina, then the two would have been born from the same flower species and been officially siblings by blood and spirit.
"I do apologize," Eirai quickly began, Reina turning her attention back to her. "for coming by at such a late hour. I only just received word of your services not too long ago and I am departing immediately tomorrow morning."
Reina looked Eirai up and down. "You're with the Federation I presume?" Eirai nodded in acknowledgment. "I heard about the Island of Dawn Expedition." She then frowned. "If you're asking for an immediate large order of potions, I wouldn't be able to finish brewing even a single batch before the pegasi set flight. All I have are a few pre-made sample draughts."
"That's quite fine." Eirai smiled. "I have one of these," From her pouch, she took out a small box covered with runes. On the top of the box, between a set of buttons, was a half-cylinder of a code of runes that could be rotated to read out a particular mailing address. "Vynca told me you have one as well."
The sight of the box got Reina's attention now. Such magical devices of instantly sending small packages were very expensive. For Eirai to own one while being in the Federation meant she had a position of high authority.
"You can send me the potions once you have finished making them." Eirai handed over the paper to Reina. "I'm hoping you will be able to make custom draughts when needed for a particular situation in the future."
Reina took the parchment in her delicate fingers, showing off the manicure of pink and white polish on her nails. "Very well," She relented as she looked over the paper, noting the code written at the bottom for Eirai's mailing address. "as long as you send in the payment beforehand with the order, I can make what you need." Looking over the custom order list, she nodded in acknowledgment before letting Eirai know to wait so she could fetch her flasks of samples (Which had tags of the rune combination of her mailing address on them).
When she returned to the doorway, Eirai had a handful of coins in her hand to pay Reina. After the trade had been made, Eirai turned to depart but was stopped by Reina's voice. "Um, could you do me a favor? I've heard much of the Island of Dawn and its splendor but also mysteries and danger. Would you mind writing a description of the place for me?"
Eirai, though slightly surprised by such a request, agreed. Those who were not adventurers or fighters would sometimes request those who were, to send back stories of the places they visited. Eirai had seen soldiers under her command write back long paragraphs of parchment to friends and family back at home describing each of the vibrate lands they visited, but Eirai herself had never been asked to do such a request before.
"Sure."
Reina smiled softly and Eirai was once again filled with warmth and respect for the Elin. As Reina closed the door, Eirai stood out in the street once again, pondering who in Elinu's name was Reina.
Shaking her head, Eirai turned away from the house and made her way back to the inn.
xoxoxo
Morning broke upon the city of Velika with fair weather. The flight deck near the outskirts of Velika's wall was crowded with people: Federation recruits with their friends and family, and the city commerce who came to cheer on the Expedition team. Various small airships filled with supplies and soldiers were lifted off first, the cries of triumph echoing through the crowd as they waved goodbye to the first wave that departed.
Finnoe and Erune were at the pegasus portion of the port where Eruno hopped up to settle behind Eirai on one of the winged horses with her sister and her knapsacks slung over the saddle. Eruno's golden feather token in her hair sparkled in the morning sun as a big wide grin swept across her face. "This is it," She breathed, exhilarated with delight, wrapping her arms around her older sister's waist to grab hold. Both her axe and Eirai's bow were strapped across her back for the flight of their journey.
Reaching from her pouch, Erune brought out a container wrapped in a handkerchief and held it out for Eirai to take. "I bought some Shevranberry cookies at the bakery on the way here. It's not my cooking but they are freshly baked and taste good."
Smiling back at her younger sister, Eirai kindly took the gift and handed it back to Eruno to place away in their bags. Leaning down, she patted Erune gently on the head. "Thank you Erune. We'll make sure not to eat them all at once." As she said that, she slightly elbowed Eruno, who was already unwrapping the cloth and grabbing one of the sweets from inside the box.
Taking a bite out of the cookie, Eruno beamed back at her twin. "Ph'ill bwee fine lil'sees!" She spoke with her mouth full. Eirai turned her head and glared; the squirrel Elin quickly swallowed her food. "We'll make sure to write to you and Finnoe when we can!"
Finnoe looked over at Eirai. "I'll make sure to write to you often on updates with Erune and me as well." Eirai nodded in acknowledgment.
The head-general of the expedition army barked out over the noisy crowd that the next wave was to now depart. Taking one last look at Erune and Finnoe, Eruno waved with her free hand as Eirai gripped the saddle reins of the winged horse, giving it a slight kick. The pegasus reared back and began flapping its large wings, ascending into the air.
A cacophony of cheers erupted from the crowd as they all watched the winged horses take flight, flying high through the air. Eruno let out a squeal of joy, tightening her hold around her sister's waist as the salty sea air hit their faces.
Smirking, Eirai nudged the pegasus to circle above the crowd, waving down below at Erune and their friend before guiding the mount to follow the rest of the troupe that headed towards the ocean.
Just as the winged horse made one final turn, Eirai managed to spot Reina in the crowd, the dark-skinned Elin dressed all up in pink and white with Kei in her arms. Eirai made a nod which Reina was able to see.
As the group began to get farther and farther away, more waves of the army ascended to join them, but Erune kept her eye on the small dots in the sky instead until they were no longer in sight.
Murmuring under her breath, she held her hands together. "My heart sees you. Always" Finished with her prayer, she turned to Finnoe, who was waiting for her near the edge of the crowd. Taking one last look at the spot where the dots disappeared, she joined her friend and the two left the cheering crowd and headed back to the city to prepare for their departure in the next few days.