Night quickly came as Amiya and the others arrived at a nearby restaurant that Silverash reserved for us. A table full of high class food; men and women in suits or dresses. In comparison many of us are wearing our street clothes, Cliffheart covered up some skin but it's nowhere near high class. Instead of her short shorts , she opted for regular jeans that were slightly baggy.
"I feel so out of place here. I'm thankful that Cliffheart's brother did this but I don't have anything nice to wear, I didn't think I would ever be somewhere like this." "I can definitely agree. Whenever Kal'tsit has a high profile meeting that I join her in I'm always coming as an operator first then as a guest. So I also don't have nice clothes."
I was able to overhear Amiya and Marth sharing similar struggles of the high life. Not that I can blame them, while I don't mind wearing suits and fighting in them does bring a certain level of class. I prefer my looser clothes instead.
Lappland was sitting next to me and while I've never been a man of manners always opting to eat how I want to eat, Lappland clearly did care. She wasn't afraid to use her hands when eating the meat which has gained the stares of some of the other consumers, but it was clear she didn't care in the slightest.
"Enjoying the food there?" Already knowing the answer.
Lappland ignored me as she continued to devour whatever her hands grabbed. Someone so free from the norms of society.
"Hey Cliffheart, Matterhorn. Are there any religious places I can visit?" I asked them.
"Each village has a place of worship, normally near the center." Matterhorn said as he ate his food.
Cliffheart was rubbing her chin as if trying to remember something. "There is also a run down temple deep in the mountains. It doesn't appear that it was used for decades as the place has broken floor boards and such." She said.
"Cliffheart why in god's name would I want to visit an abandoned temple in the middle of the mountains?" I asked learning in over the table while crossing my fingers.
"Because it is something you would do."
Before Cliffheart could respond, Marth interjects. I turn my head slowly while side-eyeing Marth. As if reflecting my actions Marth does the same.
"Fair enough." I replied.
I could only hang my head at those words momentarily. "I'll have another cocktail." I said.
"I understand wanting to have a drink. Many of us elite operators tend to have small drinks when we are on mission but..." Sharp says as he looks at me. "You already drank two dozen of them."
"I mean, I'm still functioning well aren't I? Plus compared to some other people I know this is nothing." I said.
"Sounds like there's a story behind this one." Matterhorn said.
"There's many. During a time I walked into a bar where I met a familiar face, someone named Francis Drake was someone who I would often find drinking barrels of hard liquor like it was water. Never understood how she did it but they managed to walk it off like it was nothing if she needed to fight." I said as I downed the cocktail in one go.
"Sounds like someone Blaze will get along with." Sharp said as he took a sip out of his water.
Without having to ask for another one, the waitress came in with another cocktail.
"Thank you, that would be the last one." I said.
Dinner came and went as we left the restaurant, flakes of white came down from the sky making piles of snow everywhere.
"Do you guys want to walk around for a bit, who knows when the next chance we get to enjoy the snow like this might come?" I said.
"I think that's an amazing idea." Amiya said as she walked towards Cliffheart and Matterhorn. "Will you two mind showing us around again?' She asked.
"I think that will be fun, it has been a while since I've played in the snow back home." Cliffheart said as she looked at Matterhorn.
"If Mr. Matterhorn allows it, I want to join them too." Marth said as she also looked at Matterhorn.
Matterhorn has always been a man of duty first. That is how his tribe of people have been for generations and that has been amplified with his family being in service to the Silverash family for many generations as well.
However the childlike shine in their eyes, the twitching of Amiya's ears and the wagging Cliffheart's tail. It was quickly tearing at his soldier heart, a heart that has been trained for years. I touched his shoulder.
"My friend, I understand how you feel but you aren't winning this one." I said understanding what he's going through.
Matterhorn could only sigh as he understood how this would end. "To the park we go then Lady Cliffheart."
The already bright eyes turned into Suns when they were given the ok. Cliffheart led the way to a nearby park. There were rides, swings, whatever you expect a park to have was there. In the center stood a white statue, it had a feminine figure. It's crouching form holding two things, a child in one and a shield in the other.
I walked towards the towering statue. At its base said the words 'Motherhood of Kjerag. Funded by Leon & Salla Silverash'
The sound of crushing snow came closer to me. "The late Silverash masters were devoted members of the faith."
It was Matterhorn who approached me.
"I see, what happened to them?" I asked.
"They were killed in an accident, at least that's what is said officially." He explained.
"Politics are annoying, you don't have to explain the truth." I said being all too familiar with similar circumstances.
"Why is it so cold!"
I turned my attention to see Marth with snow clinging to hair that was flowing from her hat, hair gray hair now sporting spots of fluffy white. She shook her head like a dog getting some of the snow off.
"Eat this Amiya." Marth said as she threw the snowball in her hand towards her.
Amiya clumsy stepped to the side dodging the snowball but landing on ice causing her to slip into more snow.
While the two continued to have a snowball fight Cliffheart could be seen creating the torso of a snowman. She was constantly smoothing out any rough edges with determination that I didn't expect for such a mundane activity.
The snow flakes continued to fall as they kept enjoying whatever the snow had to offer. Amiya and Marth have wide smiles fitting their ages, Cliffheart being an architect of the highest caliber while Sharp, Matterhorn and I continue to watch them.
I heard slight ruffling to my side, a camera was in Sharp's hands. He was focused on Amiya and Marth doing their thing.
"Didn't take you for the art type of guy, Sharp." I said.
"It's something I picked up from my parents when I was younger. I've been on the road for a long time, even before joining Rhodes Island. They always took pictures when we traveled so it rubbed off on me." He said.
"Will you make a copy of the photo for me?" I asked.
"No problem, I was planning to make copies anyway." He said as he started snapping pictures.
I look to the other side to see Matterhorn with his phone out doing the same thing. Taking pictures of Cliffheart doing her thing. I could only release a soft chuckle.
"You two are both huge softies." I said.
As I watched I noticed something, or rather the lack of something.
"Where did Lappland go?" I asked.
Not too far away I could a pile of snow start to shift, the snow at the top layer start to down it's slope like a min avalanche. I readied my fist in the case we get attacked like earlier today.
Like a Jack in the Box, a head sprouted out. Gray hair and pale skin confirmed who it was.
"There you are, Lappy." I said as I approached her.
"I heard you call my name, what's up?" She said as she climbed out of the snow pile.
"Just wanted to know where you were." I replied.
I soon felt a tap on my back. I turned to see Amiya and Marth, their hands and Amiya's ears red as apples.
"I think we played in the snow too much, my hands feel as if they are about to fall off." Marth said as she tried to warm them up.
"This is why we wear gloves, you idiots." I said as I dug into my pocket and pulled out two gems. "I didn't prepare many heat or fire based runes so give me a moment."
It didn't take me too long to create two runes to warm them up, weak enough to not make a physical fire but strong enough to give off the feeling of one.
"Just hold these and your hands will get warmer." I said
The two grabbed them and within seconds, their expressions relaxed as warmth flowed through their body like blood.
"Ah, that feels nice." Amiya said as her ears flopped and shoulders relaxed.
"I can definitely agree with that. What was that stone you gave us Mr. Apollo?" Marth asked.
I pulled out a random rune and presented it to both of them. "It's a Nordic rune. Inscribed onto is a letter from their alphabet. Due to the nature of runes and their meaning they are very varistile." I said.
"Correct me if I'm wrong but your magecraft isn't an originium art is it?" Amiya asked.
"That's correct, not a lick of anything I've teached Marth and the others nor anything I've done today could be considered arts, but perhaps there is a link between them that I'm not aware of. I would appreciate it if you can keep that bit of information between me and the higher ups at Rhodes Island." I responded.
Crunching of the snow was heard behind me.
"It's getting late, perhaps this will be a good time to call it a day." Sharp said.
It didn't take long for us to reach the inn, as Marth and Lappland went to sleep I found myself resting at the desk. On its darkwood surface rest various low quality gems and rocks along with a special pen I use. I let my mana flow into the pen causing a very light glow, almost nonexistent.
As I let the pen crave whatever rune I need as I wait for something. On my desk was a note.
Meet me outside the inn front entrance at midnight.
-Ensia(Cliffheart)
The meeting time quickly came as I prepared everything I normally need. I had a little bag around my hip holding all my runes I've created along with my pen. I left my room and exited the main lobby feeling the presence of someone behind me. Cliffheart was minding her business following her wavy tail with her eyes. Very cat-like behavior.
"Good midnight, so what do I owe this honor of sneaking to hang out with a noble lady in the middle of the night under the eyes of their brother." Laying it on thick of what I'm alluding to.
Cliffheart looked at me briefly before her eyebrows raised. "I didn't think you were inviting a friend."
I looked behind me to see my stalker to see the one and only Lappland. Her gray eyes with an intimidating expression to many standing at the door of the inn.
"Sup Lappland, is there something you need?" I sake.
"Just following you. Your annoying self brings trouble, were you left alone as a child?' She said.
I could only shrug my shoulders knowing nothing I will say will do anything and I don't feel like getting physical. I ignore Lappland and look back at Cliffheart.
"Ignoring the lost puppy behind me, what did you call me for?" I asked.
"I wanted to take you to that temple I mentioned earlier." She explained.
I reached into my chest and pulled out three suckers.
"Cliffheart, Lappland. Do you two want one?" I asked as I presented one to each.
Cliffheart accepted like a normal person would, saying thank you for the offer and trying it out. Lappland on the other hand snatched the damn thing out of my hand without saying a word, in fact she did it all with a wide smile on her face.
I felt so compelled to slap the hell out of her at that moment.
"Lead the way Cliffheart, and Lappland don't do anything stupid. I rather not have to rein you in honestly." I said.
Cliffheart nodded her head and started walking with Lappland and I following suit.
"So many idiots say that to me before I have to kill them. It would be such a tragic death" Lappland said, her words oozing with confidence.
I could only turn to Cliffheart. "Can you believe the audacity of those words, frankly I should beat the wolf out of her right now. But I would rather not explain why there is suddenly a dead Lappland to Marth and Amiya." I said as I continued to eat my sucker.
"I just ask that you two don't beat yourself to the point we can't treat you." Cliffheart said as she crushed the snow beneath her.
The three of us made our way out the town surrounding ourselves with the tall thick trees of nature. Fallen branches hidden by a few centimeters of snow snapped constantly. The dark sky filled with the twin moons of Terra and its countless stars gave off the atmosphere that the three of us were going on a camping trip.
Gentle snowflakes started to fall once again from above. It's soft, fragile state of existence eased. I stuck out my hand as a flake landed on my hand, its frosty surfaces instantly melted when it made contact on my body.
"While I do agree that Silverash wanted to expand Kjerag industrial power, seeing how clear everything is. It will be sad to see." I said.
Faced me while continuing to move forward. "That's one of Kjerag's many pluses. Perhaps we will be a tourist attraction like Siesta in time. Although I can only imagine the amount of push back that would get." Cliffheart said.
"Is it because of conservative some people?" I asked.
"Exactly that, I'm largely out of my depth on that so if you want to know more my brother will be the person to ask. I just live my life." Cliffheart said with a big smile on her face.
"Lappland, what do you think of that?" I asked
I see the wolf clearly lost in her own head only mindlessly following us.
"I don't really care. It's not my country nor is Texas involved so it's none of my concern." Lappland said.
Texas? I swear I heard that name before. I dig deeper into my mind as I feel the half burnt neurons ignite. After a few moments the lack of expression of a black hair Lupo came to mind, a face I saw back in Lungmen.
"Is Texas a black haired Lupo, she makes basically no expression when she talks. Stone faced like a statue?" I asked.
Lappland's face instantly lit up, she made a mad dash to me as if she teleported. She grabbed my shirt and her gray eyes staring intensely into my red eyes. "That's her! How did you meet her, where is she?" She asked her mouth slightly agape.
I grab another sucker and shove it in her mouth causing her to release her grip.
"I don't know much, I just saw her before I came to Rhodes Island." I responded.
I turned around ignoring whatever Lappland was saying for the reminder of the trip.
The rest of the walk didn't take long. Cliffheart moved at a pretty fast pace causing the walk to be less than an hour or so.
"Here's the temple!" Cliffheart yelled at the peak of the last hill.
As Lappland and I reached the top a wave of energy grazed my body. It was familiar in some ways but not in others.
I infuse some mana into my eyes to get a better look. Like a camera each time I blinked the temple became more focused.
"You weren't lying when you said it was run down." I said.
Just the outside showed that this place was forgotten to time. Every wood colored gray makes the place look drab compared to the bright white snow or the lush leaves on the trees. Its steps had many splits and looked unsteady, I would bet even a feather could snap it.
"Then let's get moving." I said as the mana started to leave my eyes and made my way up the stairs carefully.
The inside wasn't much better. Cobwebs were seen in every corner of the hall with small spiders enjoying whatever sense of peace. However that familiar energy was still ever present, if nothing else it only got stronger as we continued to walk. How didn't I notice when we were outside?
Wanting to know what's deeper inside moved in front of Cliffheart and quickened my pace. I felt goosebumps on my arms and the hairs on my body perk up. Before I knew it my quicken pace turned into a sprint.
"What the hell got into you!" Lappland yelled as I heard her run behind me.
"Did you see Apollo?" Cliffheart said the following suit.
"I feel something deeper inside." I said.
"The hell does that mean!" Lappland yelled back.
"How about shutting up first!" I yelled in response.
I ignored the rest of Lappland's questions as I continued to run down the many halls and stairs. The energy led me to a pair of double doors around 2 meters tall.
"I never knew you could run so fast." Cliffheart said as she was hunched over to regain her breath. "I thought I was in shape but I guess not compared to you Apollo."
Lappland was next to Cliffheart but didn't seem as tired as her.
I turned my attention back to the door and opened them, there was no need to hype up whatever was behind these doors.
What was behind those doors was.. It was unexpected if I'm being honest.
Compared to the rest of the temple everything behind those double doors was in good condition. In the center of space was a tree of silver, leaves of unnatural colors hanging from its branches. It was both alien yet it fit so perfectly.
However, resting at its base was a woman dressed in the thick clothing of the locals back in town. Her dark honey colored eyes trained on us. On her head was a hat with ear flaps.
Yet the only thing I cared about was what she likely was as an existence. Her complexion was as white as snow, her face held a mature look to it. Like someone who I could see picking up their toddler from daycare. So likely in her late 20's or early 30's.
"So you are the ones running around my home." The woman said.
Her voice, I can safely say, lacks the refined tone of a goddess.
"Uh, Hello. You say this is your home but why do you chose to live her?" Cliffheart asked as she got in front of me.
"Ah, so that is you I sensed. It's a pleasure to formally meet you Ensia." The woman said as she stood on her feet. Her bare feet touched the cold floor as she came closer but she looked unphased by it.
"I'm sorry, I always took pride in my memory but I don't think I've ever met you." Cliffheart said.
"That's no issue, I never really made an effort to make myself known. Although you likely know of my name." The woman said as she stopped in front of us.
Her face held no hate, her wide smile at Cliffheart gave off a friendly impression. It looked so natural.
"So then who are you then? Honestly, are you even human?" I asked.
Her gaze turned to me, while her smile reminded me it certainly thinned as she scanned me.
"Of course I am." She said without a moment of hesitation.
"Then tell me why I smell divinity, are you a demi?" I asked, seeing if I could learn the truth from her reaction. "Rather I think the better question would be who are you?"
"Ah, well I could make this simple but it has been so long since people visited this place. I thought little Ensia here forgot about me." The woman said as she took a step back from us making her way back towards the tree.
The woman raised her hand and like an invisible command a piece of the tree behind her started to bend.
As the branch continued to bend, Lappland jumped in front of all of us. Swords drawn, she ran at a speed I didn't know she had towards the woman. Her swords radiating a soft gray, the sound of crackling could be heard coming from the twin blades.
The branch snapped as it rushed towards the woman's hand. Within an instant the branch grew in size, with it the woman responded to Lappland's attack and quickly sent her fly back.
"I'm glad you understood what I was getting at. I haven't interacted with many people over the years." The woman took off her hat revealing her neck length white black hair. She removed her thick coat showing various cuts along her arms and along her entire chest, a newly made spear in hand.
"Entertain me for a bit."