A little girl sat in her room curled up into a ball with her blanket wrapped around her. She laid against her pillows while waiting for the door to open. It was a Saturday, the only day of the week where her parents allowed her to step out of the room.

That day, she had woken up a few hours earlier in anticipation. Last Saturday, her parents kept her in her room because they had guests over. Her mother told her she would have to wait until they left before she could move around the house.

The girl understood she wasn’t allowed to do things the other kids did but she didn’t know why that was. When she asked her parents, they only responded saying she was different.

So, she waited in her room. Unable to contain her excitement, she skipped around the room. When would they leave? When would she be able to leave her room? When would her parents open the door? When would she get to explore the house again?

As she skipped around the room. When she no longer heard talking, she ran and opened the door. They were gone and now she could continue her last journey. Her first step out the door led her face to face with another person, however, it wasn’t one of her parents. It was another child.

“Hi,” said the other child.

The girl, not expecting the surprise, fell. She wasn’t supposed to interact with other children. She wasn’t supposed to talk to anyone her age. She was only allowed to talk to older people who came with her parents. People who were big and made her cold.

The other child walked toward her, extending a hand. The other child tilted their head and asked, “A-are you okay? I-I didn’t mean to scare you.”

The girl kicked and pushed herself away. If her parents saw her with the other child, then she would be in trouble. She wouldn’t be allowed to wander the house like she was promised. She would have to wait another unbearable seven days.

The room grew cold like it did when she talked to the adults that came with her parents. The other child shivered, their breath like a white ghost. The girl kept moving back until she cornered herself against her bed.

“I-It’s s-s-so cold in here,” said the other child, “H-how come y-you’re not outside w-where i-it’s warmer?”

The other child continued to approach her until the floorboards turned icy. The other child tripped and groaned in pain.

Footsteps thundered throughout the house. In seconds, the little girl found her worse nightmare to come true. Her parents along with another adult, a woman, screamed. A scream of panic emanating from both sides. The woman quickly snatched her child from the room and the little girl’s parents immediately shut the door.

The little girl, petrified, listened as her parents apologized. “We’re sorry. We’re so sorry,” they said, over and over again.

“I-I am also to blame…” the woman said, “I should have watched my own more carefully. She’s a curious child she is. I hoped I could have stayed for longer but I think it’s best if we leave now, before anything else happens.”

As the sound of footsteps slowly died, the door opened. Her mother and father looked at her shaking their heads. “What are we going to do with you…” they both said.

“Because of what happened today, you’ll have to stay in your room,” said her father, shaking his head. He turned and left. “I’ll grab a few blankets. It’ll be bad if the room is that cold.”

“Isn’t better if we let her out today then?”

“... I won’t go against your decision if you choose to let her around the house today.”

The little girl’s mother looked at her briefly, then turned away. “Please… bring the blankets. I’ll go grab her breakfast.”

The door shut and the little girl began to tear up. Saturdays were supposed to be the days where she was allowed to leave her room. Other than that, she stayed in her all day long doing nothing else but looking out the window at the world that moved without her.

She slowly climbed onto her bed and pulled the sheets over her head.

This Saturday, however, was a new Saturday. Today, she could leave her room again, right? The other Saturday should have to connection to this Saturday, right? There was a slight knock on the door. It was her mother.

The little girl unwrapped herself from the blankets and jumped off the bed. She shut the door and scooped her up in an instant, placing her back on the bed. The girl’s eyes began to well up. She wouldn’t be allowed to leave her room today either, all because she accidentally ran into another child the last time.

“Don’t cry,” her mother said, “I’ve brought something with me today.”

The little girl sniffed the air but she couldn’t smell any food. She looked at her mother again who was now holding in front of her a brown book. The girl saw many of these when she was allowed out of her room but she was too afraid to touch it.

“I’m going to teach you how to read.”

“What’s up El? You look a little… off,” Iris says, breaking the silence in the carriage.

“Huh? I-I was just thinking about a few things,” I say, realizing everyone’s eyes on me. I begin fiddling with my fingers.

“What kind of things are you thinkin’ about,” Elis asks. “You’re so quiet sometimes that I wonder what goes on in your head. You should talk more.”

Iris nudges her, “That’s a rude thing to say to someone. How come you’re a noble when you’re so tactless.”

“It’s fine,” I say, “I’m just not used to voicing my thoughts…” It’s not like there were many who would listen when I was younger. I was always left on my own so it’s almost second nature to simply think without saying a word, even in a group sometimes.

“You’ll get better at it El, don’t fret. Sometimes people just need to work on things until they become good at it, right Elis?” Iris nudges her again.

She frowns, “Right. Work work work.”

It’s been over two weeks since we left the academy. Iris used some of her dad’s connections to get us a carriage with a few guards. She wanted to tell her dad so he could send something more personal to get us but she was worried about him.

“He’s an officer in the Empire. If monsters were attacking the city, he’d have a lot more to worry about than sending a carriage to pick up his daughter where she’s safe in an academy of mages.”

Safe… It seems like everywhere we go, things are no longer ‘safe.’ I was worried about going to the Green City at first. If what the reports said were true, then the walls should be breached. It won’t feel very safe.

But, even though we don’t know much about the city, about its current state, about the residents, about the monsters in the area, Iris isn’t hesitating in going back. Elis, on the other hand, isn’t scared of the monsters but doesn’t seem eager to go home.

I’m in Elis’s camp. I’m not eager to go back to my house either.

The carriage begins to slow down. Iris looks back through the glass and the driver nods. Elis hangs her head and leans against the door. Despair seeps from every pore, like a person being dragged along knowing they can’t escape anymore. I press against the window hoping to catch a glance of the city.

This will be the second one I’ve seen. How will it differ from Aurora?

“Whoa, there El. Calm down a bit. If you press that hard against the door it might just open you know? It’ll be a little bit more before we get to the city’s gates so sit tight okay?” Iris rubs Elis’s back, “I’m glad you’re more excited than this decaying corpse here but don’t hurt yourself in your excitement.”

Feeling my face grow hot, I push myself away from the window and preoccupy myself by looking outside. Seeing scenery change, even if it’s little by little by little is a welcome treat.

After almost an hour, we reach the gates. The guards stop the carriage but the carriage driver produces a seal and the guards have a short conversation with the driver. I strain to listen. Eventually, we’re let in. Iris gives me a knowing smile while Elis slumps in her seat.

Iris speaks, her eyes glimmering, “Now that we’re here El, it’s time to show you around some of the better-” We pass by the first building and Iris falls silent. Elis, who was giving off a sour mood the entire ride, now has her eyes locked onto the view outside. The glass, despite Elis being so close, doesn’t fog up. She’s not even breathing.

Iris covers her mouth, “This is terrible… How is it possible that monsters did this?”

Considering what I’ve read in books, this seems more like an opposing army ransacked the outer part of the city. A two-storey building, similar to the ones in Aurora on the outside, is absolutely torn. Claw marks present on each and every door, the wooden frames holding up the glass protrudes inward showing the break in, blood splatters stain the cold stone impossible to miss against the contrast of snow.

“The city,” Elis says, “Is so quiet today… Even though there are so many of them, it’s like no one is saying a word.”

The city isn’t quiet, rather, it’s loud, just not as loud and rowdy as Aurora. What was everything like before the monsters broke through the walls? Looking around, I see almost no children playing without a guardian nearby. Some children are being carried ignoring their age and apparent capability to walk. Certain people on the streets, mostly young men in their thirties, fidget endlessly, twitching and moving so sporadically my eyes are drawn to them.

Iris plays with her hairpin as she gazes out the window. Her face has lost some of its previous color and her eyes are blank. She’s looking outside but she’s seeing nothing of it. All that she’s doing is thinking, imagining, perhaps preparing herself for what she might learn.

Both Iris and Elis return to the real world once we pass the busiest part of the city. Iris knocks on the little window behind her and our escorts open the door and lend us a hand down. The carriage driver steps off as well. He offers to accompany us until we reach one of our homes but Iris declines his offer. He says his goodbyes, wishing us luck in whatever we’re doing in the city and says he’ll send our luggage to the Bellard House.

“Iris, where’s your house,” I ask. She’s the one we decided we’d stay with when we’re here. Iris tried to convince Elis to go visit her dad and stay there for a while but Elis refused. “H-how long until we can get there?”

“It’s a short walk from here. Elis, are you sure you don’t want to go to your house?”

Elis hesitates, “I-I… I don’t know yet. We live pretty close to each other so I can decide on the way, can’t I?”

I’m taken aback. This is the first time I’ve seen Elis so docile. Iris simply nods and leads the way. Elis bites her thumb while staring at the winter ground. The snow drags along wiping away her footprints and causing snowflakes to drift away, sparkling in the sun.

I stop outside of Iris’ home, rubbing my eyes making sure what I see is real. A ten-foot tall gate. The academy's is more impressive, however, this one hides only a single house away. It’s big enough for entire families, extended and all, to live in.

A fountain decorates the front, like many other houses around the area, but is no longer spewing forth water. Bushes surround the house, a few women and men with tools quietly tend them. If it wasn’t winter, and spring or summer instead, the house would be full of color. The roof tiles look unnatural, a strange blueish color, along with their overall implementation into the house. It looks as if one side was stuck in, like a stick in the ground.

Iris waves at the men standing watch and they bow, “It’s been awhile since I’ve last seen you, Miss Iris. Same goes for you Miss Annar.” he squints and leans closer to me, “Forgive me but I don’t believe we’ve met before. I could be wrong, and if so, I do apologize beforehand. Since Miss Iris doesn’t bring over many guests I need to take note to know them all.”

I freeze thinking about all the ways to respond. He’s being polite so I should say it back politely as well. Confidence too. He’s not Iris’ dad but he’s still older than me. I want to make a good impression but I don’t want to come off as trying too hard to be something I’m not. On the other hand, if I can’t be polite enough to him then I might embarrass Iris. What if they start looking at me as some sort of troublemaker.

“She’s Ellar. We became friends at the academy. She’s a bit shy and worries about first impressions quite a bit. Be patient with her, she’s a great person.”

“Ahahaha! Well, well, no worries here miss. I hope I can come off as someone easy to approach in the future. I’m the head guard Reggie. It’s nice to meet you. I hope you can continue keeping Miss Iris company in the future.”

“S-same. I-It’s nice to meet you,” I’m so glad Iris came in and helped me out there. I probably would have spent another thirty seconds thinking about what to say. It would have been bad if I came off as mute.

“Anyway, is there a reason for your return? I wasn’t informed by your father nor did I receive a letter that you would be coming back so early.” Reggie looks to the person standing watch with him. The person shrugs.

“I wanted to but I would probably have beaten the message here since there’s a delay now with the amount the office has to process.”

I went to visit the post office the day before we left because I wanted to know if I could write a letter, but the place was completely packed. When I reached the front, the woman there said it would take longer than usual to send because of the sudden burst of letters coming in. I chose in the end, not to send it… The letter I received said not to respond.

Iris leans to the side, looking through the gate, “Is my father here? Surely help has arrived by now and he’s taking his time resting, right? The first few weeks must have been tough for even someone like him.”

I could sense a drop of fear in Iris’ voice.

“Well, to answer a question you’re not asking, he’s perfectly fine.” Iris sighs, “However, the master is not here right now. He was tending to the western walls this morning and is currently responding to a message from the Emperor himself. If I were to estimate, I’d say he’ll be back in about ten hours, right when nightfall hits.”

“Ten hours?” Iris groans, “Well, at least I know he’s okay. How is everyone else?”

“Perfectly healthy.”

“Good. Reggie, a few of our things should be coming later through a friend. Please make sure to send it through.” Iris turns to us, “Let’s head on inside. We’ve been traveling for a while and It’s a bit chilly out here.”

That’s great news. All of Iris’ family members are safe. I wonder if the lake near my village will keep the monsters away.

Reggie holds his hand out, telling us to stop. “I don’t mind letting you inside Miss Iris, however, I would seriously advise going somewhere else.”

“What? What do you mean going somewhere else? This is my home isn’t it?”

“Of course it is,” he says as he leans his spear against the wall, “But I’m not talking about your home. The city isn’t as secure as it used to be. The walls are being repaired but they’re nowhere near as strong as before and people are panicking. There have already been a few attempted break-ins by those wishing to take advantage of the situation and to make matters worse, sightings of an opposing army have cropped up.”

Iris, Elis, and I straighten at the news. An opposing army? Which country does it belong to? Is it going to attack the Empire?

“We’re unsure of which country this army belongs to and they don’t seem to be moving much, but this city is the closest one to them. If they were to attack using the mountains, it’d be difficult to hold them back.” Reggie picks up his spear, “I don’t quite believe the idea that there is a human army willing to go against the Empire since your father hasn’t spoken of it yet, but there’s a possibility. Also, I’ve heard rumors that a noble family may be working with the very same people who attacked Aurora City.”

Iris turns pale, “Nobles working with Krestfall? Is it a family with a grudge against my father?”

If I remember correctly, it seems like the leader knew Iris. Krestfall, the people who raided the academy and wrecked the library. They also killed a teacher which led to Mr. Rune being hired. Was he also a part of that group?

He shakes his head, “It’s the Yurfray. As far as I know, they haven’t had any bad relations with the Bellard house. A dispatch of knights went to their estate with warrants for an arrest but they were attacked by someone in dark clothing. He managed to kill one knight and the two Yurfrays escaped.”

“That’s…” Iris goes silent. “I understand but I won’t be deterred. When night comes, we’ll be back. I want to speak with my father about this matter.”

“Yes, I understand,” he bows.

“So where to now?” Iris mutters.

Elis, who has been quiet this whole time, puffs out her cheeks. Red-faced and holding her clothes tightly she says, “W-we can go to my home then.”

“So you’ve finally decided that you want to see them,” Iris smiles and pulls Elis’ arm, “Let’s go then! They’re probably going to be excited to see you again.”

“W-wait up!” I run after them. They’re so fast.

Elis pulls her arm away, “You know it’s not going to be like that Iris.”

Iris looks down at her feet, “I know, but nothing is going to change if you don’t do something to change it. You’re not going to be alone over there. Ellar and I are coming with. It’s not like we’re throwing you into a pit and saying good luck.”

“Feels that way,” she murmurs, walking ahead. “If it’s going to turn out like last time then I want to go on a quest. It doesn’t really matter what it is as long as I get to throw some spells around and keep myself busy.”

“If it turns out like last time, then sure.”

I watch as the two walk side by side and for the first time in a while, I realize the gap between us. I know Iris, and I know Elis, but they’ve known each other for much longer than I have. Iris’ troubles, Elis’ troubles, they’ve shared it with each other and I, am just tagging along.

“Hey,” Elis waves, “Don’t fall behind El!”

I pull my scarf up and breathe into it. I’m being silly. “W-wait for me!”

----------------------------------------------------

The little girl looked at the book in her mother’s hands. The mother turned over the cover and pointed at the picture. The girl’s eyes brightened as she became entranced by it. A man with dozens of people behind him, held a short sword and a piece of paper with dozens of x’s on it.

“What are those,” the little girl asked.

“They are marks to show where he has been,” she said, pointing to the man. “This is a story about him. He’s an adventurer. He someone who explores the world with his friends. People he’s met along the way.”

“Adventurer…” the word felt foreign on the girl’s tongue. All her adventures were inside the house and she was still so curious about everything inside. She had never thought about what the world was like nor what a friend was.

Her mother turned the page and began reading.