“Ahhh, the port. What a festering shit hole. So many goods flow through here so you’d think that the government would invest more money in cleaning it up. But no, aside from making the most gilded harbor facilities this side of the world, the port district is little more than an unregulated mess where most of the redcloaks turn a blind eye unless you fuck with cargo. Then? Then you find your friends, family, conspirators and organisation completely reamed in the ass. Fun times.”

- Harsh’thar Claw, Fmr. Crime Boss, “Interview Response on Inequality of the Port District”

When Sophie walked into the inn, there was a moment of tension as the innkeeper and a few patrons eyed her warily. However, their doubts seemed to turn to amusement when she simply slumped onto an empty seat and held up two fingers.

“Food and a drink please. Refreshing, preferably.” Sophie had uttered.

That at the very least, earned her a soft chuckle and the innkeeper clapped his hands together.

“Refreshing drink, coming right up.”

His simple words diffused what little tension there was and the merry atmosphere was restored once more. Sophie rested her head against the worn out wooden counter and just sighed heavily, her mind still racing with a million different thoughts. Her ears wiggled slightly, and perhaps in a valiant attempt to distract her, strained themselves to listen to the bardic song currently being played on a stage on the far side.

“No matter ~ where they went,

Only darkness awaited them.

From above ~ they’ve come so far,

But below they still go.

Down by the ancient ruins,

Of a long forgotten past.

Our heroes they, shoulder the burden,

To extinguish old foes ~ at long long last.

Down by the ancient ruins!

In the highborn’s mighty halls.

Our heroes they, fight for freedom,

Braving the depths to defend us all!”

The bard sang as he strummed at his lute, accompanied by the beating of drum and a flute. Patrons clapped as they swayed along to the music and Sophie found herself relaxing to the ballad. It was a song she didn’t recognise, but then again, she never really got the chance to hear many bardic performances that weren’t just the average ass kissing melody performed during polite or noble occasions. There was something far more raw and gritty about the bard’s voice, more emotional depth than just the unadulterated enthusiasm that usually came in courtly music.

“So the monster ~ flew from its cage,

A fire burning in its eye.

Death and destruction ~ left in its wake!

The fires of war burn hot once more.

Down by the ancient ruins,

Where monsters unknown yet still dwell,

Our heroes they, will overcome,

To defeat this menace and keep us well.”

The bard continued, this time joined by an echo from some of the patrons. A soft sliding of bowl and glass on wood roused Sophie to attention. Her beleaguered form turned to find a meaty looking stew and a bubbly glass next to her.

“That’d be six cooper, unless there’d be something else you need?” The innkeeper flashed a hearty smile.

“Uhhh,” Sophie reached for her coins and then paused, “How much for a spare room and a bath?”

The man looked perplexed for a moment before he guffawed, “A room and a bath? Here?! This hour of the day?! By the Goddess you are definitely out of place.” He laughed. His expression softened after seeing that she was somewhat serious. “Well I suppose I can arrange that. Room wise, we have one small corner room for five sliver a night. The bath thing… is…. Let’s say also five silver? It’ll take a bit to arrange though. Tis usually a morning thing, ya see. ”

“Uhh that’s fine, I suppose. Do you have change?” Sophie asked as she slid the troublesome golden arte onto the table, the small coin only a little scuffed from earlier.

The innkeeper looked at her incredulously before shaking his head, “Aye… I suppose I have change, this time.” He emphasized with a disappointed sigh. “That’ll be ten silver and six copper… d’ya wanna buy minstrels a round so I can up your tab to eleven silver? Makes it easier to sort out the coins.”

Sophie shrugged and nodded, eliciting another sigh from the man.

“Listen lassie, next time, remember this is the port district aye? We cater to the men and women who work the ships and the docks, folk quite unlike yourself. So if you’re gonna travel the city, try to bring some smaller coins, aye? I won’t be making exchanges like this again.” He wagged his finger accusingly.

“Sorry, sir. Err, sorry.” Sophie nodded.

“Tch, ease up. This is a tavern, not your stuffy classrooms.” He hooted as he headed to count out the change.

Sophie grimaced at the accusation but acknowledged it in stride. Taking a few spoonfuls of the stew she came to the conclusion that this was, in fact, food. Not overly tasty, but serviceable food. Heh, how quaint.

The innkeeper returned with 89 silver artes and gave her a curt nod. The display caught the attention of nearby patrons who just stared in the pile with wonder as Sophie scooped all of it up before depositing most of it in her knapsack, the poor thing positively bulging with coins now. A few impressed whistles and suddenly Sophie felt the unwelcome attention heaped upon her, or rather her belongings. Shaking off the uncomfortable feeling, she dug into her meal, taking sips from the strangely fruity frothy drink. She licked her lips in contentment, not exactly loving the flavors but just satisfied in obtaining sustenance without trouble. Her eyes darted down to her free hand, the appendage still clenching and unclenching itself periodically as adrenaline continued to wear off. By the stars, I just beat up a bunch of beggars. That’s not what any of my training is supposed to be for. Goddess preserve me.

She took in the mood of the tavern, admiring the jovial nature of her surroundings and the slightly excessive amount of marine paraphernalia on display. Fishes, fishing rods, trophies, and even a naked replica of a mermaid dotted the walls. Though the mermaid was twisted around a nondescript looking fisherman, the display the likely origin of the tavern’s name. How surprisingly literal.

“Wotss an you type doing ‘ere?” Someone slurred to her right.

Startled, Sophie turned to find a rather large looking man squinting at her, his face clearly inebriated and his body reeking of alcohol.

“Uhhh…” The hells did he even say?

“Isssah wotss type doing?” He swayed uneasily, “Yousa have dem bishops.”

“Err… pardon?”

“Bissshoop.” He drawled.

Sophie’s blank expression thankfully spurred the man’s companion into action, a petite young woman who sheepishly tugged at the large man before nervously grinning at Sophie.

“S-sorry. He’s a bit out of it right now.” She apologized.

“Yeah… I can see-”

“Bishop.” The man declared louder.

“I guess?” Sophie raised an eyebrow.

The woman seemed unsure until she watched his hands perform some sort of gesture, her face lighting up with understanding at once.

“I’m so, so, sorry about him.”

“Yeah… no worries. And uhh, Bishop? Is that his name?” Sophie leaned a little further away.

“Ahh, no, no! He means… you know.” She gestured at her ears, “Yours are like the pointy hats the bishops wear.”

Sophie’s eyes widened at the revelation, her mind quickly picturing herself wearing two little ceremonial hats on her ears. Unsure if she should be offended or not, she was at least amused at the image in her mind. She snickered slightly and just smiled back at the two of them. “Fair enough.”

“Hah! Bishop.” The man beamed, “Pretty bish-oof!” He tried to say as his friend aggressively poked his belly.

“Sorry, he’s drunk as the hells below." The woman growled at the man, "My apologies… miss?”

“Huh? Me? It’s fine, really. I’m Sophie, nice to meet you.”

“The big guy’s Ross, I’m Hilda, nice to meet you too.”

Sophie flinched slightly, her reaction prompting a look of concern from the other.

“You alright? I’m sorry if he’s a bit too drunk to be… normal.”

“Y-y-yeah, that’s fine.” Sophie tried to feign a smile. Hilda? Fuck… why must she have the same name. I’ll never scrub that association out of my head. Stars above, just thinking about that crone makes my head spin. “You uhh, you guys here often?”

Hilda, thankfully not that one, pursed her lips and frowned before grinning, “Wouldn’t exactly say regulars, though I guess you could say we’re here decently enough that old Boris can remember us.” She gestured at the innkeeper.

The portly bearded man jokingly scowled and slid Sophie two keys. “I’m not that old. Also, this one for room, this one for the bath.”

“Thanks.”

“And don’t listen to these two hucksters. Adventurers are all the same at the end of the day. Rash, too young, and just a little bit dim.” He whispered conspiratorially.

“That’s not very nice.” Hilda tutted back.

“Yeah, sure. Whatever you say. Just try not to scare off my new patron here. She’s a ‘spending’ customer unlike you two.” Boris snorted.

“Hey! We pay our tabs!”

“Yeah, after a month.” He chuckled throatily, “Maybe regale her with some of your adventures, you sure blabber to me more than enough.”

“Oi, oi. This feels more personal now. ‘Sides, you enjoy them well enough.”

“Mmhmm, just make sure you also add that you almost fail half the time.”

“Hey! Now that one was definitely uncalled for.”

The two bickered and Sophie found herself smiling along, enjoying the mood even more when the innkeeper gave her a small thumbs up. “Feeling better?”

“Eh?”

“You feeling alright lass? You looked right of your wits when you shuffled in.”

“Umm… heh, yeah. I guess I do feel better.”

“Good, good. Welcome to the Mermaid’s Twist, properly, this time. Your room is on the second floor, far left corner. Baths are outback on the other side of here. Got it?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Heh, enjoy your meal.” He smirked as he walked away.

Sophie nodded absently before gazing at Hilda and Ross, finally taking note of how they seemed to be wearing clothing that suggested some level of combat protection. Boots, leather jerkin, padded shirts and belts bristling with clips and pouches. Though they had no armor pieces on, they could still enter a fight and be protected, at least Hilda would. Ross still appeared a bit too inebriated for much of anything, giggling at the word bishop over and over.

“So uhh… you two adventures?” Sophie asked.

At that, Hilda’s eyes beamed with something fierce that made Sophie flinch. Oh no.

“Ohh, you curious? I mean you must be given that you’re here of all places and still in uniform.” Hilda giggled, “But yes! We are in fact, Bronze Rank Group Abyssal Bastion!”

Sophie tried her hardest not to let her stupefied expression show. Abyssal Bastion? Are you sure you guys are adventurers? “O-oh, really? That’s uhh… a very unique name.”

“Hah! See Ross, everyone tries to be nice when I say it!”

“Heh, nice bishop.”

“Tsk. But if you’re curious, it just sounds pretty cool doesn’t it?”

“I… I guess?”

“It’s actually Martin’s idea. He and Ollie came up with that on the spot when we registered. Wanted something catch. Ah, right, you wouldn't know! That’s the main singer and the girl playing the flute. They help earn us room and board.” Hilda sheepishly grinned.

“Huh… cool.” Sophie nodded, “Mind… mind telling me about you guys?”

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

“Oh boy, hear that Ross? Someone wants to know!”

“Knooow.”

“Well…” Hilda eagerly began.

Sophie felt every muscle finally loosen up when she flopped onto her bed, her hair wrapped in a towel. Sorry Ary, guess I’m not coming back today. She sighed at the distressing thought but let the moment take her, a small downcast if somewhat satisfied expression on her face. Though the day’s experiences were almost all disappointing if downright distressing, the past two hours brought her back to her childhood.

Hearing Hilda rave about their party’s exploits before eventually being joined by Martin and Ollie’s storytelling skills. Sophie could almost picture herself in their little moments, the wind whipping across her face as she set off on another grand adventure. She soaked in every little detail; their exploits in dungeoneering and dealing with the monsters that still lurked in those ruins; tackling farm pests that turned out to be an errant goblin tribe; and even performing at a Zephyran noble’s mansion after they bluffed a little too well on a contract. How enviable. She could almost picture herself as if she was sitting back in Eva’s room, leaning against her mistress as they chewed through countless tales of adventure together, fantasising about how they would play the roles of the heroes. Ahh… Eva… what do I even… fuck. Sophie’s shoulders sagged and she groaned. Silly me.

Sophie tried to think about the adventurers again, about their stories when she suddenly bolted upright. They’ve delved into quite a few ruins before, even if mostly when paired with higher ranking parties. Stupid Sophie, I could’ve asked them about any Myndiri ruins, if they’ve ever seen anything strange like the crystals. Argh. Sophie rubbed the tips of her ears in annoyance, too many things on my mind these days. She beat her fists into the bed only to pause, blinking at the sudden frustration in her mind. Why do I worry about all these things now?! Couldn’t have just… she sighed despondently, couldn’t have just let me enjoy the peaceful days a little bit more?

Thankfully, she could feel the last of the adrenaline finally fade from her body, and her relaxed muscles slowly grew weary as they were finally released from their obligations. Exhausted, she dabbed a finger to make sure her hair was mostly dry and removed the towel, letting it flow down to her shoulders. Need to cut it at some point. Heh. Wonder what Ary will think. She grinned at the pleasant thought, though they hadn’t known each other for long, she felt a small sense of kinship with the shy girl. They were both a little odd in their own ways, outcasts too at that. Though Sophie was determined to continue supporting the girl in whatever way she could.

Her light heartedness was short lived however, as her mind slowly descended into a deepening spiral, her exhausted body unable to resist the allure of self doubt. She knew that the desire to protect was personal, spinning from not just from her own upbringing, but from Mila’s too. She briefly wondered what had happened to the apprentice inquisitor, what Mila might be up to now on the hunt for Annalise. Goddess… what a mess. Not only that, but she started remembering every moment of her time spent in the void’s hellscape. Of the moments she was torn apart and skewered, of the creatures that lurked in the darkness. She also remembered what she had seen back there, what the Entity had shown her. The dark knights and their cruelty, and somehow of Mila’s past. Of her elder sister’s desperate attempt to draw attention away, and of the aftermath. Bastards.

With a final tired grunt, Sophie felt her eyelids slowly fall and clasped her hands together. Sorry I couldn’t protect you too. Or you, Anna. I’m sorry I was so weak. I wish… I wish I could help the two of you. I hope everything fine. May you both be blessed by the stars. Sophie felt her chest tighten up, her breathing growing shallower as one last pray had to be made. And Riza, if you're still out there somewhere, I'm sorry for failing you. Forgive me. Everyone else who I also let down... I'm sorry. May the stars guide your way.

Morning lifted the chill over Arteria by a few degrees and Sophie's mood as well. She had been quietly eating breakfast alone when the half hungover half sober adventurers had entered the main room, inviting her to dine with them. Seeing as she had nothing better to do than wait two hours for the ferry, she agreed and joined them. Most of it was small talk and more elaborating on jobs that the party had completed before. But in the middle of it, she did catch onto one tiny little tidbit. A newly excavated ruin after some poor company or another tried to make a new quarry. Hearing this, Sophie’s ears perked up as her mind started to throw a small scheme into action. The first piece of the puzzle would be the guild hall. With that in mind, she tagged along as they made their way back up to the 'safer' parts of the city.

“Welcome to the guild. How can I help you?” A receptionist asked the party, half heartedly acknowledging them as they entered. “Early today.”

“Heh, need to sober up the big lug, figured some walking would do him good.” Hilda patted Ross on the back, “Idiot over here kept going for the whole night.”

The staffer shook his head, “Just make sure he doesn’t break anything this time. Anyway, what’s up?”

“We’re going to look for quests. As usual.” Martin answered, receiving a small nod in return.

The party flashed the staffer their guild tags, and with barely a glance spared at each of them, he waved them through before stopping at Sophie.

“This one?”

“She’s with us.”

The staffer squinted intently at her, examining her from heed to toe before grunting. “Alright, please proceed then. Next!’

Sophie scuttled through and joined the others, heading over to the job board where more than a few early birds were also crowded around. While the party hummed and hawed over the different commissions on display, Sophie slinked under a few other adventurers to get right up to the board. At first she almost wanted to grab a commission for herself, amused at some of the lower level ones. Her eyes however, eventually lingered on a singular flier: Escort Required - Sliver Rank or Above - Dispatch to ruin ‘Saclia Ursjorn’ in The Singing Woods on 29th of Caeus - Cooperation with Pathfinders, Exploration Guild, and Arterian Academy Department of History expected - Speak to guild staff for instructions. Sophie’s eyes were drawn to the last of the groups, the Academy.

Despite the glimmer of information, she frowned. She wasn’t an official part of the history department yet and she somehow doubted that she could just sign up for the group. Still, it was a lead and one that she could try to pry more out of. Hopefully the ruin would hold a plethora of artifacts that might shed some clues on her questions about the crystals. Alternatively, she could always just try to break into the main tower on campus, however, that might mean a quick expulsion from the Academy and she wasn't exactly keen on pursuing that route quite yet. Either way, she was satisfied with her foray to the guild. She had gained a name, a place, a time, and a potential idea. Hearing the distant ringing of a clocktower’s hour bell, she bid a quick goodbye to the others and wished them good luck on their adventures.

When she finally exited the building, she felt a renewed sense of purpose creeping up on her. Learn about the Myndiri, touch the crystal, and survive the Academy. She chuckled to herself at the thought, amused at how overly simplistic she had rationalised everything. Just gotta ignore how messy my emotions are when everything's all mixed up, heh. Sneaking a glance at a clock tower, she reasoned that she had a bit under an hour before the ferry arrived. Might even make it back in time for lunch. Should probably get a souvenir for Ary though, she’s probably a little bit pissed that I just didn’t come back. Maybe... a book would be nice.