A Knight's Lilies

“The great conclaves of the land function not only as schools of magical study where research and development of spells and spell theory may happen. They also act as powerful regulators for the practice of magic across civilized lands. While the enforcement of stricter standards in accordance with the Astral Church may cause some resentment amongst some of the more experimental mages. The truth is that those same regulations are what ensure the amount of magical disasters since the “Stellar Twilight” continue to remain mercifully low.”

- Magos Weslard Hoffman, Mage of the Silver Gold Tower, “Introduction To Mage’s Guild, Mage Towers, And Magical Societies”

Aryana groaned as she leaned against Sigrid’s arm, clutching onto it for stability as the fuzzy world around her slowly took shape. Her ears were ringing but there was nothing she could do. She nursed her nose as she panted for air, the result of a missed dagger swing only to end up with an elbow to the face.

Her eyes slowly regained focus, the blue shine of something magical blocking the two of them. A sweet but spicy scent entered her nostrils mixed with the metallic iron from the trickle of blood running down and past her mouth.

In front of her, Sigrid used one arm to steady her whilst the other was raised with the shield. A fierce almost shark-like snarl rested on her face. Strands of wavy brown hair fluttered with arcane energy, the mermaid letting out a low growl as she drew water forth from nearby market stalls and a well to form the shield.

Past the mermaid’s feet, a hood corpse lay with a gaping hole where their chest was. Small strands of flesh and bone were now intertwined by shrapnel and metallic bits. The same projectiles she had briefly been able to glimpse back in Kaz Druzara.

A gentle warmth emanated from the top of her head, the pain in her nose slowly subsiding. Turning her gaze towards the heavens, Yana rested both her tiny hands atop Ary’s head, her tiny palms glowing with energy. Sensing her recovery, the faerie paused and let out what Ary assumed was a relieved sigh.

Dull yelling echoed from around them, Ary’s hearing still too impaired to properly make out the sounds. Yana spun to the side to focus on something, prompting Ary to do the same. A soft pounding headache nearly made her fall over, alarming both fae and mermaid as they turned to her. Trying to give them what she hoped a half hearted grunt of reassurance, she instead descended into a coughing fit

Gruff voices began calling out as something once again drew the fae’s attention. Gaining enough wherewithal to recover a little, Ary turned to find two cloaked dwarves wielding long sticks with mechanisms and a small sword built onto one end of them. One of the bearded warriors turned to the trio and hastily mimed plugging their ears, something the other two complied with at once. Ary weakly moved to shield herself when she witnessed magic of a different kind.

Clockwork clicked into place as the dwarven weapon’s mechanisms all moved. A thunderous boom and a brillant smoky flash followed, the dwarf being shifted slightly backwards by the blast. The attacker was there one moment, then a large hole appeared where clothing and flesh once was. A second blast made Ary feel physical pain from the vicious roar, wincing at the noise that she could clearly hear inspite of the ringing. Now, whatever was once there was no more, the attacker’s head had exploded, popped like it was but a slightly tough grape.

Sigrid then turned around and used her arm to nudge Ary backwards. Ary nodded, still a little dazed. Yana flew on ahead, her small figure motioning for Ary to follow.

Past the now cleared market counter, Karzan’s burly form gestured desperately for Ary to hurry along. His still smoking boomstick looked a little dirted after having blasted away the first of the attackers. Only now did Ary finally start coming to her senses, the day’s events flooding back as she retreated under Sigrid’s protecton.

Arteria was in chaos. Two large explosions south of the market first frew the group’s attention. Then the sharp movement of feet pulled their attention away from the impending disaster, only for a cowled figure to try and strike out at Ary.

As she collapsed from the blow, a terrific boom clouded her vision. Karzan had pulled out a dwarven boomstick and sent the assailant flying backwards. Reeling from the attack, Ary had rested on the ground while the world around her descended into chaos. A half dozen assailents had surrounded them only to be themselves suprirsed by the appearance of the two cloaked dwarven warriors aiding Karzan. Eva herself had bounded forward somewhere to engage the attackers whilst Sigrid protected Ary. Then she blacked out. And now…

“This way!” Eva’s voice carried through the chaos around them, “Sir Karzan! I’ve cleared the way!”

Without giving her much time to react, Ary felt Sigrid and Karzan practically drag her forward.

Behind his usual stall, they found Eva breathing heavily as one of the attackers lay injured and bleeding. A third dwarven warrior stood guard over him as the older girl beckoned the group forward.

“It was this way, right?” Eva asked, relief evident across her face as she caught sight of Ary, however much she was swaying right now.

“Aye, aye.” The dwarf bellowed back.

Around them, the market was in turmoil as sellers and buyers alike fled from the masked attackers. Perhaps even more so when the dwarven clockwork boomsticks had been fired, their thunderous roars echoing like a challenge against the Goddess herself.

“Lassie, hurry up! Take ‘er arm, quick!” Karzan barked some orders towards the group.

Though Ary did not know how kindly Sigrid took to his tone. She did follow his instruction and tightly wrapped Ary in order to forcibly lift her and transport her.

With the ringing in her ears coming to a low drone instead, she could finally hear the soft trills of concern coming from Sigrid.

“I’m fine.” Ary managed to mutter.

Sigrid chirped in relief but did not let go. Yana fluttered above them, keeping an eye on any movement around them.

Ary did not know how much time had passed since the initial explosion. Only now, she coud hear bells tolling loudly all around. She remembered that someone had once mentioned they marked the sign that the city was in danger. Turning her head to look behind them and sighting the smoke trailing upwards from somewhere to the south, she could understand why.

“Over here, ye fat bastard. Thems coming wit’ you?” A gruff dwarven voice called out from somewhere.

“Aye! Aye! Make feckin room ye soddin bastards!” Karzan shouted back.

Two more dwarven warriors surged forth from amongst the crowd. Though unlike the cloaked warriors, these ones were clad from head to toe in full plate, shields at the ready as they moved to the party’s flanks.

One more warrior, in plainclothes much like Karzan himself, approached them from the front.

“Then speed it up! Ain’t gonna wait if yer slow!” The other dwarf barked.

Eva and Karzan led the way as the rest of them followed. Down a backstreet and passing a few alleyways, the party was then rejoined by the rest of the dwarves, whether by roof or by foot. Wordlessly following them now that Ary was well enough to walk on her own two feet. They moved quickly past beggars, crowds and other panicked peoples until they reached what looked to be any ordinary door.

The only distinctive factor appeared to be runes carved onto the walls, cleverly hidden behind worn down crates and boxes, but fading under the exposure to sunlight. The dwarves expertly took up defensive positions around the alleyway, the other plainclothed dwarf reciting an incantation under his breath. The ordinary wooden door creaked open to reveal a solid stone wall underneath with a clockwork handle. Spinning it, the wall opened up to a set of stairs headed downwards.

“Hurry then. Explain after this, aye?” The dwarf beckoned.

“Aye. This way ladies.” Karzan drove the group forward.

With a collective nod, the group made their way into the stairway. Descending it, they passed by countless lanterns, all connected by mechanical fixtures.

Reaching one last doorway, the other dwarf tugged on a handle and pushed it open, ushering the party into a small ampitheather like room.

Stacks of crates and supplies created narrow little pathways. The mural of something that had long since faded in places decorated the floor. A small handful of other dwarves hurried about their business, only momentarily stopping to glance at the strange new arrivals. Their gruff bellows and the smell of booze acted as a stark contrast to disorder outside. The strange yet small sanctuary not meant for the eyes the likes of her.

Ary felt her muscles weaken after the strenuous exertion. Her legs wobbled and she felt them go limp. Thankfully, both Sigrid and Eva noticed in time to hold her back up, the two casting a concerned glance at her. Ary smiled tiredly when the boom of dwarven voices was finally directed at the party.

“Well, well.” A far deeper and gravelly voice cut through the din. “Quite a strange entourage ye brought back.”

A well dressed dwarf with colourful and puffy sleeves walked over towards them, the other dwarves moving aside to open up a path. Both Karzan and the plain-clothed dwarf dipped their heads in a sign of respect. The new dwarf had his beard tied into six braids overlapping the rest of his hair, signs of greying occasionally streaking through. He carried an authoratative yet gentle gaze, his amusement at the party’s arrival clearly written upon the wry grin on his face.

“Stonekeeper, my apologies. We were attacked in the markets.” Karzan spoke to the dwarf.

“Mmm.” The older dwarf grunted, “We could feel the rumbling from here. Something went up in flames, I reckon.”

“Aye, something on the south side. Plume as ‘igh as the clouds.” The plainclothes dwarf joined in/

“Then a buncha fools and bastards ‘sided to attack my customers.” Karzan added.

“We apologize for the intrusion, master dwarf. We happened to be in the wrong place, wrong time.” Eva hurriedly chimed in.

“Heh.” The old dwarf chuckled, holding up his hands, “No need to justify. Any friend of a stonefriend is a welcome guest here.” He smirked at the party.

Shocked, the girl stared back curiously which just made the dwarf nod knowingly.

“Come now. Yer a friend of the stonefriend. And having one of those announcing themselves at a public hearing, heh. Doesn’t happen much often. So of course someone kept a… lookout.”

A few nearby dwarfs let out soft snickers as well.

“Then let me try again… pardon the unannounced intrusion.” Eva restated her point, dipping into a small bow.

“Of course. You are welcome in these halls, sparse as they might be right now.” He gestured at the boxes around them before frowning at Karzan.

“Stonekeeper?” Karzan queried.

“They are our guests, Karz, see to temporary accommodations. Once everyone’s settled, I expect that there’d be an interesting tale to follow. If you folks don’t mind.” He smiled warmly at the party.

“Of course. That wouldn’t be a problem at all.” Eva answered for the group.

“Splendid. Then let me officially welcome you to Kaz Erkan, our little ‘hall of light’.”

Kaz Erkan was very much its namesake. Dozens of mechanical lanterns and lights lit up the surprisingly connected tunnels and basements of wherever this area of Arteria might be. Unlike the grand halls of Kaz Druzara however, most of the walls were decorated by simple or downright crude runes, sketches, and trophies without much elegance to be found. It embraced the ethos of Arteria, the city of commerce and the need to be efficient.

Having recovered enough to stay on her feet for extended duration, she now couldn’t help but worry about Sophie. Inspite of the change of environment, Ary knew what the constant aches and pains meant. Her partner had run into trouble, and once more, there was nothing she could do. Yana had commenced the healing rituals necessary to dull the connection, but she could still feel it in the back of her head. Buried, but not gone. At the very least, the scattered bouts of pain was a reminder that Sophie still lived and fought, wherever she was.

Walking outside of her room to meet the other two, Ary turned to more sullen than usual fae that fluttered over her. In place of the usual quips or rhymes, Yana had grown far more serious and dour as of late. Ary couldn’t ascertain why the fae was acting like such. All she could do was offer her support by coaxing Yana back atop her head, giving her wings a much needed break. At least, Ary assumed that flying would be tiring.

Whatever the case, she let out a restrained yawn, trying not to draw much attention to herself. But it was too late, Sigrid peered around a corner to stare at her, a warm smile on the mermaid’s face. Touched by the gesture, Ary smiled back. The mermaid then popped back around the corner, her eager trilling sounding more like a melodic song that was pleasing to the ear.

“Ary!” Eva’s voice echoed from around the corner.

Before she could even take in the situation, a relieved looking Eva bounded the corner and wrapped her in a hug. Miffed that she was left out, the mermaid clambered over to envelop both of them in a hug, prompting a small round of giggling from the two girls.

“So much rattling! A dwarf awaits your prattling.” Yana complained from above them.

Amused by the pouting faerie but in agreement, they began the journey back towards the main hall.

Busy dwarves continued to mill about, a few giving them nods of acknowledgment now that they had been welcomed by the old dwarf. Warriors and commoners alike worked tirelessly to move supplies around, more than one or two carrying crates the size of their bodies. They gave an air of jovialness to the strange clan. They were relatively unaffected by the outside world, or tried to give the impression of. Though Ary did notice the ever present presence of dwarven warriors, far more than she had expected to see outside of Arteria’s dwarven quarter.

A dark thought crossed her mind. She knew that Sophia, Maylesa and Thalnor were near the elven quarter. If the explosion we saw was near them… she clapsed her hands together, mighty spirits of the land, see to the safety of the innocent and the kin. Her thoughts then turned to Elaria and Raylani, the two were inseparable most of the time. Raylani herself was a former gladiatrice and purportedly assassin or killer back in the deep. Though Ary couldn’t confirm it, she had little doubts with the way the dark elf acted. They were both excellent combatants, or so she assumed but even then, may the spirits of the soil allow their feet to tread softly.

Something was definitely happening, something big. And though she had neither the insight or foresight of Sophie or the others, she still wanted to prepare. But how? All I can do is-

Her thoughts were distracted by the mermaid that appeared in front of her. Or rather, it had gotten in front of her and was now gesturing towards a room, signalling her to go inside. Obliging the creature, she flashed a quick smile before following her in.

A large stone table draped with ornate cloths greeted her. At the head of the table sat the old dwarf. Flanking him were two equally well dressed dwarves, while Karzan, the plainclothes, and two warriors were surrounding the rest of the table. Near the entrance, three chairs were prepared, likely for the party.

As the party sat down and Yana nestled herself back into Ary’s pocket. She could tell that the dwarves had clearly noticed something had happened, but sensing that it wasn’t malicious had simply chosen to ignore it for now. It was relatively relieving, but it also allowed her to ascertain that they too, had some level of magic sense despite only using runes for casting instead of incantations or rituals.

An attendant carefully put out several cups, the older dwarf giving him a shake of the head before pointing at a separate pot. Nodding, the attendant shuffled over and returned, pouring out a strange earthen looking liquid for everyone in the room.

“Please. Help yourselves, a herbal tea that can calm the nerves.” The old dwarf’s gruff voice welcomed his guests.

“Thank you, sir.” Eva politely bobbed her head.

Taking the cue, Ary snuck in a small sip. Finding expected bitterness but also a decent amount of sweetness, the surprise on her face making the mermaid beside her trill in amusement. The display made the old dwarf smile warmly at them, the elder letting out a satisfied huff before motioning towards the party.

“My name is Stonekeeper Orthon Greenaxe, keeper of Kaz Ekran, the hall of light under Arteria. Welcome, outsiders, to our humble abode.” The dwarf stood up and bowed, the jingle of his little trinkets and runes anything but humble, “This is keeper Fasil and Greyhand, they will serve as witnesses to your story alongside me.”

Eva stood up and crossed one arm across her chest before bowing, both Ary and Sigrid too off guard to follow, left to awkwardly stare at the older girl.

“Of course. Many thanks to your kind welcome, stonekeeper. I am Lady… I am Evaline Rosengart, student of the Academy of Arteria. This is Sigrid, she is a student and… mage of foreign origin and mute. That one is Aryana Frostfyre, also a student.”

“A pleasure.”

“Likewise honored keeper. Many thanks for taking us in despite the troubles above.”

“Ahh.” Keeper Orthon sighed, “The troubles.” He stroked his beard braids, “Tell me. What do you think happened, Mrs. Rosengart.”

“Very well.” Eva smiled at the other two, the two simply bobbing their heads in agreement.

As the others began the discussions, Ary zoned out. Her mind travelled to problems beyond that of the current sphere. She had agreed to meet with Tristan and Galen at some point. Or rather, they would collect her to perform a ritual to remove whatever clan spirit resided inside her. Yet, it hasn't happened yet, and more than that, she had her own reservations. For one, she didn’t like nor forgive Galen for the suffering he had put her through during her youth. Allowing them to perform the ritual seemed like a surrender, a handing over of power to him. If anything, she’d rather have it passed onto Sophie. Her partner had likely been draining it whenever she got grievously injured. That’s what she theorized anyway.

She returned to the material world, drawn out of her mind. Her sights set on Sigrid. The mermaid was likely privy to a bevry of arcane rituals and even more elemental connection to the land than most. But somehow, she doubted that the mermaid would know how to solve her problems. Eva was much the same, perhaps even more so with her lack of proper arcane training.

In a bout of insight, she remembered how the dwarves had noticed traces of Yana though perhaps not perceiving her true form. Of course, they can sense magic too. And they have runic spells in lieu of normal spell casting. A curious idea slowly started taking shape even against the backdrop of the current crisis above ground. If they could help... would this help Sophie?