“... the Basinfolk of the Trannoire region are labelled as such, but in reality are formed up of multiple different tribal identities before being subsumed by a now, incredibly varied mix of people all called ‘Basinfolk’. One oft cited example is that of the Kynnersgrupe or Kynsmen. For they did not originally inhabit the regions of Kynesfort or Old Kyne, but were rather a steppe people that ruled over what is now termed the ‘Barren Lands’ before the area was stricken by the curse of undeath. Thousands of steppe refugees merged with an offshoot of the Tarant Houses to now settle where the fortress city of Kynesfort now rests, becoming a wholly new peoples entirely despite being termed ‘Basinfolk’ by most.”

  - Professor Claude Malinowski, Arterian Academy Department of Anthropology, “Ethnographic Examination Into The Peoples Of The Trannoire Basin”

  Sophie and Lucinia both simply waited patiently to be addressed. Although she found particular amusement in the barely hidden look of fascination in the former princess’s eye. It wasn’t one of wonder or even shock at the inquisitor and her meeting room. Rather, they twinkled with an intensity she hadn’t seen from the traxian in a while. A gaze of deep focus and study, as if she was like a rag trying to soak in everything she could. Then it hit her, of course, she was a former royal, a member of court. She must be intrigued at the inner workings of the inquisition. A study of power at play. Makes sense.

  Meanwhile, the senior inquisitor was busy whispering to both Mila and Philippe, neither of them looking particularly enthused about whatever they were just told. Mila even let out an audible tut for which the senior inquisitor quickly reprimanded her for, much to Philippe’s delight. They discussed a little more in hushed tones before the two saluted the senior inquisitor by making the sign of the stars.

  “Blessed by the stars.” They declared.

  “Blessed by the stars.” She replied, “You’re free to go.” She motioned to Philippe, “Mila, stay a moment.” So she just calls her Mila too. Huh, I'd have imagine it be more formal somehow.

  “Of course, mam.” The two affirmed at the same time.

  With one last hefty salute, Philippe turned to walk away, flashing the waiting duo a light smile.

  “It’ll be a pleasure working with you, mam.” He stated suddenly just as he left.

  Sophie didn’t even have time to ask him what he meant. But judging by the little pout that Mila tried to hide when their gazes met, she suspected that their travel arranges would be changing just a little.

  Her attention was then drawn back to the senior inquisition. With one gentle wave of her hand, any remaining staffers or templar guards quietly exited the room. Sneaking a glance at Lucinia, she could practically see the traces of admiration in her eyes. So the princess still desired power, heh. Maybe some day.

  “Ladies, please. No need to look so tense, we are alone here. Do take a seat and relax a little.” The senior inquisitor now adopting an almost motherly tone.

  Confused but complying, Sophie and Lucinia awkwardly shifted into place, making their way to a map table surrounded by comfy armchairs where the city’s leaders and other officials sat just minutes ago. Delighted by their compliance, the inquisitor snapped her fingers and Mila dutifully shuffled along, wearing a look of embarrassment. Far more than Sophie had ever seen her being at almost anything else.

  “Must be strange not being interrogated first thing upon meeting an official of the Inquisition?” The senior chuckled knowingly at Mila’s expense.

  The girl halfway between more embarrassment and fuming at such a blatant statement.

  “But don’t worry, I’ve already been informed and caught up on the current situation, so you’ll find no enemies here, at least not today.” She winked, “My rank and name is Senior Inquisitor Serilda, and that’s all you need to know for now. But let me extend a formal welcome to Mare’s Berth on behalf of the Astralian Church to both yourselves and your colleagues who are otherwise preoccupied.” She gracefully bowed, somehow still able to exude an increasingly intimidating aura at the same time.

  The duo both stood back up at once, though still a little shaken by the sudden change of mannerisms, Sophie found herself mildly bewildered which allowed for Lucinia to be the first to reply with a regal bow of her own. Sophie then followed with her own practiced gesture, the unfortunate reality of lacking that practice showing when she almost fumbled and trip herself.

  “Lady Lucinia Trax, former princess of Traxia. Now just a student at the Academy of Arteria and provisional adventurer in the Lily Knights.” Lucinia calmly recited a readied greeting.

  “Sophie Kastiane, also a student and party leader for the Lily Knights.” Sophie scrambled to reply.

  “A pleasure to meet you both, though there are better times for that to have happened.” Inquisitor Serilda chuckled, “Though I must offer you thanks for helping this little recluse step into herself more. Something which, I daresay, doesn’t get emphasized enough in this line of work.”

  Mila was now a furious scarlet. She hadn’t said a word yet, but Sophie could already tell what was going through her head. ‘Please stop’.

  “She is a steadfast ally and a good friend.” Sophie offered a meagre crumb, still uncertain of what she should say.

  Inquisitor Serilda arched an eyebrow, almost expectantly so. Sensing an opportunity, Lucinia chimed in as well.

  “She also fares very poorly on boats.” Lucinia delivered the crushing blow.

  Mila looked ready to puke from the statement alone, but Serilda just laughed instead. The older lady let out a fitful little giggle before smiling at the duo.

  “I am glad that she has friends, and I’m certain she holds you both in high esteem as well. Were she not so tongue-tied.” She teased.

  “Mistress, are there not more important matters to discuss?!” Mila finally let out a shrill complaint.

  “On the contrary, this is, in fact the most important thing right now.” Lady Serilda spoke with a far more relaxed tone, “Your path is already decided, the approvals I have granted with some easily explained addendums. The mission is there and your goals in sight. Nothing I say will change that at this point. Rather, I find it far more insightful to take this moment to unwind. Learn more about you and our new allies. You must admit, in our line of work, such quiet moments are quite rare nowadays.”

  “I… you are correct mistress, my apologies.” Mila dipped her head.

  Still looking a bit smug, the older lady then turned her focus back towards the duo.

  “Still, Miss Kastiane, I find it encouraging that you consider Mila here a firm ally and friend. We received your letter a while back, when we were… going through tougher times here. I believe it gave her the strength to press forward. And as her mentor, I offer you my most sincere thanks.” Serilda bowed deeply.

  “Oh. Uhh, it’s alright, really. Myself and the others, we just wanted her to know we were alright.” Sophie hastily answered.

  Lady Serilda chuckled with amusement, her brows quirking up as she find something that caught her interest.

  “If you don’t mind me asking, how does a princess end up with adventurers?”

  There was a hint in her voice that suggested she already knew the answer but wanted one anyways. Lucinia only seemed all too happy to oblige.

  “They save my life. Fought an assassin without me knowing until afterwards. I owed them a debt and before I could repay it, they came to my aid again. Then they offered me a place even after everything, one that I accepted.” Lucinia recounted, “Rather recently to be sure.”

  Sophie held back a frown. She’s being quite succinct here. A lot more happened than that. But I guess it’s a passing grade if we were doing a class presentation, Sophie smiled.

  “My, such a colorful group you’re with.” Lady Serilda teased Mila some more before addressing Sophie, “And I take it there was a bard with you and what is called a ‘Dark Elf’?”

  “Indeed. My sister Elaria Kastiane and her attendant Raylani. According to her, they met somewhere in the Traxian wilderness after a cultist ritual gone wrong.” Sophie tactfully answered without revealing too much.

  “How interesting indeed. Though a shame that the elf isn’t here with us. Even I have to admit that I’ve been curious about her presence. Ah, what about your other comrades? I've been informed that there were more than just three in your company.”

  “Our other members are currently helping uh, uh, my partner with an issue on her end.”

  “Ahh, of course.” Serilda murmured as she tapped the map table knowingly, “I’ve read the reports, a lady called Aryana, I believe.”

  “That is correct.”

  If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

  “Whatever it may be, let me offer my blessings to her for success.”

  “Thank you, my lady.”

  “Please, you’re making me sound far older than I am.” She chuckled

  “Sorry.” Sophie quickly tried to bow.

  “I jest, I jest. Lady Serilda will do. If you must.” The Inquisitor grinned.

  “Of course, Lady Serilda.”

  “Hah! So polite.”

  Inquisitor Serilda then gazed over the map table, prompting the others to draw their attention to it as well.

  It was a recreation of Gratia, with little blocks representing the countless different cities and smaller blocks for villages or towns.

  “War is such an ugly business, don’t you think?” Serilda posed the question.

  “Yes it is.” Lucinia answered without hesitation, surprising even the senior inquisitor a little.

  “My, my. How forceful.” The inquisitor tried to regain her composure.

  “It was why my father disowned me. But I stand by my stance. However childish it might seem.” Lucinia resolutely declared, “I apolgoize if that was a little too forward.”

  Sophie’s eyes widened, even Mila looked somewhat stunned. For the senior inquisitor’s playful facade seemed to slip, an almost sorrowful yet venerating expression replacing it. She met Lucinia’s gaze with an unexpected amount of solemn, not replying and letting the former princess’s words hang in the air.

  Lucinia squirmed a little, wondering if she had said something wrong. Then the inquisitor spoke. And for the first time since meeting her, she could hear almost every emotion in Lady Serilda’s voice.

  “Lady Lucinia. Understand…” She paused, weighing her words carefully, “understand that whatever the situation might be with you, I hope your determination never fades. For yes, though it might be a childish and impractical view given our understanding of human nature and behaviors. As evidence in the world continues to say otherwise. Know that I truly wish you all the best. For I think that the world would be a far kinder place should we live in an era where your belief would be celebrated rather than ostracized. So… curious as it might sound coming from someone like me. Your ideals, hold onto... hold onto them well.”

  This sudden display of vulnerability seemed to hit the traxian deeply. Sophie could detect a small hint of true pride, done without performance or desire for acceptance. She also sawn in Lucinia a renewed fire in her eyes, the shock and joy that came from someone like Lady Serilda voicing her support. A gesture that was meaningless in the greater game of power and politics, but one that was delivered with utter sincerity.

  Lucinia didn’t know how to react. The princess at a brief loss of words before offering the lady a thin smile.

  “That was my intention.” She replied softly.

  Inquisitor Serilda nodded appreciatively, a flash on contentment crossing her face. Then, just as quickly as the mood had settled, the inquisitor took in a deep breath and reorientated herself, the almost whimsically serious version of her returning.

  “Mistress…” Mila quietly queried, the girl still not quite able to discern what had just happened.

  “Did you know that all the acolytes under my charge are orphans, or something of the sort?” Lady Serilda spoke to Sophie.

  “Like Mila?”

  “Aye. Like her.” She smiled fondly at the girl in question, who quickly retreated in embarrassment once more, “A cruel practice to some, granted. But all of them, victims and survivors of the darkness that we struggle to fight everyday. And I strive to give them the power to hold their heads high, to change the world for the better, instilled with proper morals, like Mila here.” She grimly chuckled.

  “Madam.” Mila whined.

  Lady Serilda paused then let out a quick laugh.

  “Alright, alright, I’ll stop. But what I’m trying to tell you is that war makes for cruel realities. And that I do find your goal admirable.”

  “Thank you, Lady Serilda.” Lucinia bowed.

  Sophie bowed alongside her on instinct.

  “And you.” Lady Serilda refocused her attention on Sophie, “A strange little child, yet so intertwined in things you don’t even know about.”

  “Huh?” Sophie let out a questioning squeak.

  “Don’t worry. From what I’ve heard you’ve a kind if troubled soul. Or rather, troublesome soul depending on you ask." She chuckled to herself, "You’ll find I have no issue with thee.” The inquisitor smirked before pacing around the table, “Which, by the way, do you know the church has its eye on you?”

  Sophie swallowed and nodded. She had always known, though she did not oft acknowledge it. It was likely one of the reasons why Mila had been placed with her.

  She caught the inquisitor’s gaze and it appeared that the lady knew exactly what she was thinking about and nodded to confirm it.

  “But…” Lady Serilda spoke up, “I also see how much my little ward has grown these past few months. How she has found more of herself. Yet, your actions have also drawn increased scrutiny upon you, despite the Orator and Stellar Observatory’s support for you. It won’t be long before they look to issue a censure of your independence should you continue on your current path.”

  Sophie stiffened. It was a possibility she had always wondered about. Of attracting too much attention from the church and having to face them. She glanced at Mila, the girl clearly having had these thoughts as well. They shared an uneasy glance.

  When they had first met, this would’ve been an easy choice for the both of them. Though they valued each others as allies back then, if it came to blows, then it would be done regretfully. Now, the question would test their resolve should it come to that. A doubt that Sophie was almost certain Lady Serilda was fully aware of. Yet she said nothing, allowing the two of them to stew in their own thoughts.

  “Thus I propose a different alternative, one that I would, naturally, draft a letter and request to Lord Vitellus and other church officials. A proposed motion to have my dear apprentice here resume her work as an official member of the Inquisitorium. With the added caveat that she is to be given the specific task of monitoring you, dear comrade.” Serilda spoke the words with kindness and care, yet Sophie couldn’t help but still hear a sense of malice dripping from them. An implied threat hidden somewhere.

  “I… many thanks for the kind offer, Lady Serilda. But if you don’t mind me asking, that sounds like a very generous offer, why?” Sophie asked.

  Lady Serilda smiled sharply, her fangs just barely visible. She was amused by the question, and she tittered a little before leaning closer to the duo. There was an air of conspiracy in the room, one that worried Sophie that much more.

  “Between you and me.” Serilda began, a coy smile sneaking onto her face, “All of my apprentices are like… my clan. My tribe. After all, we don’t get much opportunity to settle down in one place when fighting heresy and darkness across the continent.”

  “Of course.” Lucinia commented, earning her a nod of understanding from the inquisitor.

  “So in a way, I view them as my responsibility. And like any good caretaker, it does… inspire a certain sense of accomplishment when I see how they’ve grown. How even she has grown from her cold shell.That she has you as a friend is something that certainly counts positively in my calculus.”

  Sophie smiled, it was certainly a nice sentiment.

  “Think of it this way. A lonely soul can better resist corruption with a strong mind. Their own method of control and willpower being wholly their own honor and code. Yet, at the same time, they are far more susceptible to corruption at just the right, or rather wrong times. Find the pain point, and without a support structure, they will unravel and crumble.” Serilda began lecturing them.

  Like the two normally attentive students they were, Lucinia and Sophie sat up a little straighter and listened.

  “Thus, one can conclude that while a staunchfast lone mindset might be useful. The drawbacks are equally extreme, correct?”

  The two nodded.

  “A cooperative structure is equally fraught with dangers. Over reliance on others, the potential for malign influences, and the dangers of acceptance being the goal rather than what is right. However, it can also be a bastion of strength and unity. Where flaws are not immediately fatal, able to be remedied by the appropriate support and assistance to mitigate that factor. To be able to draw upon help and strength beyond what one can naturally pull from your own wellspring of determination. To have those comrades come in your own moments of weakness.” She continued.

  Sophie tried to avoid Serilda’s intense gaze and accidentally locked eyes with Mila. The inquisitor still appeared relatively embarrassed and could only apologetically smile for the sudden lecture the duo were receiving.

  “So it might make sense to say that a cooperative mindset is equally balanced without much divergence from the singular beyond how one becomes affected or corrupted based on the group rather than the individual.”

  “So you would look to combine them?” Lucinia bravely interjected.

  Serilda smiled, pleased.

  “Very much so. For most of her time in apprenticeship, she has forged her path forward alone. But that is a dangerous mindset to be mired within.” She gestured at Mila, the girl shrinking even further from the added attention now drawn back to her, “Yet to have her simply rely on other comrades was difficult, for they all saw each other as competition, and rightfully so. But still, it meant a lesser extent of equal cooperativeness and rather one in which the best I could compromise with was to assign her effective subordinates who could bolster her own strengths and mitigate weaknesses. But that only goes so far.”

  “And then we came along…” Sophie mused.

  “Exactly. And in you, she seemed to have found worthy allies and even friends. Equals. If not in rank then at least in life. Did you not?” She glanced slyly towards her apprentice.

  “I did, mistress.” Mila hastily mumbled.

  “Your records indicate a staunch defiance of the darkness. An almost asinine but admirable dedication to your own cause and justice. Thus eliminating the factor of corruption, at least for now. Your group also contains a fairly… peculiar strange few that have been rumored to function to great effect. And you help each other in times of trouble. My condolences for the mess that was the trading company.”

  “Thank you, Lady Serilda.” Sophie bobbed her head.

  “Perhaps most importantly, as I mentioned before, you are her friends and she trusts you. So it is that the individual is now augmented by a powerful cooperative. One that could very well survive the… dangerous times that lie ahead.”

  Lady Serilda finally leaned back, a look of absolute contentment on her face.

  “That’s why I’m being so generous with you, Sophie Kastiane. Continue taking care of my people, and I will continue to support you.”

  “Of course. Naturally.” Sophie let out relieved sigh.

  “Good." She grinned, "And Mila!” Serilda called out.

  “Yes mam!” The girl immediately regained her parlor and stood at attention, her boots clicking together.

  “Be careful. You lot are planning to venture through the arcane fog and onto Monte Del Trisse. May we pray that your old bonds are sufficient to see you through these trying times with the ruler there. But should they not, return. That is my one order to you and your comrades for this mission. Return.” Lady Serilda sternly commanded.

  Mila nodded with newfound resolve, “We will.”

  Hearing this, Lady Serilda sighed and leaned back. The tense atmosphere in the room dissipating completely.

  “Now, I suppose I’ve kept you three long enough. Mila can tell you more once you meet up with your colleagues. Go now, and be safe. Think of this as an old woman questioning her ward’s companions, eh? Go and stay safe. May your journey be blessed by the stars.” Lady Serilda smiled.

  “May we all be blessed by the stars.” The trio echoed.

  With a wave and a discreet nod between the two inquisitors, the party finally departed the room. They traded a few uncertain glances between each other, none of them ready to decompress just yet. But they walked forward with a strengthened understanding between them, that they were in this together now.