<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline">13th of Month 3 - Lindela</span></span><br/><br/><br/>Finally, the day all of them dreaded had come at last. Lindela's usually busy central market square was devoid of any activity from its citizens. Most of them had been retreated to shelters within District 1, the closest to Gless and the most well-defended. Other districts followed the same procedure, only they had their own shelters in case of such a scenario as this. Heavy knight presence could be seen throughout the entirety of this island's key locations. At his command, Guilford had positioned his troops evenly within a designated battle line. The idea behind his plan was to stop them in their tracks should the enemy be sighted on the island. To achieve that, he had to take out one vital aspect in the equation, the people. By having them moved to protected shelters, it would be easy for his knights to focus solely on battle, avoiding unnecessary risk and leaving the opponent with little to no choice but focus on them. This should work right? This should be okay shouldn't it?<br/><br/>Holed up in a makeshift command center tent, a calm Seraph drew his sword out of its sheath slowly, sharp eyes carefully examining the blade of Light's Requiem that continued to emit a dull glow. The blade indeed was sharp, he had made sure that he would make nothing but the best sword he could from Alona's prized mineral. The question is, was it sharp enough to pave way for the Light—for the people—in the face of such an adversary? Eve may not be the God of Sin but she had proven her power and ferocity time and again. No, he breathed the thoughts away. It was the calm that he needed most now, not the tension that was slowly eating away at it. Guilford closed his eyes and took a deep breath; the smell of incense was thick in the room. He had made his offering, said his prayers, and asked for guidance and protection. All that was left now is to wait. The moment he stepped out of the tent, the sight of countless knights graced his eyes. It was then that he knew, just like he always had, that deep down somewhere in their hearts, most if not all of these knights depended on the Seraphs. He shouldn't...<span style="font-style: italic">they</span>should not let them down.<br/><br/>__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________<br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Day 18 of Month 3 - Lindela</span></span><br/><br/><br/>"Haaaahhh... are they here yet?" A knight mouthed off mindlessly, twiddling his fingers in boredom.<br/><br/>Natalia glanced around, an instinctive habit to look for their Captain. This time however, he was not standing around, nor was he anywhere close by. Natalia frowned, she hated having to admit it but like the knights under her command, she too was growing restless. The knights were talking, and they were beginning to question the authenticity of their intelligence. Now that she thought about it, where did their Captain really get their intel?<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic"><span style="color: #0080FF">"For now, all I can say is from a reliable source."</span></span><br/><br/>Natalia's eyes widened in realization. All this time she believed that this 'reliable source' was Akira of The Crests. If that was true, then why not just say Akira's name? A feeling akin to dread washed over her. Somehow, it felt like their Captain didn't trust them enough for him to keep secrets from them. An urge to know the truth rapidly welled up inside of her, until her legs couldn't contain it any longer. Briskly turning around to go see her Captain, Natalia suddenly stopped after taking not more than a step away from where she last stood. Alona was standing in her way.<br/><br/>"Stop. You're better off not knowing."<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">How did she know?!</span>Natalia questioned herself. Did Alona know where the intel was from? And what did she mean by she's better off not knowing? Just what exactly is going on?!<br/><br/>"Move." Natalia demanded.<br/><br/>Alona sighed, a touch disappointed. "Look around you Knight Natalia." she said while doing the same thing. Natalia mimicked the direction where Alona looked but didn't seem to get the point. "As it stands, there's already this much tension in the air. What good would it do the knights to see a member of Gil's squad just as lost as they are?" Eyes turning back toward Natalia, Alona planted her feet to the ground. "If you want me to move, you would have to make me. I warn you though, I'm serious about keeping you here. Gil already has enough problems to deal with right now."<br/><br/>Natlaia's brows furrowed to a sharp point. "What do you mean?" she asked in a low tone. "Are you implying that I shouldn't add to his problems? Who do you think you are to order me around auxiliary knight?!"<br/><br/>"Heh." Alona scoffed. So she was going to pull rank on her now is she? This brat. Hasn't she learned anything at all? "It's true that I'm no longer in active service, and I know any former knight who hasn't rejoined can only be granted an auxiliary position should they take part in a mission, I have no right to tell even the lowest ranking knight what to do." she paused and placed a hand on the hilt of her sword. "However, if you are going to cause a scene that will escalate the tension, I will stop you with everything I have!" She held that determined gaze steady. "Whether it is not your intention, your child-like impulses sometimes hurt those around you without you even realizing it. You have to understand all that you can before you act."<br/><br/>"Tch." Now she was being lectured on decorum? Natalia knew how skilled Alona was firsthand. Compared to her, Alona's skill in combat far surpassed her own. Should she want to have a say in the matter, it would only be by the means of her own sword.<br/><br/>"I too have my questions..." Alona mumbled in a hushed tone.<br/><br/>The words sparked a different reaction from the other. Natalia's expression softened after realizing that Alona too felt the same. "Then why? Don't you want to know?" she asked, anxious to find out why Alona would rather hold her silence.<br/><br/>"To keep the fragile balance intact." she pointed out. "Your state of mind now isn't any different from every single knight deployed on all three islands I can guarantee you that." she spoke, arms folding across her chest. For now, she seemed to have succeeded in diverting Natalia's attention elsewhere. "These knights look like they would go off at the drop of a needle. The last thing Gil needs would be chaos and confusion among our ranks. Right now, I'm sure he's feeling the pressure of it all—the questions, the accusing stares, the whispers against his reputation—if there are knights left who should continue to keep believing in him, it should be you guys, those directly under his command."<br/><br/>Natalia finally realized her folly. She felt bad that she was just about to cause more problems for her Captain, yet at the same time she felt ashamed that it had to take another to make her realize it.<br/><br/>"Show no weakness Knight Natalia, believe in your Captain."<br/><br/>Natalia responded with an assertive nod before turning around back to her post. All they could really do now is wait... but for how much longer?<br/><br/><div style="text-align: center;">*****</div><br/><br/><br/>"They said I'd find you here Captain." Fiona said to him after finally seeing Guilford at the top of Lindela's clock tower. Even though she knew she didn't have to talk to let him know she was there, it was her form of courtesy. She didn't want to intrude on his thoughts, or so she believed.<br/><br/>A strong breeze blew by as she walked closer to her Captain. Fiona had to shield herself from it to practically keep most of her hair from falling out of its usual arrangement. The breeze however, made her notice that Guilford held a piece of paper on one hand, it was rustling in the wind. She continued to walk closer to him until she was standing side by side. His gaze was lost in the distance, his thoughts probably even farther than where he was looking. "Is that what I think it is Captain?" she asked.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"Yeah. It's a Council Summons. It's been five days and there's nothing going on. The Councilors are no doubt worried."</span><br/><br/>"More like scared." she jabbed at the council rather carelessly. It was surprising her Captain didn't react. "Are they pulling back the Seraphs for a meeting?"<br/><br/>Guilford looked at Fiona for a moment, noticing her calm demeanor as she spoke.<span style="color: #0080FF">"No. It's just for me."</span>he responded, turning his gaze back on Lindela's horizon.<span style="color: #0080FF">"I was the one who brought this to their attention. It's only natural that they look to me for answers first."</span><br/><br/>"They can't pull you out now. They should know that..." she trailed off, looking at the flocks of carrier pigeons flying about. All that correspondence soaring in the air, it was an indication of the ongoing chatter among the ranks. "The knights are talking." she tried for a change of subject.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"Yeah. I know."</span><br/><br/>Of course he knows! He probably also knows what the knights were talking about! It wasn't that hard to figure it out. However, Fiona didn't know any better way to try and ease his worries at the moment but with small talk. She just had to try. "They're most likely wondering about the intel." she continued on, treading carefully as she did.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"You don't have to hide it Fiona. I know you are too."</span>he responded just as soon as she finished.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Aren't you going to ask me where I got the information from?"</span><br/><br/>It sounded more like a dare rather than a question. Was he testing her? "If it's okay with you. Otherwise, I trust your judgment Captain. That alone is enough for me." she answered safely.<br/><br/>Guilford smirked.<span style="color: #0080FF">"If you want answers, you must be willing to give some yourself."</span><br/><br/>The words made Fiona turn to look at her Captain. Her eyes reflected a certain air of determination in them. She didn't say a word but Guilford already knew what she meant.<span style="font-style: italic">This isn't about that.</span><span style="color: #0080FF">"Understood."</span>he said and paused for a moment to collect his thoughts. Fiona seemed calm enough to be able to take what she's about to hear. If she trusts his judgment, it was only right to trust hers too.<span style="color: #0080FF">"It's from the demo—no, it's from the one who killed my former Vice-Captain."</span>he paused, glancing at Fiona to see how she would take it. When he saw no signs of flinching, Gil continued on.<span style="color: #0080FF">"It was her dying message."</span><br/><br/>She had heard part of the story from the others but never really got the full detail. Nobody from Squad Eight wanted to talk about what she could only assume was a very bitter memory. Still, even if it was a dying message, it was still from the enemy! How could her Captain just trust it so easily?<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"You're probably wondering why I believed in it right?"</span><br/><br/>Is he clairvoyant or something? Is she really that open of a book? Fiona somehow felt uneasy for a moment.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Then let me ask you this, if you were in my shoes, what would you have done? Would you stand idly by? Would you disregard such a threat? Or would you rather take action regardless of the information's credibility?"</span><br/><br/>Isn't it obvious? "I would take action just like you did. The islands are all we have left. If we lose even one of them..." she trailed off, trying not to dive deep into the thought. "Any threat to them should be taken seriously..."<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"...no matter how small."</span>Guilford finished her words. A smile was playing on his lips. He was glad that Fiona had the insight needed to be a great leader. He was proud of her.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Lance will be coming here to take my place tonight. We're leaving for Gless tomorrow to talk to the council."</span>Gil said as he turned his back on her and began walking towards the staircase that led down the clock tower.<br/><br/>"W-We? I mean... I have to stand in front of--"<br/><br/>Guilford stopped but didn't look back. Truth is, he was just avoiding leaving Fiona on her own.<span style="color: #0080FF">"You heard right the first time."</span><br/><br/>__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Day 19 of Month 3 - Gless</span></span><br/><br/>"What is the meaning of this Master Guilford? Why haven't the enemy attacked yet?" Mihai questioned the man before him.<br/><br/>The air inside the council chambers was definitely intense. Fiona found herself unable to speak a word while she knelt behind her Captain as both of them faced the Councilors. Wait, she was kneeling beside her Captain when they first came in! When did she get behind him! What was going on!? At fist she wasn't expecting anything special during a council meeting. She was under the impression that it would feel like any other gathering of their elders back in the day, and she had tons of experience on that. But now she was getting more than what she had set her expectations at! Had she been here alone, she would no doubt be swallowed up by these old folk just with the near overwhelming pressure of their questions! Master Lethe and her Captain sure had it tough, and to think that they had to deal with these Councilors on a regular basis too! Oh Light spare them! What was her Captain's intention of bringing her here in the first place?<br/><br/>"So? What do you have to say for yourself Master Guilford? Didn't I warn you about the intelligence you received? Look at us now! We were made fools! It was obvious that demon couldn't be trusted even in her death!" Aurel grilled the Seraph before him.<br/><br/>"Not only did we waste resources moving the troops, we—no,<span style="font-style: italic">you</span>have also paralyzed the economy of Lindela! Why are you even there in the first place?! What do you have to say to that?" Livius added his thoughts on the matter.<br/><br/>The questions kept coming as the Councilors continued pounding away on her Captain, yet the way he stood bravely against the Council was astounding in its own right. No doubt she could imagine the determined look her Captain must have in his eyes right now. If she were to guess, his retaliation would be coming right about... now.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"Councilors, the moment Eve came back to this world, I think we already knew that an attack on the islands was likely to happen. I believe that the only thing wrong about our intelligence is the timeline. Eve is cunning. This may very well be intentional to throw us off guard. The way things stand, it looks to me that most if not all of us..."</span>though he really wanted to blatantly point out the Councilors too, Gil refrained.<span style="color: #0080FF">"...are playing right into her hands. We must stay vigilant."</span>he paused and put on a serious look.<span style="color: #0080FF">"The battle may not have started yet, but the war had definitely begun. And in my book,"</span>Gil paused, looking down in contemplation.<span style="color: #0080FF">"we have already taken the first blow."</span><br/><br/>Right, it's a psych war. These councilors wouldn't understand the pressure of being out on the field because of it. They may understand the concept but they don't know how it actually feels! They have no combat experience at all! Why do they think they can do better than the ones who actually have field experience? The two opposing ideals between her Captain and the Council battled inside her head. She could understand both points if viewed neutrally, but she could not decide which one is the right thing to do!<br/><br/>"But for how long do we have to keep this up Master Guilford?" Margarette asked. As always, her voice was calm and composed as still water. It was a relief to hear someone not blowing off the horn in a fit. "Surely you understand the implications of having the people on lockdown am I right?"<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"Of course. I too have my doubts about the information's credibility, but as a Seraph, it is my duty to take action against any potential threat to the islands. To protect the people, our beliefs, I must do what is within my power. Do you understand that Councilors?"</span><br/><br/>How about that huh?! Fiona had a smirk on her lips after hearing what her Captain just said. He wasn't doing anything wrong, he was just doing what he can!<br/><br/>"Then how do you propose we fix this? If you understand what our concerns are, do you have a suggestion that would remedy our current situation? We cannot go on like this. The men are exhausted mentally, the people are crying and the islands are paralyzed! It's only a matter of time before they start falling apart! You know we cannot stand for this." Cornelius finally spoke his first words throughout the meeting.<br/><br/>Wait, isn't it their job to figure that out? Why are they pushing it to her Captain instead? Fiona found herself gritting her teeth in frustration. They already have so much on their plates,<span style="text-decoration: underline">he</span>and Master Lethe already has so much to do! But why aren't they helping?! If she was to have any say in it, they were making matters worse as it is!<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"Five days."</span>Gil answered.<br/><br/>"Excuse us? What about five days?" Laith asked, his interest ever so slightly piqued. He had not pegged Guilford to be much of a politician but it would be interesting to know how he planned to solve this dilemma.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"Allow us five more days to stay on high alert. If Eve doesn't show herself within the time, we'll stand down. However, I would recommend tightening the patrols, having continuous shifts on watch duty and adapting a quick deployment scheme for our troops. The knights can return to their homes as they please, but it will have to be on rotation."</span>Gil suggested confidently. No doubt Lethe would also do the same if not a tad sooner than he himself would.<br/><br/>"And what of the people Master Guilford?" Cornelius questioned the Seraph.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"They can return to their daily lives after five days, though I would suggest that we put a limit to their activities."</span><br/><br/>"You mean a curfew?" Livius clarified.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"It is as you say Councilor, and a strict one at that. I simply cannot allow them to risk their lives under the threat of an attack that has yet to happen. I know it brings displeasure and discomfort, and that we'll definitely feel its backlash but we have no choice. Eve is out there with her fangs bared upon us. If I can help it, I wouldn't want to add civilian casualties to the body count."</span><br/><br/>Trust her Captain to come up with something! Fiona couldn't help but feel impressed. So this is the other half of what a Seraph does. She could finally understand why they were always held in high regard by the Knights and people alone. Master Lethe and Captain Guilford are simply amazing!<br/><br/>"Very well. Your suggestion sounds reasonable enough, we shall permit it." Cornelius picked up his seal and stamped it hard on the document he had just finished writing. "New orders will be cascaded after five days. May the Divine Light guide us all. Dismissed."<br/><br/>Guilford bowed in respect and turned to face his subordinate that was with him.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Let's go Fiona."</span>he said, offering a hand to help her up.<br/><br/>"I'm fine Captain, I can stand on my ow-" she said but suddenly felt the numbness in her legs that prevented her from getting up.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"You've been kneeling the whole time. Just take my hand."</span>he chuckled.<br/><br/>It was embarrassing yet astonishing at the same time. Her Captain even managed to squeez in the thought about this happening to her and... Fiona grabbed her Captain's hand as he pulled her up to her feet. She stomped her feet a couple times before smiling in thanks. There was no need to say anything.<br/><br/><br/>__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Day 26 of Month 3 - Lindela</span></span><br/><br/><br/>"So they never came in the end eh?" Lance said and plopped himself beside Gil who was snacking on some cookies. Once again they were at the top of Lindela's clock tower.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Oh they will come... we just don't know when."</span>Gil had never given up on keeping his guard up. Even now, he was still watching the horizon for any signs of the enemy. Looking at his friend, Lance's eyes slowly moved downward to the cookies Gil held in one hand. He reached out to take one but grabbed at nothing. Gil had moved his hand away before Lance even realized it. A perplexed look was answered by Gil's words.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Too slow."</span>he jabbed at him before finally offering the cookies to Lance.<br/><br/>The two shared a moment of laughter before Lance took one and bit off a good half of the cookie. "I guess you're okay then." he mumbled. "I was wrong to get worried." he continued on, taking another cookie.<br/><br/>Gil simply looked at him with smirk.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Why wouldn't I be? I'm glad they didn't attack too you know."</span><br/><br/>Lance finished chewing off his second bite before he spoke. "That's not what I meant. I'm sure you're aware of the talk going on around the knights. They think you're getting too paranoid and that you're losing it—the Seraph touch—you know?" he rephrased himself, reaching for another cookie. Before Lance could help himself to another, Gil tapped his hand away and was looked at him. "What?" he asked clueless.<span style="color: #0080FF">"You eat too fast."</span>responded the other, prompting another bout of laughter from the two.<br/><br/>When the moment simmered down, Lance fell to a more serious note. He had apparently lost interest in Gil's cookies and was now simply looking at the horizon together with his friend.<span style="color: #0080FF">"They are entitled to their own opinion, Lance."</span>his words prompted a sigh from the other. "I know Gil, I just..." he paused. "I just don't like the way they talk about you, that's all."<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"You can't help it. They were expecting something to pour their emotions on. It's only natural that they turn to me when Eve didn't show herself. You can't blame them for feeling that way."</span><br/><br/>It took him a while to respond but Lance simply sighed. "You're right." he finally said, turning his gaze away from Gil and back towards the horizon. The sun was beginning to set, bathing the beautiful scenery in golden orange light before their eyes. "It's beautiful isn't it? Kinda brings back memories..."<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"Yeah... it does."</span><br/><br/>"And right about now, that lady should be coming for you yelling your name without a care in the world..." Lance stopped himself before he could say anything else. He had just remembered that Brynhildr was no longer among the living; a touch of sadness at the thought changing his expression in an instant. "Say Gil, I haven't paid my respects yet. I don't want to put this off any longer or I might lose all chances of doing so. Do you think it's possible if we could stop by?" he didn't have to say where for both of them knew it.<br/><br/>Gil glanced to his left to look at Lance. The expression he had now was near indescribable. Lance may not have openly admitted it to him, but he knew that Lance cared for his late Vice Captain. Testament to that was the way he looked at her in the past, and how hard he tried to be friends with her. Despite each attempt ending with being shut down by the other, Lance kept rising like a phoenix every single time, trying even harder. He did punch him too when he learned of what happened...<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"Yeah sure. I think she would have loved that. Let's go tomorrow."</span><br/><br/>"Yeah... okay, I'll tell the others."<br/><br/>__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Day 27th of Month 3 - On the way to Bryn in Palaugrim</span></span><br/><br/><br/>A Wyervia sped through the skies between Lindela and Palaugrim, tearing through the clouds as it passed through them. The passengers inside remained quiet, solemn even if one had to pick the right word. Only the muffled rumble of the craft's magic powered trubines could be heard inside, and there was no denying the serious looks all of the passengers had on their faces. The one person who didn't share such a look felt herself out of place.<span style="font-style: italic">Why did she have to come?</span>Fiona wondered to herself. This was a personal moment to everyone on the Wyervia except for her, so why was she here? Does she have to be here? Despite her courteous protests, her Captain had insisted that she should go with them, giving her a simple reason of 'everybody has to take a break every now and then'. Well, he did say that she would love the town they were about to visit too but still...<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">"Master Guilford, be advised that we're arriving at Palaugrim's southeastern port in fifteen minutes."</span>the pilot informed them through the craft's echo stones.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"We're almost there."</span>Stating the obvious isn't something that he was fond of but Gil too felt uncomfortable with the silence. It was a poor attempt to lighten the mood. Somebody just say something already!<br/><br/>It didn't take long for Guilford's silent plea to be heard. "Alright people, we should prepare to disembark." Lance mentioned on reflex. It wouldn't do any of them good if they were to allow themselves to be swallowed by gloom. Besides, Knight Brynhildr wouldn't have wanted to see them like this. "Hey, in the event that I decide to stay for a bit, does Bryn have good lodging?" he asked nonchalantly, putting on the best smile he could muster.<br/><br/>Being the ones who frequented Bryn—formerly Jenault back in the day—Georg took it upon himself to take the tour guide's role. "The best lodging you could find in Palaugrim. That town is well known for its hospitality and good food. I'm pretty sure that hasn't changed." he informed the other. It didn't take long for conversation to soon follow.<br/><br/>Amidst the chatter, Fiona failed to immerse herself in the conversation. She had no idea about this town, nobody she knows who lived there, and definitely no sentimental attachment towards it either. She could throw in a few questions of her own, but that would simply feel like she was forcing it. Best stay silent, she thought to herself. She had grown accustomed to the feel of fifteen minutes yet for some reason, this fifteen minutes felt like forever to her. She breathed a sigh of relief when their Wyervia finally landed on their destination. She could use some fresh air, and her feet were dying to meet solid ground once more. She didn't want to sound antagonistic or anything but with the threat of Eve still out there, she could only hope that they would not have to stay long.<br/><br/><br/><div style="text-align: center;">****</div><br/><br/><br/>Having been welcomed warmly by the people, Squad Eight and The Crests enjoyed their morning with the residents. Gil took his time to meet with Bryn's mayor while the remainder of his squad played with the kids. Even Fiona who felt out of place found herself getting dragged into a cooking game by the female children. With people so lively like this, she began to understand what her Captain meant by she too would love the place. Even members of The Crests, who these people met for the first time, all found a respective crowd to entertain.<br/><br/>Akira was...well...the best way she could put it was being himself around the single ladies of town. Silver was busy examining Bryn's market goods, along the company of merchants. He was probably looking for souvenirs to buy. Alona was surprisingly around the company of the town's younger men. It didn't look like they were ogling her, but instead she was...lecturing them? On swordplay maybe? They were lined up and all stiff like that after all. And then there's Cora, surrounded by the town's aspiring healers. That was so her. Then there was Lance, he was putting on a spectacle of story telling in the center of town! Surrounded by a large crowd, he had his spear drawn and his voice thundering as he acted out most parts of the story. It would appear that he was telling tales of Chivalry and Honor within the knighthood, no doubt to inspire the hearts of the townsfolk.<br/><br/>It didn't take long for Fiona to find herself smiling. She looked around slowly, and for the first time, she could finally see the true beauty of this small town...peace.