[[Day 3 in Palaugrim :: unknown location ]]<br/>Lilith happily licked her fingers, skipping over the corpses littering the ground.  Mmm.  They really just didn’t make Pristine Knights the way they used to.  Or maybe her tastebuds had dulled from being dead?  These hearts just didn’t taste as yummy as she remembered.    More importantly, they weren’t as<span style="font-style: italic">satisfying</span>.  They had so little magic to steal right now.  The ones she’d met at her rebirth… They had been worthwhile to steal.  Especially those two girls, the one that had powered her rebirth and the one she’d killed.  How shameful though!  She’d only been able to take down one Knight before she’d been forced to retreat.  Meddling little boy.  Although, his scream at the very end.  She threw her head back and laughed.  Oh, that had been delightful.  Maybe she should send him a token?<br/><br/>She reached down to the carrier pigeon the Knights had kept.  It was quivering in fear, eyes rolling around crazily.<span style="color: red">“Ohhhh don’t worry little pigeon.  Your heart is much too small for me to even bother with it.”</span>She giggled and then skipped back to one of the Pristine Knights, pulling out a piece of paper.  Dipping her claw into the nearest corpse’s chest, she drew her symbol on it, infused it with magic, wrote<span style="color: red">Yummy. </span>across her symbol, and then wrapped the useless Faith necklaces from her victims inside the message.  How perfect!  She’d get to see his face when he opened her message.  On the front, she only wrote<span style="color: red">Little Boy</span>.<br/><br/>Sealing the envelope with a kiss, she handed it to the carrier pigeon.<span style="color: red"> “Make sure you deliver it, or else I really will kill you.”</span>With a giggle, Lilith let the birdie fly.  With another cheerful skip, she vanished from the site. Time to go visit her old lair!<br/><br/><div style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~~~</div><br/>[[Day 4 in Palaugrim :: Alera / Fleur Terres]]<br/><br/>The squad came to a grateful stop at the top of a hill.  Dawn had broken about two hours ago; they had been running for the last six.  Down below them sprawled a city.  Alera.  The centerpoint of Palaugrim.  There were five major roads that led in and out of Alera and a gate at each entrance.  Lethe turned to look at her exhausted team but ordered them up anyways.<span style="color: silver"> “Fleur Terres now.  It’ll be another hour or so.”</span>They slowly got to their feet, thankfully not complaining.  She didn’t like this pace anymore than they did but after what they’d seen in Gramhold, they didn’t really have a choice.  She needed to speak with QianHua.  The group went running down the hill, curving towards the Northeastern road.  Only an hour more.<br/><br/>Lethe ignored the burning in her legs as she knocked on the door.  It was about ten am now and the yard was mostly deserted.  The children had to be at school.  She had left her squad at the intersection to not draw too much attention, so only Adair stood beside her.  The door opened and purple eyes stared at her.<span style="color: Silver"> “Good morning, Ensei.  Is QianHua home?”</span><br/><br/>The other woman’s face curved into a smile as she recognized her guest.  “Lethe!  It’s been a long time!”  She hugged her guest, feeling the minute trembling in the Seraph’s frame.  “Come in, come in.  Are you alone?”<br/><br/><span style="color: Silver"> “My squad as well, please.”</span>Ensei nodded and turned to the man Lethe had arrived with: “Please feel free to bring them in.  We’ll just be in the sitting room over there.”<br/><br/>Adair nodded and slipped off to retrieve the rest of the team while Lethe was supported to the previously indicated room.  It looked like a parlor for entertaining guests.  “Eight of you, right?  Of course.  There’s no way they changed the squad formations during the reinstatement.  Let me tell Seien you’re here and get something to drink… and eat?  You don’t—no, you haven’t eaten.  Kanna’s actually here as well, so let me get her as well.”  Ensei maintained the conversation, taking cues from Lethe’s nods and head shakes.  The woman slipped out of the room just as the rest of Team Lethe appeared.  Surprisingly, there were enough seats for all of them and a few more to go around.<br/><br/>Soon, three women reappeared, each carrying a tray with drinks and food.<br/><br/>“Wow. I haven’t seen an entire squadron since—before the War?”  The brunette spoke up with surprise, setting her tray on the coffee table.<br/><br/>“They’re not that rare, Kanna! Maybe if you’d stop travelling all over Palaugrim, you’d see a Knight squad every now and then.” The third woman, an apparent facsimile of Ensei, silently handed out a small sandwich to each squad member before taking a seat by Lethe and reaching out for a hug.  Lethe returned the gesture, squeezing the woman close.<span style="color: Silver"> “Hello, Seien.  Have you been well?”</span>A shy smile answered her inquiry and Lethe smiled in response.<span style="color: silver">“I’m so glad to hear that.”</span><br/><br/>Seien smiled again before her purple eyes were drawn to Lethe’s legs.  She frowned and reached out a glowing hand.<span style="color: silver">“Oh, that’s not necc—oh, thank you.”</span>It was pointless to argue with Seien, so Lethe didn’t bother further.  Under Valiar’s amazed gaze, the remnants of Lilith’s lightning attack faded from his Captain’s skin.  His eyes flickered to the serene cleric and then he paled.  He turned to an oblivious Deimos and whispered urgently, “Is it the third week of the month?”  Pale yellow eyes flashed in his direction but didn’t respond.<br/><br/>Kanna threw her head back with a laugh, catching everyone’s attention.  “Oh?  That rumor is still around?”<br/><br/><span style="color: Silver">“It’s not quite a rumor, Kanna.  You and the others were legendary every third week, not to say you weren’t impressive every other week though.”</span><br/><br/>“You’re such a sweetheart, Lethe.  You should have joined us instead of sticking with Abel.”  Lethe only laughed apologetically in response.  The strain that had been shadowing her face was lightening up as Seien healed her.  “QianHua’s currently out shopping, but she should be back within a few hours.  Why don’t you guys all get some rest upstairs?  You all look dead on your feet.”<br/><br/><span style="color: silver"> “Everyone, please go with Ensei..”</span>Lethe suddenly understood the confusion in her team’s faces (minus Valiar’s).<span style="color: silver"> “Everyone, let me introduce Ensei, Kanna, and Seien.  They’re all former members of the Pure Magic Squadron from before the final campaign against Sin.  I worked with them in the past.”</span>Each lady lifted her hand accordingly when her name was spoken.<span style="color: Silver">“ Ensei, Kanna, Seien, this is my current squad.  Adair is my Vice Captain; Cricket, Leon, Seraphim, YunQiao, Valiar, and Deimos.  Yes, we’ll take nametags later to make it easier on you.”</span>All the women laughed at that before Ensei was ushering them upstairs with a called back “Bring the tray along, those are for you too.”  Her squad filtered out and then only she, Seien, and Kanna were left.  “Shall we talk now or when Captain is back?”<br/><br/><span style="color: silver"> “It would probably be best to wait for QianHua.”</span><br/><br/>“Alright, well why don’t you take a nap while Seien finishes healing you?  I need to go check on the kids.” With a quick hug for their newest visitor, Kanna left the room.  Lethe glanced at Seien, received a nod in response, and closed her eyes.<br/><br/><div style="text-align: center;">~~~~</div><br/><br/>The sound of the front door opening roused Lethe from her nap.  She was lying on a couch with a blanket over her.  The familiar thrum of Ensei’s barrier reassured her that she was somewhere safe.  She sat up and rubbed her eyes back into clarity just as an elegant woman walked in.  The newcomer’s face transformed into warmth as she caught sight of her visitor.  “Lethe!”  The two exchanged hugs before the conversation continued.  “How rare to see you in Palaugrim, and Fleur Terres no less!  What brings you here?”<br/><br/><span style="color: silver"> “Business, I’m afraid.”</span>Grey eyes stared at her face and seemed to find whatever they had been looking for.  “Alright.  I’ll bring Kanna as well.  Let’s go to my office.”  Lethe trailed after QianHua as the matron went to check up on the kitchen, fetch Kanna, and then retreat to the office.<br/><br/>Lethe explained the situation to the former Knight Captain and ended her tale by pulling out the Sin Crystals she had been suppressing and the ‘Faiths’ they had acquired in Gramhold.<span style="color: Silver"> “We found these necklaces on the impostor Knights.  They look like Faiths but they’re emanating Sin rather than holy light.”</span>Kanna picked up one of the necklaces, turning it over in her hands.  Brown eyes stared at them curiously before she held it up to catch the light.  “This.. It looks like the Reinforce rune, but the sun is really small for a normal Reinforce, especially one that goes onto the Faiths.  Could it be one of these ‘hiding’ runes you had mentioned?”  The brunette brought the necklace back down and pointed at the symbol.  A sigh from the white-haired woman confirmed her theory.  “Alright, if you don’t mind, I’m going to dissect one of these later.”<br/><br/>“That brings us to our next topic, Lethe.  I hear what brings you to Palaugrim, but what brings you to Fleur Terres?  There is a Knight contingent in Alera that you appear to be avoiding?”<br/><br/><span style="color: Silver">“I hate to doubt my fellow Knights, but after what happened with these ‘Knights’ and given the instability in Palaugrim… I think the lack of banner, trumpet, and parade would be best.  I know I can trust you to be discreet.  I plan to strike out into the non Light-controlled areas of Palaugrim as soon as possible.”</span><br/><br/>“You run into the problem that eight people in armor are not discreet.  Even if your holy aura was explained away, you yourself are fairly well known, especially to the more religious of both the Light and Sin inclinations.“<br/><br/><span style="color: silver"> “Yes.. I’m aware of that.  Master Guilford wanted to move quickly and lightly, essentially dashing our way to Luciano, fighting when it came up.  Sixteen is fairly impossible to hide, but I thought eight might be more manageable.  I also don’t want my team fighting if I can help it.”</span>A helpless smile; when could Lethe ever avoid fighting if someone needed her help?<br/><br/>QianHua sighed, one hand lifting to pinch the bridge of her nose.  She was getting too old for these things, and she wasn’t even forty yet!  “If you stick to the woods parallel to the roads, you might be able to get by without being seen.  Of course, it’s more dangerous now with all those who have fallen into Sin, both Sinners and humans on the cusp, but I’m assuming that won’t be a problem for you.”<br/><br/><span style="color: silver">“Our holy magic won’t reveal our presences?”</span><br/><br/>“I’m sure Ensei can find something to hide your presences.  I bet she can also help with your jam jars to make the containment stronger.”  Amused grey eyes flickered to where the two containers sat.  Despite the runes engraved on them, the ‘FruitFull’ logo was still evident at the bottom of the jars.  “As for these specifically, we will work on cleansing them or containing them.”  Lethe’s blush and averted eyes told her that too had been one of the woman’s reasons for coming.  “I’m glad you think so highly of our capabilities, ‘White Seraph.’”  QianHua teased with a playful smile.<br/><br/><span style="color: Silver">“Please, Master QianHua..”</span>Lethe looked up to catch the older woman’s gaze despite the red hue on her cheeks.<span style="color: silver">“You are still one of the most admirable Knights I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.  You are the only Captain who can boast of having never let a subordinate die while under your command.  When I was still in training, your squad was the pinnacle for all us female cadets to reach to.  I trust you, your squad, and the other members of the Pure Magic Squadron with not only myself but my squad as well.”</span>She dropped her gaze once more, looking at her lap with great fascination.<span style="color: silver">“I apologize for forcing myself upon you and endangering your serene retirement.  But I have few I can depend upon here in Palaugrim and with the craziness that has been going on, with Jenault and Gil and these impostors, you and your former squad members are the only ones I can think to turn to.”</span><br/><br/>The former Knight Captain laughed nervously, her cheeks now stained pink.  “Oh my light, Lethe.”  She laughed again but then leaned forward to take Lethe’s hand in hers.  “I should have stolen you from Abel all those years ago.  You flatter me too much.  I am not as great as you imply, but that you think of me this way will surely be one of the greatest compliments I will ever receive.  Although you were never an official member, you have always been a member of our Sisterhood.  We are here for you.”<br/><br/>The embarrassed silence was broken when Kanna threw herself forward to grab both Captains in a hug.  “Awww!!! You would have been perfect with us Lethe!  The next time I see Abel, I’m gonna kick him in the ass for not giving you to us!  Also, I’ll be joining your squad while you’re here.  Nine will be less conspicuous than eight (especially if half of us are girls) and you need someone who knows what’s going on in Palaugrim.  I’m your girl! Woman!”  The brunette paused and then amended: “Lady. Lady sounds elegant enough without being old.   I’m off to go play with this thing and get ready.”  Kanna dropped a kiss on Lethe’s cheek and then skipped out, the fake Faith still dangling in her hand.<br/><br/>“Yes, you should go reassure your squad.  I’ll take care of these.”  QianHua tapped the two jars on her table.  “I also have a favor to ask of you, given it might help with your quest.  I’ve been hearing rumors of there being Sinners about two hours’ walk from here.  Kanna and I were going to go check it out tonight but if there’s a Pristine Knight Squad already here…”  Lethe nodded her head with a smile.<span style="color: silver"> “Of course, Lady QianHua.”</span><br/><br/>“Thank you, my dear.  Can you please ask Seien and Ensei to join me?”  With a bow, Lethe left the room for where her squad was resting.<br/><div style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~~</div><br/>[[Day 5 in Palaugrim :: at Rayitas ]]<br/><br/>Sierra stared at the gates in front of her, nervously grasping the reins to her horse in her hands.  There were—so many Knights.  She shied away from a group of armored men who walked past.  She’d had bad experiences with ‘Knights’ in the past, like the group currently tied up in her village’s Town Hall.  Maybe this was a bad idea.  They’d probably just laugh her out of the town when she told them about the imposters.  Or what if they thought her village had kidnapped the Knights and were demanding ransom!  Her village had already been partially burnt down, they couldn’t afford to bring more trouble down upon them.<br/><br/>Her hazel eyes darted around nervously.  She had tried so hard to keep up a strong front when Lethe and her Knights had appeared.  She was Sierra Gram, daughter of Bernard Gram, mayor of Gramhold.  It had been easier to pretend to be strong when surrounded by the village her family had founded and she’d grown up in.  But here, in this chattering mess of strangers, she was—overwhelmed.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic"><span style="color: silver"> “Please, don’t ever forget, the Divine Light is beside you.”</span></span><br/><br/>The memory of the white-haired Knight’s words came unbidden to her mind.  That other woman, she hadn’t seemed much older than Sierra and yet she held herself with such confidence.  Lethe had stared up at that disgusting Kieran and taken him down, despite the man’s threatening.  No, her village couldn’t afford to keep those invaders in their Town Hall any longer than need be.  And they needed help rebuilding.  And they couldn’t afford throwing any more money on pointless tributes or dealing with the consequent ‘accidents.’  She could do this.  Sierra gathered courage from the woman she had just met two days ago and strode up to one of the Knights on guard.<br/><br/>“Excuse me, Sir.  I need to speak with the leader of the Pristine Knights here.”  She thrust out the necklace Lethe had given her and waited.<br/><br/><div style="margin:20px; margin-top:5px"><div class="quotetitle"><input class="button2 btnlite" onclick="if (this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display != '') { this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = '';      this.innerText = ''; this.value = 'Hide'; } else { this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = 'none'; this.innerText = ''; this.value = 'Show'; }" style="text-align:center;width:100px;margin:0px;padding:0px;" type="button" value="Show"/></div><div class="quotecontent"><div style="display: none;">To: Knight Commander of Rayitas, or equivalent<br/>From: Lethe Urilla<br/>Date: Month --, Day 13, Year 10 After Sin<br/>Enclosed: Counterfeit Faith necklace<br/>Missive: I have discovered a group of men parading as ‘Pristine Knights’ in the Amethyst Valley.  I encountered them at the village Gramhold (Coordinates 41.197° N, 28.599° E) and was able to subdue them.  They are currently being detained at Gramhold.  Their armor is similar to the standard issue of Pristine Knights and they carry blades, though not holy steel from my inspection.  They have gone around demanding tribute from the villagers and, I speculate, terrorizing those who refuse to pay them.<br/><br/>In addition, I discovered that they were wearing these necklaces.  (Please refer to the enclosed envelope.)  Although they look like the Faith necklaces that we wear, they appear to be imbued with Sin rather than Holy Magic.  As of the time of this message, I have been unable to investigate them further and can offer no other insights.<br/><br/>I would greatly appreciate it if you could send some Knights to Gramhold to arrest these men.  I would also appreciate any assistance you can give to Gramhold in their rebuilding efforts.  Please feel free to draw upon my line of credit for this effort.  Finally, if you could arrange a patrol, Knight presence, or a retired Knight presence in Gramhold, you would have my eternal thanks.  I will send a copy of this missive through official channels once I am able to.<br/><br/>Sincerely,<br/>Lethe Urilla<br/>[Lethe’s seal]</div></div></div>