Laurance and I had continued our travels swimmingly. The days went by so quickly that when I saw that we had been only a mile from the city of Scaleswind, I was surprised. He laughed at me, saying; "Told you I make for great company."

I giggled as well. We had decided today to give our horses a break and travel on foot. Little Thorgi had already attached to us and was following right next to us. Whether that was because he liked us or because he could smell the jerky in our supplies, I have no idea. We had made a few stops at smaller villages, usually ones inhabited by merchants, but were quick to get in and out. Laurance made sure of that.

"Now, before we arrive, there's some things I should remind you about," Laurance said, holding the reigns of his horse securely, his other hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "Scaleswind right now is going through some conflict with the Lord of O'Khasis so, guards might be more tense here. If you need to speak to one of them, let me talk to them. Also, Lord Rosenburg and his daughter and heir Nicole are probably in the same mindset. So, when we do speak to them, be open-minded and understanding. They may need a bit of convincing before helping Phoenix Drop. Especially since it's not in their terrority."

I was confused as to why this wasn't stated to me before. I would have thought either him or Rowan would have mentioned this. "C-Conflict? As in–"

"War. Been so for the past five years," Laurance clarified. "It's so petty that not even their usual alliances have joined their fighting. Granted, because of that, an actual battle has never occurred. Just through letters and trade so far."

"Oh...so we should be alright?" I was mainly referring to the fear that we may be stuck in the middle of battle if we stay too long but, he was quick to assure me; "Yes. We should be completely safe."

"Oh great!"

Since traveling with Laurance, I have learned to maybe not ask as many questions as I should. Even if I considered him a friend now, I can tell that he was a bit more impatient when it came to asking multiple questions in a row with one another. Especially if it didn't really have any significant importance. That didn't mean he was short with me either. I was thankful for that. If he was, that would have made this journey awkward and miserable.

We rounded the path once again and in a couple of feet, we came to a part where the trees parted to give way to a view over top of the city of Scaleswind. I gasped at the sight, now realizing the difference between city and village. It seemed more vast than even Meteli was. Where their wheat fields grew, houses and other infrastructure stood. Roofs of dark gray seemed to stretch for miles along the fields, it only ending when the sea met the land. An expansive wall ran all along it, towers standing high and mighty along it. Meteli and Phoenix Drop had a similar look, dawning warm oak and beiges for their buildings. Here, everything looked gray, white, and black. Here and there, specks of red and gold would pop up in the form of flags and banners.

What caught my attention the most was a structure that I could only describe as a bowl. Wood sprouted from the tops to come together at the highest point, making a dome. Dangling from it was another large banner. Then my eyes wandered over to another building, it looking similar to a castle but a spire shot from the roof proudly. Confused by these two buildings, I turned to Laurance for guidance. He seemed to have noticed my awe of them and said in a voice you tend to hear when someone announces something; "Welcome to Scaleswind. The legendary birthplace of Irene. Here you will find the ancient guard academy and the eldest sacred temple in Ru'an."

"Thanks for clarifying," I say, sighing as I felt very overwhelmed by it all. "Where do we need to–"

He then pointed to the furthest side of the city, where an actual castle-like structure stood. "There. Lord Aberlin Rosenburg and his daughter should be residing there. Hoping they aren't out for business. If so, our next bet should be whomever the head guard here is."

And with that, to get there faster, we got back on our horses, Thorgi sitting on my lap once again. We rode up to the gates within another ten minutes, two guards standing watch in front while another two stood at the top. "Halt, by order of Lord Rosenburg, you are instructed to state clearly who you are and what your business is."

Laurance was quick to answer, saying; "Ser Laurance Zvhal and I have brought a travel companion, Miss Aphmau...Withers. We are here to meet with the Lord to discuss a growing concern in the southern region."
My eyes went wide with the mention of my last name. Withers? That's Rowan's last name? Did Laurance think we were married? Nonetheless, Laurance knew more than I did in this situation so I let him do it.

The two guards nodded their heads, turning on their heals to go inside the gates to probably discuss with someone else if we shall past. While they were doing so, I leaned over to Laurance and said; "Rowan and I aren't married, you realize."

He turned to me, looking equally as confused but chuckled and shook his head. "Withers is a last name given to people in Ru'an if they are...unsure of or not given the right to bare their father's last name."

Bastards. Was the first thing that came to mind. Rowan was a bastard...I found it surprising.

"Like for instance, I had the name Withers for a majority of my childhood. Before Lord Hayden Zvhal officially welcomed me into his family," Laurance went on to explain. "So no, I don't think you and Rowan are romantically involved. If so, I would worry for your eyesight."

"Why's that?"

"Why marry a man who seems to be melded to a helmet?"

I guess he had a point but, still. It felt uneasy to hear such slanders of my friend. But before I could defend him, the guards approached us again, saying; "Welcome to Scaleswind. Our superior is on his way to relay the news of your arrival to Lord Rosenburg. He'll be in his estate. In the meantime, your instructed to head over and wait for your call. Do you understand?"

"Yes," Laurance and I said simultaneously. Then the gate began to open, us trotting up to it and riding through once it was high enough to fit. Once we were in, my eyes first landed on not the tall buildings or beautifully paved roads. Instead a large red banner with a golden falcon embroidered on. It's eyes peered onto me like it was aware of my presence.

"The Rosenburg family is one of the very few ancient houses of Ru'an. It's surprising that they have lasted this long."

"So the falcon is like the Zvhal's sunflower?" I asked, picking up on context clues. He smiled and nodded his head. He then went on to say; "And like us, they have a saying as well. Our's is 'facing the sun and the future', theirs is 'flying high and strong'."

"Wow...you know a lot of these things," I say as we continue on our way. He lifted his shoulders to say; "I kind of have to be if I am to be considered a part of a noble family."

"What about the other noble families? Do you know theirs?"

He laughed and nodded his head. "We'd be here for a while if I were to tell you all of them. And we have a task to focus on."

"You're right, sorry. Let's go."

We got off our horses and began our walk through the city. Unlike Meteli and Phoenix Drop, Scaleswinds roads were made of nicely laid cobblestone. People were out and bustling through the shops as we passed by. I probably saw hundreds of people in just a matter of minutes. A mother and her children at the bakery, three guards walking along on their patrol, a man pulling water from a well...it felt alive. ]

And they were only a part of the beauty of this place. The city itself was gorgeous as I had predicted from our trail view. Details of steel shined in the sunlight every once and a while. Statues of angels and soldiers were scattered about, surrounded by lush gardens on the corners of streets. And I realized then why the buildings themselves were black and white. There were pops of colors all over. Ranging from pink and red roses, orange and yellow shirts hung from a line in between an ally, and then, in the distance I saw almost a rainbow of colors in the temple's glass windows. I couldn't register what the image was from here but all I knew is that it must've been casting a wonderful array of colors inside. Part of me wanted to ask Laurance if we could stop and look inside.

"For a city that's in the middle of a war, it seems very lively and bright," I commented, still looking around as Laurance and I walked along. He chuckled and said; "One can only hope that's the case for every village and city if it were to ever happen! No one wants to see their home be dulled and somber, would you?"

I shook my head, smiling in agreement. "I mean, I guess it is a paper war, as you said. No reason for the people to suffer for it."

His face softened as he nodded. "And that's a good opinion to have, Aph."

I stared at him in confusion, asking; "A-Aph?"

"Ah! Sorry!" He exclaimed, waving his hands in front of him and making us stop in our tracks. Due to this, I think some people overheard us and I couldn't help but overhear an older gentlemen grumble as he walked past us; "Nice one buddy..."

Laurance ignored him as he went on to say; "I just wanted to give you a little...nickname of sorts. But it was very rude of me to–"

"What? No, not at all!" I insisted, grabbing his attention by taking his arm. "I love it, personally! I think it's very sweet! I have never had a nickname before...at least to my knowledge!"

I watched as his confidence seemed to seep back in. Even Thorgi groaned...a way a dog can. "Well, if you had just said you wanted one, I would have given you one sooner," He smirked, placing his hands on his hips.

I crossed my arms as I took a small step back, raising a brow as I asked; "Oh really?"

"Yup," He said, popping the word at the end. "I had a few come to mind when I first met you. I just didn't have the guts to say it outloud."

I finally returned the playful gaze as I replied, leaning closer to him; "Good. Some thoughts are just meant to be a secret."

He laughed abruptly, me joining in. Now, I'm sure Rowan would have found the interaction a bit inappropriate but, I found it all in good fun. Laurance went on to say in between breaths, still laughing; "What? You don't want to hear that I thought you were an angel sent from Irene herself?"

"Hm, I'll take the compliment but, no not really," I shrugged, still smiling. And with that, we continued on our way to the palace.

—

When we arrived, stablemen took our horses and told us they would be taken care of during our stay here. Luckily, they let me keep Thorgi. Though, I was partially distracted by the grounds of the Rosenburg's estate. The front of the home dawned a very well-kept garden with strong oak trees and lush bushes. Rose bushes also added a pop of color here and there. The home itself was still made of the almost pure white stone as the rest of the city. But it gave a grander appearance. If anything, it seemed more like a castle compared to one I saw in Meteli. It had tall, pointed towers. Dark wood decorated the outside as well, giving off intricate designs. Closer to the top where the roof began to form was again the beautiful stained-glass windows. All different colors and I could only imagine what the inside looked like. Walls lined the property, guards standing at their posts, watching. As Laurance and I walked along the grounds, they shut the steel gates behind us, the guards turning once again to watch us as we went on our way.

I was about to ask but Laurance was one step ahead of me and said; "Remember...they're in the middle of a war. They may know me and my family but they don't know you. All the Rosenburgs are waiting for from the Ro'Meave family is the first attack. So, a stranger walking into their home may be something they are being alert about."

That worried me, especially with the task at hand. How in the world were these people supposed to trust me? "Maybe this isn't a good idea then. They'll never want to help me...I was right. Rowan should have come in my place."

"Nonsense," Laurance said, stopping me in my tracks. He rested his hands on my shoulders and said; "Miss Aphmau, I may not have known you very long but, I can assure you that if you go in there and act the same way you have been treating me, they'll listen to you."

I felt my lips curve into a small smile as I said; "Thank you, Laurance...but please do stop me if I end up rambling due to nerves."

He laughed and nodded his head, taking his hands off my shoulders and allowing the both of us to continue our walk towards the estate. "I promise you that I won't allow you to make a fool of yourself."

As we made our way closer to the door, I could see that the large doors had carvings of a woman. I didn't have much time to see it but I could register that she was wearing a hooded cape and holding what looked like a drop of fire. That's all I could see before they were opened for us and we walked into the entrance of the Rosenburg estate. We were greeted by a grand entryway. Beautiful paneling were on the walls with gorgeous portraits on the walls. Statues of men and women lined the walls...some in...indecent condition to say the least. A service man came up to us and offered to guide us where we would be meeting the Lord and his daughter. We accepted and followed him through endless hallways it seemed. Granted, I wasn't truly complaining too much. It was a lovely home. Maybe not cozy but breathtaking to say the least. I wouldn't be surprised if they were one of the wealthiest families in Ru'an.

The man opened another large door that opened up to a great hall. It was pretty empty, pillars holding up the tall roof, chandeliers dangling off of it. And those stained glass windows were there. Three on each side. Each depicting a different man or woman. And again, I saw the woman in the hood. She had wings of white feathers and the fire that I saw was now above her head in a purple hue. And like predicted, colors danced on the floors. In front of Laurance and I was an altar of some sort with a long table, six chairs along it, facing us. The man who helped us told us they would be here momentarily and told us to wait here. We agreed and were just left with ourselves and the few guards that were already there before we arrived.

I just couldn't take my eyes off the windows. "Who are they?"

"The Divine Warriors," He replied, a small grin on his face. I knew he was silently laughing at me due to the fact I didn't know, which told me that they were probably a big deal. "Kul'zak the Traveler is the one on the right next to the door."

I looked over and did indeed see him. He was depicted wearing a deep green robe, holding a scroll and a green flame. I couldn't help but notice the scar on his face. "He's actually the ancestor of the family who used to rule Meteli and its territory. Unfortunately they have passed but his legacy still lives on. Because of him, he found that Meteli had the most fertile soil in the country."

"That's impressive," I said, honestly astonished that one man could discover that. "What about the others?"

"Well, next to him is Enki the Wise. His land he is most worshiped on is Tu'la and the islands that surround it," Laurance went on. "His famous library is there. Um...oh, next to him is Edmund the Protector. He's most known for leading the battle that overthrew the monarchy that used to rule here."

Both men were of course depicted well. Enki held a staff with a golden orb on top, carrying books in his other arm. Edmund just held a sword in front of him proudly, golden wings behind him. But not of feathers. Above him was a blue orb, sending a strong ray of the same color onto the floor. I could tell Laurance wanted to say more but we were interrupted by doors opening.

In came two men and a young woman. I had to assume that it was Lord Rosenburg and his daughter. The second man was a mystery at first but I was sure to get an explanation. Though, I felt my nerves pick up again, seeing how stern their faces were. Unlike the Zvhals, they seemed more tired and closed-off, which worried me. They took their seats at the table, the Lord saying; "Ser Zvhal. I'm surprised to see you, especially without a preemptive announcement of your intent to travel here. What seems to be the reason?"

"I am here as an escort, Lord Rosenburg. By my father and Ser Rowan Wither's request," Laurance answered him. He directed their attention to me, making my heart pick up its pace for a moment. The Lord peered at me, leaning over the table slightly. "This is Miss Aphmau of Phoenix Drop. She is here for any assistance that you can provide."

"G-Good afternoon–" I began but was interrupted by the second man asking; "What is your query, Miss Aphmoo?"

"Aphmau, I think her name was, Mister Gavin," The Lord's daughter corrected, almost sharply. He seemed to grimace for a second before she went on to say; "Please. Tell us. We'll see how we can help."

"Oh, um...you see, Phoenix Drop has recently lost their Lord and Lady. And now, with recent developments, they theorize that there could be foul play involved," I tried explaining as clearly as possible, clutching my hands tightly to try and calm my nerves. "Ser Rowan Wither's suggests that we could inform you and other major cities of what the priority suspect looks like. And possibly, to be on the lookout for Lord and Lady Fyresmith."

A painful silence rang through the hall. I waited there patiently as I watched Mister Gavin lean over and whisper something into the Lord's ear. The Lord seemed to take the words seriously, sitting straighter in his chair as he asked me; "Tell me Miss Aphmau...why isn't Rowan Wither's here instead of Laurance Zvhal?"

"We thought it was best for him to return to Phoenix Drop. He's only one out of three guards who are trained there and it didn't seem safe for him to be away for so long," I replied, honestly. The Lord scratched his beard, thinking to himself. His daughter decided to ask the next question; "Why did he send you, might I ask?"

"Um...well, uh," I stuttered, trying to find the words. I was struggling severely so Laurance decided to step in and help; "She is one of the few people who has seen the suspect, your grace. She'd be able to give a decent description of the man."

"But why isn't someone of higher ranking in Phoenix Drop out here informing us that they suspect their Lord and Lady to be not dead but missing?" Gavin butted in. "That's where I have my concerns, sir."

"You heard the explanation," Nicole said to him, sternly. "They can't afford to have their head guard leave on such a long journey. It's at least a week's trip to get from Phoenix Drop to Scaleswind. They were only doing what was best—"

"All I am hearing is that Phoenix Drop is small and insignificant to the point that they can't bear to lose another person of importance," Gavin went on, looking at me. "Does your bastard head guard know that we are in the middle of a conflict with the other powerhouse of this country? Why does he think that letting a woman with no title come and make a case is going to convince us to help?"

I stood there frozen, confused as to why his voice was being risen and why he was directing his frustration towards me. I could tell Laurance was getting irritated with this man's lecture as well, saying; "Unfortunately, Phoenix Drop does not have the same privileges as Scaleswind or Meteli. It needs support. Especially during this trying time–"

"Last time I recalled, Phoenix Drop was solely Meteli's responsibility," Lord Rosenburg finally spoke after a long silence. "As much as I sympathize with your village's struggles, Miss Aphmau, I am afraid that Scaleswind can not bear to be involved in another challenge."

I felt my heart drop to my stomach, knowing that I had probably failed. I immediately feared what my friends back in Phoenix Drop would think of me. Would they be disappointed? Would they be upset with me?

"I am terribly sorry but my advisor is right. We can house you and provide you with anything for your next leg of the journey but, I cannot allow my guards to be fearful with something like this," Lord Rosenburg offered, a frown on his face. Even though he had to deliver the bad news, he still seemed sorry for it. His daughter though was having none of it; "Father, we have only listened. We have not debated or thought through this. Please, can we think about this a moment longer?"

"I am sorry Nicole but, Gavin is right," Lord Rosenburg insisted, taking his daughter's hands. "We need to put our city and our people first. You will understand this sooner than you think."

And with that the two men left, leaving just the three of us in the room. Nicole looked towards me, her long red braid whipping around her shoulder as she did and said; "Please, don't worry too much. I have a way of convincing my father of things. But please enjoy your stay, as much as you can."

And with that she rushed off after her father. I remained there, silent. In complete shock. I don't know if it was because I failed or because they insulted me and Rowan in the span of two minutes. Laurance looked pissed, saying; "They had no right to treat you that way. Well, at least his advisor. And I may not see eye-to-eye with Rowan but, bringing up his parentage was uncalled for."

He rested a hand on my shoulder and I looked back up at him. He smiled with upturned brows as he said; "But let's remain hopeful. They may change their minds...also Brightport is just a few days sail away. Scaleswind may not help us but they certainly can."

I grinned, knowing he was right. I needed to remain positive in all of this. As much as I could. "Who do we talk to about getting a boat?"