"Reports have come in from all across the north, not just at the frontier anymore. Isolated research posts, monitoring outposts, and scattered settlements have been attacked. Many different suspected routes have been tracked, but without more manpower to shore up the breaches, it would appear to only be a matter of time before the first line collapses. Recommend immediate deployment of an additional regiment."

- Senior Inquisitor Honorious Tiber, North Eastern Frontier District, "Communique To Saintsrest"

"Don't stare Sophie, it's rude." Ary pouted.

"Sorry, sorry." Sophie held up her hands.

Ary made a fuss of turning sideways before nibbling on the little snack that she had acquired. A small little sandwich with what was purported to be fish steak gathered off the coasts of the Nautican Islands. Sophie had already had hers, gobbling it up in a brutish if inelegant bite. She found herself surprised at the tart mixture of a creamy sauce spruced up by a blend of fresh herbs and spices that rounded out the salty and tart of the fish and cream. A decent enough mixture enhanced even further by the toasted bread roll that it was put into. Decent enough that she urged Aryana to at least give it a chance.

The redhead curled her lips after a tiny bite, her face knotted together before shooting Sophie a playful smile. As the two traded a smile and Ary plopped the rest of it in her mouth, they both gave each other little affectionate pokes. Delighted by the playfulness, Sophie was about to lean forward to sneak in a kiss when the girl gave her hand a tiny slap.

"Ouch." Sophie chuckled.

"Sophie." Ary tutted, "Mind yourself."

"Sorry." She sheepishly giggled, "It's just rare to see you in a dress."

"Oh? Is it only because of the dress? Hmm?"

"You know I didn't mean it like that."

'Pfft. Sure, sure."

"Ary."

"Hey, I didn't say I minded being looked at like that, hmm? Just save it for a better place. Heh."

"Heh."

The two shared a soft laugh before exchanging a glance.

There was something nice about being able to spend time together at such a formal function. It brought out a different side of the two of them that neither of them had many chances to see. Both of them were unlikely to ever see an invite from anyone within a palace, though likely for entirely different reasons.

For Sophie, she was also more cheery in that the others were here. They brought with them a sense of community and support that she hadn't known she would appreciate as much as she did. Though it came with the added caveat that she had to tread ever more carefully in an attempt to make sure that her own troubles didn't spillover and become problems for the rest of them.

Of course, it didn't help that they were now all caught up by some bizarre Carradorian political game due to her association with Eva and her actions in Melton. But with everything that happened so far and knowing that Eva would still support her no matter what. It seemed that much more trivial now that she was here.

It also helped her reinforce the one thing that she did know about herself. And it was that even when she had served under House Rosengart, such functions were always beyond her understanding. Even for formal dinners or gatherings at the Academy, she had felt out of place. Here, it was almost guaranteed that she had little relation to anyone here. In fact, the more she thought about it, the more she also came to the conclusion that the only reason beyond Eva's advocacy of her, was likely her strange little friendship with Prince Frederick.

The princeling and Eva had always been close with one another ever since they were young. Sophie still remembered how when they had first met, she had even gotten a little jealous that Freddie would steal Eva away from her, despite the latter's reassurances. Only over time, did she come to understand the different relationship that she shared with Eva compared to Frederick and hers. Though even now, the princeling still seemed to live worlds apart from her despite also going to the Academy alongside them. Although perhaps it was a good thing in this case. Considering that it was those very differences that meant Eva's almost assured reintegration into Carradorian society without trouble. After all, the favor of a royal carries a lot more weight than just another noble from one of the smaller houses.

Aryana let out a soft whine and grabbed Sophie's attention. Before Sophie could speak the redhead coyly pointed towards the main floor. Sophie followed the girl's direction to find a startling sight. Taking surprising command of the floor was a familiar looking Traxian girl with her hands wrapped tenderly around one of the saints. Unlike the other dancers on the floor, their pace was far slower than the music, yet still in sync somehow.

"That's…"

"Uhn." Ary grunted, before grabbing onto Sophie's hand, "Look."

Wearing her formal but still somewhat frilly dress tailored to her, Lady Lucinia moved with a tenderness that even Sophie found a bit strange seeing. The former noble seemed to be instructing the saintess in how to dance, only letting the two of them to move after every two notes. The saintess fumbled a little, her footing spotty and her movements far less confident. But it didn't matter, the poise and grace in which Lady Lucinia seemed to make shrouded the saintess's mistake.

Upon Lucinia's face Sophie even noticed the hint of joyful smile, a strange glee coming from the girl. And it was perhaps only now that Sophie found herself getting a different understanding of the Traxian. Unlike Sophie and the others, here, despite the hostility of the Carradorian court to her, she was in her element.

Indeed, even now, Sophie could tell that more than a few sets of unfriendly eyes had landed upon the strange pair. But like how a king could scarcely pay attention to the concerns of each and every peasant or minor local noble, Lucinia seemed to have thrown her care to the wind and dedicated herself solely to the task of guiding the saintess.

Her presence on the floor did earn her some fans however. Near one of the tables with food offerings, the rest of the Lily Knights had congregated with the other saints. The whole lot of them now also peering over at Lucinia and her companion.

Sophie felt Ary grip her hand a little tighter and looked down. Her breath caught in her throat as she noticed a flicker of sadness flash across Ary's face. As Ary's grip tightened even a little more Sophie squeezed back and moved a little closer.

"Ary?" She queried. Though she already knew the answer.

"Maybe. One day." Ary replied somberly, no extra explanation added. Though none was needed.

The two simply remained side by side for a moment or two, taking in the moment as the music picked up the pace.

"Do you see her?" Ary murmured.

"Lucinia?"

"Yeah." Ary now clutched onto her sleeve, drawing her down a little.

"She's having fun."

"Mmhmm. And she's beautiful, Sophie. Do you see it?"

"See?"

"She's practically glowing."

"Yeah, she is." Sophie affirmed.

She didn't know what she felt at the moment, but she wondered if it was something akin to pride or joy. Lucinia had been dealt a fairly unfortunate hand to have landed her as part of the adventuring party. She was certainly stubborn enough to throw herself at whatever task the group would give her, though she did feel a little lost in trying to come to grips with adventuring as a concept in general. But here, the former princess was showing the court that she hadn't lost touch with herself. How delightful.

Then her gaze turned back to the one who had summoned it in the first place. She could see much the same thought process within her echoing inside Ary. The girl clearly also glad that their compatriot, abrasive as she might sometimes be, was truly in her element. She might even argue that it was the most distilled version of it too. No courtly dramas, peace protests, or any other mess. Just a court, a ballroom, and the elegance expected from one of her stations to be demonstrated in full.

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"Ary?" Sophie asked once more.

"Hmm?"

"Are you having fun?"

Ary stared up at her quizzically almost like the question itself didn't register at first. Knowing her well enough by now, Sophie just waited. Ary narrowed her eyes, now aware that Sophie was being genuine with her question. After a few more seconds of staring, her frown then softened to a tired smile.

"Mmm, I guess I am." The girl half smiled.

Sophie's heart tightened upon seeing the girl's eyes briefly glance downwards. Feeling guilty for raising the question, she leaned down to trade a gentle peck upon Ary's forehead. This time there was no resistance, only a satisfied looking smile from the redhead that brought a modicum of relief for Sophie.

"I'll keep that in mind then, heh. Take you out to another ball if we ever get the chance." She smirked.

"Eheh, I'll hold you to that." Ary beamed.

Sophie grinned and stood up a little straighter before bowing deliberately and extending her arm forward the girl.

"In that case, madam." Sophie adopted a far more haughty and formal tone, "Would you permit me the honor of your company for the rest of the day?"

Ary giggled merrily and enthusiastically hooked onto her.

"Only if we get to spend more time moving forward!"

"Of course. It would also be an honor to spend the foreseeable future with you too." Sophie smiled back.

Sophie and Ary reconvened with some of the others back at their table after spending a good few while simply enjoying the ambiance of the ballroom. Though both were quite aware of the questioning looks that were often thrown their way. Either because of Sophie's elfin presence or the curiosity at Ary's wheelchair bound form.

Elaria and Raylani were busy entertaining a few gathered nobles off on the other side of the room. Likely seeing no real reason to join the others for now, trusting in them to update them should it be necessary. Not that their assumption was incorrect. Elaria was her sister and Raylani would find out one way or another.

Lucinia was also otherwise occupied, though this time, with a far more cheery expression on her face. Cheerful for the Traxian anyways. She was now being surrounded by the other saints, Ayumi in particular now taking a great interest in the Traxian. Though the former seemed to have gotten a new protector in the saintess Emi who had been her dance partner.

Suzuki however, had separated from her class and was now at Sophie's table alongside Eva. The two joined by the currently insatiable Sigrid who appeared with a plate full of canapés and snacks that Sophie swore she had already seen the mermaid eat two times over. Her immediate minder Hanabi had taken the opportunity of the others to spend some more time amongst her peers. The girl's more elusive demeanor did not do enough to conceal the desire to talk with her former classmates.

"Is everything going smoothly so far?" An unexpected voice approached the table.

Those currently at the table turned to face the unexpected source of sound. Ary's eyes widened and Eva immediately stood up. Sophie had to spend a few seconds studying the face before realizing it was a familiar one, though still a bit strange to her.

Caught by surprise, she looked over to find Eva dipping her head respectfully in a bow, opting to quickly follow suit. Suzuki doing much the same.

"Please, no need to stand on ceremony, any of you." The voice tittered.

"Princess Samantha, it is good to see you well." Eva reluctantly broke her stance.

"Uhn!" Ary grunted her assent at the sentiment.

A worried sigh escaped from the princess's lips.

"My memories aren't always the best, as my father might say. But I think I would remember something like this." Samantha gestured towards Ary's wheelchair.

"Magical accident." Ary stated bluntly, "But it's good to see you too."

"Hah. I suppose. Still, people here treat you alright? I know some of them might be stuffy fools."

"It's been fine so far." Ary smiled, "I'm having fun."

"Good!" Samantha smiled back.

With any semblance of tension broken amongst them as they welcomed in a friendly face. That left only Sophie to perform a greetings, and she found herself staring face to face with the increasingly amused princess.

"Um, hello, Princess Samantha." She awkwardly fumbled, still a little rattled.

"Pfft." The girl sniggered.

Confused, Sophie just stood there, turning to the others for help. Eva just gave her an encouraging nod, which was relatively unhelpful. She didn't know what she needed encouragement for.

"Princess?"

"Hah, I know you guys won't stop given the environment and all. But just call me Sam or Samantha if you could back at the Academy, yeah?" The girl grinned.

"Uhh, of course?"

"Hah. Wow."

Sophie just cocked her head sideways.

"Sorry, it's just that I heard you had a twin. But naturally, it's hard to catch the two of you together back at the Academy and well, twins are twins, right? Probably hard to tell apart."

Sophie tepidly nodded, unsure where the princess was going with this line of thought.

"I just saw her a moment ago with your blackhat friend so I know that you're the other one. Given your closeness with Aryana here, I presume you are Sophie not Sophia?"

"That's correct."

"Wow. Then I must say, choosing the exact same outfit was certainly a bold choice. Because even though I know it wasn't you, sorta. It really did feel like I saw your splitting image besides your…" The girl paused, her lips curling into a thoughtful frown as she looked Sophie up and down.

"It's the hair. We style our hair differently." Sophia's ever annoyed sounding voice rang out from the side.

True to the princess's tale, Sophie's counterpart was being escorted by Mila. The Inquisitor being the one who looked worse for wear. A result that stemmed from her and Janos being the church's connection between it and Carrador for whatever scheme they have to be responsible for. Hah, and we're dragging her up to the Frostwinds after this, must be tiring.

"Ah-hah!" Samantha gleefully clapped her hands together, "I knew it would be something like that. Though, arguably you're still both incredibly similar."

As if to prove her point, the two of them let out their own respective grunts of affirmation. The unintentionally well timed act made the two of them shoot questioning glares at each other.

"Well, whatever the case. I just wanted to welcome you all here. I know the greater… erm… the current situation," She waved her hands dramatically, "might not be the best or most welcoming given all the sensitive issues at play. But even I know that it feels a bit rude to not be welcoming hosts."

"Please, Princess Samantha, it's perfectly understandable and we don't require anything special." Eva answered for the group.

"Nonsense. I might not be the most popular or biggest fan of the court. But there are still things they should be doing regardless that they aren't. Still, I suppose it also helps that you give me an excuse to wander around a bit without needing to talk politics with the others."

"It might still prove important to keep in the loop, Lady Edelin." Mila commented.

"Of course, I'm not denying that. I still make an effort to at least know about what's happening, you don't have to worry about that, Madam Inquisitor."

Mila did not reply, leaving an awkward silence in her wake. Not wanting to let it grow uncomfortable, Sophie tried to break the sudden quiet with whatever came to her mind.

"And how about yourself, Princess Samantha? How are you finding things?"

The girl looked at her for a split second before flashing both her and Eva a quick wink each.

"Bored to tears. But at least I get this chance to monopolize the lot of you before Frederick gets time away with his own responsibilities, eh?" Samantha smirked.

Eva let out a quick snicker and Sophie was just amused at the princess's carefree nature.

The princess then turned her ever mischievous gaze towards the only yet unacknowledged member at the table. Sigrid had only briefly noted Samantha's arrival and when the princess had barely bothered her, she returned the same mindset by focusing on her food instead. Only when she noticed that the conversation around her had died down did she look up and glance around.

Meeting Sophie's gaze, the mermaid let out a questioning trill.

"This is Princess Samantha, she's just trying to say hello." Sophie introduced their guest.

Sigrid bobbed along before turning to examine the princess in question.

"Pleasure to make your acquaintance, my lady." Samantha smiled.

Sigrid replied with a friendly little chirp.

"Hmm?"

Sigrid tried a more soft spoken trill but Samantha still looked a bit confused.

"She can't speak. Not our tongue at least." Sophie clarified.

"Ohh, should've led with that, eh?" Samantha jokingly chided her.

Sigrid followed up another cheery little chirp now that Samanatha had shown her understanding. The princess also took the cue to extend her hand. Sigrid received the handshake with unexpected gusty, eliciting a squeak of surprise from the royal.

"So I presume she's part of Sophie's retinue instead of yours, Evaline?" Samantha asked.

Eva nodded.

"Aye, part of her party."

"How fascinating! Things only seem to keep changing with you, hmm? I bet you have done quite a few things since last we met, hmm?" Samantha questioned Sophie.

"Ah! I suppose."

"Then if you don't mind me imposing myself here, how about a few stories of your travels, hmm? Think of it like… earning the favor of a princess."

Sophie turned to search for some guidance from Eva, but the girl just shrugged.

"We're going to be here for while anyways. Might as well entertain a princess, eh? You already have one, might as well befriend another." Eva chuckled.

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