The morning began with the quiet hum of routine. Everyone gathered in the hall for breakfast, though the tension from the previous night lingered in the air like an unspoken weight. [[Ellette|Ellette]] had returned to her usual cold, blue-skinned demeanour, though her interactions with the children were notably softer. Sitting with them, she explained the rules of the keep, her tone gentle but firm. “You can play anywhere you like,” she said, a small smile gracing her lips. “But my room is off-limits. Do you understand?” The children nodded quickly, their wide eyes fixed on her. Satisfied, [[Ellette|Ellette]] rose, excusing herself to join the party. [[Ellette|Ellette]] approached the rest of the party with a commanding air, her tone leaving no room for discussion. “[[Karrut Styk|Karrut]], [[Morgar Goldgard|Morgar]],” she said, her voice cool but steady. “You’re staying here. [[Qwimby|Qwimby]], [[Zara Blackwood|Zara]], and I are going to Alexandria. Keep an eye on the children, and make sure they don’t get into trouble.” [[Karrut Styk|Karrut]] and [[Morgar Goldgard|Morgar]] exchanged a glance but nodded silently. [[Morgar Goldgard|Morgar]], in particular, avoided [[Ellette|Ellette]]’s gaze, his guilt still weighing heavily. Without further discussion, [[Ellette|Ellette]] led [[Qwimby|Qwimby]] and [[Zara Blackwood|Zara]] to the cart. The cart ride was oppressively silent. [[Qwimby|Qwimby]] and [[Zara Blackwood|Zara]] exchanged glances, each trying to find the right words to break the tension. Finally, [[Ellette|Ellette]] spoke, her voice cutting through the awkwardness like a knife. “Do you want to hear a story?” Both [[Qwimby|Qwimby]] and [[Zara Blackwood|Zara]] turned to her, surprised. “I’ll tell you about my family,” she said, her gaze fixed on the horizon. “And why Nissa meant so much to me.” "My family... they’re complicated. I love them, of course, but it’s not easy being part of House Celestriaire. My father, Eladamri, is... larger than life. He’s an adviser to Queen Titania herself, and everything he does feels so purposeful, so calculated. He’s always been so stern with me, and I think it’s because I never quite fit the mould of what he wanted. I used to drive him crazy with all the trouble I got into. And when I’d see that look of disappointment on his face... well, I’d always tell myself I didn’t care, but I did. My mother, Marwyn, is brilliant. She’s a scholar—she’d rather be buried in a library than dealing with all the court politics. She wanted the same for me. She used to sigh so dramatically whenever she caught me sneaking off to train with Azuri or listen to Visidera’s stories. 'A blade won’t solve everything, [[Ellette|Ellette]],' she’d say. But I think she respected my determination, even if she didn’t understand it. Then there’s Freyalise, my older sister. If Father is the perfect leader, Freyalise is the perfect heir. She’s so poised, so disciplined. I don’t think she’s ever made a mistake in her life—not that she’d admit to, anyway. She was always the one who followed the rules, who did exactly what was expected of her. Sometimes I think she resented me for being the wild one. Other times... I think she envied me for it. And Nissa, my little sister... she’s the light of our family. She’s so carefree, always laughing, always curious about the world. She reminds me of myself when I was her age, though she’s a little gentler than I ever was. I miss her most of all. I used to tell her stories about heroes and monsters, and she’d look at me with these big, wondering eyes, like I was one of those heroes. "I remember the night everything changed as if it just happened. Father had just told me about the betrothal, I couldn’t believe it. I wasn’t some pawn to be traded for alliances. I needed to get away, to think, to breathe. So, I ran to Visidera. He always knew what to say, always made me feel safe. But when I found him, something was... different. He wasn’t his usual calm, reassuring self. He seemed... distant, almost worried. That scared me more than anything else. He told me there was a threat coming, something bigger than I could imagine. He said I had the spirit to face it, though I didn’t understand what he meant. I wanted to ask more, to make him explain, but before I could, there was this... flash. It was like the whole world exploded into Amethyst light. I felt it burning in my chest, spreading through me. My body—it started glowing, and I couldn’t stop it. Magic poured out of me like a river that had burst its banks. And then... Visidera was gone. Just gone. No roar, no farewell. Just silence. I panicked. I cried for him, begged him to come back. But he didn’t. And then Father and Azuri appeared. They saw the destruction, the magic swirling around me, and I saw their faces. Shock. Fear. Anger. I tried to explain, but the words wouldn’t come. They looked at me like I was... a stranger. A monster. Father called for the guards, and I—I couldn’t stay. I couldn’t face him. I ran. My feet moved faster than they ever had, and everywhere I went, the magic followed, tearing through everything. I couldn’t control it, couldn’t stop it. And then it all built up until it exploded again, and everything went dark. When I woke up, I wasn’t home anymore. I wasn’t anywhere I recognized. Visidera was gone. My family was gone. And for the first time in my life... I was truly alone." I don’t know if they think about me anymore. After what happened with Visidera, after I ran... I don’t blame them if they see me as a disgrace. But I hope, deep down, they know I didn’t mean for any of it to happen. I hope they know I’d do anything to protect them, even if I’m not with them anymore." By the time she finished, the weight of her loss was palpable. [[Qwimby|Qwimby]] and [[Zara Blackwood|Zara]] listened intently, their understanding of [[Ellette|Ellette]] deepening. “Nissa was the last piece of that life,” [[Ellette|Ellette]] said quietly. “And now...” Her voice trailed off, leaving the rest unsaid. Upon arriving in Alexandria, the trio wasted no time. They visited temples, spoke with priests, and consulted healers, but every answer was the same: none had the power to undo death in such a state, especially for one whose soul might resist returning. Defeated and exhausted, they began to make their way back to the cart. As they passed the bustling streets near the guild hall, a portly man with ginger hair and a prominent moustache stepped in front of them, blocking their path. “You!” he called, pointing at [[Ellette|Ellette]]. “You’re the one who’s taken in those children, aren’t you?” [[Ellette|Ellette]] stopped, narrowing her eyes. “And if I am?” The man puffed out his chest. “Name’s Derek. I’ve heard what you’re planning for them. Training them for battle, is it? Well, I say you’re unfit to teach them anything! If you want me to believe you’re capable, prove it. Duel me. Winner takes charge of their training.” [[Qwimby|Qwimby]] and [[Zara Blackwood|Zara]] exchanged uneasy glances. “[[Ellette|Ellette]]...” [[Zara Blackwood|Zara]] started, but [[Ellette|Ellette]] raised a hand to silence her. “Fine,” [[Ellette|Ellette]] said, stepping forward. “Let’s get this over with.” A crowd quickly gathered, forming a loose circle around the impromptu arena. Derek flourished his sword with an exaggerated show of skill, grinning at the onlookers. [[Ellette|Ellette]] remained impassive, drawing her _moonblade_ with smooth precision. The duel began, and Derek charged with a flurry of dramatic swings. [[Ellette|Ellette]] sidestepped effortlessly, her movements calm and deliberate. With a single fluid motion, she brought the butt of the _moonblade_ down hard on Derek’s nose. There was a sickening crunch as Derek staggered back, clutching his face. Blood streamed between his fingers, and the crowd gasped. [[Ellette|Ellette]] stepped forward, towering over him. “You start tomorrow at the keep,” she said coldly. “Training the children for battle. Hopefully, they’ll do better than _this._” The crowd erupted in cheers, clapping and shouting [[Ellette|Ellette]]’s name as Derek stumbled away, muttering apologies. As they made their way back home, [[Qwimby|Qwimby]] leaned over to [[Zara Blackwood|Zara]] and whispered, “Remind me never to challenge her to a duel.” [[Zara Blackwood|Zara]] smirked. “Noted.” The sun was setting by the time they reached the keep. The children greeted them excitedly, and the trio shared a quiet dinner with the party before heading to bed. Despite the unresolved tensions and the weight of their search, there was a sense of progress. Tomorrow, a new chapter of their journey and the children’s training would begin. [[Chapter 39. A Call to Action]]