Snow fell in lazy spirals, blanketing the cobblestone courtyard outside Priscilla Academy in a veil of pure white. 

Aeris stood near a sleek, enclosed carriage she had rented the carriage and driver with the handsome amount of coin she had received from that bastard Vali. 

Her winter uniform was woolen with embroidered silver accents and a black fur-lined cloak that fitted her slender frame like tailored silk. Her breath fogged in the frigid air as she leaned against the polished lacquer of the carriage, waiting.

A warm carriage, enchanted with subtle heating runes and luxuriously cushioned seats, was the least she could do for her Talia, especially because of the ominous feeling that languished over their expedition.    

She put those concerns aside for now as though House Valcrest brimmed with formidable warriors and they bolstered a considerable personal militia,  it was rather poultry when compared to her own family's army of fifty thousand diligently trained soldiers.

Not that she would require any assistance from her house,  she had her own personal army at her beck and call and she was most eager to see them all in action.  

  Talia appeared down the trail, rushing awkwardly through the snow. Her boots kicked up puffs of powder, and her red-and-black uniform was lightly dusted with frost. 

 Her cheeks were flushed, and she was panting hard by the time she reached Aeris.

Aeris raised a brow. “You’re late.”

Talia grinned between breaths. “I was saying goodbye to Zarena. She wouldn’t let go. I think she’s grown too attached to me 

“Wouldn’t blame her,” Aeris said, reaching for Talia’s suitcase. “If I could trap you in a room by ourselves for a week,  I’d definitely seize the opportunity.”

Talia laughed and helped hoist her luggage onto the back of the carriage. “That’s very noble of you, Lady Aeris.”  Talia teased playfully holding Aeris gaze for a moment longer than necessary 

“I live to serve.”

The two girls climbed into the warm interior, shaking the snow from their cloaks. Outside, the coachman gave a polite nod before snapping the reins. The horses, cloaked in enchanted armor to keep warm, began their slow trot southward.

For a while, silence reigned, broken only by the rhythmic clatter of hooves and the occasional creak of wood. Talia sat across from Aeris, her face turned toward the frosted window. Her posture was stiff, arms hugged around her knees.

“You alright?” Aeris asked softly.

Talia blinked and nodded, then shook her head. “No. I mean—thank you. For coming with me.”

Her voice cracked slightly. “I’m not sure I could’ve done this alone. The thought of going home... It makes my chest feel tight. Like I’m drowning.”

Aeris leaned forward, resting a hand gently on Talia’s. “

You’re not alone, you have me and my army of the undead,  they’re quite fond of you ya know,  Melina is always worrying over you and Vergil thinks you have remarkable potential, if you can get your head out of your ass.”  Aeris said playfully.

“Well that’s just rude”  Talia huffed pouting and turning to face the frosted window once again

Talia squeezed her hand, trembling. 

“You’re the best Aeri, Thank you for being here,  for caring like you do,  I appreciate you and I don’t think I say that enough.”

A faint flush touched Aeris’s cheeks. She masked it with one of her signature wry smiles. “I can think of a couple of ways you could demonstrate your appreciation,  if you’re open minded enough.”  Aeris teased closing the distance between them. 

And hereI thought nobility was all about red herrings and words laced with half truths, but here you are being excruciatingly direct.”  Talia said blushing 

Talia chuckled weakly. “Alright. Tell me about House Garland. The good, the bad. I’m curious what one of the Three Great Houses is like behind all the grandeur.”

Aeris exhaled. “It was miserable.”

Talia blinked.

Aeris continued, voice steady but bitter. 

“Daddy Dearest  is a tyrant, obsessed with status and legacy. My mother’s a venomous socialite who only values obedience, perfection and vanity. I was born the eldest daughter of House Garland, and that meant one thing: I had to become the perfect maiden. Trained in dance, etiquette, conversation, even how to faint properly at a royal ball”

Aeris felt a surge of anger ripple through her body as she recalled all the beatings, the starvation and isolation.  She still carried it with her to this day,  those painful lessons were etched into her very skin. 

  I didn’t have a childhood, I had lectures and training,  and punishment for even the slightest mistake or infraction.”  

Talia started. “Fainting...?”

“Like a swan,” Aeris deadpanned. “All of it was to position me to marry into the royal family. That’s all I ever was to them. A political piece in a game that started centuries ago.” 

She paused, eyes narrowing.

“Being a Marquis with lands, wealth, and influence wasn’t enough. Not while House Redwyne had the Duke’s rank and royal favor. Garland and Redwyne have been rivals for seven generations.”

Talia gave a low whistle. “That sounds... exhausting.”

Aeris smirked. “You asked.”

Talia rested her chin on her knees. 

“Valmont’s isolated. Not many nobles to spar with. But I do remember Father meeting with Duke Redwyne once or twice. He called us one of his strongest vassals.”

Aeris tilted her head, intrigued.

 “Strange. I know almost nothing about your family. Other than your father being some proud warrior and you being expected to become a knight.”

“Expectations?  My Father never had any expectations for his worthless second daughter,  he already got what he needed with my perfect sister,  and heiress with the skills and personality to compliment him.  I’m just another mouth to feed his in view,  I decided to travel to Priscilla of my own accord to carve my own path away from that suffocating shadow.  So far I don’t regret my decision.”   

Talia said, shrugging her shoulders clearly feeling a sense of relief at finally venting about her woeful home life.

Of course you don’t regret it, you met me after all.”  Aeris remarked as she rested her head gently against Talia’s shoulder. 

Talia nodded in silent acknowledgement and two girls enjoyed the snowy landscape as their journey towards Valmont pressed on. 

Time passed more quickly than expected. Trees dusted with snow flanked the path as the carriage pulled into a small village nestled between icy hills. A familiar wooden sign swayed in the wind:

 The Wandering Hearth.

Aeris stepped down first, brushing snow from her cloak. The inn was quieter than she remembered fewer patrons, a dim golden glow emanating from inside. Gone was the raucous laughter and crowded dining hall. Tonight, it felt like a sanctuary from the biting frost outside. 

Inside, the hearth crackled merrily

. The same layout greeted them, though the atmosphere was rustic, subdued. The innkeeper at the counter, slightly shorter than Aeris remembered but just as pretty gave her a bright smile.

“Evening, travelers. Cold out there?”

Aeris stepped up, removing her gloves. “Two warm drinks, non-alcoholic. And... it’s good to see you again.”

The girl tilted her head. “Oh? I think you’ve mistaken me for someone else. You must’ve met one of my sisters,  Happens all the time.”

Aeris blinked. “Sisters?”

Talia stifled a laugh.

 “You really don’t know? The Wandering Hearth is the most famous inn chain in Rosalia. It’s run by the Goldburn sisters. They’re Quintuplets.”

She held up fingers. “Lumira, Larentia, Lunelle, Lirael, and Lysarra.”

Aeris looked back at the innkeeper, who gave her a wink. 

“I’m Lunelle by the by”  She smiled 

“Well, that explains a lot,” Aeris muttered.

 “We nobles never stayed in inns. We had private estates across the countryside.”

She sipped her cider, lost in thought, House Garland’s primary wealth came from agriculture and iron ore. Their estates dotted every corner of Rosalia, even in Redwyne lands, despite that being a constant thorn in father's side.

The girls drank quietly, sharing a warm silence. 

Later, they were shown to their room on the third floor. It was a bit larger than the one Aeris had stayed in during her last visit, with a single, generously sized bed, thick quilts, and a small fireplace.

Talia raised an eyebrow. “One bed.”

Aeris gave a sly smirk. “Would you like me to sleep on the floor?”

Talia flushed slightly. “You’ve saved my life twice,  How could I be so inconsiderate to my guardian angel”

They undressed behind the privacy screen and slipped beneath the warm covers. Their bodies gravitated together naturally, warmth pooling between them.

Talia sighed softly. “This isn’t so bad.”

Aeris nestled closer. “No. It’s perfect.”

For the first time in what felt like years, Aeris drifted into sleep without tension clinging to her shoulders. No plots, no systems, no family expectations or mysterious assailants weighing her down.

Just the steady rhythm of Talia’s breathing beside her, and the comforting thought that she wasn’t alone.