Ilia’s grounds are covered in the whitest of snow, establishing it as the coldest region all throughout the land of Elibe. Though it may make for a treat to view, the lives of its residents are all but pleasant. With land largely incapable of growing vegetables, they had little to offer other countries and even less to fend for themselves. As a result, most who reside in Ilia train to offer their services to employers as mercenaries.

  In most cases, the funds from these missions are sent home to support their families to imitate some semblance of a living. Over time, their mercenaries adopted a strict code of loyalty that guarantees the employer their services once the terms are accepted.

  Edessa is the most prominent city within Ilia, serving as the headquarters for these mercenary services. Within these walls are countless buildings serving as barracks for the various teams that go out on mercenary work.

  One of the many platoons formed of Ilia’s pegasus knights, this one labeled as the 5th wing, has recently returned. Inside of their barracks are several beds lined up against either wall of the room, the comforters colored a dull gray. These beds had pillows that were soft enough to rest on but not to the point where one could call them comfortable.

  The stone walls of the building didn’t do much to offer any kind of color to the room. The various sets of weapons and light armor lining them added a little flavor to the room’s overall look, though it was fairly typical for barracks of this sort. The sound of a young woman hissing in pain came from one of these beds, the girl in question having short and curly brown hair.

  “Just a moment, I’m almost done.”

  Another young woman says as she tends to her associate’s wounds, currently wrapping a bandage around an injured leg to replace the bloodied cloth that was there prior. This woman has long, beautiful hair colored a vibrant cyan with bangs of similar length split down either side of her head. These bangs provide a frame for her face, currently wearing one of her usual reserved yet focused expressions.

  “Um, Captain Fiora?” The brown-haired girl begins to speak, addressing the blue-haired woman. Fiora’s attention remains focused on dressing the injury in question but it takes her no time at all to reply.

  “Yes?”

  “I can handle the rest of the bandaging, it’s okay. The other girls might need more help than I do.”

  After she secures the bandages on her associate’s leg, Fiora’s head turns to glance around the room. The other women are sitting or lying on various other beds, bandages decorating their forms. They wear the snow-white tunic pegasus knights usually don as their uniform, paired with dark blue thigh-high boots. Fiora herself wears the same attire, though with the addition of fingerless gloves, a breastplate and shoulder pads of the same color.

  “Your wound was the most worrying. With your leg in this state, even walking is ill-advised. Besides, they’ve all tended to each other well.” She replies, turning her head back to the woman she was treating.

  “Okay…I just feel bad that you always patch me up after a mission.” The woman sighs softly. “The captain shouldn’t have to personally fix up their newest member..”

  “On the contrary,” Fiora interjects, making sure the bandage around her leg is nice and snug. “As your captain, it’s my responsibility to make sure each and every person in my care is in the best of health.”

  “But..” The brunette starts, hesitating briefly. Her gaze trails down to the floor, too ashamed to look her captain in the eye. “I’m the reason we had to leave, right..? Won’t we get in a lot of trouble for that?”

  “...We will.” Fiora admits. “Still, your injury was severe. If we had taken any longer to mend it you may have lost your leg. It doesn’t matter to me that you’re new, there are no exceptions to what I said.”

  As if on cue, a set of heavy knocks lands upon the wooden door. The fledgling jumps slightly as she’s seated, startled. The other women in the barracks immediately sit up attentively, their eyes trained on the door. Fiora’s body calmly turns to face the entrance to their barracks, a quiet exhale leaving her mouth.

  “Captain..” The brown-haired knight lets out meekly, her face pale as fear starts to settle in. Fiora began to take paced steps towards the entrance past all the rows of beds. Her attentive, sapphire eyes display a resolute gleam on her trek towards the entrance.

  “Remain where you are.” The captain directs all of her subordinates. She reaches her hand for the knob of the door and pulls it open, allowing a cold wind to sweep across her form. A group of figures clad in the unmistakable armor of the Ilian knights stand in front of her. Upon seeing her, the armor-clad man in front speaks up.

  “Commander of the 5th wing. Your presence is required at the castle.” He dutifully recites, as if practiced. Fiora nods in a similar fashion.

  “Understood.”

  After her reply she walks out of the door, allowing it to shut behind her. The last thing her fellow pegasus knights see of their captain is her back as she departs with the crowd of soldiers.

  Fiora is escorted through a large campus of barracks home to countless other mercenary squads like her own. She walks down a stone path on a direct course for the large and imposing stone castle of Edessa. Their collection of footsteps results in the frequent sound of crunching snow beneath their feet.

  Within ten minutes they arrive at the large wooden doors that permit entry into the large castle. The knights push it open with loud, groaning creaks to reveal the stone hall that serves as this castle’s entrance. Once open, Fiora is escorted inside as the others push it shut shortly afterwards.

  Adorned with a large number of torches to keep the place heated, the castle was much emptier than a typical one. Most of their knights are either tending to what little farmland they have or patrolling the city.

  She ascends up several sets of stairs until she’s led up to the very top of the castle, two large knights clad in armor situated to each side of the throne room’s door. With another groan, the doors creak open to permit entry. As the knights enter, they stand back near the entrance and gesture for Fiora herself to advance alone.

  Fiora unwaveringly steps forth, her boots practically soundless atop of the stretch of red carpet leading to the throne. Sitting atop of this throne is the current lord of Edessa, a fairly aged looking man that’s wearing warm robes, though far less extravagant than a typical noble’s.

  Standing next to him is his son, a young boy with short black hair. He looks between the older man and Fiora as she comes to a stop halfway through the room.

  There’s one more presence of importance in the room, however. It’s a man who stands in front of the throne with fancy robes, healthy skin and a scent of wine. His expression appears irritated with furrowed brows as he clenches the glass of red liquid by his side. It’s a stark contrast to the more weary yet attentive expression of the castle lord’s. A grumble comes from the wealthy-looking man when Fiora arrives.

  “There you are, woman!” He shouts, filling the room with his irate voice. “Do you take me for a jester?!”

  “No, sir.” Fiora makes eye contact with the man, her gaze resolute.

  “I thought you Ilians were good for something! I had heard great promise in your abilities, yet your squad proved to be an utter mistake! I will give you one chance to explain yourself!”

  Fiora takes a deep breath once he finishes yelling.

  “There were more brigands than we were told to expect. Many were armed with throwing axes and there were archers in their numbers. We were able to fight them well until your soldiers began to flee halfway through the battle. The 5th wing was heavily pressured without their aid and one of my pegasus knights received a critical injury.” Fiora explains without missing a beat, continuing shortly after.

  “After fighting the entire time, an axe had embedded itself in her thigh and nearly tore straight through it. Atop of fatigue and sustained damage, I made the decision to retreat. It was possible to succeed should we have remained, but it was highly likely she and several others would have lost their lives in the process.”

  This explanation only seems to aggravate the noble, his teeth clenching in anger.

  “Your contract clearly stated your squad would remain until the job was finished! From my perspective, it appears that the goods YOU were responsible for protecting are now GONE! Do you have any idea how much money that will lose me?!”

  “...My sincerest apologies. I intended to stay until victory was won.”

  “And you did not follow through, it would seem! Who is this pegasus knight that caused you to abandon your duties? I want them here this instant!”

  Fiora takes a slightly heavier breath than normal, however it’s imperceptible to most.

  “It doesn’t matter who it was. I made the decision to retreat before any lives were lost.”

  “Idiot! The lives of you dirty mercenaries are far below my precious funds! You would have made enough money to set you up for the rest of your worthless lives! Are you implying your silly soldiers are more important than the mission I gave you?!”

  Fiora didn’t respond, but the steadfast gaze she keeps trained on him gives a clear answer. The man growls as his temper continues to boil, prompting his arm to fling forward and splash the crimson liquid across Fiora’s front. She winces as her head quickly turns to the side, one eye shutting as the wine dirties her face, neck along with a bit of her hair and armor.

  “The debt this will incur on you will be severe! If you were worth the money, I could own you and your entire squadron at a moment’s notice! Perhaps I’ll do just that, then I’ll find a decent use for you!”

  “You know that isn’t an option.” The man seated on the throne interjects. “The contract also stated that when breached, you have the option to charge her for value equal to what was lost. I reviewed the terms - owning them as compensation was not written on a single line. You’d need the signatures of the entire squad in such a case regardless.”

  It was then time for the nobleman to turn to the lord of Edessa with the same irate face.

  “I could pay you a hefty sum to get them off of your hands, you know. We could remain in good standing while I find a way to make my money back.”

  The lord dismissively waves a hand.

  “No need.”

  “Bah! All pieces of Ilian trash are the same. My messenger will return with a hefty debt for this woman to pay back. Rest assured, this place will never see my business again!”

  The nobleman storms off, marching out of the throne room. Only once he’s gone does the lord sigh. He gestures towards his son next.

  “Zelot, would you please find the commander a towel?”

  “I can, father.” The young boy nods, then begins to walk down a corridor nearby. Fiora quietly sighs as she thankfully bows to the aged man. The wine painting her face steadily trickles down the front of her outfit, staining it red.

  Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  “Thank you, my lord. I am deeply sorry for all of the trouble this has caused you.” The man dismissively shakes his head in a similar gesture.

  “Think nothing of it. I’m merely protecting my people while still acting within the boundaries of the contract.”

  “I appreciate it. Unfortunately, I am also aware that my methods sometimes do Ilia no good..”

  “Mm…It’s a strange situation, isn’t it?”

  “It is.” She nods in agreement. “Ilia is said to spill blood for a living, both our own and that of our enemies…but I could not fathom willingly offering the blood of my comrades.”

  “It’s refreshing.” A calm smile comes across the man’s face. “Commanders like you are quite rare, Fiora. I’d like you to keep that mindset strong, but try to keep dangerous employers in mind. You’ve already accrued debt from previous infractions, if you take on too much more it could destroy any hope of financial stability.”

  “...Yes, I’m aware.”

  The young Zelot returns with a gray towel offered up to the senior pegasus knight. She gives him a thankful bow and accepts it, doing her best to wipe off the wine spilled on her.

  “You’ll be receiving that notice for the debt soon, I’m sure. For now, ensure that you and your squad get the care they need.” The lord speaks after she dries off.

  “Understood. Thank you.” With the wine wiped up to the best of her ability, Fiora offers yet another bow and hands the towel back to the young Zelot. With her presence required for nothing else, she turns and begins to depart from the castle.

  A wooden door creaks open, allowing the cold Ilian wind to blow through. The door shuts just as quickly behind Fiora as she enters, a soft sigh leaving her lips.

  The familiar warmth of home never fails to be welcoming. She walks along the wooden floor into the living room, leaving her dirtied boots by the entrance. Two similar sets are close by, one in a condition like her own while the other pair looks fairly clean.

  Her scratched and stained breastplate lands on a nearby table with a soft thud. Like her boots, it joins two others - one damaged but in better condition, while the other looks nearly brand new.

  Fiora sits in an armchair as the entire day’s fatigue crashes down on her. She leans back and basks in the heat of the nearby fireplace, its crackling lulling her to sleep. Finally given a moment of respite, her eyes shut on their own.

  A moment is all she gets, however. The wooden floor creaks under the footsteps entering from another room. Fiora’s eyes gradually open as she directs her attention to the source despite being a bit groggy.

  Standing near a hallway is one of her younger sisters - a woman with short, deep blue hair that curls near the back. Her outfit is a tunic nearly identical to Fiora’s own.

  “Heya, sis.” She calls out with a smile.

  “Mm..Good evening, Farina.” Fiora manages to suppress a yawn while she replies.

  “Glad to see you’re okay! I see some bandages here and there.”

  “It wasn’t an easy task. I ended up suffering more injuries than I hoped for.”

  “Better to come back alive than not at all, right?” Farina squints at her sister’s wine-stained top and moves a bit closer. “That’s not blood, right?”

  “Ah..well..” Fiora glances down to her front. “No, it isn’t.”

  “Didn’t think so, the color’s a bit off. Wait..” After a few audible sniffs, her eyes focus back on her elder sister’s face. “..How’d the mission go?”

  Fiora notices it immediately - the way that Farina’s expression grows serious as her smile fades. The tension in the air heavies.

  “..It was a failure.” The commander sighs. “We were deployed alongside a noble’s soldiers to protect cargo. The number of brigands exceeded what was expected. Atop of that, the soldiers that were with us abandoned the cargo once things proved difficult. We would’ve likely succeeded should they stayed, but…the injuries were piling up quickly.”

  “So you abandoned it, I bet.”

  “Yes. It’s possible we’d have won irregardless, but we narrowly avoided having casualties as is. I made the call to retreat. A little while ago I met with the client, and…to put it simply, he was not happy with me.”

  Farina plants her fists on her hips while she scrutinizes her older sister.

  “Really? Here I figured it was a silly little spill after your employer invited you to a fancy dinner.” She scoffs, her sarcastic voice laced with irritation. “And I’m sure the invoice we’ll get in a day or so is just gonna be your portion of the bill, right?”

  “Farina-”

  “Because you’re loaded after that kind of mission, yeah?!” Farina’s expression twists in anger. Her foot stomps against the wooden floor. “How do you plan on keeping the house after getting saddled with another huge termination fee?! You spend all of this time flying out and risking your life just to come home without a single coin to your name!”

  Fiora cycles through deep breaths in an attempt to maintain her composure. After the day she’s had, getting in yet another argument with her sister is the last thing she wants.

  “..The risks were too great to consider staying. While it was unlikely we were killed in that battle, there may have been a few casualties if we tried to stick to the mission. There’s not a single sum worth more than my squad’s lives.”

  “Yeah, that sounds great and all. Real noble.” Farina rolls her eyes. “That’s what you always say. That’s not gonna fly when you’re trying to negotiate down at the market. Why die trying to make a living when you can die of starvation in the comfort of your own home?”

  “I’m not offering my comrades’ blood for money.” Fiora’s brow twitches as agitation begins to surface. “I refuse to adhere to the ridiculous stereotypes that Ilians only live for gold - that we’d kill our own just for a few coins.”

  “Don’t put words in my mouth, that’s not what I’m saying. As mercenaries, nothing should be more important than the fee you’re fighting for. You obviously can’t handle these tasks, so why are you even trying? You’d probably make more money wiping the floor at the tavern!”

  “..I’m a proud pegasus knight. Nothing makes me happier than fighting in our name and bettering our reputation.”

  “Ugh!” Farina throws her arms to the air, letting out an exasperated exhale. “Nobody’s gonna bend over backwards just ‘cause you mean well! You’re way too naive and too idealistic!”

  A frustrated grunt sounds from Fiora’s throat. It never fails to irritate her when her younger sister of all people claims that she’s naive. Her eyes narrow much like Farina’s own.

  “I try thinking about our people and our family, Farina!” Her calm voice wavers as her volume picks up. “I want to set a proper example for integrity and how we should carry ourselves. We are our own people before we’re blades for hire.”

  “Your ‘integrity’ doesn’t teach people how to fend for themselves. It doesn’t teach others how to negotiate and it certainly isn’t helping you bring anything meaningful back home!”

  “So I need to become as greedy as you, is that it? Would that make you happy?!” Fiora rises to a stand, locking eyes with her sister. Farina gasps at the comment, then returns an equally irate stare.

  “What?! Greedy?! If it weren’t for me, we’d be on the streets! Shelf your dumb ideals and do what you’re paid to do! It’s that simple!”

  “My performances have been exemplary. It’s only a few missions that have caused problems! I wouldn’t be a commander if all I did was fail my tasks. I shouldn’t need to sacrifice who I am to do my job, that’s what I’ve been trying to say!”

  “You know why you should, Fiora? You being you has racked up debt after debt for yourself and it makes things so much harder for us! It doesn’t matter if it’s only a few if they set you back ten missions! At this rate, Lord Edessa isn't gonna be able to shield you from some greasy noble buying you outright! We’re not gonna be much of a family if that happens, don’t you think?!”

  “Why can’t you get it through your thick skull, Farina?! I’m trying! I’m trying to pay off these loans and settle my debts so we can live comfortably. I get paid plenty for helping around the castle, so get off my back!”

  “It’s enough to get by, sure, but look at you! You always have bags under your eyes! You’re always worn out and uptight! When you’re not out there fighting for clients that don’t give a damn about you, you’re patrolling in the cold all night just to make enough to scrape by!” Farina’s arms shake angrily with clenched fists. “You’re the one not listening, you dope! Just admit that you need my help to do things right!”

  “I don’t need your help, Farina!” Fiora shouts, frustration bubbling in her voice. “I know I can do things correctly in my own way. I’m not going to give myself up and take the easy route like you!”

  “It’s not easy, I just know how to manage myself way better than you do! I guess if you wanna work yourself to the bone, you can use that stupid ‘integrity’ of yours as a crutch. Unlike you, I actually have time to do what I like! Kinda funny, huh, Miss ‘I’m not giving myself up’? When the girls ask about you at the tavern, I gotta give them the usual. She didn’t make enough on her job so she needs a little extra, blah blah blah! Sheesh, you’re driving me crazy!”

  After exchanging their series of insults and shouts, Farina stomps away to swipe her breastplate from the table. She slams her feet into her boots as she twists them on.

  “Farina!” Fiora shouts like an angry mother. “Where do you think you’re going?!”

  “Just the usual - finding an amazing client that’ll pay me exactly what I want. I’ll come back with loads of gold to my name and you’ll still be stuck here falling apart. Hope that ‘integrity’ of yours keeps you fed, you dolt!”

  The cold Ilian air bursts through the entrance as Farina swings it open and marches outside. Fiora tightly clenches her fists by her side while she stares at her sister’s back, shouting as the door slams shut.

  “Enjoy your filthy money, you insensitive loon!”

  It was an argument like any other - seeing who could get the last jab in so that they could feel like they won. The silence after Farina’s departure is deafening, however. Fiora’s irate eyes linger on the wooden door, shaking from frustration.

  After a heavy pause, she sighs and turns back around. It’s only then that she sees the figure of another young woman peeking around the corner of a nearby hall. Her youngest sister looks on with large, green eyes full of worry. The long, fluffy, lavender hair rolls down her back like waves.

  Her gaze immediately disarms Fiora, causing the eldest sister’s shoulders to slacken.

  “..Florina…”

  “U-um…is everything..going to be okay, Fiora..?”

  The meek, trembling voice of her youngest sister breaks her heart. Fiora never wants to be at odds with her own family, but she and Farina clash more than she’d have ever thought. She knows that Farina was making valid points, she just didn’t want to admit it. It felt like acknowledging her argument would be admitting defeat and crushing what she stood for.

  “Yes, it’ll be alright. Here..”

  Fiora sits on the couch and opens her arms toward the distant Florina. Although the quivering pegasus knight hesitates, once her legs start moving it doesn’t take long for her to close the gap.

  The two sisters embrace under the heat of the crackling fireplace. Fiora gently brushes her youngest sister’s hair while they sit in silence.

  “Where did Farina go..?” Florina mutters after a few heavy minutes. Fiora softly exhales, already regretting what she’s said.

  “Far from here, most likely..”

  “Do..do you hate her?”

  “No, of course not.” Fiora tightly squeezes her sister. “We just..don’t get along well.”

  “It just, um…seems like you both have a hard time listening to each other. Almost like, uh..you’re having two separate conversations.”

  “…Hm..”

  After a heavy sigh from Fiora, Florina rapidly shakes her head from side to side with panic.

  “I-I’m sorry, I didn’t mean anything bad by it! It’s just, uhm…you and Farina have really different ways to approach things..so it’d be nice if we could sit down and talk as a family and figure things out. That’s what I think.”

  “..It’s a nice sentiment.” Fiora wishes she could get along with Farina, but they just so happen to get on each others’ nerves all too easily. “I hope we’ll get that chance..”

  “W-we can..we can have dinner together when she comes back. Once I start getting assigned to more tasks, I can help more with expenses..then you two won’t need to fight anymore, right?”

  “I wish it was that simple..we’d probably find other things to shout over. I’m a terrible sister..”

  Florina buries her face into her oldest sister’s chest, letting out a whine of protest as she tightens their hug.

  “No..! You’re amazing, sister. You’re so strong and beautiful, I’ve always wanted to fly like you. The strength you have is something I really want to match one day, and..I-I just hope I can live up to it. Farina might not say it, but..I know she feels the same too.”

  Fiora smiles tenderly as Florina tightens her hold. This was one of the brightest lights she has in their bleak and cold reality. Nothing could match her love for Florina - she never fails to be supportive and kind, no matter her faults.

  Her affection for Farina is equally as strong, despite the vastly different ways they all interact. She just finds it much more difficult to express because of their clashes. When Florina had to question if she hated Farina, it broke her heart a little, but it helped her realize that it may have been Florina’s way of making her see properly. Then again, perhaps Fiora was simply overthinking it as she tends to do.

  Either way, her arms tighten around her fluffy sister in return.

  “..Thank you. That means a lot more than you might think. I promise I’ll speak with her the next opportunity I get. You’re leaving to train quite far from here soon, right? I’d like it if you could be there.”

  “Mhm..I’m going to be in Sacae for a while. It’ll be my first time leaving Ilia, so I’m really nervous..but I want to become a fully fledged pegasus knight like my sisters.”

  The idea of being separated from Florina for an indeterminate amount of time bothered her to no end, but she knew the day would come eventually. She’ll be beside herself with worry without a doubt. Even still, Fiora’s learned that nothing good will come from trying to coddle Florina her entire life.

  “...Alright. Please be careful, Florina..this family is all that the three of us have. I couldn’t take it if anything happened to you. If anything comes up, please do not hesitate to retreat. Send a letter for me and I’ll come right away.”

  “I know…I’ll be extra safe.”

  “Promise?”

  “Mhm! I promise.”

  “Good.” Fiora bestows a brief, tender kiss upon her youngest sister’s head. “I love you, Florina.”

  “Hehe..I love you too, Fiora.”

  The two sisters share an affectionate glance with each other before returning to the embrace of their warmth. Fiora happily relaxes in her sister’s presence while they’re both still here.

  While their moment lingers on for what feels like an eternity, to Fiora, it doesn’t last nearly long enough. The day comes where her baby sister mounts her pegasus and takes off into the snowy skies, vanishing into the hazy horizon far from Ilia.

  Snow stretches from one side of the barren wasteland to another. The eldest sister watches Florina’s silhouette gradually disappear in the distance with a lingering gaze. She already wishes she could turn back time so their moments could last.

  But now, it’s just her. As the biting cold causes her hair and tunic to billow, she stares to the frost-hued sky. Snow floats down and decorates her in white specs. Isolated in the snowy field, Fiora frowns while tightly clutching one of her arms with the other.

  She hadn’t seen Farina since their argument, and now Florina’s gone off to brave a land unknown to her. Even if she went back home, it’d feel just as cold and empty as where she stands now. For the first time, she didn’t have either of her anchors nearby. Now more than ever did Fiora feel like she was truly alone.