The trio touched down just before the gates of Thaecia, the Holy Sanctuary.
The citadel stretched toward the sky like a divine monument—its gleaming white stone glowing in the mid-morning sun, its towers carved with ornate symbols of peace and power. The spires shimmered with ethereal polish, as though untouched by the world's darkness. Golden banners hung proudly from the highest peaks, each one bearing the sigil of the Valkyries—swords cradled by wings, surrounded by divine light. A soft breeze moved through the air, carrying the scent of fresh blossoms from the expansive sanctuary gardens just beyond the walls.
As Indra, Gabriella, and Iris approached, the crowds at the sanctuary steps turned to greet them. Whispers spread like sunlight across glass, and a few warm cheers echoed from those who recognized Gabriella and Iris immediately. Smiles bloomed among the people, reverent and sincere, as if the very stones of Thaecia had acknowledged their arrival.
Indra stopped in his tracks, breath caught in his throat. "This place is amazing…" he whispered, eyes wide as he took in the grandeur around him.
"You've never been here?" Iris asked, squinting at him as if offended by the very idea. "But you look like you're from the Partera Region. How is that possible?"
"I never had a reason to leave the region," Indra replied, rubbing the back of his neck defensively.
"Well that's stupid!" Iris snapped, folding her arms in annoyance.
Indra's eye twitched. He exhaled sharply. I'm really starting to lose patience with this girl…
"Iris, please," Gabriella said calmly, her voice gentle as she offered a warning glance.
Before the conversation could sour further, a warm voice rang from the base of the steps.
"Madam Gabriella. Madam Iris. What a pleasure it is to see you," came the kind greeting of an elderly man in pristine white robes adorned with soft gold trim. His voice carried the calm grace of someone who had lived many seasons in peace, and his eyes held a quiet wisdom. Despite the grandeur of the setting, his smile stood out as the warmest thing in view.
"Oh, thank you, Mr. Manuel!" Gabriella said, her face lighting up instantly.
"Hey Manuel!" Iris added with a wave, grinning like she'd just seen an old friend.
"Hello, Madam," he replied with a chuckle. Then, his eyes shifted to the third figure in their group. "And who do we have with you today?"
Indra stepped forward, respectful. "My name's Indra, sir. It's very nice to meet you."
"To you as well, Indra," Manuel said with a respectful nod. "A pleasure."
"Indra here is a new Velari," Gabriella explained, her tone casual but proud. "I brought him to introduce himself to everyone."
At her words, Manuel's eyes widened. He immediately straightened and dipped into a much deeper bow than before.
"Is that so! Excuse me for being so familiar—Lord Indra. My sincerest apologies."
Indra blinked, visibly thrown off. "No, it's okay. But… Lord Indra?"
Gabriella stepped closer and spoke softly. "It's customary here in Kovaria to use the term 'Lord' or 'Madam' when addressing a Velari. You'll get used to it."
"Yes," Manuel added. "And even though Madam Iris isn't a Velari, her mother and father are more than enough for her to receive such respect."
"Oh, okay. That makes sense," Indra said, relaxing.
"See that?" Iris beamed, nudging him. "They love me around here."
Manuel chuckled softly. "I am the head priest of Thaecia, and I often lend my support to the Valkyries—not through battle, of course, but through peaceful means, if you will."
He gestured toward the tall sanctuary doors behind him, their gold-inlaid carvings gleaming.
"I assume you're here to speak with Commander Fyla, Madam?"
"Yes, sir," Gabriella said, her voice bright. "Is she available?"
"She is. She has been informed and is awaiting your arrival. If you will, come with me. I will show you to her."
"She knows we're coming?" Indra asked as they followed him through the entryway.
"I'm sure Murre informed everyone," Gabriella said with a knowing smile.
The doors opened into a cathedral-like interior—hallways carved of ivory marble, towering ceilings painted with luminous frescoes of angelic beings and celestial wars. The walls were lined with stained glass windows that cast rainbows of soft light across the polished floor, and every step echoed with quiet reverence.
Further down the corridor, two armored figures stood in quiet conversation. The moment Iris spotted them, she broke into a sprint.
"Hey, Fyla! Araya! Long time no see!"
The closer of the two women turned, her face brightening. She was radiant in white and gold armor, her pink hair braided loosely over one shoulder. She stood tall, yet approachable—her smile warm and filled with calm strength.
"Iris! What a pleasant surprise," said Fyla, her voice smooth and reassuring, like a leader who ruled with both kindness and certainty.
Next to her stood another Valkyrie—a stark contrast. Silver hair tied back, dark armor sculpted for battle, and a sword at her side. She had the silent posture of someone always ready. Her eyes, pale and sharp, studied Iris with a faint smile.
"Lovely to see you, Madam Iris," Araya said with a soft laugh, bowing lightly.
"You don't have to call me 'ma'am,'" Iris said quickly, waving her hand in dismissal.
"You're right. I always forget," Araya said gently.
"Hey, is Gloria here?" Iris asked, glancing around.
"She is," Fyla said with a nod. "I believe she's inside the main hall."
"Perfect! Be right back!" Iris said, already darting off again.
"There she goes," Gabriella muttered, approaching with a fond smile.
"She sure has a lot of energy," Fyla said, shaking her head with amusement.
"Commander Fyla," Manuel announced, stepping forward with a formal bow. "I bring you Lord Indra and Madam Gabriella, as you requested."
"Thank you so much, Mr. Manuel," Fyla replied warmly.
"Of course. I will leave you to it. I bid you farewell," he said, bowing once more before retreating down the corridor.
"Thanks, Mr. Manuel!" Gabriella called after him with a cheerful wave.
Fyla turned toward them again, her posture softening.
"It's great to see you, Gabriella."
"Same here, Commander Fyla," Gabriella said, beaming.
Then Fyla's gaze turned to Indra, and she gave a polite nod.
"Lord Indra. It's very nice to meet you, and welcome to Thaecia, the Holy Sanctuary. My name is Fyla, Commander of the Valkyries, and this is Captain Araya."
Indra returned the gesture. "Thank you, ma'am. It's nice to meet you too, Commander Fyla. You as well, Captain Araya."
Fyla chuckled. "He's so polite. That isn't necessary. You're a Velari now, Indra—you're allowed to be as familiar as you want." She looked toward Gabriella. "She's just extremely polite."
"Oh—sorry," Indra said quickly. "I'm still getting used to it. Do you have to call me 'Lord'?"
"Not at all," Fyla said, her tone kind. "I can call you whatever you like."
"Indra is fine, if that's okay with everyone. I want people to treat me like anyone else."
"I understand. I'll inform everyone else," Fyla said with a nod.
Araya suddenly spoke, her voice quieter now.
"Indra?"
"Yes, ma'am?"
"What happened?! Were you in Partera during the attack?" she asked, tension flickering beneath her calm.
"Yes, I was. You know about that?"
Araya stared at him, unmoving. Her eyes, usually so sharp and controlled, flickered with something else—something uncertain. She glanced toward Fyla, then back to Indra, her voice softening as if wrestling with something unspoken.
"Is everything okay?" Indra asked, sensing the tension.
"Yes, I'm sorry," Araya said quickly. "Umm… welcome to Thaecia." Her tone was stiff, but sincere.
"Thank you," Indra replied, offering a polite, puzzled smile.
Fyla cleared her throat softly, shifting the moment with grace.
"So, have you met the Core yet?"
"I haven't. What's the Core?"
"The Iodem," Fyla explained. "Kovaria's secondary military—made up of skilled swordsmen and gifted fighters. Not a formal army, but powerful."
"And the main army?" Indra asked curiously.
Fyla's smile turned proud. "That would be us—the Valkyries. Although we're small in number… we hold our own."
Gabriella stepped in with admiration lighting her voice. "The Valkyries are known around the world for their strength. Especially Commander Fyla."
Indra's face brightened. "That's so cool. And you being the commander… you must be powerful."
Fyla blushed slightly, brushing a lock of pink hair behind her ear. "Oh, you're too kind. But we don't compare to—"
"Commander!"
The sharp call cut through the air behind them.
All heads turned.
Before the voice could go further, Araya's stance shifted instinctively—rigid and commanding. "Show some respect in front of Velari!"
A young Valkyrie came skidding to a halt, breathless, bowing low.
"I'm sorry, Madam. Lord."
"Terra, what is it?" Fyla asked, her tone already shifting into her role as commander.
"Apologies for the interruption. We have urgent information that requires your assistance," the girl said, panting lightly.
Fyla's eyes narrowed. "Is it Sinso?"
"Yes, ma'am!"
In a single breath, Fyla's posture transformed. The warmth in her voice faded beneath a mantle of authority.
"Understood. Gather everyone in the conference room."
Terra gave a quick nod and bolted down the corridor, her footsteps echoing off the marble.
Fyla turned back to Gabriella and Indra, her tone apologetic.
"Unfortunately, I have to leave now. I wish our meeting was longer."
"It's okay," Indra said calmly.
"Yeah, we understand. It sounds important," Gabriella added, nodding.
"Thank you for understanding," Fyla said, offering a respectful bow. "You should visit the Iodem. They'll want to meet you."
She paused, looking directly at Indra now. Her eyes softened.
"Oh, and Indra?"
"Yes, ma'am?"
"I hope to see you again. Good luck on your journey."
Indra smiled sincerely. "I'll visit again."
As he and Gabriella began to walk away, Fyla and Araya remained where they stood, silent. Watching.
Fyla leaned in, her voice hushed.
"Is that him?"
Araya nodded slowly. "Yeah. It is."
Fyla's eyes dimmed slightly. "Which means… he died. How unfortunate."
"Yeah…" Araya exhaled. "But I'm just happy I got to see him again. And he's a Velari now. That's incredible."
"I agree." Fyla smirked lightly. "Next time, try not to be so awkward."
"I'll try…" Araya muttered, scratching the back of her neck with a sheepish laugh. "Was it really that bad?"
"Yes," Fyla said without missing a beat as she turned sharply and headed toward the training grounds.
Beyond the gardens, where the sanctuary opened into an open field, the rhythmic clang of training echoed faintly. A younger Valkyrie swung a blade clumsily while another corrected her stance with patient hands.
"Sasha, how's training?" Fyla called out as she and Araya approached.
Sasha looked up sharply. "Commander! It's… progressing. She lacks focus, but that's expected."
Fyla nodded. "Makes sense. We have a meeting, but first—Kalanie."
At her name, the young woman turned around. Her hair was pulled back in a loose tie, her expression worn but trying.
"Yes, ma'am?" she answered.
"How are you doing today?" Fyla asked gently, her voice softening.
Kalanie looked down. "Honestly… the same."
Fyla's eyes met hers with empathy. "It'll get better. I promise."
Then Araya stepped forward. Her voice was quiet but deliberate.
"Kalanie… do you know Indra?"
Kalanie blinked in surprise. "I do… well… I used to."
"Used to?" Araya echoed, her voice barely above a whisper.
Kalanie swallowed hard. "He died. In Partera. He was my best friend."
Fyla offered a bittersweet smile. "Aww, how sweet."
Kalanie tilted her head. "I'm sorry?"
Araya crouched slightly, lowering herself to meet Kalanie's gaze eye-to-eye. Her voice was careful—compassionate.
"He was just here. He's been reborn… as a Velari."
Kalanie froze.
Her breath hitched.
Her hands rose to her mouth as tears filled her eyes.
"Are you serious?" she choked out.
"Yes," Fyla said softly, nodding. "We thought you deserved to know."
Kalanie wiped at her eyes, her voice breaking. "Can I see him?"
"They already left to visit the Iodem. I'm sorry," Fyla said, resting a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"There's someone I need you to learn about, especially since you're training to become a Valkyrie," Fyla added.
Araya smiled gently. "I'm sure you have a lot you want to say to him. I'll make sure you see him next time. I promise."
Kalanie nodded slowly.
"Thank you," she whispered, her tears falling freely now—but her lips curved upward in a smile, trembling with the weight of joy and disbelief.