“Meteorologists and Astronomers from the Order of the Skyguard say that a storm is forming out in the Sea of Sorrows around the Veronan coast. Current predictions indicate that the storm will veer towards Verona before slamming into the Abenstadtian coast. Maritime activities are unlikely to be disrupted amongst or near the coastal regions unless otherwise stated. However, anecdotal evidence from fishermen and trade captains able to see the storm suggest that it is currently growing in size. ”

  - Second Page, Arterian Affairs, “Adverse Weather Conditions Notice”

  Aryana wrinkled her nose, the scent of the concoction putting her on the verge of coughing out loud. Wtih great effort and even greater fortitude, she held the irritation inside her. From across the table, a masked Fana reached over to pat her head, causing a separate sensation to break out.

  “Fa-chuu!” Ary sneezed with barely enough time to turn away from the potion in front of her, “Bleh.” She spat out a globule of spit into a trashcan.

  “Ahahah, just hang in there.” Fana’s muffled laugh reached her.

  Ary glared at her friend before reaching over to a bag by her side, her fingers gently ruffling through the dried herbs within to find a little bit of sage. Pulling it out, she threw it into a mortar and began grinding it, doing so while keeping her nose well away from the irritating potion.

  A handful of crushed sage, hope this is good enough, she grumbled to herself. Once the herb was sufficiently ground down, she held her breath and tossed it into the flask of heated liquid. Finally, the last step. Relieved, she found a nearby cork and plugged the top of it, then grabbed a glove to swirl the potion with. After a few agonizingly long seconds, she let out a sigh and took in a tiny breath. Her nose wiggled in discomfort, but the overwhelming desire to sneeze did not follow. Good, ten more seconds.

  She motioned to Fana, who kept track of the time with her fingers. Ary kept swirling the potion around, taking care not to use too much force or too little. She wanted to ensure that the concoction was properly blended, but not so much so that it would begin the aeration process and dilute. It needed to be potent. Or at least enough that if she were to use it in an emergency, it would remain relatively potent.

  Once Fana finished, Ary stopped. She gently set the potion back down onto the table, a little sigh of relief emerging from her. She nodded at the other girl, Fana responding with a small nod of her own. It was the second potion they had crafted today. One, a reinvigorating elixir and the other a remedy that could aid in the restoration of minor wounds. They learned the remedy together earlier today, whereas Ary had found a recipe for the elixir in her own research. The only problem was trying to source the required ingredients while on campus, and hoping that the few adjustments she had to make to it was worth the trouble.

  “Whew.”

  “Phew.”

  The two took the moment to relax. Ary’s nose still itched but she didn’t let it show, instead taking the moment to watch for Fana’s reaction. Her friend was about to grin when her nose also joined Ary’s in wrinkling from the irritation.

  “Eheheh.” Ary let out a pleased giggled.

  “You… ugh, tit.” Fana cursed.

  Ary bobbed her in delight, her objective of making Fana suffer as she had been reached. She finally let her itchiness take over and rubbed her nose, hoping to make the sensation go away.

  “Should’ve said something.” Fana complained.

  “Should’ve brought me an alchemist's mask too.” Ary stuck her tongue out, regretting the gesture the moment her tongue curled back up from the lingering spice in the air.

  “Hah, deserved.”

  A small rapt on glass startled the two, the duo turning towards the room’s doorway to see a familiar face staring expectantly back at them.

  “The professor’s going to want this room back soon enough, are you guys done yet?” Aubrey asked.

  “We are, we are!” Fana yelled.

  “Good! Cause we have about five minutes before they actually have a class here.” The girl in the doorway smirked, holding up five fingers.

  Hearing that, the duo inside panicked and hurriedly began cleaning up the classroom. Professor Mckinley had been kind and allowed them to use the classroom to ‘practice’ making poultices. Though knowing of the professor’s extensive knowledge base and having also had to have their ingredients approved in order to not cause a mess, she suspected that her professor already had an inkling of what she intended to do. And we didn’t get reported nor are the guardians here, we mustn’t break this trust.

  They put away what herbs and leftovers they had, stuffing them into their pockets. Fana took care of any stray equipment that they had used while Ary busied herself wiping down the work surfaces. Aubrey just watched from outside, the smug looking Potomian knowing that if she remained outside the classroom, any trouble would only fall upon those within it.

  Like two whirlwinds, the duo did the best they could and scarcely finished on time. Aubrey had only one finger up, looking mildly impressed by their efforts. Ary mockingly pouted at her, Aubrey just shooting back with a shit-eating grin. Fana was wiser than Ary, restraining herself until they stepped out to join the girl.

  The moment they were next to Aubrey, the Lucurian delivered a critical boop to the head, her dissatisfaction conveyed.

  “Hey, hey.” Aubrey whined.

  “You could’ve helped us.” Fana chided.

  “I convinced the professor to let us use this room without much hassle, that’s enough isn’t it?” She shot the duo a toothy grin.

  “Yeah, yeah, but still could’ve helped us clean up.”

  “Mhmm.” Ary tacked on her agreement.

  “Pfft, maybe another time. Feeling a little lazy today. Still, good timing.” Aubrey noted.

  Heading down the hallway, they could hear a plethora of other voices. Students chattering amongst themselves. Turning the corner, they found one of the other alchemy professors leading their class to the workshop. The trio offered a few polite bobs of the heads or hand waves to familiar faces, but otherwise kept to their own business until they finally exited the building.

  Able to breathe in the outside air and relax, the trio let out a collective sigh. One filled with tiredness from her friends after a hard day’s work. But for her, there was still far too much left to prepare. Ary glanced over at her friends, enjoying how the two now bickered about division of responsibilities. Heh.

  “Thanks for the help guys.” She interrupted them.

  The two paused, both of them synchronizing to flash Ary a small smile.

  “No worries. Just ask if you need help in the future, huh?” Fana beamed.

  “Uhn!” Ary nodded enthusiastically.

  “Haha, just don’t drag me into anything dangerous, okay?” Aubrey joked.

  “Aubrey!” Fana chided.

  “What? Her adventure stories are great, but I prefer not getting skewered by a blade or be in a position to be.”

  “We’re her friends, we should be lending a hand when we can.”

  Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

  “Fana, it’s alright. Aubrey’s right.” Ary interjected with a smile.

  “Hah! She agrees, that’s why she’s the best.” Aubrey smugly declared victory, pulling Ary towards her in a hug.

  “Pffft, so she says.” Fana clicked her tongue derisively, but judging by the upturned corner of her lip, it was all in good fun.

  “It’s good to have friends in class and outside of it. Aubrey’s right though, I spend enough time worrying about the others getting caught up in something dangerous as is.” Ary exaggerated a frown.

  “She wants us safe. A gem.” Aubrey cooed, contentedly squishing Ary’s cheeks.

  “I suspect your girlfriend’s trip to Gratia is something of that nature?” Fana remarked.

  Ary pouted some more and nodded.

  “Tsk. As expected. I suppose that’s something to do with the pots you wanted us to brew?” Fana scowled.

  “Eheh, a little?” Ary sheepishly smiled.

  Fana waited for additional context expectantly, Aubrey just continued to squish her cheeks. Unable to resist Fana’s gaze, she sighed and leaned into Aubrey. The Potomian eagerly accepting the clear favoritism. Now how the heck do I explain this reasonably? Ary mused.

  “I have… I have a mountain spirit of sorts inside me. Long story, I know.” She held up her hands.

  “Okay.” Fana still sounded skeptical.

  “If I don’t get rid of it, I’ll die.” Ary stated bluntly, unable to come up with another way to word her problems. Ugh, that was a bit blunter than expected.

  The enthusiastic cheek squishes stopped.

  “What the hells?” Aubrey quacked.

  “I knew it.” Fana hissed, “Getting wrapped up in something dangerous again.”

  “No, no. Not because of them, this was something from before I even met them. From back home.” Ary hurriedly explained.

  “That’s… somehow even worse.”

  “Mmhmm.” Ary agreed, “That’s why I’ve found a way to get rid of it, or rather, some mages and my old clan.”

  “And the poultices?” Fana narrowed her eyes.

  Aubrey carefully patted her head. Ary responded with a stressed coo of approval.

  “The process… might be a tad dangerous. In case anything goes wrong I’d rather have-”

  “Stars above and sands below!” Fana cursed, “I figured it was something like that and somehow, it’s even worse! Why not just spend the money, go buy some from the markets or an actual alchemist?”

  “Because…”

  “Because?”

  “I want to be useful too.” Ary grumbled.

  “Oh by the stars…” Fana shook her head.

  “Look. They fight and risk dying. Hells, you were there when they dragged Sophie to court for saving people. Mila’s an inquisitor for the church, Elaria’s a bard that apparently is known from the hells and back. I’m just me.”

  “And that’s fine?” Fana let out an incredulous cry.

  “It is.” Aubrey chimed in.

  “But…”

  “She’s right. We’re here because we care for you, and I’m sure Sophie and the others do what they do best and don’t mind either. Hells, I can almost guarantee that your girlfriend sleeps easier knowing you don’t run into danger.” Fana calmed a little.

  “Pffft, true.” Ary murmured.

  “Look. Whatever you’re doing, just do it well, okay? Get what you need, be prepared. Don’t overlook anything. At the end of the day, I came to help because I guess you were about to do something silly and I’d rather help make sure you make it back than not.” Fana admitted, “Don’t know about Aubrey though.”

  “Oi, rude. I came here for the promise of free lunch. And friendship.” The girl in question quickly added.

  The trio shared a small giggle amongst themselves. A quick spell taking hold after their minor spat. After all, their ultimate goal was one that Ary was grateful for. They just wanted her to be safe. Feeling warmed by the sentiment, she decided to break their little deadlock with a concession and a suggestion.

  “Fine.” She whispered, “I’ll tell the others to get some more supplies when we pass by the city markets.”

  “Hah…” Fana sighed in relief, “Good.”

  “Speaking of free lunch though…” Ary looked up at the girl still holding onto her.

  “My thoughts exactly.” Aubrey beamed, “Enough of this moping. Ary will get back alright, eh?”

  “Yeah… yeah.” Fana reluctantly shrugged, “I suppose that’s the hope.”

  “I’ll try my best!”

  Fana walked over and ruffled Ary’s hair, the girl scrunching up her face in mock disdain before smiling.

  “So… lunch?” Aubrey reminded the two.

  “Lunch.” The other two agreed.

  The company gathered just before the Gate of Knowledge. A rather ironic name for her to be about to venture into the unknown. Though she supposed it was more about gaining knowledge than already having it.

  Yana zipped into Ary’s pocket, ready for the journey ahead. The fae seemed oddly content for how much she had been stressing the pass few weeks. Ary wondered just what she had planned. She wanted to ask, knowing that if she prodded enough, the faerie would likely answer. Yet at the same time, she remained hesitant. Yana had perhaps been the most silently vocal opposition to her meeting with the clan. The fae’s own experience with spirits and magic likely influencing her view.

  Ary wasn’t sure what to do. On one hand, Yana’s advice in warning about the dangers of this potential ritual was the most informed one amongst everyone’s. On the other, she found herself with increasingly few choices to solve her dilemma. I’m dying either way.

  She shared a glance with the faerie. Their messages to each other were clear. It was too late to back down now and that they would try their best to get through this.

  “Well, I suppose that’s sorted then. Just try not to throw up your lunch.” Fana harrumphed next to her.

  Ary turned and smiled, “I won't! But yeah, I suppose everything is sorted.” She tapped her backpack that now contained the two potions.

  “Aubrey’s having a nice time, at least. Not a stressful bone in that body.” Fana pointed towards the girl.

  Their friend was busy being fascinated by Sigrid, the mermaid equally curious about more friends and letting the girl squish her cheeks. Sophia just awkwardly stood there, half trying to converse with the mermaid but half too unsure of how to extricate herself from the situation.

  Fana snickered before gesturing at Ary. She frowned, wondering what her friend was thinking before joining her with a grin of her own.

  “Less than an hour and she’s got a new favorite.” Ary joked.

  “Damn shame.” Fana chuckled.

  Perhaps having sensed any amount of attention had been directed at her, Aubrey spun around until she caught their gaze. She then shot them a toothy grin, one that seemed to give Sophia the opening she needed to approach.

  “You two all good?” Sophia asked curtly.

  “Aye, aye!” Ary affirmed.

  Fana just politely nodded.

  “Say what goodbyes you need to. We’ll get moving in a minute to catch the carriage.” Sophia informed them.

  The two nodded as the girl walked away to take care of other affairs.

  Originally the plan had been for everyone to meet at the Academy and head out together. But Hanabi got called away to help a saintess friend and had to meet them in the city. Meanwhile, Galen had sent a proxy to inform her that they would meet outside of town. A prospect that she was happy she wouldn’t have to face alone.

  “Well you heard the lady. Huh, still weird that Sophie’s got a twin. Do you ever…” Fana joked.

  “What? Huh? No!” Ary let out an indignant hiss.

  “Kidding, kidding. Mostly.” Fana snickered as she patted Ary on the head, “Still. It is time to say goodbye. So… stay safe and come back in one piece, alright Aryana?”

  “Yeah, I will.” She beamed back, receiving another headpat in response.

  Fana then whistled out loud to get Aubrey’s attention. The Potomian girl peppering Sigrid and Sophia with a few last words before bounding over to the duo. Her carefree demeanour reminding Ary of when she had first arrived in Arteria, troubles aside. It added a nice layer of levity to the farewells.

  “Time… to… go?” Aubrey drawled.

  “Yes, yes, saying our goodbyes to Aryana here.” Fana snorted.

  “Eheh, good luck Aryana. I mean it.” Aubrey said, preforming a little twirl for emphasis.

  “Eheheh, thanks.” Ary beamed.

  “Any last words? We probably won't see her for a week. Or more if we miss her for before we leave for break.” Fana rolled her eyes at the girl.

  “Hmmm, ah! One crucial thing!” Aubrey nodded, her hand stroking her chin like a sage.

  “Care to share?”

  “Though I love how cute you and your friends are, maybe bring back a few cute guys next time.” Aubrey winked.

  “Aubrey!” Fana let out an indignant gasp.

  Ary just widened her eyes and giggled, “Ahah, I’ll try.”

  “Tah-dah! Said my piece!” Aubrey declared before bowing and taking Ary’s hand to give it a princely kiss, “Until you return.”

  Without a care in the world, Aubrey performed another bow for the others before shuffling a little out of earshot, giving the duo a little more privacy. But Ary could tell that Fana was just about done anyways, Aubrey’s amusing display only making the two share a soft giggle between themselves.

  “Take care, alright? I’ll make sure that one doesn’t get into any trouble in the meantime. And we’ll be here to help, if you need us.” Fana offered Ary a firm pat on the shoulder.

  “I will. The others will too! We’ll be back in no time.”

  Fana waved goodbye as Sophia and Sigrid approached them. The other two offering the Lucurian and Potomian another round of farewells. Sophia motioned towards the Academy carriage stop and Ary nodded. So it begins.