Rain and wind come hand in hand with evening in Kreis Sturmland. After generations of keepers, a house spire's decrepit stairwells will always hide moss somewhere in their cracks, no matter how the casters work to keep them clean.
He thinks of Zwillingstürme. Of the time when the black spire reminiscent of twisted horns had yet to be superseded by the newly erected twin spires, when the majestic city was called by a different name.
Of the dazzling auburn alleys in autumn, the kind he'd cross through in his youth, still sans wand or dagger. Nestled in his hands were but a few bound poetry collections, and precious hopes of freedom.
Not so anymore. Though the storm briefly abates, the spire's peak is still ruinously cold. Moonlight stabs through the drapery like rain, like a nail driven through each and every hope as it springs up.
What a shame, he laments.
Never again will he see the marigold in bloom.
Northern border of Leithanien, in Fels, the capital of Kreis Sturmland, 1100
Older Noble
Marvelous, truly marvelous!
Older Noble
A performance of such fluency, as if the moonlight were caressing my cheeks—Herr Erich, what are your thoughts?
Young Noble
Martha, why do you treat me so?
Older Noble
Why speak of her? It's not as if your ex-fiancée were here, Herr Erich.
Young Noble
The callousness in your features stings my heart deep, yet your beauty takes my breath away all the same. Such that I cannot forget—
Older Noble
I strongly suggest you move your hands away from my waist. People are watching.
Young Noble
A-Apologies! Did the piece end already? I hadn't even realized.
Young Noble
I don't know why, but just now it was as if I'd been transported back to last autumn. To the day my Martha left me. The sorrow crushed my chest.
Older Noble
As I always say, take more walks. Concerts like this may well be rare in Sturmland, but Zwillingstürme is a different story.
Young Noble
*sigh* Sadly, I may not make it to Das Kaiserinnensfest this year.
Older Noble
As I recall, meine Herr, you've a distant uncle with a seat at the Kurfürstenhof. Could it be you've heard something? I know that Kurfürst Werner—
Young Noble
No, nothing reliable at least.
Young Noble
But the Kurfürst has hardly left his spire once these past months. Even the doctor rarely attends him anymore, while visits from casters serving other houses have only grown more frequent.
Older Noble
It would seem almost none of us will be venturing outside of Sturmland these days. Das Kaiserinnensfest may come every year, but an audience with the new Lehnsherr? Who would dare miss that?
Young Noble
I wouldn't dream of it. No offense, but I'd prefer to spend my dreams with my lovely Martha instead.
Young Noble
Thank goodness we have Frau Arturia Giallo.
Young Noble
Only her cello can grant me a brief reprieve from the pressures of the day. A welcome breath of fresh air.
Older Noble
Quite right. A pity that today will be her final concert here.
Young Noble
Then let me be drunk on it for a while more, just a while. After all, the storm is nigh again.
Did the steward not explain your duties? You're to return to the cellar immediately once dinner is served. Don't disturb the Kurfürst while he's resting.
Noble Attendant
......
The stern chastisement falls on deaf ears.
The servant walks off in a stupor. Down the steps and through the door, like a shell stripped of her soul, she ambles toward the cracking thunder outside.
*sigh* When will this weather make up its mind? If this keeps up, my firewood'll be damp again, and I just put it away.
Grocer
Henk, could you start the fire already?! How long could it possibly take when the back garden is right there? Did you forget your wand again—
???
...May I have an extra candle, sir?
Grocer
Of course, Frau Droste. Will you be waiting here for someone again, like yesterday?
Viviana
Ja.
Grocer
The wind's especially strong tonight. You might want to go upstairs; it'll be warmer in there.
Viviana
It's fine. I haven't been back in so long, but... my body's still accustomed to the weather here.
Grocer
Hahah, I just about forgot you're from Sturmland yourself.
Grocer
I saw an article about you in the paper a few years back, and I must say it caught me off guard. And here I thought I would recognize every young'un raised in these parts.
Viviana
It's not surprising you don't remember me. I'm just an ordinary person. I always have been.
Grocer
Careful now, modesty kills.
Grocer
I even thought the article might've been poppycock until you strolled through the door of my shop. You have the poise and grace of a blueblood from up in the spires.
Viviana
I appreciate what you've done for me over the last two days, Herr Müller. Especially...
Grocer
Don't you worry now, I won't tell a soul you're here. I know the media's been hounding you even after your retirement.
Grocer
Look on the bright side. You're in Leithanien again: they only ever headline nobles and their big affairs.
Viviana
...I suppose.
Grocer
But look at me, keeping you to myself again. Here's your candle. What else will you be needing?
Viviana
Might you... have any more books you could lend me?
Grocer
You got through that novel already? I'll check the cupboard, anything you'd like to read next? I've got... two illustrated guides, a historical fiction, and five or so poetry anthologies.
Grocer
I'm thinking you'd prefer the poems? Kurfürst Werner runs this folk poetry society, and all these poets like to turn up as special guests. Or so I hear.
Viviana
No, I'll have the historical fiction, please.
Viviana
After returning, I don't think I could stand any more poetry for a while.
Grocer
Righty-o. Take this one, then, and don't worry about returning it anytime soon. I'll leave you be now.
Grocer
Henk, Henk—you little Lausbub, I know you're lazing about somewhere!
Viviana
...Die Glut. Embers...
???
It's an interesting tale. Though... it doesn't bear much resemblance to actual history.
Viviana
Ah, I didn't notice there were other customers. Guten Abend.
???
It certainly is a good evening.
Viviana
May I ask your name...?
???
Cora. Cora Löwenstein.
Viviana
So I take it you've read this novel, Frau Löwenstein?
Cora
Regretfully, I've only been to the opera adapted from it. By the time it was published, I'd lost my ability to enjoy literature.
Viviana
Ah, your eyes... I apologize. That was tactless of me.
Cora
Oh, you get used to it after twenty or so years. Besides, it saves money on candles and firewood on nights like these. Do you mind if I sit a little nearer?
Viviana
By all means.
Cora
What warm candleflame.
Viviana
Did it start raining out there? Your clothes are damp.
Cora
I forgot to take my umbrella, what with the rush I was in.
Viviana
Pardon me if I'm mistaken, but did you come here to meet me?
Cora
All these years, and business here is still sluggish.
Cora
Or no, I suppose... everything in Sturmland is the same as ever. We're far from the capital, Catastrophes keep coming, and the weather here lives up to its name. Outside of special occasions, we hardly ever see many out-of-towners.
Cora
I still remember the view from this spot by the window. You can see the nomadic plate with the Kurfürst's parlor spire, can't you? He should've picked somewhere more out of the way for you.
Viviana
...
Viviana
So it was him who sent you...
Cora
Hold my hand. Tight.
Viviana
Hm?
Cora
Listen closely.
Viviana
I hear people... many of them, hiding outside in the gales.
Cora
You can control the candleflame by your hand, right Viviana?
Viviana
I can.
Cora
Then on my mark, please—
Cora
Let's 'extinguish.'
The instant the candlelight dims, the grocer's windows shatter into pieces.
The rainstorm outside pours in alongside assorted Arts energy covering a full spectrum of effects.
Viviana grips Cora's hand, struck with the sense that she's sitting on a skiff in the heart of a raging sea.
Wave after wave of Arts crash down on them, all but blowing the humble storefront to smithereens, yet precisely parting to leave the two of them unscathed.
Footsteps clack within the shop.
Cora
They can't tell where we are; they have to approach to feel us out. Can you sense their positions?
Viviana
...Crystal clear. Let me handle this.
Candleflame leaps anew from Viviana's palm.
The shadows come to life, reaching their limbs through the ruins and spreading across the rubble to pin the looming casters in place.
Cora
...Seven, eight.
Cora
Nine.
Cora
We're safe for now.
Viviana
You saved my life.
Cora
You handled the brunt of it. All I did was 'tune' their Arts a little.
Cora
Now, let's get away from here before more assassins come calling.
Our old gentleman's in the back garden—he avoided this attack. My colleague will get him to safety shortly.
Cora
As for Herr Assistent... he's the one who called them. He should've known that dealing in shady business like this would earn him more than a handful of Originium ingots.
Viviana
I... honestly don't see how I'm any sort of worthwhile target.
Cora
I'll explain in a moment. For the time being, Viviana...
Cora
Could you let me take a proper 'look' at you?
Viviana
You mean...
The woman's beautiful face may be unfamiliar to her, but her voice and expression are anything but. Viviana finds herself unable to decline.
Cora lifts her hands, and feels about for Viviana's cheeks, her fingers tracing a few soft strokes once they alight. Her movements are infinitely tender, the sort one would use for handling the most precious instrument.
And as if in response, tears well up in her lusterless eyes.
Cora
You resemble your mother so much.
Cora
If only Werner could see you now, how joyous he would've been. So close, too... He spent so long struggling in his sickbed, just to see you one last time.
Viviana
Werner... My father?
Viviana
Did he...
Cora
I'm so sorry, Viviana.
Cora
Not long ago, your father... Sturmland-Kurfürst Werner... passed away in his spire.
Somehow, without realizing... I'd been staying here all this time...
Young Noble
Martha, my dear Martha... Oh, it's like I'm dreaming. How long would I have to wait to hear such a remarkable performance again?
Young Noble
I've told you people, you are not to disturb me whenever I'm attending a con—
Young Noble
What? Wait, what did you say?
Young Noble
......
Young Noble
I'll be back posthaste. Get my ride ready. I need to see a few friends.
Young Noble
And one more thing—I want the wood carving I bought in Kreis Lupukarn, as well as the Victorian porcelain I keep in the study. Bring them both.
Young Noble
Why such haste? Was the Kurfürst not alive and well this morning?
Young Noble
The days to come will be arduous once more. Oh, Arturia... Only your music and your beauty can deliver me from this nightmare.
Young Noble
The sheer effort I went to just to arrive at her interim abode, only to find she'd already...
Federico
Please continue.
Young Noble
C-Continue? Who are you? And what's that you're holding? A wand or a—
Federico
You mentioned an intent to visit Arturia. I assume you have some relation to her.
Federico
I am currently searching for her. Therefore, I require any and all pertinent leads.
Young Noble
You're looking for Frau Giallo too? Are you some fanatic follower of hers?
Federico
Follower? That is a highly inaccurate description.
Federico
Per the tenets of the law, and on special assignment by the Curia, I must apprehend the fugitive and repatriate her to Laterano.
Young Noble
F-Fugitive? Frau Giallo is a guest of the Kurfürst, and no matter the rumors from outside... No, I find you far more suspicious!
Older Noble
Herr Erich! Are you still well?
Older Noble
They put the alley under lockdown out there; Gendarmerie all over. I hear even a Gesatzswächter went over to the Kurfürst's parlor spire.
Young Noble
Danke, I'm well enough. I was just about to visit a few Grafen and see what word I could pick off the grapevine. *sigh* How uncanny can one night get? Damn my indolent chauffeur—where is he?!
Young Noble
At least one small stroke of fortune is that Frau Giallo has already safely departed for Zwillingstürme.
They'll announce that the Kurfürst passed from illness. It's understandable. A white lie to keep the domain in order.
Viviana
I won't be able to attend the funeral, will I?
Cora
I'm so sorry. You never even got to see him one last time after you rushed back from Kazimierz and everything. And now you can't even go to...
Viviana
...Mourn him.
Viviana
I'm not even sure I have the right to anyway.
Viviana
I scarcely remember how he looked. In all these years, all the word 'father' meant to me was just the letters he sent to Kazimierz.
Viviana
And yet I can't help but think that even the letters themselves might well have been written by a retainer in his stead.
Cora
Your father never once forgot about you.
Viviana
Mm... So everyone tells me, including himself.
Viviana
And I'm willing to believe it.
Viviana
But as I read that last letter, I still hesitated. I didn't know if I should... No, if I wanted to come back.
Cora
You have a tender heart, Viviana. I can't imagine you'd ever decline a dying man's last wish.
Viviana
Or perhaps... it was the spire I wanted to see one last time.
Viviana
Just to see if it still towered over the clouds, like I remembered.
Cora
You can't go back there. At least, not for now.
Cora
For your own safety, we shouldn't remain in Sturmland for long.
Viviana
Were the ones who took his life and the casters who came for me last night... sent by the same people?
Cora
Not necessarily. With Werner gone, anyone that knows who you are has reason enough to make a move against you.
Cora
You're your father's sole descendant. In times this turbulent, neither his enemies, nor his former vassals, nor anyone else potentially in line to succeed him will just leave you be.
Viviana
Then what about you? Why are you protecting me?
Cora
Think, and you might still recall, child. Thirteen years ago, upon your mother's passing, I was the one who took you to the Grand Knight Territory.
Viviana
Then you're... the Imperial Orchestra of Leithanien's...
Cora
Instrument tuner. Quite a convenient role.
Cora
The Reichsorchester's visit symbolized the friendly ties between Leithanien and Kazimierz. No one would think to question a child with an instrument among them.
Viviana
So you've saved my life... more than once.
Cora
It was your father who wanted to, more than anyone.
Cora
Some months ago, Werner realized his days were waning, and he worried that after he left us, you'd be dragged down as a sacrifice in the power struggle.
Cora
Your role in this is unique. Whether you chose to return to Leithanien or stay in Kazimierz, the waves would have reached you regardless.
Cora
He had no choice but to turn to me and Brandt. He hoped that as old friends of his, we could bring you safely to Zwillingstürme.
Cora
There, you'll be under the protection of the Kaiserinnen.
Viviana
Protection... of the Empresses?
Cora
Ja. That's what Werner wanted for you.
Cora
Viviana von Hochberg—
Cora
In the name of your family, you are to serve as an Empresses' Voice.
Central Leithanien, Kreis Einwald, in a town on the outskirts of Zwillingstürme, not far from the city gate
Tired Security Guard
*huff*... *pant*... I need sleep. Verdammt! Why am I on duty again?
Tired Security Guard
Those spry young wretches, always clocking out early. What excuse did they have today, a new movie? Some underground live show?
Tired Security Guard
The moment the month rolls over, I'll see that I get a word in with the Baron, to speed up my transfer to Zwillingstürme...
Tired Security Guard
Hey, you there!
Tired Security Guard
What are you doing, loitering here this late?
Ebenholz
I am taking my regular walk.
Ebenholz
To my knowledge, there have been no new decrees forbidding law-abiding citizens like myself from rambling the wilds past midnight.
Tired Security Guard
...Well, you're not wrong.
Tired Security Guard
Just another bored youth going for a walk. Why was I getting so nervous?
Ebenholz
...Am I free to go now? I appreciate your concern.
Tired Security Guard
Go on, be on your— Wait.
Ebenholz
......
Tired Security Guard
Why do I get the feeling... I've seen you somewhere before?
Ebenholz
You could be mistaken. After all, you did just tell me that strolling nighttime youths are as common as anything.
Tired Security Guard
Where are you from? By your accent, I'm guessing the Urtica Grafschaft?
Ebenholz
I was born there... in the countryside.
Tired Security Guard
Countryside? What kind of country bumpkin talks like that? Stop being ridiculous.
Tired Security Guard
No... Now that you mention it, I've never heard any commoner pronounce things the way you do. Say, you wouldn't happen to be the runaway son of some small-time noble, would you?
Tired Security Guard
Let me check your ID.
Ebenholz
If you're fantasizing about gaining the favor of some aristocrat for returning me, then you will be sorely disappointed.
Tired Security Guard
...Has anyone ever told you that the way you talk could seriously piss people off?
Tired Security Guard
ID. Now.
Ebenholz
......
Biegler
Pardon, pardon, I've got my boy's passport right here. Do peruse.
Tired Security Guard
And who are you?
Biegler
Come on, you don't remember me? I live in the city. That second-hand bookshop guy.
Biegler
Speaking of which, the books aren't quite flying off the shelves, and lately I've been thinking, what about a cafe instead? You must be awfully tired this late on patrol, no? Here, here, try my coffee. My own brew.
Tired Security Guard
...*sip*.
Tired Security Guard
*choke*... Mein Gott, the taste... I'd forget about that cafe if I were you, for your own sake.
Biegler
Haha, as long as it wakes you up. So are you done with the passport?
Tired Security Guard
...Ebenholz. That's your full name?
Ebenholz
Ja.
Biegler
His parents just love the piano. The keys, especially—it was between Ebenholz or Elfenbein.
Tired Security Guard
Well, whatever, be on your way. You think they pay me enough to question a kid's legal name? And yes, give me all the disgusting swill you've got left, I'll need it.
If you'd known you'd be back so soon, would you have not burned your passport?
Ebenholz
I regret nothing.
Ebenholz
If you must know, I naturally assumed that whenever you people wanted me back, you'd simply print a second one. Or as many as you need.
Biegler
...So why did you come back?
Ebenholz
For the hundreds of thousands of residents of the Urtica Grafschaft. Over a hundred retainers in the spire alone. I'm not so far gone in my selfishness that I'd sacrifice them all for my so-called freedom.
Ebenholz
Which means you can stop it with the jokes, my dear spy. Or did Their Majesties send you to try me again? See if maybe I'll pour my heart out and wait on them hand and foot?
Biegler
With Das Kaiserinnensfest approaching, Zwillingstürme has been restless lately.
Ebenholz
Heh... And of course I still have that thing in my head.
Ebenholz
I know better than any of you that the performance of this ludicrously grating piece is far from over.
Biegler
Listen to me, meine Herr. My mission ends here.
Biegler
Once you head into Zwillingstürme, someone else will pick you up.
Biegler
Maybe you've already realized this, but you had two correspondence. One ordering you to come to the capital, and the other granting you your official 'death.' But it wasn't the same Majesty that wrote both.
Biegler
Compared to the first's benevolence, the other...
Ebenholz doesn't even let Biegler finish before walking off.
Just before disappearing around the corner for good, the young man waves ta-ta to him.
Biegler
So you knew.
Biegler
Former Graf Urtica, are you hoping for... a true death this time?
Biegler
*huff*... I'm getting sentimental now, in all this miserable gray weather.
Biegler
May you...
Biegler
No, never mind.
Biegler
If people like us still have a shred of luck to spare—
