Clement stepped off the train, stretching his arms above his head. He took in a deep breath of fresh air. It was the first time he'd ever been to Cartanica. He was eager to see the sights and venture into Fodina Caestino, a nearby abandoned quarry. As a hunter, he could take care of himself and enjoyed seeking out new places such as that. With his rifle strapped to his back and his short sword sheathed on his hip, he decided to head out.

He was so glad the head hunter allowed him to take such trips. Sure, he enjoyed helping people and hunting daemons and nuisance monsters, but the biggest reason for becoming a hunter was the adventure. Clement absolutely loved to explore the world around him and strove to see more than just Lucis. He'd already seen Altissia, but this was his first trip to the western continent.

He made sure he had a few potions in his pockets before descending the stairs to the lift that led down to the quarry. He was just about to push the button when something white drifted overhead, right over the station. Clement's brown eyes grew wide and stared up at the creature. With massive wings, a single flap created small gusts of wind that blew through the hunter's short, brown hair. The white beast passed over, and Clement sprinted to the far end of the boardwalk, leaning over the railing as his eyes remained glued to the sight.

The animal was nearly solid white in color, had four legs, two wings, and a long tail. It was built much like a griffin in shape, but much bigger. Clement wondered if it was some kind of Nifflheim wildlife, but he could've sworn he could see someone on its back. The creature steadily faded from sight, disappearing in the distance. The hunter finally looked around him, realizing that he seemed to be the only one amazed by the strange creature.

He swiftly climbed back up the short set of stairs and approached the first person he saw, which happened to be an old woman running a snack stand. "Excuse me, what was that creature that just flew over?"

She chuckled at him. "You must not be from around here if you don't recognize one of Lady Lunafreya's Guardians."

"A Guardian?" he repeated. "Never heard of that. Could you tell me more, please?"

The elderly woman smiled kindly. "A Guardian is a person gifted by the gods with the ability to use magic and transform into a dragon." Clement listened to every word, drinking in the new knowledge. "The Oracle has two of them. We often see them fly over, running errands or ferrying Lady Lunafreya to outlying villages to offer healing."

Clement was astounded by that information. He'd never heard of such a thing before. He wouldn't have ever believed that was possible. A person that can become a beast? I've got to see this for myself. Clement made up his mind.

"Is it possible to meet the Oracle and her Guardians?" Clement asked.

"Well, if you happen to be in one of the towns or villages they visit, you'd see them often. But in your case, I'd say it's simpler to go straight to Tenebrae."

The boy smiled happily. "Thank you, ma'am."

Clement waited for the next train to arrive, discarding his idea of exploring the quarry. He'd much rather meet the magnificent beast that he saw instead. It was a much rarer opportunity considering he's never even heard of a Guardian back in Lucis. He was completely overwhelmed with excitement. He couldn't wait to get to Tenebrae.

~~~~~

Ryella landed in front of Fenestala Manor. She crouched down, making it easier for Lunafreya to slide off her back. The blond woman smiled up at the the dragon.

"Thank you, Ryella. You're always a help when I'm called to a remote location for people who require healing." Ryella bowed her head, purring lightly in response. "You must be tired. You're free to return to your room for the time being. I'll have the servants prepare supper."

The beast licked her lips, showing that she approved of that idea. She stood, spread her wings, and took off, flying up and around to her room on the upper levels of the manor. She slowed and perched herself on the sturdy railing of her balcony. She carefully nudged the glass doors open and squeezed inside. Within the confines of her room, her body became enveloped in light. Her stature shrunk down and the extra limbs receeded into her body. When the light faded, Ryella's human form stood where the dragon previously was.

She instintively covered her bare chest, despite no one being around to see her. She swiftly went to her wardrobe, picking out her favorite dress she often wore around the manor. She got dressed and even added a few accessories to her apparel.

(This is her outfit)

Once she was finished, she decided to head for the dining hall to wait for supper. Along the way, she met up with her brother. They walked side by side, both heading toward the same destination.

"Ella, how'd the trip go?" he asked, using the nickname he'd given her years ago.

"It was fine," she answered. "Like usual, we went to the village, Luna healed a few people, and then we came back."

"No trouble there?"

Ryella shook her head. "None, people love the Oracle. And I assure you, Luna is perfectly safe with me."

Reynard smiled. "I know, you've become a great Guardian. Although it would still help if you could fight in human form too."

Ryella looked off to the side, avoiding his gaze. "I told you, I'm not strong like this," she sheepishly replied. "I can't fight unless I'm in my other form."

"That's why I should teach you, at least a little," he insisted. "How about tomorrow morning? Then maybe afterwards we can train like we usually do."

"W-well..." The girl thought over it briefly before sighing in defeat. "Okay... I guess I can maybe try."

Making it to the dining hall, they joined Luna for dinner. While it was true that Reynard had learned hand-to-hand combat and how to weild a sword, the same couldn't be said for his sister. Ryella didn't think of herself as strong, not in human form. But as a dragon, she gained a lot of boldness and didn't normally shy away from danger, not at all like in her human form. As a person, Ryella was timid and quiet, but as a beast, she had the confidence necessary to perform her duty.

After dinner, Ryella found herself in her room. She had already taken a bath and was dressed in her long, white nightgown. She was ready to turn in early for the night. The only problem was that she couldn't sleep. She found her mind asking the usual questions that she didn't have answers for. Is this what the rest of our lives will be like? When will the King of Light emerge? Luna says to be patient, but we've already been waiting for years. And it seems like with each passing day, there are more people in need of healing.

While Ryella and Reynard both knew the prophecy well, they both pondered over when it would be fulfilled. After all, Luna had faith that Noctis was the Chosen and that she would be destined to aid him when the time came. But it seemed like they were simply sitting by, waiting for him to take his place as the King of Light. During that long wait, Eos was steadily plunging deeper and deeper into darkness.

Unable to sleep due to all those thoughts, Ryella got out of bed and left her room. She went down to her favorite place---the music room. It was a private room where Ryella's favorite harp was along with her brother's piano. She went over and took a seat at her instrument, placing her fingers along the strings. She played a few notes when the sound of the door opening interrupted. She turned her head to see who had entered. It was Luna and Reynard.

"Wh-what are you two still doing up?" the girl asked.

"I felt your restlessness," Luna answered, "and in turn, Reynard felt mine."

They both approached Ryella seated at her harp. "What's wrong, Ella?" her brother inquired with a hint of concern in his tone.

Ryella knew she could always be honest with those two. "I guess I'm just a bit...worried...about the longer nights. It's seems like we've been following this same routine for a lifetime. What's going to happen if the King of Light never comes?"

Reynard kneeled in front of his sister and wrapped her in a comforting hug. Ryella was quick to return the gesture, relaxing into her big brother's warm embrace. The Oracle placed a hand on both of their shoulders, causing them to pull apart and give her their full attention. Luna smiled gently.

"Do not worry yourselves over such thoughts, for everything will come to pass as the prophecy foretold," she assured. "I promise you, Noctis's time will come, and he will purge this world of the darkness. You need only have faith."

That gave the siblings some amount of solace. "Well," Reynard said, breaking the short silence that fell over them, "since we're all here, how about a song? Maybe it'll allow us to finally get some rest."

Ryella eagerly nodded, that being her intention in the first place. They looked to Luna, who nodded and replied, "Very well."

Reynard took his place at the piano while Ryella readied her fingers over the harp strings. Luna cleared her throat, waiting for the two to begin the music to one of the songs they'd practiced together. Ryella began to play a tune with her brother joining in once he recognised the rhythm.

This song is called "Nocturne" and is by Celtic Woman.

"Now let the day just slip away
So the dark night may watch over you
Velvet blue, silent true
It embraces your heart and your soul
Nocturne

"Never cry, never sigh
You don't have to wonder why
Always be, always see
Come and dream the night with me
Nocturne

"Have no fear, when the night draws near
And fills you with dreams and desire
Like a child asleep, so warm, so deep
You will find me there waiting for you
Nocturne

"We will fly, claim the sky
We don't have to wonder why
Always be, always see
Come and dream the night with me
Nocturne

"Though darkness fades, it will give way
When the dark night delivers the day
Nocturne"

All three had smiles on their faces. "As beautiful as always," Reynard complimented the two females. "I expected Ryella to join in halfway through."

Ryella shyly turned her gaze to her feet. "Oh, I-I was going to let Luna sing this one."

Luna laughed lightly. "Well, now that we've had a lullaby, I think it's time we get some rest. I hope this will set your minds at ease."

The siblings nodded in response. Ryella got up, hugged both Luna and her brother, then the trio each went to their separate rooms. While Ryella still had a few small concerns tucked into the back of her mind, she had faith in Luna's words. She was finally able to fall asleep and drift into a peaceful slumber.