I had a lot of questions in my mind: why did the flame is blue ? Why did there are too many gods ? Why did one of them became a bad guy ? And why did I'm so curious ?! However, I wasn't the only one, Ophilia wanted also to know the truth about the world and all the rest. I think me and her had really one common goal, besides we are both nice... Maybe that's means we were made for each other ! I was also wondering what was that long magical stick she was carrying, but even if I didn't know the answer, my heart was heavily beating as I found it suited her very well.

Right after Ophilia passed through the right gate while holding hands with the lost boy, I followed them and finally left the building by the same doors, as I became speechless at what I was seeing outside.

The landscape was really beautiful: it was just like in a dream, to see all this snow slowly falling on the village just like fairy powder... Everything seemed magic, there was a night sky but we could still observe the city thanks to the houses in which the light escaped the window, but mostly thanks to the flamepits, who burned slowly to illuminate the whole place. In my opinion, I think those flames spreaded on the town were more beautiful, more luminous, more magic than those streetlights which were always turned on only during the night, when I was in the streets.

There were snow everywhere: on the sky, on the roofs, and even on the walls. I could see at the horizon a few snowy mountains, which must be far away from here. At the right, I noticed a rocky hill, where the upper part is totally covered by snow. All was white, but it wasn't really as white as snow: thanks to the night sky and to the light emitted by the flames, the snow is colored with a mixture between the white and the light blue. Even if it was snowing, I could still notice the whole village: no storm, no wind, just the snowflakes gracefully falling from the sky. It was unique for me to see that at my age, because all I remember about the snow before I find myself on the game is only a white snow, sometimes wiped out by the rain, and with some dirty shades of brown thanks to the dirt. But there, the snow was beautiful, absolutely beautiful, and it was pure magical.

I now looked up at my feet: I noticed there were a few marchs a front of me, where Ophilia and the lost boy were slowly descending. I continued to follow them slowly.

I stopped in my tracks to observe the whole place I was actually: there was a road which get rid of almost all snow, as we could still observe a few powder and a few snow on the rocky road leading to the village, with some footprints. There were also a couple of flamepits arounding the path, as their flames were burning without showing any menace, and maybe to make the place much sacred.

I turned behind me to observe my surroundings again. There were 2 doubles doors, wide opened, and guarded by a person with an armor, a black cap and a sword. Did it was a knight ? Decidedly, there were so many knights in the game... The entrance looked magistral, with the form of an owl adorned on the top, and there was also an other couple of flamepits right before the stairs which make the place illuminated by a shade of orange light. These flames were also arounded by statues of marble, which were absolutely the sames: a young woman with a dress, a pair of wings on their back, making me think they were really angels, and also a jug of water, but no water were dilled from the jugs because they were just statues.

On the sides again, there were a lot of snow, small hills of snow as high as 3 meters to be exact, which covered the sides of the entrance. At my left, there was a bunch of children happily playing on the snow. I could feel also happy to see them playing each other, like sliding on the snowy slope, or building a snowman. Me too, I want to build a snowman ! But I have still to help Ophilia to find that's boy's mother, so maybe later...

I looked at the walls to observe the high windows, covered by metallic bars, which were high vertical white shiny lights, which were very beautiful to see, giving a fairy tale aspect at the building. I backed away a little, as I was impressioned by the hight of the cathedral, so high that I couldn't notice the end. There were two big towers reaching the sky, with a spiky form on the roofs, just like those which are part of castles. So much spiky towers were also parts of the big building, but they were thinner and smaller than the two big ones. They were all gracefully covered by the white snow, which looked to be blue. It's was really much bigger than the Ravus manor, much impressive, much dreamy. In the middle of that cathedral, 3 big windows were covering it, the largest one was in the middle, and it looked so big that it must be 10 times my size. The windows were magnificent: stone bars with beautiful forms like lines, points or curves covered the large windows, which emitted an incredibly bright light, the place looked so magic. It really looked like a castle, just like in those stories we told at kids about knights, princesses, dragons and castles, and Ophilia lived there, just like a princess. I was really dazzled by the beauty of the place, as I couldn't stop to look up to contemplate.

It was still cold around me, but the clothes Ophilia gave me permitted me to stay warm, as I produced a white mist while breathing as there was such a chill. There was almost no wind, the air was fresh and smooth, and the snowflakes started slowly to cover my black coat. I just smiled wide to see it was snowing: it was the first time that I see such a beautiful weather in my life. I was as excited as a little dog in my mind to be witness of this spectacle.

"It's beautiful the snow, it isn't ?", Ophilia told me nicely with her smooth voice.

I quickly turned at Ophilia, as I blushed directly when she was watching me, smiling, my amazement since the beginning. She must be happy to watch me discovering the snow, while the little boy whom she was holding hand also turned at me curiously.

I had to answer her.

"Y-yes... it is...I didn't know it was already the night...", I answered her shyly, as my face became red and my hands crossed behind my back.

She chuckled.

"It's still the afternoon, you know !"

"W-what ?!", I was surprised.

Despite this place is beautiful, I thought the night had fallen because there was a night sky above my head, but in reality no... Did it was always the night in that place ?!

For the moment, we didn't have to stay her at discussing, the lost boy must growing impatient to find his other, but he still stayed calm. So, I continued to walk behind her, as she started to go down the stairs with the boy.

Ophilia didn't seem to have cold at all, it's just like she felt nothing from the cold, while me the chill make my skin colder, as I trembled a bit, but thankfully, it was much warmer than when I was frozing to death in that snowy hill. A soft air stream passed next to her, making her pretty blond hair flying gracefully. She seemed really pretty as she looked down at the boy she was guiding.

She walked down the stairs with the same walking rhythm as the boy, making sure they moved forward at the same rhythm and that he couldn't fall on the stairs, because the boy was much smaller than her, so he had smaller legs than her.

I started to catch them up on the stairs, by making sure I couldn't slip and fall, but there was almost any snow on the rocky marchs, that could be surely removed to permit people to take the stairs without danger.

We continued to descend the stairs by looking at our feet, when I noticed 2 persons discussing: a man and a woman. The woman was wearing a large red woolly dress, a pair of leather boots, and she had light brown hair, prettily capped backwards, and she must had at least 30 years. I was wondering why she looked desperate and stressed, just like she was looking something in which she really cared about. She was just talking with a man, who worn the same clothes than me, but with an adult size, with a mustache.

I could hear him answering her.

"...I'm sorry, my lady, but I haven't seen him.", he apologized to her, before he descended the marchs, leaving her alone.

Suddenly, the lost boy we were helping was really concerned her.

"Mother !", he yelled at her, letting go Ophilia's hand and running towards her.

She quickly saw him, as she looked surprised.

"Samuel ! There you are !", she said at the boy, reassured to have found him.

She must be the boy's mother that me and Ophilia were looking for, and she wasn't really too far from him, just next to the entrance of the cathedral.

The boy ran to his mother, as she bends down and they cuddled tight, happy to find each other. She looked reassured to find her son, tighening her arms around him.

"Oh, Samuel ! I was so worried !"

"Mother !", said the boy who looked happy to find his mother.

It was such a wonderful moment to see a mother and his son reunited together. I was also glad to see them hugging each other, to observe something I had never knew in my life before. Did it was having a mother ? To be loved by a parent whom we love in return ?

Ophilia also smiled to see that boy, whose name is Samuel, finding himself in the arms of his mother. She approached next to them, as I followed her closely. The mother noticed her, stopped the hug with her son, and stood up as she looked familiar to her.

"Sister Ophilia ! How can I thank you for taking care of this little troublemaker of mine...", she thanked her.

I didn't understand why she called her son "troublemaker", he did anything wrong...

She then spoke at her son.

"And you ! How many times must I tell you not to wander off on your own ?!", she was angry and worried towards him at the same time.

Ophilia continued to speak to her politely.

"Pray do not scold the poor boy. He was so brave and good the whole time.", she defended him, as I noticed she was very very good with children.

That's right: it wasn't his fault if he was lost in the cathedral ! Me too, I couldn't find the exit of the building if Ophilia wasn't with me ! Everyone can get lost !

I looked up, next to Ophilia, the mother turning at her, as she seemed grateful.

"You are too kind, Sister Ophilia. I know how busy you are with your duties at the chapel. Thank you for helping me despite that.", she became more calm while thanking her.

However, I started to be confused because I didn't understand why she called him "Sister". I thought Lianna was her only sister, and this mother looked too old to be her sister. So why ?

The mother continued to talk positively at her.

"It is no wonder that the archbishop is so proud of his two daughters."

"Two... daughters ?", Ophilia said, as she stayed pensive while pronouncing those words.

I didn't understand why she looked slightly surprised: it was the Archbithing daughter, just like her sister Lianna, right ?

The mother giggled at her reaction.

"Surely, you must know that he is forever boastling of you and Sister Lianna both !", she said happily, when Ophilia looked surprised by her answer.

"He...he does ?", she asked her curiously.

"But of course ! Almost every time I speak to him !", said the boy's mother, enjoying to converse with her.

Apparently, Ophilia must be really famous in this city, alongside with all those persons praying in that castle. All people living in that town, like this mother, might appreciate her because she had such a golden heart. And I was agree to say that she is very kind: to be honest, for me, she was the kindest person in the world.

Samuel's mother then looked down
at me.

"And you must be this famous boy that we had found lost in the snow... I was so shocked when I heard you must had came alone all the way down here...", she nicely told me, a bit worried about my situation, as I stayed a bit shy towards her.

She knew already that I came from far away, that Ophilia saved me and all the rest ?! I have to recognize: like Ophilia, I became famous in that town ! I just landed here accidentally, never met any of them, but everybody living in that town already knew me ?! Maybe there was a rumor about me which spreaded in only a few hours, but now, I'm a celebrity.

I was really feeling weird in my mind with that idea that everybody know me. Usually, I was too discreet that I was like invisible at people's eyes, but since I was in that game, all people I've met finally noticed me: Therion, that barman, that butler, Miss Ravus, Ophilia, the Archbithing, Lianna, and even the crowd saw me when I defended Therion, when I tried to steal that magic ball with him, and now after I landed in that place. It was a bit reassuring to be finally noticed by someone, but it was totally something new for me. Some people were nice, like Therion or Ophilia, but others were mad, like that big green man, or even these bandana thieves.

Ophilia spoke to the mother, while looking at me.

"He is lucky we had found him, now we all make sure to make him smile again.", she nicely patted my hat covering my hair with her gloved hand, making me smile.

I didn't understand what she meaned, but I was sure she wanted me that I was happy. Anyway, I thought she had already given me a smile, with all the kindness and the love she had brought in my heart.

The mother then watched at her son.

"Come along now, you. Thank Sister Ophilia, then it's back home with you.", she ordered him nicely, but in a strict manner.

The boy advanced a few steps towards Ophilia, and he looked up at her with his black eyes.

"Thank you, Sister Ophilia.", he told her calmly, with a small smile on his face, feeling less scared after he retrieved his mom.

Wait a minute, did he just called her "Sister" ?! That doesn't make any senses: his mother also called her "Sister", so Ophilia must be his aunt ! But if Ophilia is the sister of the mother of the boy, and also the sister of the boy, does that means the boy is the brother of his own mother ?! That's totally insane !!! Seriously, I was so confused...

Ophilia then bends down at her "brother", and spoke to him with her smooth voice.

"It was my pleasure, child. But do try to stay with your mother in the future, yes ?"

The boy nodded, while moving fastly his head to say "yes".

"Now, let's go home, Samuel.", said his mother while grabbing gently his hand.

They started to leave by taking the stairs, holding hands, as I saw them disappearing in the town. That's must be that to have a parent: to hold his hands while walking in the town, making hugs, and staying safe with him or her.

I looked up at Ophilia, who was closing her eyes, crossing her hands on her chest, while her straight hair were flying with the help of the wind. She must be praying for herself, but what she was thinking about ? Why she was praying by standing right there, where it was still cold and it was snowing ? However, while watching at her, my heart was beating strong as I found her very beautiful. All this snow gracefully falling on her without she notices, the puff of wind making her blond hair flying, her calm and wise expression, as I thought many times that I saw her speaking so low. She was really pretty, magnificent, and... religious.

I was wondering for what she was praying: did it was for that flame, for the gods, or something else ? Maybe it was because she succeeded to find the boy's mother, maybe it was that flame who guided her and the boy.

After a few seconds of praying, she looked down at me, as I was curious of her behavior. She nicely spoke to me.

"Why don't we get warmer ?", she made a small smile at me, as she knew I was a bit freezing here despite my winter clothes.

I nodded, as she started to take the stairs again, in the opposite way, in direction of the castle's entrance. As I walked next to her, I looked around me to see more flampits adorning the stairs, so it's could be almost impossible to notice them the night.

When I walked in the same rhythm than her, after arriving at the top, she then made her scepter turning into shades of light, before it disappeared. Her right gloved fist gracefully opened after her stick disappeared, and she now crossed her hands a front of her while walking.

I had still questions for her.

"Hey Phili. Why did they all called you "Sister" ?", I looked up at her curiously, nicknaming her "Phili" like her sister.

She smiled at me when I called her "Phili", and she was understanding that I was a bit confused in my head.

She answered me nicely.

"Well... This isn't "sister" in the sense where a girl has the same parents than you. A "Sister" also means an appellation, a title given to a woman like me who belongs to a religious community."

So, it was just a nickname ?

It's right I was finding weird that Ophilia had several sisters and brother... Does that means that I have to call her "Sister Ophilia" ? She wasn't really my sister, and I preferred to call her "Phili", because I heard people would always call their lover with a cute nickname.

"Ah, ok...", I told her.

"For a man who's member of the Church, we says "Brother", and for the leader of a religious community, we say "your excellency".", she continued to learn me a lot of things.

"Ah, you mean the Abrish... the Arshib... the Ashrib...your father, right ?", I asked her innocently, without knowing how to pronounce correctly that word.

She just giggled a bit.

"It's not really an easy word to pronounce ! We says Archbishop, Arch-Bi-Shop.", she told me nicely, trying to help me to pronounce it.

"Arch...Bi...Posh.", I tried my best to pronounce correctly the syllables.

"You're close ! But you can still call him "sir" if you want to.", she told me gently, with a smile making me blush while I nodded "yes" to her.

She was really kind with me: she knew how to talk to me, she knew how to reassure me, and she was very friendly towards me. She was so nice to learn me all those things, to give me an apple as a meal, and to give me clothes, despite my arms's movement seemed slowler with them on. And her smile... she was always smiling with me, and I was sure she smiled to make me happier. I was really happy when she was with me, happy that my lover was very kind and smooth with me, even if we had just met today. I wanted absolutely that she was always with me.

However, while me and Ophilia entered the corridor by the left door, I just remembered someone: Therion. He too he was nice with me, even if he wasn't very talkative. He cared for me, he tried to protect me, and me and him have so many common things. Like Ophilia, he had finally understood who I am, he had understood that I needed help, that I needed company.

I knew he had a hard past, I knew his life as a thief wasn't easy at all, despite he was very talented. I didn't want to be with him because I liked him, I also wanted to help him, where me and he were safe after each robberies. But now, Therion has this bracelet stuck on his arm, and I knew it was bothering much. I made a promess with him: to steal those 3 magic balls for the lady Ravus and to get rid of this thing tightening his wrist. He was my only friend, the only brother I've ever had, my partner.

But I couldn't forget Ophilia: she was so nice and good with me, and I loved her so much. I had never known someone so kind and so gentle with me during all my life. Thanks to her, I now knew what its like to be loved by someone, and this is something I've absolutely wanted during all my life: Love.

From all the girls I've met in my life, she was really unique. Futhermore that she was as kind and smooth as she was pretty, she made me smile again. Thanks to her, I wasn't feeling bad anymore in my mind, and all the misery that was inside me is now gone forever. She had brought me such a warmth through my body, even in my heart. Since I had met her, I was really feeling much better, and I wanted to stay at her sides.

I looked at my feet, where the entrance was covered by a long blue carpet that reached the end of the room, where I was wondering whose between these two to follow.

I suddenly heard Ophilia's smooth voice nicely talking to me.

"You know Travis, you've been so nice when you wanted to help me to find the mother of this child..."

It's right that I wanted to help that boy too. I blushed when she said I was nice, and I noticed myself that I was really a nice boy. However, I still had to know more how to help people easily, because I think I've accidentally scared this boy when I wanted to help him, I was too direct. Unlike me, Ophilia was so gentle with him that he accepted to trust her without hesitation. After all, it's must be easier to help a child by being a nice pretty girl.

As I felt flattered, I've answered to her calmly, while blushing.

"Th-thanks ! It's because... because..."

"...You wanted to show yourself as nice as me ?", she smiled at me.

She wasn't wrong: she knew that I considered her like a model, that she inspired me. Indeed, she had shown me so many kindness that I wanted to do the same. It's just like she could read in my mind, and she knew I also wanted to be really nice.

To be honest, there was still another reason why I wanted to help this kid a bit younger than me. I answered to Ophilia.

"Yes. And also... it's just like he reminded me of myself, when I understood he didn't find his mommy...", I answered slowly, while watching at my feet, while thinking about the real reason about why I wanted to help him.

I just stopped to talk for a few seconds, I stopped to smile while thinking about something that this boy reminded me when he cuddled his mother.

I just felt Ophilia's gloved hand patting gently my hat.

"I understand...", she calmy told me for consoling me.

She had understood why I wanted to help him. I had never knew my parents, never knew their love and their protection , I just knew they're gone from this world. When I saw this kid whom the mother is missing, I quickly wanted to help him. If I couldn't find my parents anymore, I wanted at least him to be reunited with his mother. But while he had just lost sight of his mom, I lost both my parents forever. But to be honest, I didn't want to see them again, I just wanted someone who loves me and take care of me, like Ophilia...

We finally entered in the large room again, which seemed still impressed from the entrance, with that blue flame, with those big pillars, with all those benches where people were praying, and those wonderful paintings on the celling of course. I've also noticed there was now a person with a white dress and a white hoodie sitting behind the table afront of the blue flame, and he was reading attentively a book.

I looked at the left to see another person with a white dress discussing with a strange guy, who suddenly watched in direction of us.

"If I might have a moment, Sister...", he said at Ophilia, while approaching us, as I didn't get used at the fact that we called her "Sister".

He walked towards her, as I distincted him how he looked like: he was a young man, a good-looking one. He had shaggy hair like Therion, but with light brown hair instead. He was wearing a dark blue coat made of woolly, which the sleeves reaches his wrists, and it's must be very useful to get warm. It was opened, revealing his yellow shirt, while he has also black pants and black boots. He looked like a gentleman, but I was wondering who he was.

Ophilia spoke calmly to me.

"Travis, would you mind please leave me for a moment with him ? It's an important meeting."

I nodded to her, as I walking through the carpet, and I sat down on one of those wooden long benches, as I was pretty small that we couldn't notice me from behind. I noticed there was less persons praying than before, and I was the only one to sit down on this long row of benches. It was a little relaxing to sit on this strange wooden chair, which it was smooth on all the bench, and I could put my feet on a large piece of wood. I was wondering at what it served... maybe its a footrest.

"Yes ? Might I be of some service, my good sir ?", I heard Ophilia talking to him, curious to know his identity, as I turned my head behind me to observe them.

Despite Ophilia told me to leave her with this man, I still stayed in the big room, even if I was slightly far from them. I was in the middle of the rows of chairs, and they was at least a 10 meters distance between me and them. I wanted first to sit down to contemplate the pretty blue flame underneath the chapel, but I was too distracted by that young man which must be slightly older than Ophilia. I wanted to know more about him and why he wanted to talk to her.

I noticed they were close enough to start the discussion, so I eavesdropped to listen.

"Would you know where I might find His Excellency the Archbishop ?", asked the man.

"...May I ask who is looking for him ?", she asked him politely.

"Ah ! Pray forgive my lack of manners. My name is Mattias, a trader with the Leoniel Consortium.", he apologized.

A trader ?! A trader of what ?!

I also didn't understand what was the "Leoniel Consortium", he was talking about, again a new word I barely knew. Why can't they just speak normally ?!

Anyway, he continued to talk.

"The Archbishop has generously deigned to engage in a transaction of sorts with us."

Ophilia listened attentively to him, before answering him, enchanted to have met him.

"A trader...? I see it's an honor to meet you, sir. I am Sister Ophilia."

"Oh, so you are Sister Ophilia ! I've heard so much about you.", he told her, also happy to have met her, as he looked sympathetic.

He too he knew about Ophilia, who was really famous in that city. After all, a person with such a beauty and such a kindness could be a celebrity in no time !

The trader continued to speak, while approaching her.

"When the archbishop contacted me to request my services, he spoke much of his two daughters. I also heard that Lianna will be the next Flamebearer. The realm is blessed to have such loyal servants. It is, as a matter of fact, to equip your sister for her forthcoming journey that the archbishop has summoned me here's today."

This Mattias seemed to know much, not only about Ophilia, but also about her sister Lianna I've met earlier. Did this guy wanted to give at Lianna what she needed for her journey ? If I was him, I should advice her to take a map, like the one that Ophilia showed me, because it's could be very useful to travel, and also some food and water, because considering to Ophilia, her journey will be long.

He must be very helpful to help them, and he was pretty polite with Ophilia, who enjoyed his company.

She then spoke to him.

"Is that so ? We are much obliged for your support.", she smiled to his will to help the others.

The man laughed a bit, liking her compliment.

"Think nothing of it, good Sister ! It is the duty of the faithful to serve the church, as the church so tirelessly serves us."

This Mattias was pretty nice to propose his services to her, I was wondering what he was bringing with him to help his sister. He looked sympathetic and he must be also one of those persons who pray everyday, when he pronounced the word "faithful". Ophilia must be ready to accept his services, as she really enjoyed his company, as he was kind and polite with her. But I noticed he wasn't dressed like all those persons with white dress, or even like those persons with the same black uniform I worn, but adult sized version. Did he was really an inhabitant of the town, or someone which came from far away ?

However, I didn't have the time to find the answer of my question, when I heard some footprints running from the left corridor, in my point of view, and a voice yelling desperately.

"S-sister Ophilia ! You must come at once !"

A woman with a white dress and a white hoodie, just like one of these servants, ran towards her, before she stopped in her tracks, as she looked desperate by watching her expression. It's must be very urgent: I was wondering what was the problem, as Ophilia turned at her, as she seemed serious, while the trader was also concerned by what was happening.

"Whatever is the matter ?", she looked concerned by what news the woman was bringing to her.

The servant took her breath before answering her.

"Oh, Sister Ophilia, it's the Archbishop... His Excellency has collapsed !"

Oh no ! Something bad happened to Ophilia's father !

I felt really bad for this old man, while Ophilia seemed very shocked by the new.

"What ?! I... I will come at once !", she looked very worried for her father.

She then turned at the trader, who seemed shocked as well.

"Master Mattias, forgive me for abandoning you when you have journeyed so far, but..."

"Do not spare a moment's thought for me. Sister, pray go to the Archbishop's side at once !", he adviced her, while he looked more worried for the old man's health than interested by the trading.

He knew she has to be quick, he knew that Ophilia's father has a healthy problem. And me too I knew that something was wrong with him, after observing him coughing hard several times.

Ophilia, still worried for her father, told something at the trader.

"I thank you for your understanding, sir. Please, excuse me !"

She then quickly ran in direction of the left corridor, disappearing from my view, while the servant also ran behind her.

I felt really bad for Ophilia, to see her worried for her father, but I had also some pity for this old man. Despite he looked majestic, he was also so fragile... Else, maybe he was just tired, right ?

While I tried my best to not think the worst, I watched again at this Mattias, who was left alone in the room, a front of the exit. He seemed still concerned about the old man's situation, hoping that he will be better later. However, when I started to watch more at his face, it's surprised me when he adopted a cold expression. He looked so calm and cold, just like nothing happened at all, just like he didn't care about Ophilia's father's health. Unless he was just tired after his long journey and he needed to rest.

I didn't know what he has this expression while watching in the direction where Ophilia ran for her father, and why he seemed unworried for the old man: despite he was worried for him in the beginning and adviced Ophilia to go for him, right after the moment when she left, he just had this cold look on his face. Unless he was just unhappy because Ophilia had abandoned him...

When I turned my head and looked at him, from behind my chair, he slowly watched in my direction. I was sure he saw me, from behind my chair, and even if I was just a few centimeters taller than the top of the chair, which reached the nivel of my eyes. He was just looking at me by simple curiosity, but with his cold eyes, he made me scared a little, for an unknown reason, and he looked so mysterious...

What did he want from me ? Why did he keep watching me like that ? Did I made something wrong with him ?

I stayed immobile on my chair, knowing that something was wrong with him. However, he just sighted, and acted just like if I wasn't there. I saw him turning in direction of the exit, and starting to move at the exit, as I watched his dark blue coat from behind. He finally left, while passing through the shiny exit.

Suddenly, when I saw this man leaving the place by passing through the exit, I just had an idea in my mind. I could pass through it to escape this place and to find Therion again, by just taking the exit. I wanted to try it, I wanted to just pass through the gates, and indeed, no one was watching: the man at the table was to distracted by his book, and the other peoples were too occupied to pray for the blue fire. The problem is I couldn't leave like that: Ophilia was very occupied with her sick father, and I couldn't leave without telling her. But I really wanted to join Therion, it's been too long that I stayed here.

I just stood up and walked towards the exit, and I stopped in my tracks, afront of the corridor leading to the exit. I could leave now, but I remembered that it was dangerous outside with all those monsters Ophilia had talked about. So, I needed to find that axe: the one Therion gave me to defend myself, but I didn't know where it was stowed.

I have to find it quick, so I started to look at the right corridor.

I made my way towards the first door to the right, I tiptoed to grab the handle by extending my arm upward and I turned it slowly. The door opened to bedroom where I slept earlier, with the 4 beds, and the table. I noticed my bed have been made when I was absent, and the apple basket which should be on the table was gone.

I started to look everywhere: I checked under the beds, inside the drawers, I've even carefully looked on the shelves to see if it was present, because sometimes, when adults didn't want their children to get something, they put it to places they couldn't reach to grab it. However, I was smart enough to just take a chair and to climb it carefully, to be high enough to grab something on the shelf.

I looked everywhere on the room, there was no axe. The servants must had hidden it from me, I remembered from that old merchant that weapons aren't toys for children, so they made sure I couldn't find it. But I swear I didn't want to play with it, I just wanted it to defend myself, and it was Therion's gift.

I didn't gave up now, and I left the bedroom, closing surely the door behind me. I looked in every senses to verify if nobody saw me: anyone was them.

I noticed the second door at the left, and opened it slowly, without making any loud noises.

I wanted to know what was inside the room, so I discovered it was just a bedroom, just like the one where I slept. There were the same beds with red large blankets, the same red carpet covering a part of the room, the same purple banners covering the walls, but the room was still different. The shelves were placed in different ways of the room, and there were 2 wooden table instead of one.

Nobody was there, so I slowly closed the door behind me and began my research again. I looked under the beds again, even if it was weird to hide axes there, but I made sure to check everywhere. There was nothing, so I took a chair and checked each shelves: still nothing.

"Where it is ?", I said to myself, while looking desperately at my axe.

I just had to check the drawers: there were 5 in the rooms. I pulled each of them, without forgetting to close them after. The first one contained some white clothes, like dresses, the second had some papers with text inside, the third one had clothes again, the fourth one had some glassy pots and bottles, there must be medicaments, and finally the fifth one, with many papers again, but I looked at the left, and something was hidden. I moved securely the documents at the other side of the drawer, and I finally saw my axe.

It was definitely my small axe: I recognized the stick with the small sharp iron part at the end, hanging on the stick thanks to a small rope. It looked brand-new, because I had never used it again. It must be hidden underneath this amount of paper to prevent me to find it, but why did it was hidden in the middle of all these documents ?

Whatever, I've finally found it. I reached my hands to grab it, and slowly removed it, as I felt it was a bit heavy. I then slowly closed the drawer, with the help of my right hand, while holding the weapon with the other hand.

I then held my small axe with my both hands and I observed it again: I was glad to have it again. When I was watching it, it was making me think about Therion. In that axe, I just saw the effort he made to steal it, I remembered when he gave it to me to defend myself, but I didn't have the time to use it when those eagles attacked us, everything passed so fast...

While I was watching it, I just saw my destiny of thief, I just saw my destiny of criminal, I just remembered all the moments we had me and Therion. This small axe wasn't like the others: it represented the proof that Therion cared for me, it reminded me that we were partners, that we were brothers...

I just felt so emotional while watching it, I just smiled to have it again in my hands. I wanted to take care of it, to make sure it was safe with me. It was my first weapon.

Suddenly, I heard some heavy footprints approaching on the corridor. I stopped to think in my memories. Someone was coming, but I was sure it wasn't Ophilia, because she was with her sick father. It must be one of those weird persons who prays.

I was afraid to be noticed: if ever he saw me, he could take back the axe I was stealing from me and tell the others. I know it's bad to steal again, but I just wanted this axe which was mine, after Therion stole it of course.

I have to quickly find a hiding spot, where he couldn't notice me, and after he is gone, to leave the room.

I heard the footprints coming closer, so I checked at the door, and moved next to it, without making any noises. I pressed my back against the wall, while still holding my axe, in the opposite side of the door where there was the handle.

I stayed hidden and calm, when the door opened and an old man with a white hoodie and a white dress walked in. Thankfully, he didn't noticed me, and he was looking for something.

He just walked next to one of the drawer. I was reassured it wasn't the one where I stole the axe, else he could have noticed it was missing, and I would be surely the main suspect.

Instead, he bends down and pulled another drawer, where there was a few written paper. He slowly searched something in the middle of these documents, as he checked every one of them wisely and carefully.

I didn't know how much time I have to wait, because this old man might need a lot of time to find what he was looking for.

I was hidden behind the door, so I slowly started to walk discretely, making sure to make any noises, and to be noticed by the elderly man.

I walked slowly, so slowly, making each steps calmly while holding my axe. I watched at the man, who was still occupied by his work, and was continuing to check each documents.

I finally left the room, without closing the door, and I looked at the left: no one was there to see me. I sighted, as I successfully stolen my axe without being noticed.

But I couldn't always carrying it in my hands, so I removed my coat, and I carefully stowed it between my pullover and my shirt, hanging it.

I put my black coat again, without forgetting to tighten the buttons, and I was now prepared, ready to leave. I had warm clothes, my small axe, but I didn't have any food and water. It wasn't really a problem, but I just have to steal it like usually, like Therion would do. After all, I just had to make shoplifting discreetly. I know it's bad to steal, but I needed food for my long journey, to find Therion.

However, I don't think I'll steal something in that city, all people who lived here were so nice with me, and I was grateful to them. So, I'll just steal in another city, maybe I'll find Therion in my path...

I walked towards the corridor leading to the exit, I noticed that the man was still reading on the table, and some people were still praying. No one was seeing me actually.

I was just standing a front of the exit corridor, covered by the long blue carpet, I waited. I didn't know why, but I wasn't going directly towards the exit. I was ready and well prepared, but... it's just like I was hesitating. Something told me that I'll regret it if I left the place.

I wasn't moving at all, just taking a heavy breath. I wasn't sure to really make it, to ran at the exit and to leave this place to find Therion. It's just like I've forgotten something...

I just heard some feminine voices speaking from the left corridor, where by hearing their tones, they must be so worried. I bet it was Ophilia and Lianna's voices, who were watching for their sick father apparently. They must be very worried for him, and I was concerned about them.

I made my way towards that corridor, checked at the second door, which was opened, and watched throught it.

~A few minutes ago~

~Ophilia's POV~

I was so worried for my father that I abandoned Master Mattias, and I ran in direction of his chambers, where he was resting since a moment.

The door was wide opened, when I entered quickly in the room.

"Your Excellency !", I yelled in the room, very worried for him.

I was shocked to see him lying down on his bed: a large sheet covered his old body, while we had removed only his dress, because it must had bothered him underneath his warm blanket.

Despite all warmth the servants were providing him, he still looked so pale, so fragile as well. He was really sick, as his face was all sweaty. He looked so weak, his left hand was put against the blanket covering his chest, while the other was hidden under the blanket.

The servant who followed me just walked at the other side of the room, next to the chimney, to check for my father's serious statement.

Just next to her, Lianna was already present of the room. She was kneeling down at our father's bedside, while holding his right hand.

She was really devastated and she was about to cry, when she turned at me.

"Ophilia, please...! Please take a moment to breathe.", she calmly told me, very worried for our father.

I was worried as well to see my father in that state. So I took slowly a breath, trying to calm down, I went to his Excellency's bedside, at the opposed side where Lianna was, and I kneeled down to watch him.

He slowly breathed, while coughing a bit, his eyes were almost closed when he was agonizing. It wasn't the first time: he also coughed repeatedly since a few days. Me and Lianna both thought he just caught a cold, but unfortunately his state became worst with the time, where his old age must had a huge impact on his disease.

I was wondering what kind of disease he had caught.

"Forgive me, Lianna. But His Excellency...?", I asked her calmly.

She didn't answer, too preoccupied to watch after him. I was really sad as well to see my father agonizing in his bed, but I wanted to know why he became suddenly sick.

The servant present with us, who worked also as the apothecary of the Church, answered me wisely at Lianna's place.

"What His Excellency needs most now is rest. Please try not to excite him.", she said while she seemed worried as well for him.

"Of course... Forgive me.", I apologized to her.

We all watched at our father trying to rest despite all the suffering invading his old body. I couldn't leave his chambers to let him rest by seeing him in that state.

But Lianna was the one who's the most worried of all of us. It must be really difficult for her to see her father in that state. A few tears started to escape her black eyes, her father's eyes. She was really sad, and I felt so sorry for her.

We then heard the archbishop mumbling in pain, trembling, when he said something with a low voice.

"Li...anna...?", he tells his daughter's name, while his eyes were closed.

Her eyes were quickly fixed to him, holding his hand slightly tighter, knowing that he wanted his daughter close to him.

"Yes, Father ?", she asked him calmly, while being attentive and worried at him at the same.

He pronounced hardly some words.

"The pilgrimage... The Sacred Flame..."

Despite his sufferings, he was still preoccupied by all the important ritual we have to do every 20 years.

"Do not worry yourself, Father. I will perform the rite without fail, just as you taught me.", she reassured him.

"That is... good to... hear...", he said calmly to her, with a small smile while watching her by leaning his head at his right.

Suddenly, he fainted, when Lianna called for him.

"Father...? Father !", she began to be stressed, thinking that the worst happened.

The servant approached her, while putting her hand on her shoulder.

"Worry not, Sister Lianna... he is only resting.", she reassured her, as she sighted.

We both watched at Lianna with sad eyes, it was really breaking my heart to see her on that state.

She was still kneeling down on the carpet, while her Father was resting.

~ A few minutes before~

~Travis's POV~

I continued to watch through the wooden door, where I could see in the opening of the gate.

It was Ophilia's father, who was lying on his bed. His blanket was warmly covering him, but I didn't think he was just sleeping.

I watched at him from far, a bit too far that I couldn't properly hear them talking, and he looked weak, so weak. His eyes were closed, but he wasn't sleeping... instead he was suffering.
He was so sweaty, and he couldn't properly move, I was sure he was ill, seriously ill.

I was feeling really bad for this old man: I knew that sometimes people can get sick, but I never saw someone so weak and so sick. I thought he had also caught a cold like me, but he looked weaker than I expected. And that's so weird to think when the first time I saw him, he was pretty fit and sympathetic, but the second time, he looked weak and very sick.

I was still standing, just watching sadly, when I noticed 2 familiar persons watching for him: Ophilia was kneeling down next to his bed, while her sister Lianna was at the other side. They looked so worried for their father, I could read that in their face.

They were so sad: Ophilia was feeling so bad for him, and Lianna was about to cry. That's must be very hard for them to see their father in that state... I heard we could die by some diseases, and by looking at their expression, they were so worried as they must thought he was going to die. I don't know really is he was really going to die, and if those sisters will loose their father, just like how I must has lost my parents.

Yeah... When I saw Ophilia and Lianna being sad to watch their father agonizing, it made me directly think at what I've been through: the death of my parents and my loneliness in the streets. It's must be heartbreaking for them to think that their father may could die, and I was feeling really bad, not only for the sick old man, but also for the girls.

They looked worried and desperated for their father. Despite I couldn't clearly what they were saying, I understood what they could feel, I understood they were afraid their daddy might finish to leave this world.

I could feel bad to see the girl I love sad, so sad. That's why I hesitated, I've been distracted by this sad scene, where someone was about to die. I just stayed cold why watching the scene, but I was really feeling sad in my mind.

I turned, and I slowly walked in direction of the large room. I wanted to go now, but I stopped in my tracks, still hesitating.

I was now standing between the 2 corridors, my eyes watched in direction of the corridor where my bedroom was, while the other was just behind me. I could spot the end of the first one because I was at the middle.

I looked at the left: there was the small corridor leading to the exit of the cathedral, where I was supposed to go. I observed the exit composed of 2 doors emitted a bright white light, as white as the snow, which must be significative of the mystery about what was outside. I know I've already passed through the exit with Ophilia, I know already what was outside, but I think I haven't gone too far and I just observed a part of the freedom. Even if it wasn't a prison here, but that exit was the symbol of the Freedom.

I then looked at the right: the large room where so many people were praying everyday. It was such a big and impressive room with gigantic pillars reaching the 15 meters until the celling where amazing paintings were painted. There were so many rows of long benches set in 2 groups: one at the right and one at the left. I watched further to see the man with white dress still plunged in his book at the table, he must really like it. And finally, at the chapel, the blue flame was slowly burning with his bright light. It was really illuminating the room with shades of blue, and I remembered Ophilia told me that they prayed for its warmth and for the protection it was bringing to Orsterra and his people... for me, this flame was the symbol of the Protection.

These two idea made me quickly think about Therion and Ophilia: Therion with the freedom, because he was a thief and thieves are always free to do what they wanted to do, while Ophilia represented the Protection, as she protected me from the cold snow when we have met, but had also destroyed all the mystery which was invading me.

Talking about the snow, I remembered how white it was. It was as white as the dress that Ophilia was wearing were the same colors gracefully, as she seemed so pretty in that beautiful dress. But Therion also had saw something white, like his white messy hair.

While I ll noticed I could still notice the purple banners suspending against the wall at the end. Their color were purple, purple, just like Therion's clothes.

I've also spotted at the left of that corridor a faw large ang glassy windows, which were shiny and beautiful... like Ophilia.

I was actually feeling weird: every time I saw something, I couldn't stop to think about them, I couldn't stop to imagine those two persons who had really marked my life. They were so kind with me, and they had an huge impact in my life: while Therion shared with me the same cloud of gloom and misery, who was a thief like me, and we both had fun while stealing things, Ophilia had just completely burned it with her warmth invading my body, especially where I could now feel love. Therion permitted me to know what it was like to have a friend, a brother, as he made me happier, while Ophilia, the love I had towards her permitted me to endure all the pain I knew during my life.

They were both models for me: Therion's model consisted for me to steal at people easier, while Ophilia permitted me to be nicer with others. They both taught me things, gave me food, helped me, and they cared for me. So... whose I'm gonna choose to stay with ?

I couldn't choose them both because they didn't have the same goal. And like an adult, I have to take a decision: did I join Therion, a thief who lived in the streets like me, who is awesome and who's the friend that I never had, or did I stay with Ophilia, the girl I love, who is super nice and gentle with me, and who lives within the warmth in that castle ?

It was so hard to choose: I continued to hesitate during a long minute, but I couldn't decide quickly. Indeed, the problem is if I choose to go with one of them, I could forgot the other with such regret.

If I go to join Therion, it's could be really selfish from me to leave Ophilia without telling her and while she was with her sick father. And it's makes me feel bad to see her watching sadly her father who may could die, I didn't want to leave her crying for his death.

But if ever I stay here, it's could be also selfish from me to leave Therion alone while he was in the need. I promised to help him to steal those treasures, to help him to get rid of this bracelet stuck on his wrist, and I could break the promess I made with him. I didn't want to let him suffering more of having this bracelet, and I was afraid of what it might happens to him if he wanted to do the work alone.

It's just like I was in a dead-end, an huge obstacle. I frozed in place while trying to make a decision: if I help one, I might let the other suffering. It was really an obstacle in my life, like a path which leads to 2 directions, but we can only choose one. If I choose where to go, I couldn't go back, I have to choose the path I want to take.

When I looked one more time at the left, the exit where I could join Therion, and at the right, the large room where I'm supposed to wait for Ophilia, in my mind, it's just like I was seeing them like one helping hand reached towards me at each side, making me sign to grab it. Where at the left, I could saw in my mind Therion's hand, wide opened to grab it, at the right, I could imagine Ophilia's hand gracefully lending her hand to me.

I couldn't decide: I wanted to be with Therion, to follow him wherever he goes, to steal things with him, to hear his voice talking with his cold tone, sometimes with his specific sense of humor, to go for a drink at the tavern again with him, to sneak again in castles with him furtively, to find amazing treasures with him, and also to have fun with this young man whom I considered like my brother.

But I also wanted to be with Ophilia: I wanted her kindness, that she prepares me delicious apples again, to learn more about the world with her, to see her smile, to walk with her, I also wanted the warmth of her reassuring hugs, and I wanted mostly her love.

I was so grateful for both of them, they have such a huge impact in my life, and I was so happy to have met them, even if I have just met them today, I liked them both. I was admired by Therion, and I was in love with Ophilia. So... who should I choose ? Therion or Ophilia ?

I thinked for a while, remembering their words: I remembered when Therion said at the lady Ravus that I'll be safe with him, but it's make me feel sad to think he wasn't able to prevent me to fall from the bridge, and I wanted to join him, to reassure him that he haven't failed, and to make sure I wasn't a burden for him.

I also reminded when Ophilia said she will be always there for me, no matter what happens. Does that means if ever I wanted to go with Therion, she will be still with me ? Maybe yes, but I also wanted to be with her, at her sides.

I remembered again the events, and why they should need my help, even if I was just a kid. I remembered what they could feel, and why I loved them much.

I finally made my decision: so I sighted and I turned at the way I've chosen.

~Ophilia's POV~

My sister was still depressed: even if her Father was just resting of the moment, she knew the risks of his disease, she was completely sad, and it was emotionally hurting me to watch her in that state, just like my father wasn't the only one to suffer...

It was really difficult for me to see my family suffering, as physically as emotionally, to this tragic event. I couldn't do nothing as well, my power aren't sufficient to heal my father, as well as the medicine couldn't save him. We can not heal people from the old age, it's impossible, but Lianna refused to believe it.

Despite she was very worried, she was still determined to meet his expectations, to pay tribute to Aelfric, to his light illuminating the shadows, but also to him. However, even if Lianna promised at her father that she will do what she was destined, even if she has to be the next Flamebearer as the rightful heir of the Archbishop, it's just like... she wasn't ready to fulfill her duty.

She was desperated by all the events: between the pilgrimage she was destined to make, and her father suffering this disease, I thought she was about to collapse.

She loved her father very much, and she absolutely doesn't wanted to loose him. She was very stressed by his state, while he was sleeping.

I was feeling sorry for her, and I wanted to know what secret when was keeping on her heart.

"Lianna...", I said calmly, but she doesn't answered.

"Sister Lianna, are you not well ?", asked the servant, while she reached her arms towards Lianna,

She just breathed slowly, while watching at her knees, before she finally answered us.

"I'm... I'm fine.", she said calmly.

I don't think she was fine: I could see that on her desperated face, I know something was wrong with her, I know her heart was completely suffering. It's just like she wanted to explose.

She finally got up, and she watched both of us.

"I...I think I just need some fresh air.", she calmly said to us.

She finally walked fast towards the opened door, and she left the room, by closing the door behind her.

"Lianna...", I said, understanding what was wrong with her.

I know she was hiding me something, but she didn't have the bravery to tell me, so she wanted to be alone.

I should have noticed this earlier: when His Excellency coughed before he collapsed, I should have talked to her. I remembered when Travis spoke her about the pilgrimage, it's just like she was unsure to answer him, but I thought first it was because she tried to talk properly with a 6 years old child dreaming to discover the world.

But I couldn't leave her alone like this, it was stronger than me. Something was wrong with my sister, and I think it was necessary that I talk to her, I was the only one whom she could talk in those kinds of moments. I have to find her again, and to tell her what was wrong with her.

I slowly walked at the gate, and I left his Excellency's chambers, leaving the servant alone with him. For the moment, he just needed to rest. I'm still worried for him, but I have to find Lianna.

Poor Lianna... that's must be hard for her to see her father in that hospital bed. It seems that the Archbishop diseases had also an impact on Lianna, despite she wasn't sick. In reality, yes, she was sick, emotionally sick. Does Aelfric couldn't bring a miracle to help both of them ? To heal his Excellency's health and to give back Lianna's smile ?

I don't think so, but it's not by staying here that I will change things, I have to find her. But where she was well able to ? She said that she needed some air in the middle of this difficult moment she was confronting, so she might be outside... However, I have an small idea about where she has gone.

I walked fast through the corridor, and I turned my head at the left, leading to the exit. I went in direction of that exit, without paying attention at anyone present in the church, even Travis. He must wondering himself what was happening, and he was really curious for a young child. He might think it was grown-ups problem, but I'll reassure him later by explaining him.

I passed through the door, and I descended the marchs of the entrance of the cathedral, where the snow was still falling gracefully as usual.

I then descended the long stairs leading to the town, between some pairs of flamepits burning at each sides, making the places more sacred and more visible to people.

After passing the priest keeping the entrance leading at the stairs, I arrived to the town, which looked more beautiful and dreamy in that calm weather, and there were a few inhabitants, more than earlier according to the time. They watched at me, happy to see me, but also concerned: they were wondering what's a member of the Church was doing alone outside.

However, they still continued their activities, where for exemple, a man and a woman were discussing about a rumor where a blue light emitted during the storm and a little boy appear, whom I already knew it was Travis, and I also noticed an old man who was shoveling snow the entrance of his chalet.

I moved towards the stairs, when I curiously turned my eyes at the left to observe, in a thin alley, a black cat maintaining her two kittens from the cold, while licking one of them. This cat mother and her children reminded me about all the love we could get in a family, something that I have originally lost but I have found again.

I climbed the stairs, and I went to the west area of Flamegraces, where I could see the impressive snowy hill, where I thought Lianna must be hidden. It was her secret place, our secret place, since we were children, but Lianna still sometimes go to that place when she wanted to be alone. It was also coincidentally there where I've found Travis, severally injured and lying in the snow. She must be there, so I decided to go there.

I passed next to the tavern, which was now opened and full of customers, when I sneaked at the right of the hill , next to a flamepit, and I hugged through a narrow path. But it wasn't a terrible path at all, just 10 centimeters of snow reached my feet. I just continued to turn around the high hill, still being careful to not fall.

I continued to go up, putting my left arm on the wall cooled by the snow, and I finally made it to the summit.

Then, I just saw a person which was familiar to me: Lianna, my sister, who was standing in the hill, while watching carefully the beautiful landscape. It wasn't only her favorite spot because the view was amazing, it was also a place where she could be alone, where she could meditate her personal problems, far from the complications related to the Church.

I don't think she had noticed my presence. I knew I might bother her when she wanted to be alone, but I was one of the few persons whom she could talk. I think I already understood her problems, that she was worried about His Excellency's state, but I wanted to know more about what she could felt, I wanted to know what she had in her heart.

I was 4 meters away from her, when I calmly talked to her.

"Lianna... How are you feeling ?"

She turned behind her, and became surprised to see me, her black eyes watching at my brown eyes.

"...Ophilia ?", she spoke at me, as she really didn't expect to see me.

However, she haven't tried to run, she haven't yelled me to leave her alone. She just stayed calm, and breathed a bit, letting escaped a white fog visible thanks to the cold.

I walked slowly to her, wanting to ask her what was wrong, when I couldn't leave her alone in that hard moment.

She suddenly fell brutally on her knees, in the middle of the blue flowers, as I quickly went to her, pretty worried, as she seemed depressed.

"L-Lianna ?", I quickly crouched down at her side, grabbing her shoulder, as she seemed desperated, and she was about to cry.

"What am I to do, Ophilia ? Father... My father is..."

Before she finished, she quickly embraced me, her gloved arms tightening my back, and her head put on my right shoulder, as I did the same, trying to comfort my sister, staying worried for her.

"Lianna...", I said calmly to her, before she continued.

"Thinking about what might happen makes me feel so scared, so angry that I... I feel like my heart might just burst... But if I fall to pieces now, everyone will lose hope, I must be strong..."

It was so hard for her to tell me all these words. I understood she had still to carry all the charges of what she was destined, that she couldn't find the bravery in that moment.

She sniffed, before she continued to talk with tears in her eyes.

"And soon... I must depart on the pilgrimage.... The rite cannot be put off any longer, there are centuries of tradition we must obey.... But... leaving my father behind, without even knowing if I'll ever... ever see him... again..."

She continued to sniffle, really overtaken by the events, but she wasn't crying loud, as she knew she has to be brave.

Poor Lianna... It's must be so difficult for her to support her Father's disease and her duty as the future Flamebearer. The moment when her Father became ill was really a bad time to prepare her journey. It was really heartbreaking me to see Lianna in that state, where she was very depressed and lost.

She continued.

"But... how can I do my duty as a member of the Church without putting aside my own feelings ?! How can I fulfill my destiny without thinking at my poor father..."

It was hurting emotionally to listen to her: I know what she could feel, I know what it's like to loose someone we love. I've lost my biological family when I was a child, and it might be her turn when her Father will succumb of his sufferings. She really loved her Father, and, at her eyes, she cared more from him than her duties at the Church.

I was feeling really bad for her, but I stayed calm and hugged her tighter, reassuring her.

"Don't despair, Lianna. We are together in this. We will find a way."

I continued to cuddle her, while she sniffled again after telling me all what she was keeping in her heart for herself.

I admitted I was also concerned about the pilgrimage she had to take. I know she wasn't ready to undertake this journey she has been prepared to do since a few years. I have to find a way to fix things, because, to be honest, I wanted her to stay with her Father. But what I should do for helping her ? How could I be useful to help my sister ?

This ritual was really important in our community, it can not being cancelled or even delayed. It's been centuries that our ancestors had realized this pilgrimage every 20 years, and the traditions couldn't be broken. Lianna was also aware of the importance of that ritual, she knew she could loose her honor, but it was stronger than her to worry for her Father.

She slowly calmed herself. She gently stopped the hug as she slowly breathed while trying to wipe out her tears.

She was now facing me.

"Thank you, Phili... What would I do without you ?", she told me nicely, enjoying my presence and my will to help her.

"It's just my duty to help you, Lianna... You're my sister, after all.", I smiled at her.

I was ready at everything to help her, I was so grateful towards her: she helped me to regain happiness when I was a child, and now it was my turn to help her, to let her reunited with her father whom she loved very much.

We were still on our knees, in the middle of the snowy hill, where blue flowers adorned the spot, as we both turned our head to admire the landscape.

It was really beautiful: the view of the cathedral was wonderful, a smooth light coming from the sky illuminated it, and we could notice the two flamepits at the entance burning gracefully.

We were both contemplating the beauty of a view, during this difficult moment. It was the perfect place where Lianna could feel free during the hardest moments. It was really a memorable moment for both of us to admire the beautiful place we were living...

ACHOOOOOO !!!!

We suddenly heard a noise, which looked like someone cutely sneezing.

Me and Lianna were both concerned by the source, while we quickly turned our heads at the opposed direction, where I came from. Did someone was spying on us since the beginning ?

I called the person who must be hiding.

"Who's there ?!"

~ Travis's POV ~

Oh no ! They noticed me ! Damn cold !

I was staying hidden behind the cold wall, where I haven't still reached the top of the hill, but I was small enough to stand up where my entire body was hidden, and I could eavesdrop to listen at their conversation.

I've finally decided to stay with Ophilia: I had turned at the right, where I sat down on a bench, waiting for Ophilia. This is when I saw her sister Lianna, who had ran at the exit. She looked worried, she must be sad that her father became sick. I then saw Ophilia, who went in the same direction where her sister had gone, without noticing me, because she was too concerned for her sister, and I was hidden behind the bench due to my small height. I know something was wrong with them, so I decided to follow her discreetly, being careful that she couldn't notice me, I didn't wanted to annoy her. I then followed her from far, took the stairs, arrived to the town which was beautiful with all this snow and those chalets, but I was more preoccupied to follow Ophilia, where I passed through a secret path, which seemed familiar to me.

And now, I'm here, waiting here while listening to them. Their conversation had really touched me: I felt so bad for the girls, whom the father was severely ill, and there was nothing to do. It must be so sad for Lianna, who have to make this journey to kindle the torch, but she was scared that she might never see her father alive anymore. I understood what she could feel, I know what it's like to loose a daddy. I was alone when I lost my parents, even if I barely know them.

Ophilia and Lianna will be alone, if ever they lost their father. It makes me feel sad when they're sad, and the scene they have was so sad: thankfully, Ophilia was there to make feel better her sister, who was crying.

She must loves her sister very much, who loves her as well. They were really close as sisters, and I couldn't believe how alike they are.

However, I couldn't think more, because they now felt I was there. I really have to cure this cold, but it was so cold in that place.

"Who's there ?!!", Ophilia called again.

It was a bit impolite from me to spy persons discussing, but I wanted to know more about their problems, it was stronger than me to get involved in affairs of others. Plus, their story made me so sad, and it was hard for me to see Lianna crying.

I have to act now: they finally knew I was there. Did I continue to stay hidden to make sure they might have badly heard ? No, they might check on me. Did I try to flee ? No, it's might be suspect and impolite.

Finally, I think the best thing to do is to reveal myself honestly, I'm not a coward. Indeed, I wanted them to know what I felt for them.

So, I slowly walked at the top of the hill, showing myself to the girls.

"I-it's me, Ophilia.", I said calmly to her, with an innocent face.

They looked surprised to see me, that a young child like me had spied on them. I didn't mean to bother them, that's why I stayed hidden instead to go towards them.

I finally remembered this place: now the snowstorm was gone, I could clearly see the snow on the grey hill. I was sure it was there where I landed, right after I fell from the bridge. I was surprised to see blue flowers growing around the girls, and I noticed my silhouette was gone, probably erased by the falling snow.

I watched at the girls, where Ophilia seemed worried.

"T-travis ?! What are you doing here ?", she calmly asked me.

"I was bored in the room...", I answered her calmly, while still standing on the snowy ground, while a few snowflakes fell on my bonnet.

I knew I would mostly bother Lianna, who had just cried in the arms of her sister. I thought she would be angry if she knew I was spying on them, but instead, she just stayed calm worried as well.

"H-how did you find our secret place ?!", she asked me, as I watched at her.

They both watched at me to listen what I have to tell her.

"I-I just followed Ophilia... I wanted to know what was wrong with you... I knew for your father... I saw you when you were with him... I just wanted to tell you that I'm sorry."

I stayed sad and calm at the same time, I understood what they were feeling. I wanted to comfort them, because I didn't like to see them crying, especially Ophilia, whom I loved very much. I didn't like to see the girl I love being sad. But her sister had also touched me with her discourse...

Ophilia spoke to me again.

"Oh Travis... You didn't need to make all this way to tell us ...", she told me calmly.

"Have I made something wrong ?", I asked her calmly.

"No... It's just... I was just worried for you, Travis.", she answered me quietly.

She wasn't angry at all, but she was just worried about me, surely because I was just a child. But I wanted to show them what I could feel for them, I wanted to comfort them in my own way.

I just slowly walked in their direction, my small footprints made a soft sound every time my boots stomped on the snow.

I walked towards Ophilia, who was still kneeling down no the snowy ground, before I quickly embraced her again, my small arms tightened around her neck.

"I'm sorry for you, Ophilia...", I told her calmly.

She seemed worried of my behavior, but she finally accepted the hug and cuddled me with her long gloved arms maintained around my small body , keeping me from the cold.

I wanted to hug her, because I heard it was the best way to cheer up someone who's sad. It's was so warm in her arms, so relaxing to be cuddled by the girl we love. When I was cuddling her, it's just like I wasn't cold anymore: I've heard people would sometimes embracing each other to get warm, there was nothing better than a hug for this.

During the hug, I watched at Lianna, kneeling down on the snow, who looked still a little sad. I felt so bad for her, so I gently stopped the hug with Ophilia, and I walked towards Lianna, cuddling her.

"You too, Lianna...", I said calmly to her, while embracing her with my eyes closed.

She seemed slightly surprised, but she then brought her gloved arms around me and cuddled me tight as well, while patting the back of my head.

"Thank you, Travis...", she said calmly to me, as she really needed a hug as well.

It's was warm and relaxing in her arms as well. Maybe it's because she was wearing the same clothes than Ophilia: the white dress, the black leather gloves... and I bet she was enjoying my company.

To be honest, me too I wanted a hug, not only to cheer them up, but I also wanted some affection from them, after all I've experienced when I was lonely after the death of my parents, I wanted to comfort and to be comforted as well... Cuddles are necessary in the hard moments, and I should have cuddled Therion like this if I knew how to do them earlier.

I said calmly to Lianna.

"You're welcome... I like cuddles..."

I was glad to cheer her up to comfort her, and I bet Ophilia was enjoying this cute moment. I was such very good to make cuddles !

A few seconds later, Lianna gently stopped the hug. She slowly stood up on her feet, and talked to Ophilia.

"Ophilia... I'm sorry for running off like that... I will return to Father's side, and stay with him as long as I can."

"Pray do that, Lianna. He will rest all the easier knowing you are with him.", answered calmly Ophilia.

Lianna finally calmed herself, and decided to come back to see her poor sick dad. Apparently, Ophilia wanted to stay here again, I think she was also feeling good in that hill. I was wondering what she was thinking about.

While I wanted to talk with Ophilia, Lianna then looked down at me.

"Travis, do you want me to bring you at the Cathedral ?", she asked nicely to me.

It's right it was cold outside, and she wanted me to get warm. However, it was still warm with those clothes I was wearing and I wanted to stay with Ophilia, to stay with the girl whom my heart was beating, I wanted to talk to her.

So I watched Ophilia, and I asked her calmly.

"Err... C-can I stay here with Ophilia ?"

"Of course, Travis, if you want...", she smiled softly.

"Very well... I have to leave you now, and to be at Father's side.", Lianna watched both of us.

"Alright. We'll join you later.", answered Ophilia at her sister.

She then started to leave, by taking the descending narrow path, and disappeared from our view.

I then looked up at the horizon, and I was dazzled by the magnificent view.

I could observe the big castle underneath this dark blue sky, which was very impressing. I couldn't believe that Ophilia lived in that beautiful castle, like a princess. A soft light coming from the blue clouds illuminated the building, with so many shades of blue, just like in a fairy tale. I noticed from the entrance where I left with Ophilia, with the pair of flampits slowly burning to make the place prettier.

The snow was slowly falling, without any puff of wind, the windows of the castle were amazing, and blue mountains extended as far as the eye can see. I was speechless by this magnificent landscape, so dreamy, so amazing, and it was the most beautiful place I've ever see in my life. It was the best spot to see the whole city.

I sat down on the ground to contemplate the place, as Ophilia approached and sat down next to me to observe it, as she seemed dreamy.

"I-it's beautiful...", I said, dreamy, with a smile on my face.

I heard Ophilia's soft-spoken voice speaking at me.

"Yes, it is. Me and Lianna are used to come here just to contemplate the cathedrale since we were children.", she watched at the view.

"She is really nice your sister...", I said, as she nodded.

"Lianna is such a wonderful and exceptional person that I owe a lot. She is very devoted and really faithful to the Church, but she loves her father more than anything.", she explained to me.

Since a moment, something is bothering me about her father and her sister. I was curious when I asked her, while being confused.

"Wait... If she's your sister, her father is also your father, right ?"

I saw her smile slowly disappearing, as she stayed calm, right after I said that.

Oh no... Did I said something I shouldn't have said ?!

She just sighted, before answering me calmly.

"To tell you the truth... he is not really my father."

"Uh ?", I was slightly surprised, but I stayed calm.

"And even if I consider Lianna like my sister... she is not really my sister."

"W-what ?!"

I was really caught of guard: Lianna isn't really Ophilia's sister ?! But she looked so like her ! And if the Archbisomething isn't her father, who are her parents ?!

She continued to talk, still sitting on her knees, as she seemed calm but with sadness on her eyes.

"15 years ago, when I was a child, slightly younger than you, I've been orphaned when I lost my family during the great war..."

I was deeply shocked to hear her sad story. It must be very sad for her to have lost her true parents, and to become an orphan like me. She also talked about a war, but I was more concerned about her origins.

I felt so bad for her, so I looked up at her and tell her something, with sadness on my eyes.

"I-I'm sorry, Ophilia..."

I continued to listen to her story.

"I had nowhere to go, I was lost... but the Archbishop had found me, raised me, and treated me as I was his own blood daughter."

So, she was adopted by this man... I was reassured to hear that she have been found. I was wondering how it was to get adopted by new parents. But I was too discreet, so no one had noticed me, and no one had adopted me.

She continued.

"For the first days upon living under my new family, I was so scared by this change that I locked myself in my room and refuses to talk to anyone... After I lost my family, I was convinced it was my fate to be alone and miserable for the rest of my days... But Lianna... she brought me out from under that dark cloud and gave me the strength to start living again."

While I continued to hear her story, my face went from sad to a little happy.

"She was able to get me out of my shell, and she brought me here, on this hill where we are actually. It was her favorite place, and it became my favorite place as well."

I could understand why it was her favorite place. With all those flowers around us, but mostly with this magnificent view on that cathedral.

I was really amazed by her story, as I listened her finishing.

"Since that day, I was happy in my new life, as a member of the Church with my new family, and Lianna became my sister and best friend."

It was really emotional to listen to her past, as she must consider me like someone close to her. I think me and this girl had some things in common: she had lost her parents, just like me, and when I found myself on that bedroom, it was the same thing for her. But while I was able to be happy to meet her and her new family when I arrived here, she was a bit shy in the beginning, until she discovered that place.

Indeed, while she had lost her parents but had discovered a new family, after I lost my parents and I entered in that game, I was happy to meet two persons whom I could trust: Therion and Ophilia.

Talking about Therion, whom I considered like my brother, Ophilia considered Lianna like her sister. We were alike me and here, just like 2 persons who love each other...

I looked up at her,, and with a smile on my cold face, I spoke to her.

"You're so lucky to have a sister like her.", my heart was singing again for her.

She liked my compliment, and she patted gently my hair covered by my bonnet a few times.

"Thank you...", she said with her smooth voice, while I blushed.

I was glad she was happy with her new sister. I continued to listen to her.

"That's why she will make the pilgrimage, because she is the heir and legitimate daughter of the Archbishop."

I finally knew why Ophilia couldn't make this journey and carry the flame. I feel bad for her: it's good that her sister should have made this travel, but Ophilia could make it as well, right ?

I continued to listen again.

"I'm so proud and grateful towards her, she helped me to be the woman I am today...", she then became a bit serious, but she stayed calm."But now, it's my turn to help her."

"What are you gonna do for helping her ?", I asked her curiously.

She took a small breath, before answering me.

"The archbishop's illness weights heavier on Lianna than anyone else... And yet she must hide that from all around her... So... I will take the pilgrimage at her place.", she seemed determined.

I was surprised to hear her saying that: did she seriously want to do all this long journey at her place ? However, I understood she wanted to help her sister to stay with her father, and to do the work at her place.

Concerned by what she wanted to do for her sister, I spoke to her.

"Really ?!"

"Yes. I understood what she is feeling, and I don't want to be separated by her father as well... I owe so much to her, I have to help her. Tomorrow she is to set out to gather the ember from the Cave of Origin."

The Cave of Origin ? Again a weird name for a place.

I wanted to know more about that ember.

"To gather the ember ?", I asked her curiously.

"The cave of Origin is where we find the ember of the first Flame, where according to the legend, was ignited by Aelfric himself. Every 20 years, we took a part of the embers, for deposing it at different places in the land and to make sure they keep safe their inhabitants from the darknesses...", she explained me wisely.

If I understand, it's the place where Ophilia could find the flame she had to bring at other cities... It's a bit complicated, but I understood.

I asked her calmly.

"So if you go at that place, you will have to do everything at Lianna's place ?!"

After she nodded to me, she seemed confident while she continued to explain.

"If I were to gather the ember in her place, Lianna could stay by her father's side.", she then sighted. "Of course I cannot bear to leave him either... And if someone else were to gather the ember, that same person would have to go on the pilgrimage and complete the rite.... To say nothing of straying into that cave without the church's blessing. I'd get more than just a stern lecture, that is for sure..."

She seemed a bit sad, despite she is ready at anything to help her well-loved sister, she knew it was risky. I don't understand why all the people praying in that cathedral whom she is part wouldn't be happy if Ophilia goes to take the flame at that Cave, she just wanted to help her sister. It's really nice from her to help the others !

But if ever she decide to make it, I was feeling bad for her that she might leave her new father, and never see him as well. And I don't want her to have some problems for her.

To be honest, me too I wanted to help Lianna, but I also wanted Ophilia to be happy.

I said at Ophilia, with a determined smile on my face.

"You know what, Ophilia ?! I have an idea ! If you want to stay with your father as well, I will go to that cave instead of you and Lianna and I will carry the flame through the world !"

She seemed surprised, as she chuckled.

"You ?! You want to make the ritual at my place ?!", she said.

She seemed amused at my behavior, thinking it was a joke, but I was serious.

"Yes ! Then, you and your sister could watch over your sick father while I carry the flame through the world !", I said, determined to help her.

It sounds not so bad to kindle the torchs while traveling through the world with that blue flame. Plus, I could help Ophilia, she and Lianna could be happy to stay with their father.

I was ready for anything to help the girl I love. I was so grateful towards for saving my life, keeping me warm, giving me something to eat, but also for giving me love.

With a smile on her pretty face, she gently brought her gloved hand to pat my head, making me blush.

"Well, that was really kind of you to help me. But you know, at your age, you shouldn't embark on that dangerous trip alone for me. Indeed, it's more complicated than you think and only the recognized members of the Church can practice at the ritual.", she said calmly to me, with her voice as smooth as she was.

"But you're one of them, right ?", I asked her, as I seemed innocent.

She didn't answer me directly, she might be touched by my words. I know she was one of them, of these people who prayed for the blue fire, I know it was her family.

She made a small smile at me, as I found her very cute, before she spoke nicely to me.

"Yes... However, me, I've never been prepared by the pilgrimage, and all preparations have been made for Lianna, and it's too late to change the person who will be the next Flamebearer.", she then watched at the view. "But I can't let Lianna doing this ritual in her state. I am the only who can make it at her place."

She then slowly got up on her feet, with a determined expression.

"It's decided: I'll endure the pilgrimage instead of her.", she said calmly.

She finally made her decision: she will definitely go to take that flame, and to make sure her sister stayed with her sick father. I was really proud of her: she had such a golden heart towards other, and she was ready at anything to help her family.

While she started to walk in direction of the narrow path leading to the exit, I finally got up at my turn, and I walked fast to talk to her.

"Phili !", I called her.

"Yes Travis ?", she asked me nicely.

I looked up at her with determination on my face.

"Let me go with you, please !", I said frankly by showing my will to help her.

She then bends down at my level, and calmly spoke to me, while looking me right into my eyes.

"Travis. The place I will go is slightly dangerous for a child. I can't embark you in this risky journey, you should go back to the cathedral."

She was pretty worried for me, and I understood she wanted me safe. However, I'm ready at anything for helping her, and if it's a dangerous place, precisely I wanted to protect her.

So I insisted again.

"But I want to help Lianna too ! After hearing your story, I couldn't stand idly at the cathedral ! And... you said you'll be always there for me, right ?!"

My eyes were fully determined: I wanted to help her to go to that cave, and to bring the flame, so Lianna could stay with her father. I remembered effectly the promess she had made with me when she said she will be always there for me, and I wanted to be always with her as well.

Ophilia seemed a bit surprised by my words: she understood that I wanted to help her. She told me all the story, and I couldn't go back, that's why I wanted to help her, it's my decision.

She was in her thoughts for a moment, and she just sighted, before telling me calmly.

"Alright. You can go with me."

I felt happy when she told me that, I felt happy when she was agree that I come with her. I was happy to be helpful for her.

She told me again.

"But you have to stay close to me, okay ?"

I quickly nodded "yes", because this is all what I wanted: to be with her. Despite she accepted, she couldn't stop to worry about me, but I promise I'll be careful with her.

I asked her one more question.

"But where are we gonna go ?"

She slowly stood up, and pointed her gloved arm at the right, where I observed a long snowy path next to snowy plains, and with snowy mountains far away.

"As I recall, the Cave of Origin lies within the foothills to the east of here. This isn't too far from here."

She then created a light magic with her right gloved hand, making appear her long and magic stick, that she held firmly, using it like a walking stick. When doing that gesture, she looked really amazing, so pretty, my heart couldn't stop beating, I was so dazzled by her beauty. She seemed so beautiful with the dreamy scene behind her.

She then slowly extended her left gloved hand towards me, making me sign grab it.

"Let's go, ok ?", she said in a happy tone.

She just lended me her hand, for that I could follow her. I was slightly surprised at first, but just like this kid whom she helped to find his mom, I wanted so badly to hold it.

So, I slowly extended my small right hand, and I grabbed her left hand. Despite her hand was larger than mine, it was surprisingly warm. She held tight my small hand, protecting it from the cold, and the plastic feeling of her warm leather glove covering her hand made me relaxed. I could hold it for hours, as it was so warm.

My face became red like a tomato, as I was holding the hand of the girl I loved, and I smiled wide, really happy to be with her.

She smiled at me, and nicely asked me.

"You wanted to hold it too, right ?"

She had really understood that I wanted to hold her hand just like the other kid, that I wanted to be with her. Decidedly, she can really read in my mind.

I told her in a happy tone.

"Y-yes !"

She's so cute !

"So... may the Sacred Flame light our path !"

"Yeah !"

She pronounced those words again, she must had used them to give use the bravery. Effectly, with her a my sides, I could feel so many bravery on me.

We finally started to walk, slowly, by holding hand, while we took the narrow path to go down the snowy hill.

It was such a memorable moment, to walk with the girl whom I had a crush, by holding hands, like 2 lovers. I wished we could walk like this for hours, I wished the path leading to the cave will be long, so I could be always with her !

I'm really happy to have met such a kind and nice girl like Ophilia: she was really as pretty as she was kind. And she was ready for anything to help her dear sister. I wanted to help them both, so I did great to have stayed with her. Yes, between Therion and Ophilia, I've chosen Ophilia.

However, I won't abandon Therion like that. I still wanted to help him, I knew he needed my help, and I wanted to be with him as well. But I understood something: I could only help those who were within my reach, and Ophilia needed help while she was so close to me. But I'm promise you, Therion, that I'll join you later, you just have to wait for a moment.

Now, I'll go with Ophilia to that cave, and to take that flame. She said it will be a bit dangerous, but I could fear nothing while she was there ! I was also ready to accompany her making that ritual where she had to go through the world, that I wanted so badly to explore, and it will be fun with her !

I finally understood why Therion gave me that axe I was carrying hidden on my back: it wasn't to hurt people or to defend myself, but it was to protect the people we like. I loved Ophilia, I didn't follow her just by fun, but I also because I wanted to protect her, to escort her, just like I was her knight.

~

A/N: 900 reads, guys ! I just juggled between Travis and Ophilia's points of view to compare their choices and their decisions. In this chapter, Travis finally decided to stay with Ophilia for helping her and her sister, but he won't forget Therion now. For those who want to see Therion back, you're gonna have to wait for a while... Anyway, do you know what I advice you to do while reading that story ? Play some OST from the game to give more like in this story, like the one called "Melancholy" when Travis and Ophilia discuss on the hill or the "discord" OST when Ophilia talk with her sick father while Travis tried to choose between her and Therion. You can try to read those parts again by playing them !

Anyway, don't miss the next chapter, which will be the 8th chapter, like the 8 travelers, and see you later !