In the past before the coming of the first magical beast. Many were known for inhabitting what hey called 'Natural Gifts' not mystical, not requiring mana or energy. One of these gifts was in the eyes of the user, allowing them to read fates, understanding who they were, what they represented even going as far to their names.
Ravessa had simply explained it for he young elf.
Sora had known of this, she often read it novels but she thought it was a myth.
Now she struck with the truth, she kept shut, clearing her throat, preparing herself to ask another question, maybe seeing how she could catch the elven woman off guard,"If it's possible… may I ask one more question?"
Ravessa raised a gloves hand, putting that sentence to a halt, "I'm afraid not," she replied calmly. "You see… you only asked how I knew your name. Until you formally join the guild, you are permitted only a single question."
'Guess you don't make things that easy, aye?'
Sora let out an exhausting sigh, rolling her eyes, "Very well then," he said slowly. "But you won't escape this one question—the question that will decide whether I join your Night Aegis Guild or not."
"I take it you intend to ask why I chose you for my guild." said Ravessa.
Sora was taken aback, her eyes wide open. The shock on her face was inevitable, but any elf in their right mind would know, though Ravessa's quick answer had thrown her off.
She clicked her tongue. 'She's far too sharp for comfort'
Sora nodded in response, acknowledging Ravessa's knowledge. She began, "Since you already know, why not start answering," she asked.
"Well, I wish I could explain," Ravessa shrugged. "Truth is, I have no idea."
"W-What do you mean you don't know? That's absurd!" Sora stuttered, annoyed.
"I was only instructed Vael'Seraphis
by to recruit any elf deemed unique. And among every elf in Titan Forge… you are the only one who stands apart."
Sora could believe her ears. All his while, the reason she was being recruited was because of her looks.
Vael'Seraphis was usually known for being responsible for everything that happened in Elves. They consisted of the high elves and elders who had the final say on any matter.
Crimes, Rank and of course, knighthood. To become a knight one had to struggle, but this was something new.
Sora's gaze fell low, her suspicion turning into curiosity.
'Cunning and secretive, what could Vael'Seraphis probably be trying to achieve?'
Just as the tension between them reached its end, the wooden door swung open, its hinges almost prying off from years of torment and a guard clad in gold armor barged in—unknowingly Ravessa from Sora's suspicions.
"Lady Ravessa," the guard spoke out in a stern and deep voice.
"And what seems to be the issue?," Ravessa answered calmly, in a soft and motherly tone.
The guard bowed slightly before speaking in a now hasty tone. "There is trouble at the citadel, A knight has been injured in battle."
Ravessa rose from her seated position as the message reached her, "Prepare the chariot, we leave immediately," she commanded, the guard following her orders with haste as he left the room.
She turned back to Sora who was confused about what had just transpired."The citadel grants answers freely," she said. "So I will ask you in return… are you ready to step forward?"
Sora gazed up at Ravessa flabbergasted by what she said.
'Already?, I haven't even decided, yet?,' she said to herself, inwardly. She the spoke out, breaking the suspense, "I accept, but you must swear to me.... that I must be given access to every mystery hidden from me"
Ravessa squinted, her brows knitted. From the look on her face, she didn't like such condition but there was no other way, "Very well then, you have my word," she said, stretching her hand out, "Welcome to the Night Aegis... Sora of Miragale"
Sora's eyes widened as she heard this, she didn't know if she could express joy, gratitude or rather suspicion as Ravessa hadn't answered the questions she wanted to get out of her.
All she could do was stay quiet, not able to utter a single word. She did the only thing left for her to do and that was to take Ravessa's hand.
****
Together, they stepped forward, leaving everything behind. Sora secured her home and empty scrap shop, finding the letter in the process the weight of departure settling in. Around them, curious eyes bore into the pair—strangers puzzled by the unfamiliar woman at Ravessa's side. Yet, having seen her emerge from the house, whispers of her true identity slithered through the crowd like smoke.
The exit of Titan Forge loomed ahead: a colossal metal gate, heaved open by two burly men who secured the two sides. Sora's gaze lingered on the towering structure, her mother's stories echoing in her mind.
It was her father who had created the gates, alone. The creation had lasted him five days, something that would only last atleast five blacksmiths months or years to complete and this was something only he could accomplish.
As Sora stared at this masterpiece, a wave of anger and contempt washed over her. Just the thought of how badly she was treated after her father had created what held Titan Forge's enemies away was enough to make her bite her lip so hard she bled a little, her yellow eyes burning brightly.
The gates groaned fully open, a sharp wind slicing through. Ravessa turned, her sharp eyes catching the glint of blood on Sora's lip. Without a word, she stepped closer, drawing a white cloth from her darkened robes.
Gently, she dabbed the crimson away. "Is anything the matter, child?" she whispered, well aware of the storm inside her.
Sora looked into Ravessa's purple eyes as she wiped away the blood. Sora couldn't help but notice the surprisingly strange but motherly aura emanating from Ravessa, she remembered having such feelings when she was younger and her mother use to embrace her as she slept on her lap.
"It's nothing..."
Sorelia lowered her hand, pressing the stained handkerchief into Sora's palm. "Here, now shall we get going?," she said, gesturing towards the waiting chariot outside, its horses restless under the watch of two armored guards.
Sora who had been quiet, stuck in a transition between anger and love finally broke free. She gazed at the chariot with awe.
It was beautiful. The carriage as dark as bedrock with a touch of gold and horses stained black by genes.
'How can such a dirty thing like me step into such beauty?' Sora thought.
Ravessa who saw the doubt in Sora grabbed the elven girl by the wrist, "Restrain from further thinking," she muttered before stepping into the carriage, the finality of her choice settled over her like iron.
At first, doubt had lingered—but the groan of the massive gates sealing shut behind them crushed it. There was no turning back now. Only forward. Toward the future she always wanted but wasn't sure she could get it.
She glanced down at her hands—broad, calloused from the forge, scarred by battles both real and dreamed. A slow, determined fist tightened.
This was just the beginning and the question to why she was chosen as a knight lingered.