KYRIE: Hey. TAYUIN: Hey… KYRIE: Sorry we didn’t get a chance to talk much during the party. Though, admittedly, you didn’t seem too interested. TAYUIN: I’m not avoiding you. KYRIE: I didn’t mean me, in particular. More like, there’s nowhere less you’d rather be. TAYUIN: Parties have always been sort of… hit or miss for me. KYRIE: I can relate. TAYUIN: Can you? Seemed like more often than not someone wanted to talk to you. KYRIE: I’m sorry? TAYUIN: It’s not a bad thing. You’re good with people. Surprising, maybe, but true. KYRIE: Well, I can’t refute your expert observational skills. TAYUIN: Mm. KYRIE: We… haven’t really spoken since last night. TAYUIN: There’s nothing much to say. KYRIE: That’s not true. I behaved poorly. I don’t expect you to forget or forgive me for it. I was so desperate to get something out of that Knight… But I shouldn’t have lost control like that. TAYUIN: I’ve never been in that position. I don’t know if I’ve ever loved anyone enough to fight so hard for th— TAYUIN: … KYRIE: Tay? TAYUIN: I… What I meant to say is, it’s not my place to tell you how you should act. KYRIE: If it frightened you, you’re allowed to say so. TAYUIN: It did, but I’m not here to make this about me. I realized last night just how much pain you were in. All my “observational skills” didn’t help me to see it. All this time you’ve done what you’ve done, said what you’ve said… You were trying to help me. Being kind while you were carrying so much. You’re… a better liar than I am. KYRIE: Is it a compliment? TAYUIN: I don’t want you to have to shoulder such heavy things on your own. But I’m most afraid of not being able to be a sturdy enough stone for you to lean on. KYRIE: I don’t need much. TAYUIN: You say that, but is it true? KYRIE: Yeah. I think it is. TAYUIN: But— KYRIE: We’re similar in a lot of ways, but in this we’re different. I’ve never faced something quite like this before. Sure, I’ve made peace with a less than perfect life, but losing Al… This is the first time I’ve met grief. I admit, at first, I wanted to give up. Now, I’m beginning to realize that I want to fight. Either way, it’s having the company I’ve had that gets me through. It helps me enough just to know that you’re here. But if you don’t want to be, then— TAYUIN: I do want to. I want the very best for you. And I’m not… that. KYRIE: laughs I’ll be the judge of that, thanks. SARAYN: Your Grace? KYRIE: That’s my cue. Sleep well, Your Highness. TAYUIN: W-Wait. Y-Your Grace— KYRIE: Kyrie. TAYUIN: Right… I’m… Have a… good night. KYRIE: laughs Yeah. You too.

EIRA: Why are you out here? ELION: Oh, you know. It wasn’t really my scene… in more ways than one. I thought to let you all have your moment. EIRA: Moment? ELION: Mm. Very “calm before the storm”, isn’t it? You’d know better than anyone. EIRA: Hm. You’re referring to that feeling I told you about. ELION: I find a woman’s intuition undefeatable. Most especially one of your caliber. EIRA: Do you know how to do anything but flatter? It feels impossible to get a serious word out of you. ELION: Is that what you’d prefer? Someone like you? Would it make you happier if I simply commented on how terrible and drab things were all the time, talked in dour tones and brought a grim sense of cynicism to every situation? EIRA: No. ELION: By all means, you can be truly honest with me. I promise it won’t hurt my feelings. After all, you’ve already done the worst you could do by rejecting me, and I thought I did reasonably well at accepting my defeat. If it’s the compliments you don’t like, then I simply must say I’m entitled to even my most obnoxious opinions. EIRA: I never said that. ELION: Suppose I’d have fared better if I was more the silent type. I could do you a favor and bring out Mr. Tall Dark and Necromancer— EIRA: I said I’m not interested! ELION: Yes. You’ve made that perfectly clear. EIRA: You don’t get it. ELION: Apparently not. EIRA: You’re insufferable and ridiculous. And I… ELION: laughs Oh. You are fun.

TAIYO: But Castien was a Chosen, just like us, and killed in the course of the trials. Even if it was a cover-up, there’s no evidence to suggest Castien was a Knight himself. INDRYR: I wouldn’t say there is no evidence. The Magistrate explained to us at dinner that Castien had a rather rowdy following. Whether that following knew of his noble bloodline is unclear. KYRIE: A supposed nobody from the south doesn’t grow a following for nothing. They gained that reputation for a reason. INDRYR: And how would his followers feel to learn their beloved Lord was felled, perhaps illegitimately, in the trials? KYRIE: It could be the very origins of the Knights of Dawn. TAIYO: It’s still only speculation. KYRIE: Yes, but it’s the only lead we have. Even if the organization was formed after Castien’s death, he may very well have known those who would have established it. TAIYO: I suppose so, but Castien is long dead. What good does it do us if we can’t… KYRIE: Speak to him. SARAYN: Well, consider this my offer. I imagine, as it stands, you’ve suddenly grown a keen interest in my services.

INDRYR: Your Grace, I think we’ve all been quite interested to hear. How did the mission go? KYRIE: A great success… aside from the fact that she didn’t know a damned thing. TAIYO: Then, she was a Knight after all? KYRIE: No question about that. In fact, Indryr, you’ve met her before. INDRYR: Hm? KYRIE: Fawn Ghostkind. She once lost someone dear to her in the trials. I expect that was her trigger. Still, it seems things are more complicated than we originally suspected. She said most of the organization remains anonymous, even to each other. Perhaps with the exception of an elite leadership… but as a pawn, she wasn’t privy to their moves. INDRYR: I suppose it makes some sense. It would explain why they’ve managed to stay underground for so long, and why weeding them out has proved especially challenging for the guard. TAIYO: Then, only those at the top would have such privileged information as where your sister is being kept? KYRIE: Maybe. Fawn mentioned that they’d had a change of orders. If their original plan was to kill us both, that brings into question why they would pivot at the last second to a ransom. TAIYO: Is it possible that the whole thing is a bluff? KYRIE: What do you mean? INDRYR: Ah, I see your point, Lord Hayashi. If the Knights themselves can’t locate your sister, it puts their position in jeopardy. Suppose the orders were already in place, they sent assassins for you, after all. But now there’s been a change of plans. If they’re not trying to kill you for the time being, that may be more indicative of their errors than their logic. KYRIE: That’s right… I’m the spare. So long as I live, their threat holds no water. So then, why would they shift their plans unless… TAIYO: They lost their leverage. KYRIE: That could mean Alphanei escaped! INDRYR: Difficult to say without insight into the sect’s main players. If we could identify them… KYRIE: But how? Fawn was our only way in. SARAYN: Not our only way. KYRIE: What? SARAYN: She is but the second member of the order we’ve unveiled. You forget, we have already identified one other. KYRIE: …Castien.

TALILA: Your Grace, you never drink much! Don’t you enjoy the taste? KYRIE: Does anyone? THERION: I’ll bet you could drink anyone here under the table. Even the Witcher! KYRIE: You’re not entirely wrong. High elves are mostly immune to spirits. ÅSE: WHAT?! WHO CAN LIVE SUCH LIFE! I WOULD CHOOSE DEATH! THERION: Nothing honorable in that. They’d never let you into Valhalla. ÅSE: There’s no Valhalla without drink! EIRA: I feel like we’ve been here before… me talking you down off a ledge. TAYUIN: Let’s hope it doesn’t end the same as last time. EIRA: I thought you were done with the whole Sad Boy number. TAYUIN: I’m not sad, I’m… conflicted. EIRA: Conflicted? TAYUIN: Can we not do this? EIRA: We’re doing it. Mercy’s sake, will you just relax? TAYUIN: And when’s the last time you relaxed? EIRA: I’m working on it. TAYUIN: Are you? EIRA: Maybe. We’ll see where the night goes. Anyways, this isn’t about me. TAYUIN: It could be. EIRA: If this is about the Priest again— TAYUIN: It’s not about him. It’s about… me. EIRA: And what’s the matter with you? TAYUIN: That’s just… it. I am. I’m the problem. TAYUIN: He’s… he’s frustrating, and ridiculous and… EIRA: You care about him. TAYUIN: I care about him. And maybe he cares about me, too. Maybe he shouldn’t. EIRA: Is that really your decision to make? TAYUIN: It’s my decision to pursue it. He’s made that clear. I’m sure he has his reasons. Maybe they’re not great reasons. At the end of the day, if I really cared about him, then I would want what was best for him. And I don’t know if I’m that person. EIRA: You and I, we’re constantly looking for excuses. Don’t you ever wonder why? TAYUIN: Why? EIRA: Why we work so hard to punish ourselves? Isn’t it completely reasonable that we might deserve nice things, too? EIRA: I see her and I wonder why it’s so easy for her to say what she wants. To be happy in the meantime. I don’t know how to be like that, but I know her way… her way is better. EIRA: He likes you, Tayuin. If you push him away— for his sake, for yours, whatever stupid excuse you use to justify it— you’re really just punishing the both of you. TAYUIN: Speaking from experience? EIRA: That’s putting it mildly.

ÅSE: More drink! THERION: There isn’t anymore, Åse. This is all we could get. ÅSE: ACK! This won’t do! How can make drink contest with no drink?! EIRA: You’ve already lost once, Blondie. I wouldn’t be so eager for a rematch. ELION: Mm, your confidence is so attractive. Have I told you? EIRA: Who invited you? ASTER: Now, now everyone, calm down! I have arrived! Finally, this jamboree can begin! THERION: Hey, play the one I wrote. ASTER: See, I would do that, but there’s the whole matter about it being utterly rubbish. THERION: Eh—? TAIYO: Indryr, did you bring books to the party? INDRYR: Oh, yes. At least three. Well, it’ll be hard to focus with all the noise and distraction, but I think it only reasonable to be prepared. (TAYUIN: …fucking nerds.) SARAYN: You seem to be rather muted tonight, Lord Faerie. Suppose you’ve come down with a bout of seasonal depression? TAYUIN: You’re one to talk… What are you even doing here? SARAYN: I was invited, same as you. In fact, I thought we all were. That’s the point. TAYUIN: That’s not what I meant. [your sense of humor seriously needs some work] You’ve never passed up a chance to slip away and introvert out. What’s so different about this time? SARAYN: I’ve a matter to address with the Priest. Amongst other things. Perhaps I’m interested in enjoying the ambience. TAYUIN: Not suspicious at all… ÅSE: No brooding allowed at party, Tiny Pixie! Deathling, I hope you bring many stories! SARAYN: Certainly. And if you’re good, maybe I’ll tell you one. ÅSE: HAH?! WHY SAYS THIS? Did you hear, Monster Hunter?! Deathling is make jokes! KYRIE: Everyone is so lively… EVE: It’ll be good for you. You should try and relax a little. I know you’re probably still thinking about what happened, but remember to take some time for yourself. We will figure it out, Kyrie. KYRIE: Thank you. I’ll do my best.

HIGH PRIESTESS: I don’t want to have to resort to threats, Kyrie. You leave me no choice. I wish you would understand I only do what I do to protect you. KYRIE: You’re protecting yourself. I wish you would just say so. You’ve only ever had influence because of us. But I expect no better from the Church. HIGH PRIESTESS: And what do you mean by that? KYRIE: I— ASTER: Well, pardon the interruption! KYRIE: Aster? ASTER: The door was unlocked, so I let myself in! Hope you don’t mind. Anyways, I’ve got to speak with Ol’ Saint Sees-A-Lot, so if you’ll excuse us… HIGH PRIESTESS: Wait— ASTER: Sorry! Very important Chosen business! Quite private! Toodles! ASTER: Well, that was quite the confrontation. Sure glad we got outta there when we did! KYRIE: I’m… confused. You needed to speak with me? ASTER: Oh that? Just a ruse to get you out of there. You know, I’m not usually one for eavesdropping— I pride myself on minding my own damn business— but I couldn’t leave you in there with that old beastie, could I? Us orphans have to stick together! KYRIE: You were just… helping me? ASTER: Not exactly the damsel saving type, but if the opportunity arises… KYRIE: In that case, thank you, Aster. Can’t say I don’t appreciate it. ASTER: Ah, just in the right place at the right time. Though, never cared for people like your “mother”. Something, something abuse of authority… But it’s especially unpalatable when that abuse comes at the expense of her own child. KYRIE: I doubt Elora ever saw me as her son. A prop, certainly, a meal ticket… that’d be more apt. ASTER: Oh, I don’t doubt that. Though, she’s hardly the first cleric with questionable morals, especially if our theories about the whole affair are correct. KYRIE: I didn’t think you were so invested. ASTER: I wouldn’t say that I am, but it’s sort of hard not to care when these people keep clipping my wings at every given opportunity. I wasn’t even supposed to be here, you know! KYRIE: sighs Aster, you know that’s not true. You’re Chosen for a reason. ASTER: No need for the sympathetic monologue, Your Grace. I believe you believe that. But the fact of the matter is, what I really want is to get the hells out of this place, and I’ll only manage that if we get to the bottom of this mess. My money’s on the eleven of us figuring it out before those poor sods. KYRIE: I don’t disagree at all. ASTER: Mm, well, then allow me to pass on the word. The Valkyrie is organizing a shindig tonight. We’ve all been invited, but I expect I’m just the first to get to you. KYRIE: How very Åse of her… KYRIE: Thank you again, for the message and for… that matter. ASTER: No need to thank me, Your Grace. It’s the least I could do.

KYRIE: Do you intend to keep me here and ruin a perfectly good afternoon?   HIGH PRIESTESS: You know exactly why you’re here. KYRIE: Not at all. At least if you’re going to keep us locked up, you might as well let me catch up on my beauty sleep. HIGH PRIESTESS: scoffing I don’t know where you got this newfound attitude of yours, but I’d advise you to return it. Your snide comments won’t change the fact that we’re dealing with serious allegations. KYRIE: I told you, I didn’t do anything. HIGH PRIESTESS: Yes, you’re so quick to profess your innocence, despite not being faced with the accusation. KYRIE: I’m not an idiot, Elora. The guard has been crawling the temple all morning. Not to mention you’ve practically shackled me to a career infiltrator. You think I have no idea what’s going on? And somehow, everything that’s wrong in your life traces back to me. HIGH PRIESTESS: You’ve been behaving strangely, lately. I have every reason to question you. Considering the circumstances, I imagine you think you should be more involved in our investigation. Alphanei may be your sister, but that does not give you the right to flout my authority or the law.   KYRIE: I won’t be lectured to over something I haven’t done. What proof have you that I went to the dungeon? HIGH PRIESTESS: I know you, Kyrie. KYRIE: Right. So none, then. HIGH PRIESTESS: And are you also not to blame for the disappearance of my correspondence? KYRIE: If you’ve misplaced your mail, I hardly see how that’s my problem. HIGH PRIESTESS: Ridiculous. Did I raise you to be so unreasonable? If your sister was here— KYRIE: And don’t you wish she was. I’m sure you’re devastated. Why, your life would be so much easier if it had been me in her place. You’d still be down an asset, but at least you’d have the better one. You lost your leverage the moment you took my privacy. I’ve no reason to show you more respect than you have given me. Whether it’s my help or some forced confession you want, you shall have neither. HIGH PRESTESS: I caution you not to test me, Kyrie. Perhaps you have gathered confidence from your new friends, but the power of your position only extends so far. At the end of the day, it is my word that decides where you can go and who you can see. I have been lenient all your life, but if you mean to make an enemy of me, then I will gladly oblige. KYRIE: Boldfaced threats. How novel, Mother.

TAIYO: How tiresome… I’m not sure a drinking party is the best place for me. SARAYN: Drinks aside, I think I’ll go after all. I’m interested to know how fared our daring infiltrators. TAIYO: The temple has been all a buzz this morning. I imagine they’ll be looking for the culprits. SARAYN: Certainly. It makes for a good distraction. TAIYO: Distraction? SARAYN: I need to get back to the crypts without interference. Suppose you could say there is a… loose thread I wish to follow up on. SARAYN: I’ll bring it up with His Grace tonight at the party. I am certain he’ll like to know.

ÅSE: Snore! It is boring here with everyone on secret mission to dungeons! THERION: Why don’t you yell a bit louder? That’ll cure your boredom. ÅSE: Bah! Volume changes nothing! They are not letting me go to tavern! This is outrage! THERION: It is quite outrageous. ÅSE: Okay, here is plan. We get drink, gather everyone, everyone bring more drink— THERION: Lots of booze, check. ÅSE: We get Bard. Bard makes music. Drink, music, it is like tavern! THERION: You want to get everyone together to… get drunk in a church? ÅSE: What is problem? THERION: No problem at all. Seems completely reasonable. ÅSE: Good! ÅSE: You, there! Deathling! You come, too. And little blood magician. We can’t be having tavern with three people. Make crowd! TAIYO: I’m not sure what’s happening. THERION: Nothing major. The Valkyrie wants to have a hootenanny. TAIYO: A what?  ÅSE: It is good idea! Deathling, you come tell stories. You can’t say there is too many people, now. No excuse! SARAYN: If nothing else, I respect your persistence. ÅSE: That means yes. Good! Now, where do we get drinks? THERION: We can’t, but I’m sure some of these guards might be persuaded to do us a favor or two. If we just exercise the right tactic— ÅSE: Okay, I will handle! THERION: Not like that! I meant bribe them, Åse! BRIBE!

KYRIE: I… I appreciate it. EVE: Maybe you should lay down? KYRIE: I hardly think I could sleep. EVE: It must be difficult. KYRIE: I can’t imagine what she’s going through. Why should I be comfortable when she could be… EVE: It won’t do either of you any good to think like that. Why don’t you tell me about her? KYRIE: Alphanei? She’s… She’s a lot like you. Constantly puts others above herself, even at her own detriment. We used to clash about it, even as children. EVE: You’re very different, then? KYRIE: I never liked people quite a much as her. At least, not in a hands-on sort of way. EVE: laughs I admit, most people are better from afar. KYRIE: They’re not so bad. But Alphanei is true generosity. She lives it, breathes it. If she could choose, I doubt she’d ever leave the church, if not just to mind the parishioners. All sorts of people come through these doors. The poor, the needy. Those without… those that have lost their way. She would always be there to welcome them, as if bringing them home. If the rest of the clergy was like her, I expect we wouldn’t be where we are, now. Then again, if she wasn’t the way she was, perhaps she wouldn’t be where she is, now. KYRIE: I told her to be mindful. I told her to be careful. Not every helpless soul is worth trusting. EVE: You can’t blame her for wanting to see the best in people. KYRIE: laughs You’re right. I couldn’t with you, either. EVE: Kyrie, I… KYRIE: What’s wrong? EVE: Nothing. I’m glad I could offer you any comfort. KYRIE: Suddenly, you don’t seem so glad. EVE: It isn’t that. Only… maybe I’ve been too hopeful. KYRIE: Have I done something to upset you? EVE: No, not at all. I don’t think you need to be a Seer to realize I care about you. Unfortunately for me, clairvoyance is a rare gift, indeed. KYRIE: Ah, Eve, that’s… EVE: I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have brought it up now— KYRIE: No, don’t apologize. You have every right to be upset with me. I should be the one saying sorry. I don’t want you to feel as if I don’t care— EVE: I don’t think you callous. KYRIE: Maybe not. But I… EVE: I understand. There’s no need to explain that. I considered that maybe I wasn’t the only one… Well, it was a hope and nothing more. KYRIE: I do care for you, Eve. I admit, I don’t know how I would have handled these passed few weeks without your help and guidance. I feel comfortable with you, and I’m sorry if maybe I was too open. You’ve always felt familiar to me and that’s why… If I took advantage of that— EVE: I would never think so. I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting your sister, but as lovely as you describe her, if you see even a fraction of that in me, then I’m glad. KYRIE: You’ve been a good friend to me, even if I was poorly towards you. But I can’t tell you enough how much your friendship has meant to me. EVE: I hope that won’t change after this? KYRIE: Of course not. Trials or otherwise, I would hate to imagine my life without you now. I simply need your reasonableness. EVE: laughs I hardly think I’m reasonable all the time. KYRIE: We even out. EVE: That’s right. Well, I am very glad to have met you, too. KYRIE: If you don’t wish to remain, I won't keep you here. EVE: No, I think I’ll stay a while longer. KYRIE: Thank you, Eve.

EVE: Kyrie? Are you alright? Tayuin came for me, he was really concerned. Did things go poorly? KYRIE: It was a waste of time. She didn’t know anything about Alphanei. EVE: Oh, Kyrie, I’m so sorry. KYRIE: sighs She didn’t kill Lucien either. Even if she was useless to me, I don’t know if I can let an innocent woman take the fall for a murder she didn’t commit. EVE: I wouldn’t be so quick to call her innocent. How can you be sure she didn’t kill him? KYRIE: I— I just know. EVE: Kyrie? KYRIE: Please, I can’t do this now. I can hardly think straight as it is. EVE: Then I won’t push. I know it must be hard right now, but we’re not going to give up. We’re all still here with you. We’ll keep trying to find her. KYRIE: What can we do? We’re all stuck here. That was my only lead and she couldn’t even tell me if Al is alright. EVE: Don’t give up hope. Between the eleven of us, I think we can come up with something. KYRIE: laughs I want to believe that. I really do. EVE: You should get some sleep. KYRIE: Eve. EVE: Yes? KYRIE: Will you stay? For a while, just… I don’t want to be alone right now. EVE: Of course.

TAYUIN: Eve? EVE: Oh, Tayuin, you’re back. Is everything alright? TAYUIN: No one is hurt. It’s just that… the Priest is… He’s not in a good place right now. I think if you could talk to him, calm him down, he’d be better off. EVE: Of course. I’ll go at once. EVE: Aren’t you coming? TAYUIN: No, you go on. I’ve… I should head back to my room. EVE: Oh… alright, then… TAYUIN: Damn me.

EIRA: I hate to see him like that. He and I haven’t always gotten on, but… I just can’t imagine having so little family and watching it fall away like that. ELION: We could still find his sister alive. EIRA: Even if she is alive, it must be torture for him. I’ve been lucky. And maybe I’ve taken that for granted. I could have died out there in the cold, but the Witchers who took me in chose to love me. They chose to care. Even now, they’d do anything to see me safe. And I’ve spurned them at every opportunity. ELION: Why did you come here? EIRA: I guess it’s not as obvious as I think. I was chasing this… stupid idea. Not a dream, but maybe some endless nightmare. I thought that if I could become a full-fledged Witcher like my… like the ones who saved me. Then maybe I was worthy of really being theirs. Even if I’m not. ELION: It’s no easy feat to become a true Witcher. EIRA: Yes, I know that. But every day I’m not it’s a reminder I’m nothing like them. ELION: Family is hardly just about blood. Do you think they would rather you risk your life, just to call yourself one of them, than to have you alive and well and still beside them? EIRA: No… I don’t think that. And I wanted it anyways. ELION: Hm. Well, the heart wants what it wants, I suppose. Who am I to tell you otherwise? Except that I’ve never been much of a gambler. I prefer when I know the odds are stacked in my favor. If there’s any chance that you lose more than what you’d gain… then I’d say it’s not a game worth playing. EIRA: I shouldn’t have to hear that from you. From him… Anyone. But I never questioned it. Not for a moment. Until I came here. ELION: Then I’m so very glad that you did.

[sounds of stirring] EIRA: Shit. EIRA: We need to go. NOW! TAYUIN: Come on. We have to get out of here. KYRIE: But my… TAYUIN: We can’t stay. FAWN: It’s just a matter of time, Priest. You and she are good as dead. TAYUIN: We’ll see about that. ELION: You’re alright? EIRA: Yes… ELION: Good. Just how I like you. Can’t say the same for him… EIRA: What happened? TAYUIN: The Knight didn’t know much. We should get him to his room. KYRIE: I don’t need to be coddled! EIRA: No one’s coddling you. But you’re not safe much of anywhere, and we’re not exactly blending in out here. KYRIE: …Fine. We’ll go back. TAYUIN: Will you… be okay? KYRIE: I’m fine! I’m… No… I’m sorry. I don’t mean to take it out on you. TAYUIN: I know… KYRIE: I hope you can forgive me for… everything. I must have looked awful tonight. KYRIE: Thank you all for your help. I’m sorry you risked so much for so little. TAYUIN: I… I’ll get Eve. EIRA: Tayuin. TAYUIN: I’m not the sort of person who can… handle this. It’s better not to try. He’s… He doesn’t need me making it worse. [sound of door closing] EIRA: sighs EIRA: Did she really know nothing? ELION: Not nothing… However, I expect in his position, it must seem that way. EIRA: Damn. What can we do? I mean, where do we go from here? ELION: I don’t know. For now, suppose our dear priest should try and rest. Perhaps we all need some rest.

ELION: Did you find our man? TAYUIN: Woman. And yes. That cell there should be hers. ELION: Great. So, what’s our plan of attack? Good Cop, Bad Cop? KYRIE: What? TAYUIN: Maybe neither of you should talk. KYRIE: No. This is my fight. If she knows anything about Alphanei’s whereabouts, I’m going to find out. TAYUIN: I know you’re frustrated, but storming in there and going scorched earth might not be the best idea. KYRIE: Do you have a better one? We don’t have time to butter her up. We have minutes and I’m not going to waste them. Either she talks, or she talks. TAYUIN: I… KYRIE: We’re going. Now. FAWN: …Well, you’re not guards. Don’t tell me you’ve come to relieve me of my misfortune? ELION: Not quite. But I would advise you to play along all the same. FAWN: Oh…? What’s in it for me? KYRIE: That depends on your cooperation. FAWN: Now I’m simply too intrigued. Who are you? KYRIE: You’re not asking the questions here. You killed Lucien. Tell me who sent you. FAWN: How interesting. One of your assumptions is true, but of course, you already know the answer. KYRIE: You’re with the Knights. FAWN: And proudly. But I didn’t kill your precious prince. KYRIE: You’re lying! TAYUIN: Keep calm. FAWN: The Seer? Ah, now it makes sense. You’re here about your sister. I’m afraid you’ve foul luck. KYRIE: What are you talking about? Where is Alphanei? FAWN: Your guess is as good as mine. It’s clear you have no idea the forces against you. We are not few, dear Priest. There’s much bigger fish in this sea than I. KYRIE: Then tell me who is pulling the strings! FAWN: winces Use your magic all you want, you won’t get anything from me. KYRIE: You’re… KYRIE: …telling the truth. TAYUIN: What do you mean? What’s happening? KYRIE: She didn’t kill Lucien, but the rest is… she’s holding me out. ELION: Then let us not waste time with more parlor tricks. It’s very simple. KYRIE: Elion! ELION: Your loyalty is strong. I can almost respect it. But I’m not a patient man. The Moon Pet. Where are they keeping her? FAWN: That’s none of my business. KYRIE: Tell me! FAWN: You can kill me, I don’t care! My life was forfeit years ago when those clergy pigs took Nira from me! I’ll die before I tell you anything! KYRIE: You will answer. TAYUIN: Stop this! KYRIE: I said, answer! FAWN: I don’t know! The group remains mostly anonymous, even to each other! The orders came down weeks ago to kill the Lunar Priests, but before they could be executed, your sister vanished. ELION: Who took her? FAWN: Whispers say the higher-ups have her, that there’s a new plan in motion, but those of us at the bottom aren’t privy to the details. ELION: New plan? What nonsense do you speak? FAWN: Maybe they have her, maybe they don’t, all I know is the orders have been stalled. ELION: On whose command? FAWN: I don’t know! KYRIE: She doesn’t. FAWN: Get out of my head! KYRIE: Then, it was all for nothing.