Chapter 3
The girl shook her head, her smile genuine and layered with excitement. “i came to see you saya, i missed my closest friend.”
“your only friend.” The noctis laughed in return. “i am pleased that you came, although i expect i am thereason you have yet to be married.”
“i have no intention of marrying anyone who would object to me seeing you. You are my friend and the only one i have.” Astria responded sharply, knowing that her friend wished for her to leave once more: obsessed with what others thought of their friendship.
The noctis chuckled, “you have always been loyal. I know that you won’t abandon me, no matter what people say.”
“then surely you could refrain from testing me on it every time we meet.”
“i make no promises.” Saya giggled.
“i thought as much.”
The noctis paused for a moment, suddenly serious. “have you heard about the recent attacks?”
“attacks?” She asked, her smile fading.
“the fera settlement around ten miles from here has been burnt to the ground by the deus, those who survived say they were looking for something.” Saya announced with a heavy sigh, her eyes thick with grief.
Astria gasped. “but why now after twenty years of peace?”
Saya shook her head, “i do not know, nor can i answer your question. All that i can tell you is the leaders of every tribe have banded together and are meeting as we speak.”
“what does that mean? Why have they come together now?”
“to decide the fate of our race.”
Astria's eyes widened, quickly realising what that could mean. “they’re going to declare war?”
“that remains to be seen, but this attack cannot go unnoticed.” Saya remarked. “i believe they will decide to retaliate.”
“then we can expect war. But it doesn’t make sense, the fera can’t possibly make a stand against the deus, not with the abilities they are known to possess. Hundreds will die.” The girl stammered, beginning to panic.
“yes, perhaps even thousands, but it is not my choice to make and they will not stand by while more of our people die. That would only make us look weak. Inferior.”
Astria shook her head, knowing that she had to convince her friend otherwise. “but in a way you are! You do not
have the same abilities as them, you can’t fight against magic with swords and shields, you will lose.”
“i expect that we might, but i wil still fight and there are races of fera that can manipulate the earth and weather, some can even mould fire from nothing. We have a better chance if the entire race bands together. If we can get someone else on our side.” Saya argued, her tone rising against the silent night.
“but who? Who would be willing to lose their own people to aid in a war that is not their concern?”
“i don’t know.”
“please saya, you can’t fight. I can’t lose you. Not like that.” The girl pleaded, tear welling up in her eyes.
“if it comes down to it, i will have no choice. I must fight.” The fera squared her shoulders.
“please, you must see reason.”
“i won’t abandon my people.”
“i’m not asking you to, i’m asking you to live.” Astria sobbed, the fear of losing her only friend saying heavily on her heart.
Saya smiled weakly, her eyes filled with tears. “you don’t understand because this isn’t your race, i will do whatever i have to in order to protect my people. Even if that means i will die.”
“saya!” A voice called, ending their conversation. “its zane he has returned from the meeting and requires our attendance.”
“but i’m with astria, surely it can wait.” Hoped the noctis as she turned to glance at the figure in the sky, her silver wings bright against the moonlight.
“this was not a request.” The stranger growled.
Saya turned back towards astria as she sighed. “i have to go.”
“i know.”
“goodbye dear friend.”
“goodbye.”