The streets of Velgrave were alive with the breath of early morning. Lanterns flickered out one by one as the first rays of dawn washed the cobblestone. Smoke curled from street stalls, thick with the scent of sweetbread and fried herbs. Merchants shouted over each other like sea-crows competing for scraps.
And amid it all, two figures walked side by side.
Erevan moved like a shadow through the bustle, his coat brushing against produce stands and potion carts without a sound. Beside him walked Noir-eccentric, and humming a melody without tune. His eyes scanned every oddity with childlike wonder.
"That was a waste of time." Erevan referring to where they had made their previous stop.
"Yeah, come to think of it that was a bad idea."
There was a pause. Then.
"You know," Noir said, sniffing a fruit shaped like a fist," if this market weren't drowning in thieves, I'd almost like it."
"Try not to pickpocket anything yourself." Erevan Muttered, eyes forward.
"You wound me. I only relieve the rich of burdensome sovereign."
Erevan allowed a small smile. "And how exactly do you define 'rich?"
"Anyone not us."
They passed a stand selling mechanical pets-tiny golems with ticking eyes and blinking eyes, one chirped at Noir; he waved back. Erevan kept his gaze ahead, but then he paused.
There,across the marketplace, near the old brass fountain, stood a lady in a white and navy coat-regel, untouched by the filth of the street. Her golden hair was braided with sapphire beads. She was talking to a vendor, handing over a purse with exactness Erevan knew too well.
Celestine.
She turned at that moment, as if pulled by a string. Their eyes met.
Years passed between them. Words left unsaid, wounds unhealed, pride and pain and something too fragile to name.
Noir followed his gaze and raised his eyebrow, "Odd."
Erevan said nothing.
Celestine's expression did not change. She turned back to the vendor and walked away.
Erevan let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. "Let's find a bar."
The tavern they settled into was half-empty,the kind that served stale bread and strong liquor before most people woke up. A wooden sign swung above the door, etched with the words The Salty Phoenix. Inside, it smelled tobacco and fried onions. Perfect.
They found a corner booth. Noir immediately ordered eggs, sausages ,bread and an alcoholic beverage called, mourning fire juice. Erevan took tea.
"My sister."
Noir whistled."Family reunions,eh?"
"We used to be close," Erevan said. "She stayed. I didn't."
"Sounds like a tale told in pain. But today's not about her,is it? Today's about Tirian bloody Caldwyn."
Erevan tightened his jaw." He doesn't bleed easily."
"Nor do you. But everyone is talking about the duel. Nobles are making bets. Students are sharpening knives, literally. And I've heard rumors going around about you."
"I'm not interested in fame."
"Good, because Tirian is."
Erevan stirred his tea." I've studied his form.His fast and layered.He casts by intuition-instinct. Makes him hard to predict."
"But predictable in his arrogance."
Erevan nodded."He overcommits. I plan to use that."
"You'll need more than that if he taps into his family crest."
"From what I have witnessed so far, I don't think he's there yet."
Noir chuckled."Yeah, remind me to never duel you."
Erevan looked up, eyes burning with resolve," This isn't just a fight, it's another stepping stone on our rise to power."
Elsewhere, inside towering halls of the Academy's high council chambers, marble columns stood like frozen guardians. Celestine stood by a stained-glass window, her arms crossed as she addressed high councilor Rennar-an upper classman with sharp spectacles.
"You saw the duel notice?" She asked, voice controlled but edged with emotion.
"Of course,"Rennar replied."It's causing quiet the stir. I heard Tirian challenged him personally."
"And Erevan accepted."
Rennar adjusted his robes." They'll draw a crowd. It's good for moral."
Celestine stepped forward, "This is more than entertainment, I'm thinking of personally recommending Erevan for a seat on the high council.
Rennar raised an eyebrow, " Bold. He hasn't even gone to the trials, to even have a chance he would need to perform... a miracle.
"The Royal tournament isn't for another month."
"Exactly," Rennar said." Look, we've made exceptions before but and they are rare. And Erevan is... complicated."
"He's exceptional."
"You're his sister."
"And that's exactly why I'm cautious. I've seen him before he Is natural born talent. He has the kind of insight we need."
Rennar looked out the window, students were already preparing for the upcoming tournament, training in the yards below." I thought you had your eye on Tirian... but you had your own plans. Let him fight Tirian. If he wins, I'll see what I can do."
Celestine sighed,"He's already on the move anyway."
Rennar smiled thinly, "Then he'll wouldn't be needing much of your help then."
Back at the Salty Phoenix, the mourning sun had risen high enough to shine through the cracked window. Erevan finished the last of his tea, eyes narrowed as he watched the light dance across the table.
"Do you think she'll be there?"
"Your sister, " Noir tilted his head," For your information, for the past month or so she hasn't missed a Tirian duel. Do you what to speak to her?"
"Depends."
"Do you think she's still upset about you leaving?"
Erevan stood gripping his sword's sheath,"That's the thing, I never truly left."
Noir grinned and tossed two silver sovereigns on the table." Then let's make history."
The dual was hours away, and it's echoes had already begun.