Ray meandered through the temple's corridors, the quiet ambiance of the sacred space wrapping around him like a comforting cloak. His steps were purposeful, guided by the directions provided by a helpful cleric. Soon enough, he found himself at the entrance of the bathhouse, a haven of warmth and steam. The room was a testament to ancient craftsmanship, with a large bath made directly from the stone floor, from which tendrils of steam rose and filled the air with a comforting haze.
Upon entering, Ray's gaze immediately found Ra, who greeted him with a wry smile that managed to convey both relief and jest. "Well, looks like you didn't die," Ra joked, his voice echoing slightly in the steam-filled room. The lightness in his tone was a welcome contrast to the tension of recent events.
Ray responded with a half-smile, acknowledging the jest and the underlying sentiment of relief. He carefully placed his clothes in a neat pile at the corner of the room, maintaining the orderliness instilled in them from their time together. Stripping down to his underwear, he approached the bath, each step echoing slightly on the stone floor.
With a deep breath, Ray stepped into the warm embrace of the bathwater. The heat enveloped him, seeping into his muscles, soothing the aches and the memories of pain. He allowed himself to sink deeper, the water lapping gently at his neck, isolating him from the world above. For a moment, within the steam and the warmth, the trials they faced seemed distant, a memory rather than a pressing reality.
As they soaked in the warmth of the bath, Ray broached a subject that had been lingering on his mind. "I don't think they were their to kill us. I think they were their to make sure we watched her die...There is more to the attack on our home then just bad luck and bandits. They dididn't take anything, but her life.", he paused. " They left us alive for a reason, Ra something else is going on" he said, letting the water ripple around his hands.Ra exhaled, the steam swirling around him.
"I know," he agreed, then hesitated before adding, "What do you think about joining the Knight's Training Academy?"Ray was considering his response when La'ru's voice suddenly filled the room, her presence a surprise.
"The Knights hold trials to see which candidates they will accept into the academy. You sure you are ready to face those trials?" she asked, her figure outlined against the doorway, curiosity and a hint of challenge in her tone.
Ray's confidence didn't waver as he absorbed La'ru's explanation. "Many may come from noble families with years of training and the best equipment money can buy, even apprentices in magic," he acknowledged, his silver eyes sparkling with determination. "But we've faced and survived through challenges no amount of money or training could prepare them for. We'll make it."
Ra, on the other hand, weighed their situation with a more critical eye. "But is it worth our time? We have bigger concerns than proving ourselves to a bunch of nobles," he countered, his skepticism evident. "Our path might require a different kind of strength, one that isn't recognized in their trials."
La'ru listened, her gaze shifting between the brothers. "It's not just about proving yourselves," she interjected. "The Academy could offer you resources, allies, and knowledge that could aid you in whatever path you choose. Not to mention, the prestige of being a Knight can open doors that are closed to commoners."
Ray nodded, considering her points. "She's right. It's not just about the trials or the nobles. It's about gaining the tools and experience we need to face whatever comes our way. And if we need to go through their trials and games to get there, then so be it."
Ra remained silent for a moment, then finally nodded, a sign of his reluctant agreement. "Alright, but we do this together. And we use whatever we gain to our advantage, not to serve their interests. We will not be their tools."
Ray, ever the dreamer, voiced his excitement about the possibility of discovering their essence during the trials. "Wind Alma is incredible. I really hope that's mine. What about you? What kind of Alma do you hope to have ?" he asked, his curiosity bubbling to the surface.
Ra hesitated, "Havent thought about it" He said,masking his true thoughts with a nonchalant response. But his brother's keen eyes saw through the facade. "Oh come on," Ray prodded, playfully splashing water at him."Alright, alright... fire. I think fire would be fitting," Ra admitted, returning the splash with a laugh.
La'ru, who had been silently observing their exchange, felt a surge of apprehension at their hopeful chatter about Alma. The air in the room seemed to thicken with tension, a reminder of her grave discussion with Keron. With this, she quietly excused herself, leaving the brothers to their thoughts and the warmth of the bath.
Ray, still relaxed by the warmth of the bath and the presence of his brother, shifted the conversation back to a more pressing concern. "We really should see Gerith first thing after this," he said, running a hand through his damp hair. "We need to tell him about the attack on our home. He needs to know what happened."
Ra nodded, the water swirling around him as he contemplated their next steps. "Yeah, you're right. Gerith should be informed. Plus, he might offer us some guidance... or at least some support."
Ray's gaze drifted to the steam rising above the water, his thoughts on their uncertain future. "Do you think he'll believe us? About the way they left us, that we think there is more to it and everything?" he asked, a hint of concern threading his voice.
Ra leaned back, letting the water support his weight. "He has to. We're witnesses, and with the Knight's Training Academy coming up, they'll need to know if there's a threat lurking around," he reasoned, his tone firm.
The mention of the academy brought a brief smile to Ray's face, but it quickly faded as the reality of their situation settled in. "We've got a long day ahead of us, Ra. First, Gerith and then figuring out our next move. Let's make sure we're ready for whatever comes our way," Ray said, determination steeling his voice.
Absorbed in their plans and the gravity of their situation, Ray and Ra hadn't noticed La'ru's quiet departure from the bathhouse. It was only when they finally emerged from the steamy cocoon of warmth, drying off and dressing in the simple garments provided, that they realized she was gone. The absence of her presence cast a brief shadow of solitude over them. They did not question it, yet they felt as if something was wrong.
The brothers dressed in silence, each lost in thought about the immediate future. Their clothes, though humble, were clean and provided a sense of freshness, a small but significant comfort given the tumultuous events of the past days. With their belongings gathered, they stepped out of the temple, the early morning light casting long shadows on the ground.
The air outside was crisp, a stark contrast to the warmth of the bathhouse, invigorating their senses and sharpening their focus.As they made their way through the temple's quiet corridors, the weight of their task felt ever more pressing. The need to inform Gerith of the attack, to seek his counsel and support drove them forward with a sense of purpose. Yet, in the back of their minds, La'ru's swift exit lingered, they both felt strange about that as if she had something to say, yet the thought was brief a, and both of them shook it off. They had to remain focused on what was ahead.
Ray and Ra, stepping out from the dim, cozy confines of the temple hidden deep in the slums, blinked against the bright light of early morning. The task ahead was straightforward: navigate the tangled, lively streets back to the market district, where Gerith's office awaited in the stern, orderly barracks of the Knights.
The slums were alive, a stark contrast to the quiet of dawn. Vendors shouted their wares, children's laughter rang through the air, and the brothers moved with a determined stride, their recent trials lending them an urgency that cut through the chaos around them.
As they transitioned from the cramped alleys of the slums to the expansive, bustling lanes of the market district, the atmosphere shifted. The air felt less heavy, filled with the scent of fresh produce and the vibrant chatter of trade. The market was a riot of color and noise, a testament to the city's lifeblood of commerce and community.
Ray and Ra, with the office in their sights, pushed through the crowd, their mission giving them a singular focus. The barracks, with their promise of order and answers, loomed ahead, a stark reminder of their journey from the simplicity of their forest home to the complexities of city politics and power.