The Missing Stone

Slow and Steady

They march on the 31st of the Harpstring Moon. The soldiers' morale skyrockets when they hear they're marching today, singing merry songs about the beautiful yet deadly chill of Faerghus. Their route heads towards Fraldarius territory to aid in the rebellion against the Imperial Loyalists. After a day of travel, Mildred sits by a fire as a cat where several soldiers tell stories that provoke a mix of boo's and laughter.

One of them leaves for a moment, returning with a stringed instrument. One of the soldiers gape at what they're holding.

"Charles!" The soldier exclaims. "You're a minstrel?" Charles lifts the instrument in the light of the fire, revealing it as a violin. A smirk settles on his face, yet his eyes reveal longing and loneliness.

"I used to play as a hobby before being knighted," he explains, plopping down on his log again. "What I'm surprised about is that you didn't figure this out sooner, Alex." Alex rolls his eyes, taking a swig from his canteen before leaning back. Another soldier, who is polishing their sword, looks up.

"Know any songs?" She asks, her voice dipped in a slight accent. Charles lifts the bow of the violin, positioning the instrument on his shoulder. A nostalgic, watery smile crosses his face, the bend of his helmet casting his eyes in shadow. Despite the smile on his face, he looks....sad.

"I...used to play this for Mary," he states simply, dragging the bow across the strings expertly, drawing out quiet yet strong notes. Mildred shuffles closer, the chill of the frosted grass stinging her paws slightly. His song fills the night air with a strange sense of loneliness, and something inside Mildred's chest twists, making her breath catch.

That's right, she thinks. These soldiers used to have a life before this war. Have a family. Just like Mildred, and while she can't remember the entirety of her past just yet, she feels that she would protect it with her life, just as these soldiers do.

Charles lowers the violin when he's done, expression blank. Alex is covering his face with his hand, turned away. The other soldier stares down hard at her sword, the reflection of the moon shining on her blade. Mildred lowers her head on top of her paws, sensing the atmosphere has dropped considerably.

Charles lifts his head, a determined smile on his face. "We'll get through this," he promises, holding out his hand, palm facing up. Alex immediately claps his hand on top of Charles', shortly followed by the other soldier. Mildred lifts herself from the shadows, placing her own paw on top of their hands, wishing to contribute.

They all leave to their tents at different times, leaving Mildred alone by the flames. She's wondering where their voices went. Where did they go? She thinks, fidgeting with Aelura's ring. Mao's amulet pulses, Chester's watch burns. Mildred had asked them to stop....Could she ask them to come back?

Would...you come back?

"-op being stupid."

"-boy."

Their voices come rushing back like a tidal wave, making Mildred's head hurt a little. As soon as they notice that Mildred can hear them, Mao alights with a sarcastic laugh. Aelura goes silent.

"About time," Mao drawls dramatically, prompting Mildred to roll her eyes.

I didn't know you would actually stop when I said so.

A yawn. "Technically you didn't say anything," Chester pipes in helpfully, and Mildred smiles. Aelura sniffles.

"That guy," she starts, breath short. "His song was so nice." Mao doesn't say anything, so Mildred assumes she just nodded. Chester grumbles something.

I agree, Charles' song was very nice.

They're only a day away from Fhirdiad, and Mildred should really get some rest for the march. She waits until another soldier comes to tend to the fire before slipping into her tent. Bringing her knees to her chest, she wonders what this feeling is. Like hot coals in her stomach. The voices quiet down, and Mildred drifts to sleep.