The skies above Wyrdeer were calm, the sun casting a soft warmth over the peaceful village below.
Tucked within a quiet valley surrounded by forested hills, Wyrdeer was a picturesque settlement of timber-framed homes and winding cobblestone paths. A gentle breeze carried the scent of fresh bread, roasted nuts, and herbs from the open-air food markets that stretched along the eastern side of the square. Merchants stood behind wooden stalls stacked with vibrant produce, cured meats, and handmade pastries, their cheerful voices calling out morning deals to early risers.
In the distance, a tall stone bell tower rose above the rooftops, its pointed spire piercing the blue sky. The tower's bronze bell remained silent now, but its presence loomed as a symbol of the village's steady rhythm—used to mark hours, announce meetings, and warn of danger.
Flower boxes brightened windowsills, and vines curled lazily up sun-warmed walls. At the heart of the village, a weathered stone fountain trickled calmly, offering a soft chorus beneath the morning chatter.
Indra and Gabriella descended from the clouds, their boots touching down lightly on the quiet stone road. Around them, the streets bustled with gentle morning activity—villagers walked about, chatting idly, tending to shop stalls and carts with no hint of alarm.
"I didn't expect everyone to be so calm," Indra said, glancing around.
"Right? I guess the markings aren't dangerous," Gabriella replied, adjusting her robe slightly as a cool breeze passed by.
"You see anything?" Indra asked, his gaze narrowing as he scanned the rooftops and alleyways.
"No, nothing," Gabriella answered, shaking her head.
Indra exhaled thoughtfully. "Let's ask around. Maybe someone can point us in the right direction."
"Great idea!" Gabriella said, a small smile tugging at her lips.
They lifted off again, trail behind them glowing faintly as they glided toward a livelier section of the village. Once there, they split up, each weaving through the foot traffic and speaking with residents.
It wasn't long before Indra found someone.
"Excuse me," he asked an older man standing beside a merchant stall. "Have you seen any weird markings around?"
The man scratched his head. "I haven't myself," he said, "but two women were looking for them too."
"Two women?" Indra repeated, his interest sharpening.
"Yes," the man nodded. "They went to the far left corner of the village. If you find them, maybe they can help you with your search."
"Thank you so much, sir," Indra said with a slight bow.
"Sure thing," the man said before wandering off into the crowd.
Without delay, Indra bolted back toward Gabriella. "Hey Gabriella, I got something!" he called out.
"Someone saw the marks?" Gabriella asked hopefully.
"No, but this guy said two women were looking for them and he gave me directions," Indra explained quickly.
"You don't think it's Kayla and Layla, do you?"
"Can't be," Gabriella said, shaking her head. "I don't see them asking about something like that. But I do wonder who they are."
"I thought that too," Indra admitted. "But something sounds off."
Gabriella's expression tightened slightly. "Let's go check it out. Don't drop your guard."
"Right," Indra nodded.
The two took off again, flying low toward the edge of the village. As they approached the far corner, two figures came into view—standing near a patch of broken earth.
"I think I see them," Indra said, slowing down mid-flight.
"That's them? Well, that's a relief," Gabriella said, shoulders easing as they descended together.
They touched down beside the two women.
"I wasn't expecting to see Valkyries here," Gabriella said warmly. "How are you?"
"I could say the same about Velari being here," one of the women replied with a casual grin. "If we knew that, we would've left it to you guys."
She stepped forward, offering a hand. "I'm Kiyuri, and this is Rika."
Rika gave a quick, polite bow. She had long, loose blonde hair tied in a simple ponytail that swayed slightly behind her. Her armor, though clearly crafted for battle, had a warm, fiery color palette—red and gold with a subtle glow to it, like embers caught in motion. She looked confident, but there was a spark of youthful energy in her posture that made her feel approachable.
"It's nice to meet you, Lord and Madam," Rika said, politely.
Kiyuri nudged her quickly with an elbow.
Kiyuri laughed. "They don't like that. They like it when you talk normally."
"Wait, really?" Rika asked, genuinely surprised.
"Yeah," Indra said, rubbing the back of his neck. "It feels awkward. Like… I don't deserve it."
"Oh, I'm sorry, Indra," Rika said quickly.
"No, it's fine," Indra assured her with a smile. "Surprised you know my name."
"We were briefed on you after your visit," Rika explained.
"Ok," Indra said, then glanced at the ground nearby. "I'm guessing you're here about the spell markings?"
"That's right," Kiyuri confirmed.
"So what's going on here?" Gabriella asked, stepping closer.
Kiyuri gestured to a nearby patch of dirt. "Well, we found the markings, but that's all they are. Just markings."
"I see," Indra murmured. "Do these markings look familiar to anyone?"
Gabriella crouched down, studying the symbols etched into the earth. Her eyes narrowed as she brushed some dust away.
"Well, I've seen Nephthis's markings, and these aren't them," she said. "Domoria's markings are different too—and they're the wrong color."
She stood again, brushing off her hands. "I don't know what these are."
"Yeah," Kiyuri added, arms crossed. "Same here."
Indra turned to Gabriella. "Who's Nephthis and Domoria?"
"They're Zehirah," Gabriella explained. "I don't know much about them though. But I do know this isn't any of their work."
"That's unfortunate," Kiyuri sighed. "We were sent here because we thought it was Domoria. We might have to reevaluate the situation."
"They sent you specifically?" Indra asked curiously.
"Yes. Not to fight her, of course," Kiyuri said. "We just have the best chance out of the ELOs to escape if she shows."
"ELO?" Indra blinked. "I feel like I don't know anything right now."
Gabriella laughed softly. "Oh, you didn't meet them at the sanctuary, did you? Well, not fully."
"Allow me to explain," Kiyuri said, stepping forward. "The Elemental Valkyries—or ELOs—are a special unit inside the Valkyries. Normally, Valkyries carry a gem type, but thanks to Joseph, we ELOs have elemental crests that give us abilities tied to specific elements. For instance, I am the Space Valkyrie, and Rika here is the Flame Valkyrie."
"Araya is our ELO captain," Kiyuri continued, "and Commander Fyla is an ELO as well."
"That's cool," Indra said, genuinely impressed. "There's so much I missed out on in Partera."
Kiyuri smiled. "Oh, we have two Valkyries from Partera too."
"Anyone I know?" Indra asked quickly.
"Captain Araya and… Kalanie," Kiyuri said.
Indra's eyes widened. "I didn't know Ara— Kalanie??"
Rika leaned in urgently. "I think that was supposed to be a secret, lieutenant."
Kiyuri stiffened. "Oh. I gotta stop talking so much," she whispered back.
Indra stepped forward, his voice low but intense. "Kalanie? What does she look like?"
Kiyuri froze. "Oh, uhhh… Did I say Kalanie?"
"Yeah, Kalanie from Partera, right?" Indra said, his voice tightening.
Kiyuri scrambled. "Now that I think about it… I think she's from a different region. Hey! Do these markings look different to you?" she blurted, quickly walking away.
"Don't run away now," Indra called after her, his tone half annoyed, half pleading.
"Help me out!" Kiyuri whispered desperately to Rika.
"I don't know what to say!" Rika whispered back.
"Just walk with me. Look at these markings over here!" Kiyuri said loudly, dragging Rika along.
Indra stood in place, watching them disappear around the bend, frustration simmering in his chest.
"Come on, Kiyuri!"
Gabriella stepped up beside him, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.
"It's okay, Indra," she said softly. "I don't think they're going to talk about it."
"I just wanna know if it's the same person," he muttered. "I wonder if she's okay."
The sunlight remained warm above them, casting golden light across the earth. But the atmosphere had changed—quiet, strained.
Too many questions.
And no answers.