The carriage was free of any reverberations that I would have expected of such an antiquated means of travel. The ride was lean, and our tea would remain near perfectly still in their iron-glass cups. I took the hot cup of spiced tea, savouring it while my eyes relished the beautiful lupa on the seat besides me.

  -You look at me with such dangerous, desireful eyes, Cassiel.

  -''And you're all alone with me.'' I replied with a faint air of amusement.

  -''You should be the one concerned to be in a tight place with a dangerous lupa such as me.'' She jested, playfully. ''But you're fortunate I have developed a fancy for you, my mate.''

  I winked at her knowingly, making her giggle sweetly. I never tired of seeing this lupa smile. She was truly an incredible creature that uplifted my spirit. This lively, pure soul was a genuine blessing to behold, and to hold.

  Setting her cup down she rose, settling herself on my lap. Her large, fluffy tail coiling around me like something that belonged to her. I wasted no time, my hands instinctively went up by themselves almost. Grasping the wolf girl that was so dear to my heart. She came closer, biting my cheek playfully. Scraping her sharp and dangerous fangs on me.

  -''Heheh.'' I chuckled happily like a kid getting the adult version of a ''puppy'' for Christmas.

  I took the opportunity to close in, speaking her name suavely into her furry ear. Her long and amazing tail bristling out of it's coiling before wagging happily left and right. We both knew our real names by now. All this time since we became a couple, a pack, we both slowly unravelled to each other. With good and ills. She somehow... convinced me to return to the name of my past and share that with her.

  And somehow if felt relieving. Probably because by now she pretty much knew what I was back then. And I knew she accepted me wholly. Putting the past aside for the man I was now. She in kind told me her real family name and her given one. And I have to admit I was rather surprised by what she revealed.

  These things would remain between us, and I considered our trust complete. She truly was my soul mate. After all that I've been through, I never really expected to find such a thing in life. But here I was with the most wonderful being on Terra for me, in my arms. Grasping me closely.

  I didn't spare anything for our second, shorter holiday. The interior of our section of the carriage was first class, and it showed. It had its own sitting room, a separate bedroom and our own personal hygiene room. Not only that but the interior possessed a surprising intricacy of good taste in the form of a high class artistic touch. It was as if we were transported back in time and space to a better place. Where everything was made in good fashion. Where everything was made to soothe the eyes and please the spirit. Where one would build beautiful things to last throughout the ages.

  A tasteful blend of both the Art Nouveau and Victorian art styles. From the intricately carved wooden walls to the iron cast samovar that held the hot tea. And even the little iron cups that held the glass within. Each time we'd savour the tea we'd be faced by a minutia of intricate carvings the cups had. With various depictions of either imposing mountains or symbols of man's fortitude against their harshness.

  The scenery outside though was truly a sight to behold. The interior of our cabins were as if a validation of man's prowess and ingenuity to construct comfort with utmost beauty in mind, and in the harshest of climates! But it seemed only to complement the vast and magnificent natural landscape that the large, hardened windows presented to us. Expansive chains of great mountains, bedecked in a mantle of lush evergreens, covered in a crown of white. Towering mighty, touching the great wisps of clouds and the eternal vastness of the blue sky. As if reaching forward to point towards the Kingdom of Heaven.

  It was a short escape that I felt was highly due. I believe we've both been through encounters too close to death, and long missions that eroded at our endurance as of late. I felt it, and I felt it in my lupa. To the point that I believed it would affect us as a couple. She was a bright spirit as ever, but fatigue showed through her cracks. She was an enduring spirit no matter the challenges she faced, and the horrors of man and catastrophe alike that she witnessed. Yet the strongest of souls needed respite.

  The one and only land train on Terra that was the Turicum Express sped by the imposing mountainous chains that protected and marked the borders of Kjerag. The one place on this world that was untouched by catastrophes. It's people believing it was the providence of their patron god of Kjeragandr. And, as far-fetched as it sounded, I wouldn't put it out as a possibility. God knows I've experienced my own lot of eldritch horrors on this uncanny world. The possibility of a benevolent and protective one would have been actually a pleasant welcome. Perhaps even worth getting a blessing at their local shrine.

  Though I wasn't a superstitious man, I had a strange feeling that I was being watched upon abnormally often for some time by someone, or rather something. I knew something was up than just simple paranoia when my gut would feel heavy now and then. Though as sharp as I was I could never find out what it was. It was unsettling, in a way that it wouldn't have been in the past.

  Death... had ceased to be something to fear for me since I've lost everything in that war. A fleeting worry from before I woke up in this world. Yet since I met Provence, or rather, since I've bonded with her, things changed. I could actually enjoy life once more. I wanted to truly live now, for myself, and especially for her. And any threat against me or her now gave me more cause for concern, and reason to guard our lives more than ever. I had to protect her, and I had to protect my own life in order to take care of the one I could call my life partner.

  -''This trip was unexpected.'' The clingy lupa on my lap spoke. ''Especially after the one we had in Siesta.''

  -Might as well take advantage while it's still summer. In Kjerag right now it's the tamest winter season.

  -Explains those winter clothes fit for me that I found in your closet.

  -Maybe not your favourite climate. And not the most arousing weather in terms of outfits, but I believed I got you something in good taste and quality.

  -You're always so thoughtful of things.

  One had to be in my time to limit the chance of having your life suddenly cut too short.

  -It's something innate for me, but it's just a joy when I do it for you.

  -For us.

  -''For us.'' I replied in agreement.

  -''Thank you for taking care of me.'' She spoke caringly, and kissed my lips.

  We had soon arrived at our destination. To my surprise it was a rather large sized station to what I would have expected. It's fine magnificence greatly added to the artistic splendour that the train initiated us in. It was obviously designed and built to impress with the best aspects that Kjerag had to offer. With intricate carved wooden arches that sprang as support around it's smooth metallic pillars. Its vast space gave an empowering feeling of freedom.

  It's many chandeliers hanging lamps bathed the interior in a warm, sun like yellow glow that put one at ease. Above, the roof had vast reinforced windows which let in that biting white light reflected by the vast blankets of snow. Again I could see that tasteful blend of local artistry combined with the modernity that the country aspired to. There, an unexpected messenger greeted us. She was a woman dressed in a local attire of white and black, greatly pale with a deepest set of blue eyes. Despite looking young she always gave off a... seemingly ancient air.

  -Hello, Kjera. Quite a surprise this chance meeting we have.

  She was uncanny, but for some reason I was never put off by it. She wore her usual tell-tale talismans and hair brooch which hinted at her higher status in their priesthood by being the Saints's personal maid. She welcomed us warmly, and informed us that our arrival was expected by someone. Before handing us an invitation, in the form of a curious talisman with two small embedded jewels.

  -The Saintess invites you to join her presence at the temple of Mount Karlan. Since this is an informal invitation you can come at your convenience of course.

  -''I'd say this is pretty formal.'' I responded.

  -I am but the Saintess's personal carer. She politely asked me to tell you that she'd enjoy a moment of both your company if you can spare some. The talisman I offered will grant you entrance to the temple.

  We shared few words after that before we politely took our goodbyes. This messenger was a curious person I had to say. I had noticed she took a few moments to regard both me and Provence, as if weighing our souls. Judging something unseen to us.

  Well, that was unexpected. But a much better welcome than the one the Doctor had here some time ago. The event that broke the ice in Kjerag had passed behind by a few good months now. Matters in this mountainous land had settled rather peacefully from that fiery event, in no small part thanks to the good Doctor's actions, though he denies it. But I know him too well to be aware he was involved, and that he helped matters for the better. Good of a heart and genius of mind that he is. And I was thankful for it. For I believed such a precious jewel that was Kjerag, rich in natural beauty and free of catastrophes was dearly worth preserving in this world.

  -''Pramanix somehow knows we are here. I guess our great priestess has sharp eyes at her bidding.'' Said Provence, now daring to use her name freely. Having adopted a respectful tone deserved of such an important person in Kjerag while talking to her messenger.

  -Did you by chance told her or her sister?

  -''I didn't, but it doesn't surprise me that she got a whiff of it.'' I answered her.

  While unsurprised it was unforeseen for me. I am discreet in most matters, and this little escapade was no different. Few would have known of it. I guess Pramanix did have her own channels for gathering information. Which I would have rather expected that from her brother Enciodes. Yet it gave me no cause for concern. I was acquainted with Pramanix since she secretly and clandestinely joined Rhodes Island, with Kjera liaisoning for her transition. I should know, I was working as Doctor's personal assistant during that time.

  And I was more than acquainted with her sister Cliffheart, whom which I participated with in many missions before. However, I've contacted none of the Silverashes in regard to my arrival. Indeed, I had no reason to. Personally I didn't want to bother them, and nor did I wish to gain any kind of special treatment from what were members of one of the ruling families of Kjerag. If not the de facto leaders behind the curtains.

  -''So where to now hot stuff?'' Asked Provence.

  -Depends, fancy meeting an old friend?

  -Sure... I actually never had the chance to meet Pramanix, though Cliffheart told me a lot about her sister.

  -I have. She is quite a pleasant person.

  -I wouldn't mind at all, plus she took the time to send her carer all this way just for us.

  -Then we can take the next train that goes all the way to the village where the path starts to her temple.

  -Hmm, I didn't know their rail system was this extensive.

  -It's not. It covers only a third of Kjerag, and that mostly within the Silverashes territory. Though recently I've heard it was decided to allow its extension throughout the country. But it will still take a while until they complete it.

  -Will it impede us?

  -No, the current lines will take us exactly where we need to.

  I took another look at the large board panel showing the incomings and departures.

  The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

  -We can catch the next train deeper inland in little over half an hour. Until then, we can enjoy a meal.

  I bought the tickets, and we settled at what was a restaurant inside the train station. Taking our time to enjoy a foreign but delicious recipe. We soon boarded our train, noticing that the mysterious messenger Pramanix sent was nowhere to be seen. Even though this train would have been the fastest way back to her lady.

  We would leave Turicum, deciding we would try to visit it the last day before we'd leave instead. The train was fast and the rail lines well maintained. We had embarked on an express one. Unlike a normal one which would have stopped at a number of their myriad villages and larger settlements that could barely be called towns. As such there was only one stop in between Turicum and the station besides the village at the foothills of Mount Karlan.

  Contrary to what most would have felt, we were actually quite well rested and even restless from all that amount of sitting by the time we arrived at the foothill village. Because of it while the day was still young we decided to face the pass that lead to the summit of Mount Karlan and the temple complex where Pramanix resided. Probably not the wisest of choices but I was willing and so was my lupa. She bedecked herself in the custom jacket I ordered for her, and she looked superb in it. It shaped on to her beautiful form visibly, and I was glad to see she was feeling satisfied with how it held against the weather.

  We perused a bit through the village before we commenced our climb. And in our little sightseeing I couldn't help but stop to notice a curious graffiti. Of course, kids will be kids no matter where you are, even in a more God-fearing village. It wasn't vulgar or anything like that which caught my curiosity. It was quite simple, innocent even.

  The lit candle was painted on the corner of a shadowed brick cottage on the deserted back-alley walkway we were passing through. It was obviously old, the paint was nearly colourless by now. And much of the graffiti was wearing off the surface.

  -''Where are you going?'' Provence inquired as I was inexplicably drawn over my curiosity.

  -A little exploring.

  The steps ended to the near second floor of that place. Finding myself standing before a heavy, grey wooden door. The home was obviously abandoned by the state it was in compared to the others around it. I listened, then knocked. Then tried the door when no response came after some time. It was locked of course. Looking up besides me though I could see a trap door. I reached towards it and tried it. It seemed unlocked but would not quite give way to my pull.

  -Do you know someone here?

  -Nope.

  -Then why are you trying to trespass?

  -''It's abandoned. But I got a little feeling that I want to see it through.'' I replied at ease.

  I played with the latch, getting a better feeling of it until something clicked loose. The trap door gave way to my strength. I looked back, bidding my loyal lupa to follow, and she protested no more. Inside that attic the darkness was greatly pierced by the cold beaming snow-white light coming from the many windows. Around were old boxes and furniture, nothing of real value.

  I walked towards one of the windows as a different, vivid colour caught my eye. It was a red winter scarf. Folded half neatly besides a window that impressively gave view to the centre of the village not that far away, as well as to the mount temple if you lifted your head a bit.

  Of course if you had eagle eyes that is. The mountain was impressive, but the temple at its top was difficult at this distance to notice. That is if it wasn't shrouded in clouds. Besides the scarf there was another of the same graffiti. Only it's paint colour was still very much vivid and holding onto the wood of the window frame that it was upon.

  -''Heh.'' I gave a small laugh.

  Someone was continuing a tradition. Somehow, their memory lived. And was being kept alive. Even in this age.

  -''It's a nice view.'' Provence noted. ''Does that symbol mean anything?''

  -It does, I'll tell you all about it.

  We left, leaving everything undisturbed. We walked upon the narrow walkway between homes as a shortcut to a little shop before commencing our trek upon the holy mountain.

  The official path was the easiest, and quickest way towards the summit. Yet by the time we had reached our destination the night was about to envelop us completely. The twilight in its last stage of death before completely disappearing. We well felt the fatigue catching up.

  But we were graced one could say. The weather was calm with no wind. The sky was clear of any clouds. The stars shone as clear as they ever could with that anonymous barrier upon the world. And the twin full moons did much to illuminate our way. Under such ideal conditions it felt like our path was blessed if such thing was possible. And for once since we arrived here I felt I was no longer watched by something hidden with a malicious intent. Arriving at the gates the given talisman granted us entry without further questioning.

  -''I'm joyed you could come. I must confess I didn't think you would decide to arrive so swiftly.'' Spoke a familiar voice.

  We both turned around to see Kjera, coming to greet us in the temple's courtyard. How she got here faster than us I would never know, or so I thought then.

  -''The weather was on our side.'' Responded Provence cheerily.

  -It is your will, not the weather that saw you step early on the treads atop the world. Enya will be happy to hear you've arrived so early to give her some of your company.

  -''Enya?'' Asked Provence.

  -Her name, as you would know her as Pramanix back on the landship.

  -Is it alright though, for us to know the real name of the hallowed Saint herself?

  The carer smiled genuinely at Provence's query, and that gesture seemed to impress somehow upon me. As if a greater being, not that of a person, was both amused and happy at our polite restraint.

  -You are friends to her, I can tell.

  -''But... I never met her before, even on the landship.'' Provence continued.

  -Even so, I feel you two are more kindred souls than you would know. I think you'll get along quite well.

  -''Pardon me, but I do not believe we had made your acquaintance.'' Provence interjected politely.

  -Please excuse me for not presenting myself first, my name is Kjera. But you can simply call me Kjerr.

  -I am pleased to know you. Though you probably know about both of us since her holiness put you on the road to find us.

  -''Yes, she told me of your operator names and given me your description as well.'' She said on a tone so normal that I couldn't feel like not taking it as a hint towards any implication to us hiding our real names.

  -I'm sure it was a long climb here, please let me show you to your room. You can refresh, and if you wish, meet with Enya. That, or we can leave it for tomorrow.

  -''She is still up at this late hour?'' Provence asked.

  -She is, she can be a bit of a night owl sometimes. What should I tell her?

  -''Perhaps you can tell us which time would be more appropriate.'' I spoke.

  -Either really, you won't inconvenience her. Nor will she be if you'll feel the need to retreat for the night.

  I looked at my lupa and seen her give me a nod of approval.

  -You can tell her holiness we will be in her company soon.

  -''How proper.'' She said with a small, amused smile. ''I will let her know that you'll be coming.''

  She must have been one handy carer, so quick on her feet to be where she needed to be. And sharp enough to read the subtleties around her. Enough to notice that Provence and I were a couple, and as such give us a single bedroom to inhabit.

  The room we were given was as quintessentially Kjeragian as it could be. Massive sturdy pillars of wood, intricately carved. Lamps made out of solid, cast iron with oil candles burning brightly. Shelves of thick wood filled with various books and parchments. A table filled with an assortment of bottles and finely crafted glasses made again from cast iron. A single large king-sized bed with a warm looking fur blanket.

  We changed into some fresher, indoor outfits that were left for us on the bed. The fire in the hearth of our room warmed us pleasingly in contrast to the ever present chill at the edges of the room. However, the ambient temperature in the hallways was not a comfortable one for the standards of many outsiders. But a little cold never bothered me much. And my lupa had weathered worse climates. To the point of being able to feel at comfort in weathers that many would find either a bit chilly or a tad too warm. We put aside our backpacks, refreshing briefly before preparing to leave again.

  -How would you rate the jacket on its first use?

  -''Ten out of ten, thank you for your gift my love.'' She replied as she kissed me. ''You didn't have to go to all that length to commission Orchid for one.''

  -I wouldn't settle for any less for my lupa.

  She chuckled as she grabbed my arm.

  -Shall we?

  We ventured out of our room and were surprised to find Kjerr a few steps away, waiting for us.

  -If you are ready I bid you to follow me. The temple is enough of a large place to get lost surprisingly.

  And it really was. It was a rather large complex despite even my expectations. And that was only from the surface structures we could see. Besides whatever underground dwellings it might have had. And I'm certain it definitely had one, probably as large as the surface one.

  The heavy wooden door gave way inwards and I could sense the soft scent of an aroma being burnt in the air.

  -''Tacet, it is pleasant to see you once again. And it's pleasant to finally meet you as well Provence.'' Said an all too familiar, soft-spoken voice that seemed to be imbued with a rare calmness.

  -''Hello Enya. It is good to see you too.'' I replied warmly.

  Provence seemed surprised with the ease that I was addressing the high priestess.

  -Would you like some refreshments?

  -We would. And with that in mind I have a present for you.

  -''Oh?'' Enya interjected softly but evidently curious.

  From one of the inner pouches I slipped something out, presenting her with a special vacuum sealed bag. It was glittery like aluminium. And it was much more durable that it looked. It was shaped like a tablet, and it had no more markings on it, having faded long ago. I handed it to her.

  -A unique brand of Ceylon black tea. It is the last of its kind on Terra.

  -''The last you say...'' She intoned those words as if making a parallel to something else, possibly to the rumour of me that was truth.

  -''It must have been a special occasion to have brought it with you then.'' Said Enya.

  -''This reunion between friends is a special occasion now.'' I replied.

  -Kjerr, please brew some of this for all of us.

  -''Of course my mistress.'' Kjerr spoke, taking the package and bringing it to a nearby table to prepare the tea. A kettle over the blazing fire in the hearthstone of the room already audibly boiling its water.

  -''I get the sense that you know each other more than meets the eye.'' Said Provence.

  -''We do. Tacet was the Doctor's personal assistant when Kjerr and I came to join Rhodes Island as temporary operators. Your variety of tea was greatly enjoyable to have in the Doctor's office. His coffee was always too bitter for my taste.'' Noted Enya.

  -''I just handled paperwork really.'' I said simply.

  -Modest as ever. You helped me to the layout of the landship, and aided me greatly to avoid letting be known of my presence at large. You were of great help even though the Doctor hadn't asked you of it.

  -It was expected of me as the Doctor's assistant to ease in the transition of any new operators. I just made sure you were comfortable with us, and gave you a few useful directions.

  -''I have heard that a great priestess was among us during that time, but I was away for the most part on my duty as a messenger. However, I caught your sister enough times to be well acquainted with her!'' Provence added.

  -''Many souls are grateful for the duty you have taken upon your shoulders. You two saved a lot of lives, one that I am rather indebted to.'' Enya had said.

  At that Provence's ears perked up in curiosity.

  -''You are not indebted to anyone Enya, you know that.'' I replied.

  -But I am. For I know I could have ill endured her loss. The emptiness that I would have felt would have likely ended my spirit.

  -The gratefulness I feel at the bottom of my heart ties me to be indebted to you.

  -''Whom are you referring to though?'' Provence pitched in.

  -My sister, Ensia. Her life would have been extinguished from this world if it wasn't for Tacet's intervention.

  -''Ensia's team met trouble on a certain mission, more than what was expected. I left my post as Doctor's assistant to arrive just in time. It happened before you arrived from your long catastrophe scouting.'' I intervened, feeling the need to clear up this little story from the past.

  -''Huh, now I understand why Silverash was seemingly engaging with you more often during that time.'' Provence noted.

  -''Oh you don't even know.'' I said with an air of slight exasperation. I had caught his interest greatly during that time. Not only for saving his little sister's life, but also because he knew of my immunity. As well as the for once false rumour that I was the Doctor's son.

  -''I haven't had the time to catch up with Ensia lately. I guess it was her time off the landship while I was to stay.'' Said Provence.

  -''You will have the chance soon enough. I actually expected to meet her first before you arrived. She should make her appearance more or less soon'' Said Enya.

  -''That is great to hear!'' Provence expressed eagerly.

  Kjerr had brought the tea in the meantime, and we all savoured a cup of the last of my favourite brew. There would be no more of it ever again after this night. Time passed as I took a more sidelined role while the girls eagerly chatted between mostly themselves.

  -''This tea has an incredibly delectable aroma.'' Kjerr noted.

  -''That it does. And I've tasted many, both here and on Rhodes Island.'' Affirmed Enya.

  -''Does it remind you of home?'' Kjerr had asked me.

  -''It does, when home was a better place.'' I answered.

  -''It is unfortunate to hear so. But you are both here now, and that's all that matters for this night.'' Kjerr replied placatingly.

  -''I'm glad you both could come. It is seldom that I have friends visit me so far to my place of reverence.'' Spoke Enya before she continued.

  -Tacet, you look better since last time I've seen you.

  -I don't remember being ill at the time we were around.

  -You would let none see it. But I have. The Goddess blessed me to sense the true aura of those before me. Back then, your soul was... darkly troubled.

  Enya's gaze then shifted on Provence.

  -Is she the one who healed you?

  -''She is.'' I answered honestly, there was no reason lying to her at this point. Provence shifted closer to me. Wrapping her tail around me after I answered.

  -I see. I am happy to hear so. Perhaps now I know how I could best repay you for saving Ensia's life.

  -''A saintess is not duty-bound to anybody, no matter whose life one may have safeguarded.'' I replied.

  -A saintess may not be. Yet a living, breathing being I still am, blessed by the Goddess as I may be. A being who values all lives, and even someone's a bit more.

  -I can see that you two have a special bond. The joy between you both is almost palpable. Provence, I must thank you in turn, for safeguarding his life. For even a soul might shatter under the cold of the void.

  -If you would accept it, I would officiate your marriage in holy Kjeragian tradition. Here on the mountaintop. And ask the Goddess to bestow her blessing upon your lives.

  -''A blessing I believe she will definitely bestow.'' Added Kjerr.

  -''I believe it a suitable gift for both of you to possess before your... pups will come. It's holy and all.'' Enya had said with a warm smile before continuing.

  Marriage... religion was the last thing on my mind for a long time. Ever since the disasters that dehumanized me. That nearly stripped me of sense. How could one believe in God and in holy proceedings such as marriages anymore. That's what I thought back then.

  But now...

  I looked at my lupa. The thought of engaging with her in this step, even simply ceremoniously as it might have seemed, filled me with warmth. To know that I could make our relationship somehow even closer, even more grounded in the reality that we desired.

  And in a place so peaceful as this. With people of value and that we valued. In a land that itself was blessed literally, and which seem to almost had invited us. I felt being filled with determination. My heart eager and tense to make this next step with the lupa that I so cherished.

  -''Cassiel?'' Provence spoke unsurely.

  -''There was never any doubt, my lupa. Marry me.'' I answered, and she beamed with pure hearted joy as she embraced me.

  -Yes~! I will!

  -There is a matter that I must mention. You shall have to reveal your real names to me for the procession to be completed. Please don't feel pressured, and think it through before answering.

  -''I have nothing against it.'' I answered. My lupa having convinced me to take back my true name, even if in secret just between us so far.

  -''Neither do I.'' Answered Provence.

  -I am happy to see your confidence in each other and in me. It will bring me great joy to consecrate your union in our Kjeragian ways.

  -''Isn't this a fortuitous night.'' Kjerr said happily.

  -''It rather is I must say.'' I added.

  -''I am a bit surprised. I have never sensed you to be the religious type.'' Kjerr said.

  -I am not. Even so I believe this to be something special. Even if one does not believe, it is enough for one to believe in it's meaning, in its importance.

  -''Could have fooled me by the times you mentioned this ''Jesus Christ'' all the time when something baffled you.'' Provence said amusedly.

  -''It's more of a figure of speech than anything that got carried along time with the culture of my people.'' I explained to Provence.

  -''I can give you the blessing tomorrow, when the sun is highest in the skies of Kjerag.'' Enya spoke.

  -''We greatly appreciate what you are bestowing onto us Enya.'' Replied Provence, now regarding her as a close friend.

  -''You're welcome, I believe it will be good for your souls.'' She responded in kind.