Chosen By The Lover's Constellation-Chapter 46: Storm of Hearts, Part Two

Having gotten ready, Lianna and Enverna decided to go check that organization out.

Enverna had just finished putting on a beautiful pair of high, light blue heels that matched her hair. She wore an elegant, frilly dress and a small, blue hat atop her head, while Lianna put on a black coat over a white crop top and some simple jeans.

"Lianna," Enverna began asking, "do you not feel as though you should wear some shades? To hide the fact that you have two Instincts, I mean."

"I could," Lianna shrugged as she and Enverna were about to leave their room. "But, I feel like that ship’s sailed, you know? At this point, a lot of people have probably heard of me. It could be useful a couple of times here and there but, most of the time, I feel like it would just be a bother."

"Alright then. So, where should we go first?" Enverna asked.

Lianna had a couple of things she wanted to do today.

One was to go check out the Starsign Association. And, second, she wanted to go with Enverna to see Haiko’s guild.

As for Lianna herself, she had no interest in joining them, as the Watchful was the only place that interested her, since it was the same guild her idol, Cynthia Taylor, belonged to. But, in Enverna’s case... If she ever wanted to transfer her membership, then maybe it would be nice to check some options out.

[We’ve been getting along great so far, but the internet is full of people who say working with your spouse is a horrible idea. And, even though we’re not really... uh, like that, there’s still always a chance that spending so much time together might make us get at each other’s throats or something. Who knows? A bit of separation now and then might not be a bad idea.]

Lianna looked down at herself.

[I don’t know. I’ve never been in this position. I don’t know how actual relationships work.]

Enverna placed her index finger under Lianna’s chin and lifted it up.

Lianna’s eyes met hers and Enverna said:

"I won’t have my friend walking around with her head low. Is something wrong?"

"Heh, nope," Lianna shook her head. "Let’s head out."

Thus, the two of them took to the streets.

The Starsign Association was located to the east of Telvan, just outside the walls. The two of them walked for an hour before arriving at the slightly hidden, narrow gates to the east, from which they could see the tower they were meant to visit.

The tower rested on the shores of the Crystalline Sea that hugged the south of Telvan. Grey, tall, and imposing, it very much looked like the sort of place Lianna imagined a company of witches called home.

"Hm... So, Haiko called them witches, right?" Lianna asked.

"Yes, I remember her words well."

"Huh. I wonder what makes them witches."

"Ah," Enverna understood immediately. "Do you worry that you and Mel could be considered ’witches’, perhaps?"

"Eh, I’m not worried about it, per se. But... It would be kinda funny, you know." Lianna leaned in close. "How does it feel to know you’re marrying a witch?"

"Occasionally annoying, pretty much."

"Ouch."

With some giggles, the two of them began making their way to that tower.

"It’s just kinda surprising, though," Lianna continued. "I’ve never heard of children of mana being referred to as that."

"I didn’t even know witches existed," Enverna admitted. "I’ve read a few stories here and there about them. I didn’t think they were real, though."

"What did those stories say?"

"Mainly that witches often tug on sentimentality," Enverna answered. "Winning over the hearts of others through compliments, good food, sexuality, anything they could use to..."

Enverna trailed off.

Lianna grinned.

"That does kind of sound like me, actually," Lianna remarked.

"Um, regardless, usually the stories would end with Saren himself appearing from the heavens and smiting them for their sins."

"Sins like what?"

"W-Well, just... general evil, I suppose."

She said that, but, to Lianna, it felt like she actually had a very good idea of what specific "sins" were being referred to.

Lianna let it go, though.

"Ah, I see... Well," Lianna waved a hand, "let’s hope that doesn’t happen."

Lianna’s true feelings must have shown on her face, then, as Enverna asked:

"Are you alright?"

"Yeah, it’s just... I’m wondering if anything is gonna happen while we’re gone. Jack didn’t get caught yesterday," she said. "He could still do something."

What she was truly getting at was the fact that Lianna’s quest, "Prevent the ascension of the Storm Fiend", still hadn’t gone away.

[I saved Mel, though,] Lianna thought. [What else needs to be done?]

Alas, she had no answer for that question.

A short while later they were walking up to a metal door.

Just before they could knock on it, Lianna felt something cold press against her neck.

Lianna stopped.

Suddenly, a woman slowly appeared, holding a blade against Lianna’s throat.

[What the fuck!?]

She had bobbed, short, blonde hair and green eyes that nearly mirrored one of Lianna’s. She wore a black jumpsuit of sorts, with white lines running across it.

Enverna pulled her spear out from her Inventory, aiming it at the woman.

"Relax," the woman said, pulling her dagger away. "Just wanted to let you know that you should be on your best behavior."

"And a warning would not have sufficed!?" Enverna asked.

"This *was* that warning," the lady replied. "Now, please, your names."

Both Lianna and Enverna calmed down a little.

"Lianna Velcross."

"Enverna Alteri."

"Ah," the woman nodded. "Right." She placed her index finger over a black earpiece. "Open up."

Automatically, the metal door began to ascend, revealing a somewhat normal reception area, fully equipped with some benches, a desk for a receptionist that was currently vacant, and music playing from a radio.

The woman who’d just placed that blade against Lianna’s neck disappeared.

"Head straight to the top floor," Lianna heard her voice. "Again, best behavior, please."