Shinn, a helpful adventurer, suggested Comet head for western Astorea where they were most unsure about. Being in the shadows and not knowing what may come hardly brought any sort of fear to the young woman. She never did feel fear, really, until Dissonance swept over like a wave large enough to drown her in seconds. But that fear wasn't real. Wasn't enough to consume her whole. Coming out of battle with just as much strength, and as much as herself anyone's ever seen, Comet believed it her obligation to maintain law where it lacked. Astorea was home. It needed her help now more than ever - especially with a civil war going on.

A blonde apart of the Vigil Knights had caught Comet's attention earlier. They'd had no time to socialize during the meeting, after all. Why exactly Corvella chose the group seemed obvious. Very fitting. That wasn't what she desired. After the battle against Titanius the pink-haired woman had changed. Whether or not people would accept the more real part of her happened to be a frightening question to face. No better than to open up to her savior from long ago. To someone who made her feel comfortable even when embarrassed and helpless and dependent. They certainly had the same views therefore she automatically assumed Corvella would be more than accepting of the mission presented for them to tackle.

Mail

Dear Corvella,

I've heard in the western parts of Astorea there's been a lot of criminal activity lately. Why don't we take care of it together? We never fail to make a good team, after all. I'm aiming towards diplomacy first if there are any worries or suspicions beforehand. Hope you'll meet up with me later today if you're free!

~Comet

She sent a quick message, adding coordinates that would indicate she happened to be where they first met just outside the capital, before preparing for possible rejection and combat and dealing with near future exposure. Exposure of what hid behind the thick shell of acting and social reformation of a pure soul turned cold. Corvella most likely wouldn't notice - Comet had a tendency to notice even the slightest of chances in comparison to others who weren't as observant - that an old friend was really a completely different woman, ever changing.

@Corvella

 

This is one of these days where the dark knight doesn't feel like logging in to the world of Terrasphere. First Titanius, then political drama, and brink of a civil war with Corvella caught in the middle. Living in Astorea and maintaining a balance of moral is now a chore to her. She was just going to log out, throwing herself into a bed in a inn before a message came directly to her UI. The hand paused for a while, before deciding to take a look at the message.

"Comet."

They haven't had the time to spend together as friends lately. Trouble and trouble ensues, preventing them to take a simple break to have some drinks together. The Reclamation of Black Wolf Bandit Fortress was quite long time ago, wasn't it? They promised to get in touch and share. Looks like she will get the chance for it today, after taking care of the criminals, of course. Without hesitating, Corvella punched several buttons on the UI, still on her bed.

Mail

Dear Comet,

I'll be there soon, we have a lot to catch up.

Corvella

Noticing the coordinate, the blonde smiled. It was the place where they both met for the first time. Comet had certainly grown from that time, and she had seen it numerous time. In her heart, Corvella felt that they have been slowly drifting quite apart. Seeing the pink-haired archer in the Vigil meeting was its own surprise, but she felt different from the Comet she thought she knew. Maybe it's already time to reconnect with her — Corvella herself has a lot to tell her.

And here she is; just outside Vintergard. Her emerald eyes gazed on the capital, bringing the memories of old. At that time, the gate was highly unfinished, and the capital was still bearing the name Dormont. She looks around for familiar figure, approaching her with a wave. "Comet!"

 

Hearing the sound drew Comet back to reality, and away from her more negative mindset that could ensnare a sensitive soul with ease. Her eyes met Corvella's. A bright smile grew on the young woman's face as she turned her body to face her friend's own. Frankly, she feared the worst response to come yet had been satisfied upon receiving a reply back rather quickly. The two would never not be friends, of course, but keeping up with one another had been difficult. From battle to battle promises were made yet never enacted. Now, they had the chance. To prove themselves, to talk again, and to aid Astorea. If selfish reasoning was necessary then Comet had more than enough excuses to go on the self-ran quest with her companion. Hopefully they'd achieve something more than a simple adventure. Hopefully they could be of use to the beloved lands, and people who occupied it.

"Corvella!" she called back excitedly, moving to meeting the blonde with open arms. A hug certainly wasn't required but generously offered. Insecurity often would attack for not keeping a polite, measured distance as her father had lectured about before. But as Comet she could actually do anything without much regret nowadays. All because of Dissonance...

Train of thought shifted to an appropriate topic. The one at hand. They had to deal with law breakers in western Astorea as recommended by Shinn. She'd prepared a map for the two to follow in case they got lost. "I've heard that some fellow adventurers aren't completely sure about the west and what criminals are up to over there. I thought we should head in that direction first, then continue on if needed. Are you okay with taking down some lawbreakers today? I'd like to avoid killing, but feel free to be a bad cop since they do deserve what's coming for them. We should begin with arresting - since that's the most peaceful way, of course - then proceed to go after those who choose not to cooperate. I'm hoping can maintain law there. Last thing that's needed is... yknow, more trouble." she chuckled at the last statement, a bit nervous. How exactly the mission would go paved a path for an adrenaline rush - seeing as she could serve justice as recently desired more than ever before - but also a pressuring anxiety building within a churning gut.

 

She had been worrying too much. Of course the same Comet she knew is right there, waiting for her. Corvella welcomed Comet's open arms with her own, embracing in a short hug. Yep, looks the same, sounds the same, and feels the same. "How are you?" She released her, hands still on the pink archer's shoulder. Although they both know that they're not fine at all with all the hardships the world had been throwing them with, the question is only for politeness' sake nonetheless.

They moved to look at the map Comet provided. Corvella had been doing many reconnaissance missions in Astorea that in a single glance, the whole area could be visualized in her head. "Western Astorea... That part of the continent, of course." The western area has been notorious for it's rather high criminal activity, but the brink of civil war plunged it into an even more hotter oven. "Yup, I'm up for some criminal butt-kicking! Besides, we'll be doing Astorea a lot of favor by putting many of them behind the bars. Just hope that we won't be a criminal ourselves for harassing them, though." She joked. "Let us go, then!"

The western continent isn't actually that far from Vintergard, so they decided to walk there. Along the way, they have their little talks. "I had been apprehending criminals in the west from time to time. Most of the time, they were petty thieves. Then again, there's coordinated bandit attacks on villages occasionally." And with that, Corvella ran out of topic to talk about to the tall woman beside her. She doesn't want to bring up Vigil anytime soon because of the political drama it implies, and the talking about dissonance will depress them both. Asking what she have been doing lately would bring Comet to mention the earlier two.

Well, crap.

She looked at Comet, hoping that she would talk about herself.

 

"I'm... living," she shrugged as if the question meant nothing, and she hadn't changed, when quite the opposite happened to be true. Explaining herself wasn't the goal at the moment. The perfect rational for not going in depth even with a close friend in her mind. Dissonance changed a lot about her that wouldn't - and couldn't - be repaired. Whether or not Corvella could understand wasn't the issue at hand. Rather, it was the fact that they were close... but not enough. Not enough for Comet to open her heart and soul and every penetrating thought she was cursed to bear. Especially when that wasn't important. Astorea mattered the most to both of the Vigil Knights, and their mission revolved around restoration.

"Harassing the harassers? Sounds right." she teased back generously. Pushing back the more negative emotions dwelling within wasn't easy, really, but she managed temporarily to do so. Still, flustered cheeks and a twisted grin of confusion covered her otherwise milky skin. Weird how acting proved to be hardest when all her life it'd been a natural talent. A career. A way to make money and achieve popularity and earn adoration from strict parents.

"I haven't dealt with anything but rebelling nobles. Seems you're having all the fun around here. Apprehending criminals is nothing new but... I am hoping they will remain peaceful. It's in our best interest to stay diplomatic. I've seen evil methods of torture and punishment before. Awful things. Everyone should be treated the same don't you think? Innocent until proven guilty without a reasonable doubt or due process of the law. Those basic things, yknow." the pink-haired woman easily filled in conversation where Corvella managed to trail off with ease. She had a lot of passion, and words to say. Never did Comet in her life manage to fail to speak when needed or even when unnecessary. Sociableness thrived within the young woman's heart no matter the situation.

The walk hardly lasted long. Her map would indicate they were standing before a mass holdout. Emerald eyes widened in preparation and wonder. Criminals truly wouldn't mind staying anywhere so long as they could carry out deeds against established law however much they pleased. A shiver traveled down her spine.

"Looks like a regular building along the forest. I've heard a lot of rumors that outlaws have made this place their home. If you could even call it that..." she muttered the last statement with slight disgust towards the living quarters. Even on the outside they seemed old, abandoned, and left to nature's devices rather than relying on upkeep by whoever the occupants were. "Should we sneak in or ambush? Take 'em by surprise. There's advantages to both. And a 50/50 chance too." Comet smirked devilishly while readying her weaponry for their act of intimidation soon to come. Teaming up would be a rather interesting experience, she believed.

 

There's definitely a crack, a small gap separating those two that they couldn't talk about. But Corvella decided to trail along the conversation with the hope that someday she'll be able to cross it. "Funny that you mentioned it. I actually studied law. In real life, I mean." She laughed, "Doesn't surprise you as much, does it?" She stopped the casual conversation as they arrived on a what appears to be a building, with 'appear' to be the keyword here.

She never questioned how criminals' minds think, as predictable as they are. Still, it looks like she missed this place on her last patrol for mistaking it as an abandoned place. "You sure about this? I can kick one pillar off and send this building crumbling." The knight joked once more. Even if the criminals, whatever their number is, does not comply, there's no chance in heavens that they could take both her and Comet. Even the old building would know that.

While they composing a plan, investigation mode and hunting senses are periodically used. All that left them with two choices, to sneak or to go loud. "As much as I have affinity for stealth mission..." Corvella took the shield from her back, shaking it once to trigger the wings open. "There has never been anything more fun than kicking down the doors and shouting on their ears." With devilish grinn, she slid the visor down. "Let's ambush this place down. You ready?" They certainly are.

Standing in the front door that looked like someone just slapped a piece of wood and called it a door, the blonde knight nodded to the pink-haired archer beside her, signalling her before kicking the door with all her might, sending it flying several feet inside. The sunlight shone inside, revealing surprised faces with weapon ready at their waist. Corvella took the liberty to scan the room first, noticing stolen contraband and bags of golds scattered on the corner. They're definitely criminals, no mistaking it.

"By the republic of Astorea," Corvella banged her shield to the wall into her right, crushing the wood inwards to further intimidate the criminals, "You criminals are all under arrest. Put down your weapons and comply." Sadly, nobody moved after that warning. Usually in police dramas, criminals quickly surrender after they shouted "LAPD!" Their hands are still on the handle of their swords, albeit shaking heavily because no way that they were not expecting this raid. Sighing, she banged the wall once more with her shield. This time though, they unsheathed the weapons and pointed them at the two women on the doorway, clearly underestimating what those women can do.

She comically turned her head towards Comet, ignoring all the swords pointing at her. "Whoops," She grinned again, "Bad judgement on my part. Let's count how many we can take down without causing any damage, shall we? Go!" Corvella quickly did a spin, throwing her shield into the outlaw on her right, aiming for the shoulder but hit the face instead. She frowned as she realized that she broke one nose already, but at the very least that's one down. Running first into the room, she disarmed several men by kicking their swords into each others', quickly subduing them into the ground and tied their hands with their own waistbelt. There's not much of an effort before they both finally took the building by themselves.

 

Certainly Corvella studying law in real life was no surprise. She was a knight in the game, and had sworn to back up the King's efforts. That absolutely screamed someone who would enjoy enforcing rules and taking down those who broke them. Though the pink-haired woman could only sneak in an amused nod before they encountered the building simultaneously. Corvella also noticed how broken down and vulnerable it appeared. Surely in such a state the criminals would also be somewhat helpless. Most likely depraved of needed resources and holding out until more arrived from allies. That's often, she noted, how groups continued to thrive. Catching the band of outlaws at such a time might've been the best chance to take them out all at once - even if in all but a simple duo.

"Both sound fun enough," she shrugged, playfully gazing in Corvella's direction. It seemed the blonde had chosen a route most familiar to herself. Comet compliantly followed in the knight's lead. Truly, she didn't mind what methods were used so long as the job got done. So long as they could end the day safe and sound, accomplished. More than ready, very much prepared, rushing in gave more of an exciting rush than feelings of nervousness. Insecurity crumbled as confidence in herself and a powerful teammate grew. Especially upon noticing the frightened, surprised look on most of the criminals' faces. It was almost enjoyable, though they unfortunately had no time to revel in the moment. Corvella's words of authority reminded the Archer of this.

She readied her bow once more, but remained neutral in case peaceful interactions were to ensue. That would please her most for she still was a sympathetic soul. But if one were to run? Or try to harm her companion? They would be breaking the law, going against Astorea, and attempting murder all at once; there'd be no mercy. Blind justice wove itself in and out of her cold heart. Comet still was getting used to strong views and emotions and one-sided actions.

Following in pursuit, Comet happened to catch a few by the cloth underneath their armor with multiple arrows. Who she didn't catch were too intimidated by her excellence and range to keep on running away. Rushing forward, she'd pin a thrashing man who fell to the ground as she tackled. They fought awkwardly for a few moments until he submitted to a superior strength. Using her bow as a weapon to disable him, Comet grinned in triumph though noticed a dagger with thick red liquid dripping from its blade. After dealing with those who she'd caught, the pink-haired woman touched a spot on her stomach only to dip into a throbbing wound bleeding out. Though her mind recognized the pain she decided that tracking anyone else with such an advanced hunting mastery would be more a significant use of time.

With Corvella by her side the two easily contained what remained on the shaky building. Mischievous eyes traveled to the blonde, a hand concealing the wound in her side, while pink lips curled due to their quickly-paced success. Most of the outlaws had formed groups outside or lined up to avoid being punished in the near future or killed if failure to escape occurred.

"You were amazing," she clapped Corvella's back graciously. Her face read sheer happiness in having seen the other woman again. "I had a good time, but next time I'd like to spend time with you. And I mean actually spend time with you. If that makes sense. We shouldn't always be fighting or talking about anything but ourselves. Hopefully you agree." Comet slicked back slightly sweat-drenched locks. Lifting a hand from her wound she shrugged at the sight of it. Realistic pain, naturally, had its effect on her body. Throbbing kept up vigorously at the site, but mostly maintained a generous numbness where she knew stinging and an itchy tingling and widespread shocks of bone-deep pain would ensue once it ended. Not that it happened to be too deep in her eyes. Yet this dutiful reminder had the young woman's anxieties returned.

"Let's get these criminals to a jail or somethin', alright? Wouldn't want to keep them waiting any longer. Who else wouldn't be excited to see their very own cell for the first time?" she chuckled albeit holding a nervous, rushed voice paired with flushed cheeks. "Call this a job done." a bit of shame loomed over her heart, but pride remained from the beginning of the mission. Conflicted thoughts fought within her mind. In this moment she hardly fit in with the proud Corvella.

 

"You too." The blonde knight replied to her partner's compliment while finishing tying up the rest of the surrendered criminals' hand on their back. "I agree. No government drama, no criminal, no monsters, and certainly no brawls. Just both of us, with cups of hot chocolate." The rosy lips smirked, reminiscing the moments of old. The quick confrontation reminded her of what a deadly duo they are.

"Alright, we'll hand them to the guard post nearest from here, just a little bit of a walk. Then we can all it a da-... Wait a minute. You're hurt, Comet." She just noticed a small drip of blood coming from the archer's abdomen. It looks like one of the criminals managed to drive their weapon there. "Let me check on it quick. I have learned some healing magic recently, might not be able to do much right now, but I should be able to close the wound and soothe the pain." Corvella reached out to where the wound was, without actually asking for Comet's permission first. Her fingers moved a little as if she was sprinkling invisible salt, causing a glow that slowly doing something to the wound, she's not even sure.

"There, should be good to go! Might itch a little bit, I still need more practices." She smiled, stepping back then pushed one of the tied criminals outside of the building. "Let's go. We haven't got all day. Move it!" And they ushered the line of criminals into an Astorean guard post, only hundred feet walk from where they were across the woods. The criminals were then turned in, where they will be escorted with a carriage with the guards. The head of the post signed a paper documented the raid, and a small pouch of gold coins, which Corvella split evenly between Comet and her.

"I was going to say goodbye," The knight of the vigil muttered like a small child, before continuing with a sigh. "But we still have an important job to do. I guess I'll see you soon, eh?" With heavy steps, Corvella left the Astorean guard post. She never really wanted to involve someone close like Comet in government businesses and bureaucracy dramas. But it looks like the pink-haired archer has quickly grown, not needing more of her overthought concern.