Day Without Death

The wind still bit at their faces, but the fortress loomed closer, a faint gray silhouette through the drifting snow. Every step felt heavier than the last, burdened by the thoughts of what might have been waiting for them beyond the walls.

Akari’s ears twitched at every sound: a distant clatter, a flap of a banner in the wind, the crunch of ice under boots, all recorded and analyzed in her mind. Her gaze swept the horizon, noting the shifts in clouds, the faint trails of smoke, and the paths they had taken. Every detail mattered. She subtly compared landmarks, memorizing each tree, rock formation, and hidden alcove along the northern approach, aware that even the smallest insight could save lives. Each exhale formed a mist that seemed to carry the weight of anticipation; the frost in her fur pricked her senses, keeping her alert even as her mind cataloged every nuance of the environment.

As they approached the gates, Caldris was waiting, hands on his hips, a welcoming smile easing the weight of the day.

“Finally, the last squad to come back!” the noble called out, voice cutting through the wind. “Good news! No one died today. You all did well!”

Relief washed over the squad. Branek exhaled and rolled his shoulders, stretching out the stiffness in his joints. Lysandra spun her staff between her fingers, laughter bubbling up as snowflakes caught in her hair. Ansel carefully checked the younger recruits, giving quiet encouragement and ensuring their equipment was intact, his attention meticulous despite his shy demeanor.

Caldris offered a small, playful wink at the recruits, a gesture that made a few of them giggle and relax for the first time since the patrol.

Seren arrived next, returning from his separate patrol. He approached the squad with a questioning gaze. “What did you find? Any unusual occurrences?”

Caldris joined him, concern etched in his face. “Give us every detail. Nothing can be overlooked.”

Akari’s ears flicked with focus. She recounted the patrol in precise detail, from footprints in the snow to scorch marks and the movements of corrupted spirits. She described their flickering shadows, the contorted limbs, and subtle differences from any enemy she had faced before. Her words painted the spirits as twisted, almost unnatural creatures: their movements disjointed yet eerily coordinated, the glint of their malformed eyes catching the snow’s reflection, the sharp snap of their joints, and the way the cold seemed to bend around them unnaturally. Every small peculiarity - the way one spirit lingered near the frozen stream as if drawn to its flow, the faint sizzling of ice under scorched claws, the unnatural creaking of joints under their frozen torsos - was noted and committed to memory. The squad, along with Seren and Caldris, listened in rapt attention as her perfect recall painted a vivid, almost tangible picture of the dangers outside the walls.

Seren raised an eyebrow, exchanging a glance with Caldris. “She remembers everything… every single detail?”

Caldris nodded slowly, admiration clear in his eyes. “Yes… Akari truly has perfect memory.”

The realization settled over the squad. Noel’s lips twitched, a mix of amusement and disbelief. Akari’s ability was extraordinary . It was a skill that could change the tide in future battles. Even Lysandra, who didn't seem to take much of anything seriously, had her eyes focused on the little fox. Branek shifted his stance, a thoughtful look passing over his features as he began imagining how Akari’s observations could be used strategically.

Seren clapped a hand on Noel’s shoulder. “Everyone is accounted for. Good work. Keep your wits about you; the dangers outside are only growing. Awareness and discipline will be your shields next time.”

Lysandra’s grin widened. “I say we celebrate a bit of luck and survival. Who’s with me? The pub awaits! A warm fire, laughter, a brief respite from the cold. Throw in a little bonus pay that wouldn't dent the finances would bring a little extra bit of joy.”

Ansel’s eyes twinkled, a mischievous smile tugging at his lips as he put a finger to them. “Even priests need a place to unwind from the stress of the north,” he murmured softly, earning quiet chuckles from the squad. The priest glanced at Branek and Lysandra, who gave small nods of approval, sharing the unspoken agreement that a bit of levity was necessary after such a tense patrol. He even allowed himself a small sigh of relief since today had gone so well.

Seren’s gaze swept over the group.

“Good work surviving today. To motivate you for tomorrow, take this bonus pay; spend it on yourselves and your families. Rest and recover. We’ll need every one of you at your best for the next patrols. Don’t underestimate what we’ve seen. Even a single careless mistake could wipe out a squad.”

Everyone cheered before breaking off to spend their well earned money.

The squad began walking toward the fortress courtyard, conversation weaving through the air alongside the crunch of snow. Branek teased Lysandra about her twirling staff, which brought peals of laughter.

Noel addressed the group with constructive criticism, his tone firm but encouraging. “Spacing, cover, anticipating movements. Each patrol is a lesson. Like the captain said, mistakes could be fatal. Think ahead, and watch each other’s backs.”

Branek absorbed Noel’s words, offering additional insights about the northern terrain, the snow conditions, and strategic paths. He pointed out hidden pitfalls in the ice, how snowdrifts could conceal signs of corrupted spirits, and which areas were safest for less experienced soldiers. Ansel nodded thoughtfully, committing the advice to memory, while subtly noting each detail to incorporate into his healing routines. Lysandra, though outwardly scoffing, listened closely, weighing each comment for herself.

Akari noticed every subtle reaction. The way Lysandra’s eyes narrowed slightly when considering Noel’s instructions, Branek’s calculated nods, and Ansel’s measured responses.

Noel leaned close to Akari as the group trudged forward. “Do you remember what I said when we first met?”

Akari’s ears twitched as she grinned, teasing. “Maybe if you weren’t such a brat, I would have forgotten it.”

The camaraderie strengthened as they continued, exchanging stories of previous patrols, observations about the terrain, and personal anecdotes. By the time they reached the pub, bonds had deepened. Branek claimed a corner seat, inviting others to join, while Lysandra mingled, laughing and chatting with a warmth that eased tension. Ansel quietly distributed drinks, his earlier mischievous grin softening the room.

Akari waddled closer to Noel, brushing her tail against his leg. He lifted her up onto the table. The warmth of friendship and shared survival reinforced her resolve. She had a place among these people, and she intended to protect them with everything she had.

Lysandra raised her mug, eyes shining. “Now that we’ve shared a drink, we should get to know each other properly. Stories, laughter, and maybe a little mischief too.”