Congrats on a sucsessful first mission

“Good job everyone, I’d say that was quite the successful mission.” Athan declared as everyone returned from the mission.

Once Athan finished his speech to the crowd, the group didn’t wait a second longer to get away from the scene of the crime and return home. Currently, everyone was more or less sitting around in the main hall while Agapi and Natalia inspected the fighters for injuries. Or more accurately, Natalia looked over Athan, Lefteris, and Mina, while Agapi fussed over her daughter.

“Mina, Iro, you two performed better than I could have ever expected.” Athan continued. “You two showed great initiative in going after the warden.”

“Thanks Mr. Athan.” Mina replied for both herself and Iro.

“You’re welcome, and thank you. Your show of Uraina’s power was just what we needed to encourage the citizens in these trying times.” Athan said, and Mina couldn’t help but blush slightly from the praise.

“Alright, looks like you’re all good.” Natalia said as she finished her inspection of Lefteris. “Mina only got a handful of scrapes and bruises, nothing that won’t heal on its own in a day or two. Lefteris, you managed to stay out of the line of fire well enough that you’ve only come away with a sprained shoulder bit of mana burn from casting so many spells. The mana burn is nothing to worry about, but you should be carful with that sprained shoulder even now after I healed it. And Athan, well, you’re a monster. You had a few deep cuts, but your own magic was clearly healing it by the time I got to it so you’re fine. Ironically, Iro really did get the worst of it of all of you.”

“Thank you for your help as always Natalia.” Athan said with a nod, and both Lefteris and Mina gave their thanks to her as well.

“Eh, it’s fine.” Natalia said. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go back and do some work on the farm.”

“Ah, honey! I thought…” Dory trailed off, prompting Natalia to look at him.

“And I’ll ‘inspect’ you later too dear.” She said teasingly. “But right now, I’m just going to go tend to the animals for a bit.”

“Oh, alright. I’ll see you in our room later dear.” Dory said, trying to keep the disappointment out of his voice.

Natalia then walked out of the building, with Vasilis following her close behind.

Once the pair were out over by the farm, Vasilis spoke up.

“Natalia.” He started.

“Shut up Vasilis. I know what you’re going to say.” Natalia sniped angrily, very much unlike how she was inside.

“Natalia, we know Dorothos.” He said.

“I said shut up!” Natalia bit out.

“We know he’s a good man, we know he wouldn’t work for someone cruel and corrupt.” Vasilis plowed on.

“Yeah, well we also know he’s not the kind of guy who would become the warden to a prison, but apparently he did.” Natalia countered.

“A normal prison, no, but that’s not what that was. I know you’ve heard the rumors of the kind of place that prison actually is.” Vasilis said.

“Grrrrr, who’s side are you on anyways!” Natalia suddenly said, whirling around to glare at her brother. “This is a huge victory for this group, who cares about the little details like that! Are you really on our side ‘little bro’, or are you just pretending to be!?”

“I’ve never claimed I support this group Natalia, you know that.” Vasilis said, shifting topics smoothly. “I joined because you joined. The only thing I want right now is the best for you and your family. These people may care for you, but that’s not enough if they’re putting you three needlessly in danger. And after today, after what they had Mina and Iro do, I’m really starting to wonder if they’re going to do just that.”

“Mina and Iro decided to go after Dorothos on their own Vasilis, you heard what Athan said in there.” Natalia growled, but Vasilis shook his head.

“You and I both know that’s not true sis.” He said. “Iro is well trained, she knows how to stay on mission and not take unnecessary risks. And while Mina may be the same age as Nik, she’s nowhere near as reckless. Those two would never have gone after Dorothos if someone hadn’t told them to.”

Natalia growled at her twin, desperately trying to come up with some kind of argument against what he was saying, but she simply couldn’t. Vasilis knew this well too, and his gaze immediately softened.

“Look sis, I know I’m being harsh, but I also know that you’re thinking the exact same things I am.” He said.

“You’re right, you’re always right.” Natalia said defeatedly. “But what the heck am I supposed to do? Both Dory and Nik have practically fallen in love with these guys. Even if this isn’t safe for us, what can I do to change anything?”

“As I said before, follow your instincts.” Vasilis said with a shrug. “That’s what we’ve always done when we don’t know what to do, and it’s always worked out.”

Realizing there was no point in continuing the argument, Natalia let out a defeated sigh.

“Fair enough. It’s not like I have any better ideas. Now come on, I want to actually get some work done so I don’t have to lie to Dory about what we were doing.”

And so, the pair made their way over and did some farm work during the short time until the sun set. The group in the main hall had their supper, then quickly dispersed to do their own thing, and before long night officially fell and everyone went to bed. Or rather, most people went to bed.