The Sister and Her Brother

Sten briskly made his way toward the tent where Ingrid and Hermann were, leaving the ceremonious gathering behind. The Emperor's voice echoed in the distance as he continued to honor the remaining participants with small bronze medals. 

As Sten entered the tent, he found Ingrid sitting with an air of calm that seemed almost unnatural. Hermann, standing nearby, shot Sten a quizzical look, his curiosity evident.

"Sister," Sten said, breaking the silence within the tent. He took a moment to gauge Ingrid's reaction, wondering what she was thinking.

Ingrid slowly turned her gaze toward Sten. Her eyes, usually expressive, were now guarded, revealing a veil of uncertainty. "Brother," she acknowledged, her voice gentle yet bearing no smile.

Sensing the tension, Hermann glanced between the siblings and then at the guards surrounding them. "Are these guards not going to give us privacy?," he thought.