Morna (Aliana's POV)

A wielder, huh. I haven't heart that word in seven years. Of course there have been whispers but they're finally gathering I see. My thoughts spin as I look at this sleeping brother and sister pair.

I'm slightly regretting my decision to escort them. What wielder? All they do is sleep and eat my food. Oh, and bicker, they're so noisy, especially the little girl. Even for me and that's saying something. As for the older one...I don't know if I should call him stupid or rash. At least the younger one's got some intelligence. I still can't believe he hit that creature with his bow.

With a sigh I look up. It's been seven long years. How are you, Kasia? Meeting with mother in the Otherworld? Or maybe you're still out there, hanging on. Maybe...you made it out-

My mind snaps back to reality when a sudden giggle pierces the silence. And out of the gloom steps the palest girl imaginable, irises and hair a snow white, clad in the palest shade of blue.

Instantly my staff snaps out and in an instant clashes with a blade of ice. For a moment, we're at a standstill. Then a retractable blade snaps out of my staff, cutting through her ice like smooth cheese.

I grin, admiring my handiwork.

"You gotta do better then that, Morn."

She doesn't pout to my surprise but instead responds with a sly smile.

"Really?" Her teasing childlike voice responds.

What is she...I look down. My feet are frozen stiff. So this was her plan all along.

I bring my staff down to break the ice, blade out, hard. She takes that moment to strike but I'm ready. A wire snaps out of the other end of my staff, causing her to trip and I seize that opportunity to grab her and bring a blade to her throat.

"NOW it's my victory."

This time she pouts.

"Awww no fair, you always add new things."

"Gotta keep you on your toes, right?"

"But I always have the same ice...it's not fair..."

"But you can do different things with your ice and summon it with a snap of your fingers."

"You can also do stuff with your stick just by pressing a button."

I give her a look. "For the last time, it's not a stick. Also, that's only after I spend hours adding a new function to my staff. For you it's just-natural." A little bit of the envy I feel leaks into my voice. Morna, Kasia, they can all do what takes me hours to add as a function, with the snap of their fingers. In fact, if Morna was serious I doubt I would have had such an easy victory. Heck, I don't even know if I'd have had a victory.

"Awwwww, Aliiiiiiii..."

"Yeah, I'm okay. It's just, appreciate what you have."

She holds out her arms "Hug?"

I smile, a genuine smile. "Sure."

Morna is one of my best friends. I do know she's not human although beyond that I'm not sure. But I don't really care. She's been with me through some of the craziest times. Heck, she could be a demon for all I care.

A twig snaps and we turn our heads. Oh? It seems my two dependents have awakened. The sister, Cresta did she say her name was, stands up and gives a polite curtsy.

"M'name is Cresta Miss, how do you do?"

Morna at my side lets out an amused high pitched giggle.

I give her a look. Be polite.

She pretends not to see me. I internally roll my eyes. Oh boy, two more toys for her to play with.

"Aron, come here and be polite!" Cresta calls out to her brother. I look curiously, they're usually pretty synchronized.

Suddenly something bolts past me. I feel no malicious intent so I don't block it. Besides, Morna can handle herself.

"Will you please marry me?"

Cresta's brother, Aron, is on a knee in front of Morna, hands cupped in a disgustingly romantic pose, with hearts in his eyes. Well not literally, but practically. His smile stretches from one ear to the other and for a solid minute afterwards the only noise is literally crickets chirping.

...

Welp, plot twist. Although it doesn't have much to do with me.