Knights of Tezoth

— You've become quite downcast, — sighed Stefania, then hugged Silvatica. — And I thought I was the one prone to melancholy...

The Knight of Wind scratched her head, trying to digest what she had heard. She quickly tried to recall anything about Silvatica's relatives, close ones, or friends, but she couldn't. Either the Knight of Wild Flowers was too secretive, or the girl truly wasn't exaggerating.

— You're not useless at all, — Stefania tried to encourage her interlocutor. — On the contrary, you're wonderful! How will we manage without your healing skills? And especially your cups of excellent coffee?

Stefania paused briefly again, then added:

— You know what? Let's try to get out of this hole together after all! And when we get home, I promise I'll be among those who always await your return from a mission. And not just for the sake of delicious coffee. Simply because you're a good person and we know each other... — the girl was about to state the duration of their acquaintance, but stopped short when she realized she couldn't remember how long it had been. — By the way, how many years have we been in the same boat?

Silvatica hugged Stefania back, which helped the latter notice the absence of physical signs of anxiety in the former — after all, she truly worried more about others than herself.
- I've never thought about the passage of time, I need to check with His Majesty... Ah. You see, long ago my parents left me in a forest near Makiat, and I lived there for many years, until one day our noble lord undertook an exploration of the territories around Ikazkan, I came across him, and seeing potential in me, he ordered me to be brought back to civilization and taught everything a Knight of Guildaria should know. Come to think of it, if it weren't for that expedition, I'd still be living alone. - The girl gave a barely noticeable but still warm enough smile. - Alright, let's survive this, Stefania!