☀️ Arselia and Akonia

Now I understand that Raf, just in case things don't work out with Metarma, immediately figured out to send me a book from Abundance via cat mail so that later he could share the tomb with Sisiandra, haha.
 
The day after the incident at the fighting club, it turned out that two more Carnelians were missing - Raphael and Metarma never returned from their walk. Following a lead from Gion, Garret and Erefir searched the Moon Park, where they managed to find one of the missing ones - or rather, what was left of him.

After an indefinite period of searching, Erefir and Garret discover Raphael's disemboweled body (and a cat nearby).

"Well, well. You got what you deserved, Rafik, and here's your second chance."
After listening to the commander's order not to touch the corpse, the Asterian silently watched as she, in turn, staged a small pantomime as if she had picked something up from it, although nothing was in her hands, and walked away. Who would loot like that? He felt like sarcastically suggesting that she demonstrate how it's done, but Erefir had already briskly walked out, and Garret had to hurry after her so as not to fall behind.
The next stop is Naria's villa. The commander continues to show off, leaving him behind closed doors. As if he suddenly became unworthy of an audience with his new appearance, it wouldn't be good to bother the august gaze with such a sharp contrast. But it would be interesting to listen to the report and reaction, and at the same time show off his burns to Her Highness, so that she could see for herself what a wonderful battle trophy he found in the Southlands. Step here, step there, oh, the kerosene lamp fell and singed it.
Erefir returned with an unknown unconscious woman in her arms, saying that it was "reinforcements from the princess." Clear. Royal blood flows, and lost souls fly to her call through the cosmic void to meet a new life in exchange for participating in the great game of other people's ambitions. At this stage, it's time to directly ask the commander, "and from what world are you?" Although, in any case, the answer would hardly expand the boundaries of being, at most it would add another meaningless name.
They took the reinforcements to Carnelia. Beata is, as usual, noisy and bustling, Gion is in the background. Gloomy Merel sits and thinks about something of his own. Kalina and Kilika are nowhere to be seen, Astellia is sweeping dust out of the future chambers of the alien. Erefir locked herself in a room with the newcomer, probably already discussing issues of interdimensional travel. Did it seem to him, or did a sinister laugh really come from there?..
Such a long, restless day of wandering on a leash and observing. He would like to return to those peaceful hours when he could indulge in nonsense with his brother, carelessly shoot at crows, hang out in a rocking chair or bar. Garret wearily ran his hand over his face and retired to his room.