On Borrowed Wings

[Dusk]

recording...
location: valravn citadel, inverness system
current date: 02.06.834
local time: 16:37
detected entities: locksmith, emilia freud

---

It was unusually quiet for him here. Fewer people, more space. And it was clean... No stains, no rust, not even dust. Even the light seemed more pure and whole.

He was glad that he was able to provide his sister with this private room. Here was the comfort and peace she needed. And, perhaps more importantly, safety. The Technocracy protected her from people who might wish them harm and ensured that her vital signs were monitored around the clock.

And it was all the more worrying to receive this sudden call from her while returning from a reconnaissance mission. So he came as quickly as he could.

“Emilia?”

A young girl was sitting on the edge of the bed. Snow white hair and skin. Eyes like bright rubies. Slender frame, thin and long fingers. And a constantly studying gaze. She was seventeen, although she looked a little younger due to her paleness and thin figure. And instead of the usual tiredness and soreness, she looked... Fine.

Seeing her brother, the girl smiled, got out of bed and then quickly walked up and hugged him tightly. There was no trace left of her former weakness. He was so shocked that he did not immediately react, simply freezing in place.

"I'm okay. I didn't want to bother you, it's just... I couldn't do this for so long."

The girl's hug became tighter, and a tear rolled down her cheek. Taking a deep breath, Roland finally hugged her back. He couldn't help but smile widely under his helmet. In the past couple of years, she hadn't had the strength to stand up and hug him like that. Although he often held her hand while sitting by her bed, it was not the same at all.

“But how?..”

Although the Technocrats were able to achieve gradual improvement in her condition, such a leap seemed impossible. The girl, moving away slightly and continuing to smile, looked straight into the visor of Roland’s helmet.

"I heard a voice inside... You heard it too, right? This voice gave me strength, freed me from these shackles. I'm finally free."

The smile disappeared from his face, replaced by concern. Was she really talking about the very voice that had awakened in him a few days ago? And now in her too? The voice gave him knowledge, he returned her health... But they still did not know what it was and what it wanted.

“Emilia, I... This is great news, but what do you think this voice is?”

"A friend?"

Emilia smiled carefree and happily. It was incredibly tempting to give in and just enjoy the moment with her. And yet... Something was wrong here. Nobody ever helped them for nothing. Looking down, Roland noticed something else.

"What are you wearing? I've never seen something like this on you."

She gently broke the hug and looked at herself. The dark tight clothes with reddish electronics looked unusual.

"I don't remember. I woke up already in it. It's comfortable, though."

"I'm not sure if it's safe."

"It is. Please stop worrying and just... Stay with me a bit."

He couldn't stop worrying. But he couldn’t refuse her either. It could wait. For now, he could just share stories about his latest little adventures.

It was so good to see the bright smile on her face again.

---

end of recording