?Good morning!?, Nene shouted.

  Old man Ghiormar, who was placidly walking among the rows of carrots in the field, barely raised his head. He was a robust man, with a thick grey beard. His face was partially hidden by a large straw hat, which he wore mostly to avoid eye contact, as the spring sun was still weak, the days still cool in Kumhar.

  Nene raised an arm to greet him, and the man gave her an almost imperceptible nod, then headed towards the cabin where he lived with his daughter and grandson. He was the enigmatic and gruff one. Nene had only heard his voice a couple of times, even though she had been living at the farm all winter by then. She sighed, discouraged by the not-at-all-friendly encounter, and kept going. Nila wanted to renovate the abandoned shed, which stood between the two main structures, to build a mill inside of it. Since there was no river close, the mill would have had to be operated by hand. Nila had asked for many favours in town, having spent winter helping to contain the seasonal illnesses. By doing so, she had earned enough to start many reconstruction works on the farm, but not enough to afford building a windmill from scratch, unfortunately.

  Nene opened the heavy and creaking wooden door that led inside. The air was humid and dusty in there, and the roof, still partially collapsed, let in cold gusts hanging from the previous season. The dry stone walls of the building were fortunately well preserved, and Nila, with Adanara's help, was gradually repairing the roof. Nene, on her part, was busy assembling the mill, following the project designed by Nila, with the parts she had commissioned from some artisans in town.

  She sat on the ground and looked for long moments at the sheet of paper, the machinery’s project. She had spent several hours studying it, not being at all familiar with similar devices. Although a lot of time had passed since the last time she had contact with the Church, something deep inside her was still wary of that technology: it was for sure based on Eidelhan’s studies, Nila’s and Adanara’s father, coming from a mysterious land that did not know a thing about faith.

  Nene looked exasperated at her meagre progress from the previous day: between two parallel walls, she had installed an axle equipped with a toothed wheel, which would transmit energy from the operating lever. She had assembled the three largest pieces to delude herself of having made important progress, but in truth, the pulley system depicted above the wheel in the project was extremely complex and required precision. It would have been wiser to commission the work to an expert craftsman, but Nene had insisted on taking care of it herself, to save Nila some credits, but mostly because she had foolishly thought of impressing her by doing so.

  Regretting her decisions, she rolled up the sleeves of her new, absolutely practical clothes, brown fabric jacket and trousers, tailored by the seamstress so hated by the Emissary, and got to work. She picked up a large file, useful for refining some pieces of wood in case of need, but suddenly she heard someone yelling from afar.

  ?Neneeeee!?

  She recognized Jiriel's voice coming from the fields. She sighed and peeked outside.

  ?I'm here!?, she replied.

  The angel was wandering like a lost child among the carrot plants, walking awkwardly in an attempt not to trample on the crops. When she saw her, her light shone brighter than that of the morning, as she ran towards her.

  ?Lemme see! Lemme see!?, she shouted.

  A few days earlier, Nila had made the mistake of mentioning the mill in front of the Emissary. Having then seen the project, Jiriel had insisted, whined, cried incessantly, anxious to see the machine. Even though she knew it would take some time to complete it, she couldn't resist her curiosity and invited herself for a tour.

  ?Come, it's in here?

  The angel crossed the carrot field in huge strides, her pink dress fluttering in the wind, her colourful wings quivering with anticipation. Nene noticed near Ghiormar's hut that little Loran, his eight-year-old grandson, had come out and was observing the bizarre visitor. In Kumhar everyone knew Jiriel by reputation and, although no one was hostile towards her, her bizarre personality and her incomprehensible nature sometimes caused distrust, especially among the farmers who feared, according to an old popular legend, that the Emissary was due to bad luck. Loran's mother, Arme, peeked out from inside the hut and dragged her son away.

  Jiriel arrived in front of the door and sat on her knees, pretending to be tired. Fatigue was a concept that was foreign to her, but as usual, she enjoyed imitating human behaviours, as if in a game of pretend.

  ?Have you started it yet??, she asked anxiously.

  ?I haven't even finished assembling it?

  The angel sulked. She entered the mill without asking and immediately got back her good mood, just by looking at the incomplete machinery. Nene had left the project resting on the stone wheel in a corner of the building, so Jiriel pounced at it, analysing it avidly.

  ?Finally!?, she exclaimed. ?Nila’s secrets are mine! How does it work? This moves there, this and that… Oh, I like it!?

  ?My Lady, I'm afraid it will take some time to complete it?

  ?I'll help you?

  ?Excuse me?!?

  Nene had to object. It was unacceptable to allow the Emissary of God to get her hands dirty for her. Still, Jiriel often insisted on being considered an equal, and indeed a helping hand was desperately needed. Not to mention that her Lady seemed genuinely amused by that sorts of things, and eager to participate.

  ?I'll help you?, she repeated. ?It’ll be easier?

  ?As you wish. In that case…?

  ?Don't worry, I learned it by heart already!?

  Before Nene could collect her thoughts, the angel picked up the wooden parts that made the upper section of the machine and fitted them together as if it were child's play. She lifted the pieces, seemingly weightless in her hands, and inserted them into their respective sections without the slightest effort.

  Nene picked up the file, feeling useless, but Jiriel refined the pieces simply by grazing them with her hand.

  Within a few minutes, the work was completed, under Nene's incredulous gaze.

  ?Here you go. Well done?, Jiriel congratulated her. ?We’re a great team, you and I!?

  ?Er… I… you…?

  ?I know, it was hard work. I had never seen a machine like this, but we got by anyway. Only the stone wheel is missing?

  ?Yes. We will fix it later, I’ll need help to...?

  Jiriel grabbed the wheel with both hands and lifted it easily. She took graceful steps towards the board on which it was to be fixed and inserted it with such precision that it almost made no rubbing sound. Having made sure that it was properly supported in its seat, she released her grip. The wheel settled on the wood without a creak.

  ?Ready to go! How does it work??

  ?Here... You have to turn that crank...?

  ?A crank? Oh, no! It's gonna be a pain?

  ?There were no other solutions, unfortunately?

  The Emissary sat on the ground and glared at the crank that transmitted movement to the mechanism. After demonstrating inhuman strength, for some reason, she refused to operate the mill.

  ?I don't envy you. It seems like… reeeeeally boring?

  ?Why don't you try??, Nene suggested.

  ?Nope. I just wanted to see the thing. What do we do now??

  ?Nothing. We have no wheat to grind at the moment?

  Nene grabbed the crank, planted her feet on the ground, and pushed with all her might. Surprisingly, the wheel moved without much effort. The mechanism was solid and operating it didn't require too much strength. She admired Nila's ingenuity, and so did Jiriel, who clapped with satisfaction as she watched the millstone turn.

  ?Do it again!?

  ?Well, actually… I have other things to take care of, my Lady?

  ?Oh… then I… I'll go home. Alone…I guess?

  Nene sighed. It wasn't the first time Jiriel had sought her out just for company. Oto spent the mornings in the forest, but the Emissary had grown accustomed to always having someone around. She suffered from loneliness, yet there was no way to convince her to accompany him during his hunting trips.

  ?I will come and visit you as soon as I have the chance?

  ?You always say that but then you never come?, Jiriel whined. ?You've grown up already?

  ?There's always a lot to do here. Why don't you come more often?

  ?No, no, no deal. You just want to foist your work on me. I won't fall for it. Goodbye!?

  ?But…?

  Without giving her a chance to insist, the Emissary trotted out of the mill. Nene stuck her head out the door and saw her running towards the hill, gesturing as if lost in conversation with some invisible friend. Habit suggested that it was a feasible sign of damnation, but, remembering that it was the Emissary she was thinking about, Nene wondered if perhaps, deep down, she too was beginning to consider her human.

  She checked on the grinder once more to make sure everything was in order. Jiriel's visit had saved her hours of work and effort, which allowed her to move forward on her schedule. She returned to the house. Nene and Nila had renewed everything: the cattle pallets had been removed, they had repaired the old furniture and cleaned everything. The living room around the fireplace looked welcoming, as dusty and sad as it was. Next to the fire, there was still the old worn-out sofa, but on the opposite side they finally had a table and chairs, three to be precise, given the frequent visits from Adanara, who, despite insisting on being hostile to her, kept coming back. Next to the table lay a bag full of old clothes that belonged to the witch. Nila had mended them for her. Nene thought about delivering them, as she was headed into town for some shopping. She picked up the bag and set off.

  Sevika's tavern was unusually quiet and deserted. Nene entered with the bag on her shoulder and found no one at the tables or even at the counter.

  ?Is anyone there??, she called.

  ?Coming!? Sevika shouted, her voice coming from the back.

  The woman emerged from the kitchen and went to stand at the counter. She squinted as if to see her better and grimaced.

  ?Are you looking for Adanara??, she asked.

  ?Yes. Isn't she in her room??

  ?No. A guard came to call her just now. I think she took her to the manor. They were also looking for you and Nila?

  ?Really? What for??

  ?No clue. Do I look like a meddlesome, uh??

  ?Of course not... Could I... at least leave this here for her??

  Sevika laid a hand, inviting her to give her the bag.

  ?Hurry up, don't keep the mayor waiting. It looked like serious stuff?

  Nene took her word for it. After handing Adanara's clothes, she rushed towards the manor, anxious about what could have driven Sonhir to summon her, Adanara, and Nila. It couldn't be a coincidence.

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  She ran down the street and arrived in front of the manor out of breath. The manor's square was unusually full of guards, a dozen of them, standing in a circle around another small group of individuals. Nene couldn't see them better because of the crowd, but the guards were on alert, so she approached cautiously. She recognized the voice of the mayor coming from among the troops, and even Nila’s. They were arguing with some strangers. She moved closer, making sure to get the guards to notice her.

  ?Inquisitor?, a soldier saw her. ?Quickly, the mayor is waiting for you?

  The man gave way to her within their lines. Nene could finally see better what was happening, and she could hardly believe her eyes: Adanara, Nila and Sonhir stood in front of the entrance to the manor, facing her. The sisters looked worried, while the mayor was visibly agitated. In front of them, with their backs to Nene, stood three figures with unmistakable features: the Cloud Folk.

  Three Tuatha had come to Kumhar. Contrary to what she believed to be their custom, they wore fur clothes, decorated with colourful feathers and flowers. One of them, who was conversing directly with the mayor, had a cloak made of raw wool. The other two, positioned on either side of her, were holding spears as if they were her escort.

  Nila noticed Nene, smiled at her and motioned for her to come closer.

  ?...That's not how we solve things around here?, Sonhir protested.

  ?Then choose what is more convenient to you?, the cloaked Tuatha replied.

  Nene shivered as she watched the three visitors closely. The woman in the centre had an unusually sophisticated appearance compared to the rest of her kind. In addition to her cloak and clothes full of colourful ornaments, she wore a soft woollen headdress that fell over her forehead, bone earrings, and had an overall well-cared look. The member of the escort to her left had similar clothes, his eyes fixed on the soldiers surrounding them, and was carrying a huge bag on his back. What really put Nene on the alert, however, was the second member of the escort, leaning on a spear that she should have recognized at first glance: Kora.

  ?Uhm… There are no actual maps of the region. We should draw one before establishing boundaries?

  ?Our Warden has given us a map?, the woman in the centre explained.

  ?Can I see it??

  She ignored Sonhir and turned to Nene. She held out her hand to her as was customary among the people of Kumhar.

  ?My name is Shera. I am a diplomat sent by Tuatha elders. These are my companions, Kora and Fos?

  ?Nice to meet you?, she replied awkwardly.

  She met Kora's gaze, who remained impassive. As usual, her expressionless face was a mask hiding an ocean of emotions.

  ?The map?, the diplomat said. ?Fos??

  The warrior took off the baggage he was carrying over his shoulder. He took out a huge sheet of parchment, rolled into a cylinder almost two metres long and handed it to the mayor.

  ?A gift?, Shera explained. ?A sign of friendship?

  ?And you say this map is accurate??, Sonhir asked.

  ?One of our best artists drew it following the instructions of Warden Moka, who observed the surroundings from the sky?

  ?From the sky??

  ?Indeed. By flying?

  ?Flying?!?

  ?I told you...?, Adanara grumbled.

  ?Uhm…?

  The mayor picked the enormous sheet of parchment with both hands. Two soldiers ran up and took care of it for him. The man smiled.

  ?Fine. Shera, am I right? You are welcome to our city. Let’s talk in my office, no weapons. What do you think??

  ?It would be my pleasure?, she replied. ?You two, wait here?

  ?Are you sure??, Fos asked.

  She nodded. The mayor offered her his arm and she accepted the hold. Sonhir led the enigmatic Tuatha into the manor, but not before dispersing most of the soldiers. The square quickly emptied, only the two guards on the lookout at the entrance remained.

  Nene joined Nila, who took her arm in arm. The sudden visit from the Cloud Folk was a truly unexpected one, and Kora's presence on that diplomatic mission did not bode well. It was Adanara who broke the silence.

  ?Master, how long?

  Kora nodded. Fos, her companion, looked at her perplexed. Kora sighed.

  ?These are the humans I hosted at the sanctuary?, she explained.

  ?The spirit-slayers?!?

  ?That’s them?

  ?It’s an honour?, Fos said. ?I thank you for what you have done for us, on behalf of all Tuatha?

  ?How did you end up here??, the witch asked. ?Didn't they... kick you out, or something??

  Kora bit her lip. Fos looked at her with disdain. He spat on the ground and walked away as if disgusted.

  ?I'm accompanying the ambassador?, she replied shyly.

  ?Nu-huh. Spit it out, master?

  ?Spit??

  ?I want an explanation. Don't even think I have forgiven you?

  Kora looked at Nene nervously. After making sure her partner was far away, she took a step forward. Nila tensed, Nene felt her arm squeeze her a little tighter.

  ?Moka ordered me to travel east, to return my gift to the flame spirit. I begged him to allow me to visit you before leaving, so I was tasked with escorting Shera?

  ?Visit us??, Nila asked. ?What do you want from us??

  Nene almost couldn't believe her eyes when Kora, oh so proud, knelt in front of her. She bowed her head on which the crown of the Warden of the Cloud Folk once stood. Her voice became tense, full of emotion.

  ?Nene, grant me audience with your patron?

  ?My patron??, she stammered, surprised. ?You mean the Archangel??

  ?No. The infant spirit. The one who visited us in the past?

  ?Jiriel?!?

  Adanara burst out laughing, Nila barely held back. Nene looked at them puzzled. Nila didn't dare return her gaze and turned away. She was trembling from how hard she was trying to contain herself, unlike her sister.

  ?The infant spirit! Nila, they call her “infant”. Fits like a glove!?, the witch laughed.

  ?S-stop it?, Nila replied, about to explode. ?Don't make fun of her?

  ?The Emissary is not a child!?, Nene snapped.

  Adanara laughed even more. Nila, however, found her decency again. She caressed Nene’s back and gave her a smile that made her feel dizzy. It was Kora's voice, still on her knees before her, that brought her back down to earth.

  ?Please. Only your spirit can guide me, now that I have lost everything?

  Nene didn't know how to react. That sudden display of humility, that pathetic cry for help, was too sudden.

  ?What do you hope to get from her??

  ?I have to know...?, Kora hesitated. ?I have to figure out what my purpose is?

  Kora's words reminded her of herself, when she had arrived in Kumhar for the first time, lost, alone, and Jiriel had helped her get back on her feet. Thinking back on how much her life had changed since her training, or since she had left the monastery, it seemed almost incredible how far she had come in such a short time. Above all else, the last winter, spent together with Nila, had been the realisation of a dream she had feared was never to come true.

  ?I will take you to the Emissary?, she replied.

  Kora bowed her head further. When she got back to her feet, her eyes were teary, which prompted Adanara to stop laughing.

  ?Thank you?

  ?T-that’s it??, Nila intervened.

  ?What do you mean??, Nene asked.

  ?I think she owes you much more than a simple “thank you”?

  Nila suddenly became stern. Kora looked around, fearful, but none of her peers were around. She was alone with the three of them, with no way out.

  ?I'll return the favour, I promise?, she said.

  ?How so, master? Besides, you seem like the kind of person who breaks promises as soon as there’s a "good reason” for doing so?

  ?I will keep it, to repay my debt. I hope to deserve your trust again, someday?

  ?You better do?, Nila said.

  Nila held Nene close to her, as if to protect her. She felt a little embarrassed, but allowed her to. Adanara cursed silently and headed towards Fos.

  ?I delivered your clothes to Sevika?, Nene said.

  The witch turned and grimaced at her. Her childish and jealous attitude hadn't changed much, despite her having been forced to accept that Nene had become part of Nila's life. Kora, sensing that she was unneeded, followed her former disciple, reuniting with her travelling companion.

  ?Thank you?, Nila replied on behalf of her sister. ?Deep down she's n-not mad at you, you know??

  ?I know?, she sighed. ?But I would like her to stop it…?

  ?How is the mill going??

  ?Oh, right. You'll never believe it: it's done!?

  ?Really?! How... How??

  ?The Emissary helped me. Thanks to her, it was quick?

  ?Oh. Maybe we should ask her for help more often, don't you think??

  Nila ruffled her hair, making her giggle. Nene hugged her back. She was trying to keep an eye on the Tuatha chatting at the end of the square, but it was difficult to concentrate or remain serious with Nila so close.

  ?I could never, I am supposed to serve the Emissary, not the opposite?, she replied.

  ?Too bad…?

  ?I want to take a bath, later?, she gloated. ?And then…?

  ?Then what??

  ?Then… will you fix my hair? It’s getting way too long?

  Nene's hair had grown to her hips and over her face. In the past she had often taken care of sister Elora's, so she could have done it by herself, but she couldn't miss the opportunity to let Nila spoil her. Ever since they started living under the same roof, Nene almost couldn’t recognise herself, by how indulgent she had become. Part of her felt mortified at having abandoned, though not entirely, the discipline and decorum she had learned during childhood, but in truth she was happier than ever since.

  ?Do you want me to cut it? I think you’re p-pretty?

  ?You mean it??

  ?I do?

  ?Oh... Still, it always ends up in my eyes. Please?

  ?Fine?

  Nene noticed Adanara peering towards them. The square was almost entirely deserted, but the Tuatha duo had attracted some curious folks, who were peeping from the street to take a look at the bizarre visitors. The rumour of their arrival had spread in an instant, to the point that Nene was surprised not to see the Emissary among those people.

  ?Do you think it was the right choice, agreeing to Kora's request??

  ?I trust you. Also, J-Jiriel knows how to take care of herself?

  ?What was that woman from the Cloud Folk discussing with the mayor??

  ?When I-I arrived, they were talking about establishing boundaries on hunting grounds. Sonhir looked for us because he feared they were dangerous?

  ?I see. That explains the guards?

  ?Kora! Fos!?

  The voice of the Cloud Folk's ambassador called them to attention. She and Sonhir stood in the doorway of the manor. The woman held the parchment map in her arms. Fos rushed to help her, Kora took her time instead.

  ?Ladies, please, come here?, the mayor called. ?You too?, he said to the guards.

  ?What's happening??, Adanara asked.

  ?The mayor and I have agreed to draw a new map, together. This way, both sides can ensure that borders are established fairly?

  ?I need volunteers to travel into the forest?, Sonhir added.

  ?Call me out?, the witch replied promptly.

  The man looked at Nila, pleading, but she responded with a nod of denial. The mayor sighed.

  ?I will ask somebody else...?

  Nene noticed that Kora was visibly nervous, stiff. The sisters' rejection was obviously due to her actions in the past, but there seemed to be more to it. She was staring at Shera and sometimes opened her mouth as if to say something, but she did not dare to voice her thoughts.

  ?The mayor's representatives will travel with us. Get ready to leave?

  ?Shera?, Kora said.

  ?Yes??

  The title of Warden had previously given Kora authority and respect, but having lost her crown, she was now considered one of many. Apparently, Shera was her superior, or something of the sort in Tuatha society, yet she looked neutral towards her, certainly not as hostile as Fos.

  ?Allow me to stay here?

  ?Why so??

  ?I'll leave you to your business?, Sonhir slipped away. ?I have yet to find my “representatives”?, he added, glaring at Adanara.

  The guards resumed their positions on either side of the manor door. Nila and Nene began to walk away, but seeing that Adanara was instead listening to the conversation, they stayed. Kora bowed her head and brought a hand to her chest.

  ?Allow me to stay here?, she repeated.

  ?You didn't answer me. Warden Moka was clear. Even allowing you to come here was a favour on his part?

  ?Please, Shera. I promise that I will do as he commands, but first I have matters to take care of?

  The ambassador sighed. She walked within an inch of Kora's face and smiled at her. She caressed her chin and lifted her head to look her in the eyes.

  ?So… Am I supposed to cover you up??

  ?I will stay no longer than necessary, then I will go to Salisander. Nobody will notice?

  ?Kora, if this is another one of your… outburst, I will be exiled. You know that??

  ?I am aware of it. I would never bring such an injustice upon you. I know how preposterous my request is, that’s why I’m begging you?

  ?You know Kora, do you??, Shera asked Adanara.

  ?Unfortunately...?, she replied.

  ?Will she be welcome in your village??

  ?It's not up to me. You said you wanted to talk to Jiriel?

  ?What could you possibly want from the infant spirit??, the ambassador asked.

  ?There are some things about the Flow that I need to understand before I leave?, Kora explained. ?I hope the infant spirit can help?

  ?The Flow? You make me curious...?

  ?I will share my findings with everyone?, Kora promised. ?In fact, you can take credit for any of it?

  ?Wait… You've always taken what you want by force, since when are you good with words too??

  ?I’ve been learning from you?

  Shera laughed. She turned to Fos, who was scornfully glaring at Kora.

  ?Fos, this will be our little secret. Do you understand??

  ?I do, Shera?

  ?Do you disagree with my choice??

  ?I do, Shera?

  ?Do you know what will happen to you if you tell anyone??

  ?I do, Shera?

  ?Good?

  Fos nodded. Despite his menacing appearance, he was completely subjugated to the diplomat. The relationships and hierarchies between the Cloud Folk were still mysterious in Nene’s eyes, who could not help but follow that conversation in confusion.

  She had been asked to accompany Kora to Jiriel, and she would have done so, but she was left to wonder what the shaman could want from the Emissary. How the Cloud Folk perceived God’s world was still unknown to her. Although they were rightfully admiring and respecting the angel, and fearing the Evil One, they didn’t know a thing about faith and the Archangel, therefore… Could she trust them completely? Her only consolation was that the Emissary was nearby, ready to make sure that nothing evil befell her town, as she had done in the past.