"So you want to say there is a possibility I might be able to turn my wings beautiful white like yours, Lady Sophia?" Elise leaned close to Sophia as she spoke with excitement befitting a child.
"Yes. But first, you must embrace Father's teaching," Sophia explained calmly.
Elise was eager to learn about her, asking her many questions, from her race to a lack of horns and even about Father.
Sophia was very much glad to answer them all.
It wasn't long until they saw the Town of Rize in the distance. it was a rather small town with no grand walls or majestic architecture.
It was basic in every sense of the word.
A small number of stone houses, with most being constructed out of wood.
The only part that stuck out was the inner walls of the city, which protected the wealthy Individuals in a rather large manor.
While small, it still was made to exude power over the peasants.
'I suppose those afflicted by the sin of Green live there...' Sophia sighed; she should have expected that of demons.
And yet she felt somewhat disappointed.
If father had seen such disparity, he wouldn't have hesitated to level the entire town.
And in a way, she felt the same way, However, the girls she rescued proved that even demons can have a heart open to change.
'They must embrace Father; only then may they know peace.' She put her hands together as she prayed for Demons to embrace Father's teachings.
The vast majority will surely refuse the salvation, and yet for those few that survive she had to show compassion.
'If they do not accept Father... They will be sent to hell they deserve to be...' Sophia smiled warmly.
They had to accept her love, otherwise, Father's wrath would follow shortly.
The town was truly fortunate that Sophia was one who made her way here. if it was Cruel Ariel, Cold Ayil, or Strict Usiel, it would be erased without even being given a chance to learn of true love and peace.
The carriages made their way towards the town, slowing down enough to not startle the residents as the approached what meager guards the town had.
"Halt! Who goes there?!" The guard that spoke in a deep raspy voice was an orc, he wore chainmail armor with a Tabard depicting a spear and a ripple.
He had a missing right eye and a large scar covering his face. His tusks had noticeable chips in them.
He had looked over the carriages with suspicion.
Elise was one to speak: "We are residents of Oganj. The city was destroyed. We need shelter!"
The orc looked with suspicion, his spear ready to arrest them before responding, "Are you insane, lady? We would have gotten more people from there if it was attacked!"
"We... were kidnapped and were rescued by Lady Sophia. We are only survivors that we know of! The city was obliterated!" Elise looked with eyes full of fear.
Orc looked at her like she was a madwoman; he had seen people go mad after long travel.
"Yes she is speaking the truth!" Lara popped her head out the front as she jumped in defense.
"Hmmm..." Orc looked with suspicion, however he was not backing down.
The stare, his body language, he did not trust them.
'Shame [Command].' Sophia activated command, forcing the guard to let them pass.
"You may pass," Orc stated.
"Huh, Great work, Lala!" Elise spoke with excitement.
"What did you just call me?!" Lara held back her laughter as her hands wrapped around Elise's neck.
"Just a pet name! I think it's rather cute!" Elise defended herself as she was being strangled.
"I guess I will allow it." Lara smiled before going in the back.
"Let's find some place where we can rest, then we will go to that noble area." Sophia pointed towards the walled part of the town.
Elise nodded as they slowly disembarked from the carriages. Their bare feet did not like the muddy roads of the town, but they were in no position to complain.
"I have only visited this place once before, but I think I can act as a guide! Put your trust in me, Lady Sophia! My family used to own a small house here." Elise grinned before walking in front of Sophia.
Sophia and other girls closely followed Elise who excitedly spoke about all the decent locations of the town.
However, Sophia didn't care about the town itself. Once they found the shelter, she wanted to visit the what she assumed was noble district of this demonic nest.
Elise lead them to what looked like an old wooden house, rather small, barely fit to accommodate 30 former slaves and Sophia herself.
"This isn't much, but my family..." She drew a sigh, it still pained her to remember that she wouldn't see her parents or brother.
Lara was one to approach her and pat her back, "I know how you feel Eli, but we cant to anything now." She held back her own tears as she consoled her friend.
"It's not much, but nobody should disturb us for a little bit." Elise pushed the door open, the old wooden doors did not have any locking mechanism.
The girls made their way inside a rather cramped space.
"Please use this place as your home." Elise put her hands behind her back as she spun towards the others.
Sophia walked around, closely inspecting each corner. "Good, this will work for now."
In a moment she turned to Elise, "I will go to the walled part of the town, you need to take care of yourselves here."
"Lady Sophia, I can go with you!" Elise insisted.
"No, there is something I must do." Sophia placed her hand on Elise's shoulder while smiling softly.
"I will be back soon. I promise."
Elise blushed slightly before getting the bearings. "I will wait patiently for you, Lady Sophia!"
"And one last thing, you may drop the Lady. Just call me Sophia." Sophia turned towards the door before leaving.