They approached the altar together, neither leading nor following but walking in synchronization, their steps matching without conscious coordination.
The black ice platform seemed to drink light, making the Star-Shards glow even brighter by contrast as they placed them in Serah's outstretched hands.
The High Priestess held both shards up, examining them with professional assessment that shifted into something closer to shock as she registered their qualities.
"An Elder Elk," she murmured, studying Soren's shard. "You killed an Elder Elk alone." Not a question, the shard's size and purity confirmed it but disbelief colored her tone nonetheless.
"It seemed like the thing to do," Soren replied modestly, though his grin suggested he was deeply pleased with himself.
