Everheart: Chapter 14

This fetch quest had been among the most boring things Selah had ever undertaken.  Adding up the time it took to traverse the marshes and mountains of the Mor Dhona region just to reach the Imperial fortress, watching and waiting for the perfect moment to strike, and the slow crawl back to Revenant's Toll, it had taken at least a week, maybe longer.

Why in all the hells did I agree to this?  Why didn't I just go to Ginal?  I keep telling myself that it's what's ultimately right, but I'm not so sure anymore.  

Am I still so far under Geoffrey's thumb, or am I merely a terrible spouse?

With a heavy sigh, she pat the cyan warbird she was marching by, whose stride was steady but burdened.  Dinornis was exhausted, and it wasn't hard to see why.  The large, metal monstrosity dragging behind the bird, held by rope tied to his saddle, must have weighed an easy ton.

It was shaped almost like a man, with a V-shaped torso sitting on stubby legs, and arms that jutted up in grotesquely large, pointed shoulders, with some kind of elongated and pointed drilling pieces for arms.  Some kind of wheel on the thing's back seemed like a power source, turning and spinning gears within the creature to give it locomotion.

The Imperials call these towering automatons "Vanguards,"  right?  Though I can't recall accounts of these at the forefront of most assaults.  I am curious about this technology.  I wish I had time to sit and study it.

This was where Selah had been remarkably fortunate.  After two or three days of watching and waiting along the Castrum's perimeter, this thing was sent through the large, metal gateway, along with three of their lackey soldiers on some kind of patrol or exercise.  So, she stalked them, and struck.  The soldiers were easily incapacitated, as there was no need to kill them.  Then to quiet this thing, she leaped upon its shoulders and ran her lance through its tiny head.  It was almost too easy.

I don't crave bloodshed.  Far from it, I rather wish there was no need for my profession.  But gods do I miss fighting alongside you, Kitten.  Combat with you is...exciting, and fun.  Not to mention that it seems to often be a type of foreplay for us...

Selah scoffed at herself, wondering if she was allowed to revel in such pleasantries.

She approached the stone-crafted arch that was the gate to Revenant's Toll, and the adventurer-guards on duty looked on in awe as her companion dragged the magitech monster behind, continuing to scrape metal against stone.

That's a sound I will most certainly not miss.

The noonday sun wasn't Thanalan-hot here, but the vast amount of stone in this land reflected and absorbed the light and heat, making the Mor Dhona region hot enough to be uncomfortable.  Selah gulped from her water skin as sweat splashed onto the ground beneath her, and her nose wrinkled as an odor found home in her nostrils.

And gods, I stink.  Maybe a bath and a glass of whiskey while I read my mail and wait for that healer to decide if he needs anything else.  Assuming, of course, that Ginal even wrote back.

Kitten...please, I hope you wrote back.

"You ready to take a break, boy?"

Dinornis halted mid-step and locked eyes with his flock-mate, and Selah knew she saw in his eyes a clear warning.  "I might end you for this."

"Yeah... Thought so."

The chocobo let out what sounded almost like sigh as he leaned down to gently headbutt Selah.  Confirmation that he was irritated, but not forever angry.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and held the brace.

"I have a lot to make up for, don't I?"

Time to move on and finish this.

Burnished Snow, the most diminished roegadyn Selah had ever met, answered the door with a pleased smile, and responded to the sight of the lifeless Vanguard with a jubilation Selah hadn't seen of a person since she agreed to wear a tight fitting dress for Ginal.

A pang of regret fluttered through her heart at the thought, and the healer must have witnessed the wincing expression.

"Ah, is something the matter, madam?"

"No.  Is there anything else you need of me?"

The healer tapped his chin in thought and finally shook his head, "Not for now, Madam.  Let us inform Geoffrey of your success, though."

Not that I long to speak to him again, but sure.

She politely followed along, back into the small bedchamber where the nobleman was confined.  He turned toward them at the sound of footfall, his expression curious.

"Snow?"

"Ah, yes, and your wife."

Selah was very aware that she cringed at the phrasing, and was aware of a flutter of anger she needed to fight back.

Bear with it, just a little longer.  You're almost free, truly and completely.

"Selah, it's been days.  Did you return with what we need?"

"I did."

The very same smug, superior smile she had learned to hate formed on his lips, and an irrational hatred took hold of Selah's heart.  Her balled fists trembled as she grit her teeth.  Her breaths came in short, rapid bursts as she narrowed her eyes upon the man.

Stop smiling at me like that, you smug bastard!  Gods, damn it all, I just want to be rid of you.

"I thought for certain, by the things I had heard, that you were almost capable of cutting down an entire Imperial brigade on your own, Selah.  I had begun to worry that I had pushed you to bite off more than you can chew, with how long it had taken."

Not a magistrate in Eorzea would convict me.  I can end you now and just walk away.

No.  Be the bigger person.

"...But I"m glad you've returned safely, none the less."

She stood with a clenched jaw, forcing her breathing to return to a normal pace.  "I'm glad I can help in an endeavor of this nature.  Now, our agreement..."

Geoffrey lied back, nodding.  "Of course.  I'll have Snow send for the documents."

"I'll stay in the city for a couple days in case you need anything else," Selah explained.  "After that, I'm going back home."

As she passed through the door, Geoffrey called after her.

"Selah...It was good to speak to you again."

She stood, dumbfounded at the words.  She searched his expression for insincerity, and found none.  Finding nothing to reply with, she simply left the small clinic.

Thank the gods, if they even exist.  That metal monstrosity is in Snow's hands, and I get a reprieve from that pompous ass.

"I thought for certain, by the things I had heard, that you were almost capable of cutting down an entire Imperial brigade on your own, Selah.  I had begun to worry that I had pushed you to bite off more than you can chew, with how long it had taken."

If I didn't need your signature on the divorce declaration, I would have gladly put my lance through your heart, you smug son of a bitch.

Easy, now.  Breath in, breath out.  And again.  Relax.  That's right.

Selah shook her head as she slowly inhaled, exhaled, and repeated.  She stalked from the healer's home to the small stable near the gate, Dinornis trailing behind.  His gait was much lighter now that he was free of the tonnage he had been hauling, and his disposition seemed practically celebratory as he fluttered his wings here and there.

The stable hand wanted to spend a lengthy moment discussing Dinornis' unusual plumage, but Selah was genuinely disinterested in any conversation.  A terse exchange of gil and explanation of her companion's diet, and she was off.

Adventurers, mercenaries, merchants and laborers alike filled the city, shouting to each other about where to put "this" and "that," calls of rampaging monsters, and who had the best deals on so-called "high quality" goods.  The throngs were easy enough to push through as she made her way to moogle mail post on the opposite end of the city's central plaza, but Selah couldn't help but feel a mild sense of annoyance, as though these hundreds of people were purposely in her way.

A deafening roar fell over the city as large, winged forms flew overhead.  All present fell silent as their gazes turned upward.

Dragons.

The creatures were almost as high up as the clouds, and seemed almost as shadows.  They made no indications toward the city below.  They simply continued on toward the northern regions.

Such a roar must surely mean something.  Are the hordes finally massing to attack Ishgard?

With pangs of remorse, and even longing in her heart, she stood.  She was only barely aware that the crowd was slowly resuming their lives, the commotion already seeming like a memory.

Their religion tells me who I can't love, and their traditions tell me what I can't do.  The endless obsession with killing the dragons, the hostility toward outsiders and different ways of life.  And yet...they are, still, my people.  Many are innocent of any real crimes,  and I suppose only a few have truly wronged me.

Let's hope that Geoffrey can return in time to be of help to them.  And maybe, if there's time, I can do something as well.  Just as long as no one expects me to stay and live in that frozen hell.

Feeling satisfied, Selah allowed herself a slight smile, and resumed her walk to the postman.  The gathered throngs had returned to their routines by now, with merchants shouting about their goods and a thousand conversations playing out around her.  Ahead and to the right of her, just below the city's crystalline aetheryte tower, the lively boasting of  two roegadyn had escalated into a full-on brawl.

Just another day in Mor Dhona.

The diminutive, white furred postman fluttered in place as he sorted through small stacks of letters and small parcels atop a simple table.  He offered Selah an exaggerated, friendly bow, only barely catching his cap as it fell off his head.

"Oy there, miss!  What can I do for ya today?"

"My name is Selah Phocina, and I'm looking for a letter."

With a cheerful whistle, the moogle set about looking through one stack of post then another.  He produced a small envelope addressed to her, then another, and more, until there were seven letters with Selah's name on them.

Gods be good, how much could you possibly have to say, Kitten?

"Yup, that's it.  Here ya are!"

Selah accepted the letters with gratitude, to which the postman twitched his whiskers and bowed.  As she examined the envelopes, though, she realized that none of the writing matched Ginal's handwriting.  She curiously tore one open and read the very brief missive.

"Where in the hells are you?  We need you back NOW.  Damn you for leaving your linkpearl behind.

-Ely"

Her heart skipped a beat as she tore open another letter.

What happened back with the free company?  Have I really been gone long enough to warrant these words from Ely?

"Selah, you must return immediately.  Ginal has vanished from under the healers' watch, and now there's some sort of 'demon' roaming the Shroud.  I fear this is linked to the accident.

-Miounne."

The sounds of the city receded from Selah's perception, the thunderous beating of her heart the only thing remaining.  Regret, shame and worry washed over, threatening to drown her in the desperation.

Oh gods, oh gods, what happened?  What accident?  Why is she missing?

This is all my fault.  I should have never left her.  I should have torn that letter from Geoffrey apart and thrown it at mother.

Kitten...

With a third letter opened, she hoped that she would find more answers within.

"Selah, Ginal was caught in an aetheryte explosion and is grievously wounded.  The conjurors say she is suffering extreme aether poisoning, and are unsure of her survival.  You must return to Gridania immediately.

-Ywain."

The stack of post fluttered from her hands as she turned and ran.  Time slowed to a crawl.  Her vision had narrowed to where the aetheryte tower was as far as she could see.  Anyone in her path was pushed aside as her heart threatened to burst through her ribcage.

No, no, no!  This is my fault!  I could have stopped this!

"And as YOUR wife, I'm telling you that you don't OWN me."

She reached the aetheryte tower and set her hands upon the crystal, willing herself to return to Gridania.



The weightless black gained color and coalesced into the forest city around Selah, and she glanced around to confirm her surroundings on the raised, wooden platform.

Ginal waited for the disorientation to fade, but as she stumbled forward, was caught by Selah's arms.

"Easy, Kitten."  The hyur smiled at her beloved, "You really are sensitive to aethernet effects, aren't you?"

Ginal frowned as she steadied herself, and blinked at a curious sensation, finally realizing that is was raining in Gridania.

Selah grabbed the crystalline tower and focused on the image of the Lancer's Guild.  The world swirled around her, and within a moment she saw the guildhall standing in the distance.

She ran, and ran, pushing her self as fast as she could.  She could barely breath as tears streaked off her face, and she shoved aside two citizens that were in her path.

"I'm so sorry, Kitten.  Gods, I'm so sorry!"

It felt like hours, as she slowly inched her way over small hills and along trail-worn paths.  The red and black banners that hung from the moss-covered guildhall were gently tossed with the forest breeze, and a group of three lancer students stood on the steps.  Selah vaguely recalled the lalafell and the elezen, but didn't care who they were.  She barreled through them as they attempted to greet her, and didn't give a damn about their objections to her demeanor.

She threw the guildhall doors open and stumbled inside.

"Ywain?  YWAIN!"

The Guildmaster turned to face his former student, his weapon in hand from sparring with a student in the training ring.  Selah dashed to meet her mentor, grabbing the man's furred collar and shaking him furiously.

"Where is she?  What's happened to my wife?!"

Everheart: Chapter 13

A gentle caress of the cheek, a brief batting of the eyes and a compliment of the physique.

Men can be so easy to charm, as was that woman.  It's foolish to leave only those interested in women to look after your jail.  It was so ridiculously easy to charm my way into here, it's not even fun.

Of course, there's also the possibility that they were too afraid of saying "no" to the girl with fire coming from her eyes.  I'm okay with that, too.

Ginal strolled down the well lit hall, admiring the finely crafted planks of wood used in place of bars on the cells.  Gridanian craftsmanship at its finest.  She stopped and ran her finger along the lacquered surface of one, and relished in the reflection of the emerald flames.  The criminal behind these beams, some elezen woman, cowered at the sight of her, and Ginal loved every moment of it.

She moved on, further into the hall, and stopped before the cell at the end.

"Hello again." she purred.

The miqo'te man, clad in his gray prisoner's tunic, wearily looked upon her.  He cautiously approached the bars, "Again?"

A playful giggle was her reply as she traced her finger along the planks that separated her from her prey.  "You don't recognize the woman who put you here to begin with?  That makes me sad."

The confusion in his eyes gave way to fear, his ears twitching rapidly.  A mass of purple aether formed in her outstretched hand, then lengthened and solidified, coalescing into a glimmering greatsword.

"You almost killed me, back then.  You almost took me from my friends and my beloved."  Ginal looked upon him with contempt as her tail flicked in agitation.

The Coeurlclaw King had back away until his back was against the wall behind him.  He had nowhere to run, and she could see it in his eyes.  Her ears twitched as she listened to his heart beating rapidly, and she could smell the fear coming off him.

Such an intoxicating scent.

A low swing along the bars, followed by another up high, and a hole formed in the cage as the planks fell over.  She stepped through, grinning wickedly as her pools of living emerald fire feasted upon the poacher's trembling and rapid breathing.

"And now, your majesty, I will take you from all who may still care for you."

Hear...feel...think... Beloved daughter...return home...

"Umm...are you alright, Miss?"

Blinking rapidly, Selah shook herself from her reverie as she realized she had stopped mid-sentence, still clutching the letter.  She looked upon the moogle postman with an embarrassed smile.  "Yes, sorry."  She cast a quick glance around, "Did you hear something?"

The diminutive, fine-furred fellow scratched at his ear and shrugged, "I hear lots o' things, Miss.  But I've heard nothing peculiar, if that's what ya mean."

"Right.  Forget it.  As I was saying, this letter needs to go to Ginal Celah.  You can find her in The Goblet, at the home of the mercenary company Pathfinders, or in Gridania bunking in the Lancer's Guild.  Got it?"

"Right-o!" the postman happily squeaked.

Shouldn't I just use the aethernet to go find her?  This could be talked over and done within hours...

But would she even want to see me?  I know I hurt her badly by even choosing to come here.  I wouldn't be surprised if she had an hour long rant to throw at me, with her fists trembling and tail standing straight.  No, this is best, isn't it?  This way I can let her decide that she wants to come to me.

She'll still want to see me, won't she?

Selah slowly looked about the city around her, trying to identify where that motherly voice may have come from.  Alas, the postman was correct.  Revenant's Tolls was alive with a thousand different sounds and sights, and there was no way to find a mysterious speaker in this mess.

Assuming, of course, it wasn't all in her head.

Terror, pain, suffering, and the finality of death.

What have I become, that I can so easily bring this to the world around me?  And what have I become, that a part of me can enjoy it so much?

Ginal stared into the empty abyss surrounding her, tightening the embrace around her knees.

This isn't right.  This isn't who I want to be.  Those Ixal and their young...  The poacher lord in his jail...  I killed them all... and I'll kill again...

"Don't worry so much, darling."  came a sultry purr.  

Those eyes of emerald fire hung in the darkness, and Ginal didn't need to see her face to see that predatory grin.

"The poacher king almost killed us, just when things were going so well with Selah.  He almost took that from us!  And those Ixal have stabbed us, burned us and cost us our favorite armor.  They needed to be repayed."

And their young?  They did nothing!

Cold, dismissive laughter echoed throughout the void.  "They would only grow to be a threat to others, if not us again.  They're beasts, and I put them down like beasts."

Ginal stood, and stared into the twin flames.  She saw in them her own pain, anger, frustrations and desperation.  The intensity of Ginal's passions poured outward from the woman of flame, left completely unhindered by conscience or control.

This isn't what I wanted of us when I went to rest!  You're turning us into a murderer and a fiend!

"It's not murder if they deserve to die, darling, and I won't stop until everyone has been properly punished.  I believe A'rikia and Robimont are next."

NO!

Ginal ran towards the eyes and pulled the woman of emerald flame into the light, shaking her furiously.

You can't kill them, too!  They don't deserve that!

The eyes flared, and she shoved Ginal away.  Her lips remained twisted in that smirk as she sauntered closer.

"I'm not going to kill them, darling.  I'm going to keep Robimont alive so he continue to suffer the indignity of being castrated and beaten over and over again..."  She paused mid stride as she drew a finger across her bust, her tail flicking about as she purred, "And as for A'rikia...she's going to learn not to reject us.  I'll have my way with her when I find her."

Gods, no, you can't do this!

A lance of glimmering silver formed from light in Ginal's hands, and she charged forward to meet her darkness.  The woman laughed dismissively as her greatsword manifested from the swirling black.

The weapons clashed with a great flare of light and darkness, throwing the two apart.  They tumbled to the ground, both gasping for breath with faces twisted in pain.  The woman struggled to push herself up, looking ahead and finding that Ginal had already collapsed.

"I won't be denied...even by you..."

Her arms buckled under her, and all faded to black.

"Your faith, Emera, is truly unquestionable.  Where our children normally only acknowledge one of us in their daily life, you have always kept your heart open to all twelve of us."

The woman was tall, even for an elezen, with curves and endowments in all the right places along her slender frame.  Strands of raven hair framed the sides of her oval face, with eyes aglow with brilliant gold, and ran the length of her back.  The gown of shining white silk was almost indistinguishable from her porcelain skin, and seemed to flow in a non-existent breeze.  Beams of moonlight pierced the great canopy of the Shroud, casting the woman in an almost otherworldly illumination.  Ginal had to admit to herself, it was a spectacular sight to behold.

For her part, the plates of emerald-adorned shining steel armor that formed her breastplate, gauntlets and boots, however regal, seemed to pale in comparison.  Ginal relaxed the grip on her sword and let it rest in its sheath.  She eyed the woman wearily, though approached with a playful smirk.

"And here I thought I was loved for my impeccable fashion sense..."  She cast her hands down along her body to indicate her armor.  "Or at least my body."  With an impish grin, she bent over to display how her pants fit tightly on her backside as her tail swayed playfully.

I'm glad I prefer pants.  I can't imagine what it would be like for me to be flashing my underwear in a skirt.

The Lady in white answered with a heartfelt laugh.  "We have always found your need to deflect serious matters by way of sexual humor charming, but that is not why we summoned you here."

Ouch.  Most people aren't perceptive enough to see past the surface of my jokes...buy this isn't a normal pwrson, is she?  I can't hear her breathing, she has no scent, and not to mention those eyes.

How curious.

Ginal found a seat on a tree stump and ran a hand through her blonde hair, fashioned in a long braid down her back.  "Well, what did you call me here for?  What does my faith have to do with anything?"

'As we said, your incorporation of each of us into your lifestyle is unique, and your attempts to sermonize to your fellows has drawn our attention..."

"Wait, wait!"  Ginal sprang to her feet and slowly circled The Lady, her ears twitching as she inquisitively looked her over.

"You keep saying 'We' and 'Us...'  Are you trying to tell me that you're some sort of...representative of the Twelve?"

The Lady's lips turned up with kindness as her eyes shone with pride, "Ever perceptive, Emera.  Yes, that is what we are."

 Seriously?  The gods themselves, manifest before ME of all people?  This has got to be some kind of ruse.

"Do you not have evidence enough before you, child?" The Lady inquired.  "Let not your heart be clouded by doubt when your soul knows the answer."

Well, she has no scent, and I hear no breath or heartbeat, so there's that.  She's awfully tall, even for an elezen, and she's undeniably perfectly curved and proportioned.

Not to mention how I feel like I'm drowning in aether while I'm in her presence.

Ginal chuckled as she returned to her seat on the tree stump, "Alright, let's say I believe you.  What, aside from my unusual prayer habits, would make me so deserving of your immediate attention?"

"Things are in motion, Emera.  Dark and terrible things."

To illustrate her point, a wave of her hand produced images in the sky above, of flaming meteors falling upon the earth, sparks erupting from the clash of blades, and rivers flowing a sickening red from an overfill of blood.

"Beast tribes will clash with those of man.  Nations are poised to crumble."

"How dramatic." Ginal commented.  "And let me guess, you need some sort of champion to stand against the darkness?"

The Lady silently nodded.

Ginal considered this as she idly rubbed her chin, her tail softly swaying behind her.  "I'm no champion, Miss.  Just a not-always-humble priest."  

She rose and bowed as politely and sincerely as she could, and began to walk away.

"And you would so easily condemn your Sapphine to suffer in the coming darkness?"

That was the way to get my attention, alright.  

Ginal laughed, accepting her temporary defeat.  "You have my attention."

Birdsong sweetly echoed in Ginal's ears, rousing her from her slumber.  With an indulgent moment to stretch and listen, she purred as she touched and caressed herself.

"Mmm...what a peculiar dream...  And strangely familiar."

The blue of early morning hung in the sky, allowing the land around her to remain shrouded in comforting shadows.  Light shone through the windows of the stilt-supported buildings that hung off the mesa, casting reflections in the rippling waters of the lake beneath.  She leaned over the stream she had awoken by, and admired the reflection of her twin flames.

But forget the dreams.  Perhaps She is right...maybe I'll toy with A'rikia another way, once I find her.  And after that...

Deliberately, she removed her sandals, dress and panties, making a show for any who dared to look upon her.  She sat within the cold water and delighted in the shivers that rippled across her body.  With cupped hands, she poured the water over herself, and relished in the reaction the cold had on her body.

I need to find Selah...she's been such a bad girl.

The noises she made were lewd and unabashed as she pinched and caressed herself.

The things I'll do to you, my darling wife...and the things I'll have you do to me...

Fingers dancing in wet warmth, a palm wrapped around a shaft, and an a capella song of excited moans.  Upon the writhing and shuddering of her climax, she laid herself in the shallow stream, purring, panting and smiling at the lewd thoughts that remained in her mind.

"This is going to be a yummy day."

Creaking, and the sound of bootfall on wood overhead, and a figure leaned over the railing of the bridge above her.  The dark green leather on his torso indicated the elezen as a Wood Wailer.

"Hey, who's down there?  What in Nophica's bosom is all this noise down here?"

She grinned while meeting the man's gaze, her hand covering her crotch in mock-modesty.  "Just a little alone time, sweetheart."

The guard scoffed, "Gods, girl-"  His chastisement halted as she knew the realization of her eyes finally hit.

"Something wrong?" she purred.

The guard stared, slack-jawed at the unnatural fire raging in those eyes.  She smelled the sweat beading on his forehead, and her ears twitched at his rapid breaths.

He's paralyzed.  How deliciously wonderful.

"A-as you were." he stammered, and finally found the power to move.

Ginal cackled at the situation and splashed more water onto her face.  Finished with her bathing, she idly paced and playfully twirled about on the bank, basking in the gentle morning breeze gradually drying her skin.

The sun had broken over the horizon by the time she had dressed herself.  Suantering up the winding hills and over a long bridge, she strolled into settlement proper.

I always loved Fallgourd Float.  It's Vistas are so lovely.

The townspeople looked on fearfully, and the guards all seemed torn between rushing to engage her, or fleeing their posts entirely.  Wisely, they seemed to choose neither.

It's good to be respected.  It's wonderful to be feared.  Whatever it was about that aetheryte explosion that did this I'm most definitely thankful.

She strolled along bridges and over the mesa everything was built off, reveling in everyone's weariness and anxiety at her passing.  Into the grand, multi-storied inn she went, and took a moment to take in the spacious lobby.  Twin pillars, of oak most likely, flanked the open archway doors, and a gray-green rug stretched out between them.  The elezen couple that tended the desk stretching out along the far wall gasped and cowered as her gaze met theirs, and she couldn't help but smile.

Looking to her right, a Wailer stood watch at the base of the stairs that wound up along the wall.  The furred ears on his head flattened as she approached, and his tail flicked to show apprehension.

Just the very sight of me, looking into my eyes, they sense how dangerous I really am.  Would that it had always been this way for us.  I don't think I've had so much fun in my entire life.

After making her way up to the second story, her gaze drifted across the patrons sitting at the tables.  A quiet immediately fell upon the gathered folk.

"Gods be good, her eyes are living flames!" cried an older hyur man, his bushy beard and faded linen clothes indicating a farmer.  He was so startled by the sight of Ginal that he had fallen from his seat, and was cowering on the floor.

Slowly, the gathered patrons rose from their seats and hurried away, leaving meals and drinks unfinished without complaint.  Ginal found a seat near the balcony railing that overlooked the lobby.  She leaned against the table and waited for an innkeeper to come and take her order.

A chocobo should have me to Hyrstmill within a day if it rides swift enough.  I do hope dear A'rikia still lives there, she needs to be taught a very valuable lesson.

As does everyone who's ever wronged me.

Everheart: Chapter 12

"What do you know about the Empire's magitech weaponry?" Burnished Snow pulled a simple stool from the corner of the small room and sat at the foot of his patient's bed.

Selah could only shrug in response.  "Very little.  I hear it rivals the technology from the ancient Allagan Empire, but, I've never dealt with the imperials."

The healer nodded and pulled a small notebook from within his vest.  He offered it to Selah, who flipped through it for a moment. She eyed over sketches of mechanical beasts and pieces of technology affixed to body parts. She read over alchemical formulae and mathematical meanderings that made no sense to her, and other various ramblings hastily jotted throughout the book.  She looked to the roegadyn with clear confusion and handed the notebook back.

"I'm not sure what much of this means, healer."

Geoffrey coughed out an almost derisive sounding laugh, "Selah's education lies mostly in art and literature, I'm afraid."

With jaw clenched in agitation, Selah glared at Geoffrey.  Maybe if you had bothered to grant me access to more tutors when I asked for it, I'd have a broader education, you arrogant prick.

"Get to the point, Snow." Selah demanded.

"Ah, of course, madam."  The thin man cleared his throat with a cough, "Ah, I suppose the fastest way to say it is, I have made study of pieces of magitech brought into Revenant's Toll, and have had some many lengthy conversations with members of the Garlond Ironworks, and I believe I have discovered a way to affix this technology onto a person, such as to give them new limbs."

He indicated Geoffrey in the bed, "Geoffrey has agreed to be the first to have my theories tested on.  He may very well walk after leaving Cartineaux after all!  Ah, and think of how others could be helped, yes?  War and adventuring can be cruel to the unlucky."

I don't need intimate knowledge of Imperial technology to know that sounds absurd.  After traveling across most of the continent, I've never encountered anything like this.  What makes this no-name healer think he's onto something even Cid Garlond's boy and girls haven't figured out?

"Healer, if such a thing were possible, I'm sure the Empire or Ironworks would have figured it out by now."

"Every major advancement begins with one person who sees what others could not."  Geoffrey struggled to push himself up again, to face the others as best he could.  "We've spent dozens of hours speaking of his research, and I think it's worth trying."

Selah looked upon Geoffrey, then Snow, then turned away as she looked within herself.  I'd almost like to just watch this fail, so he can know what it's like to have your hopes ripped away from you.  She drew in a steady breath, and slowly released it.  If Snow really is right, then this won't just help Geoff, and that's something worthwhile.  And then there's what he might be able to do to rebuild Falcon's Nest.  It's the right thing to do for everyone, isn't it?

But why does it feel so wrong?

"And I suppose you'd like me to make a trip to Castrum Centri and drag back something for you?"

The healer and patient both beamed with delight.



When reliable, steadying friendship was nowhere to be found, a glass of whiskey would suffice.  Fortunately, what the tavern called Seventh Heaven lacked in atmosphere and hospitality, it made up for in stocking a fine Lominsan blend.

It was a smaller place than she was used to, maybe only a quarter the size of the Carline Canopy or Quicksand she had loved to frequent.  The lighting was dim, with only a few sconces about the place, and the cloudy windows only allowing a portion of the sun's rays through.  Bits of food and splashes of beer littered the floor, and the place smelled sour and stale.

The room was alive, though, with the boastful tales of seasoned adventurers exaggerating their feats, and being called on their lies.  At the bar ahead of her, an elezen woman in a long, gray robe argued with her fully armored miqo'te comrade about whether or not the feline man had recovered from being tempered by a Primal.

The liquid gold burned Selah's throat and warmed her stomach, as quill and paper sat before her.  She leaned back in her chair to examine the contents of her glass, willing the liquor to answer questions it couldn't.

Why did I come here?  Why haven't I just left already?

This is the right thing to do, isn't it?  I would be helping the people of Falcon's Nest get their livelihoods back.  And, if this healer is as brilliant as he thinks he is, then I'll be helping to create something the entire world could benefit from.

Yes, this is absolutely the right thing to do.

She tilted the glass back to down the remaining spirit.  Setting the glass down, she noticed a sharp glare as light reflected off the band of rose gold on her finger.  Her stomach felt as though tied in knots, as a longing ache took hold of her heart.  She lowered her head to hide the tears that started to fall, and was grateful she sat in the corner of the bar.

Oh gods, Kitten.  What could I possibly write to you?  That something else is more important than our bonding?  That I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing?

That I'm so terrified that Geoffrey could have any kind of influence on my life again that I may have just thrown you away?

"Tears are unbecoming of a maiden so lovely as you."

She looked up to address the speaker, but paused when she saw his face and realized why the smooth, playful voice was familiar.  Snow-white hair that fell alongside eyes of mischief.  A face of youthful features, with lips turned up in that ever present grin.

"Thancred!"

He smiled as he took a seat opposite the small table.  "Hello, dear lady.  It's been some time."

The realization that she had, in fact, completely ceased all communication with the Scions months ago hit hard, and a wave of embarrassment washed over her.

"Gods, Thancred, I haven't spoken with any of you in so long.  I'm sorry, there's been so much-"

The youthful adventurer held up a hand and shook his head.  No explanation was owed.

"We thought it might have to do with the beloved you mentioned the last time we saw you.  We don't begrudge you your priorities, Selah."

Priorities...  If I really had those figured out, I wouldn't feel like a walking pile of chocobo shit.  She could only lower her head as more tears streamed down her cheek.

Surprise and discomfort crossed Thancred's face, which then softened into compassion as he reached out to reassuringly squeeze his friend's arm.. "What's happened, Selah?"

She drew in a ragged breath to steady herself, internally chiding herself for such a display in public as she wiped at her eyes.  "Have you ever been so lost as to the right thing to do that you can't see straight?"

"Constantly." he replied with a kind smile.  "And I assume it has to do with your lady?"

It felt like her heart was in her throat, and so she tried to swallow it down, and could find no words to respond with.  She realized she was trembling.

"I assume she is nowhere near Revenant's Toll?"

Still she had no words to offer.

"I'm not the best person to go to for romantic advice, dear Lady, but I can offer this: If your bond is as strong as you have thought, then call her to your side.  You can't work this out apart."

If nothing else, he's right that I can't fix this away from her.  And Ginal would understand the importance of restoring Falcon's Nest, wouldn't she?  Maybe we can finish all this together, and go back to the honeymoon we lost.

With a thankful smile she squeezed her friend's hand, "Thank you, Thancred.  I'll writer a letter immediately."

Thancred rose and offered an exaggerated half-bow.  "Woe unto me, for I must leave the light of your beauty for the many duties ahead."

"You're cute, Thancred, but not cute enough."  She offered a half-hearted grin.

"Never say never, my lovely Lady Selah."

He stepped towards the door of the tavern, and turned back.  "You know, you've missed a great many developments since you've parted with us.  If you'd like to get reacquainted with everyone, we've moved our base of operations to the halls beyond that door."  He indicated a door at the back wall, offered another smile, and was on his way.

The Scions no longer work from Vesper Bay?  What prompted that move across the continent?  When I'm finished with all this, I should stop by to see the others.

She looked upon the paper before her, put the quill to work;

"My beloved Ginal,

I pray you know that I have not forsaken you or our bonding.  Please come to Revenant's Toll as soon as possible, and let us solve this problem together, the way it should be.

Yours, alone, ever in love.

-Selah."

The world has always stood against me, and now they will know my pain as their own.

A long gown of glimmering green silk danced with the breeze as she strolled along the bridge of fallen stone slabs.

Freak!  False woman!  Weakling!

And as YOUR wife, I'm telling you, you don't OWN me!

Leaves drifted along as they fell from their branches, and she stopped to glance upon her reflection in the river below.  She grinned mischievously at the eyes ablaze with emerald fire.  With a playful purr, she let her fingers play in her wine-red hair that fell past her shoulders to the middle of her back in wild curls.  As it swayed in the breeze, it seemed like a living flame.  Her hands sensually slid from her hair, down the sides of her face and across her bust, moaning erotically.  Her tail sharply whipped out to punctuate her satisfaction.

"I feel yummy."

The ears on top of her head twitched as she heard a heavy footfall approaching.  She turned to see an Ixal warrior tread through a large, stone archway that sat at the other end of the bridge.  She couldn't help but smile as she looked upon the crudely carved spear in its hands.

Her grin twisted into a hateful scowl as the sensation of intense heat washed over her, and she remembered the pain of blistering skin.

The birdman towered over her by at least three heads.  Its mottled skin and upward curving horns were hideous to behold, and the stink of its breath invaded her nostrils with a sharp hostility.

I hate the Ixali.

"Glowing miqo'te in Ixali land.  Leave!"  Its words came through between irritated squawks.

The smile returned to her face as she admired the sharp nails that extended almost two inches from her fingertips.

"Little bird, little bird, will you sing for me~?" her voice a playful melody.

The warrior was very obviously confused by the bizarre reply, and screeched something at her in that gutteral language that grated on her nerves.  She looked up at him as the flame in her eyes flared hotter.  A mass of black, pulsing aether swelled in the ground beneath her, exploding outward and coalescing into curved, man-sized spines that sharply jutted from the ground.  One of the spines pierced the Ixal's chest, and the beastman slumped to the ground as the spine dissipated.

She knelt down by the beastman, grinning wickedly as she looked upon the lifeblood draining from the wound.  She touched her hand to her shoulder, where the memory of a terrible, piercing pain lingered.

You pierce me, I pierce you.

She giggled with a giddy delight.

Hear...feel...think... My daughter...turn back...

The voice, soft and motherly, seemed to come from within and without at once.  She curiously searched the area for the speaker.

A short distance away, a trio of birdmen came charging forth, brandishing their crudely forged weapons and cawing angrily.  She rose, and again her fingers ran through her hair, down her face and across her breasts.  Her lips curled up in a wicked grin as shining, black aether formed in her hand.  It stretched outward, and formed into the shape of a shimmering greatsword.

"Little birds, in your cage, flutter free and sing for me~"



Bees dared not buzz.  Birds feared to sing.  Even the breeze had stilled, and the river had hushed its whispers.

The entire Black Shroud had become silent in awe and fear as it beheld the massacre.

None had been spared.  Not the workers who labored to set the logs down the river.  Not the warriors who protected the camp, nor their wolf companions.  Not even the handful of young that resided here.

She stepped over the broken and hacked apart corpses as the heavy, sickly scent of blood filled her nostrils.  Her ears twitched as she was certain she heard the lifeblood of the Ixali trickle into the water.  She paused to take in the sight of severed limbs strewn about like garbage to be thrown out.

She purred as she reveled in her own carnage, a smirk playing across her lips.

You burn me, I kill you all.  You cost me my armor.  I liked that outfit.  Oh, but I'm not done.  There are still many who've hurt me, and they must suffer in turn.

She willed the greatsword in her hand to dissipate, and she took a moment to ensure no blood had ruined her dress.  

With a satisfied purr, Ginal sauntered away from used to be the Ixali logging camp.