Chapter 1
Dunban looked up at the High Entias' crown city while shielding his eyes from the sun. Contemplating the majestic view he let out a sigh, why had he allowed himself to come here again? His pride wouldn't have allowed him to set one foot outside the colony had he not had a valid reason for coming, even if his sister would have been more than happy to see him off with a smile. Both he and Melia were entrusted with the protection of their homes and they both had too much in their hands for a vacation. Melia was now the empress of the High Entia and as such her people depended on her, especially now more than ever. They had lost most of their brethren when they had become telethia and the loss of life was overwhelming for many. Dunban also had his work cut out for him as the colony was in shambles. Most of the residents were disheartened and barely scraping by after they had lost so many and the defense force was even worse off. What soldiers that remained were spread thin as most had died to either the mechon attack or the second battle of sword valley.
Yet with time and hours of grueling work things had begun to get back to normal. However, that was also when his arm started causing him agonizing pain. He and Fiora had tried everything they could think of to heal him, but to no avail. He even visited Sharla as he thought with her medical expertise she of all people would be able to help, but she too was stumped. So he convinced himself that the reason he had come to Alcomoth was to, hopefully, be healed. He knew better than to believe that was the only reason though. He shook his head, it was best to push those thoughts aside for now. Readjusting his bad arm he entered the teleporter that would take him inside the city. He was lucky he had made it this far without incident as the pains could be sporadic, not to mention deadly if it had happened while he was fighting monsters. Walking up the stairs to the palace he hoped the trip back to colony nine would be more pleasant.
Once inside the grand halls of the palace he instantly felt more at home. The group had stopped here many a time during the course of their journey and each and every time they were welcomed into these halls like heroes from a long forgotten story. As he reminisced his feet guided him to the throne room out of habit. The guards halted him before their captain waved him on, he obviously recognized the Hero of the Homs. The long stretch that lay between the door and the throne was intimidating to many a noble, but Dunban strode across it unfazed by the feeling of dread, after all what had he to fear, he was friend to the high Empress Melia Antiqua. Pausing a respectable distance from the ornamented throne he bowed low, making sure to keep his bad arm out of the way. A peel of laughter echoed from above him and he looked up into those eyes of uncut sapphire. She waved away the formalities and Dunban stood tall.
"Dunban how good it is to see you."
She descended the ivory steps with soft feet and ladylike elegance. Walking up to him he noticed for the first time just how small she was. Pulling him into a hug she backed away before he could reciprocate. He was disappointed; however, the feeling dissipated when saw her smile of perfect pearl. Taking his hand in her own Melia led him towards her private villa. Had it been another man he likely would have been a blushing fool, but Dunban was not any other man. Once inside the closed quarters he took the time to examine his surroundings. The room was unchanged from the last time he had laid eyes on it; her sense of organization still amazed him.
"Do make yourself comfortable I'll send for some tea."
He watched as she adjusted her headband with delicate hands, putting it back in the perfect spot to cover her wings before meeting him with a mastered smile that made his heart flutter.
"Now what brings you all the way to Alcamoth?"
He quickly pulled a chair out of the nearby desk and began to tell her his symptoms. She put her hand under her chin in pondering.
"Have you talked to Sharla about this?"
He nodded and began elaborating.
"Yes, but even she couldn't find what was wrong. She suggested that I seek you out since the Monado was originally made by the High Entia."
She took this into consideration before coming to a decision and standing up.
"Very well, I will speak to some healers to see if we can fix your arm, meanwhile you will be staying in the palace so I can keep an eye on you."
He knew better than to argue with Melia so he simply accepted the terms with a nod.
"Now you will meet me for dinner and I will personally show you to your quarters."
She said it with finality and he followed her willingly. Their trek led them through the most exquisite section of the palace before at last they entered a teleporter. He was speechless by what he saw. The room was spacious but not overly so with every part of the room being utilized in some fashion. Silk curtains were draped over the windows and he opened them to let the mid-afternoon light encompass the room. The bed was what stood out to him the most though as it was covered in an elaborate bedspread and an array of pillows that complimented each other nicely. Absorbing it all he wondered at the grandeur; Melia's private villa didn't even compare. He even thought about refusing before remembering who his host was. Bowing even lower than before he thanked her heartily for her hospitality, causing her to become flustered and insist he drop the formalities for the duration of his stay. He accepted as a smirk threatened to show on his features.
