Title: Finding Home
Chapter 1: Welcome back
Disclaimer: I do not own Star Ocean or any of the characters involved. I make no money from writing this story.
A/N: Revised June 2017.
"Lady Nel." The attendant, a young girl with a long blonde braid, bowed before her. "The queen will see you now." Nel fell into step behind her, allowing the attendant to lead her through hallways she could have walked in her sleep. The girl walked primly, hands clasped in front of her, heels echoing with each step. Nel studied the attendant, her own footfalls silent on the castle's marble floors.
The girl was new or new to the role. Nel made it a point to familiarize herself with anyone who might have regular contact with the Queen. She reminded Nel of Mirage, the blonde hair, the braid. Without question, the girl was from a noble family. Otherwise, she could never have the position, minor though it was, at court.
The young girl stopped once through the archway of the throne room. Nel moved smoothly past her, into the heart of the throne room. Nel came to a halt at the base of the steps. She knelt, head bowed, as she had done a hundred times before. "Your Majesty."
"Lady Nel. Welcome home."
"Thank you Your Majesty."
Magistrate Lasselle, never known for his patience, wasted no time asking for her report.
Nel lifted her gaze from the floor to address the Queen properly. "…After learning about our country's state of confusion, the noblemen of Greeton, where the damage was relatively minor, formed a conspiracy to take advantage of the situation."
"However, now that the Lord of Arzem has been stricken with an illness, the conspiracy is slowly dying out." Not that the conspiracy was ever much of a threat. The fears of another Greeton invasion, led by their Mechanized Corps, were completely unfounded. Greeton's nobility had no command over the country's military forces. For all the Lord of Arzem's lobbying the ruling powers of Greeton had little interest in Aquarian land or resources.
Though the mission had certainly seemed important when she set out.
"Is that so… This is very unfortunate for the Lord of Arzem but very fortunate for our country." The queen paused. "We have asked our citizens to suffer too much already. Now our Sacred Kingdom of Aquaria has lost even the ability to avoid useless conflicts. In the years to come, until our kingdom's strength has recovered, we will have to ask you to perform many difficult missions. We are counting on you."
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Nel dropped her eyes to the floor. The Queen always choose her words with painstaking care, allowing Lasselle to speak on more routine matters. It was the first time the cost of war or Aquaria's current state had been spoken of openly. "Please this goes without saying. I have yet to earn the honor of serving the Crimson Blade, but I will not betray Your Majesty's sacred trust. I will spare no efforts in these tasks."
The Magistrate ignored her, speaking directly to the Queen. "It would seem we can stop worrying about Greeton for a while and the situation with Airyglyph remains stable," Here Nel had her doubts. Peace treaty or not, it would be a long time before she trusted them. If not for the devastating losses to their own military forces, the Glyphians would be threatening their home even now. Lasselle continued "according to the Spectral Legion, everything is peaceful in the Sanmite region. So it would appear that domestic problems are our main concern…"
The Queen finally spoke, "We agree. We do not want to believe this, but the situation cannot be ignored."
"Domestic problems?" Nel prompted.
The Magistrate didn't seem to notice her breach of etiquette. "We just received a report from Clair. There is a sense of restlessness among certain wealthy merchants in Peterny." Restlessness among merchants? That wasn't much to go on. "You are to assign one appropriate person to handle this. We also plan to assign a member of the Chain Legion who is familiar with the local area to assist in this investigation."
Nel met the queen's solemn gaze, the decision made. "Understood. Very well, I will undertake this mission." It was never her place to question orders. Perhaps Clair was being overly cautious but what was the alternative? Either way, her friend's hands were already full with the relief efforts in Arias.
"Hmm, are you sure?" Lasselle regarded her with obviously feigned concern.
Before she could respond, the Queen intervened. "But Nel, you've just returned home. You must still be tired. Should you not assign this task to someone else?"
"Please your Majesty. I must do all I can for the kingdom." It was the least she could do to make up for abandoning her duties. While her efforts had helped save Elicoor (and the "universe", as her friends described it), she had left Clair and her subordinates to deal with the aftermath of the war without her. Not to mention she had disappeared from the face of the planet without even saying goodbye.
"This will not do." The queen's voice while gentle, brooked no argument. "Trusting the capabilities of one's subordinates and giving them appropriate tasks to build up experience… These are also the responsibilities of those who lead. Entrust this job to another." She finished in polite practiced tones.
Her request was likely anticipated.
"Her Majesty has spoken. You must send one of your subordinates." Now the redhead was certain. The Magistrate saw the growing frown on her face. "What… Don't tell me you're actually complaining about taking a few days off?" Where his concern had been false at least his annoyance was genuine.
Nel stared back coolly. "I will give the matter due consideration." She answered, voice flat.
The Magistrate ignored her tone. "In that case you are dismissed." Then, needlessly, he continued. "With the past war our country finds itself in dire need of the personnel it has left. Take good care of yourself."
Nel almost rolled her eyes. The life of court pleasantries...
"Thank you very much. Then, I will take my leave." Nel responded in kind, trying to make the words sound as hollow as the sentiment. Rising to her feet, she turned to leave the audience chamber.
As annoyed as she was, rest did sound appealing. The work in Greeton wasn't what anyone would call dangerous, or even demanding. Travel had been the greatest burden, even through Peterny's east gate, the most direct route to Greeton, it was a long trip. A full weeks' travel each way and she'd pushed herself hard to get back.
Nel had just exited the throne room when she passed another attendant, younger than the last with mousy hair, and behind her a familiar face.
"Lady Elena," she greeted with a smile. "You have an audience with the Her Majesty?"
"Lady Nel." The older woman came to a halt before her. She smiled brightly, in high spirits. "That's right. It's about the motor we're developing. It utilizes channeled force." The attendant had stopped as well but made no move to interrupt and kept a respectful distance from the noblewomen.
"I see…" Nel had long ago learned not to engage Lady Elena in technical matters. The conversations could go on for days.
Lady Elena was oblivious to her reservations. Or maybe she chose to ignore them. "You really must visit us." She paused studying Nel as she might one of her technological puzzles. "You've certainly been busy. I haven't seen you in quite some time. Be careful not to overdo it."
"I could say the same about you. Last I heard you were putting everything you had into your research." That was putting it mildly. Lady Elena was notorious for losing track of time, working through the night and well into the morning. Greeton wasn't "overdoing it", even if it had taken her away from the castle for over a month.
Lady Elena only shook her head. "I'm not young anymore. You should do things that only the young can do." Her tone was kind, if resigned. "Besides, I can't take all of the credit. Over the years I've learned to ask for help when necessary." The redhead tried not to take offense but several days' hard travel had left her short on patience. Lady Elena was also notorious for being quite frank. Nel knew her own reputation as a workaholic. (A reputation she had proudly earned.) Best to grin and bear it. "For example, Master Fayt's help has been invaluable. We've overhauled the design from the ground up and-"
"Fayt is here?" Nel interrupted. Last she'd heard he was working alongside Clair in Arias.
Lady Elena gave her knowing smile. "He's in the fabrication room. We ran into some challenges early on. I requested his assistance and he was kind enough to oblige me." Her smile grew. "We've made amazing progress. I hope to start the first phase of testing in a few weeks. We might-"
Time for a tactical retreat. "Forgive me, Lady Elena," she glanced at the anxiously waiting attendant. "But it wouldn't do to keep the queen waiting."
"Ah…You are right, of course. Good day Lady Nel."
Lady Elena was true to her word and Nel found her blue haired friend in the fabrication room, pouring over schematics on one of the workbenches. Fayt always stood out in a crowd. Nel didn't know how common blue hair was among his world but on Elicoor it was exceedingly rare and found only among the denizens of the Sanmite Republic.
Then there was his clothing. The room's other occupants wore some form of the standard runologist's uniform. Nel suspected Fayt's clothes had a definite Earth influence. They were simple clothes, a long sleeved surcoat, the same off-white as his old vest. It might have passed as a traditional Aquarian robe except that it was more streamlined, a single layer, ending just past the waist, with sleeves that didn't flare outwards at the wrists. He must have hired one of the local tailors. Also Fayt chose not to wear a skirt, a style that had long been accepted by the men of her country. (Lord Adray's insistence in walking around half naked was just a very strange personal quirk.) Instead, Fayt opted for a simple pair of dark blue pants.
It was good to see him settling into life at the castle. She'd grown used to seeing him without his armor. One couldn't be dressed for war all the time, especially without a war to fight. Nel did see a familiar blue scabbard across his back and the translator on his hip. The translator caught her attention most. He'd been going without it more and more since their return to Elicoor.
That was nearly four months ago. She'd been surprised when he'd asked for sanctuary. And relieved? Pleased, certainly.
For Fayt to make a home on Elicoor…
The Queen had granted his request, as if there was ever any doubt. The hero of the people, the savior of the kingdom, and the Arrow of Apris, and they didn't know the full scope of their adventure! Fayt had thanked them and promised to return in one month. Nel couldn't say why he'd left and since his return hadn't thought to ask, though it would be a lie to say some part of her hadn't feared he would change his mind. Only Fayt didn't change his mind. He returned, almost two weeks earlier than expected, determined to make a new life for himself.
One of the researchers caught sight of her, tapped Fayt on the shoulder and nodded towards the door. Fayt's green eyes found her own. A smile spread across his face. Before she knew it she was smiling back. Nel made her way towards him, mindful of the equipment littering the ground. The researcher shuffled awkwardly before excusing herself.
He met her halfway, "When did you get back?"
"Just now."
Fayt looked her over with exaggerated care. "Hmmm, you don't look any worse for wear. Did your mission go well?"
"Yes. Nothing exciting." Nel fought the urge to fidget with her scarf. Instead, she gestured to the assortment of equipment spread out over the fabrication room floor. In such a state, Fayt could have convinced a battle had been fought there. "Unlike what you have here."
"I know it looks chaotic now." He guided her to a pile of materials propped up against the far wall. Upon closer inspection she realized they were part of a single unit. An incomplete frame work composed of a round base and cylindrical rods set along its outer edge. Fayt gave her a brief overview of the project, the issues that had plagued them since the beginning. Nel followed along as best she could. Apparently the energy source was the easy part. Storing the energy, drawing out, and using that energy in a controlled manner, were the real challenges. "This is just a working model, for proof of concept."
"Obviously." She deadpanned. Nel gave the strange device another onceover. It could have been upside down for all she knew. She glanced at Fayt sidelong. How did it feel teaching her people technologies that were archaic by his own standards?
Fayt grinned at her. "Trust me. It's a big deal for the project."
"I do." The words were automatic.
"Pardon me. Lady Nel. Master Fayt." Another assistant, bowed respectfully. "Here is the sample you asked for."
Fayt took a small object from the man, a spool of wire. Fayt turned the coils over in his hands, frowning. "I'm concerned that the wiring won't stand up to the load."
Fayt called another assistant over. Nel hung back, trying to keep out of the way. The other assistant came over carrying some sort of measuring device. Two more passed by, in the middle of a heated argument. The whirlwind of activity made her feel more than a little out of place.
Nel glanced down at herself. She'd reported to the queen immediately upon her return, fresh from the road, covered in a layer of dust and sweat. A bath and a change of clothes were in order.
Fayt handed the coil back to the first researcher, they bowed and hurried off.
Now was as good a time as any to break away. "Fayt, I'll speak with you later. I have to report to the Queen about an upcoming mission." It was true enough even if that decision wasn't due until morning.
The blue haired man tilted his head to one side and regarded her thoughtfully. "You mean you're first instinct wasn't to immediately report to the queen?"
Some spy she was, caught in a lie. Nel Zelpher of the Crimson Blade wasn't about to admit that. "Couldn't be helped." She answered, her voice steady, the epitome of nonchalance.
One look at Fayt told her he wasn't convinced and his smile, amused and playful, caused a warmth to rise in her cheeks. Nel crossed her arms and lowered her face behind her scarf. "…I'll give you the details later." She assured him. "You'll attend the dinner service?"
Within the castle meals were always served in the great hall and as it was the end of the week, meaning a more formal ceremony would be held. Boring affairs where nobles went to discuss politics or simply to be seen in the presence of her Majesty. A long standing tradition, dispensed with during the war. So few of the nobility had remained in the capitol, choosing to tend to their own lands, making them impractical. Nel wasn't convinced of their practicality now, but they were a mainstay of the political landscape.
At least the food was good, better fare than you would find in any tavern in the city.
"…I'll see you there."
She noticed the hesitation, the slight tensing of his posture. Few people were as observant as she was and no one left on the planet knew Fayt half as well.
The instincts of a spymaster told her that it wasn't anything serious. Fayt was wary, probably about the timing. In her excitement Lady Elena would have everyone working late into the night and apparently saviors were no exception. Nel began to leave, pausing for a moment in the doorway. "Don't let Lady Elena keep you here too late." She teased.
The last thing she heard was Fayt sighing, tired or distracted. "Yeah, right."
Nel set out for her room for a towel and a robe. The dinner service was hours away and arriving fashionably late was a science all members of the nobility had long perfected, herself included. But the road home had been long. A hot soak sounded better than a hot meal. The ladies' bathing chambers were never a disappointment. Between castle Aquaria's endless supply of water and runological talents to heat it, the spa like conditions were the envy of the country.
Nel gave a heartfelt sigh as she lowered herself into one of the bathing pools. So early in the day, the bathing chambers were all but deserted. She closed her eyes and put the memories of the road far behind her. Lavender and eucalyptus teased her senses. A hint of chamomile? She'd have to call over a servant, have a pot of chamomile sent to her room. Later. For now, all that mattered was letting the hot water soak the tired muscles of her legs, her back. Two young women chatted, not so far away. Compared to the long and lonely journey home, their banter was pleasant.
Her thoughts drifted to Fayt, to his smile. Hopefully, Fayt's early departure from the lab wouldn't cause too much commotion. The engine was so obviously Lady Elena's latest obsession. To the... eccentric noblewoman, Fayt's technical acumen was a godsend. Nel smirked. Literally, according to some. Without a doubt, Fayt's absence would hinder the project.
It never occurred to her that she could have misread his reluctance…that her instincts might have been wrong.