Chapter 1: Beyond the Great Wall
His good mood managed to stay with him for the rest of the day, but as time went on, and still they received no further word from the Alliance on news at the Wall, it was starting to get to him. Not to mention that Alisaie was very interested in where he had been all night.
"I'm just saying," she teased lightly as he began to straighten notes and books on the nearby table for the third time in the last hour just so that he could something to keep his hands busy. "The way you went running out of here last night was as if a primal was at your heels. What was so urgent that you had to go out without as much as a word to the rest of us?"
He sighed as he was wondering if he could find some kind of mission that would send her to the ends of the world and out of his hair for a while.
"I have already apologized for that," he reminded her firmly. "There was just something that was on my mind and I needed an answer to. So, please let it go."
She frowned a little as she continued watching him. She didn't want to argue, yet at the same time she did. "Very well," she sighed with a shrug. "But know that we shall discuss this at some point in the future. Not sure when or where, but we will talk about it again. But I think that we can let it go for the time being in light of all that is happening. Tell me, is there any news on the state of Baelsar's Wall?"
Alphinaud was a little surprised that she let the matter go like that, but he was grateful for the change of subject as he shook his head. "Tataru decided to go out and do some more shopping," he answered, "I think that she's hard at work on a new project and was getting the finishing touches for it. But she is in constant contact with the Alliance. If there is news, she will be the first to know it."
Alisaie nodded, though her face hardened at the thought.
"Then, I suppose, there's not much else we can do about it but wait," she sighed. The two of them spent the rest of the day and even well into the night worrying about what was happening beyond that great Wall and just what their part in it would bring. Alphinaud did his best to remain optimistic, though fears and worries were settling into his stomach at the thought of what the Garleans could be planning for them next.
Right now, his worst fear was that they would somehow find Omega—which they still haven't heard any news on since it disappeared with that primal, whom everyone seemed content to call Shinyru. Sleep did not come easily to him that night as he could not shake from his mind the idea that the Imperials had somehow managed to locate Omega first. He knew that their own investigation was happening as they continued searching for the Allagan weapon, but there was no news on that either. And until they managed to gain control full of the Wall, then they would not be able to continue investigating since both primal and machine were lost somewhere in Gyr Abania.
Thankfully, the next day came much welcomed news and it would become their first step in liberating Ala Mhigo. He had woken up early that day and was wandering around the Rising Stones as worry continued to plague his mind.
He frowned at the idea as he muttered to himself, "The question is, how will the Empire respond to the disappearance of Omega and the primal...?"
They would not let this go, he was sure of that much. And he was willing to bet that they had already begun searching all over for any trace of those two god-like beings. The fact that they hadn't unleashed any new threats on Eorzea comforted him into believing that their investigation must have reached a dead end… for now anyway.
He was so lost in thought that he hadn't noticed that someone had just joined them. He had just looked up to see Claire there, startling him out of his grim thoughts.
"Oh, I didn't see you there," he said in surprise. "Forgive me. Word from Baelsar's Wall is proving long in the coming, and my mind cannot help but stray to grim places."
She was as light-footed as any Shinobi and he really wished that she would stop sneaking up on him like that. She merely smiled playfully, as if she knew full well how much he hated it when she surprised him like that. Yet, as usual, his fears seemed to fade slightly when he saw her there and he felt much more at ease. He gazed at his sister out of the corner of his eyes, who was watching them with mild curiosity, and was about to ask if he could speak with Claire privately in the Solar… but before he could even begin to form the question in his mind, the front doors opened.
They looked up at once to see Tataru running in, a tightly rolled up message was being held in her hands before she skidded to a halt in front of them.
"Alphinaud!" she cried as she held the scroll up for him urgently, "A message from the Alliance!"
He was immediately on alert, his eyes fixed on the message as thoughts rolled in his head on what it could possibly be about.
"It's about time!" he said at once before he asked of Tataru, "Pray summon the others at once."
"Yes, sir!" she agreed at once. She handed him the message before she began to contact Thancred, Urianger, Y'shtola, Lyse, and Krile. Alphinaud then told her to tell them that they would be waiting for them in the Solar to discuss the news when they arrived.
Both women were silent as he read and re-read the message when they stepped inside the Solar. After a few long moments, Alisaie was the one who broke the silence.
"Well?" she asked impatiently, "What does it say?"
"I suppose that it could be worse news," he answered back honestly. "We can wait until the others arrive. But I think that we will all be pleased at this new information however."
He looked up at Claire and when her eyes met his, he suddenly felt his cheeks turning red again the last time that they were together. She was smiling softly at him, as though, she too, knew just what he was thinking of. He wanted so badly to speak with her more on what their… 'relationship' was at this point… however he knew that they would have to wait for that. She seemed to understand though, for she gave a silent nod to him, reassuring him that she understood full well that there would be time to talk later.
He nodded back grimly as Alisaie looked between the two of them, her eyes full of suspicion, but perhaps the faintest hint of a smile tugging at her lips.
Alphinaud didn't notice this, of course, and the matter passed quickly as Tataru soon arrived with Lyse, Krile, and Y'shtola right behind her.
"Look who's here!" she said proudly. "They were all ready to go! In fact, Lyse had already teleported back before I even finished telling her that we got the message."
"I knew that it had to be important," Yda—or rather Lyse—answered at once. "What news of the Wall? Have we made any progress?"
"Patience Lyse," he said to her, finding it strange to be using a different name after having been calling her Yda for so long now. "I'll explain everything once Thancred and Urianger join us. Which shouldn't be much longer."
He was glad that he was right. Lyse looked ready to start bouncing off the walls as she paced the room impatiently—but thankfully, Tataru came back with Thancred and Urianger in just ten minutes. Now that they were all gathered, he went over the message one last time before he faced the room.
The news was as good as they could have hoped for and he smiled as he informed them all, "...General Aldynn reports that his forces have secured the breach in Baelsar's Wall."
As expected, there were excited smiles and Lyse looked ready to start cheering at that moment when she learned the news.
Y'shtola was also smiling, but it faded slightly before asking in concern, "And what of the primal and Omega?"
Ah, yes, they had mentioned that in the message as well. The letter had come from Raubahn personally and he penned the note saying that thanks to the combined forces of the Alliance, they had managed to seize the Wall with little trouble. However, as of yet, there were no news of Omega or any primal activity, but he had a special force already looking into it. Right now, the biggest problem was that they were slowly going to start their march east to recapture more land of Gyr Abania… before they could do that, however there was a problem that they first must address.
"There is still no sign of either at this time. He writes that they will begin a more thorough investigation shortly..." he reassured them before turning to the biggest reason why he petitioned their aid. "And, as expected, he wishes to petition the aid of the Scions of the Seventh Dawn."
"As expected?" Yda… or Lyse, it might take a while to get used to that, repeated in confusion.
"The Alliance's decision to capture a part of Baelsar's Wall is...open to interpretation," he answered her honestly. He knew that the Alliance had always wished to reclaim their sister nation from the Imperials, but things were not so simple as to simple go marching off to war. After all, if it had been that simple, they would have reclaimed the land long ago.
Ilberd had forced their hands in this matter. He had started a small war on the other side of the Wall with the Imperials, right at Gridania's doorstep and forcing the Alliance to make a decision. To finish what was begun and retake the Wall and therefore Ala Mhigo, thus leaving it as declaration of war? Or do nothing and hope that the Ilberials don't retaliate.
Lyse frowned heavily at that as she thought over his words. Alisaie saw this and clarified what the problem was.
"The Wall serves to demarcate imperial territory, Ala Mhigo included, from the rest of Eorzea," she simplified. "To an observer, the Alliance's actions could be seen as a prelude to invasion."
He nodded in agreement. They wished to march and reclaim Ala Mhigo and force the Empire out of Eorzea once and for all, but it wasn't clear if they were ready for a possible war on the horizon. Even with the united forces of the other four nations, it was doubtful that they would stand a real chance against the Garleans… and so invading is not their first thought at the moment. At least, not without some help.
"Indeed," he answered. "And the Alliance leaders have no wish to be branded invaders."
"You're saying they won't fight for Ala Mhigo?" Lyse demanded angrily, taking a step forward and grinding her teeth together at hearing this, "Even after everything that's happened?"
"Not without the consent of her people, no," he answered back quickly and calmly. He understood her anger, of course he did. However, she must remain calm and think it over. As much as they wanted to help the Ala Mhigan people they couldn't take the idea of a war lightly. He remembered how she was thirsty for action while they were trying to make it to the Wall and stop Ilberd from his blood recourse. She may have been ready to fight and die for Ala Mhigo, but there were many others who weren't and he wanted her to remember that.
"Make no mistake, Lyse ─ the Alliance is in complete agreement that the Empire must be purged from Eorzea," he reassured her. "However, they will not set foot in Gyr Abania until they have formally secured the consent and cooperation of the Ala Mhigan opposition."
All in all, he thought it a fair and understandable compromise. Rather than being declared invaders, they would be aiding the Resistance in reclaiming their homeland.
Y'shtola folded her arms as she asked, guessing what was being asked of them, "...They would have us act as intermediaries?"
"Precisely," he answered back. "The Scions are uniquely qualified to serve in this capacity ─ that is to say, Lyse is, given her personal connection to the Resistance." He looked back at Lyse and added, "Who better than you to broker an agreement between the Alliance and the people of Ala Mhigo? ...Assuming you are willing, of course?"
Oh, he already knew her answer. But he thought it only proper for her to make her own decision. She looked startled at that and shut her eyes for a moment, as if she couldn't believe that this was really happening. When she opened them again, he could see a new fire blazing inside her as she said firmly, "Of course I am! You know I'd like nothing more!"
He looked on at her before he smiled with a quiet nod. Good to hear that she was raring to go. However, he also knew that while there was almost no other who matched her in enthusiasm, her diplomatic skills were… lacking at best.
"As for who should accompany you on said diplomatic mission... I had a mind to volunteer myself," he offered. No one objected to that, which he was glad for.
"Well, that covers the talking part," Lyse said as she looked over at Claire and asked imploringly, "But you just know there'll be trouble along the way. Are you available?"
Alphinaud could hear perhaps a little guilt in her voice, and he wondered if it had something to do with lying to them about who she really was, and was worried that she would refuse for that. But Claire, who seemed to have already brushed aside the lie, merely answered back as she punched her hands together as she said, "As if you have to ask."
Any anxiety in Lyse's face faded to be replaced with a relieved smile.
"Thanks," she said sincerely. "It means a lot, knowing you'll be there."
So that was the three of them. At least until…?
"I too shall accompany you," Y'shtola volunteered, "Such endeavors are seldom hampered by a surfeit of healers."
"Good point!" Krile agreed at once. "Allow me to offer my services as well."
So the five of them then. He was about to suggest that someone stay to keep an eye on things here, but that was when he got another surprise.
"I have spent quite enough time here of late, so I'll be coming," Alisaie said firmly, "but we will need someone to keep an eye on things." She then looked to Urianger and added, "I trust you have no objections?"
Urianger, solemn as ever, merely bowed low as he reassured her, "None, my lady. Gladly shall I continue to serve as caretaker of the Waking Sands, and there keep watch for signs of primal and Ascian activity both."
Alphinaud was glad for that. He was aware that they couldn't all go, and they needed at least some of them here to keep an eye on things and to remain in contact with the rest of Eorzea while they were away. So Urianger would keep watch over the Waking Sands, and Tataru was more than capable of keeping an eye on the Rising Stones. As for Thancred…?
"As capable as my learned friend undoubtedly is, there are some troubles that may prove too much for a single Scion ─ on account of which, I mean to stay," Thancred said agreeably, possibly seeing that more than enough people were already bound for Gyr Abania. This all worked out surprisingly well and he looked at them all fondly.
"It is settled, then," he told them all. "Let us each see to our preparations."
They all nodded and left the room together. Already the Rising Stones was filled with noise as they began resupplying and packing for their tasks. He had plenty of experience travelling while he was in Ishgard, and made sure to pack lightly—already prepared in no time at all. As he looked around at everyone, he spotted that Tataru was quickly putting some pieces of clothing together with what looked like leather bands as she spoke with Claire.
"You remember M'naago, don't you?" she said to her. "The messenger who brought word of the Griffin's attack on Baelsar's Wall? Well, she left not long ago, having made a full recovery. If you see her in Gyr Abania, be sure to send my love!"
Ah, yes, he wondered about that. He had been surprised to hear that their guest had recovered enough to feel like she was up for the journey back through to Gyr Abania. He hoped that they would be given a chance to see how she faired—he knew that she was in the best of care thanks to Krile and Tataru treating her injuries—though he had wished she remained behind long enough to tell them a little more about the Resistance.
Alisaie, who also had plenty of practice of travelling the land, soon appeared at his side.
"There's no going back once we cross this bridge ─ and the gods only know what awaits us on the other side," Alisaie reminded him.
"Indeed," he agreed, "Why don't you get the others and we'll leave when they get here? I think that Krile is also bringing medicines and antidotes with us; and I believe that Y'shtola is giving some orders to Riol to keep an eye on things."
Alisaie raised her eyebrows at him, and he knew that she never did like it when he told her what to do, but she shrugged, and went off without another word. He had a feeling that she was so glad to be given a task to do that she would let him off with giving her orders here.
As she left, he heard Lyse speaking with Claire this time. There was a slight shake in her voice as she spoke though as she said, "So, it's finally happening... Don't tell anyone, but I'm feeling a little bit nervous. Only a bit, mind. I'll be fine once we get going...Hopefully."
Knowing that he wasn't to have supposed to hear that, he said nothing as he approached her, Claire, and Tataru. When Claire looked up, he asked, "Ready, my friend?"
She nodded. Naturally, of course. She was the first one ready to go and was simply waiting for the rest of them. She smiled back at her before he looked back down at Tataru and finished, "Well, then. Tataru ─ I leave the Rising Stones in your capable hands."
"Don't worry, Alphinaud!" she promised him brightly as she grinned at them all. "I'll see that the place is still standing when you come back!"
Well, there was not much else for them to do but head out. They would first need to make it to the East Shroud and then…? But before he finish making the journey in his mind, something new caught his attention, this time in the form of Yugiri and Gosetsu. The two of them had been staying here at the Rising Stones for the last few days, and he was under the impression that they were busy discussing something of importance.
He seemed to have been right, for there was now a new kind of determination in both of their eyes when they approached them.
"Mistress Y'shtola has unfolded all. You are bound for Gyr Abania?" Yugiri said as Gosetsu nodded next to her.
"Aye," Alphinaud confirmed for them both. "The Alliance would have us make contact with the Ala Mhigan Resistance as soon as possible."
"It begins, then ─ as soon it shall in Doma, if the gods are good," she sighed, looking down a little with guilt, "'Tis but a pity that it must be now. I am sorry that we shall not be present to fight beside you in the battles to come..."
He was surprised at that. Now he knew that the time would soon come for her to leave, he knew it since the moment that Gosetsu walked through the doors and asked for her to accompany him back to Doma. It was just a surprise that the time had come now. But he understood. She was needed back in Doma and so he reassured her, "You have stood with us countless times, Lady Yugiri. Pray do not apologize."
Truly, they should be here to thank her for all the help they offered them in the past, her and the other Shinobi. She smiled back at his kind words and added, "Then let us thank you instead. You and yours stood with us from the first, when we came to this land as refugees in search of sanctuary. Loath am I to think what might have become of my people had you not extended to us the hand of friendship. We will never forget ─ this I solemnly swear."
That seemed so long ago, didn't it? He remembered when they first met, and how he didn't even know what she looked like for she had worn that mask over her face. He remembered how all the help she had given them since then, such as when she rescued Tataru after they fled from Ul'dah, and it was thanks to her and the Shinobi that they rescued Raubahn from being executed. He wished that they could continue on their journey together, but they all must go where they were needed most.
"Much has changed since first you set foot on these shores. Revenant's Toll stands as a testament to that. I am sure your people will manage in your absence," letting her know that her people were in good hands here.
"Indeed," she agreed thankfully as Gosetsu nodded again in full agreement, a bright smile on his face as he looked at them all. "They have built a new home for themselves, and no longer need me to shepherd them. The time has come for Gosetsu and I to return to our master ─ to our home."
"I know how you feel," Lyse spoke up suddenly, her head down low, seemingly speaking more to herself than to Yugiri. "It's time I went home too..."
"Though our battlefields be a thousand malms apart, our purpose is one!" Gosetsu replied in his loud voice, causing Lyse to look up. "Let all men hearken to the clarion call of freedom ─ of liberation ─ from Eorzea to the Far East, that they may rise up and cast down the curs of Garlemald!"
Well said indeed. And his words seemed to cheer Lyse up greatly as she grinned slightly.
"Take care, you hear me?" she told them both firmly. "When all of this is over, we're going to celebrate ─ together ─ just you wait!"
"I should like that very much," Yugiri said with a kind smile. "Fare you well."
Both of them bowed low before they bid their farewells. But before they stepped out, Yugiri looked over at Claire and added, "Take care of everyone here, my friend. I hope we meet again soon."
Claire smiled and gave her an encouraging nod before the two of them left. It was a sad thing to see them go, but he wished them well. They stood and watched them until they were out of sight, though he reminded himself that this wasn't the end. They would all meet again someday, hopefully it will be when both of their nations were free from the Empire.
That really would be something to celebrate.
Alisaie returned just then with both Krile and Y'shtola, both ready to go as well.
"A thousand malms apart, yet united in purpose..." he repeated to himself as they gathered—Urianger and Thancred both having left so it would just be Tataru to see them off. "Let us pray both our endeavors meet with success. Shall we, then?"
They all nodded, and were just heading to the door—but Lyse hadn't even taken more than a few steps before Tataru went running in and blocked her.
"Wait, wait, not just yet! I knew I'd forgotten something important!" Tataru said excitedly. "Lyse, could you come with me?"
Lyse was startled at this and asked, "...Me? What, now? Um...all right, then. If you insist..."
Tataru then grabbed her by the hand and led her away from the group. They all looked at each other in minor surprise, but that was when Alphinaud got a sneaking suspicion of what Tataru was up to this time.
And he was right, for when Lyse came back, she was sporting her new clothes that Tataru had clearly worked on for her. She was already posing and throwing out punches in the air as she grinned the whole while.
"Heh heh heh..." she laughed proudly as she posed for them all, "What do you think?"
"As you can see, I designed it to be light and loose ─ an outfit tailor-made to the needs of a skilled fighter like Lyse," Tataru said brightly as she reappeared at Lyse's side.
"Your work never ceases to impress," Alphinaud said fondly. "Much more of this, and I may have to stop introducing you as the Scion's receptionist and start referring to you as our preeminent seamstress..."
Really, he could imagine her opening up her own store and selling her own designs. Of course, knowing her, she'd probably go through with it in a heartbeat if they informed her of this and work until she dropped. He didn't mention it yet for he feared she may actually go off and do it and she had enough to worry about with everything that was happening here.
"It's lovely, Tataru. Thank you. I feel like I could take on a legion..." Lyse said happily.
"I'm glad you like it," Tataru informed them all warmly as she began to wave them off. "And with that, I'll delay you no longer. Safe travels!"
With everything they needed done finished here for now, he turned to the others and informed them that their first stop will be at Amarissaix's Spire in the East Shroud. They would have a guard on hand who will be able to take them over the Wall and into Gyr Abania. They left together, heading straight through the lands of Coerthas and heading down south where the winds and cold snow quickly turned warm and full of greenery as they reached the edge of the Twelveswood. Claire slowly strolled on ahead, as if making sure that the pathway was safe for them, though he was wishing that she was next to them.
For more reasons than one…
Lyse seemed to be perfectly at ease when they were surrounded by the trees when they were passing through the North Shroud, yet there was also a sad air about her. He supposed that was to be expected, having spent so much time here before with Papalymo. Being here may have brought back a lot of memories for her… he at least hoped that they were good ones.
And it was perhaps of her gloomy air that Krile picked up on Lyse's feelings because, without warning, she turned to him and asked in a teasing way, "So, Alphinaud. Tell me, how does it feel to be travelling with a host of beautiful, young ladies?"
He jumped at the question.
"W-What are you talking about?" he asked nervously.
"What? You think we're not lovely?" Alisaie smirked at that, catching on to Krile's plan. "I thought that you were more of a gentleman. Or has your time fighting on the battlefield robbed you of your manners?"
"Stop!" he yelled, feeling the need to go hide under a rock or something. "Please, why are you all doing this?"
"Just passing the time, Alphinaud dear," Krile smiled at him, looking a little more apologetic this time. "You should know just how beloved you are by all of us. It's just that you make it so easy and your reactions are always the best. If nothing else, it cheered everyone up. And speaking of beloved, how are things going on between you and…?"
"Fine, it's just fine," he snapped back, "But there's nothing happening between us. I told you that before."
"Ok, let us stop before his face is forever stained red," Krile chuckled. "Apologies, Alphinaud."
"Wait! What?!" Lyse asked with wide eyes at that last remark. "What are you talking about with his 'beloved'? That's the first I heard of it!"
"Don't you know?" Alisaie asked her grinning, "My dear brother harbors a deep affection for…?"
"It's nothing!" Alphinaud barked at them and before he could stop himself, he went running on ahead so that he could walk with Claire, leaving Krile and Alisaie to grin after him when they watched him walk besides her.
*Alisaie's POV*
"Perhaps you went a little too far," Y'shtola sighed. "We'll apologize for that when we arrive."
"I suppose. But, now that I look at it, I think that it's better this way," Alisaie smiled as she watched him speaking to Claire, who patiently listened to him.
"I don't get it," Lyse said with a frown, still looking confused. "What do you all mean by his beloved? You mean he's got a girl? When did that happen?"
"Right, you didn't rejoin us until recently," Y'shtola said as she thought about it, "And even after being with us for a while, you hadn't spent much time listening to Tataru. I, myself, wasn't sure about it until she told me while I was in Ishgard."
"The fact is that he's been holding onto very special feelings for a lovely young lady for some time now," Krile smiled. "As for their relationship right now though? It's hard to say. Do either of you two know anything about it?"
"Not as of recently," Y'shtola confessed as she looked on ahead with those empty eyes. "He doesn't seem to act any differently around her. But at the same time, it's different than it was before. He certainly seems to come to life whenever she's around."
"I noticed that too," Alisaie smiled warmly at the thought. "From someone who grew up with him, I can tell you just how surprised I am to see how affectionate he is with her. But yes, I agree in that there doesn't seem to be much more to their relationship than that. I shall have to get an answer out of him whenever I get the chance."
Lyse scratched her head as she asked, "But who are you talking about? Who is this girl of his…? Did he meet her while he, Claire, and Tataru were all up in Ishgard?"
"That's… debatable," Alisaie said slowly as she watched the two ahead of them. They were too far away to hear what they were saying, but whatever it was, Claire was speaking to him now. He had chuckled at whatever it was that she said, and when he stopped, he saw his face melt into such a loving smiling that she felt her heart melt at the sight of it.
She had to believe that Claire must know something of his feelings after all this time, right? His expression clearly said it all right here. Yet she didn't even know if he ever found the courage to tell her how he felt, and just what he was waiting for. Then again, they were heading off into a war-torn land, so who can say what was waiting for them?
Now that she wondered about it, would it have been cruel for him to tell her only for something to happen? If something ever happened to her…? She frowned a little at the thought. If something ever were to happen to the Warrior of Light, she feared that her brother would never recover from it. Mayhaps none of them ever would.
"Alisaie?" Lyse asked with her head tilted a little.
"Sorry, what were you saying?" Alisaie asked as she came out of her thoughts.
"I was just asking who this girl is?" Lyse pressed on. "Can I at least have a name? Do I know her? What's she like?"
"Oh, she's special," Alisaie said evasively. "I'll let you figure out the rest though. But all in all, I don't think that there's anything between them right at the moment. It's sad, but with our… ah… chosen careers, it may make such a thing difficult. But… I suggest that we focus more on Ala Mhigo than teasing my brother."
"Did I just hear you correctly? Krile said in surprise. "I always thought that you poking fun at your brother was your favorite way to pass time."
"Oh, it still is," Alisaie reassured her. "And I never pass up an opportunity to give him a hard time. But for now, I think that we must focus on where we're going…" her eyes were on the back of Claire's head as she finished, "And try to keep everyone alive and safe."
Krile frowned a little before she looked up to see what she was looking at. When she spotted the couple ahead of them, she seemed to understand.
"Very well," she nodded. "We'll start being more serious. And we'll only tease Alphinaud once in a while."
"I suppose that we can all live with that," Y'shtola agreed.
"Ok, now I really wanna know what you all are talking about," Lyse said with a pout. "Maybe I should ask Claire and see if she's more willing to give me an answer."
"Don't bother her with something like this," Y'shtola told her kindly, fighting to keep the smile off her face at the innocent suggestion. "We should be more focused on helping you to liberate Ala Mhigo anyway. We'll leave Alphinaud to discover the best road to take from here."
Lyse looked like she wanted to keep asking questions, but she nodded, knowing that she had to give it her all to free her people from the Garleans. It wasn't going to be easy, so she would have to work harder than she ever had. She decided that she would wait until after all of this before she would bring the matter up again. She couldn't believe that the little diplomat like Alphinaud would have found someone like that! She wondered who she was?
*Alphinaud's POV*
"Don't worry," Claire told him as they kept walking forward, "I think that they changed the subject."
"I wish I had such good hearing," he sighed. "I can't believe they would be bringing the matter up now, of all times. Still, I can't help but wonder… just what do we call this?"
She looked sadly down at him as he went on, "I mean, it's not like we're actually in a relationship, is it? We both agreed that it's best not to tell anyone else for now, but… I don't like it." He thought it over for a few moments before confessing, "I almost want to tell them just so they stop asking… but I have a bad feeling that would only make things worse."
"How about… we visit Ala Mhigo first?" she suggested. "And when we next get a chance to relax, we discuss it then? For now, we are simply…?"
"…Friends," he finished for her grimly. He knew that this was the best option for them right now, but he couldn't say that he was happy about it.
"Next time we get a chance alone, we'll talk about it," he promised her and she nodded softly before he changed the subject—not wishing to dwell on it any longer.
They continued on like this the rest of the journey through the Black Shroud until they reached the East Shroud. Alphinaud moved on ahead to lead them directly to Amarissaix's Spire, where he was told they would have a guide led them beyond the Wall. Once they were here, he and the others all looked instinctively to the sky, which once held the glowing sphere. There were almost no signs of the cage but…?
Y'shtola was looking around—but it was in a strange way, almost like she was a some wild creature sniffing about for a strange smell.
"Though it may not be apparent to the naked eye, the aether here is in turmoil," she said worriedly. "Not since the Calamity has this land been subjected to forces of the magnitude unleashed by Shinryu and Omega."
"Was it always his plan to sacrifice his life to complete the ritual?" Krile asked with a grave look to the sky, like she was worried that Shinryu or Omega would appear at that second. "To bring forth the arbiter of his vengeance, but not remain to see the aftermath?"
It was possible. Alphinaud remembered how he had once proclaimed that there wasn't anything that he would not give to retake Ala Mhigo, so the fact that he was willing to die in order to summon forth that creature wasn't an impossible theory. He felt sick inside at the thought, wondering just what it was that they were to do now to clean up the mess that he left for them.
"Papalymo had to know it would only be temporary. If Grandfather couldn't contain Bahamut with the power of a thousand thousand prayers, then what chance did his disciple stand, armed only with a broken staff..." Alisaie pointed out softly.
They were careful to say this out of Lyse's earshot though, who was only a short distance away and was staring up at the sky with a longing look on her face. As if she looked hard enough, she would see her dear friend again.
But to avoid causing any unnecessary problems, he merely mentioned that if they had anything else that needed to be done before going, now was the time to do it. Y'shtola requested a moment just so that she could contact Tataru and Riol, just letting them know that they arrived safely at the Wall and that they should contact her again should anything happen.
While they waited, he and Claire approached the Serpent Officer who stood on guard at the foot of the spire. He assured them that the Alliance now held control over the Wall and that they were to cross at their leisure.
Alphinaud looked to her and said, "All are present and accounted for. When you are ready, my friend, pray inform the officer that we wish to proceed into Gyr Abania. We should depart as soon as possible ─ for Lyse's sake. Staring at the Wall will do little to improve her state of mind."
They both looked back at Lyse, who was still staring up at the sky and he felt his heart going out to her. He wished that there was some way that they could help, but he knew better. It would take time for her to accept what happened to Papalymo… if only they had some kind of memento from him? Something that she could hold onto as a keepsake like with her sister's mask.
Thankfully, Y'shtola's call was short and they informed the officer they were ready. He led them through the complicated workings of the wall. They passed through the long metal hallways and contraptions that looked like it would take a legion to keep this place running.
"Gods I always hated this ugly metal," Lyse couldn't help but say in disgust as she glared around at the structure like it had personally offended her. "How can the Garleans like something like this? Seriously, these guys need loud, clunking moving platforms for everything? What? Are stairs too primitive for them?"
She continued complaining, but she mostly did it under her breath before they reached the exit and were out in the open air again. He looked around, seeing the lands of Gyr Abania for the first time and he couldn't help but feel anxiety inside him at the thought of going somewhere new like this. Still, he felt much more at ease with his fellow Scions at his side as they walked onwards. The Wall and the rest of the Twelveswood were all directly behind them as all around them were tall metal structures, with whatever was left over from the Garleans before they were forced out. Already the Alliance had moved in and he could see men and women from the other four nations walking about.
"So this is the East End. Not too different from the rest of the Shroud, is it? Though, truth be told, I'm not sure why I thought it would be," Alisaie said in interest as she looked to the main exit that led out into the lands beyond. It was hard to tell from here, but he could already see towering trees, and though he knew that they were on the edge of the Twelveswood, he was beginning to feel like they had stepped into a new world.
"The Alliance has done well to repurpose these imperial facilities for their own use so quickly," Y'shtola said as she looked around at how the Alliance soldiers were either standing on guard or going through supplies and records of whatever else they found here.
"Quite an atmosphere here, isn't there?" Krile asked with great interest. "Everyone seems to be on pins and needles... though one can hardly blame them, given recent events."
No, he would have been more surprised if they were all calm and at ease. Still no signs of the Garleans, Omega, or Shinyru… but who knew how long this shaky peace would last? These lands still, technically, belonged to the Empire at the moment. He could almost taste the anxiety in the air.
After walking a few more Yalms, they spotted Raubahn there, speaking to some of his commanding officers at a war table that had been set up underneath a tent.
"The General's in high spirits, don't you think? I know the feeling!" Lyse said happily as she went running off towards the table, where the General spotted her and they were already exchanging words of greetings.
But Alphinaud was a little slower to approach as he continued looking around at everyone hard at work. There was a lump rising in his throat, though at first he wasn't sure what it was that was causing it. At least until Claire touched his shoulder and asked him if there was anything wrong.
No, nothing was wrong, quite the opposite. He turned to her, a smile on his face as he said, "To see the colors of so many nations ─ Limsa Lominsa, Gridania, Ul'dah, and now Ishgard─well nigh brings a tear to my eye... We have much to be proud of, Claire."
She smiled back and when he saw it, he had to fight the impulse to kiss her again. He did his best to hide it as they joined the others at the war table, and Raubahn beamed at the sight of them all there.
"Greetings, Scions," he said in an surprisingly upbeat tone. "On behalf of the Eorzean Alliance, I welcome you to Castrum Oriens."
"Thank you, General," Alphinaud said, already going straight down to business, "We were relieved to hear that your forces secured the Wall without incident. Have the imperials made any attempt to retake the castrum since then?"
Though they had only recently gained control of the Castrum, he couldn't help but worry for everyone here. If he had a better idea of the issues happening here, they might be able to figure out more ways they could prevent something happening.
"None," Raubahn admitted, and he sounded a little suspicious himself at the lack of fighting going on. "Save for a few skirmishes between our scouts and their patrols, we've had barely any contact with them. But we all know it's only a matter of time before things escalate. As if attacking Baelsar's Wall weren't enough, Ilberd summoned a primal right on their doorstep ─ and Garlemald is not like to let such shows of defiance go unanswered."
To be honest, Alphinaud had expected this, more or less. He was sure that the damage that had been done here must have been severe for it had been directly underneath the battle that took place between Omega and the primal. In fact, at a second look around, he could see more of the destruction around them—and he suspected that perhaps the Garleans didn't feel that it was worth protecting at the moment with all the damage it took. He could imagine why the Imperials might not feel the need to be risking their resources into retaking this small castrum when they could be used elsewhere. They would have to let it go in spite of all that had happened, at least for the moment. Though he was sure that once they regrouped, it would only be a matter of time before they continued their march towards Eorzea.
"'Twas a declaration of war, even if it was not Ilberd's to make. And now we are bound by it, for weal or for woe," Alphinaud sighed, guilt still inside him at the thought of him. After all, Ilberd had once been part of his Crystal Braves and he could not help but feel somewhat responsible for everything that happened. He knew that Ilberd had made his choice, and though no one had blamed him for what happened, he couldn't help but feel that he could have done something. Not only that, but he had also been there when he fell from the Wall and finished his accursed ritual. He was determine to do something to make up for all of that.
He cleared his throat as he finished, "The Scions stand ready to serve, General. What would you ask of us?"
Raubahn nodded, looking relieved at his words before he informed them, "As stated in my message, the Alliance will not proceed without the support and cooperation of the Ala Mhigan people. We would have you serve as our emissaries and make contact with the Resistance."
"Consider it done, General. We won't let you down, I swear," Lyse said at once, gesturing herself eagerly, and he smiled at her enthusiasm.
"Then I'll leave you to it," the General answered approvingly. "Godsspeed!"
That was easily dealt with, but just as they were getting ready to leave, another familiar voice spoke up, "Hah! Of all the castra in all the world, you walk into mine."
He looked up, and was startled to see Cid, of all people, walking up towards them with that same old smile on his face.
"Master Garlond!" he cried out in great surprise, having not seen him since their last gathering at the Lotus Stand. "What brings you here?"
"A certain missing Allagan weapon and draconic primal," Cid explained with a shrug as if it was obvious from the start. "Omega and ─ Shinryu, I think the shinobi called it? Anyway, we've been studying their trail of destruction, hoping it might lead us somewhere ─ which it has singularly failed to do."
A pityhowever, to be fair, he wasn't sure what he would have done if they told them that they had found their wayward Allagan weapon and draconic primal. Though as much as he would like to imagine that both were simply destroyed by the other in the battle, he wasn't that same naïve child that he had been when he thought up the Crystal Braves.
"Then 'tis like Omega fell to earth in occupied territory...meaning it may already be in imperial hands," Raubahn said in worry.
"Even so, it bears repeating that we engaged the stasis systems," Cid said firmly, who seemed determined to hang onto this thought that even if the Garleans had got their hands on Omega, they couldn't use it against them.
"Assuming the command was received and executed successfully, the weapon will be of no use to them. Assuming," Cid confessed grimly. "We should hurry up and find it, regardless."
"All the more reason to reach out to the Resistance," Raubahn said at once. "If we want to press on into Gyr Abania, we'll need their blessing."
Alphinaud nodded in full agreement, hoping that those who knew these lands better than anyone, would be able to help them with this problem. He hoped that they would be open to meeting with them.
"Everyone's counting on us. Let's not waste any more time talking!" Lyse said, looking ready to march out right now. She pulled them away from the table and towards the exit that revealed a steep incline that was filled with trees of bright colors that reminded him of autumn. Still, this land was filled with Garleans, and he hated to imagine what they would do should they encounter a patrol. Lyse seemed to be thinking of the same thing as she began reassure them.
"As you've probably heard, there are plenty of factions in the Resistance, so I'm taking us to see the one with the most influence," she explained. "Their headquarters are located in a place called Rhalgr's Reach ─ an old temple, to the east of here, across the Velodyna River. I learned a route that should allow us to avoid imperial patrols. Stick with me and we'll be there before you know it!"
They let her take the lead. She led the way out of Castrum Oriens, and into East End, where she explained was part of Gyr Abania was known as The Fringes. Beyond the castrum he could see a seemingly endless mountain range and desert, there were trees of every color scattered here and there. They passed by strange plant-like creatures, such as moving trees that towered over them with golden eyes, and squat blowing fiends that tried to attack them with their long tentacle-like feelers.
Otherwise though, they made their way surprisingly quietly. No one spoke again as they crossed over a bridge that held a babbling brook and headed downwards towards another steep hill. Surpassingly, it was Claire who broke the silence first.
"What do you think happened to Shinryu and Omega?" she asked them as they took care to keep their footing on this uneven ground.
"If anyone can determine the fate of Shinryu and Omega, it's Master Garlond. For now, let us remain focused on our current mission," Alisaie reassured her, and though he agreed, he couldn't help but worry about it as well.
"Were Omega not a threat to us all, its effectiveness in subduing draconic foes would seem almost admirable," Y'shtola spoke up thoughtfully. "But such weapons are doomed to be misused. Let us pray we never have need of its services again."
Assuming they could find the darn thing. He found it hard to believe that a weapon of that size could simply disappear without a trace.
Krile however was looking at Claire as she scolded, "I do hope you're not thinking about running off to help Master Garlond. It is not your duty to solve all of the world's problems, you know!"
Well, that was something that they agreed on. She had enough to worry about without adding Omega and, yet another, primal to her already large workload. She needed a break from saving the world once in a while too didn't she?
"At the risk of upsetting the cartographic fraternity, I can't help observing that 'East End' depends entirely on one's perspective. I mean, people don't even think of it as Gridania anymore, do they?" Krile went on, trying to change the subject.
"They call it East End because it marks the end of the Black Shroud. Note the sparser vegetation," he explained, having taken to heart much of what he learned from those books he got from the library.
Lyse remained on guard as she led them across another bridge before pointing in the distance. As he looked to see what it was that caught her attention, he spotted a massive stone bridge and walkway a fair distance away that stood beneath another Garlean tower. One thing had to be said about the Garleans… they weren't shy of making their mark on the world.
"The bridge over the Velodyna River has always held great strategic importance, hence the Garleans' decision to transform it into a fortified installation," he said, reminding them of the matter at hand. "Needless to say, we will not be crossing there."
"On your guard," Y'shtola warned. "The imperials know these lands better than we."
"It's so quiet. Almost as though the imperials haven't been here for some time..." Alisaie added slowly, frowning as she looked about, her hand on her grimoire though, as if expecting someone to come charging out from under a rock or through bushes to attack them.
When Lyse seemed sure that they were all alone, she turned back to them, "Still with me? Good. From here, we'll head northeast towards the river. The water's not too deep, so we won't have to swim."
Swim? Seven hells… thank the Twelve for that. He wasn't a swimmer! Grandfather had tried to teach him and Alisaie when they were younger. His sister took to the water well enough, but he was always frightened of going underneath and never able to come up. Needless to say, he clung desperately to grandfather whenever they went to the water, and refused to let go until they went back to solid land.
He swallowed down a lot of the fear he felt as he followed Lyse through some rocky terrain until they came to a wide river, which led to a rapid waterfall not at all far from them. As they stepped up to the massive rocks, he could see large reptiles stalking about, jaws large enough to swallow him in one bite.
He looked down at the water nervously as Alisaie chuckled.
"Heh heh... See, Brother? Nothing to worry about," she said playfully, knowing full well why he was suddenly so tense. "...Though no one would blame you for donning your buoyancy aids, just in case."
He glared at her, hoping that the others didn't hear him. It seemed to be the case though, for most of them had their eyes on the beasts that were in the water, or the possible threat of an ambush from a patrol to listen to them.
"We should not linger out here in the open," Y'shtola pressed on.
"Y'shtola's right," Krile agreed worriedly. "We need to cross before the imperials spot us."
He looked down at the water again. "At a glance, it certainly seems shallow enough..." he muttered to himself.
*Lyse's POV*
Lyse watched as most of the others stepped into the water. While shallow enough to walk, it still went up past their knees and they needed to keep their bearings least the rushing water could knock them over. Though she couldn't wonder why Alphinaud looked like he was suddenly about to be sick as he stepped into the water. She was about to cross over herself when she realized that Claire was looking off in the distance. She followed her gaze and saw her eyeing the tower that stood guard over the bridge.
"You're wondering about the tower to the south?" she asked her grimly.
Claire didn't answer as she looked at her with those piercing eyes as Lyse explained, "It's part of Castellum Velodyna. That's what the imperials decided to call the old bridge after they fortified it. I call it a great big eyesore."
Really, who would want to see that ugly thing every day? She could almost live with the tower if they didn't have that stupid banner of the Garlean Empire upon it. Just looking at it made her feel sick to her stomach, and a terrible longing to break some Garlean soldier faces.
"Honestly, you can see that rotten banner from absolutely malms away," she sighed. "They never miss a chance to rub our noses in it, do they...?" No, those feelings won't help them now. They had an important mission after all! "Come on, we should keep moving."
Claire nodded as she followed her into the water, but to her surprise she suggested, "How about when we take back Ala Mhigo, we climb that tower and burn the banner? I'll even let you start the fire?"
Lyse laughed at that and felt herself grinning for the first time in a long time.
"That sounds great! Just you and me and a torch!" Lyse said cheerfully. "Something to look forward to once we kick the Empire out of these lands!"
Though she knew that idea was far off, she couldn't help but laugh at the thought. Oh, she could imagine how good it was going to feel to be the one who burned that stupid banner off that tower and watch it turn to ash.
She had a new spring in her step as she led them through the area known as the Striped Hills as they continued on East. They passed more of the desert-like area, showing the fossilized remains of battles that had long since been fought in the past. Crumbled old ruins of homes and dying trees, as well as the charred remains of magitek amour lying broken every few yalms, were all that remained to show that this area had once been full of life and people thrived here.
It was painful to look at, but she marched on as she continued leading them along the route that would take them to the hidden valley. Once she spotted the river up ahead, she knew that they had reached the right place and showed them into a deep press into the cliffs where the river ended at the wall of boulders.
"Are we there yet?" Alisaie asked from behind her as Lyse quickly scanned the area once more, just to make sure that they weren't followed.
Once she was sure that they were alone, she turned to them and said proudly, "We're here. On the other side of this pass is Rhalgr's Reach."
The others looked from her to the blockade in surprise, not seeing what she was talking about.
"So you say, but all I see are rocks," Alphinaud said slowly, looking at what appeared to have been the solid brick, wall. "I presume there is some sort of trick to this?"
Y'shtola closed her eyes for a moment—which was very strange seeing those milky white eyes and Lyse wondered just what happened to her after she last saw her at the feast what felt like a lifetime ago. Still, Y'shtola was the first to figure out what was going on here, as she usually was, as she said, "...Indeed. A glamour."
"Good eye, Y'shtola!" Lyse said happily, knowing that she would be able to figure it all out.
"I take it they have a talented mage in their ranks ─ or mayhap an artificer trained in the modification of glamour prisms...?" Alphinaud asked in new understand and was now observing the wall with interest.
"Something like that. The important thing is that it fools the Garleans," Lyse explained simply. She honestly was no good when it came to magic. That was… that was Papalymo's specialty. It hurt again to think of her friend, but she buried that feeling for the moment. They had an important mission here after all! She couldn't go walking in feeling like she was about to cry now, could she? Oh, that reminded her…?
"Oh, before we go in ─ I don't know if Tataru told you, but my friend Naago, the messenger who came to the Rising Stones, is a member of this faction," she informed them all. "So they know us, and they shouldn't attack us on sight. That said, they can be a bit jumpy, so let me lead the way, and, uh... don't go reaching for your weapons or anything."
The last thing that she wanted was for someone to get hurt when they were on a mission of peace after all. She knew that a lot of her friends in the Resistance were a little… energetic when it came to fighting, and if they see a bunch of new people come walking into their headquarters, they might get the wrong idea.
She was glad to see that they all nodded in agreement to her words as she reached into her bag and pulled out a small pouch of black dust. She carefully pulled out a handful of it and walked to the wall.
"And with a sprinkle of demasking dust, all is laid bare!" she said as she blew the dust. All at once, the dust hit the wall and it was like the wall simply melted away, revealing the clear path and where the river continued onwards.
There were several sounds of impressed voices behind her, and she even heard Alphinaud say, "Seeing it now, I feel rather foolish for not having deduced it earlier."
That's ok. After all, if she wasn't told where the pass was, she'd never find it in a million yearsOnly people who are studied in the ways of magic could hope to sense it. That was why it was perfect to use against Garleans, who were mostly unable to manipulate aether like Eorzeans can. Or at least, that was how Papalymo explained it to her.
"All clear! Let's go, let's go!" Lyse said as she led the way into the pass.
"Impressive or no, twenty years is a long time for even so complex a glamour to escape the Empire's notice..." Y'shtola said as she followed right behind her. "Do they not wonder where the river comes and goes from? Do the Garleans not find it strange that it simply stops here?"
"Maybe," Lyse said, "But so far, no one has been able to get inside. There are a few than a handful of mages who are constantly changing the glamours to keep it fresh and hidden. It's probably the safest place in all of Gyr Abania, and the only place where the Resistance can operate without being caught."
"And we didn't run afoul of even a single patrol! What a pleasant surprise ─ in that there were no surprises," Krile added in relief. "Goodness, it would have been hard enough if we had to fight our way through a legion just to make it this far.
"Lyse did well. It is...reassuring," Y'shtola agreed.
"Yeah, it really… hey! What's that supposed to mean?" Lyse demanded as Y'shtola grinned back, flicking her tail good-naturedly as she walked past her and causing several more chuckles from everyone else.
"You really are one in a million, Y'shtola," Lyse said, but even she was smiling.
They didn't run into anyone else until they came out into the valley and they got their first look at everything around them. Lyse had been too young to remember how this place looked before the King of Ruin burned it to the ground, but even after all this time, even she could tell that it had once been grand. This was the sacred grounds where the Monks of Ala Mhigo, the Fist of Rhalgr would train. At the top of the cliff in front of them stood the Temple of Rhalgr, or what was left of it. The ruins were blocked off from most since it was too dangerous to go in there with all the traps and wild creatures that were roaming about.
However at the foot of the cliff was just as impressive in her eyes. The enormous statue of Rhalgr towered over them all, the guardian deity of Ala Mhigo… she had learned of the story of how during the great flood, her ancestors had followed a comet to safety, and the Breaker of worlds came here and granted his faithful this place. Here in Rhalgr's Reach was the home for the Resistance.
There were countless men and women who were hard at work, working or checking over weapons and cannons, cooking over fires, training or coming up with new plans? She smiled proudly at the sight of it all.
Soon though, the resistance members realized that they weren't alone anymore and they all stood up, staring at them. Several guards had already strolled up and surrounded them, though none of them had reached for their weapons, they were all on ease. She stepped forward, standing in front of her friends, and as soon as they saw her, she was relieved to see them relax ever so slightly.
Their arrival though soon drew the attention of three others who were walking right up towards them, and she was glad to recognize all three of them. The first she saw was M'naago, who looked like she had fully recovered from her injuries, and was grinning at the sight of her. The other two she also knew, the powerfully built man that she had met on and off over the last few years named Meffrid, and of course their leader Conrad Kemp—who led the way towards them.
As soon as he saw her, he held up his hand to all the other members of the Resistance and called for them to return to their posts, that they had come as friends. At once, the others did what they were told, though Lyse noticed more than a few of them eyed her friends with caution as they did so.
"You'll forgive us our precautions, but we couldn't be sure who had crossed the barrier," Conrad said apologetically as he, Meffrid and Naago approached. "We see you now for who you are, though ─ the Scions of the Seventh Dawn."
Lyse held herself up proudly at those words as he smiled warmly at them.
"Now," he added, "I know you would not have come all this way unless you had something important to discuss, and I'm eager to hear what it is you have to say... But let's not do this on our doorstep, eh? Come with me."
They did as they were told and followed the trio through the small encampment.
"It's hard to feel at ease with that giant statue looking down on you..." Alisaie muttered to him.
"This temple was once home to the Fist of Rhalgr, as I recall," she heard Alphinaud telling his sister as he squinted his eyes to try and see the top of the cliff where the main temple was. "Yes...there is no mistaking that statue."
But Lyse turned her attention to her friend M'naago, asking her how she was feeling as they continued walking.
"Well enough," she answered. "I've had better days, of course. But at least I'm still breathing."
She sighed in relief before looking back to the others and adding, "It's good to see Naago up and moving again. I wasn't there when she headed home, so I naturally assumed she'd left too soon. Always overdoing it, that one."
"Like you're one to talk," M'naago said brightly as she looked to the others as well.
"A pleasure to see you again," she said to Claire before looking at Krile and Y'shtola and added, "─ and Krile and Y'shtola, without whose help I might not be standing here today. At least, not so soon."
"Don't mention it," Krile reassured her. "We were just glad that we were able to help. Any friend of Lyse is a friend to us. Though are you sure you should be up so soon?"
Naago thumped her chest proudly as she said, "Well, I wouldn't be a proud member of the Resistance if I couldn't take a few injuries now could I?"
"A few? You were bleeding all over our floor," Lyse teased back and Naago grinned.
"Sorry about that," she answered. "Anyway, let me be the first to welcome you all to Rhalgr's Reach! You have any questions, feel free to ask. It's the least I can do to repay you all for your aid."
"It truly is impressive," Alphinaud agreed as he looked around excitedly.
"Fascinating... A massive, nigh-imperceptible glamour encompassing the entire valley... I see now how the settlement was able to escape the watchful eyes of imperial airships," Y'shtola added in understanding.
"Ordinarily, I'd shudder at the thought of armed rebels trampling about in an ancient temple of immense historical importance ─ but Rhalgr is the breaker of worlds, so it seems rather appropriate, if anything," Krile added.
"Yeah, lucky for us since we are a bit of a handful," Naago confessed brightly as they went up a steep hill that took them to a large tent that was set up, where another war table was positioned underneath, just like how the one that they saw with the General.
Meanwhile, Claire was listening to Meffrid from next to them.
"Ho, so you really came. I never thought I'd see you here, but I'm glad. I'm glad..." Meffrid said when he looked at her, almost a little star struck. "When we first met back in the Shroud, I took you for just another adventurer. By Rhalgr, I still can't believe how far you've come..."
Now that she thought of it, Lyse remembered how Meffrid had asked her about the Warrior of Light more than once. Thought she was bigger than life from the way that he talked about her, but she never was able to ask how he knew her.
But before she could ask that question they were at the war table and she stood on one side with her friends, while Conrad and the others all stood on the other side.
"We plan operations here ─ when we're not entertaining important guests like yourselves," M'naago said as they readied themselves for their talk. She hoped that they would be ok, but she knew that Alphinaud was on their side and so she would leave the talking to him for the most part.
"Allow me to welcome you once more to Rhalgr's Reach, our humble headquarters," Conrad said as he introduced himself to her friends, informing them that he was the one who oversaw operations here at Rhalgr's Reach.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Master Kemp," Alphinaud said politely as he began to make introductions himself. "I am Alphinaud Leveilleur, of the Scions of the Seventh Dawn, as are my comrades. Before I speak of our purpose here, pray allow me to thank you for sheltering Yda ─ forgive me ─ Lyse and Papalymo at great risk to yourselves."
He then bowed low to him as Alisaie nodded courteously next to him. How did he do it? He looked so at home whenever he was discussing politics with someone—how did he make it look so natural? Conrad, however, brushed all that aside with a smile.
"Now, now, there's no need for that. They risked their necks for us enough times. 'Twas the least we could do," he said as he looked over at her and she felt her face growing red.
"I-I wanted to... I mean, about the mask and..." Lyse's voice trailed off, unable to say anything else. She knew that she should apologize for lying about who she was, but she wasn't sure how to put it into words, to justify why she did what she did. But Conrad didn't look the least bit upset with her.
"Ahhh, don't fret over that," he reassured her kindly. "You're not the first person to take up arms against the Empire under a false name. We'd do the same if we had any sense. ...My condolences for your loss, child."
While relieved that he felt that way, thinking about Yda and Papalymo was still a very painful topic for her. She instead changed the subject slightly as she said firmly, "...Papalymo laid down his life to save us ─ to give us a chance to make a better future for ourselves. There will never be a better time to drive the Garleans from our lands. But we have to take the lead on this ─ we can't leave it to fanatics like Ilberd."
Papalymo… that stuck-up little twerp… her best friend and her greatest teacher… oh, how she wished that he was here with her now. But she had to stop doing that. He was gone and no matter how hard she wished, that wasn't going to change, though she wish otherwise. For years now he protected her, but she had to step up and protect herself. She would make him proud and not waste the second chance he had laid out for her.
Conrad's face harden at the mention of the Ilberd's name.
"More than a few of our people were taken in by his promises," he said darkly. "Followed him all the way to the Wall. Good men and women who never came back. When M'naago told us what had happened ─ how the bastard had made sacrifices of them for his twisted ritual ─ by Rhalgr, it filled me with an unholy fury..."
It looked like he might start yelling right then and there, but after a steadying breath he finished, "But what's done is done. Best we can do now is see that it wasn't all in vain."
"That is why we are here today, sir ─ to see that some good comes of this tragedy," Alphinaud spoke up mournfully. "On behalf of the Eorzean Alliance, we do hereby extend a formal offer of military assistance to the Ala Mhigan Resistance."
Now Conrad looked interested in this, yet also suspicious as he said, "Do you, now? Well, go on then. I'm sure there's more to it than that."
Alphinaud nodded before he began to explain, "The Alliance fully agrees that now is the time to push Garlemald off Eorzean soil. However, there are some restrictions as to what we can achieve as we are. Make no mistake in that the Alliance wishes to reclaim Ala Mhigo, but each of the nations have their own set of problems as well, such as Ishgard still recovering from the final battle of the Dragonsong War. Ilberd had forced their hands in this matter by starting all this with the Imperials. To officially join the battle is the same as a declaration of war."
He sighed as he finished, "I cannot claim that the nations are ready for such a war. At least on their own. Nor do they wish to be branded as invaders. Without the consent of the people here in Gyr Abania, their hands are tied. That is why we are here. To secure the consent and cooperation of you and the rest of the Resistance."
Conrad nodded slowly as he thought all this over. To be honest, Lyse thought that the excuses were kinda weak, nor could she understand why they would feel that they were hesitating like this. Conrad, however, seemed to take all this in stride as he understood what they were suggesting.
"...So that's the way of it, eh?" he summed up what he just heard, "The Alliance, hoping to avoid a direct confrontation with the superior forces of the Empire, wishes to engage them by proxy with our vastly inferior ones?"
She had expected him to jump at the chance, but he instead said, "My comrades and I must confer on your proposal. A moment, if you please..."
"Of course, Master Kemp. Take all the time you require," Alphinaud agreed reasonably. He then turned to the rest of them and added, "So… it would seem we find ourselves with a surfeit of free time—"
"Ah, forgive me," Conrad said, just realizing that they were left standing here with nothing to do. "You are free to look around Rhalgr's Reach. In fact, I would encourage you to do so. It'' give you a better grasp of our current circumstances."
But, wait… why would they take so long to decide? What was there to discuss?
"Thank you, Master Kemp, I believe we will do just that," Alphinaud agreed with a bow, leaving the other three to leave and finish discussing this.
"I don't get it," Lyse said with a frown, "I thought that they would agree right away, what's there to discuss?"
"Patience Lyse," Krile said soothingly. "I know how you feel. But one must always be wary of making any kind of deal. Something that Tataru warned me of should I try to make any kind of purchase in Ul'dah. A true leader can't just jump in without thinking. Especially should a deal like this one come along. This one alliance could help them reclaim Ala Mhigo, such as giving them more soldiers and supplies at the ready. However, this also means many more lives will be placed at risk. And let's not escape the chance that there could be a traitor in the mist who is whispering in the ears of the Garleans as well. A slim chance, yes, but a possibility nonetheless."
"In all honesty, it seems unlikely that he will turn down the offer," Alphinaud agreed. "But I understand his caution. If nothing else, he may wish to hear the opinions of his other officers before making such a big decision. He will, at least, have to inform the others of what is happening. We can be patient."
Lyse opened her mouth to say something, but she realized that there really wasn't any point in arguing. She could understand their logic, of course. But patience wasn't one of her stronger points, unfortunately. But the more that she thought about it, the more she could get why they would want to at least think it over.
Alright, she could wait. That wasn't much to ask.
Alphinaud then turned to the rest of them and explained, "Let us make the most of the opportunity and assess the Resistance capabilities."
"Free to poke our noses whosesoever we will, eh?" Alisaie asked with a smile, "I like the sound of that."
It did sound like a good idea. And since her friends were technically 'guests' here, she should at least show them around. She went straight up to Claire as she was leaving and offered, "Well, I already know this place inside out. Can show you around if you like, Claire?"
To be perfectly honest, she wasn't sure why she sought Claire out specifically to show around, maybe she just wanted to speak with the least likely person to be discussing politics with her. Or maybe she was just more comfortable to be around? Either way, she was glad when Claire nodded in agreement to her offer.
"Great! Let's get started!" Lyse said excitedly and they went off together to explore more of Rhalgar's Reach and the brave men and women who served here.