Hello Again IT'S ME :D and a new chapter! yup yup please review
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As the jazzy music ceased a gentler lullaby played, the many guests at the party changed their groove and were soon swaying rhythmically to the new beat. While Penelo, against Vaan's sculptured chest was having a hard time fighting her own thoughts. She recalled back to the other times she and Vaan had shared an embrace but this one in particular was different. It seemed like this hold had shed their normal brother and sister bonded hugs and left an intimate women to man cuddle. She blushed as her mind sent her down yet another complicated maze of thoughts.
While Penelo was contemplating, Vaan tried desperately to fit in with the other couples who were easily adapting to the new song. He arched his head for any guidance in this dance and soon mimicked a man beside him. He took Penelo's hand in his and with his other hand he laid to her waist. Then he began to circle around but unfortunately his footing was all wrong which eventually led him to step heavily on her foot.
"Vaan!!!" Penelo bellowed, trying hard to keep her voice in an undertone. But then she started to snicker as she watched Vaan struggle with a simple waltz. His eyes were constantly on his steps obviously trying to minimize the chance of another scolding from his partner.
When the music called for a spin, Vaan took the chance to advance closer to Penelo. There he whispered in her ear.
"We have to hurry before your admirer comes back," Vaan whispered but Penelo could tell the last part was placed in there to tease her. She irritably stomped on his foot.
"OW-----" Vaan howled, but Penelo had already placed a firm hand on his mouth to stifle out his cry. She giggled as she saw Vaan's face fume with anger and embarrassment. Then to her surprise he grabbed her arm and spun behind her, with his other arm he detained her for a punishing nuggie.
"Hey!! Cut it out!" She whined but that didn't stop Vaan from his vengeance.
Their mischievous remarks caught the attention of the many dancers present, who all delivered the couple unimpressed looks. Through their giggles, Vaan noticed the Prince's eyes scanning the horizon, indefinitely searching for Penelo. It would be difficult to escape with his hawk like eyes but Vaan had to gamble the odds. When the timing was right, Vaan grabbed Penelo's hand and started to thread through the crowd. With this many people they would be able to get somewhere at least Vaan thought.
They ran through the cluster of people, bumping into many guests and knocking a man with a glass of wine. The man whipped around and cursed at them in which Penelo replied with a mouthed sorry. They brushed passed many outrageous outfits with wide spread skirts that were worn by classy women. Naturally their getaway was slowed by the bundles of fabric. The two found themselves dodging spontaneous dance moves from energized couples who were trying to enjoy themselves. Finally the large entrance was in view and Vaan whispered under his breathe an achieved yes!
Meanwhile the prince had also noted the disorder and was hurrying over. He started to pursue Penelo but it wasn't until he saw the mysterious messenger boy leading her away did he call for his guards.
"Men! Seize them!" He ordered.
The familiar clanking sound of jostled amour rang though Vaan's ears and he hastily picked up pace. They were out of the banquet hall now but the guards were promptly trailing behind.
"Shoot!" Vaan cursed as he took a swift look over his shoulder to examine the situation. The guards would soon enclose on them and he was sure there would be more coming. The quickest way out would be to make his own exit. With that in mind Vaan halted in front of one of the many stained glass windows. He was about to drive his fist into the glass when a deafening noise erupted from outside. The noise was familiar to him like the smooth engine and potent propellers of an air ship.
The guards too have ceased their chase and were trying to delineate the sound. Suddenly the clatter came closer and more prominent as an air ship smashed through the hall leaving a gaping hole within the castle of Kath. The debris shattered upon the satin floor and blew grime within the hall, creating a grayish mist.
While safely tucked under Vaan's arm, Penelo was trying to see past the veil of uncertainty to the figure strolling confidently toward them.
"Always getting into trouble are we now?" A voice inquired through the haze.
She instantly knew the voice.
"Balthier!" Penelo chimed. The pirate chuckled.
"Come along now,"
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Aboard the Strahl, Penelo tended to the cuts in which Vaan had obtained when the glass shattered back at the palace.
"Arghhh," Vaan winced and yanked his arm away, which was resting on Penelo's lap.
"Easy on that green stuff please!"
Penelo made an exasperated expression and then rolled her eyes. "C'mon be a man," she challenged. Vaan opened his mouth to retaliate but Balthier barged in.
"Still the hopeless love birds aren't you two?" He stated then eyed Penelo who was about to object but decided other wise. So he continued. "Lucky you, me and Fran were cruising through the city hmm?"
"I suppose. Why are you guys here anyways? And how did you know exactly where we were?" Vaan questioned.
Balthier began to pace the diminutive space aboard the ship.
"Well like yourself and Penelo we too are sky pirates and out for adventure," Bathlier began. "We were first at Gurha and heard of the festivities and for the fun of it we decided to join in on the hunt," He explained.
"Me and Penelo have joined the hunt too," Vaan informed.
"Well that would have explained why your airship was parked outside the city walls. Since me and Fran had to go here as well we thought maybe we'll catch up with you somehow. Nice reunion if I do say so myself," He chuckled.
"Indeed," Fran agreed from the pilot seat.
"Wait, isn't the hunt for lovers? I'm I missing something here Balthier?" Penelo teased then watched joyfully as the two pirates exchanged a shaky glance and then both flushed a devilish red.
"Well then, why are you two in it?" Balthier shot back.
"What?" Vaan blurted, totally oblivious to the conversation. "I'm only in it for the treasure,"
Suddenly Penelo remembered the main reason they were in Kath. All the excitement and call for adventure had steered them off the wanted course. Penelo jumped out of her sit then exclaimed.
"The clue! We haven't got that!"
"Ah, don't be too dismayed. I think I've got that covered," Balthier said then from his shirt sleeve he pulled out a bunch of creased papers.
"The first clue, love notes from what I can tell," He confirmed.
"But if you have the clue then we have nothing to work with," Penelo replied disappointment tainted her voice.
"Hmm, well it wouldn't be any fun if you two youngsters were out on the hunt," Balthier mused then crushed on the seat between Vaan and Penelo. There he unfolded the letters to the lot to read.
"Let's see what we're dealing with here,"
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War, war, and even death are all I see on the horizon. Our army is losing power and Father is weary about the soldiers that are too weak to fight. Skylair where are you? Vagnence I hope, where the fighting isn't to rough. I pray for you everyday. The palace is lonely and the walls speak of a great threat. My father still forbids me to leave to where you are. But my soul he can not capture. I will find a way.
------Lithen
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The fighting here has worsened. Our commander drew his last breath yesterday. And we, without a leader will only crumble. The other party is predicted to attack in only two short days. Will help come from above? I only desire to be where you are. If not yet soon I refuse to draw my last breathe.
-------Skylair
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I see blood on the throne, my father has passed. The kingdom will fall. I care not, for as long as your blood isn't drawn. I will go to lady Tama in retreat and from her obtain the sword of Bluria. That will be the last resource. I will now come to you.
---------Lithen
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Be safe I await your arrival.
----------Skylair
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Balthier and Fran landed their ship close to where Vaan had idled his and Penelo's. The two skilled pirates escorted the two minors out. In which Penelo was reluctant for they had only a short reunion.
"I don't think we're welcomed to Kath for a long while," Balthier joked then he waved a hand in the air as if to wave away the consequences.
"That doesn't matter," Vaan offered casually. "As long as we have the clue,"
"That's right; I guess it's a race now. Last to Vagnence is not a worthy pirate," Bathlier mocked then with a slight wave he and Fran entered their sanctuary once more.
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