New World, New Quest

Stahn went to the weapons shop to get Rutee armed for their journey. After looking around for a few minutes, he purchased an iron shepherd's cane lined with gold at the bottom as well as on top of its head. The owner told him it had been liberated from an enemy mage who died in the last major battle before the Kings of Carinz and Sienegald made peace.

The two left the village and headed for Neustadt to the south. To do so, they were forced to pass through the forest. Scared of the two human warriors - - or maybe just recognizing Rutee - - the Growlith stayed in hiding. This saddened Rutee, she wanted to say goodbye.

"Strange, we haven't been attacked yet," mumbled Stahn.

Rutee said, "I guess my family is nervous. Thanks again for agreeing to come with me."

"You're welcome," replied Stahn, "I plan to head for Carinz where I'm sure you'll be accepted."

Rutee smiled. They continued on through the woods in silence. Once out of it, they began encountering monsters again. Both warriors killed them with relative ease. Once, Stahn even entered a state of Rage. While Rutee's Rage utilized Vapor's power, Stahn's allowed him to strike his enemy with more power if he attacked at just the right time and position.

Finally, the duo reached the bustling city of Neustadt. Stahn instantly booked passage on the next ship to Darilshied. The captain had told him that Stahn would have to head to Sienegald first, and then transfer to a ship heading to Carinz. Stahn agreed to this - - he'd always wanted to see the city of Darilshied up close.

Since the ship didn't leave until the next day, Stahn took Rutee on a tour of the city. Although he'd never been here before, Stahn figured out where to go by the signs. Eventually, they ended up at the arena, where they went to see the fights.

Suddenly, a hand clasped on Stahn's shoulder. "Well, if it isn't my old student Stahn Aileron!" exclaimed a voice, "I see your grandpa finally allowed you to go into the forest. I can't see what's so dangerous about it."

The boy turned around to see a bald man wearing a red rest and dark blue pants. He had black slipper-like shoes, leather cuffs on his wrists, and a rope belt. A small wound on his arm was bleeding. "Bruiser, what happened to you?" Stahn asked.

Bruiser answered, "Last challenger hit me there before I got him down. I'll be ok."

But Rutee began to scold. "Mister, even a small wound can be fatal if you don't care for it. I'll help you." With that, she gathered her energy, and whispered, "Cura."

Bruiser backed off. "A. . .a s. . .sorceress?!" he stammered, clearly shocked by this, "P. . .please don't hurt me.

Stahn grabbed Rutee's arm, and told Bruiser, "Don't worry, we were just about to leave. C'mon Rutee. . .let's get s supplies for our trip tomorrow."

* * *

The next day, on the ship, Rutee approached Stahn about Bruiser. "Well," began Stahn, "Bruiser is an expert at martial arts and weapons. He was not much younger than us when the war ended. His father died in the final battle, so he's even more distrustful of mages than most. As a boy I was his pupil in spear fighting." He paused for a moment and continued, "Rutee. . .I'd advise laying off on using your magic unless it's either an emergency or we're not in front of other humans until we get to Carinz. We don't know how people will react."

She gave that a thought as they rode the ship. It wasn't long before they arrived at Darilshied, the port/capitol of Sienegald. Instantly, Stahn went to book passage to San Jose, Carinz. But he soon realized he was out of money. The duo took a walk in order to try and find a way to earn more.

Suddenly, they heard a scream. Around the corner, the pair found a thug beating on a middle-aged man with black hair and a black goatee. He had on a golden yellow tunic, black breeches, and brown shoes. Around his body were gold-banded chest, arm, and leg guards - - which the thief clearly wanted to take - - as well as a silver belt.

Rutee was enraged. She ran at the thug, and whacked him in the head with her staff. When he turned on her, she charged him and knocked him out.

The man opened his violet eyes, and stared at her. Rutee looked over him and exclaimed, "Oh, you're hurt. Let me help you." Completely forgetting her conversation with Stahn on the boat, She used Cura to heal his wounds.

But unlike Bruiser and the villagers, this man said, "Thank you child. What is your name?"

"I am Rutee Katrea, and the man standing here with me is Stahn Aileron. We're traveling to the Magic Island, Carinz," she replied.

The man smiled. "My name is Hugo Gilchrist. I'm a nobleman who works as a chief advisor to the king. Would you two please be so kind as to join me for dinner?"

Neither of them could quite well refuse free food. So that night, they visited Hugo's mansion. It was just the three of them, even though the table could hold five more.

"My son Emilio would join us," stated Hugo, But he's currently training with the national army. It's only me and him really. . .my wife died long ago. The extra seats are for guests."

They ate the rest of the meal in silence. Then dessert came, and the conversation began again. Hugo asked Rutee about what kind of powers she had, and about her journey.

Rutee replied, "I can heal wounds only. Also I seem to have extra keen senses that are probably a holdover from when I was a Vaporeon. I'm journeying with Stahn to find out where I fit in."

"We're planning to head to Carinz, since she's a magician. But we're kind of short on cash. So if there's anything we can do for you, no matter how small, just ask," added Stahn.

Hugo looked at the duo. "Well, I know a way to earn some fast cash. Go down to the cave of Undine near Cresta. There are plenty of monsters inside to kill And if you're lucky, maybe the Water Spirit Undine will speak to you and give her blessings.

It sounded like a good idea to them. Hugo even offered them money for supplies and a room for the night. Rutee told Vapor, "We sure are lucky to have found such a nice guy to help us. But why can't I shake this feeling that I know him from somewhere?" Vapor could offer no explanation.

- - - -

I actually based their Rages after Squall and Rinoa's from FF VIII. With that out of the way, did anybody else notice that Hugo seems to have a goatee when you fight him in the game? I just did my in last file. I know the Summon was called Wendine in ToD, but in ToD II it was called by its real name, Undine.