Finally! A new chapter! I'm pretty sure references to (illicit) drugs are supposed to be rated "M", and you will find much of that here. Either way, I hope you all enjoy it, because that's all that counts. (the story, not the illicit drugs)
An Unexpected Visitor
Asdalu dreamt he was back in Jahara during the Dry; the brilliant sun flooding the plains with its warm light as he laid back on the fields, soaking up the rays. He could even smell the dry, crisp grass, as well as the scent of freshly tanned leather that filled the air at that time of year. Though there it was smoke mixed in with the other smells, it was nothing he was not accustomed to.
At first.
But as the smell intensified, could not think beyond its steadily growing unpleasantness, and before long woke to discover that one of the leather straps of his pants was on fire.
At that very moment, the Garif also realized that he had been strung up onto a rotary and was hanging over a crackling fire. Cursing profusely, Asdalu looked around, searching for way to escape. Not too for off, two Moogles were slumped against a tree; they were undoubtedly the culprits. Nevertheless, he had to give it a try.
"Hey!" Asdalu yelled, squirming. "HEY YOU!! Dammit…WAKE UP!!"
One of the Moogles lazily got up and stumbled forward, eyes drooping.
"Hmmmgrph?"
"Get me off this thing!!"
"……….ugfh……..me?"
"YES, YOU!"
"……………..is dinerrrr ready yet?……..hehehe"
"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!!"
The flames rose a little higher.
"OH, DAMMIT!!" The bound Garif struggled with all his might to free himself. It was no use.
"Ohhh…..stop koopo, you'll ruuuin the meal…"
"I AM NOT A MEAL!! I AM A GARIF!!"
"………………………….what?"
The flames were beginning to reach Asdalu's sandals, which were starting to singe at the tips.
"Sooo," the Moogle giggled. "Do you like…..mediummm rare, or…just………uhh……rare?"
"SOMEBODY HELP!!"
A figure leapt out of the nearby bushes and tackled the rotary Asdalu was tied to. It toppled over, sending the Garif rolling across the ground.
"Quite a close call, that was." said a young female voice.
"Oh thank, thank you," Asdalu turned over, hands and feet roped. "I don't think I can ever repay you for…" he trailed off.
He was face to face with what seemed to be a Viera wearing a full body coeurl suit: complete with paws, tentacles, fins, and that dome-thing.
Asdalu's tone shifted. "…for saving….me?"
A long, awkward silence ensued.
"You…might want to put that out…" the Viera pointed.
"Huh, Oh, right, right." Asdalu rolled around, extinguishing his pants. "So, would you mind cutting me free of this thing?"
Asdalu was freed from the rotary, but was bound so extensively that he resembled an overgrown larva, rolling about.
"Of course."
The Viera made quick work of the bindings with her sharp nails.
"Thanks…"
Asdalu could not take his eyes off the little dome perched on top of the Viera's head.
"Are you alright?" the Viera asked, concerned.
"Oh, it's just your costume is a bit….interesting…"
"It is not a costume! It is a hand-made suit requited for Advanced Coeurl Mechanics. I secretly applied to U of R without my sister's, well, leader's consent, and praise the Wood she will not discover may intentions."
"U of R?"
"University of Rabanastre."
"Right……….though I still think you look like an absolute nut-job…"
"Pardon?"
"Oh nothing."
"I see."
"By the way, do you know who those Moogles are? They almost killed me back there!"
"Unfortunately, yes."
"Heypth!! Stop talking to our foood kooopo!" The Moogle tripped over himself, got back up, and fell down again.
The Viera walked over to the walked over to the fallen Moogle, who was busy mumbling to himself with his face dug into a patch of moss.
"Tetran! How many times has Hala warned you that dream weeds should not be used beyond medicinal purposes…"
"I like dreeeem weed….hmmmngmphmmm…dream weed make koopo go weeeeeeee!" the Moogle laughed and fell asleep a few seconds later.
The Viera sighed.
"Dream weeds? I've heard of those," Asdalu said. "Pretty potent stuff. Apparently some political group in Dalmasca is pushing for its legalization."
"And here are their advocates." She shook her head. "Though it is quite surprising, at least to me, that a Garif like you would have knowledge of it."
"Well I was a youth at one point," Asdalu chuckled. "Oh, I do miss those days of tear gas and peer pressure…." He let out a deep sigh.
"Interesting. Correct me if I am wrong, but are not Garif supposed to have large antlers on their heads?"
"What kind of question of is that? And besides, aren't Viera not supposed to have little domes on their heads?"
"Pardon?"
"Oh nothing."
"I see."
"Right."
"Yes, about the antlers, it was something that just came to my mind. That is all."
"Well no, actually. They are part of out masks, which in themselves are pretty important. Supposed to be on at all times.
"Why so?"
"No idea. Tradition I suppose. But still, I can't imagine the distress I'd be in if I were ever to lose it. A Garif's mask is almost a part of his life after all."
"Oh."
"What."
"I'm not quite sure as to how I can explain the rather unfortunate situation…"
"You mean….you're not saying that…."
"I'm afraid I am."
Asdalu slowly felt around his head. No antlers, no cape. No mask. The Garif suddenly turned pale, as if a part of him just died.
"What is wrong?"
"The mask…..it must've dropped while I was unconscious…." Asdalu whispered in a panicked tone.
"Well I am sure you can simply find a replacement for it one way or another…"
"A Garif does not 'simply' find a replacement for his mask!! Dou you have any idea how important it is??!!"
Asdalu took off into the jungle, waving his arms around and shouting random obscenities.
"That was indeed peculiar," the Viera chuckled, and turned to the snoring Moogles behind her.
"Alright Tetran, Luluccio. Time to return to Eruyt."
"Hmmmnn….but kooopo, out meeal…" Luluccio muttered.
"Do not worry about that, I am sure Alja can prepare something once we return."
"Just five more minutes…."
"Come on you two! On your feet!"
"….MMMMjrn! Stop treating me…uhh….us. No, me? Wait. Us? Me? You and me is…..mu…? That's makes NO sense…."
"I believe 'us' is the word you are searching for."
"Kooopo! Stop treating US, like your child kooopo…"
"Just start walking."
The two Moogles gave an inebriated salute and waddled off towards the village; the Viera keeping them upright by their pom-poms.
