Ho shit, I'm on a role! I once thought this would never see past chapter three!
Enjoy!
Obligatory Disclaimer: I own nothing.
A Song for the Road?
The water lapped gently along the shore, a soothing and repetitious sound that reminded Yu of the Samegawa Riverbed. The dirt lined shore had gradually turned to shingle the farther they walked, the rounded pebbles crunching softly beneath the soles of his boots. The leaves rustled every now and again, the grassy hills undulating softly with every gusty breath of wind. Yu's eyes passed over a small flock of ducks as they splashed about in the shallows just before the shore, dunking their heads below the waves and throwing water along their feathered backs. Tiny ducklings drifted about between the adults, their downy feathers fluffed out as they cheeped for their mother's attention. The flock drifted farther out as they came near, quacking and flapping their wings as they readjusted themselves. The scene was so oddly quaint and, well, normal, that Yu was almost willing to believe that if he closed his eyes, he'd wake up along the river's edge back in Inaba, having drifted off into a land of strange and magnificent dreams.
But he knew by now that no such thing would happen. All he had to do was look ahead and see Nyras and her steed to cement that fact in stone. Still, after their time in the Underdark, he was more than happy to watch a group of ducks play in the water if only to feel a small sliver of normalcy again.
"So . . ." Yu watched as Chie slowly sidled up to Nyras' side, curiosity rolling off her in waves, "Can you tell us more about dragons? Like, uh . . . her name was Tiriel, right?"
"Tiruviel," Nyras corrected her before replying properly, "And of course I can. It is good that you learn as much as you can about our world and its creatures."
"What's Tiruviel like?" Yukiko asked.
"Our meetings with her were brief, but what I gleaned from her the most was knowledge and wisdom. Tiruviel is great wyrm, one of the oldest of dragonkind whose memories stretch back centuries. She is also quite charismatic. When she speaks, you feel compelled to listen," An amused smile tweaked her lips, "And, given how some of our company was at the time, she is also very patient."
"I didn't know she was a dragon," Yu heard Tirin mumble defensively.
"How in the world could you not know she was a dragon?" Yosuke demanded, staring at the gloaming. Yu had to agree, it was kinda hard to miss.
"Well, to be fair, none of us really knew she was a dragon . . ." Korval said.
Yosuke gaped at him, "How in the world could none of you know she was a dragon?!"
"She had shifted into a human shape at the time and felt no need to inform us of the fact," Nyras informed them, "It is really not so surprising, is it?"
"She . . . she what?" Rise started, wide-eyed.
"Dragons are magical creatures," Nyras explained, "And great wyrms are at the age where their magic is at its peak. Shapeshifting is a relatively easy feat for them to accomplish."
Silence. Then Yosuke said, " . . . You know what, no. There is just so much weird shit in this world that I'm not even surprised anymore."
"I'd like to met her!" Teddie chirped enthusiastically, "Anyone who has mastery over their own face must be beautiful indeed!~"
"Perhaps you will," Nyras replied, "I'm certain she'd find all of you quite fascinating."
"I'm sure the fascination bit would be all us if we did meet," Yu put in, thinking of the possibility of meeting the glorious beast they'd seen not that long ago and feeling a little daunted by it.
"If they can shapeshift . . . then technically anyone we meet could be a dragon," Yukiko murmured thoughtfully.
"No, don't do that," Yosuke said, wincing, "Yukiko-san . . ."
"Yeah, that's really not an okay thing if that's true," Chie added, looking uncomfortable.
"Sorry . . ." Yukiko apologized, looking dejected.
"I doubt you will be encountering any dragons while we remain in the heartland. This area is under Tiruviel's protection, after all," Nyras said, "The only dragons you have to worry about are those in the Chromatic sphere, and most consider donning a form not their own beneath them."
"You mentioned that before," Naoto said, arms folded in contemplation over her chest, "As well as the word Metallic. Are you perhaps talking about a breed?"
"More like a class," Nyras replied, "As I said, Metallic dragons are what you would consider 'good'. If you were to encounter one, the worst you'd have to fear would be an impromptu conversation, and that's only if the dragon is bored. Still, you would do well to treat them with respect."
"And the 'Chro-whatcha-ma-call-it?" Kanji asked.
"If Metallics are good, I'm going to guess that these ones are not-so-good," Yu said.
"Exactly," Nyras said, "Chromatic dragons are what most people think of when they hear the word 'dragon'. They are vain, greedy and cruel, and often take great pleasure in tormenting those weaker than themselves. And because of their power, that means most everyone."
Yu swallowed at that. Many facets of evil, indeed . . .
"How can we tell the two apart?" he asked, jumping straight for the important information he needed.
"Fortunately, very easily," Nyras said, and Yu wanted to sigh in relief, "Its as straightforward as the color of their scales. For Metallics, those colors would be gold, silver, copper, bronze, and brass."
"All different types of metals . . . rather simplistic, but at least that makes it easy to remember," Naoto said.
"As for Chromatics," Nyras continued, "Their respective scales are red, blue, green, white, and black."
"And actual colors," Yukiko commented, "That's easy too."
"It would be to your benefit to remember these differences," Nyras told them, "Though it is my hope such knowledge will never be needed."
"I hope so too, but it's better to be prepared," Yu said.
Nyras nodded in agreement, "Yes, it is."
They walked for a few more paces in silence save for the water sluicing over the pebbled shore, most likely wrapped up in the thoughts of dragons, when Kanji finally spoke up, "So, uh, what exactly do you guys do? Do ya, like, fight things?"
"'Do we fight things', he asks us," Korval grunted in amusement, "S'not like we're carryin' weapons or anythin'."
"Sh-shut up, ya know what I meant, you-! Me! Whatever!" Kanji shot back, shoulders hunching.
Yu had to fight down a smile for Kanji's sake.
"Yes, we fight," Nyras interjected, taking up the question, "But only out of necessity. If, however, you are asking about our occupation, I suppose the most appropriate title would be freelancers. We take what work is requested of us and fulfill it to the best of our abilities."
"Is that why you were in the Underdark?" Rise asked.
"Yes, actually. We were asked to look into a rash of disappearances in the area and see if we could find the cause," a more dour note entered her tone, "Which, unfortunately, seems tied to the slave band you encountered."
"Seriously?" Yosuke asked.
"Mm. There were no dens in the outlying wilderness or signs of carnage related to monster activity, and the disappearances were always far too clean and precise, which ruled out bandits. However, drow slavers kidnapping people in the dead of night makes a great deal of sense, especially with the help of a priestess to cover their tracks," Nyras hummed thoughtfully, then continued, "But that should not be your concern. The slavers are dead, and the priestess has fled the area. Of course, that does not mean their is no possibility of future raids. For now, the most we can do is warn the villages of their trespass."
"But what about the people they kidnapped?" Yosuke asked, "They're still down there, aren't they?"
Nyras didn't respond immediately, and when she did, it was with somber frown, "Those people have most likely already been transported to the lower levels of the Underdark, to various drow cities. Unfortunately, they are beyond our reach."
"But . . . those were just innocent people," Chie protested, "You can't seriously just turn your back on them and be okay with it, can you?"
"No, we ain't okay with it!" Korval cut in sharply, "But if they're in drow cities, then there ain't no way we can bust into one of those without gettin' killed! And if we're dead, then what good are we?"
"And even if they did get in," Tirin surprisingly put in, voice disturbingly blank of emotion, "The first people the drow would send out to fight them would be the slaves, so its a moot point anyway."
"I know it must be terrible to hear . . . but that is the harsh reality of this situation," Nyras put in softly.
Yu involuntarily clenched his hand into a fist, but reluctantly had to concede their points. Looking at it from a completely and coldly logical perspective, infiltrating an entire city alone for a few people was an utterly stupid move. And if what Tirin said was true, it would just end in a bloodbath anyway.
That didn't mean he had to like it. And judging by the frowns and furrowed eyebrows all around him, he wasn't the only one.
No one said anything after that, a dismal cloud having descended upon the group like a sheet of heavy ash, stifling in its thickness. Aira whinnied softly against the sullen atmosphere as Bone huffed and stomped a hoof against the ground, but both fell quiet soon after.
They carried on down the shore, and Yu returned his attention to the scenery. The lake still shimmered beneath the sun, and occasionally he could make out the shadow of a fish just below the surface before it darted away. Another gentle gust blew by, stirring the leaves and grass and rippling over the water while a flock of birds rose up like an undulating cloud from the branches and took off over the hill. Other wildlife scurried in the undergrowth, squirrels and the occasional rabbit darting round the bases of the trees and vanishing into the tall fronds. In the distance to the north, he could just make out the rising peaks of several mountains, a few thin, trailing clouds hovering around their tips. Looking ahead, he could see that the shore was curving inland around a bend of trees, going deeper into the hills. But Sedgeridge must still be some distance away, so the chances of a village popping up around the corner were pretty slim.
That was when a soft yet rhythmic tune ghosted over his ears, so soft that at first he thought he had imagined it. But no, listening closer he realized it was an actual song. And it was coming from behind him . . .
Looking back, he found the source quickly, and he couldn't help the small smile that made it's way to his face.
Yosuke had pulled his headphones up over his head, a hand over his player while the other was cupped around the right earphone, lightly bobbing his to the beat of whatever song was playing. It was the same sort of thing he'd done in the tv world as they walked through dungeons or even back in Inaba as they walked through the streets, and he found the sight strangely nostalgic and . . . comforting, in its own way.
It soon became clear to him that it wasn't just his attention Yosuke had won, either. Behind him, he saw Korval look his way, and though his helmet blocked half of his face, Yu could imagine his thick eyebrows furrowing together in confusion. Glancing back to the front, he saw Nyras was looking back as well, frowning faintly with puzzlement.
"What's this?"
Yu turned around again just in time to see Tirin smoothly filch the player from Yosuke's belt, turning it over with a curious stare.
"H-hey! Hands off!" Yosuke snapped, trying to snatch it back.
Tirin sidestepped the swipe easily as he pulled his goggles down over his eyes, examining the object closely.
"I said give it back!" Yosuke shouted again, pulling his headphones back around his neck and reaching for the player again.
Tirin dodged it again, undeterred as he mused, "Huh, this isn't made of metal . . . I've never seen an alloy like this before, what is it?"
"It's called plastic, now drop it!" Yosuke seethed, grabbing for it again.
Tirin spun to Yosuke's other side just in time, hooking a finger around the headband and pulling Yosuke's headphones free as he did so. By now, everyone had stopped walking to stare at the two as they fought over the player, watching silently and-in some cases-amusedly.
"God dammit-!" Yosuke shouted.
"And there aren't any magic runes, either," Tirin continued, looking more and more puzzled, "How is it singing?"
"It's not magic, it's technology! And I swear, if you don't give them back right now, I'll-!"
He choked to a stop as Tirin shoved the objects in his arms, the gloaming looking at him rather intensely, "Show me how they work."
Yosuke stuttered, floundering, "Wha- . . . you- . . . I just-!"
"Show me how they work!" Tirin insisted, leaning until he was almost nose-to-nose with Yosuke.
The other boy leaned back, pushing him away, "Hey, back up, would ya? Jesus, it's just a player! Ya know, for music?"
Tirin tilted his head inquisitively to the side, obviously not quite understanding what he meant. Which, Yu realized belatedly, of course he wouldn't. This world, while rife with magic and other impossibilities, was obviously lacking in terms of technological advancement. How the hell would any of them know about a 'player' or its purpose?
He quickly informed Yosuke of such, "Actually, I don't think they do, Yosuke."
"Huh?" the brunette looked at him.
"He is . . . correct," Nyras said from where she stood, "This . . . 'player' of yours is unknown to us. At least, I know I have never heard of such a thing."
She looked mildly uncomfortable, as if admitting to ignorance was painful. But there was also a brighter gleaming her eyes, a gleam of curiosity and a desire to learn.
"And you wouldn't," Naoto said, "I do not mean this as an insult in the slightest, but over time it has become clear to me that your world is . . . much less technologically advanced than our own."
"So, what does that mean?" Korval cut in.
"Just that our worlds have evolved differently. You have magic, and thus have had no need to adapt to certain things for you've always had the means to overcome them. In our world, where there is no magic, we've had to adapt differently, and technology is the result. Yosuke-senpai's player is one such technical commodity, amongst others."
"And it . . . sings?" Korval looked skeptical, "Don't ya have bards for that?"
"Well, we have pop-stars . . ." At Korval's puzzled look, Yosuke averted his eyes, "You know what, nevermind."
"The point of a player is to have an easily portable device that allows the owner to listen to music and the like when no such . . . bard is around. To put in very simple and understandable terms," Naoto explained.
"And it requires no magic in order to function?" Nyras questioned, looking more and more interested.
"Nope, all it needs is a battery!" Yosuke said. Then he frowned, "Although I don't know how long it'll last without an outlet to charge at . . ."
"Outlet? Battery?" Tirin asked, eyebrows knitted in profound confusion, "Also, what's 'evolve'?"
"Ah, that's right . . . you also wouldn't know of Darwinian Theory . . . " Naoto mused to herself.
"Was the weapon you carried one such innovation?" Nyras asked, "I'd never seen a weapon of it's make before."
"Ah . . . yes, it was," Naoto idly rubbed the place where she'd been struck by the whip, frowning, "Unfortunately, I no longer have it. That drow's attack sent it plummeting into the forest back in the Underdark."
"I see . . ." Nyras mused, looking thoughtful.
"Um . . ." Yukiko started.
"Not that you shouldn't be curious or anything, but maybe we should keep walking?" Chie suggested, digging the toe of her boot into the shingle, "I mean, I kinda want to find this town before lights out."
"Yes, you're right. We have delayed long enough. However . . ." Nyras looked to Naoto, "If it is acceptable, I would like to ask you more about this technology of yours. As well as this 'Darwinian Theory'."
"I don't see why not," Naoto replied with an agreeing nod, "Although, it might be bit difficult to explain most of it without any referential material."
"Huh, it really does make music," Korval commented, looking at Yosuke's player.
Yosuke shot him a puzzled look, "Huh? Dude, I stopped playing this a while ago. I'm trying to save the battery."
" . . . what? But if that ain't you . . . ?"
Yu and everyone else stopped abruptly, now listening very closely. Korval was right. In the newfound silence, he could definitely hear singing. But the sound wasn't coming from Yosuke's player, as he had assumed it had been. In fact . . . it sounded like it was coming from further inland over the hills, a tune that rose and fell like the waves lapping at the shore, haunting yet beautiful all the same.
". . . what is that?" Yosuke asked.
"Ooh, it sounds pretty," Teddie said, holding his hands over his ears to listen.
"Its not dangerous, right?" Rise asked.
"I cannot say for sure," Nyras said slowly before placing a hand on Aira's back, the horse whinnying under her touch, "In any case, it is far enough away that we can carry on without attracting its attention. Let's go."
"Yeah . . ." Korval mumbled, hand gripping the shaft of his hammer.
They all made to follow, when Tirin suddenly jolted and shouted, "Wait! Nyras, Korval, listen!"
"We hear it Tirin, and we've already decided to move on," Nyras said, a hand hovering close to her crossbow.
"No, listen!" he insisted forcefully.
"She told ya, we did! What's gotten into you?" Korval demanded, looking unsettled.
Rolling his eyes, the gloaming turned to them and . . . started singing along?
"Until the trees do shimmer gold, and the moon does rise in the morn, I'll wait for you and sing this tune, of love that's left forlorn."
Yu glanced around, his puzzled expression mirrored on everyone else's faces perfectly. That is, until sudden realization flashed over Nyras' and Korval's faces in perfect tandem, the two whirling to face each other in surprise.
"No way," Korval said.
"If it is, then even gods could not plan so coincidental a meeting," Nyras replied.
"Is this something we should worry about?" Yu questioned, looking between the two uncertainly.
"Nope, not at all! Now come on!" Tirin suddenly took off up the hill, the shadows by his feet flickering as Xirskam followed.
"Ugh, he is incorrigible," Nyras muttered under her breath. Then, in a louder voice, she said, "It seems Tirin has decided our destination for us. Come on."
Yu looked at his companions, no closer to understanding the situation at all and feeling slightly helpless for it. The looks they gave him in return were just as clueless, but, since they had no choice but to follow their protectors, they were soon moving out again.
The trees grew a little denser as they moved inland, the gentle splashing of the lake fading away as they walked. In its place was the strange, humming tune they'd heard by the shore, a lullaby that weaved through the trees like a siren's song and grew steadily louder as they progressed over the hills.
He and his friends remained subdued, absorbed by the oddly soothing song while their counterparts remained focused on their task. At least, Nyras and Korval were. Tirin had disappeared somewhere ahead.
Thankfully, they found him soon, standing on the crest of tall hill with Xirskam nestled in the shadows just behind him. Smiling, he beckoned them over and pointed down.
When he go to the edge, Yu found himself looking down from a high-rise to a narrow glade between two hills. At the center of the glade, a trail of trodden grass and rutted earth had been made, the wheels of a great many wagons having left their mark in the soil as a sign of frequent use by travelers. Amazingly, he saw that it was in use now. Three caravans were stopped along the trail, several sun-kissed and shoddily dressed people running two and fro around them, shouting to each other in a unknown language. Great draft horses were hooked to each caravan, two per vehicle, the beasts stomping their hooves and shaking their heads restlessly as they waited to move. Scattered around the caravans were a motley assortment of armored figures, all of whom were laying on the ground in heaps, swords and bows strewn about carelessly as if they'd tossed them aside. At first, Yu though they were dead until two of the awake ones hoisted one of the downed bodies up, the man releasing a loud, brutish snore that told Yu he was just asleep. Hastily, the two began to bind the man's hands with thick rope as the others collected the weapons discarded at his side, storing them away in the caravans. What in the world had happened here?
The singing, he realized, had gotten louder as well, and with a start, he found the source. Someone was sitting on the side of the middle caravan, one leg crossed over the other as their hands skillfully strummed a harp resting upon their lap. A long white cloak was draped over their shoulders, the edges lined with five metallic threads of different colors that glinted in the light. Their hood was pulled up and hiding their face, but it did nothing to hinder the tune flying from their lips. It was definitely a feminine voice, the figure gently rocking from side to side in time to her song, and Yu felt entranced by the motion. In just that slight action, he could see that there was a fluid grace to her body, every move so perfectly in sync it was a little unsettling.
A sudden shout of alarm tore him from his thoughts, and he started when he saw one of the tanned travelers was running to the woman. A moment later, three shapes suddenly burst from the trees on the other side of the glade, tearing down the hillside on the backs of strong-legged horses. The whooped and hollered, two brandishing swords while the third notched an arrow in a heavy longbow. The travelers scattered in fright as they hurtled passed to the other side of the caravans, the bowman pulling back his arrow and firing at the woman.
He heard several of his friends gasp even as the arrow missed it's mark by a hairsbreadth, the woman making no move save to stop her song and glance their way. The horsemen with swords circled her then, waving their weapons in her face threateningly and jeering at her. He heard Bone give a fierce neigh, seeing the confrontation and stamping his hooves in prospect of a fight. Korval, too, looked ready to jump in at any moment, teeth bared in a snarl.
"Aren't you going to do something?!" Yosuke demanded the trio.
"Wait," Nyras told them calmly.
"Wait?! That woman's being attacked!" Chie protested.
"You have to do something!" Yu put in, wishing he himself could charge in their of his own volition if he knew it wouldn't just get him killed.
"But that woman's already doing something," Tirin interrupted from where he crouched, smirking knowingly, "She's been working her magic on them ever since they appeared."
Rise stared at him, "Magic?"
"Look," Nyras told them, gesturing with her hand.
Look he did, and he found that the woman was calmly speaking to them, unruffled despite their threats. And . . . and strangely, the men were listening to her. The woman idly brandished her arm to the sun, then to the grass, voice sounding sweet and tempting as she spoke.
Then, to his sheer amazement, the men looked at each other, mumbled something, then dropped their weapons and climbed off their horses. Spreading out along the verdant grass, they lay back and closed their eyes, as if they were planning on taking a nap right then and there. They didn't get up again.
Yosuke stared, "What . . . what did she-?"
"A suggestion spell," Nyras said, "If a person's will is weak, then any reasonable thing she asks of them they will do. Which in this case seems to be 'take a nap on this fine afternoon'."
Take a nap . . . was that magic what she'd used on the other bandits? He shuddered to think at the level of control she must have exerted on their conscious' to do that, knowingly or not. But at least it hadn't ended in a bloodbath . . .
Korval frowned, looking disappointed, "Was kinda hopin' at least one of em woulda held out . . ."
"Then she would have most likely dispatched him herself, Korval," Nyras said.
Yu felt a sudden cold shiver travel down his spine, and with a jolt, he realized the woman was looking at them. Briefly, he wondered if this was an enemy they should be wary of.
But then she was turning away, cheerfully calling out to the caravan riders who were hiding within their vehicles and gesturing to the horses formerly belonging to the sleeping thugs. Gradually (and somewhat hesitantly), the people began to clamber and once again set to work on gathering up the rest of the weapons and tying down the bandits.
"Come on, let's go," Tirin said, trotting down the hill to the strange scene below.
"Uh, we sure this is okay?" Yosuke asked, uncertainty in his eyes.
"Trust me. We are fine," Nyras said, and Yu had to wonder at the knowing smile on her face as she tread down the hill as well.
Yu felt his friends uncertain glances land on him, and he shrugged, "What can we do?"
"Follow them, I guess?" Chie said, "They don't seem like they're worried about whoever that is."
"Whoever she is . . ." Yukiko suddenly gasped, "Wait, you don't think she's-?!"
Eyes widened, and suddenly everything was clicking into place for Yu. Holy shit, if she was right . . .
"Come on!" Chie shouted, rushing down the hill in newfound excitement.
Everyone followed, finding that their protectors had already found their way to the robed woman, circling her with smiles and hushed voices. He noticed Tirin hand her something long and thin, a strip of varnished white wood with a glossy coating and a lightly knobbed grip. It almost looked like . . . a wand.
The robed woman noticed their arrival quickly, and with a flourish of her hand, she tapped the tip of wand to her throat and mumbled something he couldn't understand. Then she handed it back to Tirin and moved forward to meet them.
He saw a smile curl the corners of her rosy lips just beneath her hood as she glanced back at the trio, her voice a bright, cheerful, familiar lilt, "Well, I guess you guys have been having a way more interesting week than me, huh?"
She turned back to the group, smile still on her lips as she said, "Oh, but just where have my manners gone? You little ones are probably just dying to know who I am, aren't you?"
With a dramatic sweep of her hand, she threw her hood back, and Yu heard Rise give a soft gasp.
For standing in front of them was none other than Rise's counterpart, her copper hair tumbling over her slender shoulder save for a small portion tied up into delicate waterfall braid, burgundy eyes flashing with mirth as she gazed over them all. Her skin was incredibly pale but free of blemishes of any sort, snow white and as smooth as porcelain. If Rise's pretty features had left him a little speechless when they first met, then he was almost struck dumb by just how beautiful the woman before them was, so beautiful it was almost unearthly.
The white cloak she wore caught against her elbow as she placed her hand against her hip, parting the obscuring veil and revealing the clothes she wore underneath. A shirt as red as a rose and as wispy and light as gossamer was pulled over her chest, the delicate material holding her body in all the right ways and frankly making it hard to focus on anything else. The embroidery along the cuffs and sleeves depicted a menagerie of leaves and flowers, and occasionally, Yu thought he could detect just the faintest scent of roses enveloping the cloth. A thin band of rose-tinted crystal hung around her neck from thin, bone-white twine, and below that a tear-drop shaped pendant of blue-green crystal hung from a silver chain. A sumptuous red silk sash was cinched around her waist, set with a large ruby cabochon surrounded by an embroidered silver circle, and below that was a pair of dark pants and soft leather boots touched with silk. A golden chain bracelet hung from her left wrist, and if he looked closely, he thought he could make out tiny metal charms dangling from the fine chain. Her harp was nowhere to be seen.
Placing a hand over her heart and brandishing it out in some form of greeting, the woman's smile grew a touch bigger as she said, "Rhysana Tylvanni, at your service! And I think we've got quite the story to tell here, don't we?"
And here we have a new face! Hope you're excited to meet her!
Rate and review if it pleases you! :)