Hells Open, Heavens Weep

by RoseDragonWitch

Sequel to 'Eyes Ever Heavensward.' Their adventure in Ishgard was over, as well as the end to the Dragonsong War. But fate won't let them rest yet. A new adventure is over the horizon, one that promises to bring just as much, if not even more bloodshed than over the fields of ice. Their last battle was about ending a war… this next one is all about liberation!

11. Stars in the Dark

Chapter 10: Stars in the Dark

"Are you sure that you are well enough for this?" Alphinaud asked worriedly. "You could remain behind with us if you don't feel up for another journey just yet?"

Claire shook her head reassuringly at him, silently letting him know that she was alright. "I'm sorry for upsetting you," she told him. "I didn't mean to but…?"

"But then why did you do it?" he pressed on. The two of them were currently sitting behind some flora a short distance away from Namai. As their comrades finished preparing for their journey to the Azim Steppe, Alphinaud had been able to bring Claire out here where they could talk in private about her recklessness. "Honestly when I first heard…? I was fair sure that my heart stopped."

"I was worried for Yugiri," she confessed softly. "If I let her go in alone, I feared that she would not return alive."

"And you both just decided that the best thing to do was to try and kill Zenos?" he asked fretfully as he reached out and gripped her shoulders, forcing her to look him in the eye. "Could you not talk her down? You can charm almost anyone into anything! Surely there was something that you could have said? I admit that it served to relight the flames of liberation in the people but…?"

"I'm sorry," she told him again quietly and her hand went back to her scar as she thought about how she was brought to her knees for a second time. "You are the last person that I wanted to worry. But… I recognized that look in her eyes. It was the same look that… Papalymo had before…? And Minfilia before she…?"

She didn't go on, but she could tell that he understood. He knew that Yugiri was prepared to die for the sake of the people here. But still, he had seen her convince even the most unlikely person to stray from the wrong course, or encourage them into the right one. So he couldn't believe that she would just stand back and agree to help Yugiri unless…?

His eyes then widened when he realized what why she didn't talk Yugiri out of it.

"You wanted to fight him again?" he asked her quietly.

She looked down, not able to bring herself to look him in the eyes. Instead, she thought of Zenos and knew that it hadn't been her imagination. When her friends arrived… before they put up the smoke screen and made their escape, she had seen Zenos look at her one last time. There had been something… unnerving the way that Zenos looked at on at her. This fascination with her that made her skin crawl… like that man—if he could really be called that—was some sort of wild animal who was stalking his wounded prey. Or as if…?

No, she had to be mistaken. There was no way that something like him could ever be capable of feeling any kind of emotion other than bloodlust.

Still, he was strong… that he was able to bring her to her knees a second time was proof of that. She knew that this revolution to free Doma and Ala Mhigo was never going to end… not so long as Zenos lived. Though she had been beaten twice, she could only continue to grow stronger. She didn't know how… but she just knew that this battle was not going to end without one more showdown between the two of them.

"You realize that the only reason that you still live now is because he, for some reason, decided to let us escape?" he pressed on firmly and she nodded. She wrapped her arms around her legs as she looked on at the endless countryside before her, her eyes finding the Moon Gates and her insides boiled with anger at the thought of who laid beyond them.

She then felt Alphinaud wrap a hesitant arm around her shoulders and pulled her towards him. She rested her head against his shoulder, shutting her eyes for a moment as some of her anger seemed to fade. Lately, it felt like the only way that she could release those negative emotions was when she battled… and by the gods did it feel good to rush in and vent her own frustrations.

But she found that sitting here like this was almost as effective. She felt Alphinaud's head rest against hers and she focused on how nice it was to be able to relax… feeling a warm wind hitting her skin and listening to his breathing from next to her seemed to bring a different kind of peace into her soul.

"I'm sorry for worrying you," she said again and she felt his arm tighten.

"Just promise me that you warn me ahead of time before doing something like this again," he said firmly. "If nothing else, it would have spared those poor people back at the House of the Fierce from being yelled at."

"Ah, that must have been a sight," she smiled back as she kept her eyes closed, feeling like she could drift off right then and there.

"I swear, they must have thought that it was the crime of the age with how I went on about it," he informed her.

"Did you hear them say that?" she asked curiously.

"No," he chuckled. "It was what Lyse said to me while we were waiting for news. Like she was any better, she destroyed a small army of striking dummies while we waited. But in hindsight, I understand why my sister made her stay behind. If she had seen Zenos, she would have charged in and the last thing we wanted to do was drag her away."

"And perhaps yourself?" she asked as she opened her eyes again to look at him.

His fingers played around with her hair for a moment as he seemed to struggle to find an answer.

"I wanted to go," he confessed at last, "But Alisaie made me stay behind too. She said that I needed to keep everything in the House of the Fierce from falling apart, but I know that she was worried that I may do something foolish if I went as well."

"Would you have done?" she asked, "And does this mean that she knows?"

"Knows what? That we are…?" he began before his voice trailed away. "I don't know. What do we call it? We aren't together… yet at the same time we are. Does that make sense?"

"Given the circumstances, I would say yes," Claire agreed. That was generally how she felt about this whole thing as well. There was a deep bond of love and trust the two of them shared. Perhaps they wished to see where it could possibly lead to from here, yet with their duty hanging over them, they couldn't truly be together. So they have to find some way to compromise. They learned to treasure the few precious moments they could spend in each other's company… though it wasn't enough to make up for the pain of being apart.

"I probably would have attacked Zenos as well," he confessed with a shrug. "Looking back, I understand why my sister made me stay back as well, even if I don't like it. But are you sure that you aren't in any pain? Alisaie said that you were hurt?"

"Its fine," Claire confirmed. "Exhaustion mostly was what brought me to my knees like that."

"Tataru mentioned to me that you still have scars from when Zenos attacked you back at the Reach?" he pressed her and she sighed.

"I asked her not to say anything about that," she stated in irritation as her fingers felt the scar from beneath her clothes. "They are healing. I am hopeful that they will fade with time. But I fear… I fear that I still wasn't a match for him. At first, it looked like I may have stood a chance but…?"

But after a few more minutes of silence they both ended up pulling away when they heard Lyse calling out to them from the distance. He slowly gazed back into her eyes before his lips pressed against hers in an unexpected, but all too welcomed kiss. It was short though, and when he pulled away, he whispered her name as he pressed his forehead against hers.

"Be careful out there," he said quietly. "And I mean it this time. If you are in any trouble at all, please contact me so that I can at least be on hand should you need something."

"Unfortunately, that isn't how it usually works," she reminded him gently, her lips tingling slightly from where his had touched. "We go where we are needed."

"I don't care," he declared sharply. "No matter where you go, I want to be there to aid you. No matter how far… you, Yugiri, Lyse, and the others. I want you to remember that."

She nodded just as they pulled away in time for Lyse to make her appearance.

"There you two are," she said brightly at the sight of them. "What on earth are you two doing? We're all ready to go!"

"Right, apologies," Alphinaud said as they both stood up and followed her back to the entrance of the village where the others were waiting.

"Finished saying your goodbyes then?" Alisaie grinned mischievously.

"If you must know, I was just giving her a scolding for being so careless," Alphinaud answered back as Claire shrugged in an unconcerned way. "Anyway, I believe that all is set to go? I suppose I will wish you all the best of luck then. And should you run into any trouble, please… contact us right away. We don't want a repeat of last night?"

"Yes," Yugiri agreed, looking down in embarrassment at the reminder of her irresponsibility. "We shall return as soon as we are reunited with Lord Hien. I am hopeful that it will not be too difficult. I have a good idea of where we can start, at the very least. It is a place known as Reunion, a sort of marketplace, 'twas where I last saw Lord Hien and, with the grace of the kami, we may be able to find him there a second time."

"That's something," Lyse said excitedly. "I can't wait to meet this Lord Hien. What's he like?"

"You'll see soon enough," Gosetsu smiled back, even more excited than Lyse was.

"But ah… just where is it that we're going to again?" Lyse asked curiously. "This step place?"

"The Azim Steppe," Yugiri informed them before she pointed northwards and added, "From here we will turn north until we arrive at a cave, through which we must pass in order to reach the Azim Steppe. Follow me, my friends. We have many malms to travel before we reach Reunion."

"Wait! Don't leave yet!"

The cry had come from Isse, of all people. He had come running up from the village, a small package in his hands as he skidded to a stop in front of them. His face was suddenly very red when he handed the bundle to her, who took it with polite confusion.

"Here, take these for the road. It's simple fare, but it's the least we can do for you, after what you did for us," he said, rather nervously. "…It may be stupid and naive of me to say this, but I will."

They all looked at him as he raised his head, a smile back there and a fire burning inside, so brightly, that he seemed to glow with confidence as he declared, "When you come back, we'll finish what we started. We'll beat the imperials and we'll win our freedom! So…don't keep us waiting too long!"

They all nodded and Lyse grinned as she punched her hands together and promised, "Oh, don't you worry about that! Once we come back, we'll kick those stupid imperials out of Doma once and for all!"

Isse grinned back before he ran off with a wave, heading back to the village with a new spring in his step as they looked to the bundle of wrapped in persimmon leaves.

"My!" Gosetsu said as Claire unwrapped it to reveal a wonderful smell and she saw that it was a sweet vinegared rice topped with salmon and pressed into a narrow rectangle. "Persimmon Leaf Sushi! Such a wondrous treat! The people of Namai were once known for their rice and their persimmons! Combined with fish caught fresh from the One River… this is bound to send one's taste buds on a journey of enlightenment! My mouth fairly waters at the sight of it."

Claire offered some for him, but he laughed as he shook his head.

"Nay, keep it, my friend," he insisted sincerely. "You've earned it."

Lyse and Yugiri both agreed with this, and Claire tucked it away, planning to have it for lunch.

The six of them journeyed together until they reached the valley where the entrance to the House of the Fierce was and they parted ways with Alphinaud and Alisaie. As they were heading off though, she couldn't help but look back to see the twins retreating backs. Her feelings were torn at that moment, and more so when Alphinaud looked back and met her eyes. He only smiled and with a nod of his head, they turned at the same time and went on without a second glance back.

Yugiri led them back the way they came so that they were on the shores of Othard in the Ruby Sea once again. Lyse was asking why they were coming this way if they were to be heading north, but Yugiri pointed up the shore to where they would use this path to take them to the Azim Steppe. From what she had remembered, this was the quickest way to get to the Steppe, and they should reach it if they kept up this pace.

They ended up passing through Isari on their way, which the villagers were more than happy to see them again. But as they paused for just a moment to make sure that the villagers were well, Claire couldn't help but notice how Yugiri strayed away from them.

Concerned, she excused herself from the group as she left Gosetsu and Lyse to speak with the others, and she followed after Yugiri's footsteps in the sands.

Like she thought, Yugiri was standing at the base of the shore, stopping just as the waves lapped at her feet and ankles, before receding… as if it was trying to pull her back into the water.

"Forgive me," Yugiri said when she looked to see who was there. "I just could not resist. The last time that I was here was…? Some time ago."

Claire only smiled back sympathetically as she shrugged, silently letting her know that it was alright.

Yugiri seemed to understand and gave her a grateful smile before she turned her gaze back to the endless blue seas.

"'Tis a strange feeling," she confessed. "When I was a child, the world felt so small and confided for me. My people retreated beneath the waves of the Ruby Sea so that they could be left in peace, and therefore my childhood was just that. Peaceful. But every day as the sun rose, I would gaze up from beneath the waves, learning to feel the warmth on my face and see what it was like. And finally, one day, I worked up the courage to do so. What I found was not at all what I expected."

Claire gazed back at her, as Yugiri confessed, "It was both… more dangerous… and more wondrous than I had ever dared dream of."

"Do you wish to return to the sea?" Claire asked wonderingly.

Yugiri seemed to take her time in answering as her eyes never left the water.

"To say that I didn't long to return home and see my family again would be a lie," she said quietly. "But if I never left, I never would have met with Lords Kaien and Hien… never would I have met with Gosetsu and many others…?"

She then gazed back at her and smiled a little wider as she added, "Nor you and the Scions."

Claire smiled back as Yugiri chuckled to herself.

"Perhaps my brush with death has opened my eyes to things that I did not see before?" she questioned herself. "But I have made my choices, and I do not plan to go back on them. I just wish…?" She paused for a moment before her smile faded and she shut her eyes as she finished, "I just wish that I could see my mother and father again… just once more. Let them know that I was alright…?"

Claire looked to the waves and said softly, "I could go on your behalf? Just to make sure that all is well there?"

Yugiri gazed back in surprise, her eyes wide and began to tell her that she didn't have to do such a thing, that they were short on time as it was. But Claire merely jerked her head back to their comrades, and they both knew that it might take a little time just to make sure that everything was alright here. And Lyse was even speaking to the few Confederacy members that were stationed in the village about contacting Alisaie and Alphinaud as they went over plans.

"I'll make it quick," she promised and before Yugiri could stop her, she dove into the water and felt the familiar sense of freedom that came with being able to move in the water.

She was only gone for a short time, but it felt much longer when she met with the Ruby Princess once more, and saw that her dearest friend remained in the clutches of a deep sleep. Hoping that the others didn't mind, she spent her time with the princess, accompanying her around the Ruby Sea as they looked for a cure for her ailing friend.

Once they succeeded in awakening her from sleep, Claire said her goodbyes, but not before giving in and enjoying her Sushi… and it truly was delicious.

By the time that Lyse and Gosetsu had finished discussing things, they had come looking for Yugiri, and were just wondering where the Warrior of Light had disappeared off to. Before Yugiri could explain, Claire's head broke the surface of the water and she began to paddle back towards them.

"Hey! There you are!" Lyse called with a wave. "A funny time to go swimming! We were just asking where you were!"

"Yes, our matters here have just concluded. The Confederacy will shortly be in contact with Alphinaud and the rest of the Liberation Front!" Gosetsu added. "Now that it's over, we must continue onwards towards the Steppe!"

Claire merely continued swimming back until her feet touched the bottom and she walked up the rest of the way towards them.

"Well…?" Yugiri asked worriedly as Claire approached her.

"Everything there is fine," she reassured her gently, "I did not run into your parents this time. But things are well there."

Yugiri looked on before a smile came to her features and she let out a sigh of relief.

"Thank you," Yugiri said to her gratefully and Claire shrugged back, not needing to say anything, but Yugiri understood. The two of them then turned together and began to walk up the beach, continuing on with their journey to the Steppe now that their little detour was over.

Gosetsu and Lyse both glanced at each other in confusion as they looked back to their friend's retreating backs.

"Did… did we miss something?" Lyse asked as Gosetsu shrugged and they did the only thing they could do and followed after them.

The four of them crossed over the sandy beaches until they reached a cave set up in the side of the cliff, and passed underneath it for a time until they emerged upon a vast and endless wilderness. Plain upon plain of grass, with an endless blue sky above them and tall mountains in the far off distance of gray stone.

Before them stood a massive circular construction that looked a deal like a bowl, while smaller finger-like structures surrounding it. the stone was simple but each brick was carefully placed and she could tell that even from this distance that true masters had to have labored to build it so perfectly. There was also the outline figure of a Xaela emerging from the stone as if passing right through that drew her attention and she wondered how they could have worked something so perfectly.

There were long banners that connected this bowl-like building to the ground, with all matter of colors and styles. Someone had to have put those up, so they most certainly weren't alone here? Lyse ran on ahead of them and was staring about like a child who was staring around a store full of toys.

"I give you the Azim Steppe, Claire," Yugiri told her as they walked forward. "Though I should say that this is but one small portion of it. Despite the close proximity, Domans rarely venture this far north. Most find these lands and their people strange and foreign… Fortunately, those who frequent Reunion are more welcoming than most. Come ─ it is not much further.

They crossed the plains only for a short distance until they crossed into a small yet flourishing market. There were several structures built out of a stone, but most of them were small stalls and tents made up of wood and cloths that looked like they could have been folded up and carried home. The venders sold all manner of things from exotic dishes and ingredients to beautifully crafted fabrics with vibrant dyes, there was also elegant jewelry that were set with shining jewels with every color imaginable, small wooden toys, amour made of leather and furs, even books and tomes scattered about upon the tables as their vendors were trying to entice people to come forward.

Most of the vendors were dressed in similar furs and robes, but it looked that each of them had a cloak of a different color as they continued calling out to anyone who would listen to come to their stalls. When they caught sight of her and their small group, they definitely looked interested and some were even waving them over.

"This is certainly different," Lyse said, her eyes bright as she gazed about with great interest.

"Welcome to Reunion, my friends," Yugiri said, trying to keep her voice down as a handful of locals looked at them curiously, "Here is where we will begin our search for Lord Hien. When last I spoke with Lord Hien, he said he spent much time in these markets. I had hoped we might find him here today, but alas…"

"Hey, Yugiri, I've been meaning to ask ─ there are an awful lot of Xaela here, aren't there?" Lyse asked, gazing at the vendors.

Yes, that was what Claire noticed as well. Practically all of the people in these markets were Xaela Au Ra.

"Oh, I assumed you knew," Yugiri said before explaining, "The Azim Steppe has been home to the nomadic tribes of the Xaela since antiquity. More than fifty roam these lands, and though they do not constitute a nation, there is a hierarchy of sorts, determined through ritual combat."

Truly? That was interesting. Claire wanted to learn more about this ritual combat of theirs, but Lyse was already looking puzzled.

"Funny… If they're so busy fighting each other, you'd think the Empire would be able to march in and take the Steppe with ease," Lyse said wonderingly. "I wonder why they haven't…"

"Why indeed, Lyse? Why indeed…" Gosetsu asked as he stepped up behidn them, "Perhaps they see little value in it, especially given the fierce reputation of the Xaela warriors who would fight tooth and nail to oppose them."

Then the warriors here must be fierce indeed. The Garleans were rarely the type of people who would back down from a chance to conquer something. And the Azim Steppe seemed to have been closer to the lands of Ilsabard than Doma was…? So why did they feel the need to go to Doma first and not even bother with the people here? They must truly fear the warriors of these lands indeed.

"These lands were not made for men," Yugiri explained. "The soil is thin, and the weather unforgiving. The Xaela found ways to survive, it is true. But they are made of sterner stuff than most imperials ─ conscript or citizen."

"Thanks for taking the time to explain," Lyse said with a smile. "It sounds like I've got a lot to learn. Later, I mean. We're meant to be looking for Hien!"

Well, it hopefully won't be too difficult. After all, if most of the people in these lands were Xaela, surely the people would be able to tell them about seeing a single Doman.

"People from many tribes gather in Reunion to trade goods and information. I should be surprised if we cannot learn something of value here," Yugiri said and glanced at Claire, adding, "Let us make our inquiries separately. Claire, why don't you speak with some of the merchants here?"

Claire nodded as the others soon parted from each other as they each began their own inquires. She was finding it difficult to stay focused while looking at all the new sights and smells about her. She had to start somewhere though, and she approached a young woman dressed in grey robes and fur and asked her if she had seen a young Doman man around here.

"Buuz! Fresh buuz! Your choice of lamb or dzo! Guaranteed to satisfy! How many will you have, miss?" the woman, who introduced herself as Chambui, asked. "Eh? A Doman? Unless another Dazkar is keeping him in her yurt, he is not here." She gave a snort of laughter before finishing, "More fool her if she took a Doman for a husband. But enough about Domans ─ let us speak of buuz instead! You cannot come to the Azim Steppe and not sample this most traditional of delicacies!"

Claire had no idea what a Dazkar was, but she went about to another stall, this time to a man who was dressed in light green and thick leather.

"What fortune you have to come hither at this time! Freshly slaughtered, every cut available on request. Organs too ─ hearts, livers, brains. Or a brace of blood sausages, if you desire only a snack!" he asked her before she began to question him. "A Doman? Poor meat they make, Domans─ I jest, I jest. Hmm…I did see a young Mol in the company of one some few days ago…"

A Mol? What did that mean?

The next couple of stalls that she went to weren't as helpful, only trying to tempt her into buying some of their merchandise. She didn't get any luck until she spoke with a man, dressed in silver, who called himself a Goro Horsemaster, and he was fawning over his mare.

"I have brought you a new brush, my beloved," he cooed over the house as he ran a brush through the silky mane.

"So smooth and silky your mane shall be ─ the envy of every other man…Hm? Say again?" he asked as she questioned him. "You are seeking who? Ah, the Doman. I know of whom you speak. He comes and goes with a Mol girl. Though I could not describe her. I only know that she is Mol because I heard them talking as they passed."

Again with this Mol? It seemed to her that this was the name of one of the wandering tribes that Yugiri mentioned. Deciding to try a different approach, she starting to ask them if they were Mol, and hope that she would find someone who could answer things for her.

The first woman that she approached was dressed in black and was standing next to a homemade cart, before looking surprised by the question.

"I am Ura, if you must know," she answered back. "Come down from the mountains in the north. If there is nothing else…"

Well, at least she was onto something. At least, until the next woman she asked quickly grew angry when she mentioned the Mol.

"You take me for a Mol!?" the woman dressed in the brightest of yellow snapped in outrage at her question. "I am Oronir! Compare me not with ones so weak and lowly!"

This seemed to be growing more and more confusing the more she spoke to people. But being the stubborn sort that she was, she had no intension of giving up that easily. And good thing for her that she didn't. For when she approached a girl, who was about her age—she had found the answer she had been looking for.

This girl was dressed in a long, pink robe like most of the others around here, but she had hair that was as pink as her own, and tied back with white ribbons while a short bow was settled upon her back. She was startled at the questions she asked.

"…Yes? I am Mol. My name is Cirina. May I help you?" Cirina asked and Claire sighed in relief and quickly introduced herself and explained that she and several others were here looking for a Doman who went by the name of Hien.

"Oh… Oh, I see. You are looking for Hien. In that case─" she began before the merchant interrupted.

"How urgent this business must be to leave our conversation unfinished!" the merchant, who was in blue, snapped. "The kinsai. Will you buy it? There is but one bundle left. If not, then─"

"I will, I will!" Cirina said hurriedly, looking back to the merchant before adding a little meekly, "Though I had not thought to pay so high a price…"

"It is a bargain for which you should be grateful," the merchant retorted with a hint of annoyance in his voice. "If you lack the coin, then the fault is your own, and you will leave with nothing."

"Please, I must have the kinsai!" Cirina pleaded imploringly. "The gods themselves requested it! We are bound to their will!"

Claire watched as the merchant seemed to take pity and was thinking it over.

"…Pay me the difference in whisperroot," he said at last. "I will sell it to the next apothecary to pass through Reunion, and we will each feel fairly treated. But do not tarry. Should another come before you, coin in hand, I will not refuse him."

"I understand," Cirina said gratefully. "Thank you for this kindness!" She looked back to the warrior and said, "I am sorry, but we must speak of Hien later. I cannot leave Reunion without that kinsai…"

But Claire gestured to herself, taking Cirina by surprise as she asked, "You…you want to help me, is that it?"

She nodded and Cirina beamed.

"I do not know what to say… Thank you, Claire, thank you!" she said before she began to explain, "The lumbering ones we must fell wander the plains to the west of Reunion. If we each harvest two, then we should have enough whisperroot. Return here when you have finished. Good luck!"

Claire left her, leaving Reunion and straying out into the plains properly. She couldn't help but be amazed by all that she saw on the vast plains, just calling out to her very soul to wander. What she wouldn't give to be able to explore every inch of these lands and beyond? She quickly found these 'lumbering ones' which were massive tree-like creatures that lumbered upon their giant hands.

She pulled out the katana that she had received from Namai, and watched how this perfect blade shone from the sunlight above. She charged forward, bringing the fiends down with little problem, killing two of them in almost no time at all, and had pulled off the roots from its body until she had a neatly-tied bundle.

She tucked it safely at her side as she began making her way back to Reunion, her heart still aching with the thought of being able to explore more of these lands. She had to fight the urge of wanderlust as she returned to the stall to find Cirina already there waiting for her. She was looking around anxiously, and sighed in relief when she saw her approach.

"Welcome back, Claire. Have you brought the whisperroot?" Cirina asked before she handed her bundle, which caused Cirina to cry out joyfully at the sight of it. "Blessed is she who shows kindness to strangers, for with fortune does she ever ride."

She then performed a small prayer before she looked back to the merchant and handed them over before asking, "Will this quantity suffice?"

"It shall," the merchant answered agreeably as he took the bundles and looked over the quality with interest.

"The kinsai is yours," he promised before handing back to her a much smaller sack, "The gods favor you more than you know, child. Udgan rarely have need of such herbs, and so my stock is limited. Had you come a day earlier or later, I would have none for you."

"Perhaps the gods guided me here, as they guided Grandmother," she said before looking back to the warrior. "As they guided this woman from the West…"

Claire raised her eyebrows at her, wondering how she knew that she had come from the West before she heard Lyse's familiar voice calling out, "Hey!"

She and Cirina looked up to see that Lyse was standing with Gosetsu and Yugiri as she waved to get her attention.

"How goes the search?" she asked as they came up to her. "Any luck?"

Claire then introduced Cirina to them and that she may have an idea to where Hien was.

"Ho!" Gosetsu cried excitedly. "What fortune to meet a friend of the young master!"

"Well met, Cirina," Yugiri said politely as she looked to her. "If you have an inkling as to the current whereabouts of Lord Hien, we should be most grateful for your assistance."

She bowed to her, which took Cirina by surprise and embarrassment as she began, "Oh, please… It is I who should be grateful."

"Hold! What is this!? I came first ─ you second!"

The cry had come from nearby and they all looked at once to find the source had come from two Auri men, one dressed in the same bright yellow robes from that Oronir that Claire spoke to earlier, and the other was dress in light leather which was dyed blue and decorated with beads and metal. Though they were standing face-to-face, they were both shouting as if from other sides of the markets.

"Know you to whom you speak?" the one in yellow demanded conceitedly. "All people of the Steppe should. Or have you fought so much that you have forgotten the face of your superiors?"

"Superiors!?" the blue demanded with a roar. "I spit on your superiority, little prince. Twisted and mad as sand devils, your kind are!"

"Those two don't seem to like each other very much…" Lyse said quietly, yet was unable to tear her eyes away in case it broke into a fight.

"Those boys are of the Oronir and Dotharl. The two strongest tribes," Cirina explained calmly and pointed to the impetuous warrior in yellow. "The Children of Azim are destined to rule. So they declare to all who will listen. Their word is law ─ for now. Grand, flamboyant fighters…but deadly. Very deadly. He prances as a horse, as do his brothers after their many recent victories." She then turned her eyes to the one in blue and added, "The undying ones too are strong. Fearless and vicious, they often reigned in the past. Now, they are sorely tested."

Claire looked back just as another Au Ra man stepped up, this one waring white and grey colors with a distinctive cloth mask to cover his mouth. To Claire's surprise, the arguing pair backed down without complaint as this newcomer's ruby-red eyes narrowed and he folded his arms much like a parent scolding two boys into behaving.

"Ah, the master of the markets. He is Qestir," Cirina explained with relief. "To fight in Reunion is forbidden, and to break the peace is to be banished forever. This he says without words, for words are lies to the Qestir. They do not speak."

"That's…interesting," Lyse said as she looked back at her with wide eyes. "And all these different tribes share the same lands, do they? No wonder it's tense…"

"Hmph! I shall look for you on the field at the Naadam. Mark my words!" the Dotharl warrior barked as their eyes were drawn back to the pair. While it was clear neither of them were planning to cause trouble under the Qestir's watch, but they were taking the time to try and get the last word in.

"Hah hah hah!" the Oronir retorted with a laugh. "As shall I! Mayhap I shall take eleven more Dotharl heads to make a dozen with yours. I look forward to the day."

They both left without another word, with the Qestir watching until both boys were out of his sights.

"Their dispute will be settled at the 'Naadam'?" Yugiri asked in confusion, looking back to Cirina once the excitement had died down.

"A great battle held on the final day of the Tsagaan Sar," Cirina explained patiently. "During this time, all bonds of hierarchy are broken. All Xaela are equal and free to prepare for the fight. The tribe which triumphs in the Naadam rules until the next Tsagaan Sar. Which, in these lands, is now."

So they chose their leaders through battle? Interesting way to look about it, but Claire found it a refreshing change compared to simply passing the throne onto the next in line. She was definitely curious about this Naadam, but she knew better than to look too much into it.

"Ah, so that is what they call the custom," Yugiri said in understanding. "I presume your tribe will also be taking part?"

At those words, Cirina's cheerful expression darkened and her eyes became suddenly downcast.

"Not all seek the Dawn Throne. Some are satisfied with their lot. Others, like the Qestir, have reason to remain neutral," she described. "The Mol are lambs among wolves. Long were we content to remain apart and live quietly, but…" she cleared her throat and said in a more upbeat voice, "Never mind that! You seek Hien, yes? I know where he may be."

But Claire could see how her eyes gave her away. There was worry and sorrow writ plainly there and she looked at her with concern. Yet, Cirina seemed reluctant to press the matter for she changed the subject and told them how she met Hien, how her grandmother had a vision from their gods that she was to go to the southern mountains. That was where she found Hien, badly injured and near death. She brought him back to her village where they treated his many wounds and nursed him back to health. After that, he chose to remain behind so that he could somehow repay them for their kindness.

She looked back to Claire and asked, "Excuse me. If I could see your map for a moment…" When Claire handed it over, Cirina made a quick mark on a ledge that was near the markets and finished, "Here ─ he has grown fond of this place. It affords him a view of the markets and the Steppe. I would accompany you, but I must return to our village to prepare my grandmother's meal. Thank you again for your assistance!"

They thanked her as she left with a wave, heading north as they headed more to the east.

"Our long-awaited reunion is at hand! Come, my friends ─ let us go and greet our lord and master!" Yugiri said with a smile to the rest of them and they set off, exiting Reunion and travelling on foot only a short distance. They soon found a steep incline that led a ledge upon this grassy rise, that gave a beautiful view of the land below them… and there was a young man sitting there with his back to them.

"The kami are merciful!" Gosetsu cried out in relief. "My lord Hien, I see you are alive and well!"

The man, whom she could only assume to be Hien, didn't even look back at them as he kept his eyes in front, so it was impossible to tell if he was surprised at all by their sudden appearance.

"Ah… You are come sooner than expected," he said calmly, still not looking back. "So. My blade or my head. Which would you have of me?"

At the sound of his voice, Yugiri and Gosetsu both sank to their knees and Yugiri informed him, "The people of Yanxia remain loyal to Doma. I have seen the fire in their eyes ─ they are ready to rise up and fight. The time is ripe, my lord. Return with us, blade in hand, and lead Doma to freedom."

Hien did not move for a moment as he let those words sink in.

"Naught less than liberty will suffice, then?" he asked finally. "A pity. It will prove far more difficult to deliver than my head. But if my people wish to pursue an impossible dream, then who am I to deny them?"

At last he stood up and turned to face them so that she could see his face. A rather tall Midlander Hyur with messing hair that was tied back in a topknot with red and orange ribbons and a beard that was trimmed to his jawline. He was also dressed in a yellow fur-trimmed kimono with misty mountain designs sewn into it and light armor underneath while a katana with an ornate design hung at his side. And after looking over him, Claire could see him as the son of the previous ruler of Doma… if nothing else, he certainly looked the part.

"Yugiri! Gosetsu!" he began before his eyes found Claire and Lyse and he faltered, "And…uh…?"

"The Scions of the Seventh Dawn, my lord ─ good and true friends who opened their hearts and homes to us when we fled to Eorzea," Yugiri answered at once, and she then began going into detail about them that was causing Claire to blush, "Far across the sea they have journeyed to stand with us in the fight for Doman liberation ─ to oppose the Empire, as they have in the West, where they are lauded as heroes for their many deeds─"

Thankfully, Hien was still smiling as he said, "Say no more, Yugiri. Say no more." His eyes found her own as he confessed, "I observed how you helped Cirina, to whom I am deeply indebted. For that, and for the aid you provided my people, you have my deepest gratitude."

He bowed, taking them by surprise by his modesty. When he stood tall again, he looked her up and down as he decided, "There is no doubting your strength, nor your character. It would be my honor to fight by your side."

He was a charmer. More subtle than Thancred was, but it was enough to cause a faint warmth across her cheeks once again. He then turned back to his retainers and asked, "So. What of Doma? Arise, my friends, and tell me of our home."

So they explained everything that had happened. How after Yugiri fled Doma with as many of their people as their ship could carry, and how they met with the Scions in Eorzea, who gave them refuge. She assured him that their people there were well and had built for themselves a new life, which relived him greatly. Gosetsu then went into detail about how he had later gone to Eorzea himself to find Yugiri and they fought alongside with the Scions and the Alliance against the Empire before the two of them returned to the Far East, where they parted ways. It was after the mess in Kugane where he met with the Scions once again, much to his greatest surprise. That was when Claire decided to tell him of their own troubles in Gyr Albania, where she saw his eyes sadden.

"I know first-hand how cruel the Empire can be," he said with a sigh, "Especially Zenos. His strength defies all reason, and I suppose I should thank the kami that not all of us were slaughtered by his hands."

"That was when we realized that we were no match for the Empire," Lyse added, "At least not right now, and not on our own. So we decided to come here to help you reclaim Doma's freedom. We already are starting to see the people rising up! So this is proof that if we work together, then we can defeat the Empire."

"Yes, Lyse, and full grateful I am for any support that you and yours can offer us," Hien agreed kindly. "I look forward to the battles where we fight together for the freedom of, not just Doma, but all lands that are being suppressed by the shadow of the Empire."

They told him of their ventures in the Ruby Sea, where Hien looked at concern to Gosetsu when he learned of his imprisonment and questioning from Yotsuyu.

"Fear not, my lord!" Gosetsu laughed. "I escaped that unpleasantness in one piece. And I'll not have you fretting over me! It all worked out well in the end."

He then told them how the Scions were able to gain cooperation with the Confederacy, where they freed the villagers and Isari from an unpleasant end before they had gone further in to Yanxia. That was where Yugiri had to tell him of Zenos's unexpected arrival in Doma, and her plan to try and assassinate him. This news clearly shocked him to the core.

"You Yugiri?" Hien asked, and it looked like he was torn between laughing and astonishment. "After all the times you had to reason with me not to charge in without thinking?"

Yugiri looked down in embarrassment before muttering, "I know that that it was thoughtless of me. At the time though…?"

"No need to explain," Hien chuckled. "I am only gladdened to see that you have escaped that encounter with your life. I am glad."

Claire wasn't sure, but she could have sworn that she saw that Yugiri was starting to blush this time from his words, though it was hard to tell with her. But Yugiri then cleared her throat and informed him of their people's decision to stand against the Empire once more, no less than by standing against Zenos.

That was where they finished by wrapping of their decision to come to the Steppe to look for him, and the rest of their forces were waiting for them in the House of the Fierce with Alphinaud and Alisaie. Hien thought over what they were to do next before nodding.

"I have made my decision," he decided firmly and looked to Yugiri, ordering, "Yugiri, I bid you return to Yanxia and take charge of our forces in preparation for my homecoming. As for our esteemed guests…" he added to Claire and Lyse, "I would ask that you remain here with me. I sense you will be a great help in the coming days."

Yugiri blinked in surprise at his request before saying, "Your will is my command, my lord, but…how much longer do you intend to stay?"

"Oh," he chuckled, "Only until I have won the contest. I mean to return at the head of a Xaela army."

It only took a moment for the realization to sink in at what he was planning.

"You mean to participate in the Naadam?" Yugiri choked startled.

"Have you a better idea?" he asked calmly. "Consider how soundly we were defeated before. The imperials may have since grown weaker, but we are weaker still. 'Twould be folly to challenge them without first supplementing our forces. So yes, I intend to win the Naadam and enlist the aid of every able-bodied Xaela I can! Furthermore, by championing the Mol in the contest, I can at last repay their kindness. Lest you forget, they saved me from certain death ─ and a man who suffers such debts to go unpaid is without honor and unfit to lead."

Well, Claire had to admit, he made a lot of sense and the idea of bringing back an army with them would be something to see. Gosetsu seemed to agree as well for he was laughing good-naturedly at his words.

"Just so, just so," he said before promising Yugiri, "Our lord has spoken, Yugiri. But take heart ─ I shall keep him safe… and should it come to it, bring him back by force."

The funny thing was, he probably would if he had to.

"This is no laughing matter, Gosetsu," Yugiri retorted, but she calmed down and said, "But if these are my orders… Very well."

She then looked back to Claire and asked humbly, "Once more I place my faith in you. Pray look after them both."

It seemed that their last battle together had strengthened her belief in her abilities as a Warrior of Light, even if she had lost that fight. Claire's heart ached at that, but she nodded, silently promising to keep an eye on them both. Yugiri's worries seemed to have been put aside at that before she jumped up and vanished in the style fitting a shinobi.

"Looks like it's up to us, then…" Lyse said, getting Claire's attention, "Though it does seem a bit risky. Isn't Hien meant to be the next king of Doma or something?"

"So they say…though, in truth, I am but a pale reflection of my late father," Hien confessed with a shrug. "All the more reason to entreat your assistance."

Though his bearing was that of confidence, Claire couldn't help but wonder just how much of that was a mask for their sake. After so long of wearing a mask of her own, she had learned to tell when someone was wearing one and here she was certain that he had one right now, but she could not see pass it.

"For ours is an impossible dream ─ to set in motion a revolution that will rattle the very firmament, and shake off the yoke of the most powerful empire in the world!" He looked back to Claire and said, "Claire Faye, was it? Once again, allow me to thank you for your many deeds in service to Doma. For twenty-five years did my father rule in name only. My rule ─ if one would deign to call it that ─ has been naught in comparison. That changes now. We have a purpose and a plan, and after we take to the battlefield together, we will have victory as well."

She merely smiled back, knowing that talk was cheap. It was easy to sit here and talk about reclaiming Doma, but getting to that point will be harder than they could imagine.

It looked like he knew her unspoken words as well, for he gave her a rather shy smile himself as he declared, "But you are a practical woman. I can tell. Disinclined to trust in words when actions speak truer. I can relate… So ─ you too have heard of the Naadam."

She nodded as he began to explain it in more detail, "'The great battle for supremacy of the Steppe.' I learned of it during my stay with the Mol. To my knowledge no foreigners have ever triumphed, much less participated in a Naadam. But, lack of precedent notwithstanding, I should think we would have good standing to bid them march with us to Doma ─ should we win."

"Will they even permit us to fight, my lord?" Gosetsu asked worriedly. "We belong to no tribe of the Steppe."

Yes, it seemed to her that only members of a tribe were allowed to participate and they were part of no such tribe. It wasn't like they could show up to the battleground and just start fighting with everyone. There must be a way to go about this?

"We are not without options, given what Cirina has told me," Hien assured him, "You see, in accordance with the gods' wishes, her people shall participate in the coming Naadam… …And when they take the field, I mean for us to fight alongside them as fellow warriors of the Mol. But we need not discuss this at length here. Come, let us head north to Mol Iloh, where Cirina and her people have made camp for this season."

Together, the four of them began a long trek to the north and across the emerald green plains. Despite the dangerous creatures that roamed the lands, Claire couldn't help but find her heart soothed to be in such a place. She couldn't put her finger on it, but perhaps it was just the sheer openness, far from walls and the troubles of government and law. Here, she felt her own spirit seem to relax, a feeling that she relished.

Eventually, their walk took them across a small river, and up to a small hill where several large tents were set up, trimmed with a dark crimson color. There were several Mol walking about their makeshift home, some sitting upon elaborately decorated blankets, children were tending to a small heard of sheep, while others seemed to have been hard at work with daily tasks such as cooking or going over storage.

As they approached, they had to pass underneath the watch of a watchtower built from tall logs and tied together with strong ropes. She gazed up to see that there was another watchman observing them carefully as they stepped into the village proper.

"My friends, I give you Mol Iloh!" Hien said, gesturing around the tiny village. "The khanun of the tribe, Temulun, resides in the largest yurt. We should go and make our introductions."

"The khanun?" Lyse questioned wonderingly.

"It means the head of the village," Hien explained.

"Wait… I thought that their leader was chosen every year at the Naadam?" Lyse countered in confusion.

"Yes, that is known as the khagan," Hien explained. "The khagan is the one who emerges triumphant during the Naadam and is often considered the strongest on the Steppe, and is regarded as such. Their word is law, as well as the tribe that they represent. The khanun, serve as the next line of authority after the khagan. Each tribe has their own khanun, who leads their people through the rest of the time."

"Oh, I think I get it," Lyse said thoughtfully. "That's a… interesting way to do things, to say the least."

"Yes," Hien agreed. "The khanun here of the Mol is someone I am much indebted to. And if we wish to participate in the Naadam, we must seek her blessing."

So, he lead them up through the small village where the Mol, all stopped what they were doing and watched with curiosity as they passed, heading to the largest yurt. Inside there were dark colors and almost no furniture, yet it was warm and gave off a welcoming feel as they looked to a throne-like chair set up at the far end where an elderly female Xaela sat and speaking with Cirina.

The elder turned her large, dark eyes to her and gave a warm smile as she said, "At last, the traveler comes…"

Strange… the way that she was looking at her… it was almost as if she had been expecting her presence all day. She wanted to ask, but that was when Hien and the others entered behind her.

"Temulun Khatun, Cirina, I am returned," Hien said respectfully as Cirina looked up as well.

"Ah, you found each other!" Cirina said happily.

"Ours is the soil, Hien," Temulun offered with a welcoming nod as she looked to her and the others. "The Doman's and the Eorzeans', too."

"You know us?" Lyse asked in surprise.

"The gods know you, child…as do the stars in the heavens, which shone bright at your coming," Temulun explained with another nod. Claire wasn't sure what she meant by that, but perhaps Cirina noticed this and explained.

"The Mol hearken to the whispers of the elder gods, which guide us in our daily lives," she informed them. "We know them through the udgan ─ like my grandmother."

Her grandmother could communicate with their elder gods? That was fascinating and Claire wondered what that would be like, but Hien went on speaking.

"Khatun, I am come to beg a boon of you and yours. That I might liberate my homeland, I seek to rally the strength of the Steppe," Hien stated with both confidence and clarity. "To that end, I wish to fight in the Naadam ─ as a warrior of the Mol. Will you grant me this honor?"

"To stand with the Mol is fruitless! Hien, do not do this!" Cirina stated at once in concern. "The gods may have willed that our tribe join in the Naadam, but…" She looked down, looking upset as she confessed, "There is no path to victory! We are weak and our numbers few. Even with your help, it would be impossible."

Ah, so this explains her earlier ominous behavior when they asked if her tribe would take part in the Nadaam. Her heart went out to her, but knew not enough to fully understand what was happening nor how to help.

"I thank you for your concern, Cirina," Hien answered back kindly. "But it is precisely because of the seeming hopelessness of your cause that we must needs cast our lot with you. Were we to join hands with a more favored tribe, our victory would inevitably be attributed to them. And no one would follow me to Doma."

Cirina still looked troubled as she looked to her grandmother, like she was looking for support. But Temulun nodded back, as if to tell her that it was alright.

"'Twas the gods' will that we fight. Mayhap this too is their design," Temulun said slowly, looking at them all through knowing eyes. "Hear me, then. As khatun of the Mol, I invite you all to join with us in the Naadam."

Claire smiled, glad to hear that they had her blessing for this. But she had a feeling that this was the easy part. And it seemed she was right, for Temulun turned to her granddaughter and added, "Will you look after them?"

Cirina didn't look happy about this, but she forced a smile and agreed.

"Come with me, friends. There is much I would show you," she told them and they all headed to the exit. But as Claire was about to follow them, Temulun's voice stopped her when she said, "You, wait. I would have words."

Surprised, Claire looked back at her as Temulun gazed back, as if her eyes were staring straight into her very soul before saying, "A singular radiance. Shimmering. Like a jewel of the Dusk Mother, blinding in its brilliance." Her eyes then shut as she added, "Stars flicker and flock to you. Before such gathered light, even the secrets of the gods may be laid bare."

Temulun turned her gaze suddenly to where they could see Cirina and the others all discussing with each other. Claire looked at them as well when Temulun added softly, "Some are fated to rise in grace and glory. Others to falter and fade, though not from memory. Both will be your strength and salvation come the end."

Claire looked back, tilting her head in confusion. Perhaps her bewilderment was plain on her face for Temulun smiled again, simply saying, "Cherish the stars and the light they bring you in the dark. For you are a traveler, are you not?"

Her words reminded her of what the Sylph elder said to her what felt so long ago…

"Walking one is destined to walk a fate far crueler than this one can imagine."

What did this all mean? Why did others seem to know more about her than she did about herself? Just what was it that she was supposed to do? What were they expecting out of her?

"I'm not sure I understand," Claire said at last, breaking her silence.

Temulun just smiled kindly.

"I suspect that deep down you may. But if not, then a time will come when you will," she promised. "Darkness must always fall before the sun rises, my child."

Claire was burning with questions, yet something told her that now wasn't the time for it. Instead, she left her politely, meeting up with the others outside the yurt as they were already discussing the steps that needed to be made before they would officially become warriors of the Mol.

Yet… Temulun's words continued to ring inside her head. And she suspected that they will remain even long after leaving the Steppe.

"…Thank you all for coming, and for offering to fight with us in the Naadam," Cirina was just saying to them as she approached the group—none of them having noticed that she had stayed behind for a moment longer. "Though I still fear our chances grim, I am grateful for your assistance. To be recognized as warriors of the Mol, there is a trial you must overcome. But before we speak of such things, there is another, more pressing matter! My friends. I must warn you. The path upon which you embark is fraught with peril. You will journey unto the far reaches of the Steppe to confront a terrible foe, as did the warrior Bardam in days of yore. Three days he battled with the demon ere he returned to his people. So it is written, so must it be. Many who follow in his footsteps perish, lacking in strength of body and mind."

They all waited expertly, wondering just what kind of trial that she was informing them of. What she was not expecting was for her to say, "Therefore… We must treat you to a great feast!"

Claire blinked and looked to the others, who were as taken aback by her words as she was. Cirina then frowned as she looked at them all with courteous puzzlement.

"Have…have I said something strange?" she asked innocently. "The hungry fox starves staring at the bull's testicles, therefore warriors should be well fed on the eve of battle!"

Hien, who was the first to recover, grinned back good-naturedly as he agreed, "She does have a point. You have been keeping busy in my absence. A brief repast may be in order, lest we collapse of fatigue and malnourishment in the midst of our trial."

To be honest, it did sound like a good idea to her. The leaf sushi she had earlier seemed a lifetime ago, and she felt an unusual emptiness inside her stomach as well.

"Yes, just so! However, it will take time to prepare," Cirina informed them, and at that, they were all asking if there was anything that they could do to help her.

"Well, if you insist, I am sure that the others would be glad of your assistance," Cirina said shyly. "Hmm… Would you go and speak with Dorbei, Lyse?"

Lyse gave her a thumbs up and left before even asking where she could find Dorbei. But Cirina looked to the rest of them and added, "As for you three ─ you can help me with another task. For today's feast the gods decreed that we lure gulo gulo to slaughter with entrails. Perhaps you could be the ones to do this?"

"That your people look to the gods for guidance I understand, but in your daily meals! I say, your grandmother must be quite busy," Gosetsu said startled.

"Some days more than others," Cirina confirmed with a giggle. "But every night we come together around the cookfire."

"Even babes must earn their keep on the Steppe," Hien declared for their sake, "Give over the entrails, Cirina. We will bring you a bounty of meat!"

Cirina was more than happy to do so, and handed over several bags full of slippery and bloody entrails from some poor beast that had been slaughtered the day before.

So, the three of them headed out onto the Steppe once more, and were wondering just where to begin hunting for this gulo gulo.

"A word of advice," Hien said suddenly, "Our quarry is wont to avoid the Xaela and their settlements, but is fond of flowing waters… Hmm. A thought occurs to me. How about we make a game of it, Claire?"

Claire tilted her head at him silently, wondering just what he meant here.

"I have six bags of entrails with which we may lure our gulo gulo. Three for you, and three for me," he explained, his eyes sparkling a little with the idea of competition. "Whoever returns with the greater portion shall be declared the winner. What say you?"

Right now? Well, she didn't see the harm in it. She nodded as Hien looked even more exciting as he declared that Gosetsu would stand by as a witness and went running off without another word. Gosetsu seemed intent to follow after Hien, but his master had said that he had been roaming these parts of the Steppe for a while now and knew just where to go. And that if he couldn't handle a few gulo gulo on his own, then he never would have proposed a contest.

"As impatient as ever, I see," Gosetsu shrugged as Hien ran out of their sights. "Well, no matter. His time here seems to have been a good experience. I am glad. You need not worry, my friend," he added as he looked to her. "I will wait here for you both. Now then, go and good luck with your hunt!"

Claire shrugged in amusement as she headed off as well. Now, while Hien did have a much better lay of the land than she did, she was used to crossing over larger distances in shorter amounts of time. This was no challenge at all to her as she began to venture up further and further into cliffs, looking for places that were isolated and far from any Xaela settlements, or were close to water.

The more that she wandered, listening to the wind blow and the sound her boots made as she climbed up ever higher, the more struck she was by the sheer beauty and vast wilderness below her. Oh, how she longed for a chance to explore this entire land and the lands beyond?

She was so tempted to simply continue climbing… further upwards into these cliffs and never look back, simply to continue heading north until she ended up crossing around the world to the other side. So it was with a disappointed sigh when she found a steady stream of water in a small nook of the mountain where she set down one of her bags of entrails.

It didn't take long for several slimy-looking creatures—that she could only assume to be gulo gulo—to appear. Forcing herself not to stray from her desire to continue exploring, she set to work, seeking out places where she would most likely find gulo gulo, being very picky about her locations, until she had used up all three sacks and made the long haul back to Gosetsu and Mol Iloh.

To her surprise, she saw that she was the first one back, for Gosetsu was standing there on his own and welcomed her back with open arms.

"Oh," he said, "Have you used all your bait? In that case, let us see the fruits of your labor!"

He exclaimed loudly at the sight of how much she had managed to bring back, but before he could finish counting it out, Hien had returned with his own sack slumped over his shoulder.

"Ho! It would seem that, at the very least, you are the faster hunter," he said cheerfully as he dropped the large sack at their feet. "But speed is not everything. For my part, I slew six gulo gulo!"

Claire hid the smile as Gosetsu counted out the meat in his bag and nodded.

"Aye, that you have, my lord. As for Claire…" Gosetsu said as he finished counting out hers. "The meat of eight gulo gulo did she bring! A fine day's work, and undeniably the greater portion."

They looked at each other as she smiled sweetly.

"Bah! A loss, is it?" he asked with a shake of his head. "And how confident I was in my chances." But he looked at her with a kind of charming grin that reminded her a little of Thancred as he added, "Nevertheless, it is a testament to your skills as a hunter and a warrior. How fortunate I am to count one so talented among my allies!"

Well, he certainly was a charmer. No doubt about that.

"And with that, our game is concluded," he said brightly, excited to see the look on Cirina's face when she sees all the meat that they brought home for her. "Let us return to Mol Iloh forthwith ─ and let us have Claire present our meat to Cirina. Mayhap you are unfamiliar with traditional Xaela cuisine? Let not its appearance deceive you ─ it is quite hearty and nourishing. Were it not so, I doubt they could have nursed me back to health. Heh heh, you should have seen the state I was in…"

And he began to tell her about some of his many difficulties in trying to recover after being so heavily wounded. He told her how he managed to escape the enemy during the failed rebellion, but when he was finally able to get away, he was in the middle of a forest and had no idea where he was. By the time that Cirina had found him, his strength had left him and he had collapsed, and could only wait for death.

He didn't remember too much after that, but that when he awoke, he was inside a yurt with Cirina tending to his wounds. He had remained with them for the next few weeks, his strength gradually returning and eventually becoming healthy enough to venture out onto the Steppe. However, with all the many tribes around here who were more than happy for a chance to cause a fight, he did his best not to stray too far, in fear that he accidently bring trouble to the Mol.

He owed them much, and he wanted to repay them somehow, and the idea of bringing victory to their people in the upcoming Naadam seemed to be the answer. As she listened, Claire couldn't help but notice the dark shadows that crossed over Gosetsu's face as he listened to Hien's talk about how close he was to death.

Instead of pointing this out to both of them, she picked up the pace slightly so that they were able to find Cirina, who was preparing herbs and spices for the meal.

"You are returned, Claire. How was your hunt?" Cirina asked and as they handed over the many bags, her eyes widen with amazement.

"My word, this is impressive!" she gasped before laughing happily, "Or were you so hungry that you felt the need to kill so many? Well! I shall endeavor not to disappoint you all with my cooking! It will be a little while before the meal is ready. If you and Lyse wish to fill the time, perhaps you could assist Dorbei? He has many responsibilities, and would welcome your help. Nor would you regret making his acquaintance, for he is liked and respected by all. You may find him by the other yurt, taking stock of our supplies."

Her eyes gazing over to Gosetsu and Hien, she had a feeling that mayhaps it would be best that she leave the two of them alone for the moment, to talk and catch up on everything that's happened.

She agreed, and slipped away politely as she wandered to another one of the yurts. She found Dorbei with surprising ease as he began to take stock of their supplies.

"Ah," he said, when he saw her appearing before him. "One of the newcomers. Welcome. I spoke with Lyse. I bade her help the children gather fuel for the cookfires. I trust it will be a good experience for all. For you too, perhaps. Seek them in the south, across the bridge."

Excited to be able to venture out once more, she began to run across the grassy slopes, relishing the feeling of being able to move with such ease. She took a great leap as she felt the wind rushing through her hair, blowing behind her wildly and freely.

It was only with the slightest trace of disappointment that she had run into Lyse so suddenly.

Lyse was just finishing up folding up a sack with a hint of disgust on her face when she saw her at the top of the hill.

"Oh, Claire! Are you here to help too?" she called as she waved her over. When Claire nodded, Lyse looked deeply relieved as she said, "Great! So…I suppose Dorbei told you that the children and I are gathering 'fuel' for the fires, did he? It'll need to be dried before they can burn it, of course. You, um…you do understand what we're here for, right?"

Claire gazed down at the sack and sighed, understanding exactly what it was. She had assumed that they would be looking for wood, but that wasn't the only thing that could start a fire, was it?

"Only, some people can be a bit squeamish about this sort of stuff. Then again, you've never minded getting your hands dirty, have you?" Lyse couldn't help but laugh a little. "Anyway, we're trying to get four piles each. Good luck! And keep an eye on the children while you're at it, eh?"

Claire went on ahead and did what she was told, and despite what she had to collect for fuel, she did her job quite cheerfully. She soon was finding several piles from some of the creatures that roamed the land and occasionally coming across the children, who were all hard at work gathering dung.

The children were fascinated with her as they worked, and were soon clambering to ask questions about what life was like as an adventurer, the kind of places she had visited, and the battles that she took part in.

It wasn't until much later did she finally return to Lyse.

"Well? Have you found your share yet?" Lyse asked as she looked at the sack. "Good work. I hope you took the time to talk to the children while you were at it."

Claire nodded, having enjoyed listening to the children as they made a game of their chores. She had enjoyed it much more than she thought she would. Just then, all four of the children had come running up to them, having dragged a large sack with them and held it up proudly for them to see.

"Lyse! Lyse!" a boisterous Mol boy cried eagerly. "Look how much dung we have!"

"Wow, I'm impressed!" Lyse encouraged truthfully. "I thought we'd gathered a lot, but it looks like we'll have to admit defeat!"

"Dorbei will be happy we found enough…" a willowy Mol girl added while another bright-eyed girl said, "Not just Dorbei! Now we can continue making cheese! Not that I was worried ─ it was easier when we were living near that forest, but dung works just as well as wood."

"I heard the Mol move from place to place ─ that the gods tell you where to go. That must be hard on you all…" Lyse said sympathetically.

But her words seemed to confuse the children as they all looked at each other.

The boisterous boy asked bewildered, "Hard? I do not understand. Why is it hard? It is better for the animals to move ─ to have more food to eat and land to roam. To stay in one place is harder, no?"

Huh… what do you know? That made a lot of sense. She never really thought about it, but she found it to be rather… difficult to stay in one place for too long herself. Perhaps that was why she continued to walk this road? Because life would be so unbearably dull in comparison?

The reserved boy then went on to say, "…From the heavens comes the rain which nourishes the soil. From the soil comes the grass which nourishes the beast. From the beast comes the flesh which nourishes the Xaela. Ours is the soil of one and all."

His friends all nodded and the girl with bright eyes added, "But you Westerners are like the Domans ─ you live in the same place. In villages. And all the villages in one place are part of a 'nation,' yes? Hien talks about nations sometimes. When he was injured, he spoke of Doma in his sleep, but I did not understand his words."

Claire had a very good idea what those words may have been. She turned her gaze for a moment back in the direction of Mol Iloh, and wondered just what was going through Hien's mind at that moment.

"Whenever I ask him about Doma, he just smiles and looks to the south…" the willowy girl added, looking sad, "It reminds me of my mother when she waits for my father to return from a long journey… But Hien will not wait any longer, will he? Because you came for him. To take him back…because his nation is more important…"

Lyse seemed unsure of how to answer them in a way that made sense.

"Um…I'm not sure how to answer this…" she began slowly. "A nation…is a place, I suppose. A place…and the people in it…and maybe the things, too… But more than that, it's the history, the traditions, the words."

And as soon as she started speaking, it was as if the words came easier and easier to her and soon she was finding herself saying, "The stories we tell ourselves and our children. Everything that came before and everything that comes after. The place we were born is part of who we are. We carry it with us, no matter where we go. Whoever…whatever we become, that part remains ─ that link to our fathers and their fathers before them… It's…it's not important to everyone, I suppose, and that's fine. But it's important to Hien. And to me."

Claire smiled as she gazed at Lyse, knowing that she was thinking of Ala Mhigo, and perhaps she was starting to put the pieces together. Claire had a suspicion that Lyse was struggling within herself for some time… the problem was, Lyse wasn't sure what it was that she should be confused about. But from the way that Lyse was speaking, it seemed that she was finally starting to realize what it was that she wanted.

"…Some call the Mol fools for listening to the elder gods, but it is our way," the reserved boy said. "Our pride. Our…nation?"

"Something like that. It's something precious that you and others share ─ and that no one can ever take from you," Lyse decided, and Claire had a feeling that she was informing herself of that as much as the children. "But we can talk more about it later! It's time to go home. Dorbei is waiting! I'll stay with the children. Why not go and let Cirina know how we got on?"

At the suggestion, the children all left in single file, eager to show Dorbei their haul, while she and Lyse followed at a slightly slower pace.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Lyse asked suddenly when she noticed Claire's eyes on her.

Claire merely turned away innocently, not speaking as Lyse was starting to pout a little at being ignored.

But she didn't press it as they found their steps carrying them back to Mol Iloh. Lyse volunteered to take the bags to Dorbei, while she asked Cirina that they had finished. Claire was glad to do so as she went in search of Cirina, noticing that Hien and Gosetsu were surprisingly absent from the village.

"Welcome back, Claire. Did you speak with Dorbei?" Cirina said when Claire had tracked her down. Claire nodded to the question, informing her of all that they found. "Well, well! Then you will forgive me if I ask you to wash your hands. I shall pour you a cup of milk tea in the meantime."

She was right… they stunk after that little venture. Thankfully, she was able to go and clean herself up and return in time for Cirina to finish making some tea made from some of the sheep's milk. Claire was glad for a chance to be able to sit down and listen to Cirina discuss all about what life was like here on the Steppe as she began to boil the food down in a wonderfully smelling broth.

"The meal is almost ready, so we should summon Hien and Gosetsu…" Cirina said proudly just as the sun was going down.

Soon, she called Lyse and the boys near, and before they knew it, they were all seated around the fire and enjoying a rich broth full of meat and vegetables that seemed to breathe life into her weary limbs. All five of them were gathered there as they sat on the ground, and continuing to tell stories and laugh at the more light-hearted parts of the tales.

The sky was soon full of stars and Claire found herself gazing upwards as she continued to listen to Cirina speak more and more of the Steppe. As the night went on, Gosetsu and Hien found excuses to leave, leaving the three of them to enjoy the peace that the night had brought. However, Lyse—with exhaustion finally catching up to her—soon dozed off, her head leaning up against the stone behind her as her eyes shut.

Cirina looked on sympathetically before whispering to Claire, "She needed the rest. To come so far and carry so much…"

Cirina then looked back to the empty seats and added worryingly, "Hien and his friend, too. Strange that they should vanish so soon."

"Hah! Haaagh!" Hein's voice suddenly rang out through the air, sounding not too far off, followed by the sounds of swords clashing against each other. The two of them smiled at each other before Claire got up, deciding to go and check on them.

As she did though, she couldn't help but cast her gaze upwards for just another moment longer to see the flicks of light sparkle in the night sky.

*Hien*

Left… Right… Duck down!

It felt good to be able to spar with Gosetsu again. Gosetsu had insisted that he test his skills, to ensure that he was well enough to be able to take part in their upcoming trial. They had been going at this for several long minutes and Gosetu was chuckling approvingly as he informed him, "Not troubled by your old wounds, I see."

"Hm. Nor you by yours," Hien said before frowning. He knew that it was only by the grace of the kami that he was still here with them in the world of the living. If not for Cirina and the other Mol, he was certain he would have died long ago and they wouldn't be here now. He could only imagine the grief and fear that Gosetsu and the others felt when he ignored the call to retreat and battled on that day.

He had been feeling this guilt inside him for some time, and now that he was finally face to face with his old friend, he had to say it.

"I know I should have fled with the others after Father died, instead of blindly fighting on," he confessed to him sadly, "It was reckless and foolish, and there was naught to be gained from it. Everything to lose, rather…"

"We know no path save the one we walk," Gosetsu answered back in a surprisingly gentle voice, not sounding mad at him, "I myself am in no hurry to meet those who have gone before ─ not while I have still to make amends."

Gosetsu… who had ever been like a second father to him. How he knew the words to bring succor to his heart.

"Well said," Hein responded, a smile back on his face before he charged, his katana held high. Gosetsu blocked his attack and it was a stalemate for only a second before Hein was able to knock the blade back and get over Gosetsu's guard and swing it upwards… stopping just short of Gosetsu's neck.

He smirked as Goestsu froze, realizing that he had just lost this little bout. But he accepted it gracefully as he swung his blade about expertly.

"You are none the worse for your time in the wilderness," Gosetsu laughed at the sight as he withdrew his own blade. "On the contrary, I would say you have improved."

Hien sheathed his blade as he grinned proudly, but made sure to inform him, "Come now, your victories still far exceed mine. Or have you forgotten all the times you trounced me as a boy?"

Gosetsu smile soon became a frown and shut his eyes as he confessed, "I…feared I would not see you again."

Hien smiled as he told him, this time reassuring him that he wasn't angry or disappointed, "A life so fortuitously saved should be spent wisely. Without regret would I have traded it for our people's amnesty, had it been their will."

The idea of giving up his life after the Mol worked so hard to care for him seemed such a dishonor. But he was willing to do whatever it took for his people's peace of mind. Even if it mean that he sacrifice it.

"Instead they have called for the sword, and so that is what I must be. Until this blade is broken, I can but carve a path forward," before he realized something and pointed a finger at him accusingly as he demanded, "…Were you truly so concerned for my well-being? You never showed it when we used to spar."

"How you cried when you lost," Gosetsu thought back fondly. "And when your mother tried to comfort you. And when you inevitably came at me once more, swinging your wooden sword wildly… Mina's little Master Shun. What a fine young man you've become!"

Hien felt his cheeks turn red at the name that he had long since left behind.

"A man should not be addressed by his childhood name. I've told you about that before!" he snapped before finally realizing that they were being watched. And he had been trying so hard to mimic her calm personality as well.

"Ah, the mask slips! And I was so close to cultivating a winning persona," he said and he took Claire by surprise when she realized that she had been found out.

"There will be opportunity enough for putting on airs after you have returned in triumph to Doma," Gosetsu said. "Now is the time to show our true character."

Claire soon joined him and was looking at him with curiosity before ask, rather teasingly, "Shun, was it?"

Oh, of all thing things that she had to overhear.

"…Yes, yes, 'tis a name my parents gave me as a child ─ but I should like to think I have long since outgrown it!" he said good-naturedly. "But as you seem determined to bring it back into use, I believe a match is in order. If I win, you will be honor-bound to divulge one of your darkest secrets."

She smiled at that and he saw her hand go to the katana she wore at her side.

"Gosetsu, how about you be the judge?" Hien asked with a grin.

Gosetsu laughed at that and nodded as he stood off to the side to watch. Claire gazed about them with mild confusion before Hien said, "Come, we shall show you how a duel between swordsmen takes place in the Far East. First we stand far apart like this."

Claire nodded as she came to stand a few yalm away and he added, "Now, we bow."

Both of them bowed at the same time to the other and then he drew his blade, which she had done as well. They stood there, waiting for Gosetsu to signal for them to start. Gosetsu smirked, as if he knew something that he did not as they waited. And he held up his hand for them to strike. Hien didn't even have a chance to swing his blade down for his opponent moved with such speed that her blade was at his throat.

He blinked, startled, unable to move as she stood there with a rather smug expression on her face.

"By the kami…?" he croaked out as Gosetsu burst out laughing and declared her the victor. Claire lowered her katana as he staggered back. She had moved so fast that he didn't even have a chance to comprehend what happened until it was too late.

"Truly… I felt fear the moment that I saw that blade," he said. "You must tell me how you learned to use a katana with such ease."

Claire suddenly turned hesitant but mumbled something about having met a samurai from Hingashi who took her in as a pupil. He could tell that he touched upon a sensitive topic, but he grinned as he said, more upbeat, "But my friend, if you can move with such skill and grace, then overcoming the trial will be as a breeze to you come the morrow!"

She merely shrugged as she informed him, "Perhaps another time will you learn one of my darkest secrets, Lord Hien."

He laughed at that, realizing that she was right.

"Ah, yes… but my, I have to say that I am now burning to know just what kind of secrets someone like you has," he said. "When this is over and free Doma from the grip of the Empire, I would like to invite you an official position here in Doma."

She actually laughed at that.

"I am flattered," she said. "But I fear that I will need to help Lyse free Ala Mhigo once we are finished here."

"Oh, of course," he sighed. "Lyse mentioned that before when we first met. I imagine just how difficult it must be for her. But I don't suppose you would be willing to give us some lessons?"

Claire merely smiled back as she held up her blade once more, and he followed suit. Ready for a little more training.

*Morning*

The next couple hours after that were spent with her putting him through his paces. He had no idea who it was who taught her to use a katana, but whoever they were, they must have been a real master of the sword to have taught her so well.

By the time that Gosetsu called a halt to the training session, Hien was absolutely exhausted and had to hide the urge to limp back to the encampment before he collapsed on top of his bedroll—asleep as soon as his head touched down.

After what felt like a few hours, Gosetsu was calling them all awake just at daybreak. Hien's muscles were throbbing and he winced as he forced his tired body upright. As he joined the others with Cirina, who was already ready for the day, he couldn't help but feel the slight twinge of disappointment to see that Claire didn't look to be the least bit tired after their training session.

Lyse, who was still yawning, but looked much more renewed than she had yesterday, was stretching out as she was telling them that she was ready to go.

"A new beginning lies beyond the horizon," Gosetsu said as he joined with them. "We have but to seize it with our own two hands."

Well said. So, he ignored his own tiredness as he turned to Cirina, who was asking them, "Was the food to your liking?"

They all agreed, for he could taste the effort that went into preparing it for them. This made her truly happy as he said, "Well, my friends! I for one am full of vim and vigor! I trust you feel the same?"

Good, everyone was good to go. He looked back to Cirina, now all business as he said, "Then what better time than now to undertake our trial, and become full-fledged warriors of the Mol!" He looked to Cirina and stated, "Now then, Cirina, if you would tell us of the trial we must undertake that we might participate in the Naadam."

"Ah, yes!" she said with a grim nod, as if she had been hoping that they had forgotten about that. "As I mentioned before, to be recognized as warriors of the Steppe, one must follow in the footsteps of the legendary warrior Bardam. He embarked on a great pilgrimage, eschewing cart and horse, and walked for many malms until he came to a holy place, thereafter named Bardam's Mettle. There, at the altar, as he did, you must pray. The altar lies deep within the breeding grounds of the yol. To complete your trial, you must tame one. Only then will your trial be complete."

Hien was slowly starting to see what this was about. Before one could prove that they are ture Warriors of the Steppe, they must walk in the same footsteps as one of the greatest warriors the Steppe has ever seen. By following in Bardam's wake, perhaps they could also rise to greatness while remembering the past.

"Fair enough," Hien said. "And where is the entrance to Bardam's Mettle?"

"You must journey far, far to the west ─ beyond Chakha Zoh, where lie the bones of a great and wise woman," Cirina said as she turned and pointed to the west. "Beyond the ruins of Ceol Aen, hidden within the mountains is a narrow pass. Follow it, and you will come to Bardam's Mettle."

"Sounds to me like it'll be a trial just getting to the trial…" Lyse couldn't help but point out.

"More than you may know," Cirina said forebodingly. "On the eve of the Naadam, many strive to improve their fortunes ─ some by abducting and enslaving the warriors of other tribes. Be ever mindful of your surroundings, lest you be taken as well."

He watched as both of the women grew deadly serious expressions, but not a trace of fear in either. And he couldn't help but pity the poor fools who try to ambush them; for they weren't going to be finding some helpless maidens.

"Hah!" Hien couldn't help but laugh. "What grim expressions you wear while nodding so powerfully! Warriors such as you are not like to fall en route to a mere rite of passage. We shall proceed with all due caution, yes, but let us not worry overmuch. We will overcome this trial, and the next, and the next, until we stand triumphant. That is all there is to it, no? With me, my friends! To the west! To Bardam's Mettle!"

He went running off with Gosetsu right on his heels.

"Lord Hien! Shouldn't we wait for the others?" Gosetsu called irritably after him. But after the beating he took last night, Hien couldn't help but feel that he had something to prove. They would go on ahead of the girls and help to clear the way for them. The moment that he stepped out from Mol Iloh, he couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched.

They didn't get too far, for when they were less than halfway across the Steppe, a group of Au Ra warriors appeared out of nowhere and attacked them. He wasn't going to be stopped after coming this far though, and he quickly brought them down by the time that Gosetsu caught up with him. They continued on together until he was able to guess that they were halfway to their destination before they were ambushed once again.

Before Hien could call out a warning to them to leave them alone, they attacked, and he and Gosetsu barely had enough time to block them.

No sooner did they bring these guys down did the girl catch up, with their eyebrows raised at the sight of all the dead warriors around.

"Ah, there you are. As you can see, they left us little choice," Hien said as he waved them over and noticed the blood at the helm of their clothes. "I gather you were forced to dispatch a few yourself?" Claire nodded and he sighed as he finished, "So it goes. A few less warriors to face in the Naadam, eh? Ceol Aen is not much further. That said, I should be surprised if our would-be masters do not try to subdue us one final time…"

They had almost made it to Ceol Aen when another group came charging at them, weapons drawn and all letting out battle cries. He got a chance to see the girls strike out against them. He prided himself on his skills as a warrior, but seeing how easily they dealt with their would-be kidnappers, he realized he had more to learn.

They're stronger than they were letting on.

"Right. This must be the pass that leads to Bardam's Mettle," Hien said as he looked up the pathway. "They say no foreigners have overcome this trial, but, well, there is a first time for everything, no? Nothing left but to begin, then. To complete the trial, we must each pass through Bardam's Mettle and tame a yol. How precisely we are to do this, I am not sure, but since countless warriors before us have succeeded, I imagine we'll muddle through somehow… But enough talk! We have a Naadam to win!"

"Oh, right!" Lyse said as she handed a small wooden whistle each to him and Gosetsu, quickly explaining what Cirina said and he tucked it safely away, ready to go.

From what he understood, they were each to enter at separate times. So, he bid farewell to the others as he stepped up first. He followed the trail for a moment before it split into one of many different pathways. Cirina had warned him of this, that there were many different roads that they could take, but that they all led to the same ending. Which road they took was up to them.

After deciding for a bit, he chose one random path and began to follow it. He was immediately met with a long curved pathway of grass, with particularly built fences on either side among the boulders, and streams of rope with flags and banners attached every few feet. He began to follow it, but soon enough he was met upon some Halgai Shoots and even a canyon Dzo within the first few yalms he took.

He made his way slowly among the road as he killed every beast that he met until he reached the end where a stone visage stood, blocking his way. As he approached, several Wall of Bardam came to life to attack him.

The Dusk Visage eyes suddenly glowed a brilliant shade of blue suddenly spoke up, "Thus spoke Nhaama: Hunters in whose veins flows moonlight, show me your mettle!"

He remained calm, remembering what he had learned and dealt heavy enough blows against the walls to bring both of them down. As soon as they crumbled though, the light from the Visage faded as it spoke once more, "Pass, blood of my blood, for you are of the Dusk and of the Steppe."

The Visage had falling over backward, revealing the continued road, which he ran down it, his katana still drawn so that he was prepared for the creatures that roamed there including the Shoots, Dzo, and even several enormous Gulo Gulo who were all determined to make a meal of him.

As he continued walking, the more that he left the grassy plains behind and headed deeper into the mountains. The ground becoming filled with cracks and gorges that could have easily swallowed him up… and he tried not to think of the bones that must litter the bottom. Eventually, he was able to make it to another Visage, which blocked the road.

He reached the Dawn Visage, where several more of its stone guardians came to life and made for him.

"Thus spoke Azim: Warriors in whose veins flows sunlight, show me your mettle!" the Dawn Visage demanded and the battle began before he was able to fell the three walls. The crimson light from the Visage faded as it fell over like the first and he heard the voice say again, "Pass, blood of my blood, for you are of the Dawn and of the Steppe."

So far so good, but he had a feeling that he had only just done the easy part as he came upon a more open clearing and a large creature was there waiting for him.

A towering creature that he had heard to be known as a Galura was standing there, as if waiting for him. He had seen small creatures similar to it, but this beast had reached giant size. All around the clearing were several other creatures, such as sheep and rams that seemed content to remain in the shadows of the walls around them as he faced down the Galura. At first, it didn't seem that difficult as he danced around its massive feet and got a few swings in. But the problem was that its hide was so thick that he may have been trying to use a bamboo sword to cut through it.

He jumped back, trying to think of a plan as the creature charged at him, and instinctively, he ducked behind a sheep as it charged.

The sheep survived the attack, but when Galura roared, the sheep cast a sleep spell that almost made him doze off as the rams began charging right at him. He was able to snap himslef out of it in time, but once he got back to his feet, he saw that all the creatures aside from Galura had fled. They made their escape by leaping across a small brook, retreating back to the Steppe. But the roar had caused several other sheep and rams to come charging in nearby… and he had a bad feeling that this wasn't going to be easy.

But having an idea, he began to keep up the pace by patiently attacking before ducking behind the animals for protection and do his best to avoid getting trampled. Finally, he was able to swing his blade right through Galura's skull and brought it down.

Panting hard, he turned to continue on the path by walking towards a wooden ramp… only to realize that there was nowhere to go. In front of him were countless banners and flags that were strung across the ravine that he stood before, and he was at a complete lost at where to go from here.

Just then, part of the old walkway he was standing on collapsed and he fell a short ways before landed hard on the stone below him. Wincing in pain, he limped on, biting down on his teeth to keep himself from yelling. He had left the fields behind him at this point and were now upon the stone of the mountains, with towering walls on either side of him. Staring directly above him were several giants carved from the stone and mountain face that were so life-like, that one could almost expect them to breathe.

That was when he saw that the first giant held its hands stone pillars that blocked his way and he was just coming close to examine it when the giant came to life—causing him to yell and step back—before the giant lifted one fist up.

When he had been young, his mouth used to play a game with him to help him improve his concentration. She would hide a ball under a group of cups and move them about and he would have to guess which one the ball was under.

Only now this time, there were several stone Dhara waiting for him once the giant lifted up one of the pillars. Hien had a difficult time attacking them with a sword for they were made of stone and so he had to find some creative ways to duck around their swaying arms and slashed deep in between the cracks.

As soon as he brought down all of the Dhara in front of him, the giant lifted up its other arm and moved the blockage along a narrow, stone bridge. Flying about the walkway were several eagles and buzzards, their talons glinting in the darkening light. He had to take great care to avoid getting slashed to shreds before he was allowed to move on.

When he reached the other side, that was where another giant was, but this time he was ready when it raised up one fist, revealing several more Dhara's for him. Breathing hard and making sure to remain calm, he was able to take care of the threat before the second blockage was removed for him and a stone platform laid in front of him, where a massive giant—larger than the other two giants—was waiting for him.

Having a bad feeling about this, he stepped up to the platform before he heard the giant speak.

"Yea, you who would walk after Bardam! He who was strong as the earth, swift as a horse, brave as the thunder!" the giant called. "You who would become Warrior of the Steppe! With death will you dance!"

And so a deadly dance did begin. Hien couldn't even get close enough to land a strike, but he quickly found out that this wasn't just about a test of strength. This was proven when the first trial fell to him when the giant slammed the stone hammers together, creating another rock creature as it fell in crumbled pieces. Hien instinctively went for it, thinking that all he had to do was destroy it…

But the moment that he looked into its red eyes, he skidded to a stop and spun about to avid its gaze. He succeed in dodging its attack before the hammers met again right above his head, and this time glowing spears appeared around the area, casting pathways of destruction in a certain pattern. He stepped into a square that was free of light and managed to avoid the lances. Three times he was able to avoid it and then the giant spoke again.

"The second trial is upon you…"

He was truly beginning to see why the Warriors of the Steppe were so greatly feared and respected. If it is considered a requirement to face such beings, then they would have to be strong.

A glowing pillar appeared before him and he stood in it as he bore a blast. Another attack appeared in the form of a deadly circle of dark energy came after that before a barrage of stone boulders began to fall from the sky around him and forced him to run about in circles to avoid them.

"Two failures are yours to bear…" the giant warned, "All well be held to account… all will know the end…"

Hien soon learned what those words meant when he was hit twice by the falling stones. At once, shadowy chains appeared around him, lifting him off the ground and he was forced to struggle with all his might to try and free himself as the boulders continued to fall, this time four large ones falling all around him.

He could only assume that this was punishment for failing to perform the trial perfectly, and for a moment, he feared that he had failed about. But the giant had suddenly let him go and warned, "The third trial is upon you… Be not afraid of falling stars…"

It was a bit of a blur after that. The moving stone soldier in the center of the platform had created a kind of looming shadow and from the sky there was a meteor falling down upon him. Hien had to stare about him, trying to remain calm and think of a way to escape. But just then, the two stone hammers that the giant had slammed down on two of the boulders that had fallen before.

Two more stone soldiers appeared just as the glowing lances on the outside of the platform were back and he was stuck trying to avoid them. The stone warrior suddenly jumped and the impact caused him to lose his balance and he was pulled in to the center before he was forced to dodge attacks from both him and the two warriors. But somehow he was able to survive it with only cuts before a meteor was called down to the looming shadow. With no choice, he dodged and rolled, moving behind the remaining star shard and held on as the meteor landed and whipped out the stone golems.

To his greatest of relief, it seemed that this part of the trial was over.

"Yeah, you worthy successors of Bardam!" the giant called. "Yours is the Steppe and everything in it!"

When he cast his gaze upwards, to his amazement, the statue seemed to simply fade away from view, revealing another small walkway, showing where he was supposed to go. Shaking from exhaustion, Hien made his way towards the platform to see even more flags and banners in front of him. He looked down at the rushing river below and somehow knew what had to be done. Taking a deep breath, he jumped, hitting the icy-cold water and let it carry him downstream and over a waterfall before landing hard on the stone that led to a cave inside the wall.

Banged up and drained, he forced his body into the cave, cursing before he was forced to jump down once more to the ground and continue onwards. Inside were several strange moving contraptions and large blue butterflies that blocked his way. As he began fighting them, to his horror, the blocked passageway upon a small hill, moved to see a giant stone boulder rolling down towards him.

Thinking fast, Hien rolled able to avoid getting crushed before continuing on to face more of the butterflies only to have to dodge two more stone boulders. Thankfully, when he rounded the corner to face more of the moving mechanical combatants and blue butterflies, the boulders seemed to have run out. He had to be nearing the end by now?

He found himself by another blocked passage, only to open them to reveal more contraptions inside, which wasn't too hard to bring down. But, at last, he reached the final doors and opened them up to see that in front of him was single stone platform rising up from a misty cave. There were more banners connecting all around the cave and surrounding the stone platform while there were spears and weapons standing proudly on either side of the doorway, leading to an old wooden staircase that connected to the platform.

As he approached and looked up to the caves around him, he could see the paintings of a blue that was so bright that they appeared to glow of all the creatures that could be found upon the Steppe.

That was when it appeared… the Yol…

It was a massive bird, with beautiful sleek, grey feathers and a flowing tail that fluttered about it like ribbons dancing in the wind. The powerful claws and beak slashed viciously at him as its piercing eyes glowed dangerously. This wasn't going to be an easy fight.

And this was proven for its test was all about survival. It pushed him to his breaking point as he was forced to dodge its attacks, practically leaping about to avoid it. From its feathers it created silver spheres of light that fell to the platform around him and exploded, forcing him to run for cover. The Yol even called in back up from eagles, forcing him to slay them before he could go back to facing his foe—who continued to swoop down and attack.

What a creature the Yol was.

Just earning the right to be called a Warrior of the Steppe was a struggle for your life. But after keeping this up for what felt like hours, the Yol caused the entire cave to shake and crumble around him, he was finally able to defeat it and it went swooping upwards with a single cry.

He looked up into the beast's eyes and they seemed to reach a kind of understanding before it left him where he was and silence was all that was left. Hien pulled out the whistle and nodded once, knowing that he had earned the beast's approval and he would call upon it when the time was right.

There wasn't much left here but to rejoin the others, and so… he left the cave, feeling stronger and more battered than ever before.