Author's Notes

I just thought I'd post a new chapter as a thank you to everyone who's read this fanfiction as my little stat-o-meter has flown past 10,000 views this past week! :) Another reason is work is once again getting busy and I thought I'd give you another chapter as quickly as I could just in case updates slow.

Also thanks to Maggiexxmoment for picking up on that tense error. I have a very bad habit of 'skimming' instead of proof reading before uploading chapters and I really need to break that habit!

Disclaimer

I don't own Final Fantasy XII. I do own Edie, my OC.

Chapter XX: Pony up, we got a ways to go.

Morning came too quickly. In the gloom of the cavern it was hard to tell just what hour it was seems as very little natural light filtered in. I was awakened by Penelo.

"Edie. Wake up, we need to move on." She said softly as she shook my shoulder.

I woke with a groan. My skin was still tight and irritable from its previous bout of sandblasting. I dragged myself up and joined the others in eating a hearty breakfast of cured meats, soda bread, fruit, and of course lots of strong coffee.

With our stock once more packed up and distributed between us (Balthier, Fran and I bared most of it due to being in the backline whenever in battle) we left the safety of the cavern. The sandstorm had long died and in its wake were the twisted and battered remains of the desert's sparse vegetation. Today was going to trying thanks to my lack of sleep and raw skin. It wasn't helping that Ashe had taken on the role of slave driver, all the while urging us on. I half expected her to beat a drum so we could keep to a hurried pace and crack a whip at those of us who dared to dawdle.

I sighed and trudged on beside Penelo and Vaan, who despite the heat were in high spirits.

"Edie are you okay? Your face is a bit red."

"Her face is red because she didn't take a potion to cure her sand burns." Vaan said.

"But I used that cactus salve, the one you gave me for my blisters." I explained. It was then I noticed that I was the only member of our group who looked like she had been cooked to a crisp.

"That salve isn't strong enough for such a burn." Penelo informed. "You should take a potion. It will revive your skin and save you from getting an infection. I'd use the salve afterwards also seems as you are paler skinned than the rest of us you might get sunburnt."

"I'm not much paler than you, you know."

"Tch, you look like a ghost! I've never seen anyone was pasty as you." Vaan proclaimed.

"Gee, thanks Vaan." I grumbled whilst locating a potion from the medic kit.

I was a bit miffed that they hadn't mentioned this earlier. It would have saved me from being put through last night's uncomfortable situation with Basch. Typical, there I had been thinking that it would be a waste of a potion when they had already taken some for their own sand burns.

I plucked out a bottle, uncorked it and downed its contents in one gulp. This had been the first ever time I had taken a potion. The taste of it was surprisingly bitter. A strange tang of aniseed, eucalyptus and something I couldn't quite place danced across my tongue. Its heated sensation snaked down my throat and pooled in my stomach where it began to radiated its powers from. The warmth spread from my core throughout my body in a rapid rush as it searched for my ailment. I watched in wonder as the red, cracked skin on my forearms began to smoothen and return back to its normal hue. Although the rapid healing process did hurt at times, this short lived pain was quickly replaced with the soothing calm of the potion's euphoric afterglow. Typically, there was only one way for me to convey my sheer awe at what I had just experienced.

"Cool."

Penelo's giggling interrupted my stupefaction and I quickly lowered the arm I had been gawping at.

"See? Good as new." She smiled and patted my shoulder.

We decided to carry on walking before Ashe realised we had been dragging our heels. With my skin no longer frazzled I found our trek almost bearable.

For most of the day and well through into the afternoon we hiked along the barren wasteland. Foes were quickly slain by Basch's keen blade. Their quick defeat meant we didn't have to waste our energy or stock in battle. By late afternoon the sun was slowly descending, casting long shadows on the glittering sands.

"We ought make camp." Basch suggested to Ashe.

"The sun still graces us. We shall make camp when it has set." She insisted, still marching.

I groaned. I was exhausted. Although I hadn't participated much in battle today, the weight of our stock that was clung to me was starting to take its toll on my body. There were a few hours of daylight left and I was unsure if my feet could carry me and my load another step further. If Ashe was that desperate to carry onwards, she could drag me the rest of the way. I paused and bent, placing my hands on my knees as I allowed my wobbling legs to rest for a few seconds. That was when I heard it, the harmonious high-pitched cry of a whole pack or hungry fiends. My eyes darted around the terrain to see making their way towards us with impressive speed was a large pack of desert wolves. There were fifteen or so.

"Wolves!" I yelped and spurted forward towards the rest of our group.

They were already in their habitual formation and I quickly clambered along the sand to fall in line with Fran and Balthier. Penelo was also with us. It was Fran's suggestion she take on the role of black mage seems as she had a quite a few creditable black magick licences to her name.

The pack quickly surrounded us and we all shifted our stance to accommodate. I wasn't sure if I'd have the energy to cast my blizzard spell or more importantly, my newly acquired cure spell. As usual, Basch and Vaan led the onslaught and Ashe was keen to prove she could also keep up with their rapid and deadly attacks. Penelo swamped any wolf that was weakened by their assault with an array of spells: thunder, blizzard, fire, water, nearly every element imaginable was conjured and her target would soon fall.

I was too busy admiring Penelo's magick casting skills to notice a wolf had broken through the attack line. Balthier and Fran were quick to bombard it with bullets and arrows though the fiend was incredibly swift. Even though it had been hit a few times by the sky-pirates' ammunition, this didn't stop it from bounding its way right towards me- the runt of our group. With rapid ease I conjured a blizzard spell upon it but this did very little to distinguish its speed. I drew my spear and attempted to beat it back.

Before I knew it I was sprawled out on the sand, the sizable wolf upon me. The only thing stopping its snapping jaws from locking on my throat was my bamboo spear that I had instinctively brought up when the beast had leapt at me. The spear's bamboo rod was held horizontal against the dip of the wolf's powerful neck. My arms were locked straight as I tried with all my might to keep the wolf and its teeth at a safe distance. Its weight bore down on my chest making it harder and harder for me to draw breath. The sour smell of the animal's own breath only made me more aware of just how close this thing was to me. I wondered just how long the flimsy bamboo spear would last against its strength.

With my arms becoming tired, I grunted and attempted to shove the wolf further back. It lost its balance somewhat and decided to find its grip on my shoulder. Its ragged claws made quick work of my flesh. I cried out in pain and attempted to shove him back once more.

"Get... off... me.. you fucking bastard!" I growled.

I was frightened by how dizzy I was becoming. My newly shortened lung capacity and my bleeding shoulder was probably the cause of this. As my strength was slowly ebbing away, my panic rose in a flash. If I lost consciousness I was wolf chow. I was just about to attempt one last desperate shove to topple the wolf off me when an audible whoosh of air could be heard. It was swiftly followed by an all too familiar sound, an arrow hitting its target.

The strength that laced the muscular limbs of the wolf wilted and the great creature slumped forward. My arms, unable to bare its full weight, faltered and the animal's large head drooped against my own. In this strange, new position I could see its pink tongue loll lifelessly from its mouth. Blood tainted the air and now I was fully aware that the animal was actually dead, I once more attempted to shove it off me. It weighed a ton.

"Help! I-I can't get this thing off me!" I squeaked. The wolf was quickly lifted from me and cast aside, were it lay on its back, its feet in the air. I eyed it cautiously before moving to sit up, it looked too much like a cockroach playing dead. Fran bent slightly and offered me her hand. I grabbed it and rose on shaky legs. "Thanks, Fran."

"'Tis best you are trained in how to wield such a weapon otherwise shall be tedious trekking for all." Was all she said before rejoining the rest of the group.

We moved away from the collection of wolf corpses and the blood soaked sand and set up camp at the foot of one of the Westersand's rocky mounts. This way we didn't have to worry too much about being ambushed or attacked from behind. Vaan and Basch went about setting up camp, Ashe consulted her map, Penelo was doing prep for the meal she was going to cook, and Balthier wasn't doing very much at all save for dishing out one or two of his so called witticisms.

I decided to heal the three large gashes that now decorated my shoulder. I concentrated and summoned the Mist to come forth and do my bidding. The magick quickly wiped the ugly wound from my shoulder and I traced my fingers over the skin where they had once been. With my attention to my shoulder waning, I noticed Fran was some distance off, crouching over something.

I rose and paced over to her. My pulse quickened and I could already feel a nervous blush bloom on my cheeks. As I neared, I noticed the thing Fran was bent over was the carcass of a Cocktrice she had slain earlier. With elegant swoops and flicks of a dagger, she cut the great bird open and rid it of its entrails. My stomach flipped at the raw, gamey smell that assaulted my nose.

"Um, Fran?" There was a long pause as she went about beginning to pluck the bird of its plumage. It did nothing to calm my rising nerves.

"Speak."

"I was wondering if you'd teach me, you know... how to fight?"

She lifted her head to look at me. After another bout of long, silent moments she finally said,

"I cannot." My hope sank into my stomach. Even though I had been expecting such an answer it still sucked having my requested denied. I had almost been looking forward to being Fran's student. I had kind of been hoping some of her elegance and flare might rub off on me. She must have noticed my disappointment as she went on to say, "A tutor I am not. You should be instructed by not only a warrior but a man who has schooled many a soldier." She flicked her head in the direction of our camp.

I glanced back and quickly realised just who she was talking about.

"Basch?"

"He will be a fairer teacher than I."

I suppose she was right, after all Fran was incredibly quick in battle and somewhat closed-mouthed in social situations so the last thing she needed was to be slowed down with a burden like myself. I guess I would just have to try my luck with the likes of Basch.

"Okay. Thanks for the advice." I moved to return back to camp.

"Halt." I turned back to face her to see her making quick work of severing the Cocktrice's head. She lifted the clean carcass to me. "Bestow this upon Penelo on your return." I hesitantly took the slab of meat with a grimace and nodded.

Fran watched as the girl set off back to the foot of the mountains her head held back, and turned to the side so she wouldn't have to endure the scent of the game's raw flesh as she stumbled across the sand. Fran rose and bowed her head in concentration as she conjured a flame to appear upon the jelly-like pile of innards. The flame soon grew and before long it consumed the whole of its target. Burning the waste was common sense as it wouldn't be long before a desert scavenger caught wind of the foul scent and came to investigate. With her task complete, Fran returned back to the others. Balthier had been watching her and Edie during their brief exchange. As she approached him she could sense a question was posed and ready on his tongue.

"What, pray tell did the waitress ask of you?"

"She fancied having me as her mentor in the art of combat."

"And you declined?"

"An alternative I did offer her."

Balthier cast an eye over at the others all sat around the camp fire, he quickly came across a person ill-fated enough to take up such a listless task.

"Pawned her off onto the Captain, did you?" He questioned, a smirk gracing his attractive features.

"With the same rationale as to why I will not school you. Slow to learn are your kind."

Fran saw that as a fitting end to their conversation and paced off to join the others. Balthier followed her.

Penelo made a rich stew from the Cocktrice meat which we ate with couscous and vegetables. Due to fatigue taking its toll on us there was very little words spoken as we dined. Only the odd compliment towards Penelo's cooking was vocalised. The sunlight had long died away and the temperature quickly dropped. Even huddled near to the camp's fire I shuddered continuously.

After eating, discussion quickly whirled around about watch shifts. Now that we were sleeping in the open terrain, we couldn't all just simply go off to bed and doze, someone had to keep guard. Before long it had been decided that seems as there were seven of us the duty would be taken in shifts with two men at a time. This way there was less chance of either two falling asleep and for one night, one member of the group would be able to gain a full night of rest. As for pairing, the guards had to be of mixed capabilities in battle (for example a mage with an aggressor) in case there was an attack they could hold their own until the others awoke and aided them. Tonight, I had been paired with Ashe and Penelo was the lucky one who had the night off.

Ashe and I took the first shift. I had to admit, I hadn't really breathed two words to her since she joined our merry band of oddballs. I sat silently at her side allowing myself the odd occasional sly sideway glance at her. I had never been within the presence of royalty before and I was quite fascinated by how different we were. I was sat slumped, she with her back ramrod straight. My head was lolling forward, hers was held high. My eyes were glazed over with tiredness yet hers were still bright and alert as they gazed unblinking out onto the desert's moonlight kissed sand dunes. She was a princess yet the very opposite of all those fairytale maidens who were always in distress or locked away in towers. Instead, she was always the first to draw her sword in battle, the first to rally us onwards if we lagged and the first to dismiss any idea that she didn't feel helped her cause.

I wondered where she had learnt her sword fighting skills. Unlike Vaan's hasty and sometimes haphazard moves Ashe's sword handling was precise and most elegant in her execution. I imagine she had learnt swordplay not as a skill but as a means of socialising, perhaps she fenced.

"Lady Ashe?"

"What is it?" Despite speaking her eyes still remained upon the still and silent desert.

"I was just wondering.. How did you learn to handle your sword like that?"

"It is most customary for crowned heads such as myself to be educated in swordplay. It is seen as bettering oneself and displaying discipline as well as inner strength."

"Who taught you?"

Her posture suddenly became all the more ridged at my question. She lowered her head to look down at her hands, which began to intertwine restlessly on her lap. I bit my tongue when I realised it was probably quite a personal question. Her father, her uncle, or even her late husband could have taught her. I had probably just reminded her of the very thing she was trying so hard to lock away in the corner of her mind so that she could focus on her daunting task. I had up heaved the past and with it came a very awkward silence.

"Sorry.. didn't mean to be nosy."

"T'was Basch who taught me." She said raising her head once more.

Her words hung heavily in the air. It was clear she was still dealing with conflict about whether the knight could be trusted or not. I could have brought up the subject and defended Basch's incorruptibility, but I was tired and I was pretty sure Ashe wouldn't have cared for my opinions on him. I removed my eyes from her form and placed them once more onto the darkened desert.

We were relived of our watch a few hours later by Balthier and Vaan. As soon as I had settled into one of the sleeping bags warmth greeted my shivering limbs. When I had been heated enough by my own body heat radiating in the insulated fabric, sleep snatched me away from the world of wake.

We rose with the sun and after a quick breakfast were once more on the move. I plodded on only pausing now and then to hitch the rucksack into a more comfortable position. I was towards the back of the group stepping in time with Penelo. I glanced up ahead. Ashe was leading in that tireless march of hers, Basch a few paces behind her. I mulled over when would be an appropriate time to ask my request. I was positive he was bound to give me the same reply Fran had but still it was worth a try.

Towards the afternoon the desert's rough and rocky terrain gave way to a much different plain. A blanket of silken sand stretch out to the horizon and dotted along its course was a collection of strange metal structures. They were like walkways. I gazed out at the scenery in wonder. What was this place?

"We are on the cusp of the Sandsea. I say this merits a rest." Balthier said as he stopped in his tracks.

I looked over to Ashe who after a long pause, nodded in agreement. I sighed in relief and shrugged off the hefty rucksack and stretch my arms up in an attempt to revive my knotted back. We sat down and the flasks of water were passed around. Basch was once more studying the map. Penelo rose and paced over to him.

"So, where exactly is Raithwall's tomb?" I heard her question. Basch folded away the map and straightened himself. He crossed his arms over his chest and answered,

"Far to the west. We first must cross the Ogir-Yensa, and beyond that the Nam-Yensa, before we reach the tomb." I felt my shoulders slump at his words. I remembered when he showed me the map and how much land was in between us and our destination. "An expanse of desert larger still than all of Dalamasca. We must pace ourselves. If you grow tired, we stop and take rest."

"You don't have to worry about me. I'm tougher than I look." Penelo assured him. I smiled. She wasn't kidding, when she had to be Penelo could be one tough cookie.

"You are at that." Said Basch. There was the slightest hint of laughter in his tone. I turned to glance back at him. I guess he does remember how to enjoy himself after all. I felt my smile broaden.

Trekking along the Sandsea, we soon came before one of those rusting structures. As we walked along them I could see that these strange elevated walkways snaked along the entire vast stretch of sand. Sometimes I wish I had a camera with me so I could record and relive all of Ivalice's captivating vistas. Although this land wasn't as beautiful as the likes of Rabanastre or Bhujerba there was still something about it. Perhaps it was because it was a surviving scrap of Ivalice's history depicting the industrious side of the civilisations that tried to harness nature and from the looks of it had failed. Vaan paused to look out at the dead land. I stopped at his side also admiring the towering rigs.

"A construct to draw oil from the ground." Came Basch's gruff voice. The two of us turned. "Abandoned many years now it seems."

"Did Dalmascans build this?" Vaan asked.

"No the Rozarrians. Their Empire lies far to the west, ever at war with Archadia." Vaan glanced at me. I wanted to roll my eyes and reassure him that despite what people said, I wasn't a Rozarrian. I kept quiet. "Heedless of the kingdoms caught in their midst. Dalmasca, Nabradia, Landis."

I frowned at the last name he mentioned. I had never heard of such a place, nor had there been a Landis on the map we owned.

"Tis the small craft's fate: to watch the list of the galleons and pray for light winds." Announced a familiar voice from behind our group. It was that of Vossler's. I peered past Basch to see the knight pace towards us.

"Vossler. Why are you here?" His fellow captain queried.

"Imagine my surprise that upon my return to Bhujerba, I find both you and the Lady Ashe have vanished. I thought you above consorting with sky-pirates."

"Balthier is a man worthy of our trust. And it was the Lady Ashe's decision." Basch justified. "I am content to lend my arm. As I could not when Rasler died, when her throne was taken. Never again. I will defend her this time."

"You walk the knight's path. The Lady Ashe?" Basch gestured with a nod of his head. Stood not far off in the shade the great rusting tower offered was Ashe. Her attention was to the Sandsea below. Vossler set off towards her, nodding at us in greeting as he passed.

"Guess it will be easy travelling now that Vossler's with us." I said.

"Don't worry, there's no fiends 'round here. Looks like you won't have to spend the rest of the day being wolf bait." Vaan smirked, folding his arms behind his head.

"Ha. Ha." I replied in a spit of sarcasm. I quickly stalked off. Stupid Vaan, he won't be so smug when I get Basch to coach me. My first conquest after I had accomplished my training would be to mop the floor with him.

I passed the sky-pirates and went to stand beside Penelo.

"Vossler's here. I think he's going to travel with us."

"His sword would certainly be welcomed. I'm exhausted from fighting fiends!"

"It's good to know I'm not the only one." I smiled.

"We leave at once!" I overhead Balthier's raised voice. Penelo and I quickly walked round so that we stood with them. "This is Urutan-Yensa territory and they are unfond of visitors."

Fran turned to look at the ocean of sand. I copied her movements and also peered out at the horizon. Suddenly, a swirl forming in the pristine sands seized my wandering eyes. The disturbed sand was rapidly snaking its way towards us and more worryingly there were ten or so more. Sand erupted and cast about the air like a cloud as a bizarre, fish-like creature leaped from the ground only to promptly dive once more into the sandsea. Its movements were much like a dolphin's. I squinted at the oversized and intimidating looking fish (It looked like a piranha on steroids) to see a small figure perched on top of it.

"What is that?" I gasped pointing.

Each fish was being ridden by a small and very odd creature. It was difficult to tell just what they looked like due to them being shrouded by large cloaks and head scarves. As the tore their way through the sand they shrilly yelp and whooped like Native Americans did when approaching battle. Their war cry rang through the air and instantly provoked my pulse. I'd rather be fighting off wolves than this bunch. They seemed vicious and intent on ridding their territory of us trespassers.

"Looks like we've attracted the wrong sort of attention. Let's quit this place while we still can. Move!" Balthier said as he burst into a sprint. We were all quick on his heels. The last thing we needed was to be swamped by a mob of angry sand dwellers.

The Yensa were quick little critters. They scuttled up the bridges and walkways with remarkable speed and in numbers that were making even the normally cool-headed Balthier loose his nerve. We banded together in our usual formation and attempted to shrink their numbers. Many of them used bow and arrows and magicks that were far stronger than mine or Penelo's. Luckily, Fran's conjuring abilities were on par with the fiends and she would alternate her attacks with black magick. I spent most battles running around handing out potions and antidotes and casting curative magick.

With the seemingly constant attack from the Yensa, we were making very little progress in our travels. However, soon the Sandsea fell quiet. The hideous creatures had retreated, probably to rally more numbers together.

"We take rest and recuperate our might so that we many vanquish the Yensa upon their return." Vossler said.

There were no arguments and we rested around one of the rig's large circular towers. We decided to split up and sit in groups and face different directions around the tower so that if and when the creatures came again we wouldn't be caught unaware and have to endure an ambush. I slumped against the oxidize steel of the tower and took a large slurp of water from a leather flask. I passed the flask to Penelo and wiped my mouth with the back of my hand.

"Penelo.. I've been thinking." I said as I squinted up at the sky.

"Hm?" She secured the flask's ornate, metal cap back in its place and it on the ground. "About what exactly?"

"About having someone train me properly in how to use this thing." I lifted my spear.

"Edie, you should not worry too much about that. As long as you can cast curative magicks you'll fair fine in battle."

"Really? It's just Fran suggested I should learn how to use my spear."

"Oh?"

"Yeah. She said I should perhaps ask Basch to train me."

"And have you asked this of him?"

"That's what I've been thinking about. What if he says he doesn't want to? I'll never be able to hold my own in a fight."

"You will." She placed a hand on my shoulder "With each battle comes experience. You'll see, in time."

"How did you learn?"

"Well.. Vaan taught me actually." She said. There was a long pause as she pondered over the subject. "...I guess it would be wise to ask him, though don't be too disheartened if he declines. He is a knight after all, his priority is Ashe."

"Okay." I nodded.

We took off walking once more. Although the Yensa were still lurking in the many nooks the rigs had, their numbers weren't as great as their initial attack. I walked along beside Penelo, who after a while poked me in the ribs.

"No time like the present, you know." She urged.

I blew air out through my cheeks, gave her a stiff nod and increased my pace until I came to walk along beside Basch. He was traipsing a respectable distance behind Ashe and Vossler. He didn't acknowledge my presence which only fed my growing nerves.

"Basch?" I said quietly, trying my hardest to keep my nerves out of my tone.

"Yes?" He finally turned his head to peer down at me. We both paused in our tracks.

"I was wondering if you'd help me..." I trailed off. No that sounded too similar to the last request I asked of him and we hadn't really exchanged words since then. "I- You see I'm not very good at fighting and I was hoping, maybe, you could show me how?"

"This is not the best of times." Was his answer and he carried on walking. My disappointment was quickly replaced by a flash of determination. I spurted after him.

"I know, I know, but I'm the weakest of the group and well I'm slowing everyone down."

"Of that you are right yet there is no need to be fearful. There are many of us who will act as your defence until you improve."

I was damned if I allowed him to brush off my request that easily, he was my last chance to better myself in battle. I stopped and said,

"I didn't want to say this but you promised." I placed my hands on my hips. He paused and turned.

"I did no such thing." He claimed in a stern and solemn tone.

"Yes you did. After you left my apartment in the Low Town you said that you would see to it that my generosity was repaid- well today's the day."

"You speak the truth yet now is nay the opportune time for such compensation. I have duties that I must abide by. My attention cannot stray from them."

"You mean protecting Ashe?" I questioned. Even though Basch did indeed 'walk the knight's path' I was going to illustrate to him just how unappreciated his efforts were by his sovereign.

"Yes. I-" I didn't hang around to hear his explanation. I stalked off ahead to catch up with the queen and the knight she actually did place her trust in.

"Excuse me, Lady Ashe?" I questioned, rudely interrupting her and Vossler's conversation.

"Yes, what is it?" That snipped tone she used when talking to Vaan was gracing her voice.

"I was wondering if I could have Basch train me when we stop to rest."

"And you are asking my permission for this?"

"Actually, I was hoping you could explain to Basch that with his training I wouldn't be completely hopeless in battle."

"The girl does have a point, m'lady. She is most incompetent in battle and with my being here, now is a better time than any to school her." Vossler insisted. Ashe sighed and said,

"Very well. Though you can handle this matter Vossler. I care not what Basch does." With that she picked up her pace, leaving Vossler and I behind to wait for Basch to catch up with us.

"She hasn't been filling your ears with nonsense, has she?" Basch questioned his equal, ignoring me completely.

"Far from it, she speaks sense. Why do you refuse her training?"

"I do not refuse. It as I spoke upon to her, I have many promises I must keep."

"The Lady Ashe believes it would be sensible to school her. After all, I am here. I will guard her while you do so."

"You and I are both privy to the fact that this will be no singular session. To train her well will take time and effort. I dread to think what would occur if I were too spent to protect her majesty."

"Good gods, Basch!" Chuckled Vossler, "You were once the captain of her majesty's royal army. You schooled countless soldiers whilst guarding Dalmasca's monarchy. Times may have changed but your charge is still the same."

"So be it. I will do as her majesty asks." He said through a suddenly tightened jaw.

I wasn't really sure which had angered him the most, Vossler's jibe or the fact he would have to instruct a hopeless cause. I, on the other hand, was ecstatic with my conquest. With a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth, I waltzed back to walk with Penelo.