Author's Note
As you may have noticed by now I like to write a lot of scenes that are unseen or occurring parallel to the main plot. These next few chapters will include the three days the group spent resting. I wanted to focus on this because I always thought it would be interesting to have them as 'roommates' and also I can add plenty of Basch/Edie moments.
Disclaimer
I don't won FFXII. I do own Edie, my OC.
Chapter XXV: Round my hometown, memories are fresh.
We all regrouped at the plaza and moved on to find the house. It was easy enough to locate when we had the likes of Vaan, who knew the maze-like back streets of Rabanastre by heart. I was sure if you blindfolded him and told him to go to any location in the town he would reach it with no problem and no peeking.
The small town house was incredibly fusty due to being unused for quite some time. I watched as Balthier carefully swept Fran up into his arms and carried her up the short flight of rickety steps to where the bedrooms were located. She was too spent to protest and merely allowed her head to sag against his shoulder. I helped Penelo as she began to stock some of the foodstuffs and supplies into the cupboards. Vaan was rooting through the drawers of a dark wooden dresser at the other end of the dining room, probably looking to see if the previous tenants had left behind anything worth of interest. Ashe slumped down onto one of the dining table's chairs. Her fingers absentmindedly traced abstract tracks in the thin layer of dust that coated the table's surface. I watched her as she paused, her fingers curling up into a loose fist. She abruptly rose from her seat, the chair legs scraping nosily across the dull tiles as she shoved it back and quickly made her way up the stairs, passing Balthier in her ascent. Basch moved to shadow her.
"I'd leave her be for now, Basch. No threat lies in wait in up there. It will do well for her to be on her own for a while." The sky-pirate said to him as he reached the foot of the stairs. The knight nodded in understanding and went to sit himself at the table. Balthier's gaze moved from him to me. "Edie. Fran requests your presence."
I left the kitchen and went upstairs to try and find Fran. There were three bedrooms in total. The door to the room at the very end of the corridor was shut tight. I passed the first room to see it was unoccupied. The second had been taken by Fran, which meant the princess had claimed the third room. I entered noticing there was very little light due to the shutters only being open a crack. The soft luminance of a small light crystal was probably only there for my own benefit as I'm sure Fran could have done without its glare.
"Fran? You wanted to see me?" I question in a soft voice, unsure if she was still conscious. I entered and made my way to her bedside. I noticed she had removed her helm so her head could rest more comfortably on the pillows.
"I ask you do something for me."
"Sure."
"The notebook in the medic kit, bestow it to me."
I complied and pulled the tattered book from the bottom of the bag. She pulled herself up so she was sitting upright and receive the book from my hands. I watched as her long fingers untied the complicated knot that secured the twine which bound the dilapidated bundle together. She flicked through its yellowed and moth eaten pages until she found what she sought after. She handed me the book back. I scanned the page she had opened it at.
Written in a fine-looking, spiral handwriting was a list of ingredients, some of which were accompanied by detailed ink sketches. Below the list was a method of how to bind the lot together. It was written in both English and a strange series of elegant symbols which must have been her own language. I looked up from the page.
"What is this?"
"I need for you to brew me it. That Mist did thieve my being of strength, this tea aids my mending."
"Can't you just take a potion or something?"
"Hume-made cures work not for ailments such as this. Happenings like these can only be amended by time-honoured Viera potion lore."
"You mean, all of this was written by you?"
She nodded her head. "We pen ways of using the Wood's elements to alleviate illness and disease. Knowledgeable of tonic craft must be those who turn their back on sanctuary, if not our stay in your lands be most short."
"If it's such a danger for you here, why did you leave?" I noticed her eyes narrow in caution that I hadn't been friends long enough to ask such a personal question. I instantly bit my tongue.
"A bold question is that, one I will not answer."
"Sorry." I mumbled.
"I believe fitting it would be that you carry the book. You are our medic."
"Really?" I knew it wasn't her that was going to teach me, it would be more me learning by her written words. Still, how many people could even make such unknown potions and tonics that this book held? It would be both a challenge for me and a benefit for our group for me to attempt such a thing. She didn't answer. Instead, she just cocked her head, her means of communicating that it was merely a suggestion. "Okay, I'll do it." I guess this would be a welcome distraction from all the thoughts swimming through my mind about what had happened back on the Leviathan.
"Study it well." I returned my gaze back to the page she had selected.
"Where can I get all of this stuff?"
"Such substances are stocked in the likes of the sundries shop and the Bazaar." She explained. "Weary, I am. I rest now." She slowly reverted to laying back down and turned her head away from me in showing there wasn't anything else needed to be said.
I turned and with book in hand, left her room. I would need money to buy all this stuff and seems as I had used all of my given Gil to pay for the town house I decided to ask Balthier for more.
He was sat on a tatty looking sofa that had probably once been the living room's centrepiece due to its extravagant design. It had stylish wooden carvings of animal's feet and had probably once been a rich wine hue which had transformed into a blackened burgundy over time. There was even the odd tear in the fabric here and there.
"Care to tell what she did want of you?" He questioned as I approached him. He was taking his gun apart, probably to clean it. There was a collection of rags and gun oil laid out at his feet. I noticed he had taken the care to roll his sleeves up so they didn't get dirtied.
"She wants me to brew her a type of tea. She says it will cure her." I offered him the book. He glanced at the open page.
"Ah yes, I thought as much." He soon returned his attention back to his gun.
"You mean this has happened to her before?" I returned the book back to being held against my chest. He looked up again.
"It is fortunately a rare occurrence that the Mist plays havoc with her and whips her into a fierce frenzy, though never has it had such a strong grip on her as it had today. I will admit it was most timely there were a mass of Imperial drones to take her attacks as she would have just as easily had turned on us." I widened my eyes. "It is by no means intentional. She affirms it is since the heat is so incredibly maddening, it blinds her mind, deafens her judgement and feeds that underlying bloodlust her kind carry with them always."
"Oh." I mumbled. There was a brief pause. "Erm.. I was hoping you could give me some Gil. I used all mine to pay the landlord."
"But of course." He laid aside his dismantled gun pieces and pulled a few paper notes from his trouser pocket. I was positive he was only granting my request as he knew it would in turn benefit his partner. "This should suffice. Be sure to spend it wisely, you seem the type to fritter away fortune on things most superfluous."
"Right, this is coming from a showy sky-pirate." I snorted, stuffing the bills into my little messenger bag.
"Who is more than capable of haggling any salesman down to a smart price, therefore I get what I wish for a fairer fee. Perhaps someone should chaperone you, make sure you don't cause us any further dramas or money mishaps." He smirked. My face straightened out into an even expression.
"I think I'll be able to find my way around town without too much bother, Balthier." I said, keeping my tone deadly serious.
"So be it. Too bad really, I would have humbly suggested the Captain to be your minder. You know he can't be without having something to protect and seems as of late our princess isn't game, you would make a suitable substitute." He chuckled, picking up the pistol's barrel and lifting it to eye level so he could scrutinize its muzzle.
"See you later." I said and turned to leave. Ignoring him was the only sensible option my irritated mind could draw up. He called farewell to me as I opened the door, as usual there was a sarcastic ring to it. I promptly jerked the door closed behind me.
The townhouse was only a stone's throw away from the Bazaar so I decided I would start my appointed treasure hunt there. I turned down the alleyway and attempted to navigate the narrow back-streets. After a while it would seem I wasn't as skilled at this as Vaan was as I was pretty sure I was moving in the opposite direction to my desired destination.
As I turned around a corner I caught a glimpse of something in the corner of my eye. A dark figure was making its way down the same street I had just walked along. I tried to ignore my knee-jerk reaction to bolt before whoever this was caught up with me. It's probably just another civilian making their way around the city just like I was doing. Still, my pace quickened as did my heartbeat. As I hurriedly marched down the complex mangle of lanes and alleyways I allowed myself the odd brief glance over my shoulder. To my dismay each glance revealed that the hooded figure was still indeed following me. My mind was once again offering up unhelpful suggestions as to who my stalker was: maybe Hilon had gone back on his word and had informed the guards of me!
I burst into a quick run and soon the shadowed passageways led into the sunny and familiar surroundings of the stretch of street near the Sandsea. I quickly moved along with a crowd and ducked into the tavern's doorway. At least I wouldn't look out of place here. I was just a waitress stood at a tavern door. I watched and waited for lengthy moments and attempted to soothe my shuddering heartbeat with slow, deep breaths. A thin sweat was beginning to gather on my brow. I carefully peered around the thick sandstone of the doorway's frame to look back at the street. My rapidly darting eyes failed to spot a cloaked figure. I pushed out a long breath in relief and moved away from the door, still glancing around to reassure myself it was safe. I kept my pace slow in hope to appear more casual.
I managed to reach the mouth of the Muthru Bazaar without any second glances or raised eye-brows. I pulled Fran's notebook from my bag and carefully removed the page I needed before returning the book to my bag. With paper in hand and dressed in my waitress uniform I was sure I would appear as if I was merely running errands for my employer. I was about to descend the flight of steps down into the hustle and bustle of the stalls when a strong grip seized my arm. I sharply turned to come face to face with that same cloaked figure. I was sure this defiantly wasn't Hilon as he was far taller and broader. Perhaps the pompous git had told on me to a private agent or some other menacing hired goon.
I gasped and attempted to twist free from his grasp, when his hand still held tight I brought my knee up to clash with his groin. He groaned in pain yet his hold never faltered. With him now stooping a little, I attempted to shove him back and away from me. I couldn't get caught, not now! To my shock his other hand locked onto my free arm and he grunted something.
"Be still, you will draw attention otherwise." I shuddered to a stop, my ridged limbs suddenly fell limp and the rapid race of my heart that radiated throughout my body, slowed. This time when I shrugged his hands off me he complied.
"Basch! What the hell!" I shoved my palms hard at his hunched shoulders in order to create distance between the two of us.
He straightened and once again seized me before dragging me away from the curious glances that were being fired in our direction. When we were concealed in an alcove, he finally released my arm. I whipped round to face him.
"Do not speak me name so shrilly. My reputation condemns me, do you not recall?"
"Fine. Care to explain why you decided to scare me half to death by following me in that getup?" I asked curtly, reaching up to flick his cowl with a smooth swoop of my hand. It caused the thick material to fall back and reveal his face. His skin had a greyish tint to it, then again I did put a lot of force into my below the belt attack.
"Balthier bade me to escort you. He thought it unwise for any of us to travel the streets alone." I groaned, that damn meddling sky-pirate was going to be the death of me. He knew the knight's nobility and want to serve could easily be used to manipulate him.
"And this?" I huffed gesturing to the cloak that covered him. He tugged the hood over his head before answering.
"A precaution. By now my escape from Nalbina will have been reported and certainly will be circulated with a detailed description of my appearance to every guard in the land."
"Well you seemed fine to walk around in the Bazaar earlier without a disguise." I folded my arms across my chest, paper still clutched in hand and peered up into the darkness of the hood where his face was.
"True, as did I keep a low profile, which be why I caved to the demands of that landlord in want to not rouse notice."
"Oh." I sighed and dropped my arms to my sides. "Alright, fine, come with if you want. I'm only shopping for some things for Fran." I tried to keep the anger from coating my voice but failed miserably as my words were offered with a half-hearted shrug and a sullen tone.
There was still some annoyance swirling within me about what had happened earlier but I couldn't just send him back home. No doubt Balthier would have a field day in teasing me if I did so I decided to swallow it and deal with it later. I turned and once more made my way into the Bazaar he followed me, looking very much like a long shadow.
Finding the ingredients for the brew wasn't as easy as I had anticipated but a few hours later I had all but one. As I packed up my last item I had purchased from a vender I held out the sheet of paper to him.
"You don't happen to have this one as well do you? I've been looking all over for it and it seems none of the other traders have it." The vender peered at the item I pointed out, it was one on the list that was also illustrated with one of Fran's lifelike sketches.
"Hmm. Mugrat root is hard to come by in these parts you'd best seek a specialist, try Migelo's sundries over on the other side of the merchants district. He might be of more help than I." He said. I thanked him and left.
I was hoping he wasn't going to say that. I didn't really want to go to Migelo's and had prayed that I would have been able to find all of the items at the market place. We strolled along Rabanastre's streets with the crowds. I squinted up at the sky, there were more clouds blotting it than usual but they didn't succeed in hindering the sun's warmth and rays from being radiated upon us. Odd, I almost missed the days I had spent zipping back and forth between the two districts for Migelo, even odder was that when we had returned to Rabanastre I actually felt I had returned home. Home. The thought of my real home slunk out of the shadows of my mind and unravelled itself bit by bit, each time dropping a new worry as it did so. Before I could even be overwhelmed by it all a dark chuckle rattled off from my mind's murky depths silenced my worries. Belias, my very own dark passenger. I ignored his snickering and realised we were nearing Migelo's. I paused.
"Basch, could you do me a favour?" I turned to him, he too had paused.
"What be it?"
"Would you mind going in to get the Mugrat root for me?" I took his silence for puzzlement and so I explained, "You see me, Penelo and Vaan all used to work for Migelo before all of this happened. Tomaj already knows I'm back, if Migelo was to find out also then Kytes might find out and he'll tell the rest of the orphans and before you know it the whole of the Low Town will know. It wouldn't be long for word that we're here to reach the Imperial guard and then we really would be in trouble."
I looked up into his hood, it was hard to gauge his reaction to my request, then again I was sure it would have been the same without his cloak as I was positive his face would be set in that usual expressionless mask of his.
"Very well." I handed him the paper and some Gil.
After a short wait he returned from the shop and crossed the street to me.
"They have not the fresh root only a powder." He informed returning the potion's ingredient list and handing me a small vial filled with a brown residue.
"I hope that will work just as good then." I said carefully stowing the last item in the medic pack.
"The owner was most apologetic he had not the root. He was gracious enough to cut the price."
"Was he a Baanga?" His hooded head dipped in a nod. "That's Migelo, the most generous guy in Rabanastre. He even takes care of the war orphans, make's sure they have food, a bed and keeps them out of trouble by letting them help him out in the shop now and then." A warm smile had crept onto my face as I was talking about Migelo to Basch. From his silence I was sure he had noticed it too. I quickly rearranged myself, "Anyway, we better get back. I have to actually have a go at making this potion."
As we walked back I realised my thoughts of Migelo and the others had picked up my spirit somewhat. I guess I had enjoyed my little scavenger hunt more than I thought I would have, especially with the likes of Basch with me. I glanced at him. He wasn't bad really, it was just he conformed so much to the oaths he had taken as a knight that they were now a reflex to him. From what I had seen from him there was not a slither of malicious in him instead he favoured respect, honour and kindness. My mind suddenly stammered as it dawned on me I had been rude to him.
"Ah! I didn't thank you did I?"
"It matters not."
"Yes, it does." I said stopping in my tracks. "Thanks Basch. I don't know what I would have done if I had had to answer questions on where Vaan and Penelo are."
"Think nothing of it." Came his reply.
How many times had he helped me out since we had met? I was thankful enough that he was even taking the time to train me in the art of fighting but he had often aided me without hesitation, I guess he really was a selfless knight. Guilt gripped me in that moment as I recalled how I had scolded him at the Aerodrome earlier. A lesser person would have brush off my request after enduring my tongue-lashing. My eyes moved from the cobbles to once again peer into his hood.
"I'm sorry about earlier too."
"You had right to be upset." He said after a heavy silence.
"But..." I trailed off as I thought of Vossler. His hand on my shoulder broke the whirlwind of thoughts and feelings of guilt and grief that were rising and falling in my mind.
"I ne'er doubted his loyalty, even as he fought us. It misled him and before he could amend, it was too late. I would have liked to save him yet his mind was set. His death will not be worthless, I will see to it, it isn't." He said, his voice quieter than usual. I nodded and we continued on.
Back at the house, I opened the door to be greeted by the sweet smell of Penelo's cooking. I poked my head in the kitchen to see she was stirring a large pot that was cooking a rainbow of ingredients. Vaan was helping, though by his way helping meant thieving food and sticking his fingers in the pot. Penelo shouted at him and hit him on the head with a wooden spoon. I chuckled and carried on through to the living room. Balthier had finished cleaning his gun and was now draped over the sofa dozing. I was surprised he managed to sleep with all the commotion going on in the kitchen.
"I trust you've returned baring all the required items." He said, his voice slow and thick as if he had been roused from a deep sleep. It startled me. He lazily cracked one eye open. "Do you take fancy to gazing at people whilst they sleep? Most would find such a pastime perverted." Even half awake his lips managed to form that irritating smirk.
"I got everything." I decided to ignore his taunt "How's Fran?"
"She rests well enough." He sighed and pulled himself up to sit.
"There's just one thing, I couldn't find a fresh Mugrat root. Do you think the powdered stuff will work?" I asked producing the vial of brown powder and holding it out to him. He accepted it and looked it over.
"Fresh Mugrat root doesn't grow this side of the Ozmore Plaines, it's too dry here for it to flourish. This will fare well enough, though I suggest you put a tad more into the mix than the method states as when dried it isn't as potent."
"You seem to know a lot about this stuff, huh?" I raised my eyebrows as he handed the vial back.
"T'was I who would have to play the role of medic whenever this occurred."
"So you know how to brew this then?"
"If Fran appointed this to you it won't have been without reason therefore my meddling will be most unwelcomed." He said, sensing where my questions were leading the conversation. I would have been more confident if Balthier had been able to watch over me whilst I made it.
I set everything out onto a small table in the living room. There was all manner of things from fresh herbs to ground bones. I set up our small camping stove and fired it up. It seemed to be a complicated potion to bring together. There was plenty of chopping, weighing out correct amounts and grinding up different elements of the potion in a pestle and mortar. I set to work double checking the method as I preformed each step. The sunlight soon faded and I had to stop to turn on the room's light crystal so that I could continue my work.
It was night by the time I had finally finished. The batch was large enough for numerous doses I just hope I had done it right for it to actually work. I ladled some of the brew into a large clay mug before going upstairs to Fran's room. The lights were off. I lingered at the doorway for a few moments before softly calling her name. I didn't want to active the light crystals as their glare would sting her tired eyes. The rustle of the bed sheets were accompanied by a soft glow suddenly radiating throughout the room. I padded over to her, the mug gripped in both hands. She still looked drained.
"Sorry it took so long. I hope it works." I said softly as not to irritate her sensitive ears. I handed her the tea and she accepted it with a single nod in thanks. She took a delicate sip before nodding again.
"It has been brewed correctly." She confirmed, I guess she could tell by the taste. "Drink this, I must every three hours."
"Alright, I'll see you in three hours." I smiled and left her.
I plodded down the stairs and sat at the dining room table. The others had all eaten hours ago but I refused to stop until I had succeeded in making the potion. Ashe hadn't come down for her dinner, in fact there hadn't been a peep from her since she shut herself away in that room. I plated myself up some food and began to devour it. I loved Penelo's cooking, she may have dreams of becoming a dancer but she could always have a career as a chief. The stew she had made was so good I helped myself to another serving. With my stomach full, tiredness gripped me hard. I felt too tired to even move so I merely allowed myself to sit there and drift off into a thoughtless daydream. A hand being placed gently on my shoulder pulled me from my zoning out. I looked up to see it belonged to Penelo. A fat drop of water fell from her damp hair and splashed on my shoulder.
"Hey, bathroom's free. I think you've deserve a nice long bath." It was then I realised that I indeed was in desperate need of a wash.
"That's a good idea. I've been dying for a bath ever since the Nam-Yensa Sandsea." I pulled myself up and wondered upstairs to the bathroom.
It was like a entering a sauna, mist fogged the cramped bathroom and clung like dew onto the mirror. I smiled, at least I knew the water was going to be hot enough to remove all the dirt from me.
After I had relaxed in the warm water for well over an hour I finally began to scrub every last trace of the desert from my hair and body. I once again dressed myself in my waitress ensemble seems as my little green dress wash being washed. I paused in the corridor to peer into the darkness of Fran's room, she was in need of another dose now. I plodded downstairs and fired up the camping stove to warm the tea through.
"Fran? Are you awake?" I hovered in the doorway again, tea in hand. She answered me by turning on the light crystal. "How are you feeling?"
"Better." She accepted the mug and sipped at the dark liquid. I smiled to myself, at least it was working. I was about to leave her in peace when she spoke, "Odd I find it you were not affected by it as I was."
"Me?"
"You see the Mist yet are not sensitive to its fluctuations, strange that." She mused, the mug hovering at her lips.
"Maybe it's like a gift or perhaps I'm a freak of nature or something." I shrugged. Honestly, I was still convinced it was because I was human, not a Hume but of course I would never tell her that, it would just lead to more questions.
"Perhaps." She didn't sound persuaded. I notice her eyes wander across my face. I was never keen on being under her gaze I was always sure she could suss me out in a heartbeat. "You be troubled. By what such thing?" I frowned, where did she want me to start? I had a list of worries as long as my arm. Suddenly, a thought graced my mind. I knew she would know how to help me, her knowledge of all of the weird and wonderful entity's of this realm was broad.
"The Gigas, he won't fight for me. He says I'm weak and not worthy of his power. I tried to call him in the fight against Vossler but he refused." I held out my hand that was decorated with his glyph for emphasis. "Is there any way I could sway him?"
"The beast be arrogant if you break its pride it will heed you."
"And how do I go about doing that?"
"Speak with him, challenge him and best him."
"Erm.. how do I speak to him?" I was a little embarrassed I didn't even know the basics to my new master/Esper relationship.
"Sink within your mind and call for him." She motioned for me to sit down on her bed. I did so and noticed she was watching me. She was expecting me to do it now, in front of her. I suddenly was attacked with a bout of stage fright. "See to it I will he shall not break free from you."
"Wait... you mean he could overpower me?"
"If you allow it."
I suddenly wasn't so keen on this idea. Still, Fran's unblinking gaze was just as unsettling so I took a deep breath and closed my eyes and took my time to focus on delving into the core of my mind where he was surely lurking.
"Call him." Fran said in a voice so soft it was barely a whisper.
"Belias, I wish to speak with you, come forth." I said quietly. To my surprise he complied.
What be it you want? His voice rumbled through my head like thunder. I willed my growing nerves to die and answered him.
"You don't obey me. Why?" He rattled off another dark chuckle.
You are privy as to why. I serve great warriors not rabbit-hearted girls .Your weakness repulses me.
"I can't be that weak if I helped to bring you down."
You did very little in that battle, save for healing those who fall by my hand. He snarled.
"But I did bring you down and I was chosen by a descendent of your previous master to be your host so I think I must be at least somewhat worthy."
Pah! you were picked to be bound to me because of your weakness, do you not remember? Or is your memory weak also?
"I did defeat you and I'm strong enough to have not died when you were bound to me, isn't that proof enough?"
Nay. You merely survived because those bastard gods who forged me wish only for my misery. Laugh, they did as we were merged! He growled bitterly.
"You could heed me to spite them, that would stop them laughing."
Never. I have endured their sneers and chastisements for centuries. Your life is short, I will be free when you die and return to Raithwall once more.
"Fine. If you hate being bound to me this much I have a no choice but to punish you for disobeying me."
The Viera be bold in suggesting you do that, then again she isn't the one housing me. You wish to fight me, by all means I accept though you be aware of what will happen if I win.
"You'll posses me." I tried to ignore the heavy weight in my stomach that was causing it to clench tighter by the passing minute.
So be it. Call me forth when you sort to duel, though I suggest you have that knight give you extra intuition. I hope for a challenge, girl.
"And you'll have one." I said before slowly returning back to the bedroom. I gradually opened my eyes, the light crystal's luminance suddenly seemed too harsh. I took a couple of long blinks before turning to Fran, who was still intently staring at me.
"I'm going to fight him but not yet, I need more practice." I told her.
"Best you do it while we pause here in Rabanastre." I nodded. Footsteps interrupted us. They belonged to Balthier. He stood in the doorway, arms crossed and leaning a shoulder on its chipped frame.
"Come away, Edie. You may rest now, I will see to it she is taken care of for the remainder of the night." He said. I rose.
"Thanks Fran." I smiled at her before pacing past her partner and out of the room.
It was late and the others had been settling down for the night when I had been chatting to my demon. I paused outside the second bedroom to see Vaan and Penelo had claimed it, they had somehow managed to squeeze together so that they could both share the small bed. I noticed the bed's blanket and pillows had been arrange on the floor for me. I turned to the stairs, I was tired but there was just one more thing I had to do before going to bed. I descended the steps with light footsteps as not to stir a loud creak from any of the warped wooden boards. I wandered through to the living room which Basch had claimed as his own quarters.
He was stretched out on the threadbare sofa in a deep sleep, his mouth was open slightly in his relaxed state. It was odd to not see his face adorned with worry or determination, it actually made him seem a lot younger. My eyes traced over the delicate shadows that were caused by the definition of his muscles that showed on his arms and the flashes of his exposed torso. I was surprised just how quickly he was managing to regain his muscle mass, then again perhaps the tan he had acquired from trekking through the deserts added to that definition. Either way, he was looking a lot healthier. I quickly snapped out from staring at him remembering Balthier's words, 'Do you take fancy to gazing at people whilst they sleep?'
I gently placed a hand on his shoulder and shook him. It didn't take much to wake him as his eyes snapped open, his brow soon creased into a look of confusion. I did feel guilty for stirring him but I knew I had to ask him this now. I took a small step back, suddenly aware I had been bowed slightly, leaning over him. My memory was quick to warn me of what had happened last time we got a little too close to one another and I certainly did want a repeat performance.
"Sorry. I know you were sleeping but I wanted to ask you something."
"Yes?" He grunted and pulled himself up, dragging the back of a hand across his sleep heavy eyes.
"The Gigas won't obey me so I've challenged him to a duel. The only thing is I'm going to need more training. Seems as we're going to be here for a week, I was hoping we could go out to the desert tomorrow and train for the full day... that is if you haven't got to do something else."
"I would have to request Ashe of this. I cannot leave my post at will."
"Right..." I nodded.
"I'm sure she will not deny my appeal though it troubles me to leave her alone in her current state..."
"Maybe Penelo could cheer her up. She's very good at that, it's one of her many talents." It was true, whenever I had been down by being trapped in a realm that wasn't my home she was always there to perk my spirit back up, her happiness was almost infectious.
"Maybe."
"Anyway, I'll let you get back to sleep." I turned.
"I fair thee goodnight." He said after me.
"Goodnight." I returned before leaving the living room.
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