It's Saturday! SAT! UR! DAY! *confetti from hands*
Chapter Twenty Two
Snowbank City, Yinshire
Entering the city, the group stared at the beauty of the snow covered buildings before them, not as big as Myillheim with its massive Black Fort at the center, but extremely inviting and despite the cold; many people were out and about with the younger ones playing.
Leah inhaled deeply and smiled "I'm certain that my friends are in the middle of an expedition right now…so, I'll take you guys to where I meet my friends later. As for right now enjoy the sights, the snow…and get some food…that goes double for you Mikel."
The warrior laughed "I'm sure everyone can hear my stomach rumbling, if you all don't mind, off I go!"
Orgoth turned to the merchants "You two going to shack up somewhere while we're here or take a look around?"
Lune smiled "It's been almost completely business for us this whole trip…I think we'll just leave our carts in someone's care…"
"And go around, have fun, eat and sleep! Surely you wouldn't mind departing tomorrow? Eh, Soren?"
The sage turned to Fistivus and shook his head "We already fell behind our planned schedule when we went to the Ymtar Range, I don't regret it of course but we're almost there…we can relax a bit more."
The merchants nodded and thanked Soren, Mia and Leah before heading off.
As Leah moved forward, Wyre followed after him "Don't mind a little company, eh?"
"Of course not…in fact, I'd like to hear more about Hitenticul..."
Nodding, the thunder sage continued "Ask away."
As Soren spoke with some of the other members of the group, Mia noticed Wayu standing alone and walked over to her "You alright?"
"Huh? What? Oh, yeah, of course…no need to worry." Mia smiled and called Kay'Shera over "Maybe we should all go somewhere to relax together, just us!"
Kay'Shera smiled "Just us girls? What about Leena?"
Mia glanced around and raised an eyebrow "I think she took off with Mikel, Lyle and To'Eltz."
Wayu coughed "I'm fine…I'll just-"
"Nope! Let's go!" Mia grabbed Wayu and Kay'Shera followed with Michalis overhead.
Soren turned to see most of the group gone and sighed; Orgoth stood next to the tactician "You haven't forgotten of the other task at hand right?"
Soren turned to the man "Of course not, we haven't come across any of the other Tellians on the Greil Mercenaries or Ranulf…though I must say again; it is really convenient that you came with us."
"Of course, though the research has to be conducted back at the Research Center in Euto, hopefully fate brings us closer to the site when we reach the end."
Soren nodded and began walking, followed by the knight "I think I'm going to take a quick nap and eat before Leah calls us all together again."
Orgoth nodded "Sounds good to me."
"I imagine you're exhausted in that large and most likely cold armor."
"The bodysuit below works for most temperatures to keep me comfortable but I was sweating with all of you in Sarhara and I could use some tea here in Regalshin."
"Tea…and then I'll take a nap." Orgoth chuckled at Soren's statement as the pair went to look for a tea spot. The knight cast one glance quickly at the direction Mikel's group departed in.
Walking into a…not so fancy establishment Mikel called out to his fellow blowhards. Leena rolled her eyes, no matter the nation or city, men in taverns will always be men in taverns.
As To'Eltz and Lyle took seats Mikel followed Leena who sat in a far corner "Didn't think you'd agree to tag along…especially with the other females in the group headin off together."
Leena smiled "You know me, Mikel…I'm not as dandy as they are."
Mikel laughed "Of course not, that isn't to say they aren't tough but you take no nonsense on the battlefield…which worries me."
Speaking briefly with the waitress, as she left, Leena's eyes caught Mikel "Worries you?"
"Well…yeah…you rush in to all our conflicts head first and while that is brave and you are skilled…you do wind up taking a lot of hits."
Setting her weapons aside, Leena raised an eyebrow to Mikel "I'm a mercenary, we take hits…I may take good care of my armor and such but…"
Taking off her overcoat she showed him the scars along her arms "It is a job where taking hits is pretty much in the description."
Mikel nodded "I understand that…but…"
Leena laughed and sat back against the wall "It's because you fancy me that you don't like to see harm come to me."
"I never aimed at hiding that…and it does play a large role…but we as a troop need you."
Leena sighed and stared out across the tavern before glancing back at Mikel "I get it…now stop, I'm not used to the soft, concerned and somewhat smart Mikel…go back to being loud and stupid and you have yourself a deal."
With a large smile Mikel laughed and turned to the tavern "If you want another drink! It's on me!"
As the men cheered, Leena rolled her eyes, but then set them, warmly on Mikel's back as he bowed jokingly to the cheers.
At another table, Lyle and To'Eltz sat, the latter had food but Lyle merely requested a drink. "I have to ask…"
To'Eltz looked up at the green haired swordmaster "You should know there are many questions I have no desire to answer."
Lyle: I'm guessing, one of them is what was your job when we found you in Sarhara, right? And what was taken from you and your partner by Meloi.
To'Eltz: Yep…so…anything else?
Lyle: Why the throat?
To'Eltz: …
Lyle: I understand it's a shorter sword so body blows and slashes won't be as deadly…but maybe that is why you have a shorter sword, you enjoy the grotesque and brutal deaths you cause as men struggle to breathe only to choke on their own blood as it shoots out of their necks…I've never seen someone like you, even during my earlier travels.
To'Eltz: Why three swords? Whatever your reason, you can draw that mine is similar…if this is some way to show your displeasure, know that as long as Meloi breathes I will continue along with this troop.
Lyle: Alright…we shouldn't be concerned that you will double cross us, right?
At this, To'Eltz placed his utensils on his plate and smiled before letting out loud laughter, Lyle, despite his serious demeanor, was surprised having never seen To'Eltz act like this.
"You aren't worried about the group…I see the way you look at her…at them…and that worries me. I do like this group to an extent and I see you as the wolf they let into the sheep's den. No I will not double cross this group…and if you have no intention to either, start acting like you care about this whole group…and not just her…"
To'Eltz stared, unmoving into Lyle's eyes. The expression on the man's face didn't change but his eyes told To'Eltz all the emotions the swordmaster was feeling.
Picking up his utensils and continuing to eat, To'Eltz glanced at Lyle again "Anything else? Comrade?"
Smiling the swordmaster shook his head as he stood from the table "No…I know all I need to…I'm off for a bit until we're called together again…good day, To'Eltz."
As Leah laid on his stomach getting a massage he turned to Wyre "My hometown has really grown that much in these short years…"
The sage nodded "It is beautiful…and while you have no immediate family, your neighbors and grandfather send their regards and hopes that you'll return one day."
Leah sighed and thought of him home, he did miss Hitenticul deeply after leaving but since he lost his family there, nothing immediate was tying him to the land. Regardless, he faced Wyre "When this is all over…we'll return to Hitenticul together, I don't know how long I'll stay there, but I do want to see the sites…how rebuilding went on the northern island…and of course Usvale, home to two huge clashes during the war."
Wyre nodded slowly "Indeed…"
Leah looked at the other man confused "You don't sound too…happy, Wyre…what of your wife? Don't you want to go back and start a family?"
Wyre stared at the ring on his finger and Leah noticed he seemed sad "Sorry, shouldn't-"
"No…its fine…it's complicated…but I do want to return to Hitenticul…and the last thing I want to do is return alone. I'll take you up on that offer, Leah."
In a closed off area home to a warm spring, Mia, Kay'Shera and Wayu sat, releasing long and comfortable sighs.
"I'm surprised Leah didn't mention this place…" Mia said softly as she laid against the rocks and slid further into the water.
Kay'Shera nodded "He did seem to be in a hurry…perhaps the incident at the Ymtar Range and fighting us held him off from his visit to Yinshire."
Mia considered it and smiled "Probably…I imagine he is eating somewhere fancy right now…"
Kay'Shera followed Mia and sank deeper into the water "You planning on eating somewhere with Soren?"
"Yeah…hopefully we have time…we never really get a lot of off time like this…maybe a little back in Euto and Treige, but hardly any at Sendusk, Shuize or Myillheim…feels like it's been a long time coming." Mia raised herself a bit and turned to a silent Wayu, water dripped from her pink hair and she stared at the spring before her, dark eyes watching it intently.
Kay'Shera tapped on her shoulder and she flinched "What?"
"You alright, Wayu? It's like you aren't even enjoying this."
At Mia's statement, Wayu shook her head and smiled "I'm fine."
Mia: Come on…what is bothering you, for real?
Kay'Shera: I know what it is.
Wayu: …
Mia: What?
Kay'Shera: She is thinking about W-
Wayu: No I'm not!
At this sudden outburst, the two looked at a blushing Wayu oddly, she turned to them and swallowed "Sorry…just…nervous…"
Mia moved over to Wayu's opposite side and placed an arm around her "We're all girls here, no need to be nervous or anything…I mean; out there you're really strong in your own right."
Wayu shook her head but Kay'Shera joined in on her other side "Yes you are…you're way reliable in battle and overall a really nice person to be around, trust me, I know."
Wayu turned to see Kay'Shera's smiled "I'm a good judge of character."
"Thanks…both of you…I know I'm not usually this shy and all that…I've just been thinking about some…things that make me feel like a bad person."
Mia looked over at Kay'Shera who ran a hand through her blue her and mouthed a name to Mia.
Sighing Mia turned to the rest of the spring "It'll work itself out. You are a good person Wayu, I know that people with good hearts and patience are always rewarded…that was most of the reason Soren and I got together."
Wayu glanced over to Mia "Could you tell me that full story?"
Mia moved away slightly but Wayu pursued, the trueblade glanced over to Kay'Shera "I'd like to hear too."
"Well…it all ends…in a really…bad place…y'know…the vampire…"
Wayu nodded "Well…how did you two know you loved each other? Where did it begin to grow and all that?"
Mia sighed "No getting out of this…alright, move back a bit and I'll tell you."
Hearing a crash, To'Eltz looked up to see, an overturned table and a man lying against it. He was surprised to see Leena delivered the hit and seeing Mikel's expression, so was he.
To'Eltz noticed the scars along Leena's arms as she pointed and yelled something to the fallen man.
His right hand moved, unconsciously to his left forearm and rubbed against it. He closed his eyes "Jyim'Son…"
About two years ago, To'Eltz was sent with three mercenaries to root out a rival group and kill them. These kinds of conflicts were hidden among the sands with no witnesses, anyone seeing these actions were buried to keep the events quiet. Something To'Eltz didn't care about but his superiors insisted or he wouldn't get paid. After all, none of the tricksters and assassins questioned the Altar.
He engaged with fourteen enemies, double the number they were expecting and two of his partners were quickly killed, he managed to kill most of the others despite his wounds, his last ally covering him and being killed for it by a blood soaked assassin.
With a hard grip on the body, he cut the man's throat, covering himself in his blood.
To'Eltz stared at this man and stepped back "Who are you?"
"You are a savage To'Eltz…deadly in battle…but something is limiting you…I can help you overcome that limit…"
To'Eltz raised an eyebrow "I have no limits…my job is to kill you!"
"For who? The Altar? They assigned me to kill you."
To'Eltz shook his head "No, you work for-"
"The Keep? They've been dead for thirty years…the stories of their resurface was concocted by The Altar and someone above them…you'll soon see this To'Eltz…"
The assassin left the young trickster alone, returning to The Altar, To'Eltz asked the Headmaster Peltzm'Jakq about The Keep and the words of the stranger. He put in the fact that he believed none of it and was loyal to The Altar.
However, his home village in the Fair Desert was attacked by an unknown group that was identified by various witnesses as The Keep or The Dune Guard or The Altar itself, no one knew, To'Eltz arrived too late to save anyone, his neighbors and sister were dead, his brother and mother who he hasn't seen in over a decade didn't recognize him. Believing to be responsible for it, he vanished from his hometown and hasn't returned since.
Working quietly for the Altar but meeting with this stranger who he learned was named Jyim'Son.
Eventually the two began working together when Jyim'Son allegedly joined The Altar.
They learned of Peltzm'Jakq's underhanded deals with making his assassins kill each other. It was all part of the grand scheme, though they couldn't figure out why the man wanted all assassins dead, they drew several conclusions, most led to larger and more insane conspiracies spanning beyond the borders of Sarhara.
To'Eltz and Jyim'Son worked to find those who would believe them and help in stopping the Altar; eventually they attained information from a Pozem diplomat and a Numengate scholar.
Eventually the secret meetings grew and the diplomat and scholar desired a place to be better protected.
During the move to Anondye, they were attacked; To'Eltz could not believe Jyim'Son was killed in battle, as were the diplomat and scholar masquerading as civilians in a fake caravan guarding job.
Did the Altar discover him? Was he now a wanted man?
All these thoughts disappeared when Soren and Mia found him and told him of the resurrected evils, including The Dune Guard who matched the description of the red robed earth movers that attacked him.
Were they in league with The Altar? Was it a coincidence they killed the most important people in To'Eltz life at the moment? Was it a coincidence that the crucial item Jyim'Son carried was taken?
These questions still plague him and his would be allies in Anondye will not be happy to know most of their strength was lost in Sarhara. Soren and Mia were protection, should The Altar or his benefactors learn what happened and decode the true motives behind it, he could never stand up to their full might, not without Jyim'Son.
Letting the memories fade, To'Eltz stood and noticed Leena and Mikel and most of the patrons were gone. Leaving money on the table he noticed Lyle's unfinished drink. Shaking his head he left a little more money and departed into the night.
Leena walked along, helping Mikel to a local inn, after ascending the stairs she began working on the door when Mikel spoke up.
"You…are a very tough woman…why'd you beat that guy? Surely you weren't so offended that he complimented and touched you eh? That's what happens late at night in taverns when drunk men see beautiful women."
Leena smiled "That is what happened when we first met."
Mikel began laughing "That is true!"
"I didn't knock him out because he spoke to me or anything…"
"Oh?" Mikel grunted as he righted himself on the ground and shook his head to focus, allowing Leena to open the door, "Then why did you punch that poor bastard's lights out?"
"…because…because he bad mouthed you…"
Mikel tilted his head closer to Leena "I'm sorry…what?"
Leena turned and slapped him "It's not a joke!"
Mikel faced her, and for once, was completely serious.
"Mikel, you showed me that you can and do care for people, you aren't just some loudmouthed joker who's good on the battlefield and as a war buddy…you're a good friend and a great man."
Mikel leaned in closer to Leena "And you aren't just a tough mercenary who can beat the crap out of most men in this world…no, you're also a woman."
Leena smiled at Mikel again and walked into the room before slamming the door. Mikel chuckled "Leena, never change."
As Mikel walked away the door opened and he was dragged away before it slammed shut again.
At a local diner, Soren and Mia sat, late at night they enjoyed a meal and each other's company as Wayu, Orgoth, Kay'Shera, Lune and Fistivus sat further away talking amongst themselves.
"So you told them about our old 'glancing at each other when the other wasn't looking days' was it embarrassing?"
Mia smiled "No…it felt good…in fact…I wish we could relive those days and find a more opportune time to tell each other that we loved each other…you know…instead of when we were nearly dead from our encounter with Kanahana."
"Most important things happen when you don't know if you'll get a chance to truly explore them…I realized a lot near death, one being that I couldn't live without you…touching yet ironic."
As Soren ate, Mia watched him with a bright smile, he looked up at her as Leah and Wyre walked past them "Get a room you two, please!"
Ignoring them, Mia leaned close and kissed Soren as Wyre asked the other members of the troop "Where are To'Eltz, Mikel, Leena and Lyle?"
The group gave the two men negatives before Leah shrugged "My friends are coming in soon, so let's go meet them in about…ten minutes…" he looked over to Mia and Soren absorbed in each other, completely missing Leah's statement, with a smile he looked back to the group "Fifteen."
Lyle stood on the outskirts of the city as a man approached him "Well?" Lyle turned to him with a shocked expression. The stranger held out his hand which Lyle slowly and uncertainly shook "Long…time…how-"
"Yes, yes, now tell me what I want to hear."
"Tell you about...what?"
Shrugging the other man turned away "Come on...you are strong enough now, talk to me."
Lyle took a few steps away from the other man "I don't know why you're here but I have nothing to say to you!"
"Lyle…hmm…that name just doesn't suit you…"
The other man looked back at Lyle and shook his head "Regardless now you deal with the Midnight and possibly something worse…"
Lyle laughed "Impossible, it's always been The Midnight, since Otrobort Way and probably before that they had eyes on Soren and Mia."
The man nodded as he walked away "Next time you will tell me what I want to know…be wary of those around you…"
Lyle turned to stare into the dark and frozen fields, inhaling deeply before turning to confirm the other man was gone. "Soren and Mia aren't the only ones with ghosts…"
Tired, Lyle returned to town under the watchful eyes of a certain Trickster.
Following Leah the group reached a small hut a short distance from the edge of Yinshire "This is where they brood over their notes and all that before heading into town for some R&R."
"Then they do it all over again?" Orgoth asked, to which Leah nodded, coming to a stop in front of the door and knocking.
"Hey, Rhogam, Tyazaer, open up, it's me, Leah." As he stood back from the door there was some stifled muttering, Soren could make out a male and female voice.
Finally, the door was kicked open by a man who called out "Leah!" Grabbing the trueblade he gave him a powerful hug "Good to see you after our long quest into the Hijtam Front!"
"Good to see you too, Rhogam…Tyazaer…" he waved weakly until the woman cleared her throat. Rhogam dropped Leah and turned to the assortment of individuals before him "This is peculiar. Sarharans and Anondye…ans…what do you call yourselves?" Orgoth shook his head "Not important…but it is good to finally meet the two of you, and surprising that you are a Froghul."
Rhogam was a large man that had a quiver filled with arrows still tied to his leg, clearly hasn't completely settled in yet. He wore a large blue chest plate with a purple crystal and had a red jacket tossed over his shoulder. His hair was a darker blue than his skin and a blue X was over his left eye, some kind of tattoo or intentional design.
Rhogam laughed "Didn't Leah tell you that? No? Ah well, it isn't important but yes, I come from the humble Froghuls of the Ymtar Snowfield, much like the groups that traverse Regalshin, I do so as well, though on more daring adventures with a non-Froghul buddy."
Tyazaer rolled her eyes to before turning to the trueblade "I'm guessing these are old friends from your questing days beyond Ymarkteg?"
Tyazaer was about a head shorter than Rhogam and had very long dark blue hair. Much like Rhogam some designs covered her face, unlike Rhogam she smiled and seemed sincere, a stark contrast to her loud partner greeting the Troop. She was carrying a helmet in her arm and had a blade sheathed at her side as well as a cloak tossed over her shoulder as well.
Leah nodded "The land they're from is much farther away, even from my Hitenticul."
Rhogam stretched his arms "So, what is it you want, my friend? I'm sure you know we haven't been home for too long and…well, what's going on?"
Leah scratched the back of his head "It's a long story…that is if you want to know all the details."
"If I agreed to it, where would it take us?"
Leah grinned "Nowhere…just the…Negative Wastes…and possibly the Umbarra Heights."
Rhogam and Tyazaer glanced at each other quickly then back to Leah "Come in and tell us a little more…" Tyazaer stated "It's been…a really long time since our last quest that way and it wasn't a good one."
As the team walked in, Wayu came to a halt and turned; Wyre followed her glance and shook his head "Lyle! Where have you been? To'Eltz!"
The swordmaster stopped in front of Wyre and shrugged "My bad, lost track of…everything…it is kinda late after all."
Following him, To'Eltz passed by the pair silently before they all entered the hut.
"I see…hard to believe that happened in Myillheim…those poor people…" Tyazaer sat back and fell silent.
Soren tilted his head "The Sarharan King was almost executed and you didn't know? "
Rhogam nodded "Some other people around here maybe but we've been on an expedition…we don't get much news on high snowy peaks or deep ice caves…anyway one of the masterminds behind that attack may be somewhere in the Negative Wastes?"
Soren nodded "That is likely the case, and if not he may be able to help us like the Apothecary back in Anondye."
"It's asking a lot, even from me but I'd feel safer knowing Soren and Mia were with the two of you."
Rhogam faced Leah and smiled "Indeed…these people sound very experienced in the ways of combat! Even felling an Umbarran Goreion! I highly doubt we'll run into a situation we couldn't handle with your swords at our side, even from these phantoms of the past…what do you think Tyazaer?"
The woman sighed and scratched the side of her head "I suppose. Truth be told I've been wanting to return to the Negative Wastes since we left…this is a golden opportunity though it is an extremely risky one as well."
"To be expected, but we've scaled the Hijtam Shield and explored the Oron Glacial Cave countless times and come out on top, much more so than those years ago."
Tyazaer smiled "Alright then…we'll do it."
The group let out sighs of relief as Rhogam let out a huge yawn. Continuing for her exhausted partner, Tyazaer stood "We'll leave tomorrow, it's already unbelievably late and I do have some research to log."
Soren stood after her "Are you sure? We can wait another day, you did just get back."
Rhogam nodded "I like this guy, c'mon Tyazaer, let's do that."
The woman sighed "I don't like leaving in the middle of the day since the trek to a good stopping point is pretty long…so I guess it works out…very well, day after tomorrow it is, relax and be prepared, this isn't going to be a standard hike."
The group nodded and after exchanging thanks split up, as Rhogam stumbled to his room, Tyazaer turned to Leah "You aren't coming with us, are you?"
Leah shook his head "I haven't told Soren and Mia yet…but they are super smart and all that. I'm pretty sure they figured it out already. Either way, I can trust them to the two of you…I'd like to train my sword on this conflict but I've got some things to take care of back in Ymtar."
Tyazaer nodded "I understand…I'm sure Rhogam appreciates you looking after his people."
Leah smiled "No problem, anyway, I've got to go, I'll stick around for a bit longer before telling them, we've been friends for years so, a little courtesy is called for rather than vanishing into the night."
Rhogam returned "Alright then Leah, see you around, I'm off to bed, get some sleep as soon as you are done with that research Tyazaer, no idea why you aren't as beat as I am."
Leah bowed and thanked the pair again before leaving the hut.
Eienias20 DeviatArt update
New OC Sheet with Tyazaer (Paladin), Rhogam (Reaver) and To'Eltz' partner Jyim'Son (Assassin) as well as 2 future characters
Also the Civilian Outfits 2 will be updated with Tyazaer and Rhogam
Next week is my last off week before things get crazy at college so what better way to close out then with a timely two-parter to be uploaded next week! IZ BRILL-YANT!
With that, hasta!
