Author's Notes

Happy New Year guys! For those of you who are wondering who's responsible for the awesome artwork that's now my front cover for this fanfiction, it's Alyde. This was the Christmas present she mentioned in her review! There's a link on my profile page so you can see the full version seems as the image was cropped shorter when I uploaded it.

To answer Katreda's question, I use Youtube a lot when writing in-game conversations. I know some people have commented that it can be tiresome that I stick to the original dialogue all the time but that's why I spam Youtube videos (a big thanks to Youtuber Keith3d for him uploading all those cutscenes!) so I can concentrate on adding more detail by describing the character's mood, movement, tone etc. I love writing my own dialogue for Balthier, which is why I have Edie bicker with him so often, as in my opinion no one can win against his wordplay! It can be hard at times to write the pseudo 'Ye old' English that a lot of them speak in but that's half the fun of it! I can rewrite certain character's dialogue countless numbers of times before I'm happy with it. Vaan is the easiest to write as his speech is a lot like ours.

Okay, I think I've bored you with enough geek speak for this chapter!

Disclaimer

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

Chapter XXXV: Strangeness and Charm.

We quickly left the village. We had done our part to help them and in return had got what we needed. With our presence once more unnerving the Viera it was clear staying any longer would mean we had over stayed our welcome. Down back into the sweltering belly of the Golmore Jungle, we retraced our steps until we were once more stood before that strange, glowing entity that blocked our route.

"I got this." Vaan swaggered forward and outstretched a hand. From his clenched fist dangled Lente's tear. We watched and waited. Nothing happened. "Is it broken?" He asked bringing his hand to his face so that the crystal swung lazily before his eyes and inspected it for any visible defaults.

"The Wood is stubborn. Your request must be posed in her tongue." Fran stepped forward and plucked the charm from Vaan's grasp and approached the barrier.

Her eyes closed for a brief moment in concentration and suddenly the clear jewel sparked up with an equally eerie glow. The barrier bent and curled as if it were struggling against the tear's power before finally submitting and vanishing in a vicious flash. Fran returned the trinket back to Vaan who, although was clearly still disappointed he didn't open the great blockade, happily accepted it and pulled the chain over his head to wear it like a necklace.

The path beyond the barrier was just like all the other walkways here: hostile, hard work and so stickily hot. The Wood may be paradise but the jungle was pure hell. Once again the light material of my dress clung to my back like a soggy second skin and I had to tie my hair up in a tight knot to stop it becoming lank with sweat. The heat made battling foes hard and before long I was tired. Just as my limbs were starting to pulse in protest at this constant march through the soupy warmth, the walkway we were trekking along opened up into a large grassy knoll.

A huge rotting, moss coated log that had probably once been one of the towering jungle trees, stretched out upon the green. A scattering of flowers were dotted about the grass offering a sweet fragrance that was a refreshing change from the pungent stink of the jungle's vegetation. The air seemed slightly cooler here, so much so that white butterflies were fluttering from flower to flower with ease. Right now this looked like the best place in all of Ivalice to stop and take a break. I quickly ambled up to Ashe's side.

"Hey, we've been making good time so far. Can we stop to rest a little-"

I didn't get chance to finish my question. I bumped right into Basch's back. Ashe too suddenly stopped. I peeked over their shoulders to see the reason behind this was rumbling to life. The giant log was lifting itself from the ground. Moss, grass and vines ripping away from its carcass as it freed itself from their clutches. A hefty nearby rock suddenly swung up from the ground and great, sharp splints that had once been branches scratched and clawed at the soft earth as the beast lurched up to its full height. All of that seemingly innocent plant life was now bristling with power and bloodlust. The monster's shape was strangely familiar.

"I-Is that a Wyrm?" I stammered once my tongue recalled how to work.

It looked very similar to the great grey Wyrm we had faced in the Henne Mines yet instead of the metallic rings decorating its form was the foliage of the jungle. It looked as if it had been lying in wait for us for centuries and had actually become a part of the scenery.

"It is a test. It guards the road, challenging all who walk upon it!" Fran explained over its ear-ringing roar.

"Then let us show it we are a worthy!" Ashe unsheathed her sword, that unwavering look of determination set about her face.

I followed the others and yanked the bamboo spear from my back. A plan quickly was scheming in my head. Belias had speedily defeated the previous Wyrm and the one before us was fashioned from wood, greenery and rock so it would easily succumb to fire. With my Gigas being birthed from fire it would be another easy victory. I bent my head in focus as I called forth the Mist so that I could summon him. However, the gigantic greenhouse grub of a monster had other plains in mind. With another booming roar, it threw its toadstool covered head back and unleashed one of the most mighty attacks I had ever experience.

The whip of a spore filled wind stung like acid as it lashed at us in a frenzy. Though I had instinctively brought up a shell barrier to protect against magick attacks it did nothing to shield me. When The Wyrm finally stopped spewing spores I swayed and attempted to keep upright by gripping my spear pole hard with all of the remaining strength I could muster. I soon faltered and folded to my knees, breathing hard. I felt the flare of a feverish heat consume me; it impaired my strength, sight and even my voice. I had to cure myself using an esuna spell and quickly.

With failing breath I tried my hardest to concentrate upon the Mist and the magick needed yet as I cast the healing spell it fizzled out at my fingertips. No! I quickly attempted it again and again to no avail.

My body was becoming weaker as the minutes flitted passed, as if the energy was being leeched from my already tired being. The intense heat that was claiming my limbs was soon causing them to sting and become heavy and useless. I slumped further to the grass and soil. Though my body was rendered useless, my mind was still alight with nerves. My eyes hurriedly glanced around to see some of our group had not been inflicted with these woeful symptoms and were battling against the Wrym. I blinked and squinted as my vision blurred and became hazy. I gasped for breath and slumped forward. The cool feel of the damp grass was almost comforting yet despite this, panic flared up in me. My body seemed to be shutting down piece by piece, how long would it be before I was dead?

"Edie!" Penelo's comforting hand felt like a dagger upon my flesh. I squirmed and cried out under her touch. My yelp came out as a dry hiss- it was as if I didn't have a voice anymore. "It's okay, be still."

A soothing coolness suddenly engulfed me and eradicated the horrible ache and heat that plagued my body. It even calmed the needles that prickled my throat, tongue and mouth and whipped away the blurry film that hindered my eyes. I cautiously sat up, testing to see if my body had recovered. She had used the very spell I had attempted to cast.

"What the hell was that?" I croaked. Though my throat had been rid of the barbs that chocked it, my voice was still hoarse.

"A powerful poison spell. It attacks the body, eyes and magick casting abilities." She explained whilst looking me over to check if the magicks had cured me enough.

"How come you weren't affected?"

"This keeps me safe." She lightly tugged at one of the blue feathers that decorated her pigtails. I squinted and noticed a tiny bronze charm dangling from the braid. It was fashioned in the shape of a little rose. "It's a 'rose corsage'. It wards off magicks that rob you of Mist summoning." She explained before quickly casting a cure spell so that my energy was once more restored. "You okay now?"

"I reckon so." I rose to my feet still using my spear as a support crutch just in case. I seemed strong enough.

"You'll survive." She patted me on the shoulder and wheeled off to heal any other that had befallen the same ghastly curse.

I turned to assess our enemy. It was strong yet it's hacking and snapping was soon going to be bested and no doubt it would result in that devastating attack being unleashed once more. It needed to be ended and swiftly. Although I had the mighty Gigas at my beckoning, I hesitated. A part of me was under the impression that perhaps I had been the threat that had caused the Wyrm to unleash its magickal assault. It had sensed I was summoning a superior creature. I had to be cautious.

With spear in hand, I hesitated as I watched my allies attempt to tear down the jumped-up tree trunk that was terrorising us. My mind ticked and ticked. It would probably fall to fire. I couldn't summon Belias until the most opportune moment without it raining that horrible spore storm upon us again. If only the whole group could cast fire magicks at the same time, that would surely singe the Wrym enough to weaken it. Out of our rabble only Penelo, Fran and I knew this spell. My eyes darted about our surroundings- there had to be something! They locked onto the soft glow of the lamppost like lanterns that lit the walkways of the shadowy jungle. Their flame had to be burning of something- something flammable!

"Vaan!" I hollered, darting forward towards the moss monster.

"I'm a lil' busy here!" He shouted back, whipping away from the Wrym only to surge back just as swiftly and land a successful blow on its log-like belly.

"Leave it to the others! I need your help!" He swerved out of reach from the flick of the beast's rock-tipped tail and raced back to meet me. "I need your to shimmy up that lamppost and hand me the oil lantern." I pointed behind me to the lamppost that marked the end of the walkway.

He followed my finger before his gaze met my face once more.

"You're kidding, right? We've a Wrym to kill if you haven't noticed."

"Yeah and that thing's made of wood and moss- it's nothing more than kindle! If we splash it with oil and cast fire magicks it'll go up in flames!"

"I think we're gonna need more than oil from just one lantern."

"Fine! Just help me grab some." I tore off, away from our foe and back towards the walkways, him shadowing me. "You take this one, I'll go on ahead." I said as we neared the first lamppost.

The soft thud of my footsteps soon became an audible slap as my feet found the stone of the walkways. The next lamppost wasn't far off. I skidded to a stop and glanced up at the glass enclosed lantern topping it. This shouldn't be too hard, I had seen Vaan scale all sorts of things (both moving and stationary) before. I curled my body and sprang up into a high jump, quickly gripping the cool iron of the post with my hands whilst attempting to do the same with my feet like I had seen the nimble thief done countless times. I faltered and fell. A curse curled from my throat and I tried the manoeuvre again.

This time I managed to hold fast to the iron without any blips. I then started the hard motion of climbing up the post in the ungraceful manner of a monkey (again, like I had seen Vann do). It was much harder than he made it look and quite a few times I slipped down but what seemed like an eternity later I finally reached the cross post where the glass lantern was nestled. I unhinged it from its case and wiggled down the lamppost once more until my feet once more met solid ground.

In the time it had taken me to claim one lantern, Vaan had secured four, all of which carefully dangled from his arms. We ran back, being vigilant not to spill a drop of the precious oil that sloshed inside the glass. The lantern's flames had long flickered out due to our hasty movements. Entering the grassy knoll, we kept up our quick pace.

"Circled round, throw the lanterns as you go!" I yelled as I neared the Wyrm.

I jerked to a stop when the beast was before me. Its attention was upon Ashe, Basch and Larsa, who were all attacking with swift yet powerful whacks of their swords. Baltheir and Fran were flanking it, firing a tireless stream of bullets and arrows. Penelo was flitting back and forth healing and helping any who were maimed by its claws or magicks. I swung the lantern once, twice, to gain momentum before flinging it forward at the Wyrm. The glass shattered upon its dirt encrusted trunk and thick, black oil splattered across the greenery like spilt blood and clung to the dense moss. Vaan had done the same, until all sides of it was decorated with a spatter of black.

"Now!" He yelled, signalling he had completed the task I had given him and it was now or never.

I once again concentrated upon the flow of the Mist and in an attempt to call forth my Gigas.

'Beilas!'

He appeared in a flash of heat and fire. The Wyrm sense his sudden summoning and once again attempted the poisonous pollen onslaught.

'What do you ask of me?' He grunted.

"Destroy my foe, use your fire attack!" I said, cowering against the sudden whirling breeze that was laced with deadly spores.

He spun his spear and struck the grass with it, the ground split and cracked under the searing heat. The cracks rapidly snaked forth and surrounded the Wrym like a jagged circle, the earth glowing red underneath. An almighty wave of heat rushed up from the moss, swallowing the Wrym in its blaze. In that instant the plant life that clung to the creature burst aflame as the oil caught light. A horrible wail rung out in the now dry air as the Wrym attempted to finished its pesky attack despite knowing for well it had been beaten.

The air stung as I attempted to take breath, although I was unsure if it were from the heat or the spores. I coughed and brought up an arm to shield me from the bacteria that was plaguing the air and causing my throat to become tight. It was hopeless, the fever was back once more and my eyes watered. The shriek of the Wrym rung out harshly as it fell to the jungle's floor. The spore rain quickly died with it. As its monstrous trunk reverted back to the innocent scenery we had stumbled upon previously, I once again felt my knees give way. I never met the floor as Belias' strong, talon tipped hand effortlessly supported me. His entire hand-span curved around the small of my waist as delicately as if I were made of crystal. I continued to cough and wheeze as I watched the Wyrm miraculously revert back to unmoving stone, moss and wood.

My hazy sight moved from the grassy knoll's centre piece to my comrades who were dotted about it, weapons still drawn. Their attention was no to the jungle's jumble that had once been a fearful Wyrm, but the girl and the Gigas before them. Penelo came forward, I noticed a hesitation in her steps.

"That…attack.." I rasped.

"It's okay. I'll heal you now." Her eyes were uplifted to gaze at the beast before her. It suddenly struck me that the last time Penelo had been face to face with my guardian, he had been a foe.

"He won't hurt you…you know." A smile graced my face despite the weakened state I was once more in.

"You're right. He'd never hurt me for you would never do the same." She smiled warmly before using her magicks to once more rid me of the horrible menace that was plaguing my body and affecting my magick casting abilities.

Guilt swilled within me once more. My lying to her would no doubt hurt her if she ever found out the truth.

Healthy once more, I was able to return to a normal stance and seeing that I no longer was in need of his assistance, Belias swiftly made himself scarce. The dry heat and strength of the clawed hand that had slipped around my waist was once more replaced by the humid jungle heat.

"Thanks, Penelo." I smiled.

I was glad we had decided to share medic duties as I was sure that could have easily ended badly if we had solely been dependant on my healing magicks. We desperately needed to stock up on necessities such as potions and remedies and fast, too long we had been without them and I wasn't keen on keeping like this any longer. There were no traders traveling the hostile jungle and the Viera had wanted little to do with us let alone sell us the things we sort after.

I rattled off a cure spell to replenish the energy that was zapped from me by the poison attack. I glanced once more at the great trunk that had been a deadly Wrym not but a minute ago. It seemed Belias' fiery assault had proved too much for it and it wasn't transforming back into its toothy self anytime soon.

"Would it be allowed if we rested here a while?" Larsa questioned our tireless leader.

"It would seem here shall now be the safest spot in all the jungle to make camp. The Wrym has been sated by battle. It will not rise again for us." Ashe paced toward the towering trunk, slinking her sword back into its scarab.

"Making camp in the jungle will be far wiser than attempting so in the Rift." Basch nodded, axe once more to his belt "We near the end of the jungle's keep, beyond her there's naught but blizzards and ice. It would be wise we make such a journey a swift one."

"You mean to say you wish to travel it in a day. Can it be done?" Larsa turned from Ashe and looked over at the older man.

"At a push, perhaps."

"Fear not, our valiant princess will see to it we make it athwart with much haste." Balthier sank down to perch himself on a rock framed by flowers and toadstools.

Ashe's glare was sharp with annoyance yet it went unnoticed by the sky-pirate who now was focused upon sorting his ammunition.

"And she does so with good cause."Larsa smiled amiably as he approached one of the leather backpacks that had been flung to the floor when the battle had begun. He retrieved from it the poles and tarp used to fashion our tents.

We went about setting up camp, erecting tents, sourcing firewood, hunting the jungle for a meat worth roasting over the campfire and checking our weapons and inventory.

As Penelo was whipping up a meal with what little dried goods we had remaining and turning the slowly cooking carcass of a Panther on a spit above the crackling fire, I sat on the lush grass, finally able to relax. Vaan, who was sat at my side, was poking at the glowing embers that framed the burning cuts of wood with the tip of his sword. The heat caused the metal to glimmer a warm red, as if it were blushing. He huffed a sigh, it was growing clear that he was bored. He enjoyed the more active elements of this journey, sitting sit never came naturally to him.

"The fire will weaken you weapon." Basch was sharpening his axe's blade with the slow and steady strokes of a whetstone. The act caused the steady song of stone against metal to ring out among the jungle's chorus.

"I kinda need a new one anyhow." Vaan shrugged yet heeded his advice and carefully placed the sword to lie at his side. The hiss of the blade's tip searing the grass curled faintly from ground.

"All the more to relish it. We may not reach a tradesman until we reach Mount Bur-Omisace. If it were to break before then, you may find yourself in bother."

Vaan nodded in response before heavily placing his chin in the cup of his hand, his elbow resting on his bent knee.

"I will see to it your blade is sharpened." Basch promised, sensing his disenchantment towards his standard sword.

Vaan lifted his chin once more and turned his head to peer at the knight. The fire cast a warm glow on his youthful features, its orange blaze even caused Vaan's normally silvery shaded hair to be tinged with golden highlights.

"What 'bout your training sessions? You guys not having one today?"

Basch and I both hesitated. Our pact of not being alone together had been working well enough so far.

"He's right. Come to think of it you two have not had a session as of late. Last I recall it was on the plains you had past given her a lesson. Don't want her regressing now, do we Captain?" Balthier was still sat on the squat rock with as much manner of superiority it may have bloody well have been a thrown.

"Matters such as finding Mrjn had proved more important, time was essential. We had agreed to take it up once again when things had steadied once more." Basch justified, his hand still wiping the whetstone along the edge of the axe.

"Such a time as now would be fitting, wouldn't you say so?"

I knew the sky-pirate was interfering but his point had been a valid one. We were no longer rushing to find Mrjn and return her back to the Viera so that we could continue on. The knight mulled the matter over for a brief moment before seeing the same.

"Aye." Basch grunted pausing in his current task.

Seeing that he had failed in dodging Balthier's usual verbal prowess, I swiftly attempted to side-step the matter before we indeed had to have a training session just to keep up the appearance that everything was normal between the two of us.

"I don't think I really need any more training." I dismissed with a flap of my hand. "My magicks and the Gigas is enough."

"Bringing forth your beast will only overthrow your foes but a few times. There are enemies out there that would make quick work of you, Gigas and all."

I attempted to keep the frown of frustration from marking my brow as even though Balthier was sat across the fire pit from me, I was sure he'd spot it in a heartbeat.

"He speaks truth, you must also learn the way of your chosen weapon."

I couldn't believe he was actually agreeing with Balthier. It would seem sense had quickly killed our agreement.

"Fine." I sighed and rose from the mossy ground, brushing stray sprigs of grass from my dress and legs.

I plucked up my spear and paced off away from the fire's warmth and light. He followed. I paused at the very fringes of the fire's luminance. Due to us having used the nearby lampposts' lanterns as make-shift petrol bombs the jungle's gloom seemed to now seep in further into the grove.

"Let me guess, sparring?" I said brightly in hope to make amends for my clear dismissal towards our session.

"I have something else in mind. Your spear." He held out his hand in waiting. I complied and twirled it so I held it horizontally before offering it to him. With it in hand, he paced away a few steps before taking on a stance with his fingers holding it level, loosely. "Observe."

He began move his hands, spinning the spear like one would a baton or flag: To the right, in front, to the left, in front, to the right. He performed it as if it were a reflex, no concentration marking his demeanour. He quickly switched sequence, to the left, in front, to the right, in front, to the left. The pole was almost a blur, the whirl of the air disturbed by it movements seemed to whistle along the length of the bamboo. As he was repeating the now obvious pattern he fluently mixed it up before unexpectedly lunging at me. Thanks to all my evasive lessons I managed to sidestep the blow just in time.

"Suddenness can easily throw an enemy off balance. Attack before you should and it can mean the difference between victory and defeat." He stilled his twirling of the spear and offered it back to me. "Repeat the movements and familiarise yourself with their tempo before we focus on how to use them to throw your enemy off guard."

And thus began the lengthy, unsatisfying exercise of me attempting to artfully whirl my weapon. Countless times I fumbled, failed and cursed.

"Your grip needs to be freer." Basch advised when once again my spear clattered to the ground halfway through the cycle. "Here." Retrieving the spear from the grass he offered it to me yet again. I grumbled in annoyance- surely it couldn't be that hard to twirl a pole- and half-heartedly slapped my hands upon the bamboo. His hands grasped mine, gently repositioning them. "Position your hands closer together." I tried to ignore the feel of their warmth, the sensation of leather and weathered skin against my own. He seemed to notice my hesitation, his attention to my hands suddenly forgotten as his eyes flickered up to meet my own. I averted my gaze, allowing a section of hair flop forward and mask my stare. God this was so frustrating! How was it we couldn't even break whatever was lurking between us, let alone have me learn how to actually use my spear in battle? The soft noise of him clearing his throat disrupted me from my inner grumblings. My eyes jerked up. "Try again." He said amiably before stepping back to give me room once more. I bowed my head in thanks.

It took another hour before I could grasp the seemingly simple sequence, after which I had to then revert the flow and become accustom to swishing my spear in the opposite direction. Once this was finally learnt and done I had to comprehend how to suddenly mix them up.

"Good, and switch." Basch stood a few paces to my side, arms folded against his chest as he observed my movements. A quickly as I could, I swapped my motions so that the spear swung in the other direction. "And switch again." I obeyed but my hands still weren't nimble enough and I felt the pole slip from my grasp. A growl of annoyance accompanied its fall.

"Worry not for these things take time." My mentor ensured.

With spear in hand, I stiffly strutted back a few strides towards the campfire's glow to retrieve a flask of water. I took a hearty swig from it almost as in hope it would wash away my irritation. He watched me all the while.

"Can't we call it a day?" I whined as I was returning to him.

"You have learnt the basics well enough, now comes the more testing trainings. Continue on."

I guess that was a no then. I once more took on the typical stance and quickly sunk back into the familiar rhythm of spinning. When he ordered I do so, I reverted the whirl of my spear. This happened over and over again for another hour or so until he barked,

"Strike!"

My reaction was swift as I shifted my stance and lunged forward, attempting to whack him. Though the blow did hit, he easily blocked it. "Better. Again." I repeated the motions and yet again swiped at him, the force behind my attack stronger. He saw this and evaded my assault. "Again, quicker." I heeded him and once more started the sequence, being sure to alter it here and there to throw him off the pattern. He circled me, a real enemy never truly stayed unmoving. Seeing my chance I sprang forward in a flash and lashed out at him. He once again went to dodge my blow yet I anticipated this and flowed further forward, whipping the spear around so that its blade caught his upper arm. Though he hadn't been expecting my bluff, he managed to move away before the spear's steel made too much of a mark on his flesh. I hadn't actually expected the blow to land so well.

I spun round to face him. A track of blood was weaving its way along his skin. I couldn't believe it- I had actually managed to hit him! If this had been an actual sparring session I wouldn't have ever been able to do such a thing, his sword would have effortlessly warded off my spear. He paid no mind to the wound he had gained.

"Good, you are starting to think and move like a true fighter. You have earned your rest. We will resume this on the morrow."

He honestly seemed pleased by my progress. I on the other hand was far more concerned with the cut streaking his arm.

"Your arm. It's bleeding." I paced towards him so I could get a better look at it.

"The wound is shallow. I think it be safe to say I will live on." His tone was light, probably as to reassure that it was just a scrape.

"I'm still gonna heal it. It may be a little cut but they can still get infected."

I went to concentrate on calling upon the Mist when his hand being placed on my shoulder stirred me.

"You haven't yet rested and your summoning the Gigas will have taken its toll on your magick stores."

"But I feel fine." I insisted lowing my head once more in focus.

"That cactus salve will do well enough." His tenor was still light-hearted as the hand that hovered on my shoulder gently gripped my wrist and tugged me along to the campsite.

The movement destroyed my attention to the healing magicks. I gave in with a huff.

The others had already eaten and were settling for the night. Balthier had by now retired to his tent seems as he had crowned himself the winner of our Wyrm wager due to him being the first to break one of its halos. The first to stand watch was Penelo and Fran. I was appointed second watch with Ashe.

As I began to rummage around in the medic bag for the required items I would need, Basch was plating up the remaining shreds of Panther meat and rice.

"Eat first." He offered me the tin bowl.

My stomach growled in response to the smell that drifted from it. I had been so absorbed by my training that it must have distracted me from the fact that I hadn't eaten since we rested at the mines when waiting for Mjrn to come round. I carefully laid the bits and pieces aside and accepted my share of the food. The Panther meat was surprisingly tender and juicy saying that they looked so lean when stripped of their hide. The grease and juices from the meat had dripped and was drunk up by the rice. It gave the otherwise bland and overused foodstuff (we ate rice with every meal due to it giving a slow release of energy) a zing of flavour. I washed down the sticky mouthfuls with water due to us having run out of wine and that horrid Madhu days ago.

Once my stomach had been appeased with food, I resumed in digging out the other things I would need to sort out the scrape. I bid goodnight to the others as they retired or went to stand guard. Basch had also finished his meal and remained settled on a stubby rock he was using as a temporary seat.

"The cactus salve is mainly for burns and blisters but I guess seems as you're being stubborn and we don't have any blood salve it'll have to do." I sighed kneeling myself at the side of his injured arm and arranging my implements.

"If it troubles you still by daybreak you may cast your magicks then."

I cleansed my hands with a slosh of medic alcohol. It smelt so strong I had to fight back a cough.

"I could cast them now." I grumbled taking a small square of linen and wetting it with a mix of the rubbing alcohol and hot water.

"As you had tired from magick castings before, the effects had been sudden. Overdoing by a single spell could result in the same again."

I ignored his concern as I began to cleanse the now dried blood from his arm. There had been more of it than I thought. I cleaned the smudges that masked how bad the cut actually was. It wasn't deep enough to need stitches and most of the flesh was keeping together yet it was long and not as shallow as I had previous believed. I was unsure how he could manage to sit there while I was scrubbing at the stubborn tar of old blood that framed the cut. It must have stung terribly yet he didn't even flinch. I guess he had gained worse injuries when he had had those countless so-called interrogation sessions with the Empire's minions. I doubt any of them had bothered to have healed the wounds they gave him well enough to ward off infection.

I put the linen aside and unscrewed the pot of salve and began to apply generous amounts with soft finger strokes as not to aggravate the wound further. When I was happy with how much of the thick substance I had slavered on his skin, I went about cutting a length of gauze long enough to cover the cut. As I lightly pressed the material to the salve soaked skin the silence between us caused me to reflect on my tiny triumph. A thought had been niggling at me in that back my mind ever since I had slashed him. Someone as devoted as Basch didn't forget such vital matters as oaths and regulations.

"I don't mean to sound smug but did you actually break one of the rules of combat that you knight's learn by?" I asked, whilst beginning to wrap a length of bandage around his arm. He had also taught these guidelines to me as advice so that I would fare better in battle.

"Which one would that be?" He frowned slightly, unable to place just which rule he had apparently forgotten.

"Never underestimate your foe." I secured the stray end of the bandage by attempting to carefully pinning it in place.

"That purely relates to enemies, which I am certain you will never be to me."

My attention to fastening the pin shifted onto him. My fingers paused in their movements.

"I should hope not!" I smiled. "Are you sure you weren't just giving me that small win so that I would want to continue my training?" I asked in jest.

"Mayhap." He returned in a tone alight with mischief.

My grin grew a little more and I once more returned to fastening the end of bandage.

"There, done." I stuffed the medic supplies once more back into the leather satchel and rose from the grass. Basch remained seated on the squat stone that neighboured the one Balthier had been seated on. "Well, I'm off to bed seems as I have to be up in a few hours to stand watch. "'Night, Basch." I bid as I tugged on the medic bag and moved to turn away and head to my tent.

His grip gently seized my wrist causing me to pause and turn to face him once more, my eyebrows raised slightly in questioning. The firelight complimented his warm complexion and blond hair. It even made that scar slashing across the left-side of his brow less prominent. When I had first met him I had often thought it almost a pity it blemished his fetching features yet I had grown to realise that with such a mark marring him it gave him an air of poise. He was probably the only man I knew who could bare such an imperfection without insecurities as to what it implied about him. I could never imagine a certain well-groomed sky-pirate being as humble in that respect!

"Though 'twas said in quip I would like you to endure on with your training. It is not wise you rely alone on your magick skills. Say you will think on it."

"I will." I promised with a nod.

I had expected him to then release my wrist, yet instead his fingers drifted downwards and lightly held my hand. Their warm, steady touch stirred a small flurry of butterflies in my stomach. He leaned forward and softly brushed his lips against the back of my palm before just as suddenly straightening and uncurling his fingers from my hand. The fluttering of my heartbeat accompanied the quivering in my gut. Somewhat stunned by the chivalrous gesture, I allowed my outstretched hand to remain where it was for a beat or two before quickly dropping it to my side.

"I thought it fitting thanks for your mending me."

Though it had been posed in gratitude rather than a romantic nature, I could feel the start of that pesky blush attempting to make an appearance.

"Don't mention it." I dismissed with a flap of my hand, hoping I didn't come across as flustered as I felt. "Besides, I was the one who injured you in the first place."

"Aye. Hereafter I swear to make it more of a challenge for you to do so again. Sleep well."

"You too." I returned before turning on my heel and walking from the campfire to the tent I was to share with Ashe for the night. I attempted to push away the lingering memory of the feel of his lips against my hand. It mulishly stayed in the front of my thoughts.

Morning came round too quickly for my liking. It had only seemed like a matter of minutes ago since I returned to my bedroll for the night after having done with my watch shift. Though I was well rested, the familiar ache in my limbs reminded me that yesterday had been an active day. No doubt today was going to be just as bad.

Breakfast was the left over rice from our previous meal and a cup of weak coffee. Vaan whinged about the simply offerings, complaining that he was so fed up of eating rice and that the coffee tasted more like simple hot water. Despite this he still woofed it down. I swilled the dregs of my coffee before knocking it back in one gulp. Though unmindful, he did have a point. Our food resources we were worse off than any of part of our other kit. Penelo estimated we had enough rice left for just one more meal. I guess it was Mount Bur-Omisace or bust.

We packed up camp and left the shelter of the grove to head back once more into the hostile jungle walkways. As we trudged on, I fell in pace alongside Basch, who as always, trailed a respectable few steps behind the young princess who lead our merry band of misfits.

"How's the arm?"

"Well. It no longer pains me."

Despite his claim that the injury was no more a cause for concern, I still carefully peeled off a small section of the bandage and gauze to see that the wound was healing well. Although it looked clean and the flesh healthy, I remained troubled about whether the skin would part again when Basch used his arm in battle. I conveyed this to him and insisted that it would be sensible if I furthered the healing with a spell. It wouldn't do any of us much good if the niggling injury hindered him in battle due to him always being the blunt force of our assault. As I went to cast a cure spell on him, he yet again interrupted my concentration.

"Save your magicks, Edie. We will be in need of them today."

"Fine, but don't blame me if you lose your sword arm." I sighed.

My mild frustration seemed to have amused him as I swear I heard a muted chuckle rumbling from him. Though when my head snapped to the side to look at him, his expression was neutral.

"I will bear the blame happily if such a thing occurs." He nodded.

After trekking on for a good few hours in the sticky heat I suddenly felt something. A whisper of a breeze toying with a few strands of my hair that had managed to escape the clutches of the tight knot it was still weaved in. I paused to be sure it wasn't the jungle's heat playing tricks on my senses. It was soft, barely there but I felt it tickle my skin and toy with the hem of my dress.

"You okay?" Penelo paused at my side, curious as to why I had suddenly stopped.

"Don't you feel that?"

She frowned slightly. I noticed the little, light blue feathers trimming her braids sway slightly in the breeze's dance. She felt it then, her eyes lighting up.

"A breeze! We must be coming towards the end of the jungle!"

"Scents of snow and ice." Fran mused as she had her nose held high against the draft.

"Finally! Let's get outta this place." Vaan grinned and sped off to keep up with the tireless steps of Ashe. If she had noticed the hint that the Rift was close she hadn't stopped to ponder on it, if anything it probably drove her onwards.

Soon enough the sweltering smog of heat began to cool and with it died away the thick flora of the jungle until there were just the usual stone walkways which slowly became speckled with splashes of ice and snow. The few vines that still strangled the path crunched underfoot as the frost had claimed them long ago. My breath began to come out in ghostly plumes in the brisk air. The walkway led to a rocky, mountainous terrain that was blanketed in thick, white snow.

Being children of the desert, Vaan and Penelo had never seen the stuff before. I watched them as they gleefully raced around the frozen ground, Penelo wheeling in graceful movements whilst Vaan's speed hindered him as he slipped and stumbled many a time. Their playful movements left deep tracks in the smooth, untouched snow. Larsa stood at my side. I could sense the little lord wanting to tear up the snow with them yet he made no move to do so. I guess he must have had it drilled into him that nobility was greater than play.

I waded forward a few clumsy steps before bending and scooping up a handful of the frozen stuff, ignoring the sting of the cold biting at my fingers, which quickly turned red in response. I curled my fingers around the loose powder until it began to squash together and formed a ball. I waited until they dashed past me once more before taking aim and hurriedly flung the snowball at Vaan's head. The hit landed with a light thwack, causing him to skid to a halt, a look of puzzlement marking his snow splattered face. Penelo had seen my attack and paused also, a bright laugh ringing out against the light winds. He shook his head to rid his hair of the snow encrusting it and causing to become wet. He dug some out of his ear with a finger before flashing a wicked grin at me.

"Big mistake. You're gonna pay for that one!" He hastily snatched up a handful of snow and began to haphazardly form a snowball.

"Oh no you don't!" Ashe snapped, stepping in-between us. "Do you recall how your last playfight ended when we were upon the wetlands? We haven't the time for this nonsense. We must find warmer wear or warm shelter before we freeze." She insisted hotly, hands to hips and a stern stare gracing her eyes.

Vaan quickly dropped his poorly formed frozen arsenal.

"Okay, okay! Sorry." He held up his hands in defeat.

Appeased, Ashe turned and marched on. She did have a point, the once welcoming cool of the snowy breeze was quickly becoming all the more bitter. It would not be long before we froze and were claimed by hypothermia. None of us were properly dressed for the harsh weather. Ashe with her little pink skirt, Basch with a waistcoat that barely covered his chest, Fran with her skimpy armour and Vaan who was practically shirtless. My green dress offered little protection against the sting of the icy winds.

We pressed on, heads down against the growing winds, arms tightly wrapped around torsos in hope to lock in our dwindling body heat. The cold was becoming so terribly strong that I found it difficult to find footing on the frozen ground due to me shivering so violently. I had never been so cold in my life! My teeth chattered noisily and I futilely rubbed at my bare arms that were now a raw pink due to the whip of the winds. The mountainside was pocketed with coves and caverns which we sort brief refuge in away from the merciless winds.

As we entered one shallow cavern, it was clear we weren't the only ones seeking shelter. An elderly man bundled in thick furs from the backs of all manner of species was sat unmoving on a rock. A couple of hefty burlap sacks had been placed behind him. A large shotgun rested on his lap. In a smooth jerk, he lifted it and took aim.

"You be after more fitting threads I gots 'em but they come at a price, sirs." He looked from one of us to the other as he spoke, probably attempting to gauge whether we were going to be trouble or profit for him.

"Well good fellow, you are in luck as we have Gil a plenty." Balthier stepped forward slowly, keeping his hands at his sides so that the trader could class him as no threat to himself or his stockpile.

He lowered his gun, his bearded face forming a friendly smile.

That began the long and somewhat boring event of haggling for food, medical supplies, ammunition and fur lined cloaks. I hastily tugged on my cloak as soon as it was placed into my waiting, trembling hands. It was made of rough spun cotton in an ugly brown shade and the fur that coated its inside and heavily trimmed the cowl neck was thick and grey- probably wolf's fur. I sighed in relief as it began to ward off the cold. I tugged up the large, droopy hood that was also lined and trimmed with fur in hope it would warm my stinging ears. To accompany our cloaks there were also mittens and what I could only describe as leg warmers which were pulled on over boots and armour before being strapped into place with brown leather garters. These were also fur lined and due to their bulkiness they made walking cumbersome at times. With us finally equipped to face the Rift, we bid farewell to the trader and continued on.

There were many threats and other things that were just as deadly as the frigid cold. Wolves roamed in large packs with such elegance and swiftness that only suggested that they had adapted well to this snowy wasteland. I found it hard enough to move in the awkward new garments let alone wield my spear well enough to actually be of any use in battle. I opted to stick to magicks instead.

The looming grey sky up above was weighty with snow and before long soft, fat flakes lazily rained down upon us. They clung to the wolf fur fringe that trimmed my hood and the frozen winds caused them to freeze in place and resulted in the fur becoming stiff and heavy. I plodded on, head bowed against the winds and snowfall, concentrating hard on getting a good footing. A strong gush whipped my hood back. I didn't bother to move to pull it over my head yet again as I was growing tired of fighting against the wind's onslaught. The cloaks worked well as I was starting to sweat and so I welcomed a few moments of the wind's frozen fingers raking at my face and hair. I had long pulled my locks free from the tight knot I had secured it in and strands fluttered against my wind chapped cheeks as they became slowly adorned with snowflakes. It was as I brought up a hand to brush aside the irritating hair tickling my face I heard it. Through the feral howl of the wind, it cut like a knife, sharp and so clear. I paused and listened harder sure my mind was fooling me. It came again as strong as a crack of lightning. It couldn't be!

"Edie? What is it?" Penelo waddled to my side her usual grace compromised by her new chunky clothing.

My head whipped around as my eyes desperately scraping the white and grey of the mountainside. It can't be. It came again, strong and demanding. It was closer. I turned to peer across the glassy sheet of ice that had once been a wide river. My heart shuddered to a stop. My ears hadn't deceived me. Sat on his haunches with his tongue lazily logging from his open mouth on the other side of the frozen river was the last thing I expected to see. I gave a shallow gasped and stared unblinking despite the sting of the wind and the snowflakes that sort to cling to my eyelashes. His breath was coming out in steady curls. His black fur was stippled with the falling snow. His colouring was a stark contrast against the pristine white of the snow.

"Kaiser." It came out in a faint whisper as if I actually said his name aloud would cause him to disappear.

Penelo turned her head to follow my gaze, to look upon the large black dog.

My dog.

Finally! I get to write Kaiser in again! You know what's coming next: the Gran Kiltias, Al-Cid, some truth and a crap load of confusion! Can't wait to write it! :) A big thank you for your reviews, follows and fanart. I'm so glad you're all still interested after me taking so much time off in-between chapters.