Bringer of Nightfall

by RoseDragonWitch

Now hailed as a hero throughout the Source, what next awaits the Warrior of Light, soon to become a Warrior of Darkness? The time has come to move on only now we are heading to not a different country, but rather an entirely new world! The path to the First is open to us and a new battle awaits… the most epic one yet… discovering the truth of what lies at the heart of the Star...

27. A Breath of Respite

Chapter 23: A Breath of Respite

A number of people were able to escape Vauthry's mind control but ended up being caught up in the chaos and were injured; so they needed medical treatment as quickly as possible. Some of people were still a danger to themselves and to others though, Vauthry's influence still strong in them, at least until Thancred came up with the elegant solution of simply using some dream powder to keep them calm until Ryne could get to them.

Ryne was now working overtime to try and treat those who were the worst affected by Vauthry's mind control—so naturally those who had mostly Meol in their diets for prolonged periods of time were the first to be treated. The only problem was that clearing the light from them was time consuming and so began another long and exhausting day.

They had been worried about the soldiers attacking them once they were back to their senses, but Urianger reassured them that they were of no threat this time. Now that they were bereft of leadership, they lost the will to fight. Though, truth be told, most of them were in no shape to be fighting right now anyway giving all that happened.

When Claire needed to rest her magicks after helping with the wounded, she was tasked with using the remaining dream powder in their possession and went to many others around the city, from the Derelicts to the Canopy, and help them sleep while they awaited their turns.

To her surprise, she ended up coming across a few people she recognized, such as the servant that she pulled from the ledge when she was last here, and his mistress. He seemed to be in good health, but his mistress was on the ground, moaning slightly and muttering Vauthry's name on her lips.

He recognized her at once and begged for help, wringing his hands in desperation and not knowing what to do. After explaining what they were doing, she put the woman to sleep and told him to bring her up to the Canopy where she would be given the medical attention that she needed. She also ended up coming across the elderly gentleman who was the master of that young girl who could no longer sing. After seeing him safely off to dreamland, she could hear him muttering in his sleep about that same girl, wondering where she was. She did not wish to know the fate of that poor girl; especially after learning what this 'ascension' truly was about.

Once she had exhausted her supply of dream powder and saw to everyone she could, she returned to Ryne, who was already flustered with how much work there was to be done. But with this new power of hers, she was making good progress. They worked through the rest of the day and probably well into the night—though it was nearly impossible to tell time at the moment. But this was no small task for it looked like just about everyone in the city had been effected one way or another.

But finally, bells after this madness began, everyone was either recovered or well on their way to recovering—though many of them were baffled to where they were and how they got there—with their memories hazy at best.

When, at last, Claire met up with the rest of her friends, ready to discuss where to go from here, the Canopy was already full of people who were asking for answers.

"I think that's the last of them," Alisaie said in exhaustion.

"We've done all we can for the wounded," Alphinaud added before they looked to the ever growing crowd where she saw a few more she recognized—including the Chais—and all of them looking scared and confused.

As soon as she saw them, Dulia-Chai asked, "U-Um… a-aren't you Alphinaud? The painter boy? What in the world is going on? Did something happen to us?"

What were they to say to that? How do they explain that all they thought they knew for so long now as just a lie and that the truth was that underneath the so-called beautiful dream of paradise was a nightmare?

They looked at each other, wondering what to do, when she spotted Alphinaud's sad but determined gaze.

"Let me handle this," he told her, and he step out to address the crowd.

"Citizens of Eulmore," he called, getting their attention, "What I'm about to tell you will come as a shock. Indeed, you may be loathed to believe it. But if you trust the evidence of your sense, it is my hope that you will listen and accept the truth, unpalatable though it may be."

He looked to the rest of them, as if drawing in strength, before taking a deep breath and continued on bravely, "Vauthry is a sin eater. Everything he offered, everything he promised, was a lie…"

And so he told them… everything. What Meol really was, where so many of their own people disappeared to… everything that Vauthry had been doing right under their noses for years. Needless to say, the people weren't happy. Many broke down crying and others fell to their knees in shock—more than a couple were sick when they learned what they had been eating till now.

They must be bursting with questions… it seemed to her that they were all too stunned with shock to be able to speak though.

"They're not taking it well," Alisaie sighed, watching the tears that were falling from some, "And who could blame them?"

"Are you saying we were Vauthry's puppets all this time?" one of the dazed citizens asked.

Alphinaud looked conflicted on how best to answer that.

"When you attacked us, you were not yourselves. That much is true," he decided upon, speaking truthfully. "But your conduct prior to that moment was your own. Vauthry's unnatural charisma does not absolve you of all responsibility."

While his tone had been sympathetic before as he broke the truth to them, it was now cold and scolding like how a parent would tell off misbehaving children for doing something that they all knew was wrong.

"Of your own free will, you came to this city and gave yourselves over to its pleasures," he reminded them, and many of them lowered their heads in shame at his words. "And in the course of this, if you mistreated those less fortunate than you… then that too was of your own free will. It is not for me to judge you, but for your victims. For history. For your conscience."

It was bitter… but truthful. Everyone else seemed to realize this and so no one said a word of denial. For they all knew that it was a hard, unpleasant fact that they weren't completely innocent.

Alphinaud looked around at them all before finishing up with, "You have dreamed a twisted dream, but now you are awake. You may yet share this world of ours. Join with us and each other that we might begin anew. We've lost so many already. We dare not lose any more."

She had a feeling that last part was for himself, but she could not remember ever feeling so proud of him and so gave him a loving smile when he came back to their group.

"I have said my piece," he said, "My thanks for giving me the chance." He then forced a smile as he added, "There is nothing more to be done here. Let us go after Vauthry."

"Is there anything we can do to help?"

The question had come from one of the citizens, who was looking nervous for speaking out but there was a new blaze in his eyes. When they turned to look at him, he stuttered only slightly as he explained, "You risked your lives to bring us to our senses, a-and I for one hope to repay that debt. Begin anew, as you said."

They were all surprised at that, but it was Y'shtola who found her tongue first and spoke up; explaining that Vauthry had fled to Mt. Gulg and they needed to pursue him but knew not how. When she asked if any knew the way, they all looked at each other.

"The only way to Mt. Gulg is over the Bright Cliff," another citizen spoke up, "Have you an airship?"

"We will contemplate flight only as a last resort," Y'shtola answered. "Were we to come under attack whilst airborne, we would have little hope of defending ourselves. If at all possible, we would prefer to travel by land. Is there a way?"

Aside from flying, it looked like the only other way was through mountain climbing. Now Claire was a pretty decent climber, but that looked like a complete sheer rockface to climb up and she didn't know they would be able to do so without any tools or equipment.

"The Ladder is the only way up and down the cliff, but it hasn't moved in a long time," an elderly citizen spoke up and when they looked to her, she seemed to come to life and explained, "In the old days, it was operated by the mining folk who lived at the top. But after the Flood it saw less and less use, and when Lord Vauthry took control, it was abandoned altogether."

"So we somehow need to get the Ladder working again?" Alisaie asked her; knowing that this sounded like their only promising lead, though Claire wasn't entirely sure what the ladder was.

"It moves by means of a Talos, if that's any help," the same citizen from before admitted. "But good luck repairing that…"

Great, so they were back to square one again. Was there truly no other way but by airship? She knew that Eulmore had some…?

But the answer came from an unexpected source.

"Talos? Did someone say Talos?!" Dulia-Chai gasped before looking to her husband and said happily, "You know all about them, don't you, dearest! If anyone can get this lift moving it's you!"

"Um…well… perhaps," Chai-Nuzz stuttered, as if thinking she was joking, "B-But see here…"

But she wasn't listening. Dulia-Chai turned to them and announced proudly to all, "Oh, yes! If you want the golem restored, you may leave it to my husband! For he happens to be the heir to Daedalus Stoneworks, foremast makers of Talos, whose contracts include the renowned mining venture of Amh Araeng!"

Truly?

They all looked at him in a mixture of shock and awe as he glanced about anxiously. When it was clear that no one was saying anything he finally stammered out, "It's… well, i-i-it's been years and years since I had anything to do with it! I-I can't just pick up a hammer and set to work!"

At that, Dulia-Chai's ears drooped and she asked him in a kind of sweet sadness, "You… you can't?"

It seemed those big sad eyes were too much for him as he tried to explain himself but he seemed to realize that he was fighting a losing battle and heaved a great sigh.

"All right, I will take a look at the Talos, but beyond that, I make no promises!" he told them before calling to those around him, "Those with strong backs, come with me. I'll need help dragging the damned thing out of the storehouse…"

And to their astonishment, around half of the crowd left with him to the lift just like that. They stared as Alphinaud watched with his mouth wide open and Alisaie smirked, giving him a playful poke as she complimented, "Well done, Brother."

As it turned out the Ladder was just in sights of Eulmore. She had seen it before but was never able to get a good look of the strange metal that was attached to the wall. Alphinaud was more than happy to explain to her what he knew of it before he took her hand and pulled her happily along behind him as they joined part of the crowd as they left the city behind. The people of Gatetown were shocked at seeing so many citizens flooding out of the gates, but once word got out of where everyone was going, many others joined in and they all set off towards the Ladder with a good portion of Eulmore and Gatetown with them.

"Bottom Rung, they call this place. How very apt," Y'shtola said when they pointed out the large machines attached and built into the solid cliff face of steel and wood. "Apparently, it used to be the control center for the Ladder and a bustling hub of transport. Its glory days are far behind it."

It was truly an impressive feat of engineering… as well as being massive. It stretched from the very bottom of the cliff and reached up straight to the top and certainly looked solid enough to be ridden. She knew that someone like Cid would have had a field day looking over it and seeing what he could learn from it and even make improvements on future designs.

Claire saw to the roads, making sure to keep any threatening beasts away so that the path would be safe for the people. By the time the last person went on ahead of her and she finally arrive, she found the people scattered all over as they worked on cleaning up, making repairs, or just doing any heavy lifting. With not having been used in about twenty years there was a lot that needed to be done. Still, the people around them didn't seem to complain—in fact, many of them seemed thrilled at the chance of being able to do something useful instead of lying about in luxury all day. At the base of the platform though, she spotted a giant pair of Talos, larger than even the ones from Amh Araeng, already out and waiting for them as Chai-Nuzz looked over them.

As for his wife, Dulia-Chai couldn't have looked more proud and Claire heard her sigh, "To see my darling Chai so engrossed in his work... I think I'm falling in love again."

But Chai-Nuzz was so focused upon his work he didn't seem to be noticing anything around him as he began examining the Talos with a critical eye.

"First things first ─ a fifty-point inspection. Wouldn't do to have them falling to pieces, now!" he called out to no one before noticing she was there, "...Wh-Why are you standing there gawping? There's lots to be done, so go and make yourself useful!"

It seemed he was more frustrated with her breaking his concentration than actually ordering her to get to work. Though and she backed off before asking finding Urianger and asking how the Ladder worked. He took the time to point out the pair of Talos on either side of the Ladder.

"For a blessing, they were found to be in good repair. Master Chai prepareth to activate them as we speak," he finished in a tone of optimism. "With our arcane knowledge, Y'shtola and I will serve as his assistants. At the appointed hour, we shall imbue the golems with aether. Others, meanwhile, attend to the Ladder itself, which hath too long lain neglected. Extensive maintenance will be needed ere it can move again, as well as myriad materials with which to perform it."

Ah, now she could see it. It was really much like the Talos in Amh Araeng in that these Talos were the heavy muscle. She could see the large handles on either side of the lift and how the Talos were to manually crack the giant wheels that would lift it up and down.

"If thou art willing, we would prevail upon thee to procure lumber," Urianger offered, which she agreed to, glad to be given some work and not told to rest for a change. He smiled at her, though she could feel that he was examining her for any signs of pain or unease as he said, "My thanks, Claire. Directly to the south thou wilt find a dry dock ─ Venmont Yards. Pray see if thou canst persuade the folk there to part with some lumber for our cause."

So, with that helpful tip, she went down to the logging grounds that were at the very shoreline. This was very similar to the Moraby Drydocks in Limsa… only much smaller. She could see how it had once been a grand ship building yard, but its glory days were far behind it. However, there were still workers scattered about and she was soon led to a man named Irvithe, the head of the docks, though truth be told it didn't look like there was much happening there.

He greeted her excitedly when he saw her appear. Though if she had to be completely honest, she was a little surprised that they were still here since it didn't look like they had much of a business left.

"Ho there, sinner. Haven't seen you around before. New to Gatetown, I take it. If you need lumber for a shack, you've come to the right place. We can do the building for you too, though that'll cost extra," he offered before she even opened her mouth. She politely declined and instead explained what they were doing. But it was clear that he didn't believe a word she said.

"...You want lumber to restore the Ladder? Why in the world would anyone want to do that!?" he asked with a roll of his eyes, "If you don't have the coin, least you could do is come up with a believable excuse!"

This didn't look like he was going to listen since she didn't have the money with her to pay for the lumber, but instead he offered to give it to her if she did inventory for him. She agreed, glad to see that it was something simple even if someone was just trying to get out of work.

Once she confirmed the right number for him, he thanked her for the help and once more asked what the lumber was for… before his jaw dropped as she repeated what she said before.

"You were serious about the Ladder!? I'll be damned..." Irvithe asked in nothing short of astonishment, finally realizing that she wasn't joking around. "If that's the case, please let us help with the work!"

She tilted her head as he explained, "We're shipwrights with no ships to build, only shacks. While it's a living, we all itch to do something greater. This fellow you say is in charge ─ you reckon he'd mind the likes of us barging in on his project?"

Why not? The more the merrier and they could use all the help they could get. She confirmed this for him and he all but jumped for joy. After promising to bring his workers over with the lumber, she returned to the Ladder where work was proceeding apace. She could see her friends scattered all over as they helped to oversee the work, if not getting right in there and helping along with the others.

It looked like the routinely repairs were done on the Talos—or at least she thought so since Chai-Nuzz was now grunting about the design and that they could have easily had one from the company that could do just as much work with half the size. Y'shtola was looking deeply amused by this and wondering out loud if his reluctance was just an act before he spluttered at her suggestion.

Urianger was also looking amused before noticing that she returned.

"Ah, thou art returned. Wert thou able to procure the lumber?" he asked before she explained what happened. He shook his head with a fond look in his eye as he reassured her, "Well, well, to secure not only the material, but the eager cooperation of the shipwrights besides. Their expertise shall greatly avail our efforts."

"How are things here?" she asked, truthfully not entirely sure what was happening here, but judging from everyone's attitude it looked like they were doing well.

"Master Chai's own efforts have not been without struggle, but he hath proven himself to be a determined soul," Urianger admitted before reassuring her, "I doubt not but that the work shall be complete ere long, and we may continue on our way once more. Though it hath been years in the making, at long last do the people stand united in defiance of the world's fate, their hopes spurring us ever onward towards journey's end."

So, from him, that meant that they would soon be getting the Ladder working again.

"And what do you need me to do now?" she asked and he instead told her that they had everything well in hand and that she needed to focus on resting. He noticed the look she was giving him and gave a chuckle, promising that she would be sure to have her hands full later on once they get her up that mountain but that it wouldn't do to push herself more than necessary.

Rather than push her luck, she agreed, promising not to do anything strenuous until they got the Ladder working again. He noticeably sighed in relief and seemed seemed grateful that she wasn't fighting him on this and nodded.

"Whatsoever may await us, when thou takest those final steps, I pray that it shall be with a smile upon thy face," he said.

She stared at him, not able to remember the last time she ever heard him say anything so… sweet to her. Perhaps he noticed this and she saw him blush before clearing his throat and told her that they would get back to work and he turned away.

She let the matter go, yet she could not hide the sense of foreboding that came from him. It made her feel slightly uneasy. Still, she did what she promised and moved off to the side so that she could still watch, but out of everyone else's way. In truth, this was a smart move because she was starting to feel sick again and didn't think she would be much more help right now. She could feel her own breaths becoming painful in her chest from time to time and she reached up to her forehead where she could feel a fever going. It seemed that she used up a lot more strength than she would have liked back in Eulmore…?

She would have to be more careful from now on and maybe not be so resistant if someone tells her to rest—at least for a while. So as she waited for her breaths to ease up, she watched everyone hard at work to get the Ladder up and running as soon as possible.

"Would you look at that? The citizens of Eulmore engaging in what can only be described as 'manual labor'. Who would have thought it possible?"

She turned at once when she heard that bored drawl and, sure enough, she spotted Emet-Selch arriving and watching the work with civil curiosity. When he saw her looking, he slowly strolled over to stand with her as he watched, but he was addressing her as well.

"Do you know the most reliable way to deal with those who stubbornly refuse to see reason?" he asked her lightly, and her expression hardened, sure that she wasn't going to like the answer but was too tired to tell him to go away.

"You conquer them—crush them under heel," he answered even though she didn't ask, "Such was the trusted method of Allag, and one still favored by Garlemald. But conquest is the easy part. The true challenge begins once the dust has settled—quenching the glowing embers of animosity and maintaining a semblance of peace."

Yes, and then rule over them for decades while robbing them of their homes, resources, their freedom, dignity, and hopes…? His trusted methods certainly didn't sit well with Ala Mhigo and Doma, now did it?

"This requires the conqueror to treat the conquered with dignity, and the conquered to let bygones be bygones. A difficult feat to achieve," he finished as he stood right beside her and continued to watch as he folded his arms and admitted, "But you have achieved just that… to my considerable surprise."

She scrutinized his every step, wondering if there was a point to this, and for the first time this seemed to annoy him and snapped, "It's a compliment. Take it."

She didn't take it but she didn't say anything against it either; instead she stayed silent as they watched the repairs continue. It was a short time later, just as Y'shtola and Urianger both stepped up to the Talos to fill it with aether, did he speak again.

"Ahh, the vibrant energy that fills the air when like-minded souls gather," Emet-Selch sighed, "To think back on that time before time fair brings a tear to the eye."

What was he talking about? She looked at him in surprise as he rolled his eyes at her expression.

"What?" he asked, misunderstanding her look, "You thought ancient beings like us incapable of crying?"

In truth, that crossed her mind more than once when she thought of all the destruction brought with them. But now she was inquisitive to what he had to say and wondered just what could make an Ascian's heart break. For some reason, the thought made her unbearably sad.

"Well, rest assured that if your heart can be broken, then so can mine!" he retorted back with a cold snap in his voice. "Back when the world was whole, we had family, friends, loves…"

Eventually, he just turned to look at the sky, as if thinking of a distant dream he had long ago.

"Men knew peace and contentment, and with our adamant souls, we could live for an age," he sighed, "There was no conflict born of want or disparity. Our differences paled into insignificance next to all we have in common."

His voice trailed off at that as continued to look skywards and she saw a rather dreamy look came upon his features. In that brief moment, all the pain seemed to fade and she wondered what it was that he was envisioning to achieve that look? For the first time since meeting him he looked… happy.

"And then there was Amaurot…" he whispered in reverence, "Never was a city more magnificent. From the humblest streets to the highest spires, she fairly gleamed…"

"Amaurot…" she repeated softly as the name seemed to stir something inside her, as if she had heard of it somewhere before but could not recall from where.

But as soon as she spoke, that happiness faded from Emet-Selch's features to one of painful grief and then disinterested sadness.

"Not that you would remember any of this," he finished. He was doing it again… she noticed how he looked at her but wasn't seeing her. He was still gazing hard as if trying to see whatever was past her eyes and it felt creepy to her. What did he see that she didn't know about? She wanted to ask, but knew better than to think he would give her an answer.

"Remember?" she repeated slowly in confusion of his choice of wording but he was already movign on.

"Never mind," he countered suddenly with a shrug, as if not wishing to discuss it any further despite how he was the one who brought it up. "The point is: the world of old was a far better place than what we have now. I believe you would like it, having witnessed the things you have."

She thought that over, still facing the direction of the Talos but no longer seeing them. A city like how he described sounded beautiful… a place where there was no need to have to fight…? That the people were living in peace with each other…? Oh, her heart swelled at the mere thought of it.

"Remember, you are of the Source," Emet-Selch said to her, which brought her painfully back down to reality. "Unlike the halfmen here, you stand only to gain. Should you survive the remaining calamities, you will become our equal. A complete existence in a complete world."

Halfmen? Was that how he saw these people here? They weren't halfmen… whatever else that he may believe. Even if what he said was true about them being sundered souls that did not mean that they weren't living, breathing people.

As nice as this perfect city sounded it seemed too good to be true to have ever been real. And no matter how bad things got here, she was not willing to sacrifice the remaining worlds for a dream that will never be. Regardless of how good life was back then, that life was gone forever and they can't bring it back.

So then why did her heart ache so suddenly at those thoughts?

She closed her eyes, finding the thought suddenly painful. Just what was it that happened so long ago that events led them here? She wanted to know, but perhaps she was afraid to hear the truth in case it shattered whatever beliefs she had left.

"But such talk is a pleasure for later," Emet-Selch said, "Back to work, hero."

She was not sad to see him go so she made sure to watch him but didn't speak a word as he turned his back to her. He turned and took a few steps before pausing as if he almost forgotten something.

"Ah," he said as he turned halfway back to her, "There was one thing I had meant to ask. How well do you know the Exarch? Has he ever deigned to show you want hides beneath the cowl?"

Honestly, she shook her head, finding no reason to deny something like that. But immediately she saw how his eyes rose up so high that they were threatening to disappear into his hairline.

"What, never?" he repeated in surprise, "Even to you? How very interesting… I shall enjoy working out what it means. Until next time."

She wasn't sure that she liked the way he said that but he did leave just after that, giving his hand the usual bored wave as he stepped away. She watched as he stepped out of her sights, her thoughts still heading down a spiral of confusion before Dulia-Chai's voice broke through it with a thrilled trill, "Ohhh, I knew you could do it, dearest! I never doubted you for a moment!"

She turned back around in time to see the two Talos were slowly beginning to rise to their feet and the crowd cheered as Chai-Nuzz panted on the ground. It looked like his body was not use to all the hard work he put into it, but she could see the proud smile in his face as he realized that he did do it.

"It's alive…"

Unlike Emet-Selch's condescending tone, this next voice was a welcomed change and she looked to her side to find Ardbert had reappeared and she smiled at him as he stared up at the Talos with an expression that could only be described as gratification.

She watched him as he seemed to be drinking in the sight as if excited to see where this journey will lead to next, but he knew that she was looking at him.

"I don't know if you remember, but when we first met in this world, I was all but spent," he said suddenly, changing the subject so much that she temporarily forgot about Emet-Selch's words.

But oh, she remembered all right. She could recall the dark shade that clung to him as he first came into her room and how she froze in horror at the sight before the haze cleared as he emerged.

"I never thought to wonder why until now," he admitted before he looked down at his hand, which now fairly glowed "I think it all just got to be too much."

"Too much?" she repeated, not caring if anyone else was watching and wondering why she was talking to empty air.

He lowered his hand.

"The guilt of causing the Flood… knowing everyone hated me…" he sighed, "But the worst thing was the solitude. Time wears you down, aye… but solitude eats away at you. It was this close to finishing me off. But as bad as it got, and as empty as I felt… I can't even begin to imagine what it must be like for Emet-Selch."

"Feeling bad for him now?" she asked.

He just smiled and she found herself unable to stop herself from returning it.

"All of which is a long way of saying: don't make a choice that leaves you alone," he advised, "Nothing is worth that—especially not eternity."

No, it wasn't, was it?

"I understand," she said softly and she felt better for some reason, not that she knew why, of course.

That was when the pounding footsteps of the Talos began to sound off and she looked up to see them moving to either sides of the Ladder and the twins rushing at her, happily explaining that the three of them were the first to get to ride it. She laughed as she allowed the twins to all but drag her off towards the Ladder as Ardbert watched contentedly behind her.

*Ardbert*

'We rode the Ladder too, my comrades and I,' he thought to himself as the Ladder was coming back to life, 'Once upon a time.'

Of course, that was a lifetime ago… back before the Flood… before he was a Warrior of Light… and the only thing on his and his friends' minds were how far could their road take them. They rode it up and down many times over the years… and then… there was that one last time.

He watched as Claire and the twins stepped onto the platform and were getting ready, the first to ride the Ladder for the first time in so long, and he could feel the excitement from everyone around him. He watched from the crowd, completely unseen, but this time he didn't mind it as he thought more of the past.

He always did enjoy riding the Ladder and he knew she would like it too.

But that was when she realized that he had been left behind and her eyes found his own from the crowd and she smiled before beckoning him to join them. Sure, the others around him were looking on in confusion, but she just grinned at him—and only at him—which made him feel torn between exasperation and laughter.

He just shrugged and chuckled back at her before he caught up and stepped on board with them. She just looked at him from the corner of her eyes, not saying a word least the twins start asking questions, but she certainly looked happy to see him there.

A pleasant warmth appeared to blossom inside his chest at that thought as he heard the gates close and the familiar cranking of the gears that brought back so many happier days. He looked up as they slowly rose into the air and he could see the horizon and for the first time in a century was struck by the urge to see more.

He glanced at Claire noticing how how, despite her weakened state, her eyes were aglow with this new experience. How long had it been since he was like that?

For some reason he was struck with the urge to reach out and take her hand, as if he could feel what she was feeling at that moment of riding the lift for the first time.

"We rode the Ladder too, my comrades and I," he said to her once they stepped off the platform after reaching the top. The twins ran on ahead of them, eager to explore as he and Claire stepped off together, moving a little more slowly than before. She looked to him as he spoke but his eyes were focused upon the ocean in the distance.

"Watched the horizon grow and the town shrink below us…" he explained in a hushed tone. "Awed and terrified in equal measure, we ascended without a word, the silence broken only by the rhythm of the gears."

He could feel her now turning her entire body to him and he finally looked back at her.

"No one but me remembers that day…" he informed her, "Remembers our journey… and our end…"

He just looked on with a fondness sweeping through him as he finishing up, "Retread the path—seek and you may yet find…"

It was too late for him… this was a hard truth that he had to accept but he had already long since been aware of this feat. But… perhaps not for her. And not for this world.

*Claire*

No one else remembers that day do they?

Well, she won't forget. That much was certain.

Not that she could tell him that for no sooner did they arrive at Top Rung did Ardbert disappear again, and she stepped off feeling as if there was a heavy stone in her chest.

Her thoughts drifted about as Alisaie wasted no time running up the stairs of the platforms around them so that she could get a good look around of their surroundings. But no sooner did she and Alphinaud begin looking around, they heard her call down to them that there was something they needed to see.

Immediately worried about what she had seen, she and Alphinaud climbed the metal stairs and found her gazing out to the far western part of the platform and she pointed out a village. Claire looked up and squinted to see that she was right. There were buildings of worn-looking wood a short distance from here as Alphinaud nodded behind them; merely mentioning that there were sure to be one but after two decades it wouldn't surprise him if it was abandoned.

"Nor I," Alisaie agreed, "But that was before I spied someone leave it and proceed to head in our direction, all the while trying to remain unseen..." When Alphinaud looked doubtful of this, Alisaie sighed and looked to Claire before saying, "Whoever this mysterious person is, they should still be out there. Go on and take a look, Claire."

It seemed unlikely that anyone would be up here, but she did what she was told and began to squint around the area for anything that moved. She could see the village but it didn't look like…? Wait…!

She finally spotted someone watching them from some large boulders just a stones-throw from the village. But as soon as he realized that he had been spotted, the figure bolted for the tired-looking buildings.

She told her friends this, who were now on high-alert.

"There's someone, right? And they were spying on us," Alisaie said, shooting Alphinaud a smug look, "Personally, I don't feel comfortable not knowing who they are. What do you say we investigate?"

"I'm curious too," Alphinaud said thoughtfully as they quickly headed to the stairs, "I must admit. And I daresay we have a bit of time ere the others ascend."

"It's settled, then," Alisaie decided for them all, "Let's head to the village and see if it's indeed inhabited."

They set off from Top Rung, and though it wasn't a far walk, it was long enough for her to get a general idea of the surrounding area. It was not unlike the lower half of Kholusia, however she could see faint traces scattered about them that showed that this place was not as empty as one would think. She could see footprints of various sizes, both old and new, as well as scratches upon some stones around here as if someone was mining.

There was no doubt that there were people living up here.

They arrived at the village, definitely one of the smallest villages she had seen yet, but it most certainly wasn't empty. She could hear faint sounds coming from inside the buildings and when she tried to open one of the doors, she could feel that it wouldn't budge—as if someone was leaning up against it.

Not wishing to scare anyone unnecessarily, she moved away and continued to look around.

While this place was old, she could see that there were signs of recent repairs here and there as well as spotted what looked like game being hung out to dry in the sun—and quite recently from the looks of it.

When she looked around the tavern, there were cups that were half drunk and even a kettle bubbling on the stove behind the counter. It looked like people were here until a short while ago… though she supposed as soon as they realized that they had 'guests' they dropped whatever they were doing and bolted for cover.

She returned to Alphinaud and Alisaie, who had come to the same conclusion.

"And I could have sworn I heard a noise..." Alisaie said with a sideways glance at one of the houses where Claire noticed a shadow move behind the darkened glass.

"People are definitely still living here," Claire said when they then asked her what she found.

"Indeed," Alphinaud nodded slowly in agreement, "While there's no one to be seen, 'tis plain that this village is anything but abandoned."

"If the villagers are trying to conceal themselves, they are doing a rather poor job of it. But if they don't wish to be seen, what are we to do?" Alisaie asked thoughtfully.

Having someone who lived here could do much to help them out, but she didn't wish to frighten the people here. She could only imagine how they must be feeling after seeing a group of people arriving.

"I say, aren't you the ones who saved my life?"

That voice was oddly familiar and she looked up to see a young man coming out from the shadows of a nearby building and was staring at them in shock. Wait, could it be…?

In either case, it seemed that he recognized them as well for he gave them a beaming, and relieved, look and welcomed them with a wave as they ran to him.

"You're Tristol, the artist from Eulmore!" Alphinaud gasped, sprinting over to him.

"You remembered!" Tristol cried happily, "Ever since we parted ways, I've worried for you, bound for the city as you were. Never did I imagine that we would meet again, and here of all places!"

"We could say the very same thing to you, my friend. I'm glad to see you hale and whole," Alphinaud said, still as stunned as she felt of finding a friendly face all the way up here, "But tell me, what is this village?"

"This is Amity, a settlement made up of those who survived being exiled from Eulmore," Tristol explained, shocking them all. He then told them about how he after he left them after they helped him, he wandered about in the wilds, wondering about where to go from here… that was when he happened to run into someone who lived in these parts and he led him through a tunnel that led them to the top of Bright Cliff and he settled here with the other inhabitants. He had been living here ever since and while life is hard they were left mostly in peace.

He then looked up to the floating mountain and added, "Well, we did at any rate ─ until Mt. Gulg broke away from the earth. Then just as suddenly, the Ladder started moving again..."

"And you feared whoever was coming up would threaten your lives," Alisaie finished for him which he nodded to.

"Aye... But I see now there's no cause for concern. Will you tell me what has brought you here?" Tristol asked.

Claire then gave him a quick summary of all that they learned and about Vauthry and Eulmore. All the while, she could now see eyes watching them from inside the houses around them and she knew that others were listening in. When she finished, Tristol was staring at her with his jaw having fallen open.

"So Vauthry is a sin eater, and he's fled to Mt. Gulg..." he said slowly, "'Tis a strange tale, but I have no reason to doubt your words. I owe you my life. If there is anything I can do to help, you need but say the word."

"Your help would be most welcome, Tristol," Alphinaud said gratefully, "To begin with, we request your people's permission to reconnoiter the area. If we are to confront Vauthry, we must find a way to reach Mt. Gulg."

"Of course, you hardly need our permission to be here. I will tell the others about you and yours," he said reasonably, "Now, we haven't much to offer in the way of hospitality, but our village is at your disposal. Please use it as you see fit in your quest."

And so he went to knock on the doors and convince the villagers to come out because it was safe to do so. And so a fair number of people of various ages slowly began to emerge and looked around curiously at their guests. It was a relief to see them no longer afraid of them, and so Alphinaud took this chance to start asking more about Mt. Gulg and what they know of the land around here.

"Yet another hapless soul that Alphinaud saved from mortal danger, I see. Some things never change," Alisaie sighed as she watched her brother fondly, "At any rate, it seems that Brother has a mind to linger. Meanwhile, I have a mind for us to explore."

Claire agreed to this as Alisaie got her brother's attention and explained that while he asked around then she was going to take Claire and scout out the area.

"O-Oh? Very well, then. Just take care out there," he said in surprise and in worry, "If you sense even the slightest danger, pray turn back at once."

His hand brushed against the back of hers ever so slightly but she reassured him that if they couldn't come back from a simple scouting mission then they would make poor excuses for heroes wouldn't they?

She set off with Alisaie, who was taking the lead down a very old path that looked like was almost completely given way by weather and time before they came to a fork in the road. They decided to split up and see what they could find on these separate paths—but no sooner did they part did Claire run into sin eaters—who lunged at her as soon as they noticed her there.

They weren't that strong, but there were a fair number of them scattered here and there and could easily prove to be a threat to Amity; and she made a mental note to inform the people there that it would probably be safest for them if they remain inside their homes for the time being.

She soon met up with Alisaie at the foot of the mountain, or rather directly under the base, as it was now directly overhead, and Claire noticed how winded she was looking.

"You're a sight for sore eyes," Alisaie said with her hand resting upon her rapier, "I don't know about you, but I bumped into quite a few sin eaters out there."

"Then that makes two of us," she answered as Alisaie looked down.

"You too, then," she mumbled, "It seems the closer we get to Mt. Gulg, the more of them there are."

They looked up to the mountain and it really confirmed for them that there truly was nothing connecting the two halves and that blinding light was painful to watch.

"Looks a lot bigger from here, doesn't it?" Alisaie asked her. "If I were Vauthry, the first thing I'd do is surround myself with as many sin eaters as I could lay my hands on. And judging by their number we've already faced, his lordship is of the same mind. This is going to be a tough climb."

A climb would be possible if they could reach it… but even just getting to the lowest possible point would be no small feat.

"But first things first: we need to determine if climbing is even an option," Alisaie said, "The more I look, the less likely it seems… Y'shtola is right to be worried, but flying may be our only choice after all."

That was when Claire's hearing picked up on a strange buzzing noise and she looked up behind them to see three objects were directly flying towards them. She squinted her eyes before widening them in shock when she realized that they were machina drones—not unlike the many she had seen in Allagan ruins or even versions used by Garlemald. How in the world…?

They then flew directly over them and up towards the mountain without ever stopping and their eyes followed, now at a loss to where they came from.

"There you are," Urianger's voice said, "Master Alphinaud was afeared you had met with some misfortune."

From the same direction that the drones flew in from was Urianger and, of all people, the Crystal Exarch!

"Urianger!" Alisaie gasped in surprise, looking from one to the other, "And you too, Exarch! What brings you here?"

"I wish to observe the final struggle with my own eyes," the Exarch answered graciously as usual. "I arrived at the Bottom Rung too late to accompany you, but I was in time to join Urianger and the others." He then looked to the drones and added, "Come, let us see how this unfolds."

Ah, suddenly the idea of where those machina came from suddenly became clear as she turned back to watch the three buzzing machines fly up in unison together towards the mountain. But as soon as they were beginning to near the lowest part of the peak, that was when a wave of white rained down upon them. Sin eaters, a full army of at least a hundred or so sin eaters appeared and descended upon the drones.

"Well, it seems flying is off the table," Alisaie said obviously as the three drones were destroyed in midflight and fell crashing to the earth below all in the span of a minute.

"If we have learned that much, then the machina have served their purpose," the Exarch said reasonably.

"Ah, so that's what they were for," Alisaie said, looking back at him, "Wasteful, but effective."

At least they now knew that flying wasn't the smartest way to go about it. But now they were no closer than when they started… only now they had one less option here than before.

"Twould seem our foe will not be reached by land or air," Urianger said with a frown, also pointing this out. "We must needs withdraw to consider another course. Master Alphinaud waiteth for us at Top Rung. Thither should we make our way."

This seemed the best move here and she agreed, but she could not help but notice how Alisaie was giving them both a hesitant look—not unlike the way that Y'shtola gave them oftentimes. But no one said anything as they followed the two back to Top Rung, where she spotted the others already there and waiting for them as well as—to her surprise—the Chais, who were looking around curiously.

She greeted the others, though it seemed that Ryne didn't enjoy the ascent for she was trembling all over and stuttered nervously as Thancred watched with a shake of his head in exasperation.

"I'm told you went ahead to scout out the volcano," Thancred said as he rubbed Ryne's back absent-mindedly as she slowly got her trembling under control. "I don't suppose some grappling hooks will suffice?"

Claire shook her head, but was smiling knowingly at him, which confused him, before he realized the rare display of affection he was showing to Ryne and immediately stopped and looked away with pink in his cheeks. But Ryne seemed to have calmed down as she looked up at him adoringly.

Claire chuckled at that before Alisaie turned to the group and briefly told them what they found on the road and just what they could be expecting when they did reach the top of that mountain. Claire could see the hope slowly fade from their faces as their options were quickly being reduced to practically nothing.

"In short, there's no path, and the sky is thick with Vauthry's winged devils," Thancred summed up for them with only the slightest of grumbles.

"We might consider amaro, but without extensive training, we cannot hope to contend with the eaters," Alphinaud added slowly. "Elumore's airship fleet, meanwhile, consists solely of transport vessels ill-suited for battle. And without the expertise of one such a Cid, we are in no position to attempt a refit."

She had a feeling that unless they had one of those massive battleships from Garlemald on their side, there was no way that they were going to be getting through a veritable army of eaters.

"Oh, it's so frustrating!" she heard Dulia-Chai cry out from behind them, "That wretched mountain should jolly well come back down to earth!"

"Now, now, dearest," Chai-Nuzz said soothingly, "We mustn't disturb these good people at their work. We've ridden the Ladder and seen the sights. It's past time we took our leave."

But then Y'shtola gasped.

"The Lady may well have the right of it," she said and they looked to her as some kind of inspiration seemed to hit her. "Mt. Gulg will not soon come down to earth, nor can we compel it to do so. But if the mountain will not come to the land, mayhap the land may be made to come to the mountain. In the form of a Talos. A Talos large enough to reach out and take the volcano in its grasp."

Truly? Sure, they were helpful but would another Talos really be able to do that? She looked around at the others, and she could see some confusion and bewilderment at the suggestion. But Urianger was now thinking over that suggestion thoughtfully.

"To build such a golem would be an onerous undertaking indeed… yet the principle seemeth sound in itself," he said slowly but confirming her thoughts.

"Balderdash!" Chai-Nuzz interrupted, seemingly unable to help himself, and they all looked to him as he explained, "No one has ever made one even half that size! Leaving aside the small matter of logistics—which, by the way, would be no small matter—the design would need to be unimaginably complex!"

But once he calmed down, he began to think it all over.

"Though, I suppose… hmmm… if it's only function is to cling to the ruddy mountain, perhaps it needn't be…" she heard him mutter to himself and he seemed to be going over the design in his mind as he continued, "A solid base, firmly rooted to the ground—sacrifice mobility to simplify the construction, reducing materials required…"

Well, that seemed to confirm it for them. It sounds like it could actually work. Though, once he noticed that they were all listening in, he took a step back.

"Wait, wait, wait! What am I thinking?!" he gasped quickly, "We would still need a veritable army of people to do the work! Left to the crew that helped down below, it would take decades, if not a nice round century!"

"So we need more hands," Alisaie said bluntly, "And what sort of things would these hands be required to do?"

Ah, dear Alisaie. Cutting straight to the heart of the matter. Something that Chai-Nuzz wasn't expecting.

"Oh?" he asked before stuttering out an answer, "Er… well… er… well, let's see… first, we'd need people to procure the stone for the chassis. The rock found near the mountain would suit our purposes well enough. It'd be a simple task to quarry the stuff, but given the stupendous quantity required, we'd need all the help we can get."

He seemed to think that would be enough of a deterrent for them but they already had that part covered.

"We have friends amongst the miners of Amh Araeng," Thancred spoke up and Ryne nodded eagerly next to him, "I will go and petition their aid."

"While you do that, I'll make for Mord Souq," Alisaie added at once, "I'm sure I'll be able to drum up some support."

"Then I shall return to Kholusia," Alphinaud offered. "From fishers to carpenters, Eulmore is home to all manner of talented folk. I daresay their skills will avail us."

They looked expectantly at Chai-Nuzz and Ryne asked them if there was anything else they needed. He was not looking happy where this was all going but he answered, telling them they needed magic and lots of it to awaken a Talos of this size would need mages. This time it was Y'shtola who answered.

"Many among the Night's Blessed are gifted in the arcane arts," she declared, "I will recruit them to our cause."

"The fae folk too, possess surpassing aptitude in magicks," Urianger added, but his expression was much more uncertain as he added regretfully, "Yet they are not wont to cooperate in the endeavors of men. Leastwise, not without making all manner of mischief." Instead, he looked to the Exarch and asked, "That being the case, I would instead call upon the people of the Crystarium—with thy permission, Exarch."

"We are at your disposal as are our amaro and chocobos," the Exarch reassured him.

"I'm sorry—you mean to tell me you can call on not only the people of Eulmore and the Crystarium, but the Night's Blessed, and the Mord, and even those miners?!" Chai-Nuzz gasped, staring at them when he realized that they were all being deadly serious about this plan. "But that's just about everyone in bally Norvrandt! Who are you people?! And how did you come to have so many friends?!"

They all just smiled at him, taking their time as he looked from one to another, all but dying for an answer. Claire was the one who broke the silence for once with, at least, the partial truth.

"Adventurers of no import."

This seemed to amuse everyone… well, everyone but Master Chai.

"No import?!" he demanded, and she enjoyed watching how he was spluttering now as Dulia's eyes lit up, "you expect me to believe that after you just promised me the help of the better part of the world?!"

Pretty much.

"So, as you can see, you will not want for bodies," Y'shtola said, getting to business, "I trust you will have your design ready in good time for their arrival." He stared at her as she reminded him, "Norvrandt is counting on you… heir to Daedalus Stoneworks."

He just fell to his knees as they all began to leave, promising that they would be back soon. Ryne turned to Claire and said that she can leave this work to them and that she should be here on hand should anything happen.

"We'll be back as soon as we can—and we'll bring the whole world with us," she promised her, the pride in her voice only added to the promise as she turned and raced after the others, forgetting her fear of the lift for right now.

So she and the Exarch shared a look, knowing that it was going to take some time to get everyone gathered and to work but they would have to be ready when they did.

"I take it we will be assisting Master Chai," the Exarch said to her. "Though I am quite sure he has everything under control…"

Sure… underneath all that despair, he had what it took. But after taking a good of Master Chai now on his knees, she could not help but laugh good-naturedly at it. Hard to believe that this was the man they were pinning all their hopes on.

The Exarch also seemed to be amused by this for when he spoke, she could hear the slight chuckle in his words as he suggested that they ask how they may be of service.

They approached the Chais, with Master Chai eventually able to rally to his feet but was still looking as if he was just told he had a day left to live. His wife however was swooning slightly and when Claire approached she told her happily, "When he asked for my hand, my husband promised that he would one day build a Talos that could take us to the very heavens. And now he'll do it!"

Well, in that case, he really didn't have a choice but to do it now.

Not that he was listening.

"Have the design ready, she says! In good time, she says! Does she even understand what's involved!?" he demanded to himself before looking to her and complained, "Before I can even attempt to design anything, I need intimate knowledge of the land ─ the knowledge of locals. Last I heard, no one lives here!"

Ah, lucky for them they had a way around it and so she told them of Amity… and as well as having run into Tristol there. That certainly got his attention… as well as Dulia—whose eyes widened in surprise.

"What?" he gasped, "A village of Eulmoran exiles!? B-But...those people have every reason to loathe a free citizen like me! They couldn't possibly be willing to cooperate!"

He looked ready to start crying at this seemingly hopeless endeavor.

"This will never work. Never. I never should've fixed that ruddy lift. Never should've ridden it up here…" and he went into a long rant of, "Never should've...never should've... I can't do it... It's impossible..."

"Oh dear. Darling appears to have lost the plot..." Dulia-Chai sighed, though she didn't seem surprised as she promised, "But he has it in him, Claire. He's the cleverest man I know ─ he just wants for confidence sometimes. If you were to give him some words of encouragement, I'm sure he can give you your Talos."

She then leaned in and whispered in Claire's ear, "A bit of advice I learned from his mother: he responds poorly to obvious praise. You'll need to find another way to stoke the fires of his motivation ─ awaken his sense of daring!"

Well, may as well try as she stepped up and patiently waited for him to run out of breath of his rant.

"I can't do it. No one can. A Talos of that size...no one's even dreamed of it," he said before he rested there to catch his breath.

True, but they all must start somewhere and she beamed at the memory as she told him, "Alphinaud once struggled to collect firewood."

And look at how far he had come? Now whenever they are forced to camp out, he is the one who insists on starting the fire and can now get it going in only a few minutes.

"He did? But...he's such a capable lad, brimming with confidence," Chai-Nuzz said in astonishment. He seemed a little less hesitant at that before admitting, "Hmmm... I suppose even the most capable among us have struggles to overcome... But regardless of my own feelings, I can't do a damn thing without help from those villagers...and they're not bally likely to give it! Tristol's among them, you said so yourself! Lest you've forgotten, we essentially sent him to his death! Even if the others don't bear a personal grudge, he would never forgive us!"

Perhaps. But that is up to those that they hurt to decide if they are worthy of forgiveness. They won't find out by staying here and if they never even step up to apologize, how will they ever earn their forgiveness?

"Things won't improve by themselves. You have to take the first step," she told him patiently and her words seemed to strike a cord within him.

"I know, I know... Unless we take the first step, there can never be reconciliation," he sighed in agreement, "This is a chance for everyone to come together. Even if they hurled stones at me, perhaps it's worth trying to apologize... But what then? In the end it's not even a question of forgiveness. Building such an enormous Talos is impossible, and no amount of contrition will change that. And even if by some miracle the people of Amity were willing to let bygones be bygones, they'd think that the plan is absurd! I think it's absurd!"

"It's less absurd than the change that's come to Eulmore," she pointed out, reminding him until a few days ago the idea of Eulmore changing seemed impossible since everyone was certain that the end was coming anyway. But now everyone was gathering together, both the bonded and the free to try and change their fate and save this world. How hard could building a giant Talos be in comparison?

"Well, I can't argue with that logic..." he admitted grudgingly, "Enormous as the task is, it's simply a matter of finding a solution to a practical problem. From that perspective, it's not entirely unrealistic. But realistic or no, there's no guarantee of success. There are risks to consider should the venture fail. Aye, imagine for a moment that we fail to reach Vauthry and only succeed in provoking him. In his fury, he may well unleash his hordes of eaters and we'll meet a horrible end!"

Well, at least they would all go together. Not that she told him that, though it was tempting. She just smiled and said, "I'll protect you. I'll protect everyone."

Or at least, she would try her best. But with Vauthry know aware of her being the 'Warrior of Darkness' he seemed more focused upon her. So long as she stayed alive then there was a chance that all behind her would survive as well. And she was determined to see this through to the end regardless of how sick to the stomach she was feeling.

But Master Chai just gasped and stared at her before wringing his hands together.

"I-I see what you did there. That's how you win over the masses ─ with that irrepressible aura of dependability," he whispered and she blinked in polite confusion to that. "But very well, you've made your conviction clear...and I'm assured in spite of myself. I won't let my fears get the better of me. It's unseemly if nothing else. Still, I find it astounding that you can have such certainty given the circumstances. It makes me wonder, what is it that drives you? Tell me, why did you throw yourself into the midst of such a grueling struggle?"

She just shut her eyes as she thought of all of that. In truth, she wasn't sure how best to answer that but with the images of those she cared about the most as well as the friends she met while here, she opened her eyes and answered honestly, "To protect those I love."

"Indeed..." he whispered in understanding and it seemed that she got through to him. "What else could compel us to face such dangers? I too have someone I wish to protect, with whom I want to live out my days in peace..."

Ah there's that spark in him that she was looking for.

"Yes... Yes! By the gods, I can do this! I just need to have a little faith in myself!" he cried out, now burning with determination, "Right, let's head to Amity and speak with the villagers ─ with Tristol."

He took a deep breath and turned to his wife and said to her, "My love, things are liable to become more dangerous. I want you to wait for me back in Eulmore."

But Dulia wasn't having any of that as she said firmly, "No. Wherever you go, I'm going too. Besides...you're not the only one who has to apologize."

And at that, it was like the blaze of confidence that had been in him flickered and died right there.

"B-But there's no telling what may happen out here! I don't know if I can keep you safe!" he stuttered. "P-Perhaps this is a bad idea after all... I-I don't think I have what it takes..."

Oh no. She made to reassure him that the people of Amity weren't like that and that she would be on hand should anything happen.

"Master Chai…"

The Exarch chose that moment to speak up as he moved in closer. His voice was light but very kind as he spoke up and she could feel something… achingly familiar but she couldn't put her finger on it. But he went on, "That you are beset with doubt is proof that you can envision the task ahead. And that which man can envision, he can make reality. Thus did some old friends of mine once say. Even should it be a feat fit for the divine, if something has been done before, then it most assuredly can be done again by our own hands."

"That's a little idealistic, don't you think!?" Master Chai asked, wringing his hands in worry.

The Exarch burst out laughing, the first time that she had ever heard it and again that seemed to ring some kind of an echo in her memory.

"Perhaps, Master Chai, perhaps," the Exarch chuckled, "But what is man if not an idealistic creature? 'Tis not an easy thing to achieve one's dreams ─ my friends can attest to that. Countless times did they meet with frustration in the course of their endeavors. None would have found fault with them had they given up, yet they never did. One step after the next, they forged on towards their goals. And for their determination, they accomplished numerous feats that many believed lay beyond the reach of mankind. Like them, you are a man of science. Amidst your doubts, surely there is a spark of desire. The desire to make the impossible possible."

The impossible possible…?

She just looked at him long and hard… though she wasn't sure why… but that did sound like something that Cid would say.

Dulia was now gazing at her husband as she told him kindly, "Come darling. Like the old days, I would be the first to see your Talos."

He still looked nervous, but their words seemed to have stirred him and he nodded in agreement, finally committing himself to the cause.

"And you shall be, my dear. I would have none other at my side when my greatest masterpiece awakens," he promised her and she beamed back like a little girl who was promised the trip of a lifetime. He took a deep breath and said, "Right, then. To Amity."

They said that they would wait at the exit for them and would follow them across the landscape to the village with them and she watched as the couple set off together, with Dulia holding onto her husband's hand in comfort—or perhaps making sure that he didn't make a break for it—either way, it wouldn't surprise her.

But she had her attention back to the Exarch who was now gazing at her with a satisfied look.

"I am glad my words struck a chord. Shall we?" he asked her as he turned on his heel a followed after the Chais. She did not say a word as she watched him as more old memories started to rise to the surface—memories that she hadn't thought of in so long.

It was just that everything he said and did… it was all so… familiar.

Could it truly be…?

She suddenly blinked and realized that they were far ahead of her and she hurried on to catch up to them. She was courteous as she spoke with the Exarch on their way—but at this point the urge to pull down that hood of his and see his face was now so strong that she had to squeeze her hands to prevent herself from acting on impulse.

Dulia-Chai was fascinated by everything around them, This being the first time she left the city in years, and she was looking around much like how a child would seeing the world for the first time. Master Chai, however, was walking as if he were heading to his own execution.

As for the Exarch, though not as noticeable, he was looking around with great interest much like how Dulia was. She knew that it was hard on his body to leave the city for long periods of time, but the fresh air seemed to do his spirit a world of good.

Whenever he noticed her looking though, he seemed to find the perfect thing to point out to get Dulia's attention and she would coo over it. Whether it be a patch of wildflowers or just a strange-looking rock, Dulia seemed to be having the time of her life.

They arrived at Amity in no time at all, and she could see the citizens looking on cautiously when they noticed that even more new people had arrived—two of them quite obviously Eulmorians.

But their surprise was nothing compared to Tristol, whose jaw dropped in horror when he saw his former masters appear before him.

"Y-You!" he gasped, looking torn between running away and punching Chai-Nuzz as he stood directly in front of him.

Chai-Nuzz seized this opportunity of Tristol's speechlessness to start speaking.

"You have every right to be angry with us. But please listen to what I have to say," he asked him humbly, "I am tasked with delivering these people to Mt. Gulg ─ by means of a Talos of heretofore unseen proportions. However, I cannot do this without the cooperation of those with intimate knowledge of this land. That is, you and your fellow villagers."

"...Cooperation?" Tristol demanded, his voice rising as anger was now replacing the stunned shock, "After you ignored my desperate pleas and cast me out, you have the gall to come here and ask for my cooperation?"

Neither of the Chais denied this as they looked to the ground with shame in their faces.

"You've every right to be upset. Vauthry's not the one to blame for your suffering ─ we are," Chai-Nuzz confessed quietly, "We were free citizens without a care in the world, indifferent to the hardship of others. We didn't know what would become of you, and frankly, we didn't care."

His words were ringing with sincerity and she could truly see that this was not an act. They truly felt remorse for their behavior from before and were trying to reach out to seek forgiveness.

She only hoped that Tristol could see that.

"But we know now that what we did to you ─ to full many ─ was wrong. Terribly wrong. No words will suffice to make amends, but I want you to know that we are deeply sorry," Chai-Nuzz told him, the guilt ringing out clearly.

Tristol looked away, and it was impossible to know how he felt of this whole thing. He had nearly died before because of Vauthry, but that wouldn't have happened if the Chais didn't throw him out like how they may have done... so she could not blame him for his resentment, his hesitation. They gave him a moment to think it all over as he seemed to be trying to decide what he wished to do.

"I'm not sure how I feel," he finally confessed, "Should I forgive you? Hate you? Perhaps it's not even my place to judge. After all, I sought a place in your city. I wanted to be you, once..."

They all seemed to be holding their breath as they waited and he finally heaved a great sigh.

"But one thing is clear to me," he admitted at last, "All of that is in the past. And we mustn't let past wrongs stand in the way of a brighter future. And so...I will cooperate with you. Please see our friends to Mt. Gulg."

Wonderful relief swept through her at those words.

While it was still unsure if he could ever truly forgive the Chais for their actions, he would not bear a grudge—not when their future is resting on the outcome of this next battle.

Both Chais were looking overjoyed to hear that he would not try to seek revenge or anything like that.

"You have my word!" Chai-Nuzz said in relief. Indeed, this act to be enough to set that flickering flame of determination into a blazing wildfire. "I'll set to work on the design at once. Wouldn't do to have nothing to show the others when they return with help. Make no mistake, this venture is unprecedented in the history of Talos building ─ nay, the history of all mankind! But rest assured this genius of Daedalus Stoneworks will deliver!"

It certainly looked like they were heading in the right direction... at least...?

"Ah, wicked white!"

Master Chai was suddenly looking horrified as if he had just remembered something important and his face melted into one of urgency.

"Is there a problem?" the Exarch asked politely.

"Well...er, you see... I've been promised people to procure the stone as well as imbue magic," Chai-Nuzz reminded them, "When I was put on the spot earlier, I thought that was all we required. But I forgot about one rather important item needed to bring a Talos to life..."

Ah, she had a very good idea to what he was talking about here thanks to their experience from Amh Araeng.

"The heart?" she asked him and he was surprised to hear that she guessed it right away.

"That's right, the heart! I'm pleased to see you have some familiarity with Talos!" he said to her. "So, while I work on the design, I'd be much obliged if you could see to procuring the ore with which to fashion a heart. A heart suitable of bringing to life a Talos that shall embrace the very firmament!"

She could see to that. It gladdened her to have something to do to keep herself busy while they prepare—all that waiting around was sure to drive her mad. She asked Chai-Nuzz just what they would need to construct the heart, knowing that finding the stone was sure to be difficult.

"Ideally, a Talos heart should be made from ore found in the selfsame region as the stone for the chassis. Let's see what Tristol can tell us," Chai-Nuzz said.

They looked to Tristol, who thought it all over.

"If you seek material for the Talos's heart, I know people who may be able to assist," he muttered after a moment of quiet reflecting, "They are the Tholls, a dwarven family that have long mined this land. No one knows its bounty as well as they. If you explain your situation, I'm sure they would be willing to cooperate."

"Dwarves?" she repeated before remembering that was the term for Lalafells here. Now that she thought of it, she really haven't seen too many Lalafells out and about.

But Tristol was already nodding and answered her questioning look, "Indeed, 'twas one of them that showed me the secret tunnel to the top of the cliff."

He then pointed out over their heads to where the far west and finished, "You will find the Tholls at their village to the northwest, a place called Tomra. When you arrive, seek an audience with Chief Xamott...and do not forget to greet him with a hearty lali-ho!"

Lali-ho?

Seemed a strange thing to mention, but she nodded in understanding. She thanked him and made to leave when the Exarch spoke up again.

"Permit me to join you, Claire," he said and she turned her gaze to him in surprise as he reasoned, "I would keep my joints limber, and mayhap I can provide some manner of assistance."

Well, regardless of how she felt, truth was she did enjoy his company and agreed.

"I'll leave the heart to the two of you, then. The variety of ore doesn't matter so long as it's rich with aether," Chai-Nuzz reassured them, "I'll aim to have my design complete by your return. If aether-rich ore proves elusive, we can make up for it with quantity. The Stoneworks had techniques for such situations."

With how much energy he suddenly had, one would think that all the reluctance he had before was just for show. Indeed, he seemed to be quickly coming to life with this new project at the forefront of his mind.

They promised to be back as soon as possible and set off together.

It was only slightly awkward between them—though she felt that was perhaps due to her own thoughts and confusing feelings at the moment. She looked at the Exarch out of the corner of her eye and tried to see if she could see any similarities between her and her old friend. They were about the same height… and his built was a very much like his was… though it was hard to tell with his robes covering him up. Nor did she see his tail and wondered how he could have kept something like that hidden.

All in all, she really had nothing else to go on to confirm if he was who she thought he was. And once more, she could not help but wonder that if it was him, how could he have come to this world… and why he did not tell her who he was? Was it possible that he did not remember that they were friends? But that wouldn't explain how he seemed to know her so well…? She wanted to ask but didn't know how to do so.

"Is there something the matter?" he asked her politely when he noticed her quieter than usual mood. Too late, she realized that she was staring at him now.

"Have you ever been here before?" she asked the Exarch, trying to change the subject before it ended in a conversation that maybe neither of them was ready to have.

"To Kholusia, many times over the years," he answered, "But above the cliffs? No, I can't say that I have. Then again, my ventures away from the tower have always been relatively short. "

"Oh, are you feeling well?" she asked, almost forgetting that leaving the tower seemed to be harsh on his body.

"A little tired, but you need not fear," he reassured her kindly, "Some fresh air is doing me some good. Now then, how about we pass the time by trading tells? I would be most interested to hear what other stories you may have about your adventures?"

Ah, and there it was. She could not help but find herself amused by his eagerness to learn more about her 'adventures'. He was sometimes like a child waiting to hear a bedtime story about his favorite heroes whenever he got like this but she found she did not mind at all.

So as they crossed over together, she decided to tell him a few harmless stories including her first battle with Ifrit and how she first joined the Scions.

"And so you faced your first primal after being taken hostage?" he asked enthusiastically.

"More or less," she chuckled, "I really thought I was going to die there but I guess I survived through sheer force of habit."

"Well, legends all begin small," he offered and soon he was asking about Titan next, which she did talk about—as well as the misery that came from the Company of Heroes. He was laughing at the idea of being forced to run all across Eorzea for a feast—something that she couldn't help but grin to as well.

By the time they reached the other side of the cliffs, she was starting to feel like the Exarch knew more about her life than she did. But there was no time to ask him about it because they found the village.

It was small alright. Not like with Amity and the lack of buildings though—more like everything and everyone in it had been shrunk down to tiny sizes. The homes looked to be carved right into the rock while being supported by metal structures with lanterns strung up here and there; giving the entire place a feeling that the people who lived here were no strangers to mining. And boy, was it tiny. She had never seen a village that was built only for lalafells—or rather for dwarves.

Though if they were all that were living here, she supposed that there was no need for any other sizes than what was big enough for a Dwarf, even the houses. She had a feeling that only someone small enough would be able to step inside those tiny abodes. As for the Dwarves themselves, she could see a good number of them scattered all across the village as they tended to everyday tasks. While they were of the same size as Lalafells from the Source, all of them were wearing helms that covered their entire heads with matching beards so that she could only see their eyes looking at them through the blackness. Well, thanks to a certain dwarf that she met back in the Crystarium, she came to realize that all dwarves both male and female wore them. Though, why they did that was something that she didn't understand for how could you tell them apart?

"So this is Tomra," the Exarch said interestingly, also looking around at the settlement, "Seldom do we see the dwarven folk at the Crystarium. To now be in the presence of so many... I shall enjoy not having to crane my neck for a change."

She wasn't sure if that was meant to be a joke but she laughed, and he seemed to be grinning back. Their laughter seemed to have caught the attention of a nearby dwarf who was passing by.

He/she came right up to them and with a boisterous wave gave a cheery, "Lali-ho!"

She and the Exarch both looked at each other, not really sure what to do.

"Lali...ho?" she repeated slowly as more of a question. That certainly did not impress him.

"What sorry excuse for a greeting was that? Where's your heart, lass? Your stones?!" he demanded indigently, "Come, let's try it again!"

It was hard to keep a straight face at that so despite her pounding head, seriously she felt like she just got clobbered by one of Titan's fists, she put as much energy into the wave and forced her usually soft voice to say loudly, "Lali-hoooooo!"

She looked to the Exarch, who also looked ready to burst out laughing again and he also repeated it in a way that was respectful… though he was smirking the whole time.

"Hmmm, not bad, not bad. But there's room for improvement," the boisterous dwarf said, reasonably satisfied. "Anyroad, now that we've observed common courtesy ─ who are you and what're you doin' here?"

"At the recommendation of the denizens of Amity, we have come to seek the aid of the Tholl family," the Exarch asked, now forcing his more diplomatic way of speaking again. "May we speak with Chief Xamott?"

"Why, yes you may!" the dwarf said, "I am Xamott, and I bid you welcome to Tomra! If it's the folk of Amity what sent you here, you must have quite a tale to tell. Come, let's hear it!"

Well, that was quick.

So once again they gave him a quick explanation of everything that was happening and why they were here. Once they finished, he, she was going to assume it was a he, folded his arms and thought it all over.

"Well, well! And there I thought those below had no fight left in 'em!" he said finally, "Havin' said that, it's not like we know how to deal with that floatin' volcano and all them sin eaters neither. If you're serious about restorin' peace to these parts, though, we'll gladly lend you a hand."

This was wonderful news! Now she was suspicious...?

"However!" he added.

'Damnit,' she thought, of course there would be a snag.

"The kind of ore you seek's precious to us too," the Chief went on, "If I let you have it only for you to bungle things up and squander it, like, no amount of ale will wash away my chagrin. First, I need to make sure you're worthy ─ by means of a trial! Aye, a trial most tricksy, passed down through the line of Tholl!"

Well, she had been asked worse things, she supposed. But a trial for what? She was grateful that the Exarch asked for them both but Xamott just laughed.

"Come with me and I'll tell you all," he said and one of the bright yellow eyes that was looking at them through the helm disappeared for a moment and she realized that it was supposed to be a wink, and they followed after him.

The dwarves around them quickly spotted them—though it would be hard not to notice two giant people walking about their village, but thankfully they seemed much more curious about them than wary like at Amity.

Indeed, many of them were now whispering to each other and she could hear snippets of their conversations as they wondered what was going on and who these 'giants' were.

She remembered how she felt when she stepped into Ishgard for the first time and practically everyone else towered over her. While she was by no means small, she was barely taller than a Mistrel; even with the Exarch she was only about an ilm taller than him. It was nice to be the tallest one in the area for a change.

Xamott, who led them closer to the cliff, finally turned back to face them about their 'trial'.

"Heh heh heh... Listen well," he said, and she got the impression that he was secretly enjoying whatever was coming. "As you know, we're a minin' folk. And in the minin' life, danger's a constant companion. So, when we come of age, each of us must prove our readiness to take to the mines. This we do by undertakin' a trial what tests the three traits all good miners can't do without: discernment, diligence, and dexterity. We call it...3-D MineRunner!"

3-D MineRunner...? Well, it was a creative name... though she wasn't sure what the 3-D part stood for.

"Now, look on my helm," he added, giving his own helm a knock, "Mark its features well. You'll be given a slingshot, which you must use to shoot dwarves as wear helms what are different. I've already made the necessary arrangements. When you're ready to take the trial, report to the observer nearby. Best of luck to you!"

Apparently, only one of them needed to undertake the trial; but since this part actually sounded like fun she volunteered. She looked to the Exarch, who was shrugging back and answered, merely glad that the course wasn't unnecessary dangerous, and said that she was the best suited of the two of them to pass this test.

So she was shown to the observer, who was kind enough to give her a few practice runs so that she got the feel of the challenge before undertaking it for real.

She practiced it twice just because she could and when she was ready, the real test came. Thankfully, thanks to all her time practiced with bows, pistols, and flinging spells at her opponents, this was almost laughably easy.

The observer was very impressed and said that he had not a single complaint to make of it and sent her back to Chief Xamott—where it turned out that both he and the Exarch had been watching, and even applauded when she appeared.

"That was some impressive shooting, lass!" Xamott said, "Consider me satisfied! Aye, 'tis plain you didn't come this far with luck alone. So I'll place my faith in you, and help you find the ore you seek."

Considering how hard most of their 'trials' were, she was actually strangely grateful for this change of pace. Still, she blushed at that, and was feeling a little bit lighter for some reason before Xamott clapped his hands together.

"Did you know that Kholusia's rich in sulphur? Well, it is. We've been minin' the stuff since ancient times," he said proudly. "And every so often, the selfsame veins yield what's called earthseed, a rare ore steeped in magick. Time was, we used to refine earthseed for this and that, but the technique's been lost. The stuff's still out there to be had, though, provided you know where to look. And no place is surer'n the Duergar's Tewel."

Well, this sounded like she was going off mining now. Thankfully for her, mining was something of a hobby back in the Source. Yet while she was sure she could learn the lay of the land, she wasn't confident that she would be able to find what they needed in time. She really hoped that he had a quicker way to be able to dig up the ore they needed since, if left to her, they could end up coming up short.

"Thing is, the site's occupied by our age-old rivals ─ the Goggs. Greedy sods claim the place is theirs, and refuse to let any other bugger near!" Xamott said, and his tone took on a much more angry note as he grumbled, "Oh, there never was a more odious lot than them Goggs. I could go on forever about those hornless whoresons... But then we'd be here forever, and that won't get us nowhere."

Well, mayhaps if they were to explain the situation to them perhaps they would be willing to overlook them mining here just this once? She didn't get a chance to suggest this though for Xamott went on, "What it boils down to is this: if you want the earthseed, you've got to deal with the Goggs. Reckon you're up to the challenge?"

"We have dealt with far worse. I am sure we can find a way to obtain what we need," the Exarch said confidently.

She just shrugged in amusement, figuring that she may as well go along with it.

"That's the spirit! Now, to help you find your way, I'll have one of ours go with you," Xamott said and she sighed in relief.

"I'll do it! I'll go with them!"

The offer had come from another dwarf—though it was anyone's guess who this one was. Xamott, however, seemed to have no problem telling his fellow apart and Claire could only assume that it was the slightly muffled voice that appeared to be male.

"You, Korutt!?" Xamott asked in surprise as this second dwarf, perhaps just an ilm shorter, gave them a thumbs up.

"I couldn't help overhearing," Korutt answered unabashed, "I knew the eaters had flocked to Mt. Gulg, but I didn't know why. To think the last Lightwarden's hiding up there... The fate of Kholusia ─ no, the world ─ hangs in the balance. If I can be of some help, then I want to do my part!"

Another thing she was struggling with as not being able to see their faces and see if she can determine their emotions. However as Xamott thought that over, and while he seemed to understand how he felt, there was no small amount of worry that was radiating off him.

"Your zeal is commendable, lad, but it isn't so simple..." he said before the turned to her and the Exarch to explain. "This here's Korutt. Young as he is, he's one of the village's finest miners. The lad's got an uncanny sense of where to dig, and his aim with a pickaxe is as true as any dwarf's. But put him in the thick of battle, and he couldn't hit the side of a mine cart if he was sitting in it. If all he needed to do was dig, he'd be your dwarf, but he's liable to become a sin eater's breakfast before he can even manage a swing."

"It's true..." Korutt sighed as he ran up to them, "I'm hopeless in a fight... But I still want to try! Please! Please let me go with you!"

She and the Exarch looked at each other. In truth, she was worried for if just a short stroll earlier had eaters on the road, who knows how many would be waiting for them by the time that they crossed over into the mountain's shadow.

But...?

"I take care of you, you take care of the ore," she reassured him. It was the best she could do. And if there was one talent she could be proud of it was that she was a pretty good bodyguard.

"Oh, thank you so much! I'll try my best not to be a burden!" Korutt said happily.

"If you want to take Korutt, far be it from me to stop you. Keep him safe, though, will you?" Xamott asked her and he still sounded rather nervous.

To be fair, she didn't blame him for that. After all, they were all but strangers and he was entrusting one of his own with them without knowing how strong they were.

"We will most assuredly encounter sin eaters along the way," the Crystal Exarch said to her with a smile, "Though, with you in our company, they will be more a spectacle than a concern. See to your preparations, my friend. We will depart as soon as you are ready."

She didn't expect him to want to come along here, but she would be glad to have another set of eyes on the road should sin eaters attack.

"Seriously, though, take care of Korutt. Lad's weaker'n a pint of pisswater," Xamott said, not doing much for Korutt's confidence; who was now sulking.

After a few words of confidence for him to make up for that, Korutt cleared his throat and said, trying to hide some of the worry he was clearly feeling, "The Duerger's Tewel lies in a cave to the east. I'm ready when you are!"

So the three of them headed out together and at first the road was surprisingly quiet. At least, to most. She could feel her senses on high alert—even more sensitive than ever before. She felt as if every fiber of her being was suddenly pulled tightly as if they were bowstrings. Her entire body was feeling as if it was extra sensitive and so she was feeling usually venerable at this state.

She gritted her teeth and forced herself to pay attention, promising to get to that cave one way or another.

They headed out as Korutt pointed the way and chirped up, "We'll keep to the road and head east. I'm in your hands!"

"It seems we have a fair distance to cover. Be on your guard for sin eaters," the Exarch said before, as if on que, a pair of eaters appeared from out of nowhere, causing Korutt to scream and tremble.

"Speak of the devils..." the Exarch said as he pulled out his staff and held it aloft. "Claire, the one on the left is yours. See that Korutt comes to no harm."

They ran ahead together but split apart as they each drew the attention of a sin eater away from the other. She had fought so many of these things now that it was like second nature to get its attention. But all the while, she could not help but find her gaze drawn by the Exarch and watching how he fought. The spells that she had seen... the way that he was standing... they looked so similar to...? She blinked at that, realizing that his stance was just like her own. The spells that he was firing upon the sin eater weren't unlike the kind that were used in the Source. While she knew that magicks in this world looked very alike, there were subtle differences if one knew where to look.

She brought down her eater before leaping over to help him with his and he moved exactly where he needed to be to make room for her blade—as if he knew just what she was about to do.

She was impressed... if not a little baffled by how he knew that.

Once both eaters were dead, Korutt poked his head out from behind some nearby rocks and gasped at the sight of the two white creatures on the ground.

"Amazing! You two are really strong!" Korutt gasped.

Claire stepped ahead of them, just to make sure that there weren't any waiting in a possible ambush. But with her senses now extra sharp right now, she could hear what they were both saying directly behind her despite being a fair distance ahead of them.

"Ah heh... It may interest you to know that Claire is a great hero in the land whence she hails. Some would say the greatest," the Exarch was telling Korutt.

"Really?" Korutt gasped before he called out to her, "Oh, you must have some stories to tell, Claire!"

Claire just smiled and waved back, pretending that she didn't hear what they just said while the Exarch chuckled.

"That she does," she heard the Exarch went on, neither of them aware she could pick up every word, "Tales to impress and inspire you in turn. By all means, have her regale you with a few once our work is done."

He instantly fell silent when they drew up alongside her and they continued on together.

"Heh heh, I can't wait!" Korutt said.

Well, she would be sure to tell Korutt a few when this was over as her way of thanking him for his help. But the Exarch...? How had he come to know so many more stories than what she had already told him about? How did he come to know about her anyway? How did he know how to summon her from the Source? Could it be that he discovered her through the tower...? It seemed too simple to be true, but there was this nagging feeling in the pit of her stomach that was telling her that it could be possible.

She doubted she would have survived this long if she didn't learn to listen to her instincts and right now they were telling her two things.

First was that the tower somehow was involved in all of this…?

While the second was...?

"Aaah! More of them!"

A few more sin eaters appeared, interrupting her thoughts, and the Exarch warned Korutt to stay behind them.

"B-But they're behind us too!" Korutt pointed out and Claire looked over her shoulder to see that he was right. There had to be at least half a dozen sin eaters surrounding them at this point.

"Claire, focus on the enemy. I will protect our charge," the Exarch reassured her and she felt herself relax softly in the knowledge that she would be able to focus more on the fight.

She had her hands full drawing their attention onto her as the Exarch connected himself to Korutt with an aether rope to protect him.

"Phew..." Korutt sighed in relief as the last of the eaters dropped dead after she pierced its scaly hide. "I don't know much about fighting, but you two make a great team!"

"Claire is a team onto herself," the Exarch explained politely, and she was starting to think that her face would forever remain pink from all the praise, "I merely follow her lead."

"Well, it looks like you've been doing this for years to me!" Korutt pointed out.

It did, didn't it? That was a very good point and she found herself wondering how much was he watching her before she came here?

But at the statement, the Exarch seemed suddenly nervous and cleared his throat shakily, when he stammered slightly, "...Is that so? I...I shall take that as a compliment."

"Um...did I say the wrong thing?" Korutt asked in worry.

"Not at all," the Exarch reassured him with a wave of his hand, "Your words are most heartening. Indeed, I feel like a young man again."

"You talk as if you're old! How long have you two known each other, anyway?" Korutt asked.

"Yes," Claire asked him, also politely curious, "Remind me, how long has it been?"

It seemed that he was regretting speaking, but Claire's insides were burning to learn. It just felt that while he knew so much about her and she was frustrated by not knowing anymore about him than when she first arrived.

"Well..." he began, clearly straining to think of some kind of excuse, but that was quickly forgotten when two larger sin eaters that resembled warriors with magnificent wings and glowing blades lunged at them with a small army of eaters behind them.

The eaters were far too close to Amity for comfort and they decided to slay them all as quickly as possible before their attention was focused elsewhere.

Korutt seemed torn between looking on in awe and trembling with terror so he compromised by leading the way again by stuttering horribly. They crossed over the small hill and in the distance underneath the shade of Mt. Gulg, she could see the entrance to a cave.

"Ah, I believe I see it," the Exarch said before eaters appeared right in front of them, causing poor Korutt to cry out in terror.

"It appears we are surrounded..." the Exarch sighed as they looked around, knowing that this may take awhile. "Fortunately, I have a little trick for such occasions. Claire, draw them in!"

Claire gazed at him and she saw the playful smirk on his lips as she suddenly realized what he was planning. So she smirked as she ran out ahead and they flocked right to her. Once she drew them all together in one group, she could sense the power of the aether that was gathering behind her. The Exarch was preparing for a one hit so all she had to do was keep them in one place as he finished charging his spell.

She then heard him cry out her name and she instinctively leapt back just as meteors fell upon the eaters and the blast was enough to finish off the weakened eaters all at once. Now that was impressive. But the sin eaters weren't done with them yet… they were still coming, wave after wave.

"One last push, then," the Exarch said to her, "Shall we, Claire?"

She smirked as her hands gripped the sword, causing her to wince slightly at the aching in her fingers. With Korutt cheering behind them they ran in and she felt it again—a sense of déjà vu. Oh, she just wanted to beat her head in for not being able to figure this all out on her own. She managed to keep the eaters all focused upon her for the most part but it was hard since they seemed like they weren't sure to go for at first and she had trouble figuring out who's feathered limbs she was cutting off. Nor did it help when another wave came out when she took care of the first one. Their attacks were unpredictable but the Exarch seemed to be on top of things since her own skills felt dull at the moment.

Once this lot was taken care of though, the largest sin eater yet came lumbering out of nowhere. It charged at the Exarch, who was flung backwards. But as the eater went for Korutt, the Exarch used the aether rope to pull the boy to him and out of harm's way as she made sure to draw the beast away from them. It seems that the commotion they caused drew this one out of hiding.

She was panting hard at this point, the pain in her chest growing with every eater until the light suddenly felt like it slammed into her chest just as the eater roared out and she fell to knees. She fought to keep the scream inside; trying to get up but she couldn't not with that violent burst of pain that wracked her insides making it feel like her very organs were being burned.

Not again… pain wracked her body and she could not move. Not now.

"Your tale will not end here!" the Exarch cried and she felt him heal her so that she could stand as the sin eater charged straight at her. She was gritting her teeth so hard that she was sure she cracked a few. But she was grateful that he made it in time and helped her to withstand that until she could find her footing again. She made sure that sin eater would never get the chance to try that move again before they were finally able to move on to the cave's entrance.

"Are you alright?" the Exarch asked her in worry as they ran alongside each other.

"I'll… I'll live," she reassured him, her hand over her chest. "I don't know what came over me back there."

Oh, she knew what it was... it was the Light again. Why it chose that moment to rise up, she did not know. But she beat it down as best she could, feeling drained and knew that she would be bruised for this. Still, she reassured him as best as she could that she could keep going. She must may have to move a little more carefully from now on.

He hesitated for a moment, but nodded in understanding as they moved on to the front entrance of the cave.

"'Twas a near thing in the end, but what matters is that we pulled through. Well fought, my friend," was all he could say, and she was glad he let the matter drop.

"Thanks to you," she said and she grinned and this time it was his cheeks and nose that were stained red—the parts she could see anyway—and he cleared his throat as Korutt came out of hiding.

"We're alive! We're allllive!" Korutt sang. "Let's hurry inside before any more sin eaters come!"

Sounded like a welcomed relief to her and so he began to lead them through the darkened tunnels. Though she remembered what they said about how the Goggs didn't allow anyone else through, she thought that Korutt didn't seem to worry about finding his way... causing her to suspect that this wasn't the first time he visited here.

She liked a good trouble-maker.

They followed it through until they came out into a wide opening and she suddenly couldn't breathe. She covered her mouth and nose as a truly ghastly odor attacked her already tense senses.

"If the terrain and─cough─stench are any indication, we are at the tewel," the Exarch wheezed.

But Korutt didn't seem to be the least bit bothered by this as he moved to the front and gazed around. Ok, maybe now she could see why the dwarves were always wearing helms as he seemed to be on the lookout.

"Ah! There!" Korutt cried in a loud whisper to a short distance away and she looked passed the wall to see a group of dwarves all sitting around campfires, "The Goggs! With their ugly, unkempt beards!"

They looked like dwarves to her. Perhaps with a little more dirt on their clothes from the mines and their heads were covered with turbans rather than helms—though the effect of their faces being kept hidden was the same—they didn't look too different from the Throlls.

"If they realize we're here, they'll come after us. Best to take them down first!" Korutt said a little too eagerly.

"Be not so hasty, Korutt," the Exarch said quickly, "The animosity between your two clans notwithstanding, I would not resort to violence unless necessary. I will use an enchantment to render you invisible. It will not fool sin eaters, but it will suffice to hide you from the eyes of men. While you are thus concealed, do you think you could find us the earthseed?"

"Aye," Korutt said confidently, giving them another thumbs up, "I'll dig up the choicest stuff there is!"

"We would be much obliged. Without further ado, then..." the Exarch said as he pulled his staff around and she watched as he used one of his vanishing spells and Korutt disappeared completely from sight.

"Hah," she heard Korutt's voice speak up impressed, "I can see straight through me! Right, a-digging we will go!"

She heard the patter of his footsteps as he left them and the Exarch turned back to her.

"Let us not be idle either," he said, before she could ask him how else they could help. "Though Korutt cannot be seen, he may still be heard. I would aid him by removing some few Goggs from the field. To that end..." He reached to his belt and she watched as he pulled out a small sack and held it out to her.

She recognized it as soon as she opened the small drawstring pouch and spotted the twinkling violet-colored dust inside.

"Dream powder," he explained, "As you may recall, we used it for the rescue mission at Laxan Loft."

"We used it in Eulmore too," she explained.

"Truly?" he asked in surprise, "It seems our alchemists got a little carried away with the latest batch... But if it has been useful in our endeavors, then I have no cause to complain. Now then, I shall make you invisible as well, that you might steal close to the dwarves and give them a dose of dream powder. Even should it fail to put them to sleep outright, it should render them drowsy enough to seek their beds. Say the word, and I will cast the enchantment."

She nodded as she stood still and waited for him to finish his spell; once she vanished from sight she was off. It wasn't at all hard to sneak up on the dwarves... they were a pretty boisterous lot and so they didn't hear her footsteps as she approached them. She made sure only to use a little so that they didn't drop right then and there and be left open for any possible wild beasts or eaters... but just enough to make them sleepy and they left to return home and their beds.

After going around to them all, she tucked the sack into her armor as returned to the Exarch just as the spell wore off.

"All the dwarves have taken their leave. Good work, my friend," he said, "We have done all that we can. Let us await Korutt's return."

At that, they stood off to the side and waited patiently for Korutt to return. She, meanwhile, took this time to rest and feel how her aching body was trying itself together from the parts that felt like were torn when the light threw itself against her to try and break out. She was sore all over and her fingers were especially painful so that just trying to grip a sword was making it feel like needles were digging in.

"Are you feeling alright, my friend?" he asked her, and she felt his concerned eyes upon her.

She forced a nod but she was gripping her front. It hurt. It hurt very much.

He looked like he wanted to help, but wasn't sure how best to do that. Instead, he decided to go about telling her what he knew of these lands and how the few times that he had seen in during his many years here.

It was a distraction, but a welcomed one, and she was able to focus on listening as she was afforded the chance to rest.

After a good while, just as she was wondering how Korutt was fairing, she heard his heavy breath and there he appeared over the rise.

"I'm back!" he said happily and plopped down a sack full of glittering green ore that sparkled like pieces of gemstones were embedded here and there along the rough rock. The sack was almost as large as he was, but he heaved it over proudly before dusting off his hands as he said, "This is the purest stuff there is. Think it's enough, or shall I go and dig up some more?"

"I daresay it will suffice for our purposes. You have our gratitude, Korutt," the Exarch said gratefully, "Let us carry this back to...to..."

But before he could finish, he suddenly staggered and almost fell over. She immediately reacted, reaching out and he clung onto her for a moment as he caught his breath. It seemed that she wasn't the only one here who had been pushing herself lately.

He gave a shaky cough as she helped steady him until he could catch his breath.

"Are you all right!?" Korutt gasped fretfully.

After he finished a mild coughing fit, the Exarch took a deep breath and gave his head a shake before reassuring them both, "...Worry not, I shall be fine. Long as I have been away from the Crystarium, a little weakness is to be expected,"

He sounded winded, but there was also some frustration there as he added, "I may have also overexerted myself in the moment. Ah, to have this rare opportunity yet be unable to enjoy it to the full..."

Rare opportunity? She could only assume he meant leaving the tower and so she continued to help support him until he could regain his footing.

He was just reassuring her this time that he was well when another voice spoke up.

"Who goes there?!"

They turned around to find another dwarf, one of the Goggs, standing there with his arms folded.

"Uwaaah! Th-That's Glagg, chief of the Goggs!" Korutt cried in fear.

Really? And she thought being able to tell moogles apart was hard. She simply must know how they were able to do it.

"You!" Glagg yelled back, "You're one of the Tholls! I see, I see... Word was our miners were comin' back drowsy, one after the next. I immediately suspected foul play... And what should I find here but Tholl scum skulkin' about! It's a spineless act befittin' your limp beards!"

"What!?" Korutt shouted back, anger quickly replacing fear, "I won't stand for that insult! Our beards are soft and luscious and smell like freshly tapped ale! Gogg beards are dry and crusty and smell like a knocker's arse!"

Well, at least their insults were creative. Though she couldn't see why they hated each other so much; one couldn't deny that this was incredibly funny to watch.

"Impudent whelp! Better a hobgoblin's nose hairs than the feeble, floppy things you Tholls have hangin' from your faces!" Glagg yelled back and it looked like it was about to break into a full fist fight at that moment.

"Like oil and water... This is not like to end of its own accord," the Exarch said in amusement, before asking her in a quieter voice, "Claire, do you perchance have some dream powder left?"

She sighed, understanding at once, and she had to admit that she did have a tiny amount left over.

"But this was beginning to get interesting..." she said in disappointment.

"Worry not, my friend," he reassured her as she handed the small pouch over to him, "Something tells me you'll have ample opportunity later to witness their bickering. For now, however, we should be on our way."

So, sadly, she watched as he threw what was left of the dream powder on Glagg's head and with one last swear, Glagg dropped head-first into the dirt and began snoring.

Korutt took a step back, startled at what just happened and then slowly looked up at him, as if he had forgotten that they were there.

"Forgive me, Korutt, but we need you to be calm as well," the Exarch said calmly with a shrug.

"I-I'm sorry... It's just, when it comes to the Goggs, I can't help but see red..." Korutt said, suddenly meek again.

"You needn't apologize, my friend. You are here on our account, and we have naught but gratitude for you," the Exarch reassured him, "Now that we have what we came for, however, it is time to take our leave. The Talos awaits its heart!"

"I'm glad I could be of help! If you need any more earthseed, just let me know!" Korutt said happily, sounding truly proud of himself for helping out with something so important.

The Exarch gave a contented humming sound before looking back to her.

"Well, my friend, much as I have enjoyed our time together, I think it best we split up, that we might accomplish our tasks more swiftly," he offered, "I shall see the earthseed safely into the hands of Chai-Nuzz. While I am thus employed, would you be so good as to deliver Korutt back to Tomra?"

She nodded, promising him to see him safely back.

"My thanks, Claire," he said, "Brief though it was, 'twas an honor to go adventuring with you. I shall see you back in Amity."

"You sure you'll be alright?" she asked him as he retreated the heavy-looking sack.

But he was insistent and promised that he would be careful on the way back. He just asked that she see Korutt back safely to Tomra and to thank Chief Xamott for him.

She nodded as the three of them stepped over the sleeping Glagg, after moving him off to the side so that he would be hidden, and let him continue to snore loudly. Korutt seemed irritated at this, but he didn't say anything as the three of them made it to the cave's entrance and headed their separate ways.

She was on high alert the whole way back to Tomra, with Korutt walking so close to her that more than once he ended up bumping into her legs. But they didn't need to worry. The way was remarkably clear of those white horrors and they made it back to Tomra without a scratch.

"Phew! Not a single brush with death! Thanks for coming back with me!" Korutt said happily to her as Xamott spotted them and immediately went over to greet them.

"Lali-ho! Glad you're back, and in one piece! How did you fare with the earthseed, then?" Xamott asked.

Korutt stood with his head held high as he declared, "I got them all they needed! The Exarch's on his way to Amity with it now!"

"Good to hear that young Korutt was of help. As it happens, a few others came forward while you were gone sayin' they wanted to do their bit as well," Chef Xamott said, giving Korutt a clap on the shoulder. He then looked up at her and added, "Given that you're buildin' a Talos, we reckoned you'd be needin' some minin' tools. So we went and modified our spare pickaxes for use by bigger folk."

And to her surprise, he showed her the way to some pickaxes that had looked like had been modified from much smaller axes into sizes that would be easier for other races to handle.

"Here, take these with you. Should be plenty to go 'round," he explained, "From what our scouts tell me, there's a crowd gathered at Top Rung already. Go and see that everyone has a pickaxe to swing, eh? We did the folk of Amity a kind turn in case we needed a kind turn ourselves one day. Can't say as I expected things to pan out like they have, but I don't regret makin' friends!"

"This is just the start!" Korutt added excitedly, "I'm going to go and see what else I can do!"

And they needed it for it turned out that there was so much more work that needed to be done than anyone first anticipated. This was clear when she took the tools back to Top Rung where people were already gathering.

Most she recognized as citizens of both Eulmore and the Crystarium, though she didn't know them by name. But all here were ready to start working and were being led off in different directions to get to work. Those who weren't going to be doing the digging were to stand guard and watch out for any sin eaters and there was nary a complaint from anyone as they rolled up their sleeves and headed off with their pickaxes.

But there were still plenty of people she did recognize such as Magnus, Thaff, and Jeryk. It turned out that Guthjon and many other miners were already here but they couldn't wait any longer to start digging and ran off to help while the rest of them waited for tools. And aside from Jeryk bemoaning the idea that they weren't going to have a giant trolley to go with the Talos, they were thrilled with the tools she brought them as they set off immediately afterwards.

She also spotted Kai-Shirr,who was leading a group from Eulmore, including the servant she helped out before—and he proudly stated that he was willing to work twice as hard for both himself and his mistress back in the city. Irvithe was among this group as well and was now all but aching to get to work once she handed the tools over to them.

Meanwhile, Rhon Ron and many other Mord also showed up with a few carers from the Inn, who excitedly told her how after the night had been restored in Amh Araeng, the transformation had halted in each of the patients. The carer explained that Alisaie came to get them, stating that all who believed in the Warrior of Darkness were welcomed to come and help and so they spared as many as they could to come here and assist in any way that they could now that it was clear that the Warrior of Darkness was more than just a fairy tale.

"I too have great respect for the Warrior of Darkness! When we meet, I'll be sure to treat them to a nice, plump worm!" Rhon Ron said.

Hopefully he won't ever learn who that someone is because her stomach still ached at the memory of his... cuisine.

By the time she handed out the tools to everyone here, Alisaie had spotted her and shook her head when she saw her passing out the pickaxes.

"Honestly, Claire, you can already slay gods. You could at least have left the uncanny sense of timing for one of us. It's greedy is what it is," Alisaie laughed. But she was beaming at her as she ran off to join the soldiers to stand guard over the volunteers while Alphinaud suggested that she accompany him back to Amity to meet up with Y'shtola who was overseeing those who would imbue the Talos with magicks.

They arrived back in Amity, where no small amount of the Nights Blessed have made the journey here from the Greatwood, as well as a fraction of the Crystarium Guard who were gifted in magicks were already at work.

Runar was also there and he was standing off to the side, looking through a bowl of some stones when she approached. He greeted Claire warmly, telling her that they came when they learned of this, including a few mages from Fanow, who were given temporary permission to leave the woods so that they may also join in on this expedition.

At the sound of Claire's name, Y'shtola gazed up to see her there.

"Ah, good of you to join us. I'm pleased to say we have gathered ample help for the imbuing," their own Master Matoya said, "With Master Chai in the process of finalizing his design, I have taken the liberty of dispatching all hands to their positions."

Indeed, just besides them at a makeshift worktable stood Master Chai as he went over papers of half drawn blueprints, plenty of the parts having been crossed out or torn up as well as hastily scribbled calculations littering across the strewn papers showed just how stressed he was trying to come up with the design. Still, the latest one that he was working on seemed to have meet with his approval—or at least it wasn't as hastily drawn as the rest of his designs and he was finishing rolling it up when he heard his name and glared over at Y'shtola.

"You hurtle along as though I have my house in order, but quite frankly this is the most disorganized mess of a project I've ever overseen!" he grumbled, "And I haven't spent nearly as much time as I would like on my calculations!"

"So thou hast proclaimed loudly and frequently, Master Chai," Urianger reminded him patiently, who appeared seemingly out of nowhere besides Alphinaud, "Yet from my perspective ─ a layman's though it may be ─ haste notwithstanding, thou hast gone to great lengths, abiding by proven methodology, to ensure the integrity of thy design."

Chai-Nuzz looked away, as if he was trying hard not to be too pleased with himself.

"Aye, well, that's just the bare minimum that's expected of us at the Stoneworks. Though our glory days are behind us, I've not forgotten our time-honored traditions," he grumbled. "Ah, but I should mention that the Exarch delivered the ore I asked for. Earthseed, I believe he called it. In that quantity, I believe we can fashion a suitable heart for the Talos. And then everything will be in readiness...or so I would like to say."

Oh no, not another problem. She braced herself for the worse as Alphinaud asked if there was a problem.

"In a Talos of, well, any reasonable size, a single heart will serve to circulate aether throughout the chassis," Chai-Nuzz explained, "But given the unprecedented proportions of that which we seek to build, I doubt that will be the case. By installing smaller peripheral hearts at intervals, I believe that we can maintain a stable aether flow, thereby solving the problem. However, we don't have enough ore for this purpose. Naught for it but to procure more, I suppose..."

But Y'shtola seemed ready for this as she called Runar over and showed them the full of different types of stones.

Claire already suspected what they were as Urianger looked over them with interest and asked, "I say, are these not heartstones?"

"They are," Runar confirmed, "The most prized possession of we of the Night's Blessed. And these belonged to our kindred who have left us."

"Immersed in water imbued with fervent prayer, these stones harbor no small amount of magic," Y'shtola explained for the rest of them, "And we may imbue them with yet more prior to their installation on the Talos. What think you?"

Chai-Nuzz examined them before muttering thoughtfully, "Being from a different region, these cannot be used for the main heart. The peripheral ones, on the other hand..."

He thought it all over before looking up and confirming, "Aye, I believe they will serve."

"Excellent," Runar said eagerly, and while she was glad to see that they had a solution ready for this, she was a little worried, knowing how important these stones were to the Night's Blessed.

Runar looked at her, as if guessing what she was thinking, and reassured her, "When Master Matoya spoke to us of the role we are to play, the heartstones immediately came to mind. Of course, before bringing them with me, I made certain to consult my fellows first. After all, the stones bear the precious lives of those who have gone to the sunless sea. But we have now beheld the sunless sea with our very own eyes, and by the gentle lights that glimmer on high, we know that there is peace beyond. Thus are we also at peace. If our heartstones may serve to restore night to all the world, gladly do we give them."

Y'shtola then looked smugly at Chai-Nuzz and asked, "So, Master Chai. If you could instruct us how to distribute the heartstones?"

He looked taken aback but already he was making marks on his design where best to distribute the stones while Y'shtola surprised Claire by asking her to imbue one with aether as well—for luck.

Not sure why she would ask that, but she agreed, stepping towards the table to find a familiar-looking piece of jade sitting there.

"Rest assured it is not difficult. Simply raise your hand and focus as you would when attuning to an aetheryte," Y'shtola instructed and she did what she asked. As soon as she reached out and touched the stone though, it began to glow faintly and she could feel the slight pulse inside it, almost like a fragile heartbeat.

"That will do. Thank you, Claire," Y'shtola said kindly as she lowered her hand. "If this heartstone appears familiar, it is because it belonged to Toddia."

She stared at her, her eyes widening slightly. That same little girl who was such a strong believer in the Warrior of Darkness? She lowered her head, and that blush was back as Y'shtola smiled at it, and Claire wondered if she could sense her embarrassment.

"It bears the collective hope of the Night's Blessed ─ the hope that none shall ever again be sacrificed to sin eaters," she explained softly and Claire was wondering why this little stone was causing such a surge of emotions in her—perhaps just an aftereffect of the stress she was under.

Either way, she was... truly touched.

Thankfully, Y'shtola didn't press her as Chai-Nuzz already was figuring out the best spots where the stones would be needed and Y'shtola was set about to work once he was finished. Alphinaud, meanwhile decided that he would help oversee the stones and would be there to assist with adding the magic to the Talos.

He turned to her and she could see the eagerness in his eyes.

"When the Talos awakens and the way to Mt. Gulg is secured, we shall sally forth," Alphinaud said to her, "It promises to be a trying climb, so take what rest you can in the meantime. We will see you soon."

He hugged her very tightly before he headed off, leaving just her with Y'shtola and Urianger. Urianger excused himself, also planning to follow him—but that was when Y'shtola spoke up.

"A moment, Urianger," she said and Claire looked at her in surprise at her tone as Urianger seemed to freeze where he stood. Y'shtola's eyes narrowed as she glared at him and warned, "You said that you would have measures ready in the event that our friend fails to contain the Light. Do you?"

Claire looked between the two of them, suddenly feeling the air around them dip slightly to cold... perhaps this was just from the frigid expression that Y'shtola was giving Urianger.

Urianger seemed to need a second before he was able to turn back and face her. His face held no emotion as he insisted, "Be assured that I do. All which I require lieth in this land."

"So... what's the plan exactly?" Claire asked softly and he turned back to her. She could see the regret in his eyes and he seemed to be struggling internally within himself. As if he was torn between telling her the plan or not.

"To my deepest regret, I cannot reveal the plan to thee," he finally said, "In order for it to succeed, 'tis vital that thou remainest ignorant of its nature until the time is right. Yet though I may thus keep my counsel, know that I have only thy safety at heart."

Why though? Why was it so important for her not to be aware of this? Why was he so determined to keep her in the dark? Could it be that he was afraid that she would ruin it if she did know? But...? Why? Sure she wasn't some learned scholar like he was but she couldn't be that ignorant as to mess it up... was she?

The look he was giving her... he truly seemed like he lamented his answer. His head was now lowered and his eyes were to the ground as if he suddenly couldn't bear looking at her.

She wanted to ask, to demand answers...? But she remembered all the help he had given her and the others. How he willing fought alongside her to help her through these battles with the Lightwardens. She remembered too of how he went behind their back with the Warriors of Darkness but she could at least understood why he did it.

Despite all that he had still been on their side.

She thought it all over and found her answer.

She took a deep breath and said simply, "I trust you, Urianger."

There was guilt there but when she saw the relieved smile in his face, she wondered if perhaps she was just mistaken. She hoped that was the case.

"And I swear to thee that thy trust is not misplaced," he vowed, "As ardently as I pray for the preservation of this world, so too do I pray for thy safety. So rest easy, my friend, and take such ease as thou mayest, the better to be ready for the trials to come."

He seemed to have found his second wind all of a sudden and gave her a deep bow before he left them.

She and Y'shtola looked at each other and she shrugged.

"What is this about?" Claire asked worriedly and she sighed.

"As I told you before, there is a Light inside you and if we don't do something then it could break out at any moment," Y'shtola reminded her. She looked down and finished, "Over these last couple weeks I have been searching for an alternate means to contain the light should it prove to be too much to handle for you. But sadly, I have yet to find any worthwhile answers. Urianger, however, claims that he has a plan in place... but what is frustrating is that he refuses to share it with any of us. And that is... worrying. After all, how are we to support him if we don't know what is happening?"

Claire looked after Urianger, whose back was to them, and worry was still in hear heart.

Perhaps Y'shtola sensed this as she stepped up next to him.

"I have known him for much longer than you," she said sadly, "Even so, there are days I struggle to understand him. But know that I do believe that he means well. I want to trust him, I do, but asking someone to trust you without giving any answers in return is much to ask someone. I just wish I understood why he feels the need to not involve us."

She had no answers.

Claire meant what she said when she said she trusted him. But she also understood where Y'shtola was coming from completely.

Hopefully this would all be over soon and she would be strong enough to contain the light... even though the idea of adding more to what was inside her was repulsive. It felt like something living was living inside her... coiling up like a serpent and was waiting for the chance to break free.

She gave her head a hard shake, keeping her guard up as Y'shtola left as well.

She went to Chai-Nuzz just to see if there was anything else that needed done. He reassured her that the rock for it was already being laid out but it may take some time to reach that point since the pieces were so large. But he was now confident that it would only be a matter of time. In the meantime he suggested that she go and get some rest. Even telling her that she could join the Exarch and his wife in the tavern.

She agreed and made to turn, but as she did so he suddenly coughed and asked, "Oh, and Claire?" she paused and looked back as he looked embarrassed as he muttered, "Thank you."

She blinked once, but just smiled back before she went off to the tavern. Dulia-Chai was there, sipping quietly on a cup of tea as she greeted her. But as she looked around, her friend was nowhere to be seen.

"Where is the Exarch?" she asked politely, having not seen him since he left with the Earthseed earlier.

"...The Exarch? He went outside a moment ago, my dear. I would've thought you'd have seen him," Dulia-Chai answered, suddenly looking worried, "He kept me company for a short while, but then he came over rather pale. He's clearly been straining himself, the poor thing. Anyway, he excused himself, saying that he needed a breath of fresh air. Weak as he looked, I did offer to go with him, but he assured me he would be fine. I do hope he's all right..."

She wasn't the only one.

While she didn't fully understand just how they were connected, she knew that the Exarch was growing weaker now that he was so far from the tower. While he didn't say anything, she feared that he may be hiding how hard this was on him.

She reassured Dulia that she would see if she could find him.

She travelled to the south of here, keeping an eye out for a spot of crystal in this rather dead-looking area, but so far she spotted no signs of him. She ventured closer to the cliff side, wondering what had happened but then paused to think. If it were her, where would she go? Well, she would go to the furthest part that she could go and get a good look at the ocean if she wanted to get 'a breath of respite' she supposed and decided that it wouldn't hurt to at least check it out.

The farthest set of the land was the cliff that seemed to point out directly all of Kholusia and from here she could see windmills turning from down below and Eulmore in the distance—for once that loud music having died down and leaving everything eerily quiet.

At first it looked like she had been wrong... but as she came out level with some boulders, she spotted a flash of red and stepped around the rocks to find the Exarch on the ground with his back up against the rocks, fast asleep.

"Exarch?" she asked as she crouched down next to him. At the sound of his name he stirred and slowly raised his head and looked at her with what she would imagine would be sleepy eyes. He was gazing at her… but not really seeing her as he seemed to be coming back to the waking world. She made to ask if he would not be more comfortable resting at Amity when he spoke.

"The future is where my destiny awaits," he sighed sleepily.

She stared at him as a distant memory awoke somewhere within her mind.

"What did you say?" she asked quietly.

He then let out a startled gasp, as if he was suddenly terrified of her and gave his head a hard shake much like how a dog would when drying themselves off.

"Forgive me, I was… lost in a dream," he said, trying to relax but she could see how what he said seemed to cause some alarm. "I needed some fresh air, and thought to rest for a moment. It would seem I am more fatigued than I realized."

She just stared at him. No, there was no way this could be a conscience. But then why…?

She beat those feelings down, knowing that no was not the time. Suddenly, he looked down and though she could see a smile upon his lips, there was a sadness in his voice.

"Too much time away from the tower, I fear," he confessed, "It drains me—leaves my body frail and weak. Though, in truth, it is debatable whether I can still call this my body…"

She stared on, not understanding as he slowly raised up his right arm, the crystalized one, and looked at it, watching how the light reflected upon the glittering limb.

"When first I turned my mind towards the salvation of the world, I came to the conclusion that it would take many long years," he explained to her, "Many more than remained to me. And so I made myself one with the Crystal Tower, that I might live indefinitely. I am but an extension of it now. Hence my weakness the farther I travel, and the longer I am away."

Though she never heard him complain about it and he answered without any dislike in his voice, she wondered if he secretly hated it. Hated what had become of his body. Strangely though, she always thought that arm was beautiful.

She didn't say that though as he was now looking up to the sky and added thoughtfully, "It has been quite a journey. But thanks to you, the end is in sight. My wish will finally be fulfilled."

There was silence between them as he then turned his attention back to her and asked about the construction effort. She stood and told him everything that was happening and that it would soon be completed, as well as informing him that all that was left was to finish putting it all together.

"Then this may be the last moment we have to ourselves for a while," he said in gladness, "Come, sit with me."

She move just out of arm's length of each other, not sure if he minded the space, as she sat at his side and enjoyed the breeze from the wind.

But she could see him watching her out of the corner of her eye. And when she gazed back at him he asked, "Tell me. When all of this is over, what will you do?"

That was a good question. Normally, she was able to find something to keep her busy but in reality whenever she felt that she was allowed to take a break the world needed saving again. But she was now really, really hoping for at least a slight break from this time.

"Rest awhile," she suggested, and maybe thanks to the time difference, she could spend her time here?

"That would be well deserved," he said approvingly, "You might consider roaming Norvrandt not as her savior, but as a simple sightseer. Viewed through such eyes, I am certain she would seem quite different."

That sounded like a lot of fun. Though she had all but seen practically all of Norvrandt at this point...? She smiled back as he looked to the sky again.

"But whatever it is you decide to do, I have every confidence that you will do well," he said, "For you have the strength to forge your own path. You will leave countless lives better than you found them, and the souls you touch will never forget your kindness. Then, in trying times, when you question your worth and your choices, they will raise their voices to remind you of the difference you have made. And thus will your deeds come to affirm your path. Remember this."

He seemed so confident about this. He had been praising her since they first met and she honestly didn't think she deserved all that.

Rather than answer anything to that, she burned with curiosity to know more about him. And so she asked, "What will you do when this is over?"

He seemed surprised by her question, as if he never gave it any thought.

"When this is over… indeed…" he said thoughtfully as she waited for an answer. "I once told you that there are things we can ill afford to lose. 'Things,' I said, though in truth I spoke of a person. One who is unaware of the full extent of my plans. Though she deserves to know, I have good reason to keep my counsel. I have come to terms with this in my mind, yet my heart yearns to lay everything bare. For she is my inspiration, and I would give much and more for the chance to speak with her as friends, with no thought of concealment. Should she indulge me with her tales, I would regale her with my own—about my efforts in Norvrandt, perhaps."

That was the first time she heard about this friend of his. She was generally inquisitive now about who he was talking about. Whoever this friend of his was, it was clear that he thought the world of her.

He then smirked and added, turning to her again, "Though… ultimately, that tale is more yours than it is mine."

He didn't give himself enough credit. She would love to hear some of the stories he must surely have about this world.

She beamed back as he seemed to be radiating contentment when he turned his attention to the ocean in the distance and as he next spoke, he sounded much happier… like a much younger man. "Then… I would ask her about her next adventure. And if she should wish me to be a part of it, oh… how happy it would make me."

And then he was off.

"Together, we would travel the lands and cross the seas and take to the skies upon the eternal wind…" he sighed longingly, "My heart swells simply to imagine it."

The wistfulness rang out clearly as he spoke his deepest desires and she had the impression that he had been dreaming of this for a long time and was so happy now that he had a chance to see that dream completed? Oh, it caused her heart to warm at the sight of the joy that was there.

It was obvious he wanted continue speak, yet it seemed that he realized that maybe now wasn't the time. Or perhaps something distracted him within his own mind that caused him to pause. Still, that moment was enough for him to fall silent and change the subject. He stood up, telling her, "But all of this is contingent upon our victory in the coming battle."

Claire quickly got up and followed him as they walked around the boulders and got a good look at Mt. Gulg still hovering over them ominously in the distnace.

"The people of this world have entrusted their hopes to us. We cannot fail them," he said, before adding in a much quieter voice, "Nor those who rouse me from my slumber."

She looked to him as the joy seemed to fade away with each passing second.

"Thank you for your company, my friend," he told her, "Let us return to Amity."

He took a few steps ahead before realizing that she wasn't following him and he paused to look back. "What is it?" he asked and she wasn't sure how best to describe how she was feeling or what was troubling her.

"It's just that… you're scaring me, you make it sound like you're planning on something happening to you?" she pointed out.

He seemed taken aback by her words as he turned fully around to face her.

"Now, I know how it may seem, but you need not worry about me," he reassured her. "I still have much and more that I must make up to you and the others before something like that happens. Returning your friends all back to the Source, for starters."

"I know that," she whispered, "And I want to believe you… but…?"

She looked down.

"You don't trust me?" he asked her knowingly though there wasn't any anger there in his tone.

"I do… and I don't…" she answered back truthfully. "I believe that you truly mean what you say when you wished to save this world. But… I can't help but feel that you aren't telling me everything. That is a lot to ask someone… and for me to ask you to trust me to get the job done as well."

"But I do trust you," he said without any doubt there.

"But why?" she asked, shaking her head slightly, "You barely know me. Or rather... I barely know you. How do you know so much about me anyway?"

"Study," he answered simply.

She arched an eyebrow as he sighed and looked down.

"As I was seeking for a way to save this world... I knew that none left here would have the potential to be able to do it," he confessed. "Save for the Oracle, none had the power to be able to face a Lightwarden without fear of their touch. So, I reached out to other worlds. And, in time, I saw your image appear in the mirror and I knew that I found my answer."

She looked down, not sure what to say to that.

All of this for her?

"Close your eyes," he requested softly.

She tilted her head at him as he said, with another smile, "Trust me. Close your eyes and please don't open them until I ask."

She hesitated. But she did what he wished. Feeling foolish, she stood there with her eyes shut and waited as she heard a slight rustle of fabric.

"There," his voice said, "I have lowered my hood... you can see my face clearly if you were to look. But I ask that you wait for a moment before looking."

Truly? She could just open her eyes and look and she would be able to see his face?

She then felt his non-crystalline hand take her own and hold it gently.

"I know that you are a good person," he went on, "You are someone who is always looking for the best in others and that you wish to help others. It is part of your nature... it's who you are. And I know that I can trust you. That is why I am revealing myself but wishing that you trust me not to look... not yet."

"Then when?" she asked, hoping she didn't sound whiny.

"I know that what I ask is so much," he informed her. "And I understand your frustration. But you won't look even though the answer is right in front of you. You know why? Because I trust you and you never break promises like that."

...

Damn, he got her there.

She wasn't sure why, but his trust suddenly meant a lot to her and she didn't wish to do anything that could ruin that.

"Why must I remain in the dark?" she asked him quietly. "You and Urianger are planning something. I can tell. Why is it so important for me not to know? Am I just...?"

"My friend," he interrupted sadly and she could hear the regret there, "Were things different, I would tell you everything. But... know that there is a reason. A good reason why I cannot reveal it all now... but I swear that when this is over, you will know everything."

He was stalling. But his voice held some much sincerity... she wasn't sure what to believe.

She always trusted her instincts and right now they were telling her that she could trust him... that he was a good person but all these secrets and half-truths... it was so frustrating. Especially now when all she had to do was open her eyes and she would get a look at what was beneath that hood.

But she could not do it. Try as she might, she could not bring herself to do it.

"This is the one thing that I must beg that you understand," he said, still in that same sad voice. "But please... if you can stand it a little longer... just until the final Lightwarden is defeated... I promise that you will come to understand everything. I have already asked much and more of you, but I must ask this once more. Will you place your trust in me until this is over?"

She was silent as she tried to think.

"You promise?" she asked quietly.

She then felt his lips press against her forehead.

"I promise," he said quietly and she heard the fabric move again and he said that it was alright for her to open her eyes.

"I cannot help but feel as if I am being pranked here," she said, finally looking at him again with the hood in place.

"Yes, I must confess that I was a bit of a troublemaker in my younger years," he admitted with a chuckle. "But soon this will be over and we will be able to rest. Only one last battle remains standing between us and the First's salvation."

She let out a sigh but it was a fond one this time.

"I want to… and I find it hard to be able to say no to you…" she confessed exasperatedly and he laughed at that. She felt herself relax a little, knowing that he was right. They had a lot to deal with now. But she would hold it to him to give her answers after this last fight.

Her eyes suddenly fell upon a small patch of wildflowers that were growing from the shade of the boulders and she picked one. She spun the flower between her fingers as she recalled the last time that she stood upon a cliff like this one with another friend.

"You don't know any magic?" she asked in surprise.

"Oh, just the basics," he confessed as he held up his fingers, "And a few tricks… you know… to impress the ladies."

And with a snap of his fingers, a daisy appeared from seemingly out of nowhere and she blinked in surprise as he held it out to her.

"Friends?" he asked with a smile.

She could not help but laugh as she took the flower and twirled it between her fingers as she informed him, "I don't know if I should call you a gentleman… or a shameless flirt."

He winked back, looking far happier than he did before and confessed, "I've been called worse. Besides, how can anyone resist when they find themselves in such good company?"

She smiled affectionately at that memory before turning back to the Exarch and held the flower out to him.

"Friends?" she asked.

He was as still as a statue as he stared at her and at the flower… as if afraid of it. She stood there patiently, just waiting to see…?

He finally reached over to take it as he said, "How can I not accept it when I'm in such good company?"

At that line, her eyes widened a fraction.

"I just have one last question before we go," she said and he paused again to look at her. "This special friend of yours? Who is she?"

He just smiled bad sadly.

"You will find out soon," he answered, no longer looking at her. "Just know that she is… much loved by so many and more."

He held out his hand, the non-crystalized one and finished, "Again though, you will have all your questions answered the moment the final Lightwarden is dead. So until then, come, my friend. It's time we put an end to this eternal light."

(So it looks like she is figuring it out but she isn't sure how it's possible yet. The Exarch has complete trust in her and that's why he chose to show her but asks that she doesn't look. She simply doesn't wish to break that trust because her instincts are telling her that he is someone who can be trusted. But things are coming to ahead now! I've been doing some careful calculations on how many more chapters I will be able to get out before 5.3, which is almost here! After looking over everything, I think that I will be able to get out two maybe three chapters before 5.3 comes out, but that's kinda pushing it. I will definitely be able to get out the next chapter which is facing the last Lightwarden. After that there will be a very special bonus chapter... and then back to the story where Claire will learn the whole truth of who the Exarch is. I will do my best to get those next three chapters out during the time that we have left before 5.3, though it won't surprise me if the bonus chapter takes a little longer since it's going to be centering around the Warriors of Darkness themselves. You'll see what I mean ;)

Also, one interesting bit of info…

A kiss on the forehead means: I care a lot about you or I will protect you. Some foreshadowing there if ever there was some.