"Commander Swift has been keeping us apprised of recent events—and it comes as no surprise that you all have already made your moves towards quelling the violence." General Raubahn allowed to to find a seat around the long table as he opened discussions.
The only other addition to their group had been the Sulanate herself, Nanamo Ul Namo, sat at the head of the table. She turned to her left where Alphinaud sat as he spoke up.
"Despite our best efforts to determine what provoked this uprising, the truth continues to elude us. Have you uncovered aught which might shed some light on this mystery?"
Azlyn looked back to General Raubahn seeing his expression darken. She watched as the man looked over for permission to speak, and the sultana slowly nodded after a moment. She too looked troubled by whatever they knew of.
"This information does not leave this room." The grisly general looked to each, waiting all to acknowledge his conditions before continuing. Once everyone had given a nod of their head, the talks continued forward.
"The Syndicate's decision to reject the Doman refugee's appeal for asylum had lasting repercussions. A number of these displaced by the Calamity claimed it was proof of a policy of discrimination. Together with a group of Ala Mhigan refugees, they organized a series of demonstrations to protest against the sultanate."
Kida tapped her fingers anxiously on the wooden table.
Roll nodded, leaning back in her chair. "There have been two held. Save for this one this morning, the other one had been relatively calm and peaceful."
"Aye." Richiro agreed, perking up at her mentioning of the previous events.
"They were demonstrations that became heated with fervent discussions, but as you've stated—the first did not descend into violence." Raubahn sighed with a shake of his head. "Which prompted us to look into related incidents. One in particular raised certain flags as it served as a call to arms."
It was in this moment Nanamo Ul Namo joined in the conversation, adding to General Raubahn's word.
"A unit of Brass Blades sent to supervise a demonstration loosed arrows upon unarmed protestors."
"Those whoresons did what!?" Kida's outburst rang loud in the chamber, before Azlyn grimaced.
"Please continue."
The sultana nodded. "It was the atrocity, and emotional outburst as Kida's demonstrated, that prompted the refugees to take up arms. I need not tell you what followed."
Everyone grumbled, the more vocal of their group had been Kida as she let loose a few curses under her breath. They waited a few moments to collect themselves before the General continued in their report.
"We assumed at first that the attack was born of a miscommunication. When emotions run high, they happen. But suspicions were raised regarding the unit's commanding officer, whom I ordered interrogated." Raubahn postulated with his arm outward, speaking calmly to them all. "Sure enough, our fears were soon confirmed. The dog confessed that a merchant had offered him coin to give the order—a merchant in the employ of Teledji Adeledji."
Now this elicited quite the response from their party. Even Alphinaud, as stoic as he tried to remain, pounced out of his chair. His blue eyes wide in shock. Roll visibly paled, crossing her arms over her chest. Azlyn's eyes danced around the room, looking to each member and gauging their expressions. It appeared the most upset had been Kida, herself, and Roll.
"Teledji Adeledji!?" Alphinaud stammered in a horrified moment of shock and surprise. "But he spoke in favor of the Domans' cause, and has ever seemed sympathetic towards the refugees plight. Why would he do such a thing?"
Raubahn shrugged as if it was to be expected given the result of their findings. "Know you of the Carteneau Reclamation Bill?"
Roll spoke up in place for their group. "Yes. It's a bill to propose making permanent living accommodations for the refugees within the Carteneau Flats. It's never been passed however due to the main fact that it's nothing more than a battlefield."
"And the Carteneau Flats happened to be disputed territory, last I checked." Alphinaud added, crossing his arms over his chest.
Raubahn nodded. "The destruction wrought by Bahamut was greatest at the Carteneau Flats. That much is common knowledge. What is less well known is that his rampage laid bare ancient Allagan ruins, of which no record existed. There are certain differences of opinion as to how these ruins should be handled, which is why each nation maintains a military presence in the region to this day. Yet differ though we may, we are still allies. Therefore, in the interest of preserving the Eorzean Alliance, we have reached an agreement. Any conflict which may arise during the course of military excursions in the region shall have no bearing on relations between our nations. But full knowledge of this delicate state of affairs, Teledji Adeledji proposed the Carteneau Reclamation Bill. A shameless bloody ruse which stands to benefit him in but one conceivable way."
Azlyn narrowed her eyes, wondering what benefits he'd receive from winning the bill. Unless it had something to do with the bill. The girl almost lost herself in thought until Raubahn's voice brought her back to the conversation in full.
"If successful, he will gain control over the disputed territory, under the guise of assisting in the resettlement effort. And you can be sure he'll build an orphanage near every Allagan ruin."
Nanamo dropped a clenched fist to the table. Her own emotions betrayed her usual stoicism in diplomatic efforts. "The man would threaten the unity of the Eorzean Alliance and risk countless lives for personal gains!" She glowered. "He walks a path all his own, independent of any faction, and beholden to none of his fellows on the Syndicate."
"And by inciting the refugees and lower classes to violence, he's hoping to convince everyone that the Carteneau Reclamation Bill is the only way to go." Roll supplied at the end, as both Raubahn and Nanamo turned to the Raen.
Nanamo grimaced, but the small nod of her head made it known to all that that was indeed his plan.
Azlyn watched her cousin closely as she just heavily sighed—one more dispirited than most—and closed her amber eyes.
"So his sympathies to the plight of the Domans was nothing more than smoke and mirrors? Man, fuck that sleaze bag!" Kida roared from her seat.
Ozwin interlaced his fingers together and laid his hands upon the table. He replied coolly to the group. "And so with his support to the Doman plight known, this in turn would give him credibility with the refugees—we can already see the end result of that."
The others who had been silently listening to the talks also voiced matters of concern.
"How do we return order to the refugees?" Thuzu asked, looking between his friends. "These people don't deserve to be used as pawns. Is there anything that can be done against him?"
"You'd need proof or evidence." Koroko Koko supplied. "And our merchant would have been one—had he not been killed in cold blood."
Mjnt crossed one leg over her knee. She quietly listened, her louperine ears twitching upward and out every once in a while. She seemed focused upon something. Azlyn assumed it was the meeting itself and returned to another of their party. Their Lalafellin healer raised his own questions.
"But why?" Richiro shook his head. "I can't wrap my head around the reason he would do such a dubious thing."
"Cause he's an Ul'dahn?" Kida proffered with the tone of: Obviously, it's because of that.
"No, I believe I know what Richiro is trying to ask. What could possibly motivate Teledji Adeledji to go to such lengths? What is so special about those ruins that he would risk his position on the Syndicate, and, most likely, charges of treason against the Sultanate?" Alphinaud looked to both the leaders of Ul'dah for an answer—and what was given was quite the shock to them all.
"Omega." Her soft whisper was not loud enough to carry—but enough so that everyone prickled at the name. Azlyn straightened in her seat.
"Pardon?" Alphinaud also seemed surprise by the admission.
General Raubahn cleared his throat, diving into what should have been classified information. "An Allagan Monstrosity, not unlike the Ultima Weapon. Mayhap larger. We know not. It has yet to be fully excavated."
Azlyn felt a few eyes shift to her, looking for better explanations. She sighed before jumping right in with what she knew from everything that's been told to her from second sources. "According to Raha's expansive report, he told me that Omega was the counter measure used against Bahamut in the days of eld. However it should have been destroyed during the Third Astral Calamity. According to history at least. But seeing the Ultima Weapon… it'd come as no surprise to find out more weapons may still exist."
"WHAT!" Richiro gasped in horror.
"See Richi, something bigger and more dangerous than the Ultima Weapon appeared—we'll have more of them to deal with." Kida started to tap her fingers anxiously upon the wood.
"As Azlyn stated, if accurate to it's historia, it might be why Nael van Darnus chose to bring the Red Moon down upon the Carteneau Flats."
"Basically destroy the counter measure, you have no means to fight back against it…" Roll started to connect the dots on why the Empire went to such lengths.
Alphinaud sank in his chair, cupping his chin in thought. "When I first bore witness to the power of the Ultima Weapon, I doubted the evidence of my senses—And now you tell me there is another such weapon—one which could contend with Bahamut." He paused, emphasizes once more. "Bahamut."
"Aye, we were skeptical ourselves. truth be told, until the Ultima Weapons' existence came to light, we thought it nothing more than ancient, broken relics."
Nanamo turned to the left side of the table, and over to the right. "At present, Omega is more akin to a fossil than a tool of war, having long since ceased to function. As such, its true potential cannot accurately be gauged."
"Very troubling." Koroko Koko hummed from her chair. "I don't suppose there's anything we can do, Your Highness?"
"At this present moment, hopefully nothing. However, if someone were to restore it, as the Garleans did the Ultima Weapon, I have little doubt that he would wield untold power."
The General bluntly added onto the last lingering words of the sultana. "Power enough to subjugate Ul'dah, like as not, and the rest of Eorzea besides—which is doubtless why Teledji Adeledji yearns to have it."
"That he should aspire to world domination—He who has ever worked two paces behind Lord Lolorito in matters of commerce." Nanamo Ul Namo added with annoyance.
"Tis an acknowledgment of his own limitations that he seeks this power. Woe betide us all should we allow him to have it."
Kida smacked her hands together, dastardly grinning. "Then why give it? I say we pummel him to a bloody pulp and teach him a lesson! Rip off those wimpy little arms and legs!"
A sudden noise, as if something collided against the hallway door stopped everyone in that hall—as they all snapped their heads in that direction. Raubahn had already been out of his chair, ready to dart over to catch whoever may have been hiding behind it, however Nanamo called out to stop him.
"Pray waste no time chasing rats." She shook her head, turning to their group. "Only a fool would believe that secrets can be kept in Ul'dah."
Alphinaud frowned, but there was nothing he or any of them could do. He too joined the discontent feeling shared between their Ul'dahn company. "It would seem the implications of the sultanate's refugee problem are rather more far-reaching than we assumed. "
Ozwin stood up from his chair, it seemed like their arranged meeting had come to a close. He clapped a hand over Thuzu's tensed shoulder before pointing to the exit. "Well that wasn't something we didn't know—and now we know the end game in which this Teledji Adeledji prick means to work towards. No use in wasting valuable time talking ourselves to death."
Azlyn looked over to Alphinaud and nodded briefly. "True, I believe this should suffice for a spell." She turned to both General Raubahn and Nanamo Ul Namo. "And thank you for diverging this important secret. We will make sure not to speak of it beyond these halls."
"I thank you all." Nanamo smiled sadly to them, and General Raubahn followed Ozwin's trail to open the door for them. They all were escorted out from the Fragrant Chambers and back into the Royal Promenade where they all had much to think about.
Roll was the very last person to leave the room, trailing behind their large group.
Alphinaud had taken the group's procession walking beside Azlyn as he gave a troubled grunt. "I should be glad to know the truth—and yet, the thought that all this chaos was the product of one man's lust for power sickens me."
"You and me both, brutha." Kida jumped over to walk alongside his other side.
"If only there was something else we can do." Azlyn pondered, tapping her finger to her cheek.
Ozwin looked over his shoulder, at the front and leading them through the winding halls of the Steps. "Now? No, we really shouldn't stick our heads out anymore than we already have. Thuzu, Richi, and Koko already had been identified by this killer previously—it's only a matter of time before that individual starts to watch our movements." From the way and paths he was taking, it seemed they were slowly making their way back to their residence within the Goblet.
Mjnt kept apace, but behind the group with Roll. "Aye, and it'll be easier given our base of operations reside within the heart of Ul'dah. We must needs be careful in the coming days."
Alphinaud snapped his fingers. "Or you can stay with us in the Rising Stones until this is all taken care of!"
"Or not." Roll replied with a shake of her head. "I have too many upcoming projects that I have needs of a workshop space. I can't overtake the base of the Scions for these things."
"And we can't leave Master Roll to herself." Koroko Koko smiled. "Don't you worry Master Alphinaud, we shall be just fine. We appreciate the thoughts all the same."
"Well you can't say he didn't offer!" Kida smirked. "I was ready to start a full on bard battle within Seventh Heaven—see who can lay the sickest beats down!"
Richiro gasped in horror at the thought. "Heavens no! They would throw us out!"
"Or join in!" Kida countered with a toothy grin. "We can have a battle of establishments! Which place has the badass of celebrations! Shall it be the adventurer's hangout within Seventh Heaven? Or maybe it'll go to the Drowned Wench scoundrels and pirates? OR MAYBE IT'LL BE TAKEN AWAY BY THE RAMBUNCTIOUS WOOD DWELLERS WITHIN THE CAROLINE CANOPY!"
"Out of all those choices, the obvious winner is going to be Seventh Heaven." Ozwin chirped.
"Don't let Baderon hear that. He'll try and prove you otherwise." Azlyn smiled at last, glad to see some of their party members getting their momentum back. The recent events seemed to have lowered everyone's mood, souring their heads with ill thoughts.
It wasn't long however before Alphinaud trailed back to the previous conversation. "I wonder how long they intended to keep the existence of that from the Scions? That they even felt the need to do so is most troubling."
Azlyn wondered briefly before shrugging. "It could have been a voted issued. As some of us witnessed, the sultana is not fully in charge. The Monetarists and the Royalists within the Syndicate probably determined to use that as leverage against the Scions come a point." She stopped to consider what she'd just said aloud, and then growled. "And that pisses me off more—thinking about how the Scions were treated back at Vesper Bay too! I'm glad they moved operations to Mor Dhona."
Everyone appeared to be in agreement—even Alphinaud—who spoke calmly. "It would be in our best interests to learn more of the military activities in the disputed territories. Fortunately we have several members present who are rank Lieutenant or higher. I'll trust those of you to keep us informed of any developments in Carteneau."
Roll nodded her head firmly, while Kida gave a big thumbs up. Ozwin rolled his eyes, but nodded all the less. Koroko Koko chuckled ominously into her hands.
"Oh don't you worry 'bout that Alphi—we already have that under control!" Kida elbowed him playfully before looking up to Azlyn. "Speaking of ranks and Grand Companies—did you ever get your chocobo?"
Azlyn shook her head. "Too busy I'm afraid. They told me I could pick one out from Bentbranch Meadows when I had time. They seemed very understanding."
"I would hope so—being a warrior of light and all that." Richiro piped up.
They laughed together, taking a moment to stop and circle up. They'd gotten to the end of the stairwell before a booming voice of another echoed through the hall.
"BEGONE, WHELP! This is no place for children!"
They all turned to look, seeing down the decorated rugs a small child with her head buried into her hands. She was crying as a sultansworn squire continued to yell at her.
Ozwin rolled his eyes, already cracking his neck before approaching the yelling squire. Given his height comparatively to the squire it was easy to say that Ozwin's intimidating nature led the squire to hunker down and retreat for a time.
N'thuzu Tia quirked his head, his ears twitched as if he recognized the girl. "Koko, isn't she one of the refugees from before?"
Their blackmage nodded. "I believe she called herself Ele." They all went to approach the crying girl, whom rubbed her eyes with her sleeves. She sniffled a few moments before letting her eyes fall to the two Lalafellin's she recognized. "We found her while we were doing our investigations through Thanalan. From Stonesthrow, if I remember right."
"I—I" The one known as Ele sniffled loudly. "I was looking for you. People said you were looking for the man who left with my parents." She sniffled, tears still poured down her face.
Roll pulled out a handkerchief, handing it over to the cry to dry her tears, while Mjnt walked over to pat her on the back in a comforting way.
"Indeed we were. What ever is the matter Ele? Why are you crying so?" Richiro asked, tilting his head.
"Did—did you find the man? Were my parents with him?" The young girl sniffled into the newly acquired handkerchief. The pretty lily patterns sewn into the corners were dabbled in bright colors of thread and fresh tears.
Koroko shook her head. "They were not, I'm afraid. I'm sorry Ele."
Alphinaud snapped his fingers before smiling to the young girl. "However I might possibly be able to help. I can think of several places they might be. If you'd like, we can go and look for them together?" He posed to the young girl.
"Really? You'll help me look, mister?"
Koroko Koko smiled widely. "Master Alphinaud is an excellent searcher. You're in capable hands my dear."
She nodded happily, smiling to the Sharlayan teen who promised to help her. She then turned to look up to the others in the group noting all of them. She waved to each of them, and thanked Roll for the handkerchief.
"Now Ele, if you'd give me but one moment, I must needs finish speaking with my friends. They're telling me a secret, you see, so no one else is allowed to listen. Mayhap you could wait for me by that pillar over there?" He pointed to a pillar that was out of earshot but still within view.
Ele bobbed her head. "Okay mister! I'll be waiting! Thank you!" She beamed before running off.
Alphinaud turned to the group with a small grimace. "I'll take her to the Quicksand—Mayhap Momodi will know what to do." He sighed. "A legion of Garleans, an aether-starved primal—even dealing with an Ascian would be preferable to this charade. Sometimes I fear Minfillia is too ambitious. We rush hither and you all in response to threats as they arise—without concern for the strain it places on our limited resources—and ourselves."
Thuzu frowned. "Yet I wouldn't have it any other way."
Azlyn agreed, a small nod to his statement. "It's true we work extra hard than most—but at least for me I'm happy to help people. And I'm happy to see hope in their eyes. The Eorzean people are resilient if not stubborn."
"Well… Mayhap the time has come for a change." Alphinaud pondered aloud. "It'd be a shame to push you guys past the breaking point—whether you wish for it or not."
It was this moment when Azlyn's linkpearl went off. She didn't hesitate to answer it, thinking back to the news of the Isle of Val. Perhaps someone…?
"This is Azlyn speaking."
"Azlyn, it's me Minfillia." Azlyn gave a a noncommittal shrug before awaiting the rest of the Antecedent's words.
"Who is it?" Kida mouthed.
"Minfillia." She mouthed back.
"I know this is sudden, but I must request you and your friends to go to Gridania to meet the Elder Seedseer with immediate haste. The situation in the Twelveswood has taken a turn for the worse. She will explain more in detail once you all arrive."
Azlyn gave a questioning and bewildered look, but the Antecedent obviously could not see it through the channel. The girl merely acknowledged the situation. "I understand. I will gather everyone and we'll head straight there."
The channel dropped now that Minfillia received her answer, and Azlyn went to report on what she'd been instructed to do. "It appears something happened within the Twelveswood. All of us are expected there to get more information."
"The Twelveswood?" Ozwin rejoined them after finally getting rid of the Squire from the hall. She leaned over Azlyn's shoulder. "What did another primal get summoned?"
Alphinaud curiously furrowed his brow. "Then the primal threat she spoke of before has been confirmed? I have received no reports of Ixali activity—which leaves—"
Kida gasped. "The moogles!?"
"I doubt it." Mjnt interjected.
Alphinaud shook his head. "No, this might be in regards to the Sylphs."
"Oh." Richiro paled. "Oh dear."
"More like oh shit." Kida dropped in before crossing her arms. "You know, I feel like we should call our journey, "the Eorzean Primal Experience"—we're literally facing up against any and all of the Beast tribes gods. So why not add the Slyphs to the mix!"
"And just a day after Leviathan's revival." Roll worriedly looked to her cousin. "How are you fairing? Is your right side bothering you? Do you need another potion?"
Azlyn waved all of their concerns aside. "I feel fine. I know we had a big fight yesterday—but who's to say we'll be fighting this one? It's not like they confirmed it's presence or not."
"True but…" Richiro worriedly looked up to her. "If you start feeling sick, you better tell us!"
"I promise." She added with a raised pinky.
"Deal." Ozwin reached over to twist her finger.
"Ow!"
"You'll have to swallow a thousand needles if you lie."
Mjnt chuckled. "And I'll know with these ears if you do."
"Fine, you guys are brutal." Azlyn rubbed her hand before waving to Alphinaud. "Well we're off. Take care of the child for us Alphinaud."
"Pray have no concerns regarding her. I shall make sure everything is secured before heading out." He smiled, and then shook his head. "Mayhap I should call the Antecedent and tell her that she need not worry for me. I am capable enough to protect myself."
Ozwin smirked, reaching over to pat his head. "Well semi capable."
"Pardon? I'll have you know I have faced down countless enemies—all while being on your side and—"
"He's teasing you Alphinaud." Azlyn interjected before the Sharlayan could get too overheated.
"Ah. Well." He cleared his throat. "I'm very capable. So there. Goodbye." Ozwin burst into laughter as the teen's ears both turned a shade of red and proceeded to stomp down the hall to the pillar where the girl was.
"So there? Gods, he's better to pick on than Azlyn."
"I resent that." Azlyn perked up before activating her teleport. "We're meeting in Gridania with the Elder Seedseer. See you there!"