Four days later things took a surprising turn. Azlyn had been relaxing in the front pagoda drinking a cup of tea with Roll when they got a call from one of Roll's associates in crafting. Apparently the shipment of goods and supplies heading to Mor Dhona had been stolen by heretics—a most recent event that has slowly been trickling into most of the supply chains past Coerthas.

"I wonder if that is what Mjnt is investigating?" Azlyn posed as they began to clean up. They knew the others were busy doing personal things—Richiro, Ozwin, and N'thuzu Tia were having a guys day out—whatever that meant—and Koroko Koko and Kida went to shop in the Sapphire Avenue.

Which left the cousins to leisurely hang out.

"It's quite possible. The supplies originated from House Fortemps…" Roll thought to herself before heading inside. "If we're heading to Coerthas, we should dress appropriately." As it had been hotter in Thanalan, they were dressed mostly for hot weather. Azlyn opted for shorts and a chemise top, while her cousin had a summer dress.

By the time they were finished getting dressed, they were bundled head to toe in leggings, wrappings, and winter coats. Azlyn grabbed a comfortable looking sweater that had a scarf wrapped around the collar.

"Ready?"

Together they teleported straight to Camp Dragonhead—they had been given permissions from the Lord and Mjnt the last they had come—a surprise given that many of the Ishgardians were wary of their arrivals.

The biting cold welcomed them, and despite the preparation for the climate change, it didn't stop the slight shiver to run down the arms and cause goosebumps to occur. Azlyn followed her cousin, as they walked down the brick laid steps to the lower levels.

The grounds were littered with knights in training, many of them were either archers, lancers or sword welders. They strolled past them and went straight to House Fortemps itself—as the Lord within may have further information on these heretics stealing supplies—or better yet, at least inform them that the heretics were doing such deeds.

Roll went to grab the door handle, and opened the wooden frame with ease. The warmth of the inside welcomed them as the few knights, alongside the Lord himself turned to see who came in.

"I dare say, do mine eyes deceive me or is that two of the saviors of Eorzea come to our abode!" Lord Haurchefant straightened immediately from the large table. There appeared to be a large map of the Coerthas Central Highlands posted, and posted sentries and routes. There appeared to be markings upon the map as well to indicate giant red X's. "Would you two care for a plate of roasted karakul? Or maybe hot mulled wine?"

Azlyn could see that Lord Haurchefant was as exuberant a host as he typically was, smiling broadly to them. "Actually we came here to inquire about something."

Roll stepped up to the large war table and pointed to one of the giant X's on the map. "It does appear that you might know once we ask, but I'll ask anyway: Recently a string of supply routes have been attacked, and the deliveries pilfered. We've heard from a few of the adventurers tasked with the detail that heretics were behind it."

The Elezen Lord nodded, his smile lessening. "Ah, I was hoping Mjnt would return from her patrols prior to us releasing information out but it appears to have affected you all none-the-less." He pulled out a missive sealed with the Mor Dhona wax stamp. "Well it is as you speak, I have been following their progress with no small amount of interest."

Lord Haurchefant walked over to them, and offered them both a chair to sit by the fireplace. It was in such quick movements that the pair had been ushered and given warm drinks to sip while their host started to detail what he knew.

"Our new frontier hands have been through quite the ordeal—many of them who all are brave men and women that do serve our nation well. The existence of a fortified outpost in Mor Dhona will do much to dissuade the Empire from trespassing on Coerthan soil." He gleamed to them before pulling up his own stool. He sat with ease, still towering over the pair. Despite his tall stature, he still treated them kindly and with respect. "Anything I can do to assist you in this endeavor shall be in Ishgardian and your interests I'm sure."

Roll drank the remainder of her cup smiling. Her cheeks grew a soft red as she nodded. "Thank you for the hospitality Lord Haurchefant. We will work together to make sure these heretics are stopped. We too understand the precious balance we share with your nation, and wish to keep it steady."

Azlyn lifted her cup, also in agreement with her cousin. "If you think it'd be best to wait for Mjnt to join and inform us of her investigations so far, we will be happy to do so—"

The doors to the Lord's manor opened once again, allowing a heavy gust of biting cold air to rush in. The snow started to blow in as a Viera with red hair walked in. She shook off the snow atop of her head and shoulders before bowing to her Lord.

"My lord, I come bringing news of the recent string of attacks."

Lord Haurchefant stood up and clapped his hands resolutely. His face beaming at the thought of some good news. "Excellent news Mjnt! Both of our friends have come in search of answers! Come, let us discuss!"

Mjnt walked over to them, smiling to each. "It's been quite a busy time for all, hasn't it?" She spoke to Roll who chuckled once.

"Heh."

"You could say that." Azlyn smiled. "Mjnt, what have you come to know?"

The Viera walked to the wall, leaning her back onto it as she soaked in the warmth of the fireplace. "I had gone to Whitebrim Front to speak with Lord Drillemont as you requested. It was there that the Lord spoke of the progress upon the Stone Vigil. It took a bit of time before he spoke of the heretics that were beginning to attack the supply lines. They are quick, fast, and growing in numbers." Mjnt crossed her arms with a stern look in her ruby eyes. They seemed to blaze in determination. "And their new organization seemed to have rallied under someone; a woman using the alias of Iceheart. It was then that a guard stumbled in, and revealed that the heretics had attacked another merchant most suddenly."

Azlyn widened her eyes. "Was the man alright?"

She nodded. "Aye, shaken—but he did reveal what he had been carrying on his caravan. Arms, armor, crystals—they were taking all that he carried. It was then that the merchant revealed something of interest. Snowcloak."

"Snowcloak? That barren place in the southern corner of the highlands?"

"Aye My Lord. It appears one of the heretics spoke of returning to Snowcloak, not realizing the merchant they attacked had still been conscious. It was there that I traveled, and there that I stumbled upon a few knights of Durendaire who had chased after the heretics. They were fending off the heretics so I joined the fray. We fought together, only for the remainder of the lot to disappear near the ravine." Mjnt sighed, shaking her head. "Vanished like icy wraiths in the night. However I do recall a woman standing by the cliffs during battle, a woman with long blonde hair in a blue dress. The knights supposed it to be Iceheart herself in the flesh, yet she too eluded our grasp."

Roll looked the most concerned, as she closed her eyes to think. It was then that she spoke. "Mjnt, you mentioned Crystals were stolen?"

The dragoon in blue armor nodded. "Aye Roll, but no crystals have been sighted in the Ixali Logging grounds, nor the neighboring nations beast tribes. It appears to be an isolated event."

"Still, it is troubling." The Au Ra retained her concern. "What could they possibly mean to do with those stolen crystals. I can only think of no good."

Azlyn drank the last bit of her cup, feeling the liquid warm the back of her throat and her chest. "Should we try to investigate the ravine once more? Maybe we can discover a secret entrance to their location?"

Mjnt sighed. "Unfortunately young ones, Ishgardian knights are incredibly prideful in their professions—and Lord Drillemont is more determined than ever to put Iceheart and her heretics to justice. He bid me return to my lord and inform him of what had transpired, promising that this would be taken care of with further preparation on his end."

Lord Haurchefant nodded, before he smiled over to the Auri pair. "It appears we have everything set in motion for when we attempt to put these heretics to justice—pray tell the frontier hands to fret not over stolen supplies. 'Tis but a pittance compared to the rewards we shall reap for having a solid stronghold in Mor Dhona. We will send a second shipment anon. The winds are uncommon fierce this day."

Roll seemed appeased by the news, bowing at her waist downward. "They will be most pleased. Thank you Lord Haurchefant."

Azlyn had a feeling there was no use in attempting to do their own investigations, and as such shrugged to her cousin. "You'll let us know if you require any further assistance though, right Lord Haurchefant?"

"Indeed, worry not my friends, I sense your apprehension grows from this conflict—If Mjnt requires further help in this unfolding dilemma, I trust she knows who she can contact."

"I do indeed, my Lord." Mjnt bowed graciously, and then gestured for the pair to stand up. "My Lord, I shall escort them back to the frontiers. Is there aught I should do for you in the morrow?"

The Lord waved away her question with a beaming smile. "You've worked yourself to the bone Mjnt, pray enjoy your time with your friends and make new tales of your adventures to bring back the next you come home."

With their meeting come to a close, all three of them were sent forth back to Revenant's Toll to inform the hands that a new shipment would be coming. It was in the time it took to travel through the snow crunching grounds to Mor Dhona that the Auri cousins explained to Mjnt all that happened during her absence.

"Alphinaud is starting a new Grand Company—a military front for fighting against the primal and Ascian machinations." Azlyn explained as succinctly as she could. "Everyone's gathered others from around the realm to join their cause, but it is still small."

Roll nodded. "I recruited a young caster who traveled with her grandfather. Her grandfather didn't want to join, but he still accompanied her to Mor Dhona regardless."

"Is that Alianne you're talking about?" Azlyn inquired.

"Yep."

"I remember her and her grandfather. They were dungeon delving near Sastasha and Tam-Tara Deepcroft."

"It sounds like your actions have inspired many to take up the mantle to protect the peace." Mjnt said. "That is to be expected, being incredibly busy and all—where are the others?"

Roll shrugged in nonchalance. "The guys are having a day out—while Kida and Koroko Koko are shopping at the Sapphire Avenue. They will be at the inaugural ceremony though."

"And they are aware of what the young Elezen wishes?"

"They were present when Alphinaud started the talks of starting it." Azlyn tapped her chin thinking back. "If I remember he's supposed to have some sort of inaugural ceremony this week… I haven't heard any news about when it'll be though."

Roll smirked, stopping in the snow. "I heard it'll be today—but that's just what Rowena mentioned prior to news of the shipment not coming."

"Ahhhh." The Au Ra looked to her cousin. "Well we shouldn't tarry long—err we miss the festivities!"

Snow terrain covering the pathways and trails soon transformed into hard cold stone paved from recent Garlean invasion—they were approaching the Castrum Centri where it had been abandoned after the Grand Companies joint strike. Every once in a while the Garleans would try to come back, but they would be driven off by Ishgardian knights and adventurers.

It was through the bases operations did they cut through the fogfens, and finally see Revenant's Toll atop the hill. The towering stone buildings grew larger upon their approach, and even beyond the Silver Lake they could see the broken Agrius untouched since it last fallen.

The atmosphere held a bit of aetheric charge, as Azlyn winced like she'd been zapped with static shock every few minutes. Her right arm stung the worst, traveling to her collarbone and chest.

Together they went through the Tangle, and down the windy trails of the hills before finally reaching their destination. Revenant's Toll—and more active than usual. There were tons of crisp blue uniformed men and women standing about—their excitement had been palpable as the three walked through to one group.

Riol had been freshly dressed in the blue uniform, a rare sight from his usual attire. Azlyn greeted him upon their arrival. "Riol, what's going on? What's with the matching blue?"

The blonde stopped conversing to the on the top of his collar. "They're a bit stuffy, but this 'ere is our new uniforms! That little bookkeeper…. Tataru?"

Roll nodded to answer his unasked question.

"Yeah, her—she passed out all these uniforms for Alphinaud's new Grand company. Here's hopin' I don't run across any o' me ol' mates wearin' this outfit. I'll have their laughter ringin' in me ears for days!

"Wasn't Ozwin in the Company of Heroes with you?" Mjnt inquired.

"Damnations. He'll be the first one that laughs!"

"Is the Inaugural speech being held soon?" Azlyn asked at last, wondering why there were so many new faces in Mor Dhona. With the sea of blue going around, it was hard not to miss them.

"He's holding his speech soon—want to watch the lad together?"

With a game plan in mind, Riol led them off to the far side upon a high perch. Mjnt jumped with ease, shortly followed by Riol. Mjnt leaned over to help pull the other Au Ra up while Roll decided to take the long way around. She walked up a set of stairs before plopping down next to the them.

"I don't believe we've been acquainted before, but I've 'eard about the Viera lancer in the group. Riol's the name."

Mjnt extended a hand out to shake his offered one. "Mjnt. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. How do you all know each other?" She asked curiously.

Azlyn perked up beside her. "Oh! Riol helped us get to the kobold's aetheryte when we were up against Titan!"

"Yeah, that ol' rocky bastard came out o' the woodworks makin' a mess o' things. Then these guys come in, which Ozzie was playin' 'is role of being 'the silent broodin' one'." The blonde quoted around the description. "Lucky bastard knows that I understand 'alf the shite he 'and signs, so used me quite a bit as 'is translator in the day."

"You know sign?"

"Aye lassie, but he's opened up more since last we worked together." Riol nodded over to Azlyn. "He's more approachable now—less of a grouchy pants."

"No, he's still grouchy." Roll spoke up. "The other night Richi had been sleeping in his usual spot on the couch. He spun whipped cream in the poor Lala's open palm and tickled his nose to make him wake up."

"Oh." Azlyn blinked. "Yeah. He and I trained yesterday morning—and he kicked my knees out twice."

"Sounds like he's found 'imself a nice family after all that shite he's been through. About damned time!" Riol laughed at last, nodding. "You know, it's mostly cause of 'im and you all that I'm even considerin' this whole grand company thing." Riol smirked, looking up to the clouds overhead. The purple haze settled overhead, sparking on and off.

"Why's that?" Azlyn quirked her head, curious of his answer.

He spoke resolutely. "Seein' as you all are doin' you're best to keep the realm safe, f'gured I'd try doin' the same. Workin' together and all that."

Mjnt leaned back on her palms letting her ears soak in all the noise around them. "Inspiration comes in all forms sir."

"Yes it does."

Roll put her hand to her linkpearl, clicking open the channel for their group. "Group Fated, this is Roll. Don't respond all at once. Inaugural Ceremonies are starting in Revenant's Toll."

Azlyn heard the double echo of her cousin's voice, as did Mjnt who leaned forward to her. "Did you create a group line?"

"Yep."

"We'll be there in two clicks!" Suddenly popped in an exuberant voice. They all could tell it had been Kida as her accent carried through the channel.

"So will we." N"thuzu Tia curtly replied. "After we get Richiro."

Azlyn quirked her head to that one. She tapped her channel live. "Where is Richiro?"

This time Ozwin chimed in, a bit in a hurry. "Long story—Limsa problem—guy stuff." Then the line abruptly cut off.

"Alrighty then." Azlyn turned her communication piece off. "That was odd."

Koroko Koko soon spoke through the device, with a slight lilt to her voice. "Really now? Guy stuff?"

N'thuzu Tia popped back in with a quick: "Yes."

Mjnt shook her head sighing slightly. "Well," She crisply started. "We'll learn from Richiro when they arrive—look." She pointed over to the front of the Seventh Heaven Bar where Alphinaud was getting ready. He stood with Minfillia and Tataru quietly discussing. It looked like Yda and Thancred were setting up a small stand for the boy to speech from, and Y'shtola had been supervising, her arms on her hips. Papalymo had been running through the crowds, gathering everyone dressed in the blue uniforms.

"They look like they're about to start."

"Indeed."

They could two distinct pops by the aetheryte crystal down below, where both Kida and Koroko appeared.

Azlyn waved to them. "Over here!"

The pair walked around as Roll had, climbing up the few sets of stairs before settling in. Kida pulled out her harpsichord and started a simple ballad. Her fingers not stopping in their rhythm.

"Who wants to bet Ozwin's the reason Richiro's in trouble in Limsa?" Kida asked them.

Riol barked in laughter.

"100 Gil." Azlyn pulled out two silver from her pocket.

"That's 1,000." Roll grabbed her coins and gave her the change.

"Whoops."

"Oh leader," Koroko Koko chuckled. "Guess what we found on sale in the Sapphire Avenue?"

"Oh? What's being sold there?" Azlyn had gotten used to how she was called by their resident caster, so she smiled wondering what the pair found. She pocketed the remainder of her money while Riol and Roll added to the ongoing bet.

Mjnt collected the funds, deciding to be the payout at the end.

"An alchemical liquid bottled to provide momentary transformations." Koroko Koko beamed. "I can finally see you in cat form again."

"Cat?" Riol questioned.

Azlyn widened her eyes in horror, scooting backwards from the group. "What!?"

Roll smirked, leaning back on her palms. "Aren't those illegal to sell?"

Koroko Koko laughed deviously to them. "Yes, I just wanted to see how leader would react."

Kida stopped her playing so that she could laugh. Their laughter could be heard as a few heads turned to their direction. Mjnt waved to them nonchalantly as Azlyn's cheeks burned a beet red.

"I won't ever drink a concoction like that again. Being a cat was tough as it was…" She forgot about Riol's presence, and he too began to laugh.

"A warrior of light getting turned into a cat! What type was she?"

Azlyn became horrified while Roll answered succinctly. "She was a long haired, white Thavnarian cat.

"The fluffy one?" He stared at the Au Ra before smirking. "It fits."

"I resent that."

There were three distinct pops once more as the last three of their group arrived in the throngs of the adventurers and blue-clad members. Kida stood up from their perch before loudly playing a few sets of discordant sounds.

Roll tapped her communication link open. "We're playing the obnoxious music."

"That's fairly obvious." Ozwin's voice came through. Seeing them clearly, Azlyn could see that Richiro had been soaked in water—but the other strange thing about his posture had been the slight char marks upon his clothes and the tips of his blonde hair. Looking them all over, it was obvious they all had the same similar look.

N'thuzu Tia grabbed Richiro up before jumping up to their perch with ease. Richiro sat grumpily, arms crossed. The Miqo'te warrior sat next to him, offering him an apologetic look.

"By the Twelve, what happened to you three?" Azlyn finally asked. Ozwin leapt up last, plopping down by Riol.

"Ozwin's friend Jacke decided to get us involved in some scheme of his—some guys day!" The Lalafellin huffed, and started to shake his head to the left. They could see some residual water drop down.

"Sorry Richiro." N'thuzu Tia's ears dropped as if he was the one at fault.

"Jacke needed a volunteer, and you put yourself up to it. We got you out of it before you were blown to the aetherial flow so all's well that ends well!"

Roll looked to Mjnt. "Ozwin's fault. Pay up if you thought it was another's."

"But we all bet it was Ozwin's fault?" Azlyn questioned as she thought back to the exchange of money. "Should we just put the funds into the company house?"

"What about my payout?" Riol scoffed, shaking his head. Roll pulled out the silver she exchanged for Azlyn to him instead. "This… this'll do nicely."

"Thought as much." Their Au Ra with the two pigtails in front smirked.

Ozwin couldn't hold in his laughter anymore before he elbowed Riol into his side. "You look like someone poured a bucket of blue paint on your clothes!"

"Shut up Ozwin!"

"No way!" Ozwin continued his mirthful laughter while the rest of their group shrugged. Riol did predict his laughter from the beginning.

Their group garnished quite the attention from the few others who wore the blue. Azlyn saw a group of three approaching their perch, before calling up to them.

"Might you be the Warriors of Light?" A highlander Ala Mhigan dressed the same as Riol called to them. "I don't believe we've met!"

Azlyn felt eyes upon her, so she decided to answer him. "Indeed we are sir, my name is Azlyn! What is yours and your fellows?"

"I am Ilberd, and I have the honor of leading my follow recruits as captain. Much did I lose to the Calamity, and I look forward to aiding others in rebuilding their lives." He then looked to his uniform before nodding. "The uniforms are a shrewd decision. There is no easier method of creating a common bond among what is, essentially, a band of strangers."

Mjnt's ears perked straight, and in turn, she straightened. "You say you lost much?"

The one known as Ilberd nodded. "I was barely more than a refugee myself for a time, and I know what it is to be without hope. I shall do my utmost to see this company succeed… but enough about me. Yuyuhase is our Lalafellin companion."

Yuyuhase once introduced bowed to them from below. "These uniforms were a splendid idea! Once our organization has made a name for itself, there shall be wealth aplenty in selling replica costumes to the adoring masses!"

Roll narrowed her eyes. "Let me guess, you're from Ul'dah?"

The Lalafellin in blue nodded happily. "I began as a humble aetheryte guard, yet as you have witnessed, I stand poised to join the rise of a glorious new order. Where before my pockets were empty, now shall they bulge with coin!"

"Bulge with coin?" Koroko Koko questioned him suddenly. "That is such a peculiar thing to say…"

Yuyuhase chuckled into his hand before explaining, which left an awkward sense of tension for some of them sitting on the perch. "Those who believe this company will see no riches are shortsighted fools. The giving of oneself 'tis an investment in the future—thus did I sign my name to the cause!"

Ilberd laughed loudly, before clapping a heavy hand to the shoulder of a familiar Elezen face. They could see Laurentius jump at the contact, but acknowledged them with a nod.

Kida stopped her playing abruptly. "Laurentius, you're looking a bit timid than usual! How've you been my dude?!"

"F-fine Kida! I-I thought it best to mimic my fellows here, but… but I admit that I have no idea what we're supposed to be doing…"

Ilberd, as given his role as appointed captain, clapped him once more upon his back and gestured up to them. He smiled assuredly. "Never fear, under the vigilant watch of our new organization leaders we shall do our best to keep the realm safe!" The Captain in blue paused long enough to look up to Riol. "And you are joining the cause as well?"

"Riol's the name." The man flicked Ozwin's side with his index finger gave pause to introduce himself to their group. "Looking forward to workin' together captain."

"The same to you!" Ilberd replied, lifting a hand up to them. "Well I won't keep you any longer, I believe our leader will be making his address soon! We shall see you much in the future!"

Slowly the three left them, returning to the crowds to engage with the other individuals. Roll crossed her arms sourly before shaking her head.

"Something the matter?" Azlyn asked her cousin.

"Hmm?" Roll snapped out of her thoughts. "Uh, nothing. Don't worry about it. Alphinaud's up on the stage about to make his official statement."

Mjnt frowned as well, watching the trio leave. She broke off eye contact with them to look over to the front of the Seventh Heaven. "It begins."

Author Note: Apologies for the late updates /lack of updates these last two weeks. been binging Endwalker and loving all the. Hope everyone is having good queue times and enjoying the journey! Thanks for reading and Merry Starlight! ^^

-TK