The next morning Azlyn woke up to find a majority of everyone awake—and some already gone from the house. As she climbed up from the lower levels, she could see Koroko and Richiro at the kitchen counter. Roll had been cleaning up some of the pans that she had used to make breakfast.
"Good morning." Azlyn nodded to her cousin.
"Good afternoon more like." Kokoro Koko chuckled mischievously as Azlyn joined to sit next to Richiro.
"You were sleeping like the dead." Richiro commented with a bit of worry. "We thought you had gotten sick once more."
Azlyn leaned her right arm on the counter so she could examine it. The tingling remained, the slight buzz that ran up and through her shoulder. The aether still a jumbling mess from the last treatment she had. "To be honest I feel fine."
"That's what you always say." Koroko Koko slid over a small vial of red liquid with a knowing smile. "But we should consider finding you a cure than treatment plans."
"It's nothing that we have to do right away I think." Azlyn took the proffered potion with no complaints, the taste of the sour twang slipped past her throat. She'd been used to taking this potion the last several months—and with more frequency it seemed.
She usually drank one in the morning—maybe once a week now. Before the timing had been anywhere from one to two a month.
"Where's the others at? Out and about?" Azlyn asked just as her cousin produced a plate of food for her. Happily she picked up the utensils and started to eat.
"Ozwin and Thuzu went to Mor Dhona to help the Braves." Roll mentioned. "They heard we were helping out and decided to offer their services while we rested."
"Ahhhh."
"Yes, the good ol' turn taking." Richiro smile brightened up. "And its a good thing seeing as you were so tired!"
"More like she was emotionally and mentally drained." Koroko pointed out fluidly, her large, fluffy hat bobbed as she nodded.
"And what about Mjnt and Kida?" Azlyn decided to ask in between bites. It was soon told that they too went to Mor Dhona to assist, and also find out more information about the Ivy. Roll kept the particulars to a minimum to avoid unnecessary worry.
"They're helping with our extracurricular activity from the previous night then—hopefully it bears some fruit in the long haul."
Her cousin nodded back. "Same."
"Which leaves us four—what are your plans for today Azlyn?" The Lalafellin conjurer turned to the girl with a bright eyed and expectant look.
"I might go back to assist Alphinaud if he'll let me." Azlyn didn't know if the lad would continue letting them help out his new Braves as openly as he was last night—and she hoped not to leave him hanging with so much needing to be done. "If not, I may go to the Camp where the Saint Coinach's scholars are to learn more about that Crystal Tower."
The mentioning of the tower did grab their attention, as no one really knew the origin or why it suddenly appeared. All that they could gather, was that it shortly arrived after they dealt with the Ultima Weapon and the Black Wolf of the Empire.
Koroko Koko hummed. "Well if that's the plan, I shall head off to my own devices. There are some portals that need closing."
"The voidsent ones?!" Richiro gasped. It appeared he accompanied her on own of her tasks the previous time—as he soon turned a shade paler than normal. "But why?!"
"It must needs be done. Come, come Richiro—I have need of your services once more." Koroko deviously laughed before she started a teleport. "We shall be seeing you later."
And then she disappeared. Richiro grumbled but also teleported to follow after their young black mage.
"Anything you have to do Roll?" Azlyn returned to her meal, seeing everyone beginning to move about their day.
"I have something I need to craft for Rowena—and I wanted to go fishing a bit later. I heard there's a giant fish to be found near Brewer's Beacon. I'm going to try my luck."
Azlyn chuckled, "What's the name of this so-called fish?"
"The Navigator's Brand."
"Wouldn't Ozwin be jealous if you went without him?" She chuckled despite knowing her cousin's answer.
"Then he shouldn't have went to Mor Dhona. He can catch his own fish." It was a very resolute, and crisp response back—to which her cousin laughed. "Imagine he comes back and finds that super rare fish in a giant fish tank. Heh—I should make a giant fish tank."
Azlyn decided to let her cousin off the hook, as she was starting to pull out her notebook to jot down the ideas that just came to her. Having finished breakfast, the Au Ra stood up from the counter to go wash her dish and clean up.
She could smell the dried herbs that hung off the wall, evenly spread and fresh from the garden outside. For the most part, all of the food they had at the house had been stuff they'd grown or gathered themselves. Roll and Ozwin were the primary cooks of the house, while Azlyn preferred baking.
However now was not the time to bake.
"I'll be checking in with the Braves—give me a call if you run into any danger!"
Roll waved goodbye to her, walking over to the workshop. "Will do. You be safe out there as well."
She activated her teleport back to Mor Dhona, having left the comfortable warmth of the desert and returning to the aetherically charged atmosphere of the adventurer's camp situated between Thanalan, an Empire's Stronghold, and Coerthas. She could tell the temperature dropped about twenty degrees as she arrived, the skies shifting to a grayish color.
The giant aetheryte crystal shown brightly, despite the purple haze that formed around it. She made her way to the Rising Stones beyond the bar of Seventh Heaven, waving her greetings as she passed by the security and a few of the Braves in the plaza.
It wasn't until she was past the doors did the chaotic adventurer's bar faded away, and only the soft lull of activity remained. She walked up the long running carpet roll, moving toward the open seating area. There she found two of their free company eating a few rice balls.
The Midlander Hyur stuffed a riceball into his mouth.
"Did you sleep well?" The Miqo'te Warrior smiled to her as she grabbed one of the spare chairs at their table.
"Slept like the dead." Azlyn chuckled, "How was your morning Ozwin? Thuzu?"
The pair looked between themselves before Ozwin shrugged. He brought his hand to his face to wipe off a few grains of rice that stuck to the corner of his lip.
"The 4th Unit within the Braves had a bit of difficulty during their reconnaissance." He leaned back in his chair now, letting the back two legs hold him up. He made it appear as if balancing came second nature to him.
"How so?" Azlyn ventured into the topic as her curiosity grew.
"The Garlean legions are slowly reclaiming their overtaken Castra's." N'thuzu Tia explained with grimace. "And while on their mission to check it out, one of their own had been taken hostage."
Now this had been alarming. Azlyn's eyes widened at the thought of the Garlean's resuming their posts at the abandoned Castrum's after Operation Archon. With Gaius Van Baelsar gone, they should have earned a bit more time—unless things in Garlemald settled.
"Relax Az, we were nearby to assist their unit. We saved the young Miqo'te and Alianne with her squadron were able to retreat to Mor Dhona." Ozwin reached for another rice ball wrapped with a bit of seaweed and happily ate.
"It's a good thing you all were here then." Azlyn smiled, nodding to them both. "Thank you for helping them."
Thuzu waved off her gratitude with a slight wave of his hand. "We only did what we thought was right."
And Ozwin spoke with his mouth still half full with his chewed on rice, "Alphinaud probably wouldn't live with himself if they lost a member only a day into starting the damn company."
"You're going to choke if you don't chew your food properly." Azlyn chided him, only for Ozwin to roll his eyes back to her.
"Yes Moth—!?"
"Perfect! Just the people I was hoping to find!" Alphinaud spoke loudly to announce themselves, while Captain Ilberd walked over to their table and clapped Ozwin's back.
The action caused the poor Hyur to right himself in his chair as he choked on the bit of rice. Thuzu grabbed a canteen from his satchel, and before anything else was said, they all watched wide eyed as he downed an entire canteen of water and gasped for air.
"By the Twelve Ozwin, you alright?" Alphinaud directed a worried glance to him.
He hoarsely replied. "Gods above, you tryin' to kill me?" Ozwin looked to the Captain who sighed in relief at his quick recovery.
"I do apologize Ozwin, I thought you were merely relaxing and chatting—not eating." Ilberd clapped his back once again, but it was more or less helping him swallow down the half eaten food.
Azlyn did a quick look over of the man, and seeing him coughing to relieve the tension in his throat, she decided to pull out her own canteen of water. She passed it over to him who gratefully took it and drank from it.
"No harm—no foul." He replied after three smooth drinks without coughing.
"It'd be unfortunate if the 4th Unit's Savior choked after helping us out—I must say, Commander Leveilleur has a slew of amazing people by his side." The Captain of the Crystal Braves commended them for what they did that morning.
Alphinaud coughed into his hand, "Everyone here, as well as those who aren't, have always been the pinnacle of what I strive to become. A beacon of hope for all of Eorzea—and together as a united front I hope we can work as one to protect this place we consider home."
Azlyn smiled with a nod. "It must have been quite the eventful morning, so it's a good thing the 4th Unit escaped without any causalities."
When Ozwin's choking had been fully resolved did the Captain turn his attention back to his Commander. "Sir, I do believe you have quite the news for our comrades. Did you not wish to share it with them?"
With the mentioning of this, the three perked as Alphinaud snapped his thumb and ring finger enthusiastically. "You're absolutely right Captain Ilberd—pray, I leave you with the matters we discussed and I shall attend to this grand opportunity."
"Good day, and I pray that we are able to work together once more Scions." Captain Ilberd saluted crisply, and promptly left the Rising Stones to, what Azlyn assumed was, further investigate the Ivy.
"So what is this grand opportunity." Ozwin quoted, crossing his arms over his chest. His eyes narrowed slightly at the strange proposition.
The lad from Sharlayan did not miss a beat as he explained—pulling a chair back—he sat with them to explain, blue eyes alit with fiery passion. "We have been blessed with a rare opportunity—an audience with an ambassador of the Holy See of Ishgard."
Thuzu blinked slowly, not realizing what that meant—while Azlyn and Ozwin both whistled together.
"Not everyday an ambassador from Ishgard grants an audience." Ozwin mentioned, and Azlyn had to agree.
"I concur." She too crossed her arms over her chest. "From what I know Ishgard had closed down their borders for quite some time now."
"Is it really that big of a deal?" N'thuzu Tia asked them, and Azlyn nodded in response.
"Depending on who it is, yes—normally Ishgard and the Holy See won't deign an audience with foreign countries outside of Coerthas." She turned to the lad who seemed ready to spill all he knew. She chuckled before offering him the chance to tell them more. "Who is it?"
Alphinaud excitedly explained, "We are to meet with Ser Aymeric, lord commander of the Temple Knights, in Camp Dragonhead. It is considered a great honor to serve the Holy See directly as a Temple Knight. Needless to say, their leader wields tremendous political influence. We would be wise to court his favor." The lad reached over to the plate where the last five remaining rice balls remained. He grabbed one to hold in his hand with ease. "For this reason, I consider your attendance essential. If Ser Aymeric wishes to meet the men and women behind the legend, I would not deny him the pleasure of your company!"
It was at this point where Ozwin shook his head. "Ah—yeah, no—talking with important people is not my forte. Unless you want me to royally screw up your relations?"
Thuzu chuckled at his reply, while Alphinaud widened in horror.
"No matter." Alphinaud turned his attention to Azlyn who had a feeling she couldn't escape this one. "I suppose we could have a representative from your team—and I see no better person to go with than Azlyn."
"Perfect!" Ozwin clapped both his hands, and stood up. "We won't bother you in your preparations—Azlyn call if you're in trouble, bye!"
He darted away, grabbing N'thuzu Tia by his arm to take him away. Azlyn blinked before shrugging. "Alright then… So we're to meet Ser Aymeric at Camp Dragonhead?" She decided it would be best to just go with Alphinaud to avoid further trouble. "Should we check in with Minfillia before we head out?"
"Indeed! After you Azlyn!"
Together they cleaned up the table and went to the Solar where Minfillia worked. The office reminded Azlyn of the small office she used back in the Waking Sands. The giant wall mount that held Louisoix's staff broken in pieces was the centerpiece that drew much attention compared to the rest of the furniture.
"Good Afternoon Alphinaud—oh and Azlyn is with you!" Minfillia smiled from her desk. "What can I help you two with?"
Alphinaud excitedly began explaining their chance to negotiate with an Ishgardian ambassador. "Antecedent, the opportunity for us to bridge our connection with Ishgard has come at hand! We're to meet Ser Aymeric this afternoon!"
"A meeting with the ambassador? By all means, I think this is a wonderful idea." Minfillia lifted her hand to her chin, as if a thought troubled her. "Yet welcome though these overtures are, I cannot help but wonder what prompted them. The Ishgardians have spurred all contact with the other city-states for decades. Why reach out now?"
Alphinaud shrugged as he leaned the palms of his hands upon the desk. "Would that I knew. The question of their motive is one to which I have given no small amount of thought. Alas, I know no more than is generally known."
Azlyn decided to give her own two cents, "Perhaps Ishgard is… curious from the recent events that have transpired in Eorzea?" Minfillia and Alphinaud turned to her before she jumped into her explanation. "With Gaius's death, they could be wondering who would stand up to the Empire after Carteneau?"
"The notoriously reclusive nation of Ishgard, situated at the center of Abalanthia's Spine…" Alphinaud nodded. "Ruled by the Ishgardian Orthodox Church, at the head of which presides the archbishop. Members of the original Eorzean Alliance, formed in the wake of Ala Mhigo's fall some two decades ago. Friends of convenience who withdrew from the Alliance as soon as the imperial fleet was routed at the Battle of Silvertear Skies."
This was all to familiar—as she'd remember speaking with her friends back in Sharlayan regarding the outcome of the SIlvertears battle.
"Since which time, their borders have remained closed to all outsiders. They have rejected everyone one of their former allies' calls to reopen dialogue, turning a deaf ear to their neighbors' pleas even when the Calamity loomed large. And on the fields of Carteneau, where brave men and women laid down their lives in defense of the realm, their banners were conspicuously absent."
She remained silent. Azlyn couldn't stand the thought of thinking the what ifs. If they had participated maybe… She shook her head.
Alphinaud spoke quickly, as her expression darkened. "I have tried to convince Ishgard to reopen the Alliance at every opportunity. "I have explained over and over again that unless Eorzea stands united, we cannot hope to preserve our freedom. One by one, our nations will fall, as once fell Ala Mhigo." The young lad shook his head as if he was disappointed. "And what have mine efforts yielded? Why, naught."
"So what you're saying is don't expect this to open negotiations?" Azlyn prompted at last, putting any hopes in the future discussion with as low expectations as possible.
Minfillia worriedly looked between the pair. "Surely this can be considered a step in the direction?"
Alphinaud nodded. "I should hope so. Rather than the lowly messengers we have been rubbed off with in the past, this time we shall meet with a man of genuine influence. Of course, I am not so naive as to think that they com to use out of the goodness of their hearts. We have something they desire, though I have yet to find out what. But such is the nature of diplomacy. They will bring their agendas to the negotiating table, and so will I—along with a handful of inconvertible truths."
"I hope it works well." Azlyn replied, but she wasn't going to raise her expectations.
"I too—The Empire will soon be at our doorstep once more." Minfillia offered, and they all could only think of the succession of the new emperor that could potentially jumpstart the war of Eorzea once again. With the promise of war, they could guarantee that Ishgard will one day see war.
"Indeed." The young lad crossed his arms over his chest. "You may be certain that I will expound upon the point and others." Seeing as they were talking in circles, Alphinaud decided to proceed with their travel plans. "Azlyn, let us depart for Camp Dragonhead. Our friend Lord Haurchefant is expecting us."
Lord Haurchefant had been one of the lords from Ishgard that had helped them time and time and time again—whenever they were in his camp—he'd welcome them with open arms and a warm hearth. "Since our quest to recover the Enterprise, I understand you have further ingratiated yourself with the man. Excellent work. His fondness may prove useful for our cause."
She nodded. Yet she knew some of it was thanks to Mjnt's help. She initially had to earn their trust through her hard work and effort as a dragoon lancer in his personal knight guard. But he always let her attend to other causes, knowing that they'd come back with stories to tell.
"Safe travels, and do call if you run into trouble!" Minfillia waved goodbye to them as they both walked away from the Solar. They both left the bar and Alphinaud started the long trek to Coerthas. Azlyn walked alongside him, before finding a chocobo renter to ride out the rest of the way.
Azlyn found out that the lad did not have teleport access as they had in Camp Dragonhead—so they would try to remedy this when they arrived. In the meantime, they would travel from the lands of Mor Dhona to the winters snowfields of Coerthas.
"The Crystal Braves are doing well?" Azlyn opted for conversation as they rode.
"With only a day under our belt, I dare say we have done a great deal of good for the realm—and my braves are taking on quite bit of work now."
"It sounds as if they haven't discovered any new aetheric disruptions or primal summonings, so that is a step in the right direction." Azlyn proffered.
Most of their time had been Alphinaud speaking whatever had come to mind, whether it was on his newly formed Crystal Braves, his ideas on the Ascian's plot, or how the cold starting to set in has been unbearable of late.
Azlyn wasn't one for the cold either—the snow was fun for a day, but to live in it constantly would be awful. At least for her. When they arrived into the winter wonderland, Azlyn plucked out one of her mantles, and handed it to Alphinaud. He gratefully threw it over his shoulders as they started to see Camp Dragonhead in the distance.
The skies continued to drop flakes of snow in flurries, obscuring views to the dark grey stones in the distance.
And as the biting cold started to dig in, they finally entered the premises. They handed over the pair of chocobo's to a tender at the outdoor plot, and made their way to the familiar tall brick building.
"Brrrr…" Alphinaud shook off the snow from his shoulders as Azlyn reached for the doors to allow them inside. The warmth of the hall welcomed them as they gratefully came inside. A few knights at the entrance turned to them, and they then nodded to them.
Azlyn smiled, waving back before making her way into the large common room where Lord Haurchefant worked. The lord had been sitting when they arrived, and upon sight, immediately jumped up with a giant and welcoming grin of his own.
"My friends! A welcome sight!" He walked around his table, and clapped both his hands upon Alphinaud's shoulders to squeeze. He grinned down to the teen as he chuckled. "Our hearths have been stoked to blazing in preparation for your arrival. It would not do for such distinguished personages to catch a cold whilst enjoying our hospitality."
Alphinaud peered up to the Lord, his cheeks tinged red from the cold. "The gesture is much appreciated, I fear I shall ever struggle in cold climate."
"Same." Azlyn chuckled, and together the three walked to a small fireplace to the side to warm themselves. She let her hands hover close to the fire, letting the embers eating the lumber below send warmth back into her fingers once more.
"Tis good to see you both in hale health! Master Alphinaud and Azlyn back together to traveling in our homeland! You and yours have done us quite the service with our fake inquisitor!"
Their youth of the group chuckled, but nodded all the same. "Likewise Lord Haurchefant! Forgive us yet another imposition—I fear we have relied overmuch on your aid since you so generously assisted us in locating the Enterprise!"
Lord Haurchefant leaned against the wall, away from the fire as he smiled down to the pair. He nodded to them. "Nonsense. Any debt incurred have long since been repaid. Besides, who can say what the future may bring?" He winked to the pair before shrugging. "House Fortemps may even seek the aid of your newly formed Crystal Braves."
This seemed to brighten Alphinaud's mood—and he beamed back to the Lord.
"In any case, I am simply delighted that the Holy See is at last willing to grant you an audience." Lord Haurchefant explained with ease. "No doubt your discoveries at Snowcloak with Mjnt has helped justify the decision. This recent resurgence in heretical activity is of grave concern to us all." The man in chain mail paused, thinking to himself. "But to the matter at hand, Ser Aymeric arrived in Camp Dragonhead earlier, and I am told he is eager to meet with you at your first convenience."
Azlyn blinked. "Eager?"
Lord Haurchefant nodded enthusiastically. "Oh yes—he's… ah, I'll let him explain himself! You are doubtless weary from your journey and desirous to rest awhile by the warmth of our hearth—he will understand the wait."
"Speaking of the journey over," Azlyn asked. "I know we have been granted access to your aetheryte—is there a way to grant Alphinaud the same access?"
Lord Haurchefant blinked, and nodded. "Of course, I thought Master Alphinaud been given permissions before! Let's be sure you have access before the night is over!"
With that set in motion, Azlyn breathed a bit at ease thinking that it would have been harder to give access to a restricted aetheryte system. Given how easy it was, she could only feel relief. Perhaps this was a sign of good things to come—and maybe this Ser Aymeric would give them just as much good news?
Well, that would come in due time perhaps.
"When you're both ready to head over, pray inform myself so that I may escort you to the intercessory. It'd be an honor."
Alphinaud rubbed his hands together, as if the thought of leaving the warmth made him saddened—yet making negotiations would be worth the cold climate if they succeeded. "I think it be best we proceed to the intercessory forthwith." He raised a hand to his chin. "We shan't keep the Lord Commander waiting for too long, as inviting as your hearth has been."
Azlyn chuckled. "Indeed. Let us commence the meeting."
Lord Haurchefant pushed himself off the wall and looked to one of his knights. "Ser Knight, please gather the Lord Commander's group to the intercessory—we shall meet them anon!"
"You nervous?" Azlyn whispered to the lad beside her.
He shook his head. "No—but I won't deny I worry a little bit."
"It'll be alright." Or at least she hoped so.
"This shouldn't be that bad—the forums much worse." Alphinaud proposed suddenly, and Azlyn had to stifle her chuckle.
That was certainly a fact. They were not the forum.
They both laughed as Lord Haurchefant called the pair back from the hearth.
Together the three moved out of the castle building to around the side. They arrived inside without much delay, as Lord Haurchefant spoke confidently over the bristling winds. Entering inside, Azlyn and Alphinaud both shook off the cold of the snow.
The room had been large, a giant carpet rolled over hard stone—a giant table that could easily sit thirty men and women laid in the center. A few chairs had been scattered about, while a wooden partition had been set up to separate a smaller seating area. A few books had been left on the table as they walked toward.
Lord Haurchefant stopped them prior to sitting. "Have faith, my friends. You need only state your case with confidence and clarity."
Alphinaud nodded curtly—Azlyn could see the young lad adjusting his collar to loosen up the neck a bit. Even as they waited, Azlyn's eyes trained upon the room. The crackling of a fire in the hearth alerted her that the space had been awaiting them—yet their expectant guests had yet to arrive.
"We shall do so." Azlyn nodded once, and the doors to the intercessory opened once again.
A pair of Elezen arrrived—one male, the other female. Azlyn turned to face them, and couldn't help looking them up head to toe discreetly. The female looked to be a higher knight, perhaps a personal guard—she had short blonde hair, cropped on one side and had a heavy side bang covering her left face. She adorned a beautiful circlet over her forehead, a pretty ruby gem shined in the new light. Azlyn noticed her eyes—trained on her, and gave the clear indication of an unknown strength.
And the other? A young male Elezen, tall with sleek black hair. He wore a different uniform than that of the knights. Even the woman who accompanied him wore something different than the usual knights. While hers had been over silver and maroon color, he wore blue, silver, and a bit of gold plated armor. But what drew her attention was not his state of dress but his face. And his piercing azure eyes. She couldn't tell based on looks who he was—or what he might be like—but these two people had influence beyond their means. Even Azlyn could see as such, before Lord Haurchefant walked over to a chair. He pulled it out, and gestured for Azlyn to sit.
Before she decided to take a seat, she formally bowed to the new pair who arrived. When she finished her customary introduction, she then made her way to sit down at the table. Alphinaud shortly joined her at the seat next to her, and Lord Haurchefant took to the head of the table.
It wasn't long before the pair moved to the opposite side—where the young lord sat down while the woman stood up on his left side. She stood at ease beside him, but her eyes were trained to them.
This… was going to be an interesting conversation.
I got a review asking if I would be doing the Crystal Tower Alliance Raids. Yes, I will be! ^^
I have a few ideas on how I want to go about it—but I'm still deciding if I should tackle this as an 8 man with the OG group, or if I should keep it with 24 man. 8 man would be easier for writing, but 24 could open up quite a bit more characters to use in the future. It'd be something I need to thoroughly plan out. I'll probably get the the Tower series soon—potentially within the next arc or so. But definitely before the last quest for A Realm Reborn. There's some stuff to do with the Braves too…. Lots of stuff, but we're getting close to Heavensward!
Hope you're enjoying the novelization so far! Thank you for reading! ^^ - TK