Light's Call

by Naryfiel Lilith

Five years after the Calamity, the realm of Eorzea nurses its wounds and tends to its scars, still teeters on the edge of destruction. Primals and the shadow of the Empire threaten to plunge the realm into the shadows of bloodshed once more. Yet even the darkest nights must end, and sometimes, it is a single person who can change the fate of a realm, forever. [ARR novelization]

3. Chapter 3) Shadows

Chapter 3) Shadows

---

I think you'd like the people on Stonesthrow, Xanthos. They are a kind people who endure despite the hardships thrown their way. It reminds me of the stories you always favored. I found a few new ones in the market I think you'd like too! And I purchased them with my own money! I'm sure it sounds so trivial, but there's something nice about being able to buy books instead of reading whatever was approved, or whatever you and our parents managed to trick my caretakers into bringing in.

I wish I could tell you I've only experienced good and happy things, but if that were the case, I'm sure you'd worry about how stagnant everything was. I… killed someone recently. It was to protect a child, but a murder is a murder. A death, a death. It sits heavy in my heart, but it's not like how the books described the feeling of a first kill. Just resigned inevitability. Maybe that was what the priestess saw that day, and…

No, I'm not going to think on that. You freed me, and no matter how selfish it is, I intend to live my life to the fullest I can. I miss you, though. I miss our conversations, even if they were through a door. One day, we'll have a proper one.

---

"Why must they throw their needles?" I grumbled, carefully picking out some needles from my leg. I'd opted to wear lighter armor, and I was paying for it. "And why do such tiny things hurt so much?"

"Yikes, it looks like they got you good!" A Brass Blade looked over my shoulder as I worked, ready to assist if needed. He was strange, being so kind despite his profession. Then again, it could be because I'd helped him and his fellows by taking on this job. Or perhaps the ones I'd met on the road had been… no, Brendt had implied otherwise and he had many more encounters with them. Still, this one was nice. "I'm sorry you had to go through that," he mumbled, smiling almost sheepishly. "Especially when you helped us out with those other buggers earlier today."

"Well, it's part of being an adventurer?" I smiled slightly and shrugged off the apology. Momodi made it clear that the jobs here at Scorpion Crossing would involve injuries of all sorts. But it was good for experience! "I will admit to assuming the whole 'throwing needles at threats' thing was an exaggeration for these…" What were they called again? "Cact… it's not cacti, right? Those are the plants."

"Cactuar, miss, a type of seedkin." 'Seedkin' being a classification for plant-like monsters with the capability of controlled movement and active hunting, defense, and reproduction. Their similarity to normal plants made it difficult to properly identify threats, and made botanists and travelers perfect unsuspecting targets. Hence why I'd been asked to deal with the more aggressive cactuar while here, along with decreasing the number of fallen needles on the road. Apparently, they were sharp enough to pierce through the soles of shoes. "We try to keep our distance when dealing with those buggers. I should've warned you."

"Right, next time, fire spells." I winced as I pulled another one, and grimaced at the blood trickling down. Small little dribbles, with a few pooling around my scales. "Can you get me something to wipe my leg down?"

"Of course."

It sure was… something… that I was almost used to such interactions nowadays. I'd had one or two a day since arriving here in Scorpion Crossing. According to Momodi, it was a settlement-waystation, where goods from Vesper Bay were sorted to later be transported to their destinations. A large number of the numerous crates and barrels went to Ul'dah, no doubt because of all the merchants and stores that lived within. Those that did not either went onto caravans or were directly picked up by merchants. All of which meant there were a lot of chocobos who needed tending to. And monsters to kill, but I greatly preferred the chocobos.

"Aw… you're so fluffy!" I cooed, happily brushing one particular chocobo. They'd been acting strangely, so the chocokeeper who tended to all the chocobos who passed through had me assist with giving them a good cleaning. "Bet you feel better without that bug on you!"

"Nasty buggers, those parasitic ladybugs," the chocokeeper muttered, petting the chocobo on the beak. I didn't know their name; no matter how many times I'd asked, they'd refused to give it. "Must've been on him for a while to make him act so cranky and disobedient."

"Poor thing…" Finished with brushing, I set the tools down and just gave the chocobo as many pets as I could. Their happy 'kweh' noise showed they didn't mind the attention at all. "Are all chocobos transporters like this one?" This one in particular belonged to one of the traveling merchant.

"Most of the tamed ones are, though some of the Grand Companies ride them into battle. Some will race them. Others simply keep them as pets to be spoiled rotten." The chocokeeper laughed when the chocobo starting nosing the bag on their belt. "More rotten, in most cases. Here you are." Out from the pouch came some sort of vegetable that the chocobo happily and greedily devoured. "Yes, yes. You know; your owner asked that I not give you extra treats."

"Well, I doubt any of us here will tell." I grinned and the chocokeeper laughed. "You said tamed, though?" I stretched up on my toes to scritch the chocobo's head, and got a laughing-trill in return. "Where do they live in the wild?"

"Up in the Dravanian Forelands, by Ishgard." I did not know that place at all. Mayhaps I'd visit one day? Then again, I had my hands full here in Ul'dah. "Wild ones are territorial, with a devastating kick among other things. Ishgard handles breeding and taming them, and exports out the males to keep a tight control over their breeding population." They patted the chocobo on the beak. "That's enough rambling for now, though. Let's move this one to the stables and tend to the next one."

"On it!"

We groomed at least three more chocobos before I was tasked with other less fluffy duties. Such as retrieving fallen cargo from the site of a wildlife ambush, clearing the nearby area of monsters since the sultana herself was apparently going to visit soon, clearing the road from here to the bridge of monsters to ensure the safety and (more importantly to them) profits of caravans, retrieving stolen goods… the oddest one might have been capturing the marmots, however. A visiting merchant from the 'Near East' apparently fell in love with the nut-munching beasts and insisted on purchases a few dozen for the nobles of their homeland. I had to fight the beasts before they were willing to calm down enough for me to actually capture them, but I managed well enough. At least, I thought I did, considering how happy the merchants in charge of procuring the beasts were when I delivered them, and I thought such a job well done would be a good excuse to take a break.

"You!" Sadly, someone else had other ideas. "You've time to spare!" one of the workers snapped, one high ranked enough to oversee a large portion of the operations here. And though the words didn't sound like a question, I nodded anyway. "Help me find my crates!" In… in this mess of a place where crates were all over the place? "The manifest clearly states there should be three crates from the East Aldenard Company!" He shook the piece of paper he held, as if it would divulge the location of the missing crates. "But I can't find them anywhere!"

"East Aldenard?" I repeated, my tired mind focusing on what I didn't know. I wasn't too tired to learn, after all. "What's that?" Was there a 'West Aldenard'?

"Did you live under a damned rock, girl?" No, just locked away in a room in a village with little contact with outsiders. A rock might have been preferable. "It's the largest trade company in Ul'dah, headed by Lord Lolorito Nanarito, the richest man in all of Ul'dah, maybe even Eorzea." Just nod and listen. It seemed like the best idea for now. "It's got everything famous under its name. Estaime's Aesthetics, Sunsilk Tapestries, the Jolly Raptor…" I vaguely recognized those names, though only as particular destinations for some of the boxes. "Bah, I don't have time for this! Find those crates!"

He turned away to snap orders at another worker, clearly expecting me to obey. Not knowing how to refuse, I sighed and rolled my shoulders to try and loosen the tensions there. I was scraped and bruised from all the battles, and my muscles were tight from fatigue, but I had work to do. Surprisingly, while I debated where to start my search, I sensed that tug on my soul. I braced myself, anticipating the beacons, but there… weren't any. At all. No, it was nothing more of an impression, a feeling of 'here in this general vicinity'. All it did, essentially, was confirm the things were actually here at the Crossing. Somewhere. Darn it.

Biting back another sigh, I looked around for a ladder and climbed up to start my search at the topmost parts. It seemed logical enough, to me at least. I doubted the man had looked here for the missing boxes, especially when I could see him rushing around and barking orders to the other workers. When I reached the top, though, I noticed something… well, strange. And sparkly. As in one of the boxes had sparkles hovering above and about it. I blinked a couple of times and rubbed my eyes to see if it was sort of visual illusion due to tiredness and the sun. The sparkles remained. Curious, I crept closer to see if there was anything on the box that could emit sparkles, but no, nothing. Just a normal box, with the words 'East Aldenard' stamped on it.

"Why is it sparkly?" I asked aloud, tilting my head and poking the side. Felt like normal wood to me. "Weird." With a grunt, I hefted the box up and slowly made my way over to the ramp that would lead me back to the ground. "Is it something the company does? I suppose it could be hard to see depending on the…" I trailed off when I glanced down and saw another sparkly box. And everyone walked right past it as if it was just another box. "So, this is just another weird part of the weird thing that lets me sense things. Why not just go with the beacon? Why the 'general area' and 'sparklies'? Seems more trouble than its worth, really." Still, it did mean I didn't have to check every single box in the area. I could be grateful for that. "So, where should I place this…?"

After a moment of thought, I set the box by the man who'd ordered me to find the boxes in the first place and then hunted for the other two. The second one didn't prove so bad to find, mostly because it was literally right next to where the man was. The third… proved more troublesome and I half-swore it purposely avoided me out of spite. If an inanimate object could actually move on its own or feel spite, of course. But eventually, I did find the last sparkling box, tucked behind some other boxes in the corner closest to the front gates, and I carried it to where I had placed the other two. Then I tapped the man's arm and pointed to the boxes when he whirled to snap at me.

"You found them?" he asked, sounding a little startled. He immediately began inspecting each one, nodding to himself. "Aye, that's the three. Good, good…" He breathed a sigh of relief and smiled. "Thanks, now these will be on the next wagon out of here, right on schedule."

"Glad to help," I replied, going ahead and carrying the boxes over to where the rest of the 'about to leave' boxes were being stacked. Seemed proper. "Where will they go?"

"Off to Vesper Bay, where they'll be transported to who the bloody hells knows where. Maybe Kugane." Where was that? "Never a moment's peace around here. Shipments never stop coming day in and day out." He sighed gustily. "Enough to give me a migraine. Money's good, but hells, I don't have the time to spend it!" Er… so what was I supposed to say to that? "Bah, complain' won't solve that. You're the adventurer that's been helpin' out here recently, right?"

"I am, yes."

"Been very helpful. Not just with this, but with everything else. Things have been a mess, but thanks to you, we've gotten back on schedule." Oh, that was… wasn't expecting that! I had to bite back a silly grin, and curl my tail around my leg to keep it from swishing! "Mind doin' me one more favor?"

"What's the job?"

"Can you see this safe to Kikipu in the Silver Bazaar?" He pulled a letter from his jacket pocket, sealed tight with five beautiful feathers tied to it. "I'd rather call on her myself, but I haven't the time, sadly. And, well…" He grimaced, glancing down at the ground. "Not that I think my legs would hold me if I did. I'm damned tired, and it's quite a walk from here."

"Letter to Kikipu in the Silver Bazaar. Got it." I carefully took the letter and stashed it in my side pouch for now. I'd move it to my 'inventory', as I'd taken to calling the 'tear in space where I stashed things', later for safety. But people tended to look unnerved if I did it in front of them. "Is there anything else?"

"No, just me being worried. You hear rumors and all." He sighed. I wondered what rumors he meant. "She's an old friend, and a dear one. Called that place home for… well, for too long." Why would any place be home for 'too long'? That made no sense.

Still, I wouldn't ask. There was a more important question. Like where the place was… or so I was about to ask. However, I felt that little 'tug' in my soul yet again. And this time it was a beacon, not a 'in this general area' flare. Probably best to finish up any remaining jobs here before I headed out. I had a suspicious feeling this would not be a simple letter delivery.

---

Judging by the name, I expected the Silver Bazaar to be… well, silver. Or at least, shiny. It was neither. It reminded me of Stonesthrow, truthfully, only with more buildings and less tents. Though the buildings themselves looked worn down and tired, particularly the gates which proclaimed the name of the hamlet, on a sign that looked ready to snap in the wind. Only that sign, and the beacon, kept me from turning around, convinced I had the wrong place. It was terrible of me, to assume so much from appearances, yet...

"Well, what is it, then?" A scowling Lalafell came to 'greet' me as soon as I took two steps past the gates. "Come to scare me and the other poor folk here off our land again?" she scoffed, planting her feet and lifting her chin to glare defiantly. I tilted my head to the side in silent confusion. "I'll not budge one step from here, so go on! Do your worst!"

"I… fear there may be a misunderstanding?" I replied slowly, hoping I sounded unthreatening enough. Belatedly, I thought to hold out the letter, glad I had thought to 'pull' it from my 'inventory' before walking up. "I was asked to deliver this to a 'Kikipu' at the Silver Bazaar by a fellow over at Scorpion Crossing."

"Well, you found her." She snatched the letter from me, and though I wore leather gloves, I had to check and make sure I didn't have a papercut. "Why… this is from Oswell!" Immediately, her face lit up with a smile, a beautiful one. "With… hammer beak feathers? Oh, what's this idiot thought of this time?" Shaking her head, she tore open the envelope and unfolded the letter within. Sadly, it didn't seem to be a very comforting letter. Her scowl slowly returned, deepening with each line she read. "Why that… blasted…!" She muttered more curses under her breath, each more colorful than the last. Some sounded anatomically impossible, actually. "Spread my wings and soar?! This is the most ridiculous letter he's ever written, and that's certainly saying something." She glared at the feathers and tossed them to the side. "And doesn't the dolt realize he sent feathers from a flightless bird? Ugh!" She tore the letter in half and stuffed it into her pocket. "Well, Oswell can go bugger himself! I've no intentions of stepping one ilm from this horrid hovel! It's my hovel, and I love it!"

"...Should…" This was awkward. "Should I not have delivered it?"

"I… oh, dear, this isn't your fault." She took a few deep breaths, visibly working on relaxing again before smiling bitterly at me. "No, I thank you for it. Even if he's a fool with far too much time on his hands, he's still a friend. It's good to see he's well. If perhaps taking too many lumps on the head from those crates he moves about."

"I see." It was hard to not sigh with relief.

"Hmm…" Frankly, I didn't only because her gaze suddenly sharpened, scrutinizing me from head to toe. "You've a warm face for an outsider. Warm face paired with such gentle eyes." She chuckled, but there was something sad to it. "Not like those curs who keep loitering about." I had no idea how to respond, so I simply frowned a little. "Did you see those great towers pounding the land on your way here?" I had no idea what she was talking about, but I nodded anyway. It seemed safest. "We call them the Hammers. They're preparing the land for development." So, why would that entail hitting the ground repeatedly? "A few of their workers decided to swing by here and relax, and if any of that were the truth, we'd let them." She scowled in the direction of some sort of building with pieces of the roof missing and badly patched. "But they're no workers. They're simply here to cause trouble and make threats. It's not the first time."

"That so?" I could think of only one reason why she'd tell me any of this. "Shall I talk to them?"

"If you don't mind."

I nodded and meandered towards the building she'd indicated, while trying to figure out just why I was asked. Not to mention what I'd say. Clearly, whatever the people here had said and done had not worked, so what could a stranger do? Besides walk inside to find the dusty tavern room clearly divided between a trio of drunks laughing and flailing wildly… and a group of people sitting at the tables glaring murderously at the former.

"Pardon me," I began, carefully stepping between the loud ones and the 'please someone put me out of my misery or, better yet, them' ones. Both sides looked at me as if I had two heads and wings, though the quieter ones softened ever-so-slightly when I faced the loud ones. "Might you consider relaxing quietly?"

"Bitch, you think you can tell us what t'do?!" one loudmouth snapped, pulling a knife on me of all things. Without thinking, I blocked their clumsy attempt to attack, pushing their arm to the side and then twisting it to force them to let go of their weapon. "Owowowowowow….!"

"It was a suggestion, since you're causing trouble for-" I didn't have a chance to clarify further as the other two were on me. I tripped one and elbowed them in the back while they were off-balance to send them into the dirt. The third attempted to punch me, but I caught it and took advantage of the open guard to slam a kick into their belly. It was only after all three were incapacitated that realized just how easily I'd done that. "Um… oops?" Maybe there was something to what my teachers said about my progress after all?

To my intense embarrassment, my quick work with the rowdy workers led to cheers, particularly when they limped away, grumbling under their breath. I informed Kikipu about the altercation, mostly to apologize, and then meandered through the bazaar to see if there was anyone else I could help to further apologize. For Fafafono, a merchant, I fought some rusty… something or others for the grease they 'sweated'. They were odd things, some strange cross of crabs, ore, and snails, and I did my best to simply not question how their sweat was grease or how it would be useful. Particularly when Fafafono also had me retrieve some packages his baggage carriers apparently dropped outside the gate for whatever reason. I might've asked about that one, except I was asked by a fisherman named Galfridus to rescue his fishing lures from goblins. Now, based on the stories, I expected the goblins to look… monstrous, truthfully. Pointed features with beady gold eyes and ragged and tattered ears, bearing rotten and needle-like teeth in a twisted smile. Not what I actually got. In truth, with the strange mask and floppy ears, I might have found them oddly adorable… if not for the bombs they kept throwing at me.

"Ow… bombs hurt…" I grumbled, trying to tie a bandage around my lower left arm. While my scales there blunted some of the shrapnel, they didn't exactly make me fireproof. And my scales didn't cover the underside of my arms. "Ugh… why do they have bombs? What's wrong with normal knives and other sharp things?"

"I imagine they used to use them to protect themselves on the road," Kikipu murmured, assisting me with my bandaging. She'd stomped over after I returned what remained of Galfridus's lures (three or so, and damaged sadly…) and applied medicine to the burns on my legs. Between my pants and scales, my outer leg proved okay, but my inner right calf took a bad hit when I accidentally stepped on a bomb. "They tend to migrate, and are merchants. Used to be, at least."

"Used to be?"

"Yes, before they were thrown out." Kikipu wrapped a bandage around my leg and sat back on her heels. "They're 'beastmen', you see. And for that, they were thrown out. Now, with no place to call home or even a place to ply their trade, they mug whoever they come across with the tools they once used to protect themselves." She sighed, shaking her head in clear disappointment. "And, of course, the Brass Blades do nothing about it. Not when their masters want the land here."

"They want it?"

"Yes.. The hammers pound the land into solid foundation, to build more manors for Thanalan's wealthy. Since, of course, the influx of refugees makes the city proper intolerable to them." She scoffed at that, as if it was expected. Me? It made me feel terribly uneasy. "They want to do the same here, in the Silver Bazaar. The value of the land is set to rise, so opportunistic bastards keep trying to scare us honest folk off." She sighed and smiled sadly at the buildings. The wind gusted through, kicking up sand and dust, and knocked a shingle or two from one of the roofs nearby. "She's not what she used to be, the bazaar. Aye, more people leave than come. More shops close than open. But it's my home. It always has been, and I'm not about to be chased off by some bloody gillionaire craven who sends others to do his dirty work!"

"...Tell me about it?" Checking that I had everything bandaged, I drew my legs up to my chest and wrapped my arms around them, resting my cheek on my knees. "Tell me about the Silver Bazaar as it used to be."

"Hmm?" She seemed startled by my request, so it took her a couple of seconds to reply. "Ah, well…"

Slowly, haltingly, Kikipu spun me stories from her memories. Oh, there was the basic 'historical' things, like how it used to be the centerpoint of Ul'dah's sea trade until Vesper Bay was built up and maintained by Lord Lolorito. But that was little more than a 'fun fact', something to ground the tales as they spiraled and danced from her words. Of the traders who would stumble onto the shore from their boats, some immediately going to business and attempting to sell their wares while others only managing two steps before having to rush off due to another lost bout with seasickness. Of the brightly colored fabrics that would flutter in the breeze while dangling from racks, all to catch the eye of potential buyers. Of the wafted scents of flowers and herbs and smoked meat that would loiter amidst the crowd to entice people to buy 'just one more thing'. Of the gleaming glint of armor and weapons, and the passing mercenaries who would excitedly point out which ones they would buy when they 'made a name for themselves'.

Then there were more personal stories. In those, she didn't speak of the market or merchants or wares. She spoke of those who lived here, once upon a time. Of the baker who had set up shop near the docks, always ready to give fresh bread to new arrivals and sweets to the locals. Of a child who fell into the well not long after it had been dug while playing hide and seek with friends, and declared herself the winner after being missing for hours. Of a weaver whose skill with thread was only surpassed by her skill with a fiddle, as she proved during every festival. Of a fisherman who was always the first one out on the water and the last one to return to shore, not because he adored the craft but to be on hand if something went wrong. Of so many people, some dead and some living in other places, but still 'here' in the stories. Still 'here' in memories.

I listened attentively to them all, asking questions to spark even more tales. Kikipu herself seemed to enjoy telling them, once she realized I hadn't asked simply to be polite. She had to take a break once or twice for water to wet her throat, but with each story, she became livelier, with a bright smile and sparkling eyes. And the few times I dragged my attention away from her to look around, I noticed others listening too. Fafafono stood ramrod straight by the well, supposedly not looking at anything but his expression would change with each story, smiling or frowning depending on the tale. Galfridus lingered near, absently rolling a battered bronze lure in his hand while he listened and whispered small comments to his son. Others whose names I did not know, who stopped what they were doing because the tales enraptured them as they did me. Perhaps even more, since they were of moments and people they knew as well.

Eventually, however, someone called Kikipu away for something, and I wandered through the hamlet again, this time imagining what it had been like. This time paying extra attention and seeing the ghosts of those stories. It may be battered, it may be tired, but Kikipu wasn't the only one who remembered. The Silver Bazaar did too. I felt terrible, judging it so quickly by its appearance, so I rolled my shoulders to loosen them up and dove back into helping the people here. Most of it were small things, like helping with repairs or with drawing water from the well. Galfridus's son provided the most strenuous task, though. He requested assistance with fixing his father's compass, and required a very specific ore to do so. I agreed without a thought, and only realized after being pelted with floating, sentient rocks that I probably should've asked first about what he'd meant by 'earth sprites'. At least fire spells worked well enough of them.

"I hope I found the right type…" I mumbled to myself, stashing the last of the ore into my 'inventory'. It matched the description he'd given me, but I worried anyway. I certainly had no idea how one differentiated rocks. "Well, I can always go back if I did grab the wrong ones." With that 'reassurance', I made my careful way down a side path back to the bazaar. As I skirted close, though, I noticed movement at the gates. Specifically, Kikipu was there, glaring at someone. A smirking someone. A smirking someone who just felt wrong, for lack of a better word. All of my instincts screamed 'wrong, wrong, wrong, get him away!'. And though I knew little about the world still, I decided it was better to listen and apologize for the paranoia then to not listen and apologize for not intervening. So, I headed over, doing my best to keep calm and quiet.

"Look at this place! It's a stain on the map!" the man scoffed. He was dressed well enough, enough to hint to some wealth, but if anything, it just made him seem worse. "You resist now, but I swear I'll lay waste to these shabby tents and broken buildings! And when I'm finished, I guarantee you'll thank me for it!"

"You stupid, foolish man. You couldn't be more wrong!" Kikipu snapped. She clenched her fists at her side, visibly trembling from barely contained fury. "It is true we do not boast the gil or wares we once did. But this is home to me, to many of us! It is filled with memories! Decades of them!" She gestured behind her, at the bazaar. "We sweated together as we dug this well. We laughed and drank together at every festival. We mourned together each life the desert took from us. For that is the Silver Bazaar. That is home." She snarled up at the man, taking a step forward. The man just rolled his eyes. "And I swear to the Twelve above, I will feed you and your masters your manhoods before I let you destroy any of it!"

"Stubborn girl…" The man sighed gustily, shaking his head. "The sale is all but concluded."

"You forged the papers."

"You can't prove it, and the writs of seizure have been posted." The man smirked once more, and it made my skin crawl. "And I wouldn't try to take them down if I were you. There's far more of us than you. Though, if you're still willing to die for the place, we'd be happy to oblige." Why did so many people speak as if they were villains from a story?

Kikipu didn't bother replying to the man, which was just as well since the man left without another word. Instead, she glared at his back, still trembling from rage, and she only looked away when she noticed I was near. She didn't say anything, though. Just glanced at me in acknowledgement before returning to glaring at the man even as he disappeared from view. If looks could kill, he'd be dead thirty times over. But they couldn't, and glares… glares would not solve this. But perhaps, I...

"What would the writs look like?" I asked softly, breaking the silence. After a second, Kikipu blinked up at me, as if I had spoken another language entirely. "The writs. What would they look like? Or should I just tug at any papers dangling from buildings until someone tries to hit me for it?"

"You…" She stared, and I thought she was waiting for me to say 'never mind'. But I didn't. I simply held her gaze. "...They'll be crisp, and clean," she explained slowly. Almost like the words trickled out through her surprise. "Can't have been up long enough to get them dirty. The ink will shimmer, on account of the ground crystals within. Makes it harder to forge in theory, though anyone with the coin can buy the stuff."

"Got it." The question was… what fighting would suit best? No fire here, not with the buildings so close. Wasn't sure I could kill in this situation... fists it was, then, with some ice and thunder magic if I could manage it. "Let's try… urgh, which one…" A tug. A tug on my soul, directing me just where to go. Wish I knew why it randomly chose to be convenient, but I wouldn't complain. Not when time was against me, and certainly not when it helped me. "This way first."

"W-wait!" Kikipu snatched my hand before I could leave. "Why are you…?"

"It's the right thing to do." I shrugged, not really having a better reason. "This is your home and someone is trying to take it from you. Perhaps it's not as it was, but I like it. There's hope here, despite everything. It's only right to help that light live on." That was so rambling; I made no sense at all. Still, the words were honest, at least. I hoped she'd see that. "Besides, the stories you told me were so beautiful. How could I not want to protect this place, after hearing them?"

My hand slipped from hers, and her stare bore into my back as I ran. I didn't pay it any mind. I simply focused on those beacons, four in total, and decided to work from back to front. Though, when I came upon the first one, I noticed something… well, new. Dark purple light hung low in the area just around the sparkling beacon, slinking about like mist. Nothing said 'danger' like dark purple, I suppose. Still, I couldn't be deterred, especially with the writ within reach.

I was jumped the very second I touched the paper in question. A duo with sharp knives, who said nothing in their intent to kill me. I ducked under their initial strikes and slammed a kick into one's back to knock them into the wall. They scrambled to maintain their balance, and their fellow slid in to buy them time to regain their footing, focusing entirely on me. I threw a thunder spell directly into their face and took advantage of their shock to begin my assault. Bootshine, True Strike, Snap Punch. A fluid whirlwind that didn't let up until the second one tried to join the fray. Then I jumped back for some distance and cast a blizzard spell. I misjudged their speed and earned a gash on my arm, but I felt I got the better end of the fight. After all, they took the blizzard spell to the face, and the spikes of the ice crystal left them with blood gushing down their face (and a lot over their left eye in particular). They screamed in pain and stumbled back into their comrade. Both were knocked off-balanced and I kicked them both in the groin before literally jumping on their fallen bodies to keep them down. Then I snatched the writ off the building and rushed to the next.

This writ was on the tavern, flapping in the breeze by the outdoor table. As before, it was surrounded by that dark purple light-mist. As before, I was ambushed as soon as I stepped within the mist. Just the one this time, though. They tried to rush me, and I dodged. As they passed, I swung my tail to the side to wrap around their leg and trip them. As soon as they were down, I shoved the nearby table on top of them, keeping them pinned long enough for me to snatch the writ. Then I ran to where I sensed the next one was, though I did belatedly think to cast a thunder and ice spell on the pinned one. Just in case. But I didn't waste more time. I couldn't. I didn't know when the demolition team would arrive.

Third verse, same as the first. Purple light around the sparkling beacon, and attacked as soon as I stepped into the mist. This time, my attacker was a Lalafell, and wickedly fast. I ended up with a terrible gash to my leg, unable to fully dodge their initial assault, and on the second, they utilized their smaller size to knock me over. I barely managed to roll out of the way of their follow-up strike and tried to think of a way to buy me enough time to breathe. The answer came quickly, more quickly than expected. Again, I rolled out of the way of their next attack, and swung around to slam a kick into their midsection. They coughed and spat, reeling from the blow, and I got my feet under me to surge forward and tackle them into the nearby building. Rattled, they unintentionally dropped their knife and I took advantage to throw them to the side and kick them down the slope heading to the docks. One snatched writ later, and I bolted for the last one. I hoped it was the last. It was the last of those I sensed, at least.

This time, when I jumped into the purple-mist-thing, a fire spell almost seared my arms. A fire spell. Because of course there would be a thaumaturge somewhere. Thankfully, they didn't have the sense to hide before or after casting their spell. Even more thankfully, they had the same weakness Master Cocobuki and Cocobygo spoke of. Namely, once I got close, I could attack with little impunity. After all, they could not focus enough to cast with me punching them, and their insistence of staying near the building as they were kept them from putting distance between us. They did get a good whack on my head with their rod, but not a second. I knocked them out with a Snap Punch before they could, and claimed the last of the writs.

I spared one second to be proud of myself before I rushed to the gates, ignoring the pain spiking up from my leg and the dull, throbbing ache settling in my muscles. I had to get there in time. I had to. And I worried I hadn't, when I arrived and saw the man already standing there, laughing maniacally.

"The demolition teams are here!" the man cackled, leaning back as if the force of the sound threatened to send him to the ground. Worriedly, I glanced around, and… and saw nothing. Nothing at all. I didn't even see any animals. "Each building bearing a writ of seizure will-"

"Pardon!" I interrupted, walking over. He rolled his eyes at me, scowling. I'd apologize for ruining his monologue, but... "Here." I held out the writs and his face immediately blanched at them. "I fear you had best inform the demolitionists, wherever they are, that there are no buildings marked for seizure here."

"But… how…?" He sputtered and stammered, trying and failing to form words, and stumbled back from me. "My men…"

"They are currently nursing some bruises. Or are asleep." Or… uh… bleeding everywhere. I should probably go back and check on them, actually.

"You…" He stumbled back a few more steps, his face now a mask of horror. I tilted my head to the side in confusion. "I… t-the day is yours, perhaps, but this isn't over yet!" He seriously sounded just like a villain. He even made sure to run away immediately after saying that. Though, admittedly, I expected a little more of a fight. I was grateful there wasn't, of course. I hurt. But it was still almost… anticlimactic how quickly he'd run.

"I'm terribly curious if he memorized a script or something." Glancing at the writs I still held, I shrugged and tossed them up in the air before sending a small fire spell at them to set them aflame. There was something terribly cathartic at seeing them flutter into ash. Even more so when the wind blew right then, scattering the ash far into the distance.

"Never thought I'd find beauty in dust on the wind." Kikipu's quiet voice made me smile, and I turned to see her standing behind me, watching the ash disappear. "But that there is a sight prettier than I've seen in a long while," she continued, still speaking softly. After a moment, she focused on me. "Uh… so…" She coughed, almost embarrassed. "I've… I've never been good with words. Bloody paltry things…" She closed her eyes to steel herself, and when she opened them again, she smiled that beautiful smile. "I… I want to thank you, though. You didn't just save the Silver Bazaar today. You saved me, saved who I am." That was… um… oh, I didn't know what to do or say! "I know, of course, that I must be constantly vigilant against threats, but it is a vigil I welcome gladly. I'll stand up to any threat that comes through those gates."

"And we'll stand with you!" Both Kikipu and I jumped at the sudden declaration and whirled to see a crowd had gathered near without either of us knowing. At the front was Galfridus and Fafafono, both smiling so softly and warmly. "What? Surprised?" Galfridus 'asked' with a laugh, knowing the answer. "What can we say? We saw the girl here run around helpin'. Heard ye tellin' the stories of how things used to be, and saw how her eyes shone while she listened. Then she went above and beyond to save our little hamlet, despite not being from here. Because she liked it and saw hope here, despite our own despair." Er… uh… but I hadn't… um… "There's not much to fight for 'ere, but it's home, gods damn it all, an' if a stranger ain't going to give up on it, then how the hell can we?"

"Aye, it's home," Fafafono agreed, with a grin and wink. Kikipu's jaw dropped, so stunned was she. "At least, it's the closest I've got as a merchant, and your stories reminded me of that. Can't give up just yet on it." He shrugged, his grin becoming a sheepish smile. "Besides, we built this place from the ground up. Even if it's sand and broken stone now, what does it matter? We can build something again. Together. It's a sound investment."

"Don't worry. We won't tell your fellows about your soft heart, Fafafono."

"Who's got a soft heart!? Not me!"

"I… never thought I'd hear them say that," Kikipu breathed, just watching as Galfridus and Fafafono devolved into playful bickering, with others in the crowd joining in. It was nice to see, their laughter and teasing brightening even the air itself. "I thought I was alone in this, but I guess…" Her voice wavered, and she sniffled. "Bah, now's not the time for tears. Not yet, at least." Rubbing roughly at her eyes, she turned to face me again. "I know it was just happenstance that led you here, but I'll count it as a blessing. We'll be fine, and when you next visit, I promise we'll show you how we thrive." What else could I do but smile back at such a declaration? "I fear I do not have much to give as a reward." I opened my mouth to protest, but she shook her head. "No, you deserve one, even if you don't think you do. Ah, but I can write Momodi. Do you know her? In the Quicksand?"

"Yes, I stay there, actually."

"Good. Then give her my regards, and letter, when you return."

"Something tells me to just nod and smile." Her answering grin confirmed it was, indeed, in my best interest. "Well, I need to deliver this metal to Galfridus's son and do you mind if I borrow some medicines again? I think I'm bleeding?"

I wondered when my travels would next bring me here. I hoped that visit would leave me with just as much happiness as this one did.

---

"Syna, can you deliver this to the Goldsmith Guild? They placed this order moons ago."

"On it!" I agreed, hefting up the box of whatever it was. Since it was the goldsmiths, it wouldn't surprise me if it were gems or something. Though the weight implied something heavier. "Mind if I ask what it is?"

"Hmm? Ah, electrum ingots," the merchant answered absently, paying more attention to the list in their hand. With the damages from the battle finally repaired, deliveries were being made in abundance and almost every stall needed help organizing everything. "Give it directly to the Guildmaster, will you? Their supplier was out and then we had the delays here."

"All right!" Of course, I had another problem, once that I solved via asking a passing Landebert, who was carrying two large crates like they were nothing. "Hey, where's the Goldsmith Guild?"

"The Goldsmith Guild?" he repeated, adjusting his grip. He didn't sound out of breath, and I wished I was that strong. At least I was getting a work out with this! "It's down the street here, so head to the golden court and… wait, didn't Lavena mention you get lost everywhere?" ...Of course she told him that. Why wouldn't she? "And if you're asking, then you're not attuned to the shard near it." Right, the 'aethernet' thing… I probably should make attuning to that a priority when I next had some free time. "Eckhart has some boxes heading to the miner's guild and that's close enough. He'll tell you where to split off."

I nodded and found Eckhart among the other porters. It took me a little longer to work up the courage to actually speak up, though. I felt bad, stealing some of their work, but I reminded myself that Landebert himself asked that I help, as there weren't enough of them to safely meet the deadlines. So, I called out to Eckhart and, after a quick word to explain, he quite happily allowed me to follow him while he carried some sledgehammers the miners needed for whatever reason. When we arrived at the aethernet shard closest to the miner's guild, he pointed out which way to go. I… still almost passed it, but some folks running a shop nearby caught me before I'd gone too far thankfully. I was definitely attuning myself to the shards on the way back, though. I couldn't believe the porters carried things this heavy on a daily basis!

"Hmm? Oh, hello there!" Thankfully, I barely had to step inside the goldsmith guild before someone acknowledged me. "My name is Serendipity, and I'm the guildmaster here," the someone explained, smiling brightly at me. I absently wondered at how she got her pigtails to stay so fluffy. "Are you here to place an order?" Unable to think of a polite response, I simply nodded to the giant and heavy box I was carrying. "Oh! Is that the electrum I ordered?" She smiled in relief, resting a hand on her chest. "Just in time. We received a plethora of orders for rings and earrings that require them! Seems the Sultana is going to hold a banquet soon and every noble in the city wants at least ten of each!"

"Yikes, that sounds…" I began politely, readjusting my grip on the crate. My fingers were numb and my arms were screaming, and the less said about how my back and shoulders felt, the better. I still almost dropped it when something bumped into my leg, though. Something I couldn't see because the box blocked my view. "Er… what is…?" Was it something I needed to swat with my tail?

"Gigi, leave her be!" She shooed away something and I tilted my head back to try and look down, thinking it might be a cat. Instead, I saw… I didn't even know what to call it. It almost seemed like a caricature of a person, but it moved about as if alive, so… uh… "And keep your criticism to yourself! If you end up with a face-full of spikes from her tail, you'll only have yourself to blame!"

"The spikes aren't sharp." I was still staring blankly at the thing. The… the walking, metal skeleton-like thing with a large helmet to hide the face. "What is that?"

"Hmm? Oh, never seen a mammet before?" Guildmaster Serendipity smiled sweetly and patted my head. "They're clockwork puppets, essentially, though they're capable of independent thought and action. While some look like Gigi, others are fashioned in the likeness of famous figures, both modern and historical, for honors and celebrations. It's not uncommon to see them trailing after adventurers while they wander cities, and I've heard the Gold Saucer even has a special event dedicated to them! Of course, I wouldn't expect anything less from Godbert Manderville." Too many things to process right there. Particularly when I was still carrying a very heavy crate. "Gigi has been with the guild since its beginnings and holds a large amount of knowledge for it." She frowned at the 'mammet', who wandered off to a corner where some goldsmiths were crafting. "It also makes him unbearably insufferable sometimes, and highly… creative with his criticisms."

"Creative?" I almost asked for an elaboration, but then 'Gigi' flailed his arms and screeched something about 'affront to the gods' and 'not fit for a chamberpot' while pointing at whatever one of the goldsmiths was crafting. I think that's what he said, at least. It was a little hard to tell; the voice was tinny and echoed harshly. "Ah. Never mind. So, where does this go?"

"Where does…? Oh! You're still holding the box! I'm so, so sorry!"

Thankfully for my aching arms, Guildmaster Serendipity showed me where to drop off the boxes while apologizing profusely. I reassured her that all was well, and beat a hasty exit to the shard to get on that attuning. I made sure to attune to the one by the Miner's Guild as well, but… well… promptly got myself turned around and lost while trying to return to the Sapphire Avenue Markets. Ended up near another aetheryte shard by a place with lots of people carrying large bolts of fabrics streaming in and out. I was almost curious enough to poke my head in, but decided against it since I was technically on the job still. Instead, I followed the noise and eventually popped out of an alleyway and onto Sapphire Avenue. I also almost ran into someone quite familiar, though she didn't notice. She peered around a nearby corner of an alley and the avenue, watching for something. After a couple of blinks to confirm I wasn't hallucinating, I tilted my head curiously, and glanced around to look for the guards I distinctly remembered her promising Papashan she would have. Of which I saw none. Now, granted, her guards could just be hidden, but it was still a little worrisome. So, I decided to be nosy.

"Lady Lilira?" I called softly, stepping to her side. She nearly jumped out of her skin, and looked around almost wildly before her gaze focused on me. Or, more specifically, my tail. Then her eyes trailed up to the scales visible on my arms. "You may not remember me." Finally, her eyes rose to my face. "My name is Syna."

"Right, the adventuring waitress," she murmured, blinking slowly. She glanced about again, this time curiously. "Were you sent to look for me again?"

"No, I've been assisting in the market. Due to the earlier battle with raiders, deliveries were delayed. Now every stall and store in the market is flooded with new wares, and everyone is in a hurry to get things out."

"Yes, delays can lead to poorer profits, or so I have been told." She frowned in thought, looking down and resting her fist against the corner of her mouth. "So, that's why the market is livelier than usual. I had noticed, but had not heard of anything. Usually, we see this sort of bustle for something like Little Ladies' Day or Hatching-tide." I had no idea what either of those were. But that didn't matter.

"Is that why you're here without a guard?" I waited for an answer and surprisingly, she made a face. "I may have been dazed from pain, but I do remember a certain someone telling Papashan she would not venture out without one?"

"Well, yes, I suppose I did. But it feels like ages since I've been to the market." No doubt because of the battle. "I'm not a doll to be propped up, you know."

"I never said you were, but as a person, are not promises important?" I smiled slightly and she made another face. There was guilt there, as well as what I thought was exhaustion. But not physical exhaustion. Weariness of the spirit, perhaps? "Well, while I am certain I am not the sort of guard Papashan had in mind, mayhaps I can suffice? I'll need to double-check I'm done for the day, of course."

"Oh?" Though I half-expected her to refuse, she instead smiled. It was a very pretty smile, and strangely shy given how she usually acted. "Yes, that should be most acceptable, even for a worrywart like him."

"In that case, our first stop is the stall over here."

There was one more thing that particular merchant hoped to have me do, some organizing that didn't take much time. Lady Lilira didn't mind the wait at all; she spent it asking the merchant all sorts of questions that made my head spin. Particularly when they started discussing taxes. By the time we left, with my payment safely in my pocket, I was utterly convinced taxes were a very fancy way to get people to run circles around logic.

"There is a logic to it, but it takes years of studying," Lady Lilira explained when I voiced my opinion. She barely muffled her giggle with the peach I'd bought her. We'd passed by a vendor, and she'd looked delighted by the selection, so I figured it wouldn't hurt. Besides, I bought one for myself as well, since I'd never had one before, and I had to say it was utterly delicious. Sweet and juicy, perfect for the sun beating down on our heads. "It's good to hear a merchant's viewpoint of them, however. It's one thing to know something in books, but another to learn from someone directly affected by it."

"Perhaps, but books let you experience things you may not know have even existed," I pointed out, taking a big bite from my peach. She had a point, of course. Reading descriptions about peaches did not fully encompass how delicious I found them. But if not for the books in the room, I might not have never known what a peach was. "I think both are important."

"True." She ate her peach as daintily as possible, though she was quick to lick the juice from her hands. "They provide a different sort of 'nourishment', don't they? One for the mind and spirit."

"Stories are a great way to learn about people." I grinned, thinking of all that Ansgar had told me of Ala Mhigo. "I've learned much from those in Stonesthrow."

"Truly?" Her eyes widened, and at first, I thought she might be mad or irritated. But then a warm smile lit up her face. "Might you share a few tales? Someone dear to me is from Ala Mhigo, but sometimes getting him to talk of his home is like bargaining coin from a miser."

Though I found that strange, as the people of Stonesthrow had willingly indulged my endless curiosity, I elected to not mention that and instead, focused on telling the stories as accurately as possible. She held onto every word, her eyes sparkling and dancing, and we had to be careful to not run into anyone as we walked, so enthralled with the stories we were. It was disappointing when Papashan eventually found us, as it meant we had to stop. I supposed we could have run, but he'd been so breathless and frantic we both had to give in to his request for Lady Lilira to return home. It turned out to be a good thing, however. Between the unexpected job and walking with her, I'd almost forgotten of my thaumaturgy lesson and had to sprint to make it on time.

"So, we shall begin with the second chapter today." My instructor this time was Cocobani, though in all other respects, it was much the same as my lesson with Cocobygo. I sat before the altar, and he stood in front of it. No pacing for him, it seemed. "All settled, no last minute trips to the privy?" he asked. I nodded, and tried to hide how out of breath I still was. I may or may not had slid to my seat instead of walking and sitting properly. "Very well. The 'Threat of Paucity' and a little addendum I always insist on. So, perhaps we should call it the second and second and a half chapters?" I had to smile a little at that; Cocobani laughed. "Ah, forgive the poor joke. Let us begin." He cleared his throat, and I sat up a little straighter. My muscles keened at the extra work, but I ignored them. "'The Threat of Paucity. Ah, how magnificent the ruthless power we wield. Flame devours, ice entombs, and lightning courses through the stricken bodies of our foes." That was a thought. Could I trap someone in ice to hold them still? "But oh, such desperation when the wellspring runs dry. Flame sputters out, ice melts into slush, and lightning sparks no longer. Know you this threat, and mind you the limits of your mortal vessel.'" There was a very long pause, as if he was waiting for some sort of reaction. One that I likely didn't give, but… "A terrifying thought, isn't it? A thaumaturge who has exhausted their arcane reserves is naught but a person with a stick and a funny hat." Did thaumaturges usually wear hats? I didn't, and the brothers all wore cowls. "For we mages, you may as well equate the aetheric energy flowing through our veins with our very life's blood. Should a battle find us lacking in this resource, we are as good as dead."

"Even if we keep our distance as the first chapter dictates?" Which I… er… ignored. A lot.

"Well, yes, as we become dead weights." He smiled slightly at the word play. At least, I thought it was a play on words. "To rectify this, thaumaturges of old developed a method of controlling and understanding our aetheric balance."

"The Astral Fire and Umbral Ice states."

"Indeed!" He seemed visibly pleased by my knowledge. I wondered if Master Cocobuki did not normally inform students ahead of time or if he was just easily pleased. "This is also where the addendum ties in, as it is through the careful manipulation of our aetheric balance and, indeed, ensuring it stays balanced that we thaumaturges protect ourselves from burning our lives alongside our foes."

"The balance protects us?"

"Indeed. By keeping our astral and umbral aspects in check, we greatly limit the strain on our bodies and aether and, thus, do not have to turn to the aether of the land to produce spells of terrifying fury." Wondered how that worked exactly. Was it like tying weights to one side or the other? "As you can see, the states themselves serve a great purpose and form the vital backbone of our thaumaturgy." Ah, better to smile, nod, and research later. Or try to research, at least. "In the Umbral Ice state, named as such because your aetheric balance has shifted to the 'umbral' polarity, your spells are weakened. They are not as potent, but they also do not draw as much energy from you. It's most useful aspect, however, is its acceleration of mana regeneration." Acceleration, huh? Well, I had always learned darkness was that of creation and chaos, so I supposed it made sense. "On the other hand, however, the Astral Fire state enhances ones spells, at the cost of greater strain on aetheric stamina." Light was always 'searing oblivion' in the stories, so that also made sense. "I should note, however, that the increased potency is for fire spells. Ice spells, on the other hand, share their nature with the Umbral Ice state." So… uh… reduced cost and potency for ice spells in Astral Fire state? Wondered why thunder wasn't affected. Was it too 'neutral'? "Well, that's enough lecturing and sitting about until your bum is numb. Time for the practical aspect of the lesson!"

Into the back again, to turn theory into practical experience. This time, training consisted of carefully monitoring just when I should switch between the two states. What surprised me was how Cocobani would insist I 'transpose' between the two even when I was not in battle. Well, 'battle'. It was hard to call it a fight when my 'opponent' was a remarkably resilient striking dummy. I had to wonder just what it was made of and I thought to ask about it after Cocobani declared the lesson 'finished' and walked me back to the front. I only didn't because when we actually reached the front of the ossuary, he suddenly stiffened next to me, and curious me decided to look around to find out why. The answer soon became obvious: Cocobusi. He was here again, talking with Master Cocobuki. Yet it was clear even to an outsider like me that the talk was not going well. In fact, both only seemed to grow more and more upset, until finally, Cocobusi dashed off, barely holding back tears. Master Cocobuki reached out as if to stop him, but after hesitating for a second, he let his hand fall back to his side.

Cocobani went to Master Cocobuki. I probably should have done the same, if I involved myself at all. But I didn't. Instead, without even thinking about it, I chased after Cocobusi. He was hurt, in tears, and I… I couldn't just…

It didn't take me long to find him, surprisingly enough. He was just outside, sitting in the shadows between the staircase and the building itself. He curled into himself, desperately muffling his sobs. Slowly, I descended the stairs and joined him, just barely able to fit. My tail had to be at an awkward angle, but I wrapped it around my leg to ease any potential discomfort. It was worth it if I could… oh, but perhaps...

"I'm probably the last person you want to see right now," I mumbled, feeling terribly awkward now that I thought about it. Yet I remained at his side and reached over to wipe his face. "I could not simply…"

"Huh… oh!" Cocobusi gasped and flailed a little in surprise. I helped him right himself, though, and he settled down beside me. "Oh, no, that's not…" he began. His voice broke on the syllables, and he coughed to clear his throat. "It's not your fault or anything, miss… Syna, was it?"

"Syna Belkaia, yes." I drew my knees closer to my chest and rested my cheek on them. "You are Cocobusi, correct?"

"Yes, and the only one in the family who isn't a thaumaturge…" He sniffled and roughly rubbed his eyes. "I'm in the Alchemist Guild, and it's not as if I don't like it. And I guess I show some talent for it? They assigned me to study directly under Guildmaster Severian, though that could just be a ploy to get him to focus on something besides his experiments." He shrugged, smiling sheepishly. "He'd always been brilliant and focused, but he became absolutely obsessed after the Calamity apparently."

"Still, doesn't that mean they think you skilled enough to catch his attention, even through that obsession?" I smiled back, and his own softened. "So, what sort of things do you do with alchemy? Master Cocobuki told me of your attempts to replenish aetheric capacity?"

"Ah, to expand it, actually!" Immediately, his face lit up, eyes sparkling from excitement instead of tears. "I suppose it, by necessity, would also 'replenish' it, but it's less replenishing and more 'adding'. There's various techniques and items that can be used to replenish aether and mana, though of course, it's best on the body to allow them to recover naturally. And… er…" All of a sudden, he stopped, blushing. "S-sorry, I'm getting carried away…"

"No, no, please…" I grinned, hoping he'd find it encouraging. "I want to hear all about it."

"I… well, if you insist…!"

He rattled off information and technical details at a malm a minute, and sometimes, I had to ask him to repeat himself to make sure I caught everything. But it was fun, listening to him. He clearly knew what he was talking about, and he was a most excellent teacher, able to parse even the most complicated of terms into something even I could understand. I wondered if his brothers had ever simply asked him to talk about alchemy with them. Ah, but that was being… I didn't know what. 'Not nice'? Uncharitable might fit better.

Still, I enjoyed myself. I hoped Cocobusi did too.

---

"Breath in slowly, and imagine your aether as something unbreakable…" First Blade Mylla instructed, watching me closely. We were in the middle of the training area, where she was speaking me through a specific technique gladiators would use in battle when fighting alongside someone or, more importantly, protecting someone. "As unshakeable as an iron will. Feel it settle under your skin, and calm it when it tries to skitter and scatter." I did as she bade to the best of my ability, though 'calming' my aether proved more difficult than expected. I could all but feel it writhing in my veins, desperate to break loose. "Breath out slowly, and focus. You have a large amount of aether, but even it will submit." I had to keep myself from doubting her, especially when I swore my aether was about to burst from me. But I gritted my teeth and kept my calm and, eventually, it did actually settle. "Good. That's the way."

"You said this technique seizes an enemy's attention?" I asked, looking down at my hands and arms. While nothing looked different, I certainly felt different. Like I'd thrown up a wall to taunt others into striking. "How does it do that?"

"Mainly, it makes it so that when you strike a foe, your aether 'nips' at the edges of theirs. Such things provoke them, even if they themselves are unaware of it." She smiled, and nodded in approval as she looked me over. "To dismiss it, simply focus and allow your aether to flow as it wishes." That was much easier. "Ha! It's almost nice to see you have difficulty with a technique. You pick up new tricks with startling ease. I fear I'm being spoiled with so good of a student."

"I guess my aether likes being free?" I shrugged helplessly, smiling to try and mask how awkward I felt. "Would it be as difficult if I had a smaller amount of aether?"

"It would depend on a number of factors. You have to have enough to safely use the technique, after all." She fell silent, and I guessed that signified the end for lessons for the day, so I turned to grab a towel to clean up some before leaving. "Syna?"

"Hmm?" Okay, maybe I was wrong. "What is it?"

"'Tis my understanding you are acquainted with those of Stonesthrow?"

"I… yes?" Frowning, I glanced at her over my shoulder, worried about what she'd say. Despite my best efforts to appear calm, my tail lashed behind me and my grip tightened on my towel. While I liked and trusted her, I was aware, somewhat, of what others said. "Why?"

"Well… perhaps they will be more likely to speak to you…" First Blade Mylla sighed and leaned against the wall, crossing her arms. "There has been a rash of murders recently." I froze, already terrified. Did… was any…? "All were Hyuran men wielding blades, though their lower status means no one gives much of a damn." She spat out the words, and I closed my eyes to will away nausea. "I and mine have attempted to investigate, both to find justice for the slain and because it will not be long before one of ours is targeted."

"No luck, I'm guessing?"

"No, the people of Stonesthrow are rightfully wary of strangers. Still, based on our information, there have been suspicious people lurking about near Stonesthrow where the guard is weakest. If anyone has seen them…" She smiled bitterly. "I hate to take advantage, but…"

"I can look into it." If people were being murdered, then shouldn't we try to protect those who were left? And while none in Stonesthrow had blade-blades, would these attackers differentiate between a sword or a knife? It was wrong to assume so. Worse, assuming so might cost them their lives. "At least, I'll try."

"That's all I ask." Her smile was still bitter, but relief managed to thread through it to soften the expression. "Thank you, Syna."

I cleaned myself up as much as I could and drank some water before leaving. I knew it wouldn't take me long at all to reach Stonesthrow. Even if I found the wrong gate out, I just had to walk around the wall until I came up on it. Just as I did now, and immediately, I headed for where Lavena was hanging her laundry. I figured it was best to explain things to her first.

"Lavena?" I called softly. Though she smiled when she first turned towards me, it faded at my seriousness. "Um… hi?"

"Hello to you as well, Syna," she replied, the words lilting with amusement. Sadly, her amusement didn't linger long as she focused on the sword I wore on my belt. No shield, that would be too bulky, but a blade wasn't bad. "I fear the open sword hints this isn't a usual visit."

"I wish it was." Dawnfather above, I dearly wished. "First Blade Mylla, one of my teachers, told me of some recent murders."

"..." For some reason, her expression locked up. "And…" She turned to face me fully, one arm wrapped around her waist to grasp her other arm. "Do you suspect one of us?"

"Huh? No, should I?" I rapidly tried to figured out where the conclusion came from, worried it might have been the weapon, and became more confused when she immediately relaxed again. In fact, she even bent down to grab another wet shirt to hang, going right back to work. "I missed something, didn't I?"

"Most like to blame us for any sort of crimes, particularly the more violent sorts. It comes from our people's reputation." She smiled faintly, laughing a little. I couldn't be happy at the sound; it was far too bitter. "Inevitably, it turns out to be someone else, and then we get yelled at for 'wasting their time'." That was… awful… "I'm sorry. I should've known you would not jump to such conclusions. Not without sufficient evidence."

"No, don't be." It was my fault for… Dawnfather preserve me, I even knew people looked down on them! I should have anticipated such a reaction. "I have heard they're may be hiding near, but that's likely because patrols are…" What was a tactful way to put it?

"Nonexistent?" We'd go with that. "Aye, a smart criminal would take advantage of such an obvious blind spot."

"Right, so I was wondering if anyone had seen anything particularly unusual recently? Aside from the random dead bodies." Though, maybe that wasn't as unusual as I would prefer. "Given the apparent preferred target, I worry one of you might be next."

"You're probably the only one in the whole city who would care." That… I had no response to that. "Personally, I haven't, but we both know how my son keeps my attention." She sighed gustily, resting a hand on her cheek. "Just the other day, he chased after one of those weird cacti monsters for the fun of it."

"A cactuar?"

"Yes, and that was after he snuck down to the station to pester Wystan again. Without telling me, of course." I… oh dear. I might need to have a little talk with Roric soon. "I swear that boy is going to give me a heart attack. If he hasn't already!"

I lingered near Lavena to let her vent before I actually set about investigating. Though my investigation consisted mostly of talking to people and asking what they had seen. I was careful to immediately emphasize I did not suspect any of them so that I did not make the same mistake as I did with Lavena and, while few were still reluctant, I somehow managed to convince enough of my sincerity and they provided some details. Mostly of strange travelers wielding lances who kept out of sight, but Helfric told me of the remains of a campsite not far away, near some good hunting grounds. He kindly pointed me in the right direction (with some teasing about my ability to get lost everywhere) and before long, I found exactly what he'd meant. Someone had done their best to clean and hide, of course, but there still signs. Places where the thin grass was still pressed down, tiny flakes of charred wood from a fire… I might've found more if I'd looked, but I didn't. Instead, I felt that 'tug' on my spirit, a beacon to the lands beyond the camp's remnants, and I followed it with only a little hesitation. I was glad I did. If I hadn't, I would've come across a cooling corpse, instead of being able to just barely block a killing blow in time. Not that the attacker was deterred. As soon as they realized their attack had been blocked, they whipped around and struck again. And again. And again.

Despite the rain of blows, my mind remained calm enough to think things through. They wielded was their extended range. Wider guard. I couldn't get close enough to strike with my sword without risking two things: a very sharp thing in an important part of my body or, worse, a very sharp thing in the person I was trying to protect. I couldn't dodge with my charge behind me, yet if this became a battle of attrition, I'd lose. Yes, I had a shield, but I was still learning and each blow I blocked simply served to bruise and numb my arm. I couldn't even retaliate when they struck because the lance kept them out of reach. So, my options were limited. At least, the options I could think of were limited and, indeed, focused on only two: thunder spell for a slight opening, and then bashing their head with my shield.

It… surprisingly worked. In fact, it even stunned them long enough for me to get a good swipe in with my blade. It wasn't a killing blow, of course. I only cut their fingers off. But blood sprayed and lance dropped, and I was able to slip in close to drive my sword through their chest. They fell with a gurgle, twitching and writhing in pain before the last of their life's blood spilled out on the ground. Another dead. Another murder. Another weight on my heart. Yet, I couldn't focus on it. There was still my current charge to tend to.

"Th-thank you, miss…" the man coughed and sputtered, desperately trying to catch his breath. I knelt down and rubbed his back. "Don't know what they wanted. Came out of nowhere, asked me if I was 'Aldis'." I did my best to not react at the name. I hadn't seen him since that day in the Quicksand, but I certainly remembered him. "Told them 'no', but they struck anyway…"

"Let's get you somewhere where you can rest," I murmured, pushing myself up. I then helped him to his feet and let him lean on me so he didn't stumble so much. "Here, let's get you over to Stonesthrow…" He made a face and I frowned at him. "It's only because of them I was able to make it to you on time. You would be naught but a corpse without them." This time, he outright grimaced, but nodded. "This way."

I ended up having to carry the man, as either exhaustion or reluctance made him drag his feet. He thankfully had the politeness to not show said reluctance once we actually arrived in Stonesthrow, though I was sure everyone could sense it anyway. The children gave him a wide berth, and I noticed almost everyone wore some sort of knife or dagger. Openly. I pretended not to see and that this was perfectly normal. Even if there were more weapons now than I'd seen even in the gladiator guild. Seriously, where had they been hiding all these knives?

"If they were looking for a specific person, then they must be bounty hunters," Helfric murmured once I'd finished explaining what had happened, absently resting a hand on the dagger on his belt and tapping the hilt with a finger. It was a different one than what he used for hunting; I could tell by the hilt. "Bounty hunters who no doubt are after someone who knows they're a target, if the man's story is true."

"What do you mean by that?" I asked, crossing my arms and shifting my weight on my heels. I felt… antsy, I supposed. It wasn't quite the word I wanted, but I couldn't think of another. But while I sensed no 'beacon' or anything, I could just tell there was more to this. Both in the present and future sense. "Should not bounty hunters go after their targets and nothing more?"

"Some, sure. Particularly those ones who get themselves all sanctioned and coordinated for monster hunts. But most just want to get their bounty by any means necessary." He muttered a curse or three under his breath. "And if their target is aware, and they know he's aware…" This sounded like those 'I know that you know that I know' scenarios that always made my head hurt when I read them. "Oh, Rhalgr's… beard." Helfric glared at something a short distance away. I briefly wondered just what curse he bit off, and why that particular one instead of the others, before I actually turned to see what had sparked the annoyance. To my surprise, it was a small patrol of Brass Blades, slowly meandering their way back to town. "Just what we need. Probably takin' the long way to add more time and more pay." Why would that… oh, right, hourly pay. As an adventurer, I just got one lump sum. "Of all the gods-damned times…"

"Hey!" Deciding to let Helfric continue with his grumbling, I instead called out to the passing Blades. Helfric immediately stiffened next to me, but my focus was on appearing as no-nonsense as possible and quietly wondering whether or not I'd need to chase them down. Especially when they stopped and grumbled among themselves. But, to my relief, they did mosey down the path towards Stonesthrow. "Glad I caught you. I've got one dead and an almost-murder victim. Mind searching the area for us?" After all, this was their job. Surely they'd be able to find more than me.

"Seems like you have it well in hand, miss adventurer," the closest Blade drawled, laughing mockingly as they rocked back on their heels. I frowned slightly, annoyed but desperately trying to not show it. I knew my tail flicked from side-to-side. "I don't see why…" Whatever they were going to say, though, was cut off by their fellow Blade resting a hand on their arm. "What? It's not our jurisdiction."

"Maybe not, but that's the adventurer who serves at a waitress in the Quicksand, idiot," their comrade scoffed, shaking their head. Surprisingly, the rest straightened at that, as if it was important. "You can tell by the horn, scales, and tail. She's the same one who helped you home when you were too drunk to even stand up straight." I vaguely remembered this? It was something I did for a few of the patrons at Quicksand. "And helped your wife settle your kids to bed when your loudmouth woke them up." I more than vaguely remembered this now. It had been a couple nights ago. "If anyone here owes her, it's you." The first one looked away almost sulkily. "Miss, we'll take care of it."

"Thank you!" I replied, smiling. I then pointed in the direction I needed them to go. "It's back that way, past the remains of a campfire." They actually saluted before urging their group down the path. Except for the first one, they went with more energy than I'd expected. "Well then."

"Miracle of miracles, you actually got the Blades to do their damn job," Helfric deadpanned, shaking his head. I shrugged, not sure how else to respond. "Guess you bring out the best in people." Definitely didn't know how to respond to that. "Well, let's get your almost victim inside the city. Best place for 'im, now that he has his breath."

There was a bit of debate of just where to lead him, before those of Stonesthrow decided it was best for the Immortal Flames to take him into protective custody. Not that I knew anything about them, but they were willing to trust in their Flame General and, more importantly, Helfric was willing to help me escort the man so that I wouldn't get both of us terribly lost. Sure, it was right across from the Pugilist Guild, but I knew my luck. At least there were no beacons to distract me, and I returned to the Quicksand as quickly as I could to… well, I had the intention of informing Momodi of what had occurred. Except everything that happened threw off my sense of time and I walked in right during a rush. The big 'late afternoon until early morning' rush. I barely had time to wash and change before I had to help Momodi with orders!

"Here you go!" I greeted, barely managing to keep everything balanced as I unloaded a tray of beers for the patrons at the table. One of them tried to grab my tail for some reason, probably to see if the spikes on the base were as sharp as they looked, but another slapped their hand and glared to get them to stop. "Shout if you need refills!" Keeping a smile on, I returned to Momodi at the counter to grab the next tray, one piled with ales and flatbreads, and then jumped back into the mob to deliver them. I had to say this helping out did wonders for my ability to step into crowds, and my ability to keep myself from vomiting out of nauseous anxiety.

"Miss?" Nausea that always increased when someone specifically called out to me in the crowd. Usually meant I'd been slow about something. "Miss?"

"Just a second!" I delivered the ales and flatbreads to their specific patrons, to their loud cheers, and then turned towards where I thought the voice had come from. "Yes?" I didn't see anyone holding up a hand or otherwise trying to catch my attention. Thankfully, someone at a different, nearby table helped me locate them and when I finally arrived at their corner table, I realized it was a group of Brass Blades. Specifically, the ones who'd taken over investigating for me.

"Just wanted to let you know we found a camp in the mines near the Brush Station," one explained, keeping their voice soft. Still, since the sound was familiar, I thought they were the one who encouraged the others to help me. "Shouldn't cause any more trouble. Tracks ended there."

"I see." I made sure to smile, even as my instincts protested. No, this… there was more trouble ahead from this. I was sure of it. "Thank you so much."

Satisfied by giving his 'report', they and their fellows placed their orders as if there was nothing out of the ordinary and I jotted them down before delivering them to Momodi. Then it was back to carrying various trays of even more various eats and drinks. One of them was on fire. I wasn't sure how smart of an idea that was, considering how drunk some of the patrons were, but no one else seemed to have a problem with it, so I just… delivered the drinks and went back to the front to grab the next orders.

"Hey, Momodi?" I murmured once I got enough of a break to sit down at the counter with my books. A passing question to Master Cocobuki about Voidsent led to a wide array of books to read on the subject, and they were as fascinating as they were bizarre. The more I read, the less I felt I understood. "Question."

"Yes?" Momodi replied, her tone absent. She was focused on preparing a variety of complicated drink mixes. I had no idea what she was making, but in this one drink alone, she'd somehow fit fifty or so ingredients. "What's caught your attention this time?"

"What's the Brush Station?"

"The Black Brush Station?" Momodi finished off the one drink and moved onto the next, which involved both sugar cubes, lemon peels, and fire. "Used to be a simple Aetheryte camp, a waystation for travelers, but between the steam engine and the railways, it's become a booming central pillar of Ul'dah's economy. Lots of mining there, you see." She paused suddenly, and frowned at me suspiciously. I nervously glanced at the burning sugar cube she just left in the lemon peel. "Why?"

"A patron said I'd probably find jobs out there." It was easy enough to think of a lie. Patrons babbled all sorts of things. "So, I was curious."

"Well, they're not wrong." Momodi still frowned, but sighed and went back to drink-mixing. To my relief. I seriously did not understand who thought fire and alcohol was a good idea for anything but getting people hurt. "Let's get through the night and we'll discuss more in the morn'? There are some things you should be aware of, and I need you to deliver these two to the back quick."
"Sounds good."

Was this pointless? Probably. In all honesty, despite my antsy certainty there was more to this, I had nothing to prove I was right. Even if I was, I doubted I'd be able to find anything about these people, or why they were after Aldis. Still, I'd… I'd at least be in the area, just in case. It was all I could think of to ease this sick, sinking feeling.

---

"I'm back!" I called as I swung into the 'Coffer & Coffin', an inn by the Black Brush Station frequented by trade caravans and miners alike and got its name from a rather morbid folk song. Something about a traveler dragging a stout chest with him, which would serve as a coffer for his winnings or a coffin for his corpse. "And I come bearing gifts!"

"Lass, ye left to help at the Royal Plantations!" Roger laughed, cleaning a glass over at the counter. He was the owner of the place, having rebuilt the one he lost in the aftermath of the calamity, and frequently provided me with information about jobs, usually involving monster extermination for the folk at Black Brush Station nearby. Like the coblyns or spriggans or hammer beaks. Mostly the first one, though. They liked to eat ore, and delighted in the miners digging up fresh 'food' for them. "What could ye have gotten as gifts from there?"

"Well, they had a little shrew problem, something about them killing the earthworms needed to help the soil and their hills breaking chocobos' legs, and I remembered Wowobaru mentioning he needed more shrew meat." I held up the bloody bag of meat I'd… ah… procured? Is that what you called it when you cut up things that you…? Wait, 'hunted' was a word. I… perhaps I'd been out in the sun too long. "So, I made sure to bring some back."

"Bless ye, lass! If I have to hear him complain one more time, I might see if kicking Lalafells really is like kicking a bag of popotoes." ...Say what now? "But that doesn't explain the pumpkin you're holdin'."

"That is from someone named Cicidoa, who works at the Dispatch Yard." I proudly set the ginormous pumpkin on the counter in front of him. "He wanted to deliver it himself, but a scheduled shipment was late."

"More like the foul-mouthed drunk was embarrassed." Still, Roger grinned and picked up the pumpkin. "More surprised he knows the meanin' of remorse. Reckon this is fer the time I carried his drink-sodden arse home. Can't complain, though. Produce is hard to get 'round here, especially nowadays, and the lads gobble up beastly amounts of meat. Startin' to take a toll on their health, no matter what they say to the contrary."

"I can't wait to see what the cooks will make with it!"

"You and me both, lass." He braced the pumpkin against his shoulder and picked up something else from under the counter. "Let's deliver this to the kitchens then. Mind helping again during the rush?"

"Of course!" Honestly, I was surprised he asked. "Let me get cleaned up first."

While the Coffin was normally fairly steady through the day, almost everyone who worked at the Station got their lunch and dinner breaks at the same time. And almost every single one of them would burst down the door, craving ale and food, and the resulting chaos led to the place being almost as busy as the Quicksand. With one of Roger's usual waitresses sick with pneumonia, they'd been short-staffed. So, I volunteered to help. How could I not? Besides, it let me listen to gossip and see if I could glean anything more about those bounty hunters who were after Aldis. Sadly, as I feared, there had been little to nothing about them. Most I'd heard was how the Brass Blades had left the bodies where they'd fallen and the resulting stench forced the miners to abandon the tunnel until someone with a particularly strong stomach could remove the bodies. Surprisingly, that had not been one of the jobs assigned to me here. I'd offered, curious if I could find information in their pockets, but the miners refused. I guessed they didn't want me serving their ale if I'd been dragging corpses, though I didn't see how it was much different from the beasts I regularly slew for them.

"Well, well, this is a surprise!" Confused by the familiar voice amidst the resounding din that had filled the inn, I turned to find the source and had to blink a couple of times to realize Master Hamon was actually standing there at the door, apparently waiting for an empty table. "Hey there, Syna!" he greeted with a laugh and a smile. "Been a bit!"

"It has!" I laughed, grinning. It mostly hid my embarrassment. Wasn't even sure why I was embarrassed. Maybe it was because I was balancing two heavily laden trays. "Give me a second, though!"

"Take your time! I'm in no hurry." He grinned back. "I see you've been keeping up with your training, though."

"You can tell?" I mean… I had, of course, but he'd walked in while I was waitressing!

"Aye, your eyes are gaining the sharpness of a predator."

"I…" What was I supposed to say to that? All I could do was smile awkwardly and change the subject. "So, what brings you all the way out here?" Er… wait, I was still carrying those trays...

"Hmm? Well, the chef here makes some of the best smoked shrew loaf in all of Thanalan, and it's a favorite of Chuchuto's." He smiled and shrugged. "Thought it might cheer her up some."

"That so?" Cheer her up, huh? I remembered that pain she'd barely hidden before. "I just brought the chef some fresh cuts."

"Is that a fact? I'll have to let her know. She was just talking about how she has to keep on her toes to make sure you don't surpass her so quickly." Surely I wasn't that good. Even if I… tried to logic out how that connected to what I said. "Actually, there's something I should bring up."

"Hmm? What is…?" I didn't even have a chance to finish the question before a merchant stumbled in, wailing about 'qiqirn' and how they ambushed his caravan and stole his jewels. I was surprised I heard him so clearly, before belatedly realizing everyone had fallen silent. "What in the Dawnfather's name…?"

"Well, looks like the gods wish to provide me an opportunity to witness your progress." Though Master Hamon smiled like it was a joke, the sad and bitter edge to it and his tone destroyed that facade. "Blades and some others will mobilize, and they'll need assistance. Qiqirn love shiny things, and won't hand them over willingly."

"I… think I need to give these to the patrons first." If only to wrap my head around what just happened.

With the items delivered, I stepped outside to offer my services. Barely even opened my mouth before the Blades snapped me up and gave me my orders. The battle itself was… not a difficult one. Fighting alongside so many meant it was easy to pick them off one-by-one, and still have enough to recover the coffers. That wasn't to say no one was injured. The Qiqirn fought viciously with claws as sharp as knives, and among other things. I didn't know what, precisely, as my task was not to draw and hold their attention. Instead, I ambushed, hitting hard and fast with my fists before darting out of reach. It seemed the best way to keep from being underfoot, and because of it, I ended up with few injuries. Almost all were on my knuckles from where I'd hit one in the mouth and gouged myself on their teeth.

"This is why pugilists typically fight with things over their knuckles," Master Hamon chided me long after the fact. Though business was booming in the wake of the fight, as fighting apparently made most hungry, Roger insisted I tend to my injuries before I returned to waitressing. Master Hamon volunteered to assist me. So, we sat in a corner table out of the way of everyone, while he borrowed the inn's first aid kit. "You need to protect yourself from injuries like this."

"Sorry…" I mumbled, trying my best to not squirm in my seat. "I didn't…" Think about it, really. I technically owned some, the weathered hora he himself had given me, but they sat in my 'inventory' and I never bothered removing them before jumping into the fray. "Um… that battle, though…"

"Hmm?"

"It seemed…" How should I word this? "Expected?"

"Qiqirin bandits have been preying on merchants ever since Ul'dah threw them out for being beastmen." Master Hamon gently applied ointment to my knuckles, careful to not irritate the broken skin. "Supposedly, it was to placate the Garleans and 'attempt to dissuade them from invading', but its just an excuse. Always was."

"So, they're like the goblins, then." I had… no idea what to think about that. What to feel about it. So, I watched him finish bandaging my hands and changed the subject entirely once he'd finished. "I think you were going to tell me something about Chuchuto before…?"

"Right, right." He packed away the medical kit and set it to the far side of the table. "It pertains to the conversation the other day. Where she changed the subject so… blatantly." He smiled sadly and looked down at his clasped hands on the table. "Thing is… she's been in a slump recently. She does her best to hide it, but she's been confused, worried, and hurt ever since her closest friend, and guildmate, just upped and left."

"This being your other 'first student'?"

"Aye, Rurukuta's the lad's name. They joined together, trained together… they are as close as siblings. It's been a joy watching them grow over the years, particularly since..." He paused and I rested my hands in my lap and waited for him to find his words. "The two were born to refugees, and orphaned in the Calamity. Not an uncommon story, truth be told. Ignoring the deaths on the battlefield, the widespread destruction was… well, there are no words for it." Yet here I was, knowing next to nothing about it. It made me feel… I didn't know what. Awful? Apart? I supposed that only suited, since I was a child of misfortune, but… "Not long after I was made Guildmaster, I happened to find them on the street, starved near to death."

"And you took them in."

"It's what any decent person would do. Or should do, rather." He sighed and leaned back in his chair. "When they recovered, they both insisted on becoming pugilists like me, and so, I trained them. Since then, they were best friends and rivals, each working hard to raise the other higher. Yet Rurukuta…"

"I see." No wonder Chuchuto was 'in a slump'. She'd lost a part of herself. "If I happen to hear anything, I'll let you know." It was the only thing I could do, really.

"Thanks, lass." He managed a smile, but it was pained. Though he focused on Chuchuto and her pain, it was clear (to me, at least) he also felt pained and confused, and worried near to death. "She seemed to perk up properly while helping you, so swing by for extra lessons when you get a chance."

"Gladly." I smiled. "I'm just doing some jobs for now. Adventurer and all."

"Including waitressing!" Thankfully, the accompanying grin was nothing but warm. "Though, I hear you've practice at the Quicksand."

"Momodi asks me to help out." I shrugged, and decided to switch the subject once more. It seemed appropriate. "Anyway, the jobs means I've got coin, so I'll buy you a drink. Just the one, though!"

Master Hamon laughed at that, and though I would've bought whatever he ordered, he kindly ordered the cheapest ale. He was just that sort of person.

---

It seemed Qiqirn bandits were actually quite the problem. After that fight for the coffers, I swore there was a fight every day with them. Some days, it felt like every other hour, they'd just spring up from the ground. And I knew when, most of the time, thanks to whatever was giving me those weird beacons, these ones shining a bright pink that was difficult to ignore.

"Thanks for the help, miss," a Brass Blade thanked me, after we dealt with the most recent of the attacks. Apparently, Qiqirn had voracious appetites that led to them eating anything remotely edible, including people, and one particularly notorious one by the name of 'Babaroon Halfshell' enjoyed his prey 'firm on the outside and runny on the inside', like a hard-boiled egg. Except his choice of 'eggs' recently included miners, so he'd had to be stopped. The Station had already lost five workers to his appetite. "We needed to move fast before he got hungry again."

"It's little trouble," I reassured, since it was expected. Truthfully, though, I felt awful. All he'd been was hungry, in a desert where he'd been tossed out like the rest of his people. It wasn't all that different from when people hunted monsters. Maybe I should be more horrified, but I just… couldn't help but feel sad about it all. Worse, of course, was remembering what First Blade Mylla had originally said about the murders. If Babaroon had hunted and eaten anyone but the miners required to keep things running, would anyone have cared? "Glad to be of service."

"Feels like our superiors are going to know you by name with all the help you've given." He laughed when I gave him an odd look. "We had to mention you in our reports! Otherwise, our superiors will expect too much of us!"

"I see?" Not really, but it was better to smile and nod. Too many things I didn't understand, and sadly, there was likely no book in the world to help me along for things like this. "Regardless, I should probably head back and see if Roger needs-"

"Syna!" Startled, I jerked my head up at my name, only to see Roric and a couple of the other children from Stonesthrow waving at me from the Coffer. "Syna, hi!" Roric greeted, grinning widely. His bruise was finally faded, so he could do so without pain once more. "We've missed you!"

"Please tell me you didn't come up here just for that," I half-scolded, jogging over to them. I was greeted with hugs, and a couple of accidental tugs to my tail. "It's a long way from Stonesthrow, and dangerous besides."

"No, we came here to play with Wystan!" Lavena had mentioned something like that. "He's been chasing some lead about minerals or something. I don't get what the big deal about rocks is, but he's excited." Roric wrapped his arms around one of mine. "Oh, but you can play with us too! Like I said, we've missed you lots!" He pouted then, puffing his cheeks out slightly. "Lots and lots."

"I'm sorry." I could only smile awkwardly. "I've been busy working." What else was I supposed to say to that? I also wondered what I was supposed to do, since… well...

"I've told you all time and again that… oh." Thankfully for my increasing discomfort, a young man stepped out of the Coffer right then, quickly turning from annoyed to confused when he saw the children clustered around me. "You… are Miss Syna, aren't you?" he asked, his eyes flitting to my horns and tail. I nodded to confirm. "My name is Wystan. I've heard about you from the others at Stonesthrow. Did you bring the children here?"

"No, I ran into them while returning from a job," I explained, resting my free hand on Roric's head. He looked up at me with a hopeful look, but I shook my head in quiet refusal. My heart ached at his disappointment, but I had other jobs for the day. "I was just asking them to return. It's getting late."

"Does asking usually work for you? I've had to resort to bribes in recent days to get them to listen to reason." He produced something wrapped in cloth from his pocket and held it out. Inside were cookies. "Ginger cookies, in exchange for going home." Roric and his friends made a show of debating, even gathering together to 'discuss', before snatching the cloth from him and running down the path, waving and shouting their farewells. "I think they do this on purpose to get more treats."

"They're clever enough for it, but I think that just helps them turn the situation into a 'win-win' sort." I did have to muffle a laugh, though, as I could easily see their reasoning. Either they got to play or they got treats. "I'm glad they agreed."

"I think I have you to thank for that. Normally, I have to wrangle them before even getting to the bribes, and I really don't have time for that. In the midst of everything, I barely have time to even go to the privy, much less tend to them." He grumbled under his breath and took off his glasses to wipe them on his shirt. Still, when he put his glasses back on, he smiled down the path, where the children were just vanishing from sight. "I wish I could do more, though. Stonesthrow is no place for a child. No place for anyone, really. But that's where the 'great and good' throw us refugees, like we're bloody beastmen."

He continued on muttering, more than likely to vent his thoughts than any reason to be heard. At least, I thought so, considering I was more or less a complete stranger and surely he wouldn't babble out his life's story willingly to a stranger. Besides, my attention was… elsewhere. It focused on a feeling, bubbling from somewhere deep within. A bad one, which tugged my focus to a group of Brass Blades approaching, a completely different group from the ones I'd fought with earlier. And while there was nothing noticeably off about them, something just felt wrong.

It was a feeling that only intensified when one of them waved to catch Wystan's attention. "We found it, Wystan!" they called. Wystan immediately stopped rambling and grinned in elated triumph. "We must come and see!"

"Already?!" Wystan laughed, his smile growing. I frowned slightly, however, still with a bad feeling. Something… was wrong. I couldn't place what, but I was sure of it. I mean… it could have just been lingering distrust because of what Brendt had warned. After all, it was a miracle I could semi-function in the world, given my 'upbringing'. Yet still, I couldn't shake it. "Yes, lead the way! We leave at once!" Especially when he left with the Blades, all but skipping and hopping along the path, and as soon as he left my sight, I felt that slowly-becoming-all-too-familiar 'tugging' in my soul. Sensed/felt that beacon…

I chased after them. Something was wrong, wrong, very wrong. I knew it. I knew it. It thrummed in my veins, pulsed in my heart. I slipped and slid on loose gravel as I jumped off the main paths, determined take the most direct route. Led to me leaping off a cliff into the water below, surprisingly freezing given the desert sun beating down from the sky, and I certainly hurt myself with the recklessness. But I pushed through the pain and cold, and raced down the shore towards the 'beacon'. Towards Wystan, the source of said beacon, who was no longer elated or skipping. Instead, he was on his knees in the muddy waters, bleeding from injuries inflicted by the armed Brass Blades looming above him. Nearby bodies hinted he had not been the first on their 'list', but he would be their last.

I spared one thought to mourn how right I was, before I 'drew' my sword and shield from my 'inventory' and slid between the Blades and Wystan just in time to block the next (possibly killing) blow.

"Well, what's this?" the Blade who struck laughed, bearing down on me to get me to buckle. But I adjusted my stance just as First Blade Mylla had taught me and did not yield. "Not all of yer friend've deserted ye! Now ye won't die alone!" So, had the other bodies just here randomly or did the Blade mean he'd be the last to die? Not the sort of thing I should think of when I had a group of armed people preparing to kill me, but my mind couldn't help it. It just buzzed in my skull, amidst other small details it picked up, including the ambient aether and magic in the air...

["Oh, noble soul of creation!"] What in the Dawnfather's name? I might have dismissed it as an attack or spell from the Brass Blades, but they looked about in confusion just as I did. So, who was…? ["Grant ye this humble stone a soul, that it may wake to life!"]

All at once, the ground quaked beneath our feet and one of the numerous blocks of stone nearby suddenly lurched into the air. It twitched to and fro, like an eye darting about, and then crashed into another stone which also rose. More and more boulders tumbled and crashed together, until it formed a caricature of a person, with a bulky chest and arms, but smaller legs and head. Through the cracks in the rocks, I could see an orange light pulsing within like a heartbeat, save for one place. The 'head' did not glow orange. Instead, two yellow glints of light glowed within the hollow there, serving as eyes. Eyes that showed nothing, yet somehow, I could tell it focused on all of us.

Once completed, it roared, the sound itself ripping through like knives, and it swung its massive arms in wide arcs around itself. The first swing splattered half of the Brass Blades, the pieces of their bodies splashing into the water. The second crushed the rest, against the nearby boulders and stone walls, which soon crumpled under the force. The resulting smell was nauseating, yet at the same time, it… wasn't. It was, but it wasn't. Just like...

"Wystan, run," I ordered, voice even. After all, despite my terror, despite my nausea, despite my confusion… I was calm. I was terribly calm. My emotions were just… there. A thing to account for. A thing to catalogue and push aside. Something simmering underneath that calm, and left there so I could think. So I could act. "Now." That calm remained even as the doll focused on me and it raised its arm to loose a devastating punch. I blocked it, though. I blocked it, and though my shield creaked under the force, though pain spiked and burned through my left arm, I did not yield. "Now."

I didn't know when he listened. I hoped immediately, but I could not check. My focus was solely on the doll, my entire world shrinking to the battle. Blow after blow, it rained on me. I dodged what I could, blocked what I couldn't. At least until my shield crumpled at last, sharp metal digging into my arm. Blood streamed down when I ripped it off, and absently I thought of how that had probably not been the smartest thing to do. Then again, keeping a heavy, broken shield embedded in my arm also probably wasn't a good idea. Not when I was actively fighting and needed to not be smashed into a pulp. To try and buy myself time, I threw the shield at it. It went… poorly. The stone doll barely noticed it tinking against its chest, and nearly sent me flying with the next hit. I coughed and choked on my spit, desperate for a full breath of air, and threw a thunder spell at the thing in an attempt to deter it. Didn't work, of course. Why would it? It was made of rock and clay. Sure, I could see the 'lingering damage', but it wasn't enough.

Running out of options, I went with what most would call the 'height of stupidity' option. I punched it. A nice Bootshine strike to its middle. To my surprise, it worked. A crack formed where I'd hit and the stone doll reeled back, and it actually stumbled when I automatically completed the combo with True Strike and Snap Punch. It bought me the time to dash behind one of the stone walls to catch my breath. At least, I hoped I'd have enough time to catch it. It would be nice if the phrase 'dumb as a rock' held true...

["You are strong."] Ah. Right, the mysterious, sourceless voice. I'd forgotten about them. I supposed they could make up for whatever brains the stone doll may or may not lack. ["But can you withstand this?"] Oh, what now?

The doll roared, and then… didn't move. Peering out from behind the wall, I blinked dumbly at it a few times before realizing the light within its joints was pulsing. But that wasn't the only thing. I… could see it. Somehow, just like the battle with the voidsent, I could 'see' its coming attack, an orange light spread out in a cone in front of the doll. I rolled out of the way, out from behind the wall and into the water, and it was a good thing I did. Just half of a second later, and I would've been blasted by the storm of aetherically-charged dirt and rock it spewed. Along with the remnants of the wall, because of course it broke it.

"So, hiding won't do much good," I muttered under my breath. It shifted its weight back before turning, facing me once more. "And I'm still bleeding…" Not to mention whatever might have gotten caught in my wounded arm. Wounds I might have exacerbated with the punching. "My shield is gone, but…" I 'reached' into my inventory and pulled out my blade. "This just seems stupid." But if my fists had cracked it, then what might a blade do?

The answer was 'actually chip the rock'. I had to rely a lot on the aether-based techniques First Blade Mylla taught me, as regular swipes did next to nothing. But with each one, another small piece fell away. Small cracks splintered in what remained. On and on they added together until large chunks of the stone doll sloughed off, unable to remain attached.

["Impossible!"] The voice again, this time noticeably shocked. ["Never has the golem been so sorely tested!"] So, had this person just been unleashing this thing on whoever happened to come by or something? That was rather rude, wasn't it?

The golem roared again, signaling another powerful attack. Yet again, however, I saw it. That 'orange light', this time a circle on the ground centered on the doll. I leapt back until I was safely out of the circle, and bit my lip while planning my next move. This attack, and the previous… the doll remained still, as if to charge. Like my spells…

A plan slid into place in my head. I 'returned' my sword to my 'inventory', and focused on a spell, watching the doll to see when it moved. I had just finished the incantation when it suddenly leapt up and slammed all of its considerable weight into the ground where it stood, loosing a wave of aether. The stone beneath it cracked and buckled, the water pooling underneath its feet, but I was unharmed. I was unharmed, and loosed my blizzard spell. Not at the golem itself, but at its feet. At the water. 'Ice entombs', Cocobani had recited. And the water froze into a block of ice to hold the doll in place.

Assuming it would not hold long, I 'transposed' from Umbral Ice to Astral Fire and threw as many fire spells as I could. Again and again, aiming for the chest and head. The dolls struggled to break free from the ice, cracking it with each jerky movement, but when I had to transpose back to Umbral Ice, I froze the water again, concentrating each blizzard spell at its feet to reinforce the freezing. Then, when I sensed my mana recovered, I transposed once more to Astral Fire and threw another barrage of fire spells.

It couldn't withstand the onslaught. It tried, and tried dearly, but my last fire spell exploded in its head and knocked it clean off. From there, the rest slowly fell apart, each chunk of stone hitting the ground with a loud 'thwump' and muffled splash. Then, there was silence. Nothing but the babbling of the river, and my own heavy breathing.

["That the golem could be vanquished…"] There was the voice again. I looked around for the source, but saw no one. And no matter how much I tried, I couldn't pinpoint the direction it came from. ["This woman is no ordinary adventurer…"]

Honestly, I expected something else to happen. I strained my ears for the slightest hint of noise, strained my eyes for the slightest twitch of movement. But there was nothing. Nothing at all. If not for the remnants of the doll, one might be tempted to dismiss it for a dream. Until something finally shattered the silence.

"Damn, it seems I've missed the fun." That particular voice was surprisingly jovial and familiar and, more importantly, somewhere behind me. When I looked back, I saw Thancred of all people striding down a path alongside the cliffside. "I see you didn't need my help this time," he continued, as if this sort of thing was common. Maybe it was. "Alas, I had hoped to play the knight in shining armor for you."

"Thancred?" I called, confused. He smiled and waved, glancing briefly at the remains of the stone doll thing before coming to my side. "What are you…?" I looked back at the ruins. "Are you studying these?"

"Fascinating as the history of Sil'dih is, that is not the case." He shrugged, and I tilted my head curiously. "Truthfully, I was heading to the Coffer and instead ran into a frantic man wearing glasses. When he saw I wore a blade, he all but begged me to save you."

"Wystan?" I smiled slightly, touched. Confused, but touched. "Good, he did escape. I was worried."

He said something in reply, even as he left to study the corpses littering the area. I knew he did. But I didn't hear it. I didn't hear it because a stinging pain suddenly rung through my head. Everything became hazy, like a dream, and I felt stretched thin. Stretched thin as the world faded to white...

---

When my vision cleared, I was… strangely, it seemed like I was in the streets of Ul'dah. Except… except I wasn't. I was 'viewing' it. Experiencing it. Little tidbits of information flitted through my skull, things I would not have even thought to notice. Like a child standing at the corner of an alley and street who looked bored, but truly was watching for potential marks for pickpocketing. How the 'homeless man' begging for coin on the street was really a guard keeping watch for a mark. How the prices of 'usual goods' in the many stalls was higher than 'yesterday'. Every twitch in the shadows, every potential threat analyzed and categorized. Just as every word was picked precisely to illicit the perfect reaction, all to continue a lackadaisical 'cover'...

"I would compose a ballad in your honor, but I fear no words can do you justice." Thancred's voice was loud and clear, and my view 'focused' on him, walking between two beautiful women. He spoke to the one on his right, his smile perfectly showing charm and sheepishness. It took me a moment to realize the information… it was what he thought. What he felt. "The Songstress of Ul'dah herself could not rival your beauty."

The woman laughed and batted Thancred on the shoulder, tickled and pleased by the compliments. Thancred himself kept the smile, measuring her reaction to determine just what to say next. All the while, he only gave her half of his attention. No, less than that. A quarter. At most. Another quarter was saved for the other girl, and the rest was on what he saw. What he heard. Filtering everything and tucking away tiny details for further 'investigation'.

"I have oft heard a blossom's beauty can move a man to love and long." Watching him, though, you would never suspect any of it. On the surface, he looked perfectly attentive, subtly caressing the wrist of the first girl while speaking to the second. "But I never truly believed it until I met you two desert roses."

The second girl laughed, throwing her head back with a wicked glimmer in her eye. He made a note of it, even as his attention was caught by the two sun-baked merchants murmuring quietly in the shade of a nearby building. He paused his steps to listen more closely, hoping they might be discussing anything related to the rise of prices. Merchants always griped at potential lost profits, and these two were no different. Both grumbled about a sudden attack on 'another' caravan, and how the Amalj'aa were responsible for it, though the way they spoke also implied the behavior was unusual.

"Another raid," he whispered under his breath, eyes narrowed. Location, timing… both would be things to look into 'later'. "I'll wager this one was carrying crystals, much like the last." He closed his eyes briefly, suddenly looking tired. "If they truly mean to summon a primal, we must act quickly."

The two girls called to him then, beckoning him to join them, and in the blink of an eye, the charming and sheepish mask was back in place. He caught up with a laugh and a quip, wrapping one arm around the waist of the first woman, and the shoulders of the second. Together, the trio strolled down the streets and the scene slowly faded to black.

Only for the shadows to retreat and reveal another scene. The streets of Ul'dah, just like before, except… not. Unlike before, the unease in the air was almost palpable, dread hanging over everyone's head like an executioner's blade. Few people were out and about on the streets, and while each one smiled, the smiles were strained and forced. Thancred once again walked among them, but this time alone. He wore no mask of cheer or charm, but of focused seriousness along with the feeling of guilt and 'not good enough'.

"At this rate, grain will soon be more precious than gold," he murmured, eyes sliding over the prices of a nearby merchant's wares. Higher, much higher than usual, yet at the same time, lower than competitors. He could see it was because the food sold was close to rotting. "A consequence of the uncommonly bad harvests, to be sure…" He looked up at the sky, and the scene suddenly switched to focus on it, and the red, glowing orb pulsing amongst the clouds. No, not merely 'red'. 'Crimson' would be a better description, crimson light which pulsed as a heart. "We have you to thank for that, do we not? Aye, the weakening of the aetheric flow must surely be linked to Dalamud's descent. And, of course, the primals." He looked down and the scene once again 'switched' to focus on him. "A fine mess. But we must not lose hope. Louisoux will know what to do." Affectionate admiration accompanied the name, alongside the sense of 'family' and even 'father'. "We need only trust in his judgement." Firm belief that almost hide the worry underneath, especially as his thoughts turned to someone named 'Minfillia'...

Shadows obscured the scene once more, and retreated to reveal yet another scene. Not the streets of Ul'dah this time, but inside an empty building that was familiar and not familiar. Thancred was, once again, there, this time wearing the odd contraption he usually had strapped to his arm. A contraption he… had not worn at all in the previous two scenes, now that I thought about it. I wondered why, but Thancred himself did not seem perturbed. If anything, he seemed almost impressed.

"Truly a marvel of Sharlayan ingenuity…" he breathed, smiling faintly under the contraption. I supposed they were some sort of goggles? "It's as if I could reach out and touch the aether." He pulled the goggles off and looked up briefly at the statue looming above. He knelt, as if checking for something, but left the room abruptly, heading for the outside. "Time to focus… no gallivanting about like before. The Scions are counting on you." The words were accompanied again by a sense of 'not good enough' as well as the heavy weight of grief and pain. But all vanished abruptly, as if shoved off a cliff to rot. "Have faith. Just have faith. You can do this." Words he had to say, even though he didn't truly feel them at all. Far too aware of the gaping void in… something. There was barely any time to register the feeling before it, too, was 'shoved off a cliff'. "Right then…" Back to work, he slipped on the goggles once more and pressed something on the side before looking about. "Hmm… this disturbance is recent. It's heading towards the Sultantree. Maybe Papashan will know something of it." He ran down the street, determining where Papashan most likely was [the Dispatch Yard] and the fastest way to reach him.

As he ran, the scene pulled back… no, that wasn't quite right. I was the one pulled back. I was falling away. Once again, I felt stretched, stretched until I was nothing but thread, and everything once again faded...

---

When I came to, I was laying on the ground. Again. After having the strangest dream. Again. Blessed Dawnfather, what was going on? I had never experienced anything like this in the room, nor had anyone told me about similar. So, what was it? If I were back in the village, they'd surely say this was a sign from the gods, yet what sort of sign would it be? There seemed to be no warnings of doom and gloom. In fact, the first all but begged me to save… something. And this one just involved what could have been… well, the mention of the Sultantree reminded me of when I first met Thancred. If that was just prior to then, then logically, the other two 'scenes' had also been his past. Yet why would I see anyone's past, much less his?

All this was doing was giving me a terrible headache, so I slowly pushed myself up to look around and ground myself in the present. The bodies of the dead had been moved, now lined neatly on the shore nearby. Thancred himself was standing nearby, with his hand to his ear for some reason while his other hand held the odd contraption normally strapped to his arm. Briefly, I wondered why, but then noticed he wasn't wearing the black tunic he had on before. A quick glance behind me proved why; as Lady Lilira had done before, he had given me something soft to rest my head on.

"Yes, it's me." For some reason, though, he was talking as if someone was there. But unless the person was invisible or he was talking to the corpses, then there was no one besides me. "Our person of interest already quit the field," he continued, his voice sharp and serious. He paused as if listening to someone, and then nodded his head. "The General? Very well. I shall be there anon." His hand fell from his ear then, and he closed his eyes, looking suddenly very tired. But when he turned and saw me awake, the exhaustion immediately disappeared. Wiped away like a spill on the counter. "Ah, and the sleeping beauty awakens!"

"Apologies," I mumbled, glancing down but watching him through my lashes. Despite the rocks and gravel, his steps made no sound when he approached and crouched down next to me. I wondered what to say, and if I should reveal how long I'd been awake. "Um…"

"You know; it's quite interesting." He grinned at me, ducking his head down just enough to catch my eye, and despite how friendly it appeared, I tensed up. Those visions/scenes of potentially the past… I did not know why or how I'd seen them, but if there was a shred of truth to them, he was far more calculating than he let on. An assumption supported by the 'simple' bow at the Sultantree, the one that had almost disguised the dagger he'd palmed. "My colleagues went through great efforts to provide me the means to detect aetheric disturbances." Unbidden, my eyes darted to the contraption he held in his hand still. The 'goggles'. "But lately, every time I find one, you seem to be in the middle of it."

"That so?" Was he accusing me?

"Indeed. Perhaps it might be simpler to follow you around instead." And then he'd be conveniently on hand if I became a 'person of interest' like the one he'd been pursuing. I'd read of such tricks often enough in stories and given those vision-scenes… "How are you feeling, by the way? That's the second time you've fallen into my arms." His grin widened, as if he found it amusing. I thought of that first scene and wondered if it was faked, a calculated move to try and make me relax. "Is there something about me that makes you weak in the knees?"

"Considering you were walking away when I lost consciousness, I think it's clear you went out of your way to ensure I did not collapse to the ground." Hesitantly, I lifted my head to meet his gaze properly. Regardless of my suspicions, that was fact, as was the tunic that had cushioned my head. "Mayhaps I simply sensed it was safe to fall apart." I barely thought the words coherent, but they were the first I thought of and, surprisingly, I thought his eyes widened slightly at them. "I should check on Wystan, though. He must be worried."

"Better you don't, actually." Thancred's grin faded and he nodded to the smashed corpses of the Blades. He'd set them apart from their victims. "To so carefully lay such a trap, with the Brass Blades, we're dealing with the Syndicate for certain. For something this thorough, I would guess Lord Lolorito in particular. If I'm right, it's best for you to return to Ul'dah proper as soon as possible."

"What?" I scrambled to my feet, and he just as quickly got to his, careful to keep between me and the path up the cliff. "But Wystan could be hurt!" Not even 'could'. I remembered him bleeding!

"If he's smart, he's already taken the first caravan heading away from here. He's a wanted man. The Syndicate does not tolerate rivals, and Lord Lolorito, less so." Thancred's gaze was hard and serious. Still, I bristled at the thought of just leaving Wystan to whatever fate dictated. "He is not a man to be trifled with. If he catches so much as a whisper of your involvement, he'll have you killed or worse." I simply scowled, not even bothering to dignify the words with an answer. Yet he did not back down. "Even worse still, however, those associated with you you will also be in danger."

"..." I thought about just walking off. I had no idea if he was telling the truth. I didn't see much of a benefit to lying, but that didn't mean he wasn't. After all, again assuming those vision-scenes had a grain of truth to them, he was clearly not a 'simple scholar' as he'd claimed. Not with all those things he'd whispered. Primals? Dalamud? That crimson thing in the sky? Louisoux? Minfillia? Scions? All of it hinted to something 'greater' than what he appeared, especially when you took into account his conversation just now to someone about a 'general'. Which meant there was far more to this that I could see, and thus, an infinite number of possibilities of just why he might lie. Yet… "Very well." Yet Papashan had called him a 'good man', and I doubted they were words he said lightly. And Momodi trusted Papashan. It was perhaps a ridiculously tenuous justification to take a leap of faith, to trust someone who was trusted by someone who was trusted by someone I trusted. But it was… what I chose.

"Allow me to escort you, then." His expression softened with a charming smile. I wondered if this was a good idea, but nodded anyway. Even as I tried to think of a way to check on Wystan anyway… ah! I had it! "To Quicksand. Momodi will know-"

"Actually, I must needs return to the Coffer." I smiled innocently when his eyes narrowed. "'Tis only proper. I have been working for Roger for some days now. I cannot simply leave without a word."

"You very much can, but the next bit will be on how your things are there and you simply cannot leave them behind or let someone fetch them for you." He sighed gustily, shaking his head, before he threw his hands up in silent surrender. Victory~! "However, we are heading to the Quicksand immediately afterwards, for your own safety."

"Very well." It was a fair enough compromise. "So, is that the only way up?" I pointed to the path he'd taken down. "Or is there another?"

"It's the only up and down. Unless you dive off the cliff or something." Thancred gave me a weird look, and I glanced to the side sheepishly. "Wait, you didn't actually dive off the cliff, did you?"

"I more… fell?" I shrugged helplessly. Thancred's expression slow morphed from 'weird' to 'unamused'. "It wasn't bad! The water broke my fall! Some."

"You mean the shallow water that's barely deep enough to get your ankles wet?" Each word dripped with sarcasm. I did my best to not squirm. "I knew you were injured. Your arm was a right mess." At the mention of 'was', I glanced down and saw my arm was actually bandaged. He must have… "Yet if you truly fell… oh, what I wouldn't give for Y'shtola to be here right now. Her lecture would be hilarious to hear." That was a new name. "Right then. Coffer for bandaging and snagging your things. Then the Quicksand. I'll carry you up."

"I can walk!"

To my intense embarrassment and frustration, Thancred ignored my protests and did, in fact, carry me. I debated batting his legs with my tail in retaliation, but made myself relax when aches slowly settled deep in my muscles and bones. I hurt a lot, and the climb up would've made things worse. Thancred had enough dignity to not say 'I told you so', not even when we made it to the Coffer where Roger was waiting. He'd actually been outside, with my things already in hand, but had allowed us to duck inside long enough to tend to the worst of my injuries. While Thancred and I bandaged me up, Roger reassured me Wystan had indeed made it safely there, and had hopped onto the first caravan out of here, at his insistence. Went a long way to confirm the seriousness of whatever was going on, and I subsequently spent the trip back to Ul'dah anticipating some sort of ambush. Nothing of the sort happened, of course. Not even when we passed through the gates. In fact, the only 'ambush' we experienced at all was the rush of greetings I got when we entered Quicksand.

"My, my, someone is certainly very popular," Thancred observed, helpfully leading me around the bulk of the crowd. He winked at a couple of customers nearby, and grinned. "And so many dirty looks thrown my way! It's almost a shame it's not what they think."

"Hmm? What are they thinking?" I asked, curious despite myself. I looked around too, wondering if I could catch these 'dirty looks' and put a reason behind the action, but I didn't see anything unusual. "Why is it a shame?"

"I'd answer, but I think Momodi would pull my tail if I did." That made no sense as, for one thing, as a Hyur, he did not have a tail at all. I almost told him, but he immediately changed the subject. "Speaking of whom, Momodi, dazzling goddess of the oasis, how I have missed you so!"

"I'm sure you have," Momodi immediately retorted in the driest tone possible. Despite the tone, though, quiet laughter danced in her eyes, and she had a slight smile on her face that she tried to hide. "And just what are you doing here? With Syna? I know I told you to behave yourself around her, mister."

"Behave?" I repeated, now just confused. Particularly when Momodi sighed gustily. "I'm… not sure what you mean, but I ran into some trouble-"

"Of course you did."

"And Thancred offered to escort me here."

"Of course he did." She scowled at Thancred; Thancred only grinned in response. I continued to be confused. "But of course you fell into trouble. Why not? I knew I should've asked you to come back sooner, and not just because I had a wealth of customers wonderin' where you went!"

"That explains the rush of greetings!" Thancred laughed, leaning against the counter. Not sure what else to do, I sat down in a chair. My feet certainly appreciated not having to bear my weight. "You waitress here then, Syna?"

"Momodi has me help out with orders when things are busy," I explained with a shrug. I didn't think it was that big of a deal or anything. Truthfully, I was surprised people paid attention besides worrying my tail would land in their drinks. "I study at the counter here, so it works out well enough."

"Is that so?" Thancred's grin grew. Momodi facepalmed. I tilted my head curiously. "Well, perhaps I should swing by more often to visit."

"Only if you're a paying customer." What else could I say? It was clear to me he only joked that as part of the original 'joke' of following me about to see what trouble I ran into next. "Though I suppose you could ask someone to buy you drinks."

"Is that an offer?"

"Of course not."

"Ow…! Right in the pride!" He reeled back as if I'd stabbed him, but laughed off the 'wound'. "I best beat a hasty retreat lest I receive a more grievous injury!"

"Stay safe." I watched him leave, noting how quickly he vanished from sight. "He's a little odd."

"He's always like that around pretty girls," Momodi groused, resting against the counter. Her slight smile remained, taking away any heat the words might have had otherwise. "Always.

"He acted odd even when it was just me, though?" I replied, turning in my chair to face her properly. It let me see her incredulous look. "Is something wrong?"

"Just… oh, bloody hell, you worry me sometimes." She sighed heavily, her head dropping. I tried to think of a synonym for 'confused'. "What sort of trouble did you get into this time anyway?"

"I… well…" I didn't know what to say. Based on Thancred and Roger, it was clearly a serious situation, and we were in public. Then again, it was Momodi. "Wystan-"

"Ah." She mimed for quiet, her eyes knowing. It had already spread here, then? So quickly? "There was talk about how Wystan avoided the trap, but no one has any idea at all. Of course, the boy's a pariah now, as welcome as a rabid wolf, now that he's risked the wrath of the wrong man."

"Thancred said much of the same." I rested my head on the counter, trying to make sense of it all. "Lord Lolorito, was it? Chairman of the…" I should know. I knew I should. But my brain felt like mush.

"More important is that he's the most powerful man in Ul'dah, and he didn't get there by leavin' loose ends. Probably why he chose the place he did for the trap. There's been rumors about travels mysteriously disappearin' there since the Calamity." A gentle touch on my cheek, followed by an affectionate little pinch. "I hope this mess doesn't color your view of Ul'dah too much. It's true that there are folk here who ain't afraid to crack a few skulls to get what they want. But most are decent folk tryin' to make ends meet."

"...I was always taught the brightest lights cast the darkest of shadows." By consequence, of course, you could say the darkest of shadows clung to the brightest of lights. They were inseparable.

"Good sayin'." She nudged my chin and I reluctantly raised my head just enough to look at her and see her smile so warmly. "Most might call you a fool for what you did, Syna. But you did a good thing, in my book. Probably got yourself bruised for it, of course. You should head up for a soak and..." Momodi suddenly trailed off, eyes going wide. "Why, Mylla!" Startled, I instantly straightened and twisted in my seat to see First Blade Mylla carefully picking her way through the crowd towards us. "I don't think I've seen you during the nightly rush in… seven years now. You usually stick to the mornin'."

"Your spiced coffee is a gift from the Twelve and sorely needed," First Blade Mylla replied, with a faint smile. She must get here early since I'd never seen her here before at all. "I fear I am not here to relax, however. One of mine saw Syna had returned and I wanted her impression on something."

"Seriously?" Momodi deadpanned, eyes narrowed. When First Blade Mylla didn't answer, she groaned. "Work, work, work! It's all you ever do nowadays. I'm making you a drink anyway."

"Momodi!" She reached out to try and stop her, but Momodi dashed out of reach. "Twelve, please at least make it a light one!" Momodi's only answer was a wink over the shoulder, and First Blade Mylla facepalmed. "Damn it all… I hope the couches are as comfortable as I remember…"

"I can always simply carry you home," I offered without thinking about it. After all, it was something I did for many patrons. "What was it you wanted to discuss?"

"Yes, better to get that answer now before Momodi has me soused to my eyeballs," First Blade Mylla groused, pinching the bridge of her nose before letting her hand fall to her side. "It's about those murders."

"Have there been more?"

"Thankfully, no, and I was able to read the reports the Brass Blades submitted. Based on them, I thought they might be bounty hunters." Same conclusion Helfric came to, then. "I wondered what you might have heard or seen."

"I…" My first instinct was to simply tell her the truth and what the would-be victim had told me. But I remembered what Momodi had advised and… "Did the almost victim not testify as well?"

"He did, but all he said was he was attacked." Nothing about the name? Had he'd forgotten by the time he testified? My books mentioned traumatic events could make memories a little fuzzy, and maybe he hadn't thought it important at the time. "Ambushed, rather."

"I see." What to do? What to do…? "I… will have to check my journal. It's been a while."

"True." She smiled apologetically and ruffled my hair. I barely managed a smile as guilt surged through me. "And perhaps it would be better to put this behind us, yet I cannot help but wonder…"

"You can wonder at how amazin' this drink is!" Momodi declared, abruptly returning with a large glass of something. I had no idea what it was, but despite the pretty color, a shimmering turquoise-blue, something about it filled me with dread. "On the house!"

"And now I'm terrified," First Blade Mylla sighed, letting her head drop. But she reached for the glass anyway. "Can we compromise with a room here?"

"I already got you set up. Room 21. Take that with you, and rest your weary bones for a change~!" Momodi grinned, and First Blade Mylla smiled and left, disappearing up the stairs to the inn. "We'll check on her later."

"What did you give her?" I asked, even though I knew she wouldn't answer. Indeed, Momodi's only 'answer' was the continued bright grin. "Um… Momodi?" So, since she wasn't going to alleviate my morbid curiosity, I figured I should… I mean, she'd been the one to advise…

"Yeees~?" She stretched the word out playfully, but her good cheer faded when she saw how hesitant I was. "What's wrong?"

"It's…" How should I go about this? "First Blade Mylla wanted to ask me about the murders recently. My impressions."

"The ones where random swordsmen were being ambushed and gutted?" She crossed her arms and nodded to herself. "I remember those. Thought it was all tied up, with a pretty bow."

"Could be bounty hunters." Immediately, Momodi made a face. "And… well, I didn't tell her this, but the almost victim I saved…" I glanced around and said the next words in a whisper. "He said they asked if he was named 'Aldis'."

"Ah." She sighed heavily, her whole body lifting and falling with the breath. "Of course. The man appears suddenly after seven years and he brings trouble with him. Bloody hells, this is the last thing poor Mylla needs. After working so damned hard to move past everything…" Momodi fell silent and then reached over to rest her hand on mine. "What did you tell her?"

"Just that I'd have to check my journal."

"Good." She smiled, and though it was reassuring, I could see the awkwardness in it. She, too, was uncertain about how to move forward, and it was strangely comforting to see. "For now… for now, we'll muddle through and keep his presence quiet a while longer. He's been keepin' scarce anyway."

"Very well." I managed to smile back. "I think… I'd better have that bath now, though."

"Good idea. Take a nice long soak." Momodi winked, her cheer returning. "Check on Mylla on your way back down, will you?"

"Is that drink going to knock her out that quickly?!"

Momodi response was only a surprisingly evil sounding giggle, and I decided to simply leave it unanswered and rushed up to my room for that soak and change of clothes. Once I had picked out the tome I wished to study for the night, I swung by First Blade Mylla's room to check on her. She'd left her door partially open, so I simply peeked inside and saw her sipping the drink while sitting by the window, watching the people below with a contemplative and nostalgic light in her eyes and a sad smile on her lips. I hesitated before deciding to leave her alone. I did not think she would want company for now. Better to let Momodi know and make a plan to check on her again later. Of course, I barely was able to sit down at the counter in front of Momodi before someone decided to be social.

"Ah! So, you're the adventurer that's the talk of the town!" All of a sudden, a large Roegadyn in heavy armor slid into the chair next to me. Standing not far behind him was a Miqo'te wearing an eyepatch, and a Lalafell whose staff implied they were a magic user. "Pleased to meet you, I'm Dolorous Bear," he greeted, nodding. Awkwardly, I held up my hand in a return greeting, wondering just why he was talking to me. Few actually came to greet me while I sat here; that was why it was so nice to study here. "We're new adventurers, just as you are, looking to perform such deeds of heroism as will earn us a place in the songs of every alehouse in Eorzea. We mean to write a legend which will inspire adventurers yet unborn to follow our shining example." I… okay…? Why was he telling me this? "Do you have such a goal?"

"I… just want to help people, really," I mumbled, not sure how to answer. After all, I only became an adventurer at all because people mistook me for one. "Nothing lofty. Just enough to survive, and enough to help."

"I see." Though my goal paled in scope to his, he smiled. "Good, good. Large or small, the goal itself does not matter. Only a star to reach for to greater heights. They are arms and arms for the spirit, after all." Still a little confused as to why he was talking to me, but he was nice to say that. "With all that said, Miss Momodi here…" He nodded to Momodi, who smiled. At first glance, it seemed her normal smile, but on a second, I swore I saw relief. "Suggested we do these things called 'guildhests', training exercises the guild sponsors to help new adventurers find their footing in combat." Was that so? Why hadn't she suggested it to me then? "Thing is, they prefer a group of four and we're a group of three…"

"You wish to know if I will assist?" After a moment of thought, I shrugged. "I don't see why not, though I would like a little more information about these 'guildhests'."

"Great!" Dolorous Bear grinned, and actually punched the air in victory. "Let me call the others over, and we can settle details."

Seemed I'd be busy the next few days. I hoped I'd be able to keep up with my lessons.

---

Author's notes: Showed/mentioned a few more of the game's sidequests (and guildleves) to showcase Syna 'leveling up'. Level 10 Job Quests tied in, and for battles, I tried to keep Syna's abilities within that same level. (I specifically had the 'shield throw' fail since she's not at a high enough 'level' to open up the quest that lets her learn it.)

...Can't remember if I mentioned it before or not, but some of the more… extraneous… quests of the main story I'm either going to cut down or gloss over to make things a little less rambling. (There's… quite a few fetch quests, and yes, I know it was even worse before)

I think FF14 no longer does anything with elemental resistances (or so I've heard), but the golem's description still mentions the resistance to lightning/thunder and it just makes sense, so I kept it in.

For the sake of my sanity, I''m not having Syna take up any of the Disciples of Hand/Land classes, but the chars are still there, so I'll throw in mentions now and again. I'll also pull in certain quests if it suits (or if I particularly like the storyline of the quests).

Dolorous Bear is one of the newbie adventurers you normally meet after playing envoy during the intro-to-dungeons dungeons. Think you see him first in Limsa.

(Yes, I know, technically Scorpion Crossing doesn't have a Chocokeep. I thought there was and by the time I remembered, I didn't want to change things. ...Though maybe I'm misremembering things and there is one.)