Eden Unbound
The Diadem Trilogy
and
The Trance Prophecy Saga
By Briar Eve Sheurmann
Glory be
the godhood three
who come from Sin and Time,
what Sin begets
and Time regrets
Is evil's paradigm
-Anon. Centran Poems of Dark Humour and Blood.
The Lay of the Blue-eyed Sorceress.
'Dear lady of such inky hair,
who may expected be?
What gent shall come to claim the fair,
chaste maiden that I see?
Who is he that has claimed those lips
and won their luscious prix?
And who deserves to view those orbs
of ocean blue, but me?
Is he that loves you fair and sweet,
or full of mystery?
Does he pick flowers from the hill
to crown your royalty?
Can he sing like a thrush or lark-
and is that song on key?
Tell me, lady, what he is so
for you, he'll challenged be.'
'Dear young man, you must be strong to
approach me with such gall!
Never have I been forewooed with
such a confident drawl.
If you must know, I wait for none-
I sit alone and call
silently, for a man, who be,
The one for whom I'll fall.
Day after day, I sit beneath
this tree near the stone wall
Beneath the sun and moon and stars,
the sunlight and rainfall.
The man with eyes as bright as grass
takes his walk 'fore dayfall
But alas! I have ne'er caught him,
the silver-tongu-ed minstrel.'
'But lady, I'm the only man
who walks this path at dawn.
My own songs echo through the land
from my own muse they're drawn.
My own eyes, wide as they now are,
they're coloured as the lawn
My own words are gilded sweet
as the ears they fall upon.'
'This man is brave beyond his caste
and wise beyond his years.
His handsomer than Hyne himself
he triumphs o'er his peers.
He's stronger than mightiest beast
but unashamed of tears
He sing of battles, gore and love
like all good balladeers.
But alas- I'm a silly maid
not made for cavaliers.
No knight in armour shall arrive
to overcome my fears.
I do not long for gold or pearl
nor lust for lavalieres
I only want a man who's kind
-that, I hope, Hyne hears.'
'There is great strength in my young arms
and more in my quick brain.
My eye's green, I've a pretty face
although I'm never vain.
I may not be this valiant knight
I wouldn't even feign
But I am kind- that's what you want.
Though it really is my gain.'
'Oh, feign, feign, my genteel youth,
and speak those words again.
For, yes, this perfect gentleman
is really you, quite plain.
From the other side of the tree
I've watched as you campaign
from dusk to dawn, from night to morn
behind this oak I've lain
Sighing when I've caught a glimpse of
my rugged, stalwart swain.'
'Then mount my steed and we shall go
to a palace by the shore
You'll be my bride, and I your knight,
a love we can explore.
I'll keep you warm without a fire,
I'll keep you far from war,
Our love will span the drift of time
I swear- forevermore.'
The knight and lady left at dawn
for greater plots than theirs.
O'er land and sea and mountainside
Through all life's natural snares.
They rode and whispered words of love
'neath sunned and moon-ed stares.
And fine'ly, on the shimmering coast
A castle found their prayers.
'My dearest fair, here we will stay
this shore befits your beauty.
And I will guard you every night-
I swear, on love and duty.'
'Each night I'll sing you fast asleep
accomp'nied by the sea.
And darn your socks and kiss your mouth
and give you company.'
Tide, the loving cantor lulled
Whilst virtue slept in peace.
By day the lovers laughed and prayed
For life to never cease.
The knight slew wyrms to prove his love
The lady prepped his feast
But Fate is hard on those who love
And destroyed This on caprice.
Night is darkest in early morn
'fore sun has thought to rise.
An unmarked ship found way to shore
Crew hid by night's disguise.
The drawbridge down, the door unlatched
The castle was their prize
They pillaged it with pirate skill-
Took more than just supplies.
A strident clang awoke the girl
Who always slept quite light.
Her lover lay asleep and dreamed
Of his last holy fight.
She did not dare disturb her love
-She wrapped her robe round tight-
And hurried down the tower stair
To assuage her fright.
She found the hall and foyer marked
And parlour disarrayed
The kitchen had been ransacked-their
Preserves served as buffet.
Terrified, she turned and ran but
Echoed steps betray
The pirates caught the scent of fear
and trapped this fresh, new prey.
'Oh pretty bird, how do ye fare?
We thank ye for this lot.
Our crew was cold and poor and starved
And ye had more than y'ought.'
'It was a pleasure, my good sir-
I hope you've had a lot.
Take what you need back home with you-
Load up your noble yacht.'
'Oh Lady, you are kind and just-
thank ye for the offer.
We do need more than food and clothes
And gil in ye old coffer.
Sweet lass, come, to the parlour hearth
And lay down on the fur.
Or, on the bed, you prissy girl,
If that you would prefer.'
She screamed and rent the air with cries,
But the pirate kissed her long
She clawed at him with all her might
-his hold was deadly strong
He tore her clothes and touched her breast
Cruelly, he prolonged.
He took her hard by the fireside
Then passed her to the throng.
Each filthy swine took time with her
To suit his carnal lust.
Her eyes a blur, she sobbed and screamed
And submitted with disgust.
Sometimes two and sometimes three would
Enter her and thrust
Her mantra was her lover's name
Through all that was unjust.
She sang his name o'er and again
And dreamed of his sweet face.
She tried to block the sweaty scent
And wept for his embrace.
She pictured him in peaceful sleep
And prayed for Hyne's good grace
That she would live to see the morn
Albeit in disgrace.
Then suddenly the air grew thick-
The thieves drew back in dread
Some collapsed to the ground in awe
And some turned 'round and fled.
Though she was cold and crying soft
And very nearly dead
The lady was now hovering
Above where she'd been spread.
Fierce lightning crackled from her hands-
She screamed a wordless tone
Then in a voice of holy spite
She spoke the word-
'atone'
'atone'
The captain yelled- jumped to his feet-
After her hollow moan.
But she shrieked ,screamed and burnt him dead
And he was not alone.
She rose up high-her body numb-
And cast a spell of power
And all who'd touched her holy flesh
Died beneath her glower.
Fire, ice and lightning fell
In a firmamental shower.
She wept for all that'd been lost that night-
Their lives and her Love's flower.
She cleared the smoke and filthy air
And landed on her feet.
Her power gone, she fell down hard
And wept at the defeat.
Then, suddenly, a trickling sound
Of voice and tune so sweet
Wafted through the pungent air
Straight to her ears, did meet.
The lady rose her wounded head
Towards the fragile strain
And met with fear the vision of
Her lover bloodied-slain.
Screaming, she crawled towards his form
Begged him to remain.
And then he opened one green eye
And hummed a last refrain.
His sword was full of blood and slick
With human humours noire
Just like a noble knight of court
few scratches his skin marred.
His body, burned from fire and wrath
Would never live to scar
He smiled to see his love alive
But his eyes were chilled and far.
'I woke to find the bed so cold-
you'd been gone for some time.
So I found my way down the stairs
And saw this. . .sickening crime
My sweet, my love, my one, my all-
We've been severed in our prime.
All I wanted is you and me-
Our spirits intertwined.
'I did not live in fear of death
but now, in death, I fear
I fear I'll never hold you close
As we have done right here.
My lady of such strength unknown,
Do not loose one stray tear.
For you have cast a spell 'oer me
And for that, I you revere.'
He choked and gasped and breathed his last,
She held him in her clutch.
And she wept and cursed the name of Hyne.
The knight she'd loved so much.. . .
She stroked her lover's handsome cheek
She remembered every touch
And then she took his dripping sword
And slit her slender throat.
-Anon. . Centran Poems of Dark Humour and Blood.
First recorded 150 A.D., passed through the surviving Centran tribes through aural tradition.
Chapter I.- Breathing Out and Breathing In
He awoke to find something in his mouth.
It tasted of oranges and red liquorice, but it had the texture of neither.
He chewed on it a bit- it was hard but. . .kinda rubbery.
Probing with his tongue, he found part of it to be bone-hard and slightly jagged. He rolled his tongue over it, which elicited a little murmur from an outside source.
It wasn't entirely unpleasant. . .but it made him gag a little.
He opened his eyes. . .
And pulled Selphie's thumb out of his mouth.
With her hand suddenly freed, the slumbering whirlwind of mass destruction pulled the appendage to her own mouth and popped it in between her tiny, rosebud lip. Then she snuggled closer and rested her tousled head against his chest. Now wide awake, he groaned and tried desperately to sneak out of her vice-like grip.
But his efforts were futile. Selphie Tilmitt was the strongest woman in the world.
Selphie seemed to unconsciously sense his impending escape, so the clever girl wrapped one long leg around his lean waist, and somehow managed to fist his hair in her right hand- the hand that wasn't lodged in her mouth.
He closed his eyes, groaned loudly and leaned his head against the wall.
"Irvine Kinneas- did you two stay down here all night?"
One indigo eye opened, then another, and Irvine breathed a sigh of relief.
"Yeah, we fell asleep waiting for the sun ta come up. Figured we would'a had a real nice view sittin' here in the quad. But sleepin' beauty here zonked out mid-sentence and, I guess, I followed pretty shortly. Kinda sad 'bout that, I think. . ."
"Well. . .thanks to us there'll be plenty of sunrises for the two of you to share."
Irvine raised his eyes and projected the widest smile he could to the figure across the room.
"Thanks Quisty."
"No problem." She waved it off and giggled a little. Then a sigh rolled off her lips and she glanced around the room. Irvine followed her gaze.
"Wow. . .the Quad's a disaster, eh?"
"You can say that again." The blonde-haired SeeD replied. She put a hand to her temple and shook her head. " It was nice of Garden to throw us a party, but. . ."She looked around helplessly. "Well, since you're up, would you mind giving me a hand with this? I'd rather not leave the entire mess up to the staff- they've been so kind since we got back and I hate the idea of having people wait on me." To punctuate her point, miss Trepe restored an overturned bench to it's natural position, then waited restlessly for Irvine's prompt reply. Biting his lower lip, Irvine made a point of looking as wretched as possible. She sighed. "Irvine Kinneas, you lazy man, would get. . ."
"Quisty, Quisty- no! You got me all wrong!" He entreated smoothly, letting the natural, seductive lilt in his voice carry the words past their unadulterated meanings. "It's just that. . .I can't move. I can't! Honest!" Quistis raised an eyebrow. Irvine's eyes, wide with manufactured innocence and guiltlessness, fluttered and looked at the floor. "She's got me trapped Quisty- she's pullin' on my hair and crushing me with her big muscle-y leg. . ." Quistis rolled her eyes at his melodramatic description. "Quisty. . .I can't move. . .and do ya know how demeaning that is? I'm her slave, Quisty! Her slave!"
". . .Irvy, shut up. . .try. . .slee. . .p." Selphie mumbled and crushed him to her. Irvine jerked his head toward his sleeping friend.
"You see!"
Quistis laughed and nodded.
"Yes, you're absolutely right. Well then- how's this? I'll help you escape Selphie's evil clutches if you make sure you stay around long enough to sweep the floors, take down the streamers and balloons and dump the trash. Deal?"
". . .can I move the chairs instead of the trash?"
"No!" She barked. "Now quit whining and accept my ultimatum, or I'll let Selphie smother you to death." He blanched, but nodded meekly. "Alright, then, I'll see what I can do. . ."
Quistis approached the sleeping beast with trepidation- even in captivity the Selphie-creature was a force to be reckoned with. The high ranking SeeD surveyed the surrounding setting- if startled, there were no weapons available for the Selphie to use against her opponent. However, the Selphie's little fists were no laughing matter. Quistis moved stealthily round the girl and fell to a crouch on the side opposite poor, defenceless Irvine. They met eyes and Quistis made sure that Irvine was ready to bolt if the opportunity arose. Quistis knew Selphie's secret, and she'd ensure that Irvine was set loose so he could be put to use the way a man should be used- for menial labour.
"On the count of three. . .one. . .two. . ."
Quistis mercilessly dug her flickering fingers into Selphie's little belly, cackling. Selphie was so ticklish she'd lose any form of control! Any! Quistis tickled her best friend mercilessly.
"Uh. . .Quisty?"
Quistis continued to tickle.
"Quisty. . ."
"Irvine! Escape! Now, while she's. . ."
"Still sleeping?"
Quistis ended her tirade and glanced down Selphie's unfazed state. She was in shock.
"B. . .but, it's Selphie! She's so ticklish. Surely. . ."
"Honey, she sleeps like a friggin chocobo- ya can't wak'er up just by tickling her! Believe you me- I've tried it plenty."
"But. . .Oh shit. I don't know how to. . ." Quistis swore and began to frantically pull at Selphie's skinny arms. Somehow, the tiny slip of a thing withstood all of their combined force. Of course, they didn't pull too hard for fear of snapping her bird-like bones, but they were shocked by her strength. Quistis wiped her forehead with the back of her glove and shook her head, astounded. "My god, Irvine- I have no idea. How do you usually get out?"
". . .wait for her to wake up."
"But. . she probably won't wake up for hours- she's deep in her cycle. . ." Quistis sputtered. Irvine chewed his lip and shrugged.
"Well. . .I guess I can't help you with the trash, Quisty-girl. . ."
"Oh no no no no no- you are not getting away that easily, Mr. Kinneas. Just give me a second. I'll break her arm and magically set it to make your life miserable. I. .. hey!"
Without warning, Quistis knees were buckled and she collapsed atop Irvine and Selphie. The impact garnered a curse from Quistis, a chuckle from Irvine and a tiny mew from the still slumbering Selphie. "Irvine, did you just punch me in the knee?!? That's it- I hope you drown in Selphie-ness I hope. . .Irvine Kinneas! Let me go!"
Quistis found herself unable to escape, as there was now a thick arm around her waist which was, in turn being held captive by a skinny leg. Suddenly, a Selphie-claw came towards her face and grabbed onto one of her framing bangs. Irvine chuckled. Quistis groaned.
"If I can't escape, I'm taking you down with me. . ."
"You're such an ass. . ."
"Well. . .just think of it this way. .. "Irvine chuckled, "As long as Selphie's holding you prisoner, you don't have to feel obligated to do all that dirty work. So. . .get yourself a little more comfortable, and we'll have a nice chat or something. 'Cause, frankly, we're gonna be here for awhile."
Quistis thought it over and, glaring at her "friend", she accepted his invitation.
With Selphie's death-grip on her hair, she was forced to curl up-press up- against Irvine's chest. She growled as she did so- ensuring that he would not mistake the action for some sort of school-girl attraction.
Not that there wasn't one there, but she wouldn't give him the pleasure or grief of knowing it.
She rested her head his right pectoral- Selphie mirrored her on the other side. Above them both, a happy sigh erupted from Irvine. Quistis made the point of pinching him with her one free hand.
"Don't get any ideas. . ."
"Heh heh- do you have any idea how this would look ta somebody who just happened to walk in. . ."
"I'll be sure to correct any misconstrued conclusions. . ."
Irvine chuckled. "Yeah. . .I'm sure you will. . ."
"Don't laugh. . .the diaphragmatic spasms makes my head bounce up and down. It's aggravating. . ."
". . .sorry, Quisty-girl. I won't laugh. I'll follow your grumpy example."
Quistis rose her eyes and met his twinkling ones. She couldn't help contain herself and chuckled merrily. He glared.
"Don't laugh, Grumpy." He ordered teasingly. "Your diaphragmatic twitches keep squishing me. It's hard enough breathing without your abdomen expanding. . ."
"Oh Irvine, you're such a dear." She whispered and, after one quick pinch to his cheek, she snuggled up against him.
She loved him.
More than he'd ever know.
"Oh Quisty, you're such a stick in the mud." He countered. "why does it take a grip of iron to get you to come and cuddle with me? I'm a nice guy, y'know? I'm not gonna put the moves on you. . .unless you like want me to. . .or Seffie wants me to. . .hey!" She pinched him for his lewd suggestion. "Anyway, I'm glad we're all here. All alive. All everything. . ."
Quistis nodded her agreement, but said nothing.
It was September.
For some, just the beginning of a new fiscal year. School supplies. Uniforms. Weapons upgrades.
All of that innocence and banality.
But it wasn't that for them. Not at all.
Two months before they'd saved the world.
Saved it from total annihilation- A wayward knight, an evil sorceress and the destruction of time itself.
No. . .they were not "some". They were heroes.
They were lucky to be alive.
The early morning sun was sheer magic as it crept past the trees and into their line of view. Ribbons of pure white cascaded through the multitude of windows, bathing the three in a luminous shower.
Neither Quistis nor Irvine spoke. They simply watched nature reveal herself.
This was what others took for granted. This was what they'd saved.
The warmth enveloped them.
"I love. . .this." Quistis whispered, staring. Her voice caught in her throat. Leaning down, Irvine kissed her forehead.
". . .me too, Quisty girl. Me too." He sighed.
Suddenly she gasped.
"Quisty. . .what's. . .?"
"Irvine! You're entrance exam! It's today!" She stared at him, pacific eyes wide with duty. But he, like the good natured, easy going Galbadian he was, shrugged it off.
"Hey- yeah, you're right. Well. . .I sure hope Seffie wakes up before we need to go, or else Squally-boy's gonna have to reschedule." He said it very matter of factly. Quistis snorted.
". . .Wow, I never realized just how much clout our little Selphie really has."
"She's a dictator in the making, y'know. . ."
". . .better put that in the psych report." Quistis giggled and turned her gaze to Selphie- the little tyrant with her thumb in her mouth.
They both howled.
"Yo, Quistis! Nida said you were in here, so I thought. . .oh."
Irvine and Quistis' giggle fest fell flat at Zell's entrance.
Poor, innocent, conclusion-jumping Zell stood at the bottom of the stairs, eyes bugging out and mouth flapping open. His hands had been full of thick, green garbage bags- bags that now lay scattered across the Quad floor. He blushed brightly and stammered.
"I. . .I, hey guys-s. . sorry about, um. . .yeah. . .well. . ."
Irvine arched an eyebrow and Quistis groaned inwardly. Mischief was plastered all over the gunslinger's face.
"Would you like to join us, Zell?" Irvine asked seriously. Quistis had to bury her face in his violet top to stifle her laughter. Irvine maintained his composure.
Zell, however, did not.
"J. . .join you? Man- I'm not into that stuff!" Zell sputtered and turned red. He looked like a chicken in headlights. "How can you think I'd be into that stuff? That stuff is just wrong- how can you offer me that stuff? I. . ."
"We're just talking Zell, cool your jets." Quistis giggled, waving it off. Irvine waited a moment then burst out laughing. It took Zell a moment to see the humour in it, but, finally understanding the invitation he bounded over to sit with Quistis. Irvine, however, shook his head.
"No- lay down beside Selphie. She's cold."
Quistis raised an eyebrow and Irvine gave her a side-long glance that twinkled with mirth. But Zell saw none of it and simply radiated with joy. To Zell, Irvine's simple suggestion implied brother-ship and acceptance- the two had a bit of a rocky relationship.
To Irvine, Zell's ready acceptance indicated that Zell had begun to finally trust him.
However, Quistis knew both true motives.
Irvine had offered the spot beside his girlfriend because he wanted to pull a prank on unsuspecting Zell.
And Zell had readily accepted not only because of Irvine's supposed kindness, but because the poor boy was infatuated with one Selphie Tilmitt.
Irvine watched with glee as Zell nestled in beside Selphie. He readied his body in anticipation. She'd let go of him any time now. .. any. . .
"Hey Zelly- whatchya doin'? Did you have a bad dream?"
Damn.
Irvine swore under his breath as Selphie woke instead of latching onto Zell. Unfastening her grip on her comrades, the girl rubbed her goopy eyes and yawned. Raising her head from Irvine's chest she glanced around at the rather cozy scene.
Then she glared accusingly at Irvine.
"How drunk were we last night?"
Quistis laughed and sat up. Zell just glanced at Selphie quizzically. Irvine grinned.
"Pretty gone, doll- you should'a seen what you and Quisty were doing last. .. ouch! Seffie, don't let Quisty pinch me anymore!"
"Well, you shouldn't lie to girls Irvine." Zell announced matter-of-factly. Selphie nodded her agreement.
"You tell him Zell!" She pumped her fist in the air and stretched. Rubbing her neck , the tiny SeeD looked from Quistis to Zell, then back to Irvine.
"You had me in one of your death-locks this mornin'" Irvine explained. "Quisty wanted me to help her clean up, so she came to set me free, but I kinda tripped'er and you grabbed onta her hair and. . .well, yeah. That's about it. Oh, and I called Zell over to save us. And, I guess he kinda did 'cause he woke you up. . ."
"Yeah Zell, you're a hero." Quistis giggled. "You saved us from the Selphie monster of doom."
Zell wasn't quite sure how to take it at first, but, seeing Selphie's smile he jumped to his feet and immediately punched the air.
"Yo- I'm the best hero out there. Call me for all your Selphie-battling needs!"
No one laughed harder than Selphie at this.
"C'mere! I can still beat you!" She called out and pulled zealous Zell back into her deadly clutches. Quistis and Irvine howled as Zell received the treatment that they'd been subjected to only moments before.
"And here I'd figured we'd be the only ones out of bed. . ."
". . .I don't think they ever went to bed."
Squall and Rinoa came down the stairs, mops and buckets in hand. Squall stopped a few meters from the brawl, while Rinoa scampered over to help Selphie.
"H. .. hey Rinoa- why're you helping her? She attacked ME!"
"Get him Rin!" Selphie shrieked and both girls began to smother the victimized martial artist.
Out of the corner of his eye, Irvine caught Squall's unguarded smile.
It was just a little one, but it was impressive.
"Rinoa, Selphie- leave Zell alone. He's obviously outmatched." Squall ordered softly.
"Wha?" Zell's head poked up out of the fray. "I am not! I can handle these two, oof!"
Squall shook his head and turned his attention to the remaining members of the group.
"Did you sleep at all? Are you ready?"
Irvine nodded.
"Yeah, I'm good. Rested enough. 'sides, it's not like I have to do the whole exam or nothin' since I've done the written and Cid's granted me a field equivalency- I just have to capture a guardian all by myself, right?" Squall nodded. "So, like, where'r we goin'?"
Squall paused and shifted slightly.
"Xu did manage to locate a wayward Guardian for us, right?" Quistis pressed. "I realize she's been under a lot of pressure-you both have- but was Psyche able to latch onto any guardian presences that are stable enough for us to meet?"
"Yeah- Xu's guardian force found one entity unaffected by Time Compression. Xu said that it's located around the deep sea research centre- near where we got Bahamut. So the three of us will take Ragnarok over there this afternoon to check it out. If this lead doesn't bear fruit, we'll simply award you SeeD status, Irvine. You have, after all, caught Guardians before, albeit with the help of an entire group. So we'll see."
There was a familiar glint in Squall's grey eye- Squall was hoping for the former.
He was hoping for a battle.
That was why he'd decided to accompany Irvine and the cadet's sponsor, Quistis
At first the idea had upset Quistis-she'd seen it as a lack of trust in her abilities. But later, she'd realized that the decision had simply stemmed from his warrior mentality.
Squall was bored with rebuilding houses and replanting trees.
The last two months had been filled with reconstruction and, while each and every moment was full of hope and providence, it didn't really fulfill a knight's needs.
"So. . .when're we leavin'?" Irvine asked.
"Be ready for two. Quistis, you and I will meet at one thirty to go over the logistics of the exam. This policy is hardly new to you, but the exact details are slightly altered from your earlier experiences." With that said, he surveyed his team of heroes- entangled and playful like a newly established litter.
"Why don't you take a time out there, fearless leader?" Irvine suggested, motioning to the spot beside Quistis. "Enjoy the sunshine and camaraderie."
Squall cocked an eyebrow.
Irvine smiled sincerely.
Quistis watched and highly anticipated the result. In most circumstances, it would be easy to predict the winner of this little stand off. Squall is as Squall does.
But Irvine was extremely particular when it came to group dynamics, and often his easy going nature turned didactic when the instance concerned group welfare and family.
Squall knew this quite well- he'd been the one chewed out by Irvine the most.
And Irvine had been the only one he'd listened to on that particular matter.
She-Quistis-was not the matron of the group.
Irvine was.
The idea made her giggle.
But she was silenced with one of Squall's infamous glares. Then, with an intense gaze that never left Irvine's, the Lion of Balamb gave into his friend's request and sat with them on the cold Quad floor. He didn't cuddle, nor did he engage in the friendly conversation, but he did listen and enjoy the company.
The smile on Irvine's face could've melted the Trabian ice caps. That one little victory gave him the confidence and energy to do anything, so he proceeded to tackle the girls in an attempt to save the extremely dominated Zell.
Quistis watched the four play- the peace that fell over the group calmed her generally-agitated nerves.
"That was nice, Squall." Quistis offered sincerely.
He only grunted and watched over his playful flock.- A tiny smile escaped his mask of ice.
Quistis sat with him in silence and enjoyed the sunshine.