Chapter 06 // Conceive and Believe
Ramza stabbed a fork into the eggs, still bothered by the events of the morning. Meredith could tell there was unrest, yet no one had bothered to start talking yet. Finally Ramza set his fork down, dabbing at the corners of his mouth with a napkin. "Ok, now that we've at least got something in our stomachs, let's start working on this as we eat more."
Alma nodded. "This isn't a good thing - Altima seems to still be able to reach our world, at least in the mind. The Lucavi are still up to something. It's not over."
Beowulf shook his head. "But why now? Why wait all this time?"
"Because they couldn't find anyone to implement their plans until now?" Johnathan asked form the far end of the table, garnering some looks. "Just a question."
"A valid one," Ramza said. "Also, give enough time for the last events to settle down, be forgotten, obscured. Wait until their guard is down, and strike." Ramza halted himself from adding something about what his brother had done to the former dukes in relation to that.
"Still," Beowulf said with a mouthful of bacon, "why is that damned angel bothering us? Wouldn't that be a tip-off and raise our alarm?"
"Who'll listen to us?" Orlandu said. "You know as well as I that no one's going to listen to the supposedly dead, le alone people who were fighting alongside a heretic. The church would have our heads for far worse then that as it is."
"We'd end up no better then what happened to Ajora," Ramza said, rolling his eyes. "Same story, different days. Raise the alarm of the people, act in an unorthodox way against the church in power, and be killed - whether you're right or wrong. The point is the same - Altima either wants us to walk ourselves into death. or wants revenge."
"No doubt after we trashed her completely," Beowulf replied. "And what of that thing you saw this morning, Alma?"
"Probably a Lucavi. I can't really say as the only one I was in the presence of in their true form was Altima," she said, finishing off a glass of milk. "Still, everything adds up, including a missing stone for Aquarius."
"What gets me is that it seemed to have no malice, no vengeance or anger," Johnathan said. "It looked. sad."
"Deception?" Beowulf offered. The former shrine knight knew quite well how people could give false singals to lure people into things. He glanced over at Reis a moment, and then to Ramza.
Ramza tapped the fork on the plate after collecting another bite, musing. "Possibly. What remains is that the stone - and whoever has it - must be nearby."
Mustadio shook his head. "That's a long way to come from the outskirts of Goug."
Agrias shrugged. "If they're determined, anything can happen - I don't doubt somehow it was orchestration."
"Either way, it's a threat to our world and our lives. And also should whomever Altima - or any Lucavi - associates with, they can tell anyone in the church whee exactly we are, and that we never died. Which is a very bad deal for all of us, including our gracious hostess and her family."
Meredith shook her head. "If that's the way it goes, so be it," she said. "I'd rather go down with you all then know the truth and be trapped with it for my life, wishing I could have done more."
Ramza nodded. "Thank you."
"So what are we going to do?" Alma said.
Ramza shrugged. "Not sure. Our best bet is to see if we can find anything out." His fork slipped form his hand, hitting the plate loudly. He cringed, recollecting it. "Sorry. had a stray though cross my mind and wasn't paying attention. I was just thinking about that encounter we had."
"All those unusual monsters," Meliadoul said. "Yeah. actually, it does make more sense if the stone's in the area."
Just then Olan walked into the room. "It is, as we discussed last night. Balmafula's out in the forest right now doing some checks - if she's in trouble, she has ways out of it. She's somewhere over where the fight took place right now. I just got back from being with her."
"Where were you last night?" Cid said.
"Sleeping outside. It's peaceful under the stars," he replied, taking the plate Meredith offered. "Thank you kindly." He took a bite of bacon, sighing. "I was hoping this was just false, but it's looking more and more local as the day's progressed. Anything outstanding here?"
"Altima's been causing nightmares," Alma said, pouring another glass of milk. "At least Lucavi are. She apparently got into Johnathan's mind or dreams or soething after I'd awoken from a bad dream, and then Ramza was dreaming."
Meliadoul nodded. "I don't know if it was Altima causing mine, but I had one myself."
Reis shook her head then, glancing at Beowulf. "She's had a few bad ones on and off since that night. we don't know if they've been caused by them or not, but now that this seems prevalent."
Everyone was silent for a long while, the only sounds the occasional glass lifted or set down, or silverware on plates. Finally Meliadoul spoke. "Say, Johnathan, whose fence were we near last night?"
He stapped out of a thought, and looked around suddenly, then realized what was going on. "Ah. that was actually the fence to Chloe's father's place actually. why?"
She shrugged nonchalantly. "Just wondering, since I just remembered her climbing over it last night." She glanced over at Ramza subtly. "I hope she's okay."
Johnathan picked up his napkin, wiping his mouth. "Actually, I was going to go check on her today. if that's alright," he replied, glancing at Meredith, and then Ramza.
Meredith nodded. "I see no problems at all, Johnathan. In fact, could you take some rolls over there as well? It's been awhile since I've seen her father Korell - not since he was sick - and I think a gift might cheer them up. In the meantime, I'm going to check the barn." She headed out the backdoor, leaving them sitting in momentary silence.
Ramza focused his eyes on Johnathan. "I want you to be careful going out there," he said in a low voice. "If something's out there at all, there's a good chance - Alma, do you think you could go with him? Strength in numbers? Someone?"
Alma nodded. "I will, anyone want to accompany me? Agrias, could you? Nothing against your skills Johnathan, I just think someone with practical experience might be good should something happen."
Johnathan nodded and glanced over to Agrias. "Would you?"
Agrias nodded, rising from her chair. "Also, I doubt anyone would suspect a man walking with his cousin and another woman... though that might start some talk." Everyone started laughing then as Johnathan flushed slightly. "I'll go get ready."
Alma rose as well, following after. "Me too." Beowulf leaned back in his seat, glancing at Ramza with an odd look as Johnathan also rose.
"If you'll excuse me, I need to get ready as well." He headed into his room, musing on everything that had happened. In the space for a few days everything he knew seemed to be changing rapidly, and he wasn't too enthused about being caught in the midst of it. If he had chosen, it would be different, but by sheer chance, he was being pulled into a great unknown. Curiosity had been part, and a large part past that was sheer fear.
'Fear of what?' he asked himself taking off his shirt and fining another, cleaner and more presentable one. 'Altima? I know she's evil. but. it's not just fear. it's something more. Something greater. But it scares me - a lot more then I'd like to admit. Did Ramza feel this when things began to unfold on him?'
"Johnathan?" The voice was Ramza's, and it was concerned. He turned, and their eyes met a moment before Johnathan pulled the shirt over his head, adjusting the sleeves. "I want you to take one of the swords I keep in that chest. Preferably Ice Brand - it's the best weapon I have, mostly because it can unleash an ice spell of second caliber."
Johnathan nodded, watching Ramza go over and dig the crystal blue blade from the chest. "Thank you Ramza."
"I'd rather you be ready in case something happens," he said. "I suspect we're just beginning the second war against the Lucavi, and after the first, I learned a lot of hard lessons. I'd rather not loose anyone else."
They both nodded in understanding, and Ramza left the room to go talk with the others. 'Something must be amiss for him to go this far. I suspect that I've only begun to start learning.'
~//~
"I should offer to help with some yard upkeep," Johnathan said at the gate to the house that Chloe lived at. "It looks as though it's not been cared for in awhile."
Alma frowned slightly. "Yeah, maybe you and brother can come over and clean it up. I'd be glad to help too."
Agrias inhaled deeply. "Well, standing here won't do us any good. Shall we?" She smoothed down her dress, a much simpler one then what she used to wear as Ovelia's bodyguard, but still functional enough with armor underneath in critical places. She had let her hair down as well, but the front parts pulled back so she could see clearly.
Johnathan opened the gate, cringing at the creak it had. "It's been some time since I came to her house, actually," he said. "I hope everything's ok."
They walked up quietly and stopped before the great carved doorway, Alma cradling the basket of rolls. Johnathan knocked, a bit softly at first, and then loud enough that eh was sure he had been heard. A few minutes passed, in which they stood there, looking at each other. "Maybe they're not home?" Alma offered.
The door cracked open then, and they saw Chloe standing there, her eyes wide and shaking ever so slightly. "Oh, thank . I thought you were another one of the doctors or other visitors my father has over. I'm sorry to keep you waiting," she said, stepping out and closing the door.
Agrias and Alma exchanged glances, having noticed how dark it had been inside for a place so filled with exquisite windows, and that the air that had escaped was dusty. Alma cleared her throat and curtseyed slightly. "It's okay, Chloe, we just wanted to make sure everything was okay and to bring some rolls over for you and your father."
Chloe reached out to take the rolls, and Alma couldn't help noticing how cold the other girl's pale hands were. "Thank you very much, all of you," she said softly. "Father's not been well at all lately, and it's been so trying. I would invite you in, but he's having another fit about things, and I don't wish to subject you to him. He's been so irritable, and nothing seems to make him better."
"I'm sorry," Johnathan said, reaching out to embrace her. "If there's anything we can do, Chloe, don't hesitate to ask." He let her go, catching a look deep into her eyes a moment and seeing something amiss, but said nothing. She looked very tired, and in the morning light, she looked even paler, as though she were becoming ill as well. "What happened to the yard keepers and such?" he asked on impulse.
"Oh. they left because of my father. he drove the off one day in a fit and he hasn't cared since." She shook her head. "All the caretakers and such are gone. Ever since mother died, and he fell ill then. it's just been so hard. I can't take care of this yard, it's hard enough to keep up on the inside as it is."
"Well, we can come over and help, me and my friends and such," Johnathan said.
Chloe shook her head quickly then, looking down. "Oh no, it's all right. I don't want father finding out and getting excited or angry. it makes things worse for his condition. I- I'm sorry."
Johnathan nodded, hiding the concern. "Okay then. just remember, if you need something, don't hesitate to ask or come over. will we see you soon?"
"I don't know. I have to take care of Father today. perhaps tomorrow, I don't know."
"CHLOE!" they heard, a loud voice with a slight rasp, and quite angry. She turned, throwing open the door and stepping in before she turned back at them, looking terribly upset and bothered.
"I'm sorry, I must attend to Father." She slammed the door shut and locked it as she yelled, "I'm coming father!"
They stood there in silence before turning and walking back down the neglected walk and out the gate. As Johnathan latched the gate, he turned and saw Doran and Lillina approaching.
"What's going on?" Doran asked. "Miss Chalthriem said you'd come to Chloe's and.. What's wrong?"
Johnathan shook his head. "Nothing much. just that Chloe had to leave abruptly. I need to get home and take care of some things. how about you two go to Syldreth Field and I'll catch up there later?"
"Sure," Lillina said, crossing the short distance to hug him. "Make sure to stay out of trouble. Meredith seemed. bothered. Something didn't seem right at all."
Johnathan nodded, and the three started back before Doran called out, "Hey, nice sword there!" As he turned to look at his friends, they had already gone.
Agrias nudged him then, looking at him with concern. "You just about lied," she said.
"Just about? I did in a sense, because I need to go home and tell them about this," he said. "I didn't like doing it, but it had to be done.and I need to know what my aunt has to say about this."
"She was very cold," Alam observed. "Did you feel it?"
"Yeah," he said, sidestepping a large dip in the ground. "And it was darker then anything inside."
Agrias shook her head. "Illness it could be, but I have a bad feeling about things. at least for her. All that dark and cold can't be good for anyone."
"Right," Johnathan said, thinking about things. 'Her father sounded healthy enough to yell that loudly. but when unwell, you can do a lot. but I'd always heard he was qite debilitated. it doesn't add up.'
Ramza stabbed a fork into the eggs, still bothered by the events of the morning. Meredith could tell there was unrest, yet no one had bothered to start talking yet. Finally Ramza set his fork down, dabbing at the corners of his mouth with a napkin. "Ok, now that we've at least got something in our stomachs, let's start working on this as we eat more."
Alma nodded. "This isn't a good thing - Altima seems to still be able to reach our world, at least in the mind. The Lucavi are still up to something. It's not over."
Beowulf shook his head. "But why now? Why wait all this time?"
"Because they couldn't find anyone to implement their plans until now?" Johnathan asked form the far end of the table, garnering some looks. "Just a question."
"A valid one," Ramza said. "Also, give enough time for the last events to settle down, be forgotten, obscured. Wait until their guard is down, and strike." Ramza halted himself from adding something about what his brother had done to the former dukes in relation to that.
"Still," Beowulf said with a mouthful of bacon, "why is that damned angel bothering us? Wouldn't that be a tip-off and raise our alarm?"
"Who'll listen to us?" Orlandu said. "You know as well as I that no one's going to listen to the supposedly dead, le alone people who were fighting alongside a heretic. The church would have our heads for far worse then that as it is."
"We'd end up no better then what happened to Ajora," Ramza said, rolling his eyes. "Same story, different days. Raise the alarm of the people, act in an unorthodox way against the church in power, and be killed - whether you're right or wrong. The point is the same - Altima either wants us to walk ourselves into death. or wants revenge."
"No doubt after we trashed her completely," Beowulf replied. "And what of that thing you saw this morning, Alma?"
"Probably a Lucavi. I can't really say as the only one I was in the presence of in their true form was Altima," she said, finishing off a glass of milk. "Still, everything adds up, including a missing stone for Aquarius."
"What gets me is that it seemed to have no malice, no vengeance or anger," Johnathan said. "It looked. sad."
"Deception?" Beowulf offered. The former shrine knight knew quite well how people could give false singals to lure people into things. He glanced over at Reis a moment, and then to Ramza.
Ramza tapped the fork on the plate after collecting another bite, musing. "Possibly. What remains is that the stone - and whoever has it - must be nearby."
Mustadio shook his head. "That's a long way to come from the outskirts of Goug."
Agrias shrugged. "If they're determined, anything can happen - I don't doubt somehow it was orchestration."
"Either way, it's a threat to our world and our lives. And also should whomever Altima - or any Lucavi - associates with, they can tell anyone in the church whee exactly we are, and that we never died. Which is a very bad deal for all of us, including our gracious hostess and her family."
Meredith shook her head. "If that's the way it goes, so be it," she said. "I'd rather go down with you all then know the truth and be trapped with it for my life, wishing I could have done more."
Ramza nodded. "Thank you."
"So what are we going to do?" Alma said.
Ramza shrugged. "Not sure. Our best bet is to see if we can find anything out." His fork slipped form his hand, hitting the plate loudly. He cringed, recollecting it. "Sorry. had a stray though cross my mind and wasn't paying attention. I was just thinking about that encounter we had."
"All those unusual monsters," Meliadoul said. "Yeah. actually, it does make more sense if the stone's in the area."
Just then Olan walked into the room. "It is, as we discussed last night. Balmafula's out in the forest right now doing some checks - if she's in trouble, she has ways out of it. She's somewhere over where the fight took place right now. I just got back from being with her."
"Where were you last night?" Cid said.
"Sleeping outside. It's peaceful under the stars," he replied, taking the plate Meredith offered. "Thank you kindly." He took a bite of bacon, sighing. "I was hoping this was just false, but it's looking more and more local as the day's progressed. Anything outstanding here?"
"Altima's been causing nightmares," Alma said, pouring another glass of milk. "At least Lucavi are. She apparently got into Johnathan's mind or dreams or soething after I'd awoken from a bad dream, and then Ramza was dreaming."
Meliadoul nodded. "I don't know if it was Altima causing mine, but I had one myself."
Reis shook her head then, glancing at Beowulf. "She's had a few bad ones on and off since that night. we don't know if they've been caused by them or not, but now that this seems prevalent."
Everyone was silent for a long while, the only sounds the occasional glass lifted or set down, or silverware on plates. Finally Meliadoul spoke. "Say, Johnathan, whose fence were we near last night?"
He stapped out of a thought, and looked around suddenly, then realized what was going on. "Ah. that was actually the fence to Chloe's father's place actually. why?"
She shrugged nonchalantly. "Just wondering, since I just remembered her climbing over it last night." She glanced over at Ramza subtly. "I hope she's okay."
Johnathan picked up his napkin, wiping his mouth. "Actually, I was going to go check on her today. if that's alright," he replied, glancing at Meredith, and then Ramza.
Meredith nodded. "I see no problems at all, Johnathan. In fact, could you take some rolls over there as well? It's been awhile since I've seen her father Korell - not since he was sick - and I think a gift might cheer them up. In the meantime, I'm going to check the barn." She headed out the backdoor, leaving them sitting in momentary silence.
Ramza focused his eyes on Johnathan. "I want you to be careful going out there," he said in a low voice. "If something's out there at all, there's a good chance - Alma, do you think you could go with him? Strength in numbers? Someone?"
Alma nodded. "I will, anyone want to accompany me? Agrias, could you? Nothing against your skills Johnathan, I just think someone with practical experience might be good should something happen."
Johnathan nodded and glanced over to Agrias. "Would you?"
Agrias nodded, rising from her chair. "Also, I doubt anyone would suspect a man walking with his cousin and another woman... though that might start some talk." Everyone started laughing then as Johnathan flushed slightly. "I'll go get ready."
Alma rose as well, following after. "Me too." Beowulf leaned back in his seat, glancing at Ramza with an odd look as Johnathan also rose.
"If you'll excuse me, I need to get ready as well." He headed into his room, musing on everything that had happened. In the space for a few days everything he knew seemed to be changing rapidly, and he wasn't too enthused about being caught in the midst of it. If he had chosen, it would be different, but by sheer chance, he was being pulled into a great unknown. Curiosity had been part, and a large part past that was sheer fear.
'Fear of what?' he asked himself taking off his shirt and fining another, cleaner and more presentable one. 'Altima? I know she's evil. but. it's not just fear. it's something more. Something greater. But it scares me - a lot more then I'd like to admit. Did Ramza feel this when things began to unfold on him?'
"Johnathan?" The voice was Ramza's, and it was concerned. He turned, and their eyes met a moment before Johnathan pulled the shirt over his head, adjusting the sleeves. "I want you to take one of the swords I keep in that chest. Preferably Ice Brand - it's the best weapon I have, mostly because it can unleash an ice spell of second caliber."
Johnathan nodded, watching Ramza go over and dig the crystal blue blade from the chest. "Thank you Ramza."
"I'd rather you be ready in case something happens," he said. "I suspect we're just beginning the second war against the Lucavi, and after the first, I learned a lot of hard lessons. I'd rather not loose anyone else."
They both nodded in understanding, and Ramza left the room to go talk with the others. 'Something must be amiss for him to go this far. I suspect that I've only begun to start learning.'
~//~
"I should offer to help with some yard upkeep," Johnathan said at the gate to the house that Chloe lived at. "It looks as though it's not been cared for in awhile."
Alma frowned slightly. "Yeah, maybe you and brother can come over and clean it up. I'd be glad to help too."
Agrias inhaled deeply. "Well, standing here won't do us any good. Shall we?" She smoothed down her dress, a much simpler one then what she used to wear as Ovelia's bodyguard, but still functional enough with armor underneath in critical places. She had let her hair down as well, but the front parts pulled back so she could see clearly.
Johnathan opened the gate, cringing at the creak it had. "It's been some time since I came to her house, actually," he said. "I hope everything's ok."
They walked up quietly and stopped before the great carved doorway, Alma cradling the basket of rolls. Johnathan knocked, a bit softly at first, and then loud enough that eh was sure he had been heard. A few minutes passed, in which they stood there, looking at each other. "Maybe they're not home?" Alma offered.
The door cracked open then, and they saw Chloe standing there, her eyes wide and shaking ever so slightly. "Oh, thank . I thought you were another one of the doctors or other visitors my father has over. I'm sorry to keep you waiting," she said, stepping out and closing the door.
Agrias and Alma exchanged glances, having noticed how dark it had been inside for a place so filled with exquisite windows, and that the air that had escaped was dusty. Alma cleared her throat and curtseyed slightly. "It's okay, Chloe, we just wanted to make sure everything was okay and to bring some rolls over for you and your father."
Chloe reached out to take the rolls, and Alma couldn't help noticing how cold the other girl's pale hands were. "Thank you very much, all of you," she said softly. "Father's not been well at all lately, and it's been so trying. I would invite you in, but he's having another fit about things, and I don't wish to subject you to him. He's been so irritable, and nothing seems to make him better."
"I'm sorry," Johnathan said, reaching out to embrace her. "If there's anything we can do, Chloe, don't hesitate to ask." He let her go, catching a look deep into her eyes a moment and seeing something amiss, but said nothing. She looked very tired, and in the morning light, she looked even paler, as though she were becoming ill as well. "What happened to the yard keepers and such?" he asked on impulse.
"Oh. they left because of my father. he drove the off one day in a fit and he hasn't cared since." She shook her head. "All the caretakers and such are gone. Ever since mother died, and he fell ill then. it's just been so hard. I can't take care of this yard, it's hard enough to keep up on the inside as it is."
"Well, we can come over and help, me and my friends and such," Johnathan said.
Chloe shook her head quickly then, looking down. "Oh no, it's all right. I don't want father finding out and getting excited or angry. it makes things worse for his condition. I- I'm sorry."
Johnathan nodded, hiding the concern. "Okay then. just remember, if you need something, don't hesitate to ask or come over. will we see you soon?"
"I don't know. I have to take care of Father today. perhaps tomorrow, I don't know."
"CHLOE!" they heard, a loud voice with a slight rasp, and quite angry. She turned, throwing open the door and stepping in before she turned back at them, looking terribly upset and bothered.
"I'm sorry, I must attend to Father." She slammed the door shut and locked it as she yelled, "I'm coming father!"
They stood there in silence before turning and walking back down the neglected walk and out the gate. As Johnathan latched the gate, he turned and saw Doran and Lillina approaching.
"What's going on?" Doran asked. "Miss Chalthriem said you'd come to Chloe's and.. What's wrong?"
Johnathan shook his head. "Nothing much. just that Chloe had to leave abruptly. I need to get home and take care of some things. how about you two go to Syldreth Field and I'll catch up there later?"
"Sure," Lillina said, crossing the short distance to hug him. "Make sure to stay out of trouble. Meredith seemed. bothered. Something didn't seem right at all."
Johnathan nodded, and the three started back before Doran called out, "Hey, nice sword there!" As he turned to look at his friends, they had already gone.
Agrias nudged him then, looking at him with concern. "You just about lied," she said.
"Just about? I did in a sense, because I need to go home and tell them about this," he said. "I didn't like doing it, but it had to be done.and I need to know what my aunt has to say about this."
"She was very cold," Alam observed. "Did you feel it?"
"Yeah," he said, sidestepping a large dip in the ground. "And it was darker then anything inside."
Agrias shook her head. "Illness it could be, but I have a bad feeling about things. at least for her. All that dark and cold can't be good for anyone."
"Right," Johnathan said, thinking about things. 'Her father sounded healthy enough to yell that loudly. but when unwell, you can do a lot. but I'd always heard he was qite debilitated. it doesn't add up.'