Thanks for sticking in this long! Phew, don't know how long this is going
to last. Anyways, this update features a new side of things, and might be a
little bit intense. I think I might have to boost up the rating if the
cussing gets to severe. But who knows what is going on in that messed up
mind of mine? Anyways, I hope you enjoy!
====*====
"A ssspear? A SSSPEAR?" Donovan said, gazing into the eyes of a determined Lady Nanabu. "You're telling the unlucky clan who getsss to do this mission to bring a ssspear with them?" This was just preposterous. They had never used a spear on Carrot before, but it didn't look like there would be a stop to Lady Nanabu's request. He sighed, gazing to the ground. Why did the curious creature have to leave the Lady at a time such as this?
"Yes, Donovan, and that will be the end of that," Lady Nanabu said, a strange tone in her voice of both ice and fire. Her wise eyes glanced down on the scroll of magic vellum that was currently soaking in the dainty Chocobo quill Lady Nanabu had used to write the request.
"But. That will ssscare Carrot! We've never used a ssspear against her before, have we?" Donovan reasoned, however he knew it was a feeble attempt. Lady Nanabu would never be reasoned in a fierce state like this.
"Desperate times call for desperate measures, Donovan. Now go plant a flower or something," she said. Donovan looked hurt, and almost felt a tear form in his large reptilian eyes as he slowly walked out of the room. Lady Nanabu sat down, idly dropping the still wet quill on the ground and folding her head in her hands, sobbing wet Viera tears that landed in puddles on the Moonwood desk.
Nono was sympathetic, but was enjoying whatever was going on. Lady Nanabu had hardly explained any of the matter to him, and he figured it hurt too much for her to say it. He figured it had something to do with her pet, that Malboro, oh what was her name? It was Mushroom or Cabbage or something sold in a market. No matter, the servants were at his every beckon call, trying to dissuade him from business long enough for Carrot to return. However, everyone knew that Carrot would be gone for weeks at a time: and Nono would have long since left. This was a disaster in the Nanabu household. Of all the times for leaving, why did Carrot choose the time when the household serviced guests? At least the guest didn't have to meet her, as that would likely cause havoc amongst the Moogle's mind. Not many Moogles liked Carrot, as she was titanic to their mousy frames.
"Darcie!" Lady Nanabu called, urgency in her voice. Darcie ran like a faithful dog, as she was eager to make up for her mistake. Lady Nanabu was definitely not herself without Carrot. She was stressed and angry and irritable, almost to an infuriating extent. However, Darcie had never seen her at this extent of anger before: her newfound fury was probably caused by the fact that Carrot's escape could have been prevented.
"Yes, milady?" Darcie asked politely, voice rising on "milady". Lady Nanabu was not amused.
"Go ride Lightwind to the Cyril Pub. There, give it to the owner. There's bound to be a clan that wants to help me out in this plight," Lady Nanabu said, and before Darcie could question she had shut the front doors in her face. Darcie could deal with this, but it still annoyed her. It wasn't their entire fault: Carrot had tricked them. However, it was evident that Lady Nanabu could care less what Carrot did, as all she now cared about was that she was gone.
Darcie walked into the Chocobo pen, their warks and kwehs intensifying upon the sight of a potential rider. Lightwind was the Nanabu estate's fastest Chocobo, who had once even entered the Chocobo races down in Baguba. However, Lord Rayall was bent on the belief that such "enslavement" of Chocobos was nothing but cruel entertainment, and thus ended all potential for Lightwind. Lightwind now spent her days in the fields with the other Chocobos until they were brought in by the specially-trained Beastmasters to graze in their pens and to sleep.
"Come here, Lightwind," she said airily, and the curious female Chocobo approached the fence of her pen, warking softly as Darcie ruffled her head feathers in a pleasing way. She unlatched the gate, and daintily hopped upon Lightwind's back, making sure that the saddle was strapped comfortably and that all the gear she could possibly need was attached.
Darcie set out down the road, no one wishing her goodbye. It wasn't like she was going to be gone for a long time, but Darcie felt like she was leaving-no, more like running away from-home.
====*====
Carrot had been awake for hours before anyone in the household had woken up. This journey required the very most of her diligence and wisdom, and she would not let it down. She had chosen a sleeping spot inside the trunk of a hollowed willow, and all though it was cramped she was safe from the fear of Blade Biters, Coeurls, Jawbreakers, and anything else that could possibly be a threat. Her many eyes were always watchful, as was she. She, thankfully, hadn't come in contact with humans or any other race since her escape, which was good as the servants were bound to be called to the spot and then they would imprison her back in her wretched room for her to chew on deflated lumps of rubber and contemplate upon the joys of freedom.
What awaited her at Jagd Helje? The answer was pure and simple: freedom from the servants. Carrot would much rather spend all of her time with Lady Nanabu than a second with any servant. They were like flies: when one got hurt, they all came swarming. And she loathed them all: each and every one, no matter shape, size, color, gender, or race. The only one that had been remotely near the kindness of Lady Nanabu had been the friendly gardener, who had once prepared a pudding for her made of Malboro-safe flowers and Chocobo egg yolks. It had been the most delicious treat she had ever consumed, much better than the tasteless, crumby glop they served her back in the room. The only part of that she savored was the Flan acid, which sizzled upon her tongue yet in a soothing and pleasant way.
Carrot squirmed along, and finally came to the point she had been awaiting: the end of the Koringwood. Gazing down from the top of the peak, she had a perfect view of the bone-white mountain that was Jagd Helje, the lawless domain of infinite evils. Yeah, there had been evils, before all the humans, the rabbit girls, the fat dog men, the lizards, and the mice people cleared it all out. The only thing left for her now was her home.
Suddenly, she felt something else gazing at the peak: but not down it. Whatever the thing was, it mattered not, for she felt its hostile, icy gaze fall upon her squirming back. She froze, and then silently squirmed back around to face her adversary. She saw nothing but a leaf blowing in the wind. Stricken with fear, Carrot refused to move until the coast was clear.
====*====
"We've all ready done all these stupid requests!" shouted an angry Fighter, obviously a member of a disorganized clan. He wrathfully thrust down the list of missions back into the pub owner's hands, and then sat down to finish off his drink. "Damn it!"
"Stop cursing, kupo," said Montblanc, a few tables away. He was eagerly chugging a mug of ice cold milk, a moustache forming upon his upper lip. He was watching the magic trick that Ezel was performing quite masterfully before him dealing with concentration and a deck of cards.
"The ace of spades is Marche's card, kupo!" he called out with a giggle. Marche groaned.
"Keep your mouth shut, Montblanc, for the last time! You've given away my card five times all ready! If you don't stop blurting it out, then Ezel will never finish the trick," he said. Montblanc rolled his eyes, and then agreed. Just as he nodded his head, the doors burst open into the hazy pub and a Viera walked in, avoiding the eyes of several drunken Bangaas and some Humans, including the Fighter from before.
Marche gazed at the Viera who had just entered the pub with interest. Was that a scroll in her hand? There was bound to be a mission written on that scroll, he knew it! He grinned as he grabbed Montblanc's hand and lifted the baffled Moogle into the air to race to the bar.
"Hey hot cakes," the Fighter cooed to the Viera, and then whistled rather loudly followed by the laughter of many Bangaas and some Humans behind him. The Viera rolled her beautiful eyes, laid the scroll down on the table, and then socked the Fighter in the face with a surprised punch. With a drowsy laugh the Fighter fell to the ground, and a drunken Bishop lugged the Fighter under the table with a hiccup. The pub owner just laughed.
"Power to the women," he said, then nodded his head slightly. "Thanks for the mission. I'm sure there's a clan willing to-"
"Is there a new mission?" Marche asked, noticing that the Viera was still at the bar. She wore the robes of a servant, with a peculiar family crest, one that seemed oddly familiar.
"Yes," the Viera said with a roll of her eyes. "Carrot, the beloved Malboro of my mistress, Lady Nanabu"-so that was the name of the family-"has escaped from the household to go to her "home" in Jagd Helje. By the looks of things, she won't be back for a while, and we've got company at the house. It'll hinder business for Lady Nanabu if she stays too long. So, she's posting a request for a clan to go find Carrot and escort her back here, safely. Oh, and she brings instructions to bring a spear."
"I'll take it!" Marche declared, before Montblanc could even remind him of the horror of fighting in a Jagd. But Marche was always quick with doing the right thing, no matter what Montblanc would lecture him on. "Expect Cabbage back by tomorrow!"
"Marche, kupo, you have two things wrong. For one, she's not Cabbage; she's Carrot, a rather foul creature that Nono once told me about. And two, it'd be impossible to reach Jagd Helje by tomorrow unless we go at light speed, kupo," Montblanc said.
"Nono? He's the guest at the household of Lady Nanabu!" the Viera said, and upon this remembered her manners. "How rude I am. I am Darcie, humble servant of Lady Nanabu. Pleased to meet you."
"Marche, leader of Clan Nutsy, and the pleasure's all mine," Marche said with a smile. Montblanc smiled too. "Montblanc, kupo, vice leader of Clan Nutsy and brother of Nono," he said with a sheepish grin.
"Ezel Berbier, law card maker and trader," Ezel called out. "All though I do remember you. You gave the grave information to Lady Nanabu in the first place, did you not?"
Darcie sighed, and nodded yes with a blush. "It was actually Donovan, the gardener, but yes I did convey the message. And, I was the one who first turned my back on Carrot. If I hadn't, she wouldn't have escaped."
"Ritz Malheur," said a redheaded girl beside Marche, who was obviously introducing herself. "And this is my good friend, Shara."
Shara smiled, and Darcie vaguely remembered her face from somewhere. Anyways, she smiled. "I don't see why you are all introducing yourselves to me, though. I have to go right now, anyways."
"Oh, but it says otherwise, kupo!" Montblanc pointed out, looking at the mission on the scroll of vellum. "See, it states right here that the messenger shall accompany the clan in aiding the proper rescue of Carrot!"
"What?" Darcie said aloud. "I haven't engaged in years! I'd just be a hindrance to you, and of all clans you are the great Clan Nutsy!"
"Aw, don't flatter us," Ezel said with a smirk. "I'm sure you wouldn't be a hindrance at all. You are welcome in Clan Nutsy. Now what job do you do exactly?"
"Well, I." Darcie said. "I was a magician. I studied the arts of the Summoner, Red Mage, White Mage, and Elementalist. But I think I'm a bit rusty with spells."
"That's a bunch of baloney," Ezel replied rather hastily. "Shara and Ritz, get this Viera dressed up properly. We need to leave soon if we are to make it to Jagd Helje before the mission expires."
Darcie smiled. It would be just like the old days, when she was wanted and loved by her fellow clansmen in Clan Belmia.
====*====
"This robe makes me look fat," Darcie said. "And you two know it." She was wearing a Flurry Robe, which was puffing up like a balloon on her slim figure. Shara and Ritz couldn't keep from laughing, all though they agreed.
Many robes and cloaks later, Darcie had found the perfect one: a beautiful silk one of lavender shades with yellow ribbons. They called it the Sage Robe, and Darcie was pleased with its texture, appearance, and overall feel. Next was headgear, which didn't take long as Shara merely pulled a Ribbon from her bag and tied it in her hair. After this, she slipped into a pair of lightweight Ninja Tabi, and slipped on a Magic Ring on her forefinger.
Next was her weapon. They went through tons and tons of rapiers, each one worse and worse to the feel and grip. The Madu cut into her wrists, and the Estoc was too blunt, as was the Femme Fatale. Finally, after several different styles, she found one that fit her hand perfectly: the Aerial Hole. Its dark blade shone brilliantly in her hands. Finally, the two girls selected a lavender mage's hat and placed it on her head.
Darcie didn't look like your average Red Mage. If anything, she looked like she would be a Lavender Mage, if there was such a class. Her hair hadn't been cut, instead her silver-white locks reached down to her calves and a slender lock was tied back by the shimmering Ribbon. Her Ninja Tabi seemed to quiver on her feet, feeling silky and at the same time stealthy. The Magic Ring on her wrist glittered and shone like a gemstone. The hat upon her head barely contained her hair, but was customary uniform of Red Magi. Finally, the lavender Sage Robe was loose-fitting but all the same delicate.
"How do I look?" Darcie asked. Ezel nodded.
"You look fantastic," he said merrily, with a nod from Marche and Montblanc. The two girls smiled, patting her on the back.
"Darcie, welcome to Clan Nutsy, kupo," Montblanc said with cheer, but Darcie interpreted his words differently. For her, he said, "Darcie, welcome home."
====*====
"A ssspear? A SSSPEAR?" Donovan said, gazing into the eyes of a determined Lady Nanabu. "You're telling the unlucky clan who getsss to do this mission to bring a ssspear with them?" This was just preposterous. They had never used a spear on Carrot before, but it didn't look like there would be a stop to Lady Nanabu's request. He sighed, gazing to the ground. Why did the curious creature have to leave the Lady at a time such as this?
"Yes, Donovan, and that will be the end of that," Lady Nanabu said, a strange tone in her voice of both ice and fire. Her wise eyes glanced down on the scroll of magic vellum that was currently soaking in the dainty Chocobo quill Lady Nanabu had used to write the request.
"But. That will ssscare Carrot! We've never used a ssspear against her before, have we?" Donovan reasoned, however he knew it was a feeble attempt. Lady Nanabu would never be reasoned in a fierce state like this.
"Desperate times call for desperate measures, Donovan. Now go plant a flower or something," she said. Donovan looked hurt, and almost felt a tear form in his large reptilian eyes as he slowly walked out of the room. Lady Nanabu sat down, idly dropping the still wet quill on the ground and folding her head in her hands, sobbing wet Viera tears that landed in puddles on the Moonwood desk.
Nono was sympathetic, but was enjoying whatever was going on. Lady Nanabu had hardly explained any of the matter to him, and he figured it hurt too much for her to say it. He figured it had something to do with her pet, that Malboro, oh what was her name? It was Mushroom or Cabbage or something sold in a market. No matter, the servants were at his every beckon call, trying to dissuade him from business long enough for Carrot to return. However, everyone knew that Carrot would be gone for weeks at a time: and Nono would have long since left. This was a disaster in the Nanabu household. Of all the times for leaving, why did Carrot choose the time when the household serviced guests? At least the guest didn't have to meet her, as that would likely cause havoc amongst the Moogle's mind. Not many Moogles liked Carrot, as she was titanic to their mousy frames.
"Darcie!" Lady Nanabu called, urgency in her voice. Darcie ran like a faithful dog, as she was eager to make up for her mistake. Lady Nanabu was definitely not herself without Carrot. She was stressed and angry and irritable, almost to an infuriating extent. However, Darcie had never seen her at this extent of anger before: her newfound fury was probably caused by the fact that Carrot's escape could have been prevented.
"Yes, milady?" Darcie asked politely, voice rising on "milady". Lady Nanabu was not amused.
"Go ride Lightwind to the Cyril Pub. There, give it to the owner. There's bound to be a clan that wants to help me out in this plight," Lady Nanabu said, and before Darcie could question she had shut the front doors in her face. Darcie could deal with this, but it still annoyed her. It wasn't their entire fault: Carrot had tricked them. However, it was evident that Lady Nanabu could care less what Carrot did, as all she now cared about was that she was gone.
Darcie walked into the Chocobo pen, their warks and kwehs intensifying upon the sight of a potential rider. Lightwind was the Nanabu estate's fastest Chocobo, who had once even entered the Chocobo races down in Baguba. However, Lord Rayall was bent on the belief that such "enslavement" of Chocobos was nothing but cruel entertainment, and thus ended all potential for Lightwind. Lightwind now spent her days in the fields with the other Chocobos until they were brought in by the specially-trained Beastmasters to graze in their pens and to sleep.
"Come here, Lightwind," she said airily, and the curious female Chocobo approached the fence of her pen, warking softly as Darcie ruffled her head feathers in a pleasing way. She unlatched the gate, and daintily hopped upon Lightwind's back, making sure that the saddle was strapped comfortably and that all the gear she could possibly need was attached.
Darcie set out down the road, no one wishing her goodbye. It wasn't like she was going to be gone for a long time, but Darcie felt like she was leaving-no, more like running away from-home.
====*====
Carrot had been awake for hours before anyone in the household had woken up. This journey required the very most of her diligence and wisdom, and she would not let it down. She had chosen a sleeping spot inside the trunk of a hollowed willow, and all though it was cramped she was safe from the fear of Blade Biters, Coeurls, Jawbreakers, and anything else that could possibly be a threat. Her many eyes were always watchful, as was she. She, thankfully, hadn't come in contact with humans or any other race since her escape, which was good as the servants were bound to be called to the spot and then they would imprison her back in her wretched room for her to chew on deflated lumps of rubber and contemplate upon the joys of freedom.
What awaited her at Jagd Helje? The answer was pure and simple: freedom from the servants. Carrot would much rather spend all of her time with Lady Nanabu than a second with any servant. They were like flies: when one got hurt, they all came swarming. And she loathed them all: each and every one, no matter shape, size, color, gender, or race. The only one that had been remotely near the kindness of Lady Nanabu had been the friendly gardener, who had once prepared a pudding for her made of Malboro-safe flowers and Chocobo egg yolks. It had been the most delicious treat she had ever consumed, much better than the tasteless, crumby glop they served her back in the room. The only part of that she savored was the Flan acid, which sizzled upon her tongue yet in a soothing and pleasant way.
Carrot squirmed along, and finally came to the point she had been awaiting: the end of the Koringwood. Gazing down from the top of the peak, she had a perfect view of the bone-white mountain that was Jagd Helje, the lawless domain of infinite evils. Yeah, there had been evils, before all the humans, the rabbit girls, the fat dog men, the lizards, and the mice people cleared it all out. The only thing left for her now was her home.
Suddenly, she felt something else gazing at the peak: but not down it. Whatever the thing was, it mattered not, for she felt its hostile, icy gaze fall upon her squirming back. She froze, and then silently squirmed back around to face her adversary. She saw nothing but a leaf blowing in the wind. Stricken with fear, Carrot refused to move until the coast was clear.
====*====
"We've all ready done all these stupid requests!" shouted an angry Fighter, obviously a member of a disorganized clan. He wrathfully thrust down the list of missions back into the pub owner's hands, and then sat down to finish off his drink. "Damn it!"
"Stop cursing, kupo," said Montblanc, a few tables away. He was eagerly chugging a mug of ice cold milk, a moustache forming upon his upper lip. He was watching the magic trick that Ezel was performing quite masterfully before him dealing with concentration and a deck of cards.
"The ace of spades is Marche's card, kupo!" he called out with a giggle. Marche groaned.
"Keep your mouth shut, Montblanc, for the last time! You've given away my card five times all ready! If you don't stop blurting it out, then Ezel will never finish the trick," he said. Montblanc rolled his eyes, and then agreed. Just as he nodded his head, the doors burst open into the hazy pub and a Viera walked in, avoiding the eyes of several drunken Bangaas and some Humans, including the Fighter from before.
Marche gazed at the Viera who had just entered the pub with interest. Was that a scroll in her hand? There was bound to be a mission written on that scroll, he knew it! He grinned as he grabbed Montblanc's hand and lifted the baffled Moogle into the air to race to the bar.
"Hey hot cakes," the Fighter cooed to the Viera, and then whistled rather loudly followed by the laughter of many Bangaas and some Humans behind him. The Viera rolled her beautiful eyes, laid the scroll down on the table, and then socked the Fighter in the face with a surprised punch. With a drowsy laugh the Fighter fell to the ground, and a drunken Bishop lugged the Fighter under the table with a hiccup. The pub owner just laughed.
"Power to the women," he said, then nodded his head slightly. "Thanks for the mission. I'm sure there's a clan willing to-"
"Is there a new mission?" Marche asked, noticing that the Viera was still at the bar. She wore the robes of a servant, with a peculiar family crest, one that seemed oddly familiar.
"Yes," the Viera said with a roll of her eyes. "Carrot, the beloved Malboro of my mistress, Lady Nanabu"-so that was the name of the family-"has escaped from the household to go to her "home" in Jagd Helje. By the looks of things, she won't be back for a while, and we've got company at the house. It'll hinder business for Lady Nanabu if she stays too long. So, she's posting a request for a clan to go find Carrot and escort her back here, safely. Oh, and she brings instructions to bring a spear."
"I'll take it!" Marche declared, before Montblanc could even remind him of the horror of fighting in a Jagd. But Marche was always quick with doing the right thing, no matter what Montblanc would lecture him on. "Expect Cabbage back by tomorrow!"
"Marche, kupo, you have two things wrong. For one, she's not Cabbage; she's Carrot, a rather foul creature that Nono once told me about. And two, it'd be impossible to reach Jagd Helje by tomorrow unless we go at light speed, kupo," Montblanc said.
"Nono? He's the guest at the household of Lady Nanabu!" the Viera said, and upon this remembered her manners. "How rude I am. I am Darcie, humble servant of Lady Nanabu. Pleased to meet you."
"Marche, leader of Clan Nutsy, and the pleasure's all mine," Marche said with a smile. Montblanc smiled too. "Montblanc, kupo, vice leader of Clan Nutsy and brother of Nono," he said with a sheepish grin.
"Ezel Berbier, law card maker and trader," Ezel called out. "All though I do remember you. You gave the grave information to Lady Nanabu in the first place, did you not?"
Darcie sighed, and nodded yes with a blush. "It was actually Donovan, the gardener, but yes I did convey the message. And, I was the one who first turned my back on Carrot. If I hadn't, she wouldn't have escaped."
"Ritz Malheur," said a redheaded girl beside Marche, who was obviously introducing herself. "And this is my good friend, Shara."
Shara smiled, and Darcie vaguely remembered her face from somewhere. Anyways, she smiled. "I don't see why you are all introducing yourselves to me, though. I have to go right now, anyways."
"Oh, but it says otherwise, kupo!" Montblanc pointed out, looking at the mission on the scroll of vellum. "See, it states right here that the messenger shall accompany the clan in aiding the proper rescue of Carrot!"
"What?" Darcie said aloud. "I haven't engaged in years! I'd just be a hindrance to you, and of all clans you are the great Clan Nutsy!"
"Aw, don't flatter us," Ezel said with a smirk. "I'm sure you wouldn't be a hindrance at all. You are welcome in Clan Nutsy. Now what job do you do exactly?"
"Well, I." Darcie said. "I was a magician. I studied the arts of the Summoner, Red Mage, White Mage, and Elementalist. But I think I'm a bit rusty with spells."
"That's a bunch of baloney," Ezel replied rather hastily. "Shara and Ritz, get this Viera dressed up properly. We need to leave soon if we are to make it to Jagd Helje before the mission expires."
Darcie smiled. It would be just like the old days, when she was wanted and loved by her fellow clansmen in Clan Belmia.
====*====
"This robe makes me look fat," Darcie said. "And you two know it." She was wearing a Flurry Robe, which was puffing up like a balloon on her slim figure. Shara and Ritz couldn't keep from laughing, all though they agreed.
Many robes and cloaks later, Darcie had found the perfect one: a beautiful silk one of lavender shades with yellow ribbons. They called it the Sage Robe, and Darcie was pleased with its texture, appearance, and overall feel. Next was headgear, which didn't take long as Shara merely pulled a Ribbon from her bag and tied it in her hair. After this, she slipped into a pair of lightweight Ninja Tabi, and slipped on a Magic Ring on her forefinger.
Next was her weapon. They went through tons and tons of rapiers, each one worse and worse to the feel and grip. The Madu cut into her wrists, and the Estoc was too blunt, as was the Femme Fatale. Finally, after several different styles, she found one that fit her hand perfectly: the Aerial Hole. Its dark blade shone brilliantly in her hands. Finally, the two girls selected a lavender mage's hat and placed it on her head.
Darcie didn't look like your average Red Mage. If anything, she looked like she would be a Lavender Mage, if there was such a class. Her hair hadn't been cut, instead her silver-white locks reached down to her calves and a slender lock was tied back by the shimmering Ribbon. Her Ninja Tabi seemed to quiver on her feet, feeling silky and at the same time stealthy. The Magic Ring on her wrist glittered and shone like a gemstone. The hat upon her head barely contained her hair, but was customary uniform of Red Magi. Finally, the lavender Sage Robe was loose-fitting but all the same delicate.
"How do I look?" Darcie asked. Ezel nodded.
"You look fantastic," he said merrily, with a nod from Marche and Montblanc. The two girls smiled, patting her on the back.
"Darcie, welcome to Clan Nutsy, kupo," Montblanc said with cheer, but Darcie interpreted his words differently. For her, he said, "Darcie, welcome home."
