This story belongs to me and my creative mind. However, most of the characters, names, and places all belong to their respective companies, so don't yell at me for copyright infringements! Remember, Italics represent a person's thoughts or the telling of past events.
Enjoy...
:Faraway Dreams:
Chapter Seven:
"So what are your plans for the afternoon, uncle?" Gordan asked, leaning against a wall of the study.
"Sadly I'm going to be buried under all sorts of beaurocratic paperwork for the rest of my stay. Assuming control of a company is a hell of a lot more difficult that I figured it to be." Setzer sighed.
"Sounds like plenty of fun." Illis commented.
"Then would you care to join me in the festivities?" Setzer asked, eyebrow arched in curiosity.
"No thanks, I wouldn't want to take any away from you." She continued with a light smirk.
The silver haired man chuckled. "You've got yourself a humorous one, nephew!"
Gordan nodded. "Sarcasm is indeed her strongest suit short of her skill at swordplay."
"If her sword is sharper than her tongue, I'll be in good hands."
"So, what are you going to do once you assume control of the business? Mother and father never did talk much of it, even though they reap a portion of the benefits of its success." Gordan asked.
"Well, you already know that we deal in manufacturing parts for the Airship industry, so we aren't exactly on the front page of the news circles." Setzer explained, reviewing a thick stack of papers. "Despite all that, we still are a major part of the production chain, making the primary hulls and engines casings for all the standard Airship models in service. Basically its our business and a few others that provide all the raw parts for Airship construction."
"Sounds like a good place to be." Illis commented from the chair she rested on.
"It would be, except I get to read all these papers and sign documents all day long. A proverbial paper soldier, if you would, instead of being at the front lines of construction or planning."
"Oh." She mouthed.
"So is that what you used to do? Plan and build models?" Gordan asked.
"Yep, I spent the past few years working on the designs and blueprints for the Gestahl business ship, my Diamond Blackjack. We just completed the final phase of construction and christened her a week before my father passed away, but I didn't get a chance to fly her here."
"Why not?"
"Paperwork, as if it's any surprise. We got delayed registering her with the Lindblum Airspace Authority, and we can't fly in Lindblum territory until we do."
"Waste of time, I say. Why bother with it?" Illis muttered.
"Because the Regency is trying to make sure to keep a list of possible aerial threats to the city. During the latter half of the Mist Wars, one of the last surviving factions in the King Ed plains developed an Airship, a piss poor one, but it worked none the less. It actually managed to circumvent Regent Cid the 8ths Airship division and attacked Lindblum itself, doing some minor damage to the castle before it crashed and exploded. Since then, they've made it a top priority to keep track of all Airships that enter and leave the region, just in case."
Illis arched an eyebrow. "You certainly know your history."
"I studied history during my tenure at the Treno Regional Academy, specifically the history of warfare on the Mist Continent." Setzer explained. "It was long before I ever became involved in the family business, but it still rattles around in my head."
"Your uncle is quite the brain, Gordan." She commented plainly.
"It is quite normal for nobles to have an extensive knowledge of such things. I, too, attended an academy for knowledge, but I specifically worked in the study of culture and local tradition."
"So that explains why you're always such a socialite around others." She said with a surprised tone.
"It is not solely from that. Any man of noble stature should be social and willing to converse with others."
"I guess that's the one thing I won't ever understand."
"Being anti-social as you are, it's no wonder you don't get it." Setzer stated.
Illis glared at the elder Gestahl. "Watch it."
"Easy, Illis, he only means it lightheartedly." Gordan insisted.
"Hot tempered as well." Setzer grinned. "You've really got yourself a strange woman, Gordan. The two of you hardly seem to have any similarities at all."
"Opposites attract one another, they say." Gordan retorted.
"A true statement, m'boy, but it's still an odd thing to see, I should know."
"And how would you?" Illis pressed.
Setzer faltered a moment, his face blushing slightly. "Well, let us say that my youth was quite...lively for the women in Treno."
"A lecher for an uncle, how nice." Illis muttered.
"Illis!" Gordan warned.
"It's alright, Gordan, you don't need to get all offended. I know it was wrong of me, and I'll gladly take any criticism on the subject."
"But still-!"
"Just let it go, please." The silver haired man insisted.
"...Okay then." Gordan nodded.
"So what are you two gonna do? Why don't you go out and have a good meal at the Blue Crow?"
"Not if it means leaving you here unwatched." Gordan replied quickly.
"Ah, come now, I doubt that the assassin will try to get me here."
"Like he would not attack you in a crowded and heavily secure Airship factory?"
Setzer arched an eyebrow in respect. "Touché."
"Why don't you come with us, then?" Illis asked. "I'm sure you could use a break from this exciting work."
"I would, but like I've said, I'm stuck here. Paperwork doesn't read and sign itself, at least not yet."
The darkly dressed woman sighed loudly. "Gods, now I know why nobles are so stiff and boring. This would make anyone lose their mind."
"Too true, I say." Setzer agreed, helping himself to another pile of papers to review. "I'm going to be here for a long time, so you two can at least go to the kitchen and prepare yourself something before I break for dinner if you're hungry."
"Sounds like an idea." Illis nodded.
"Kurin will lead you there." Setzer spoke, motioning to the moogle that was resting on a pile of old books. "Kurin!! Wake up!"
The moogle's pom-pom twitched in annoyance, but the furry creature got up anyway and shook itself awake. Hopping to the air with a whistle, it drifted over to Setzer's side and bowed lightly.
"You bellowed, Sir Setzer?" It asked.
"Could you lead Illis here to the kitchen and help her prepare an afternoon snack for her and Gordan?" The elder Gestahl asked.
"Of course." It nodded, facing Illis. "Follow me."
Both the moogle and the darkly dressed woman left the upper level study, leaving uncle and nephew alone for the time being. Gordan stepped forward and stretched his arms idly, pacing towards the large worktable Setzer sat at.
"Do you have a spare quill and parchment? I feel like sending a letter to Gerick and Ruthy so they do not worry about Illis."
"There's plenty right here, so feel free." Setzer answered with a wave of his arm.
Gordan searched about the surface and picked up a spare feather quill and a ink well, then pulled out a large roll of parchment and used a small blade to cut a segment of it free. Pulling up a free stool to the other end of the table, he dipped the quill into the ink and began writing down his message.
"Dear Gerick and Ruthy." He began, thinking out each word in his head. "I will make this message brief, as not much has occurred here at the manor. Firstly, Ruthy, I want you to know that Illis is safe and unharmed, and that she came directly to the manor as soon as she left, following along with Kurin. She has insisted most strongly to be at my side while I protect my uncle Setzer, so she will be here for as long as I shall be. Although I understand that she came here under less than willing terms, I will not assume her reasons for coming here or why she did. All I know is that her intent to protect me and my uncle is as true and loyal as her desire to protect others from harm by monsters in the field, so please do not fault her harshly, Gerick."
"Uncle Setzer has divulged little more information about his assassin or the reasons why he is under threat of death. Though I am loath to pressure him to explain, we may be forced to if the killer attempts another attack. I...suspect, that due to his promiscuous nature in his youth, he might have gained an enemy from jilted lovers who want a share of his newly gained power. A theory at best, but one that ought not to be left out."
"I offer my apologies on behalf of Illis, but again I do not seek to fault her for her intentions."
"Until another time, my friends. Sincerely, Gordan."
"So who's the new missie?" Corban asked.
"The name's Claire!" The female Burman declared. "Newest and most exhausted member of the Regulators."
"Energetic lass you got, Gerick!"
"Ain't she, though. She's got the energy all of us together tenfold!" The elder man laughed.
"So what didja get fer me today?"
"Plenty!" Gerick grinned, hefting the large leather sack off his shoulder and onto the table. "We got ourselves a haul like nothin' else!"
The tattooed man pulled the drawstrings open and unfurled the pack, letting the collection of dragon's claws and teeth fall onto the surface. The man gasped, picking up one of the fangs and looking at them in amazement. He then laughed deeply, eyes drifting across the large pile of such things in front of him.
"Gods above, this is amazin' stuff? All of it's dragon bone?"
"Yep! Me 'n Fedrich here managed to bag a Coral Dragon that was chasin' some spiders across the plains. He was a tough bastard, but we got 'em after a helluva fight!"
"Well congrats on yer first big catch, kiddo!" Corban smiled.
"Thanks." Fedrich replied modestly.
"So can 'ya take any of them for face value?" Gerick asked of his old friend.
"Jest one or two, 'cause you've been a mighty good customer. The rest'll have 'ta go to the specialists in 'ta Forger's Circle."
"We'll take 'em 'ta Torres' place. He'll buy them for good money."
"If'n you can find the guy, he's a busy man!"
"I'm sure he'll be plenty willing to see us for these fangs and teeth!" Claire contested.
"Maybe so, missie, but you don't know Torres! He's the premier synthesis blacksmith in the entire city, and hundreds 'o people go to him 'ta make the best weapons 'n armor possible! Rumor has it that he might even be considerin' to retire so he can take a break from the business!"
Claire cocked her head to the side in curiosity. "Popular guy, it seems."
"That aside, 'ya got anythin' else to sell?" Corban asked.
"Just some spider fangs 'n a good weight of beak."
"Okay, let's get that taken care of."
Corban took the claws and teeth from the dragon and bound them back up, sliding the pouch to the other end of his beaten down table to make room. Gerick put the rest of the items gained onto the table, and the tattooed man made quick work of counting them out and weighing the beak.
"Okay, the total comes 'ta thirteen hundred even fer the beak and fangs."
"That's good. What of the dragon parts?"
Corban scrunched up his face. "I'll take two 'o the smaller claws for a thousand a piece. It may be more'n that in the markets, but I'll do it here and now 'ta save you the trouble."
"Acceptable." Gerick nodded quickly.
Corban bent down, picked up his massive chest, and opened it, pulling out a large handful of coins and sifting the larger notes out to the table surface. Afterwards, he replaced the chest and did some quick math to figure out the payment for each member of the Regulator's since Gordan was absent. Thanking his friend, Gerick and the other Regulators left the shop and struck out for Torres' blacksmith to finish the sales of their dragon claws and fangs.
"So how're you feelin'?" Gerick asked of his newest member.
"I'm feeling a lot better than before. Those spider's pack a punch if you let them get you."
"A good reason to make sure you don't let 'em!" Gerick chuckled.
"So do we have any other plans for the day?" Claire asked.
"Just sellin' off these last items 'ta get your daily payments is all."
"Okay, 'cause I'm starving, and I was gonna go out and grab a bite to eat! I'll meet you all back at the Hall if you don't mind."
"No problem by me." Gerick nodded.
"Alrighty then, I'll see you in a while, comrades!" She announced, leaping off with her powerful legs towards the Aircab Terminal.
Fedrich watched her leave with an amused expression on his face, something Ruthy picked up on.
"Something funny?" She asked.
The Burman shook his head. "I just think it's funny that she's always busy, even though she just came here a few days ago. I guess her independent spirit still keeps her from staying in one place too long."
"Maybe..." She muttered.
Fedrich looked over to the redhead, curious about her sullen expression. "Something on your mind?"
"No, not really." She said with an idle shake of the head.
"You sure?" He pressed.
"...Yeah."
"Okay..." He spoke quietly.
At the entrance to the Red Riot Cafe, business was going steadily as people stopped by for an exotic late afternoon meal. Waitresses were darting from table to table to take orders, patrons talking lively as the evening wore on. At one table a man waited with only a small mug at his hand, the drink barely touched. His neutral appearance of sandals, brown slacks held up by a thick belt of leather, and a loose fitting shirt made him stand out in comparison to the bright colors of the cafe. One of the workers approached him, seeing that his drink wasn't empty.
"Do you need anything else, sir?" She asked of the man.
"I'm fine." He replied quickly.
"Does your drink need something, maybe?" She pressed, hoping to tempt him to getting some actual food.
"Perhaps...could you get some sugar?" He prodded.
"Sure! I'll just be a moment." She chirped, skipping back inside the kitchen.
"I don't see why in hell you stand this place." Another voice added from afar.
The man looked over, seeing a female Burman a few steps away. He waved her over, and he hastily sat down in a chair and reversed it, resting her arms on the back.
"What's wrong with a little change in locale, Claire?" He asked. "All you did was complain about the last cafe."
"That place was too drab, and this place..." She sneered, motioning around. "It's too damn colorful. It hurts my eyes."
"Just suck it up, woman." He muttered, annoyed.
"Fine, fine. So, have you made any progress yet?"
"Nothing more than what we knew before except that the target's got more strength that we figured. It could be a lot tougher to take him down than it seemed."
"Based on the people he's around, it shouldn't be any trouble at all for me." She boasted. "I gave them all a good show, they'll think twice before crossing me."
"That's provided the Regulators get involved."
The two remained silent for a few seconds, mulling over the situation. The worker came by and poured some sugar into the man's drink, and he stood up and paid for it while taking a swig to appease her efforts. Watching her leave, he let a small grin cross his lips.
"No sense it waiting any longer. I'll commence the next phase, you keep watching and make sure they don't interfere."
Claire stood up quickly, then grinned wickedly and gave a thumbs up. "Consider it done."
The man turned to leave, returning the gesture with a laugh. "Good luck, Claire the Demon Lance."
"The same to you, Riyu the Phantom."
The Author Speaks!
G'afternoon all, the author here once again to bless your eyes with more senseless drabble, apologies, and promises. First I'm sorry that this one took a while longer than before. I got myself a Playstation 2 and Final Fantasy X for my birthday, so that sucked away my time for a week before I beat it. Hopefully I won't let that happen to me again, but I was too curious to see how good it was.
And to answer a minor question, Robshi, Fedrich isn't a Dragon Knight. The only thing he belongs to is the Regulators, and his father was only a Sergeant in the Guards, which are separate from the Knights and act as general soldiers of Burmecia. Since he's only fought things that are on the plains, a dragon would be something to give him or anyone else a good scaring.
'Tis all I've got to say for now, peeps. Later!
