The History and origins of Devius and Medusa...

In FFA, Devius - actually spelled "Davais" is not a very nice guy. When you arrive in Jadd, the townies have nothing good to say about him. He is the evil dictator of the town and has magic powers to turn people into animals. Amanda stole the mana pendent to trade for the life of her brother Lester, Davais takes it and curses him anyway, turning him into a parrot. Medusa was his mother, but he cursed her and banished her to the desert. When you first meet him, he is seated on his throne and he gives you a stern warning to "behave yourselves". As for his appearance, he is not the cute mavole we all know and love, but rather a human in armor, battle helmet and a cape. He turns into the same ugly sea creature during the boss battle. Dark Lord is not related to Davais or Medusa in this game.

Death of a Princess

Stroud collected himself, and made his way down the corridor, back to the three season room where his brother wait for him. He walked with heavy steps, doing his best to stifle his frustrations. When he got to the doorway, he took a deep breath, blew out the air along with his emotions. He walked into the room and scanned the scenery. Devius sat comfortably on the wicker sofa, staring out the window at the magnificent view. In his right hand, he held an elegant looking carved pipe. He lit the foliage inside and inhaled the sweet fumes, blowing out, he relaxed as a pleasant high feeling flowed through his body. Stroud rolled his eyes and shook his head, he walked quietly behind him, careful not to be heard. Stroud then bent over to his brother's pointy ears and let out a loud trilling noise, a bird call. Devius startled and gasped at the surprise, then he chuckled and smiled at his little brother's humour.

"Well, who was it?" Devius inquired.

"Just some minstrels for a visit." Stroud replied as he collapsed in the chair next to him.

"The look on your face suggests otherwise, tell me the truth." Devius said.

Stroud looked up at him and then down to the floor, he didn't want to talk about it.

"It was a girl named Purim, years ago when she was a child I did something to hurt her. And now she has grown to a lovely young lady and she won't listen to reason. The mana cult has brainwashed her."

"Purim?" Devius pondered. "That name seems familiar, I think it was.......Wendel maybe? Well no matter. So anyways, tell me how did you wind up with Miss Isabella?"

"The ship was docked for repairs and I found her out in the woods, she threw herself at my feet basically, and she knew our mother, I could not refuse." Stroud said.

"What are you? Stoned or stupid?" Devius laughed. "You know who and what she is right?"

Stroud had no reply. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a little metal box filled with a few hand made cigarettes, he flipped it open and took one out, and lit it. Devius, watching him, said that he had better keep an eye on his pocketbook with Isabella around. Just then, Amanda walked in. She was dressed in her usual pink outfit and looked so lovely in the room's dim yellow lights. She took a standing position near the two men and asked if there was anything they needed. Devius sat up.

"Drinks, for both of us. Hard liquor and ice." Devius chimed.

Amanda walked to the bar and poured the alcohol for them. She placed the glasses, and the bottle it came from, onto a little tray. She then walked to the men and placed it before them on the table. Devius and Stroud, both buzzed by what they were smoking earlier, eagerly drank, in hopes of adding to their highs and relieving the days anxieties. Isabella walked into the room to join them. As she sat down, Devius grabbed a tea cup saucer from the coffee table and poured some liquor on it and held it up to her.

"Here kitty kitty kitty!" he said in a faked high pitch tone. Stroud tried desperately not to laugh, and he almost choked on his drink doing so. Isabella was not amused.

"Was he always like this?" She asked Stroud.

"Oh no, worse, MUCH worse!" Stroud snorted. "Imagine having to endure every holiday with him!"

Devius grinned. "I predict it will be quite a lovely day tomorrow, Stroud, how about helping me put the boat in the water and we'll all go for a little ride?"

"Boat?" Isabella asked with a concerned look on her face.

"Oh please, don't tell me your afraid of water!" Devius said.

"Oh no, of course not. It's just that I've never been on a boat before." Isabella replied.

"Well there's a first for everything, is there not?" Devius said to her.

Stroud stood up, and stretched. He twisted and turned to look at both of them and said he would be right back. Stroud left the room, leaving Devius and Isabella alone. Devius was still perched on the sofa with his head resting on his hand, he stared at Isabella and made her uncomfortable to be there. She had never been alone with him before. In the past when she encountered him, there was always others around to dilute the tension. She struggled to find the right words to say to him.

"I'm so very sorry to hear about your parents, I truly am. They were both such good people." she spoke sincerely.

"Thank you" he replied. "How did you hear of it?"

"Stroud told me Medusa is here" she said.

"Lovely, what else did he say?" Devius sighed.

Isabella thought to herself. Should I take a chance and see what he says? What do I have to lose?

"I have been staying with Lee, your father." She said, waiting for his reaction.

Devius did not look up at her, her statement had no effect on him.

"Count Lee is not my father." He said.

"Your brother is obviously a halfling, you are most certainly not. Lord Granz was human." she said.

"Isabella, Just because a man can get a woman pregnant doesn't automatically make him a father. The man I called "father" was the man who's face was above my cradle, the man who raised me, nurtured me, showered me will all the love a man should have for a son. That was Granz, my father. It matters not what man's seed created me."

Isabella froze. She bowed her head and absorbed every word he spoke. He was right. Her mind was flooded with images of women and children she knew that were abandoned by men. Or women and children taking in by a man and loved as his own. She could only image the pain Lee felt. Devius obviously knew the truth of his heritage.

"Devius, may I ask you something private?" She asked cautiously. Devius nodded in the affirmative.

"You were Granz' favourite. But you are not really his son. Stroud is his son by blood, but Granz turned his back on him. Why?"

"There were many reasons for that I guess. I was the obedient one. Stroud was bold. We were like night and day, and how fitting that was. I was to be Prince of the underworld, Stroud would be Prince of this world. When I was born, there was happiness, I was called beautiful and perfect. I was quiet. Granz favoured me like any man would a first born son. When Stroud was born, there was idle talk about letting him die. They called him deformed, a burden, the doctors didn't think he would live. Perhaps that is why Granz didn't invest as much time in him as he should have. I had to leave with our mother at a young age. Granz was consumed by grief. He was so depressed he ignored Stroud and everything else in daily life. Stroud was forced to take command of the realm at a young age. The common people think he ousted Granz, and in a way he did - because he had to. Granz was incompetent . It was not easy for him and I don't blame Stroud for anything. He has a way of doing all the wrong things for all the right reasons."

"Thank you for sharing that with me." Isabella said nodding her head.

Stroud walked into the room. Devius looked up at him and then looked over to the corner where Amanda was and saw that she was gone.

"Well I'm off to bed. Bright and early tomorrow you two" Devius said as he got up and left the room.

Stroud turned to Isabella.

"Come with me. And keep quiet and as calm as possible." he said in a serious tone.

Stroud walked a ahead of her and she followed.. They made their way through the mansion, down the enormous corridors and past the beautiful fountains. They came to a large door in the center of the house. Stroud opened the door. Two beautiful and exotic looking female mavole servants stood on either side of a bed. Laying on the bed was a woman. Her skin was pale, her body thin and malnourished. Lovely pink hair cascaded about her head. Stroud and Isabella approached her. Stroud waved his hand to Isabella, motioning her to go ahead. Isabella knelt beside the woman and looked at her. Tears filled Isabella's eyes and began to stream down her face.

"Medusa" she whispered.

Medusa's eyes were half open, she looked sedated. Not asleep, but trapped in a place where she couldn't return. She was dying. Stroud came to the bed and knelt beside Isabella. He took his mother's hand ever so gently.

"She won't remember you. She doesn't even remember her own name." He said.

The two of them knelt in vigil together. Isabella carefully rearranged Medusa's hair, placing it around her face and away from her mouth. Her hair and skin were so soft and silky despite her grave condition. The small slits of her eyes revealed a hint a cerulean. Stroud seemed unmoved. If he had any emotion at all over his mother's condition, he did not show it. Perhaps he was numb to all this, obviously he has know for quite some time that she might pass from this world at any given moment.

"We had better go now, it's getting quite late." Stroud said in a gentle whisper.

"Very well" Isabella said as she wiped her face with the back of her hand.

"Do you know the way back to your room?" he asked.

"Yes, thank you. Well, then, I guess I will see you in the morning. Good night my lord." she went her way down the hall without looking back at him.

When she got to her room she fell to her knees and began to sob. She was disturbed by what she just saw, how could something so awful happen to such a beautiful, loving woman who did nothing wrong. Life can be so cruel, she thought to herself. She took her clothes off and got into bed. She curled up in a ball and hung onto the blanket in an effort to comfort herself. Rocking back and forth, she thought of Lee. She missed Lee terribly. Then she thought of Stroud. He was an interesting and intriguing man. She wanted to get to know him better. Everything she had heard of him was incorrect. She believed Stroud was a man of good heart deep down inside. But how to get through to him? Isabella switch her train of thoughts to pleasant things and fell asleep.

Outside in the town of Jadd, the atmosphere was dark, cold but pleasant and peaceful. The sun began to break way the horizon and lit the skies. Chickens awoke from their slumber and clucked their morning song. A few women, here and there, wander the city making a head start on the days chores before it began to heat up outside. Suddenly, a bell in the tower of the mansion clang away a tune and the hour of the day. Isabella awoke from her slumber.

"You've got to be kidding me." she said slapping her hands to her face. It was 6 am, and way early than the hour she was used to waking up at. She eventually crawled out of bed and staggered to the wash table. Splashing the cool liquid in her eyes, and then she wiped her face dry with the towel and tossed it aside. She dressed herself and made her way downstairs. She wasn't sure where to go but she could hear familiar voices chatting away and she followed the direction of the sound. She entered the dining room where Stroud and Devius sat at the table drinking rich dessert coffee and sweet bread. Isabella crashed into the chair next to Stroud.

"So you're up, sleep well my dear?" asked Devius with a mouthful of food.

"Yes I did." she smiled at him with her eyes still not quite awake yet.

The maid walked up to the table and poured her a cup of coffee and placed a slice of bread on a little plate for her. The coffee smelled wonderful, definitely high quality, home grown brew. A luxury that only a wealthy man of the desert might get his hands on.

"It's going to get hot out soon, we should leave after this." Devius said.

Isabella noticed Devius was dressed more casually today. Simple green pants and an off-white linen shirt that looked comfortable and loose fitted. Stroud wore black pants and a white shirt somewhat of the same style as his brother's and a baggy black and red jacket that looked sort of like a bathrobe but it wasn't, the fabric was to expensive. They finished breakfast and the trio got up from the table.

The Boat Ride

Isabella stood on the dock not sure what to do. The boat was of fair size, 60 feet long at least. It was Devius' favourite. The vessel was white with green and red stripes swirling about with the same patterens that the Mavole royals paint on their faces. It had a common area for people to sit about and two small cabins for sleeping. There was no kitchen, just a simple counter with a cooler underneath, enough to prepare simple meals. A heat source, like a small stove, next to the counter provided warmth to the living area if it should get cold and on top of it was an area to heat food or boil a little water. Outside there was generous deck space to lay about in the sun. And of course, the deck with the steering wheel. Devius was already on board, Stroud braced himself on the side of the boat and untied the ropes. He had a long pole to help push the boat off shore into deeper water and drive it to the dock.

"Awwww c'mon you can do better than THAT!!!!" Devius yelled as Stroud pushed as hard as he could.

Devius started the engine and shifted it into the lowest setting to propel the boat through the nearby docks. Stroud was still leaning over the side, just as he was about to get back up, Devius played a little trick on him. With a gleam in his eye and a quick reflex, Devius put the boat in full throttle and then quickly shut it down, the boat jerked forward and then came a an abrupt halt. Stroud was thrown overboard into the freezing early spring water. Stroud let out a howl as Devius cracked up in uncontrollable laughter. Isabella and one of the maids were standing on the dock together watching the spectacle, they too could not help but laugh. Stroud waded to the dock side and climbed out of the water. Devius started up the boat engine once more and drove it in with precision, stopping next to the them. Still giggling, Devius held out his hand to the women to help them step aboard, never taking his eyes off his drowned rat of a little brother. Stroud shook water off himself and looked at Devius relentlessly.

"Now, now, now.....I was only joshing you" Devius said with a big smile.

"Fuck you" he said, shoving Devius aside.

Stroud hoped the women didn't hear him. He climbed aboard deck and threw his soaking wet jacket aside. Facing the side of the wall, he stripped down to just his pants, he took his boots off and kicked them aside. Isabella saw him take the mask off to ring out his hair, but he would not turn around. He put it back on quickly. He really did not want her to see his face. Stroud took over the steering wheel and drove them out to sea. He reached into his pocket to get a cigarette and threw the metal box onto the dashboard. Isabella came up behind him cautiously. He saw her and smiled. She brought a towel with her and placed it around his shoulders, she held it in place. She savored every moment that he allowed her to stand near him. Looking ahead of them there was only water. It was amazing, something she had never seen before. The crisp air blowing on her face was so refreshing. It was like a dream.

The leisurely trip lasted all afternoon. They rode along the coastline halfway to Wendel's port and back again. Devius was right about the weather, it was perfect that day. Hot and sunny, unusual for the time of year that it was. But the cool breezes from the water made the temperature just right.

When they arrived back in Jadd it was early evening and the beginning of the weekend - the night before holy day. The city was alive with musicians, street side performers, and families simply outside gathering with neighbors for a meal. Merchants here and there offered to sell their imported goods, or maybe a toffee apple to the children.

The boat docked, and Stroud tied the ropes. He rushed down the long, winding pathway back to the house without a word. He didn't care, he just wanted to wash up and change clothes. Isabella watched him go and she to made her way back to her room to do the same. Her face and hands demanded lotion, and she desperately wanted to wash her hair.

In her room, she asked the maid to prepare a bath for her. Within an hour, they had brought a tub to her room, lined it with a cloth and filled it with warm water. Presio the maid brought a vial of her favourite bath oil for Isabella to try. Isabella took her clothes off and sank into the water. She swished her legs about and rubbed the sweet smelling water about her with a sponge. She relaxed until the water became to cool for her and then she dunked her hair in and got it all wet. She stood up and wrapped herself in a bath sheet, allowing her hair to drip dry. She picked up a comb from the nearby dresser and sat on the window seat overlooking the town. It was getting dark out and there was a party going. It reminded Isabella of home, At night, Mavoles would go out and gather with neighbors, after a few drinks everyone was your best friend. Isabella combed her damp hair out, then she walked over to the bed. Presio mentioned earlier she could borrow a dress to wear so she could wash her own clothes. On the bed lay a simple, mauve coloured sundress, long length with thin straps. Isabella tried it on, it was a little to big on her skinny figure but it would do. She grabbed a small bag from her traveling sack, inside was her make up and a bottle of lotion. She smeared the creamy stuff all over her body and re applied her make up. Now she was ready to go downstairs, she put her things away, and put her beret and jewelry back on as she jogged down the halls, anxious to get outside. Out the front door of the mansion, Isabella made her way to the short wall at the bottom of the steps. A big smile and look of awe came over her and she looked at all the people having fun and laughing. Small bonfires lit the streets and people gathered around them to warm up, and socialize with friends and family. The music was wonderful. Then a funny feeling came over her, like she was being watched. Isabella turned around and there was Stroud perched on one of the steps. Isabella was in such a hurry she did not notice him. Mustering up her courage, she sat down beside him.

"Good evening" she said taking a deep breath.

"Yes it is, isn't it?" Stroud said.

"It's so lively out here, just like in mavolia at night, goddess I miss those days." Isabella said.

"I guess" Stroud replied. "I wouldn't know, I haven't spent much time in Mavolia and right now I am not welcome there. They won't let me past the front gates without a good reason."

"Oh, well, I'm sure things will come to term and settle down eventually? Don't you think so?" She seemed unsure what to say to him. Stroud looked at her funny, and it made her uncomfortable. Was she really that naive?

"What?"

Stroud ripped the beret of her head, Isabella's big pointy ears shot up to attention and she smiled at him. He threw her hat aside and shook his head.

"I'm sorry" he said bowing his head. "I am really out of sorts tonight, I have a lot on my mind"

A traveling minstrel nearby began to play a tune. The music coming from his lyre was so beautiful and haunting. Isabella and Stroud watched and listened to him play. Isabella, lost in the music, leaned toward Stroud just barely touching him. The warmth of his presence felt good to her.

"Do you know this tune?" she whispered.

"All to well. It's a folksong called Awakening Tale. The tune is always the same but the words change, my father used to play it. I hate this song, I don't know why but it just hits a sore spot in me."

"Ah yes, your father was a musician. By chance did you inherit any of his talents?" She asked with big happy smile.

Stroud looked forward and did not answer her. He tried to ignore the question. Isabella figured it out with ease.

"Well, my lord, I think I will take that as a big YES!"

Stroud put his elbows to his legs and slouched forward, resting his chin in his hands. He still tried to ignore her but to no avail.

"You had music lessons? Did you inherit a voice talent? Please I must know, sing for me!" She nudged him.

Stroud sighed and dropped his head to his knees, and then quickly raised it again.

"It's been a long time, and besides, I really don't have much to sing about anymore. Even when I was younger and I traveled a lot."

"Traveling, yes. You know what I think would be wonderful? I would like to just get up and go travel this entire world. I want to see everything. I want to witness it all with my own eyes and meet all the people. From the mountains of Illusia to the sands of Ishe. And I want to see if it is true there are bridges made of stars in the glass desert." Isabella dreamed.

"Really? You would do something like that?" he inquired.

"Yes, I would, I want to see everyplace that I have only read about. And everything else."

"You know what? I have thought of that too. I thought about what it would be like to just forget about all of this! The country, the wars, the mana clan, everything, just leave it all behind and go." he said.

"Stroud?"

"Yes?"

"Will you take off the mask now?" she asked.

He paused for a moment and considered her request. What was happening? He did not feel the same desire for her as he did for Purim, but there was definitely something there. If anything, or at the very least, this was the beginning of a good friendship. He was about to untie the mask, but, Bridget, the maid came running to them.

"Dark Lord! Forgive me for interrupting you sir, but you must come quickly. Devius needs to speak with you right away!" Bridget exclaimed.

Stroud apologized to Isabella and teleported himself to where Devius was. Devius stood with his head up against one of the columns, his head buried in his arm.

"ARE YOU ALL MORONS OR WHAT!!! I CAN'T BELIEVE A SINGLE ONE OF YOU!!!! Devius shouted at the maids gathered around him.

"What's going on?" Stroud demanded as he grabbed Devius' arm.

Devius wiped tears from his eyes quickly as so to hide that they were coming.

"She's gone, Medusa is gone missing!" he said in a panic.

"What?" Stroud said confused.

"Apparently she had gone mad this morning, Amanda was caring for her and let her brother, Lester the minstrel, into the room to play. Medusa turned him and the others to birds and ran away. AND THESE FOOLS NEVER SAID A WORD TO ME ABOUT IT UNTIL NOW!" Devius started shouting again.

Stroud grabbed him once more. "Calm down already!"

Stroud put his hands on his brother's shoulders.

"Alright now, let's think!" Stroud said. "Where would she go?"

Devius and Stroud turned together and faced the front door, both men were deep in meditative thought.

"The alter of time" Devius gasped.

"I feel it too" Stroud replied.

Medusa's end

Stroud and Devius teleported to the opening of the cave and marched right in side by side. Sure enough, poor Medusa lay lifeless on the ground surrounded by people.

"What are you all doing here???" Devius asked. "Mother!"

"Bogard and the heretic girl" Stroud said sternly.

Devius turned to his brother and lamented. "Stroud, mother is gone. Here just take the key to Mana sanctuary and be on your way."

Devius had the pendent all along. Stroud figured it would turn up again with Purim. Images of childhood, his mother and brother raced through his head. He tried to snap out of the pain he felt.

"Gurnda, I mean Devius, That won't do! The mana clan betrayed our mother once before. We can't let them get away with this!" he said angrily.

"Stand aside Stroud, don't let your feelings cloud your judgement. I'll settle the score, Ill show these fools what hell is really like!"

"I did leave mother's affairs to you, alright then, Devius you may settle the score."

Stroud teleported himself back to the mansion......

To be continued