Primogenitor
Chapter Nine
The air was a little bit thick, yet pleasantly fresh.
Compared to the outside-atmosphere of Thanalan a welcome variation.
He stretched his corpus while he lay on a wooden box. Maybe some kind of crate... Several of these stood around here. Bottles stored on and within a few exemplars. Some of the glassy objects had been placed randomly on the ground, too. The whole room looked therefore like a forsaken refugee of the poor. An ownerless shelter. Somehow, it was even such a thing, as this place had once been the headquarter of the Scions. The Waking Sands...
A tired sigh caught his attention.
The Warriors next to him seemed beaten... Still, they tried to save face. Four of them were present; sitting on cheap stools around an old desk. Bertram and Tammy played a famous card-game named Triple Triad – Carlos read meanwhile together with Annika in an old tome. Their good mood was overshadowed by exhaustion. The fight before had clearly cost lots of their strength...
It had been an impressive battle – he was forced to admit that.
But who would expect anything else from them, when a friend was threatened by death itself...
Learning, that the imprisoned Raubahn should soon be punished for 'his' crime with an execution, Tataru had informed Alphinaud as well as the Warriors about it on a meeting with Count Fortemps. Albeit Edmont warned them to be careful, he supported their wish to free the Flame General. Organizing an airship, he managed it to arrange a meeting for them with Lima Lominsa's leader. Merlwyb Bloefhiswyn had so far denied the petition Ul'dah's to 'analyze' the Scions and their allies, wherefore she might still be on the right side.
And indeed, the Count's impression had been correct.
When Alphinaud and the adventurers visited her, the Roegadyn demonstrated clear joy to see them save and sound in her city-state. She told them, that Gridania's leader, too, was not believing into those accusations which the Syndicate spread. Both Merwyb and Kan-E-Senna had learned from Sultana Nanamo herself, which plans she had developed for Ul'dah's future. Because of that, imprisoning Raubahn as well as blaming the Scions was proofing, that neither Teledji nor Lolorito were as innocent as they had pretended to be.
Alphinaud reacted then taken aback. With the former being dead, the later member of the Syndicate was now controlling the majority of Ul'dah's actions. But it would not resemble Lolorito to risk willingly any chaos in the desert's pearl. So, the teenager had asked, if the Sultana was maybe alive. Merwyb's right hand, Eynzahr Slafyrsn, explained hereupon, that no official confirmation existed. All information reaching the nation's people was the fact, that Nanamo would be absent because of her health's bad condition.
Nodding, the Elezen had stated, that he also wondered, why Raubahn was still alive. Why Lolorito was not earlier commanding a final criminal-conviction. Following, Limsa's leader mentioned Midgardsormr's abhorred Marasaja-prison in Ul'dah, where they had kept Raubahn for a long while. But in the last days, soldiers had taken him somewhere else. Not Lolorito's men, thought. People in striking blue uniforms – the Crystal Braves. Rumors existed, according to which those soldiers under Ilberd's leadership did not follow anymore Lolorito's wishes.
Merlwyb had wanted to save Raubahn, too, as he was a key for the Eorzean Alliance.
So, she was already waiting for the information about his current whereabouts. With their friends alias the unbound Ninjas of Doma, she had before decided to develop a fast rescue-plan as soon as they knew Raubahn's jail. And because Merlwyb regretted her inaction back in Ul'dah, she would not allow this time any harm coming to Raubahn or the Scions including the Warriors.
Under Limsa's flag, Alphinaud and the adventurers were then sailed to Thanalan.
There, Yugiri, one of the Ninjas, inducted them into the current state of affairs.
Raubahn was imprisoned in Halatali – and despite Lolorito's clear order to let the captive stay alive, the Crystal Braves were determined to kill him soon. This information was all the group needed, wherefore they traveled to aforesaid place. With the help of the Ninjas, they had entered the prison. Destroying several traps plus beating a few monsters, they made it to find Raubahn.
Freeing him hadn't been easy, because Ilberd showed up; accompanied by loyal henchmen.
This confrontation had been the real fight – the impressive battle which had exhausted the group until the point of almost passing out. Operating with unfair tricks, the Crystal Braves had used toxin within the air in order to kill their enemies. Without Cecilia's and Annika's skills as healers, probably none of the mortals would have survived this trap.
Yet, they could beat the Crystal Braves.
But it was impossible to stop Ilberd and his henchmen from escaping. After a short conversation, Yuyuhase enabled their getaway – the same Lalafell, who had enraged Midgardsormr back then until the point of him losing control over his draconic instincts. To his own shame, the dragon was deeply regretting his halfhearted reaction, because that dwarf would really have deserved dead.
Nevertheless, the joy about Raubahn's safety was even affecting the Methuselah.
In his dormant position, he watched the four adventurers.
Them, as well as Raubahn, who conversed right now with his son.
Pipin as well as another Lalafell, Papashan, had welcomed the group in the Waking Sands.
The later was an old mortal and a good friend of the General as well as the Sultana. When he heard about Raubahn's rescue, nothing had stopped him from accompanying Pipin. Albeit both Lalafell hadn't appreciated the person who revealed this information to them. Dewlala, a female member of the Syndicate, had been aware of the whole complot. And she resided in the entrance-hall, too, when Urianger as the last save Scion plus head of the Waking Sands offered Raubahn shelter.
This Lalafell had given a short explanation about Lolorito's plan to beat his rivals.
She was confirming, that the Sultana would never die by the hands of the grabby merchant who still cherished Ul'dah's order, and referred to Nanamo's servant being loyal to him. When he ordered her to exchange the poison meant for the Sultana with another, that woman followed his wish. Thus, Dewlala suggested, it might be the best for Raubahn to let Lolorito have Teledji's little resources, while he could find a possibility to save Nanamo – and regain his rightful place.
After the Syndicate-member bid farewell, the majority of Warriors had decided to take a break – something favored by Erik, who still needed to discuss the next steps with Alphinaud and Urianger. Cecilia was with them, which frustrated the dragon a little, yet he hadn't been able to refuse her plea when she begged him to already rest together with her companions.
Hence, he lay now here. On this wooden object.
Despite his claim to be alright more influenced by the toxin in Halatali than he had admitted.
Looking at the mortals in this chamber, Pipin as well as Papashan beheld the General and Warriors with great concern in the eyes. Since they were inhabitants of Ul'dah, surely they had an idea how Halatali was guarded from unbidden guests... and equipped in order to avoid any escapes. Even if their joy might overlap the worry, they would later guaranteed deliver some medicine for the group. Considering the Alchemist-Guild of the city-state, doing so would not be a problem at all...
The Methuselah wrinkled his nostrils when he thought about such drugs.
Dragons were not known for consuming antidotes. Or potions. They simply lay down and slept until their injuries were gone. While mortals might feel the need to 'cheat' because of that frightening short lifespan, his kind did not care for enduring a small period like a handful of months. For him, the same given condition counted. Howbeit he ignored sleeping to the point where his corpus forced him to rest. Otherwise, he made sure his consciousness would be aware of the environment.
Additional... If he would ever accept medicine, if wouldn't be created by a stranger...
~C~
Midgardsormr raised lazily his head.
The archmage entered finally the room; Erik right behind her.
The two looked as tired as their companions when they went to Raubahn. Without sitting down, both conversed a little with the man. Nothing specific; rather trivial things from living in Ishgard. The General obviously enjoyed this idle chatter a lot. Like an amicable bull, he stayed on his place while paying full attention to them. His son plus Papashan followed that positive example, wherefore even the short-spoken Erik talked many words compared to the Lalafells.
For inhabitants of Thanalan, the snowy city must be a wondrous place...
The mortals continued their activities until Pipin had to return to the Immortal Flames.
As he had no vacation at the moment, the Vice Marshall couldn't risk trouble. Absence for too long without a proper reason would be suspicious. Thus, he made his way back to Ul'dah. But not alone. The pensioned Paladin had decided to accompany Pipin. Papashan was for today also not done with the job he had taken despite the retirement as soldier. And as this old mortal was duteous, he wanted to see if everything was alright. In a joking manner, he stated the youth wouldn't be trustworthy.
So, both men said for now goodbye to Raubahn and the others.
Smelling a chance, Bertram 'attacked' his allies instantly after the Lallafells were gone.
The Paladin-Roegadyn wanted to know their opinion about a game called 'Poker', since they all could play it together. Triple Triad was a funny thing, he said, but not meant for larger company. Erik agreed instantly to the card-game – Raubahn, Tammy and Carlos joined the duo. Deliberate, Annika decided to mime the card-dealer in order to prevent cheating; Cecilia contented herself with just being a watcher because of lacking the rules a little.
When the mortals started their game, the Raen walked to Midgardsormr.
She sat down next to the crate which he occupied. On a smaller wooden box, wherefore her head was right on his height. He looked at the left half of her face with benignly gazes – relieved to see her in a good condition in spite of her exhaustion. As his knowledge about mortal resilience wasn't the best one, he was worried if Halatali's toxin wouldn't harm her via an aftereffect.
But thinking about it... There was something which bothered him.
A specific phrase this Ilberd had spoken before he escaped with that putrid dwarf Yuyuhase...
"Do thou think..." ,he began puzzled with wrinkled nostrils, "...the Crystal Brave's leader is right? Was his statement the truth?" The Raen looked irritated at Midgardsormr. Shook her head like a short quake to emphasize she couldn't follow his hint. "Ilberd said a few things. About all of us who are on his enemy-list. He's a talkative man and loves showing off – with his thoughts and ideals. You must give me a concrete example when it comes to him."
The dragon's gaze wandered to the floor when he dove into detail: "Everybody takes advantage of the adventurers. Of the Warriors of Light. And of thee as a single person. That man said, that thou would be a tool. A weapon without knowing when somebody uses thee. A naive being who is blinded by trust." He widened his eyes, when he heard an evil chuckle. Glancing promptly at her, the dragon saw how she looked smirking into space. No light shone in her irises. They were stony. "Ilberd Feare never considered anything else, presumably..." she said with a narcissistic pitch.
For a moment, he could not grasp it. But then he understood...
Cecilia must have seen once a friend in that man... This was natural for her...
"I... am sorry. I did not want to hurt thy feelings..." the Methuselah murmured. Only after he had uttered his concern, he realized quickly the false aspect of his apology. A dragon begging a mortal for forgiveness... What foolishness this was. Idiocy. But she let him act like a blockhead quite often, on the other hand. Beholding simply her face calmed him in the very second he began to experience boiling anger towards himself...
She closed her eyes and began to smile a little bit softer. "His opinion might be true. But I do not look like him at this topic. Say... Do you remember the conversation Erik and me had in Ul'dah? With Alphinaud? Before the Sultana was poisoned? I'm not sure if I was back then clear enough... Perhaps I wasn't..." she noticed calmly, before her lids swung open again.
He answered her gaze instantly; held the eye-contact albeit it was disturbing. Cecilia examined him with pity in the odd-colored irises... "I always rather fear, we adventurers accept money or special advantages for a weak service in return." ,the maiden stated, "And when I help others, I'm worried they could feel forced to support me when I ask for something. So, if the job of an adventurer is a bad thing, it seems I do only help beings in need because I am selfishly thinking about the rewards. Hence... I am no tool, when I manipulate people through my backing."
Midgardsormr shook his head in frustration.
The maiden did not answer in an acceptable way...
"Thou art trying to convince me of thy disingenuousness... Thou do that very often... But I hardly see anything horrible about thee... Nothing worse than the sin Ishgard committed." he growled; sternly in his complaint. Tapping against his right temple with her left hand, she replied: "I want to believe into the concept of helping each other. That was always so... And never counted only for other humans. Thus, I do not feel like a brainless weapon. I am just as bad as I can be."
Her brave fingers on his skull distracted him from his displeasure. She did honestly never treat him like a being of another species... "We all are equally innocent and guilty, Midgard." she said lowly; not at all respectful amongst the caressing of his forehead. "Thou speak in riddles..." he whispered with sunken lids. Breathing hardly in plus out, because her touch was deeply enchanting...
~C~
She gave him suddenly a sad smile.
"I lost in this building many new friends. Have I ever mentioned this?" the maiden asked. His eyes glowed for a short moment, as he stared surprised at her. Leaning her head onto the right shoulder, hesitantly her hand slipped from his temple. The smile on her lips became smaller.
"I was an ordinary Conjurer who had just been granted with the honor to become a Whitemage." ,Cecilia explained, "Welcomed in the base of the Scions, I had befriended a few persons who were very often present in these halls. It was a wonderful experience. Yet, when I was for a longer while not around, several Garlean soldiers attacked the Waking Sands. Temporarily residing members of the Scions were instantly taken as hostage. But all other new friends... got killed."
He obtained goosebumps under her voice and gaze. At the most these irises... They cursed him with their simple expression... Such altruistic agony was hard to endure... As if she could read his mind, she let her lids sink down. Easing the tension both crystal and jewel had created for him.
Biting for a moment visibly into her lip, she added: "Not only men were the victims of this attack. What would you say, if I told you, that also a 'beast' fell by the Garlean's hands...?" "I would be... quite confused by this information. Although I do not understand thy word's meaning completely. Which kind of 'beast'... could have been hiding in these walls?" he asked irritated.
"It was a Slyph. Her name was Noraxia – and she had just joined the Scions a while ago. Somehow, she turned out to be my favorite under the newest friends. The personality she had gotten was... refreshing like a breeze. Also... it was a mutual feeling, obviously. We were glad to see each other whenever we met. She even practiced camouflaging as a humane girl... because she wanted to stroll unhindered through Ul'dah with me. It was her personal wish." the Au Ra said nostalgic.
"But... She was here, when the soldiers came. At first Noraxia had hidden herself – like she did always as a precaution when strangers appeared... Yet, when the enemies starting to kill our friends and enchained the present Scions, she could not watch this deedless. So she fought. And died, too, when she wanted to protect Minfilia." the words dripped silently.
He felt over-strained by this information, but did not allow the sentiment to become apparent. Therefore, the dragon wondered casually: "How did the Sylph-tribe judge this violent occurring? Were they not terrified...?" The maiden sighed tired. "They weren't angered like you seem to expect. My friend had joined the Scions of the Seventh Dawn with the blessing of her people. They trusted the Scions. Trusted us. We had helped them to find and rescue their elder, wherefore Noraxia was back then so unalterable decided. Hence, the Sylphs were only sad about their sister's death..."
Had she herself made a report for the tribe...? He would not be surprised, at least...
The girl placed her head onto the other shoulder. Still not opening the windows to her soul again, she added: "Helping each other is the key in order to understand others. Even, if they might be from another race. Sometimes, it is perhaps still necessary to have a fight for settling things... Or to test the determination of one's wish to obtain peace... But in the end, it's worth the effort."
Midgardsormr lowered his ears. He found it difficult to bless her opinion...
Feeling conflicted, he murmured with an earnest mien: "I am not sure if I could ever understand thee or thy reasoning truthfully... We dragons are not innocent... We do not believe anymore into such blue-eyed concepts..." "But one of the false gods does." she cut him even-tempered off.
Slightly cocking his head, he beheld her suddenly direct gaze with wonderment.
"The primal of the Sylphs trusts this wish." ,Cecilia said straightforward, "When we Warriors had proven our value, Ramuh talked to all of us. Before he vanished, this wise grandpa encouraged me to follow my personal path. He believes we people can settle our disputes if we just want to understand each other again. Convinced of balance, he hopes for out-reaching hands. So... When he – as a primal – is able to be more than originally intended... we can demolish our limits, too."
Confused and speechless, Midgardsormr stared into her unrelenting eyes.
Breathing slowly in, he asked: "Thou fought against him, when thou art speaking about a proof...?" "Aye. Soon after beating Ifrit, Titan and Garuda for a few times... Plus Leviathan for the first time. Ramuh knew that we had stopped those primals. And I think he knows how much his presence costs the planet on which we live. That's why he wanted to see if we can protect the forest instead of him. And more than just the woods. He seeks for balance between light and darkness."
Waveringly the dragon's head wandered slowly from one side to the other. Back and forth. Nonstop. "Tell me..." ,he murmured, "Would thou yearn for this all-embracing peace, even if thou art forced to sacrifice everything dear to thee? Even thy morale and innocence?" "If I must. But only myself. Nobody else. I give my life when I have to." she replied bravely smiling and full of tranquility.
His eyes glowed, as he stared overwhelmed and partly abashed onto her mien.
How... Just how could this young girl act resolute like an old dragon...?
She frightened him with this bare determination...
~C~
While Raubahn stayed sheltered in the Waking Sands, the Warriors returned to Ishgard.
Alphinaud was a bit groggy thanks to the poison's aftereffects, wherefore the boy stuck for now once more to studying the city's laws plus history written down in ancient books. This lassitude was also the reason, why a specific request reached solely the adventurers. Not even the motherly Tataru learned about the precise details. Not about the where nor about the involved.
The group was tasked to do a few jobs in the Dravanian Forelands.
And as it was the sovereign territory of dragons, the Azure Knight had decided to come along.
Not directly frowning upon them, the Elezen had still clarified to find the clan of Chocobo-hunters quite frustrating. Which was, why he could not let his comrades waltz alone into Dravania and support the 'tree-hugging' huntsmen. If dragons would attack, he had asserted, a few feeblish arrows were rather a crummy excuse than successfully repelling 'pangolins'. So, he was now here, too.
The missions centered on the protection of wild Chocobos.
Natural predators threatened to ruin the population of the birds. Herbivores of the Chocobo's food had increased in the last season. And since a while, poachers who did not respect nature's balance killed haphazardly birds plus took their eggs for selling them as delicacy. These three problems were normally in separated form easily to handle, but together, they were for the clan alone definitely too troublesome and risky. Thus, helping hands were more than welcome.
Erik, who was a huge Chocobo-friend – like Midgardsormr had noticed – seemed to be excited about these requests. He might not act more talkative than usual, but his gruffness seemed eased when it came to the birds. Also, his lack of manners was focused on the poachers, wherefore he had a little bit more sensitivity left for his allies. Now and then, he even played around with Bertram alias the most sunshiny Roegadyn-Paladin. They jested in these moments like jolly young boys, which caused even the icy Carlos to smile noticeably in amusement.
But the leader was not only therefore in a good mood. Estinien's company delighted the Hyur a lot. In the wilderness of Dravania, they wrestled occasionally for fun with each other, when the situation did allow this privacy. Despite the antipathy which Dragoon and Blackmage shared in their strange relatedness as cousins, the rest of the group was also downright merry in leisure-time.
Well, at least this counted for Bertram, Tammy and Annika...
Cecilia acted somehow reserved when she spoke to the Elezen.
Albeit she examined happily the interactions of her personal brother and the Azure Knight, she was obviously avoiding direct conversations with the later. Midgardsormr had not noticed that before, but now – in comparison to her other friends – she kept a discrete distance to Estinien.
Nevertheless, there was a familiarity amongst the Raen and the Dragoon, which he couldn't name. And even, when Erik was seemingly closer to Estinien, the Methuselah doubted that the gruff man possessed the same place like the maiden owned. Probably he was a blockhead considering mortals and their relationships, but even in his eyes it was clear to see... Cecilia and Estinien were allies or rather friends on another level. They must have experienced an adventure... a past together, which outmatched the comradely bond that her 'brother' and the Elezen united.
~C~
The sun was almost gone from the evening-sky.
A cool breeze brushed over Dravania's trees; all leafs rustled muted amongst their motion.
Nearby Tailfeather, Cecilia and her comrades gathered around a camp-fire. Estinien had suggested to stay under the trees for this night, since no empty beds were currently available in the 'tavern'. Additional, the group wasn't interested into returning to the hunter-settlement, as their tasked duties would continue tomorrow. Hence, they sat now with blankets under their bodies on the floor. Guarded by the strangely growing plants; like the Elezen had emphasized it.
A little bit, Midgardsormr was crestfallen about the Azure Knight's knowledge.
Of course, the open field close to the forest was a hazardous place for humans at night...
The dragons who lived in this area avoided only flying into the wood, because dodging the branches as well as roots was troublesome... Hunting victims somewhere else was more rewarding... But still, it would have satisfied the Methuselah to see, how his descendants might chase the mortals around. At least, this counted for Erik. Disturbing his dear leisure-time... Waking that awful man rudely from his sweet dreams would be a wonderful experience...
The Methuselah shook his head slightly, as he noticed the malicious joy within his thoughts.
Antipathy towards the Warrior's leader felt like a childish sentiment; no matter how true it might be, that the Marauder possessed apart from his brilliant talent as a cook only unlovable traits. Of course, there was this exaltation for Chocobos and the brotherly fondness for Cecilia, but the birds were amusing creatures – the maiden a wondrous yet friendly girl. Erik was not special to demonstrate sympathy for the former and later existences.
Leaning his weight more into the blanket, he let himself become distracted by female chatter.
While the male humans were still eating a soup from ordinary bowls, the Au Ra conversed with Annika and Tammy. The Miqo'te had somehow started a talk about her family, which the Lalafell did instantly join when her own mother had something in common with Tammy's. And Cecilia – talkative, like she was – participated in the chorus.
"My mom was my inspiration to become a magician." ,the Raen stated, "But unlike Annika's mom, she was not solely a healer. She had been a formidable mage. Additionally, she was also a Valkyrie – a female knight who uses spears and swords. Compared to her, I am an amateur. In everything." Making a long face, aforesaid Lalafell asked: "How old were you again, when she died...?"
Wincing, Midgardsormr sat up as fast as lightning.
The maiden was an orphan...? Why had he never heard anything about this...?
His eyes tore glowing on his lids, when his sudden affright reached his consciousness. Did it really matter to him, that she had not shared this fact...? It could not be important, when Cecilia didn't feel like speaking with him about it. So why... Where did this shock he experienced come from...?
The Au Ra smiled unperturbed, as if she had been asked about a negligibility.
"I guess I was eleven; almost twelve. She had always cared for others more than for herself, wherefore it was not really a wonder when she got infected with a sickness by one of her patients. This hadn't been the first time, but the doctors working on a general medicine for this one sickness had yet failed to find a fitting formula for all blood-types. And Mom's blood rejected the prototype. Thus, nothing could be done to help her." the maiden explained.
A soft chuckle rolled in her throat, when she noticed how all mortals gazed doleful at her.
Midgardsormr found her reaction at first very insensitive. But he hadn't heard the whole story yet.
Her eyes shone in the camp-fire's light with pride: "My mom died not painfully. She just fell asleep and woke never up again. And her last days had been dedicated to helping the doctors out as good as possible – plus saying goodbye to us; her family. The ones who suffered – she said – were we. Or, in other words: Mom pitied us for our grief and sorrow. Even with the unchangeable end hanging over her, she wasn't worried about herself. While we cried rivers, she shed no tear."
Marveling this example of a courageous woman, the adventurers and Estinien nodded with enthusiastic smiles on their lips. For them, it was surely special... Another mortal accepted death; holding the head up high despite a terrible fate awaiting oneself.
The dragon, though, had trouble to imagine this.
Ishgard had sinned one-thousand years ago for just gaining more strength and in the hope of keeping their lives a little bit longer. Their price had been nothing compared to the loss his kind had experienced. With these things in mind, he was not able to believe the maiden's words completely. But when he thought about it...
Albeit he could not picture an unknown being to act like that... Cecilia was indeed altruistic enough, that he would not be entirely surprised if she would behave this way. Therefore, her mother had shared this oddness, perhaps... Depending, to whom of her parents this trait originally belonged... Thinking about it... Was there even anything he knew about the Raen's kinsman...?
As if they had noticed his irritation, the females began conversing about their fathers.
To the dragon's displeasure, however, Cecilia kept asking her friends things about their ancestors instead of revealing details of her own. The maiden wanted to know bagatelles so unimportant and negligible that he doubted somebody would remember them in the next day at all.
Yet, when the conversation seemed to have reached it's end after a while, finally a little information came up: "Why my mom and dad became a couple? Well, the story is a little bit silly..." "Maybe, but still I want to listen to it. After all, I recall you said once, that your mother was only 18 years old when she 'caught your father'. So, he must have been some kind of valuable trophy, right? And see, I love a good hunt. Stories about them, at the most." Tammy stated grinning and winked.
Cecilia giggled slightly, before she responded: "You see, my father is older than her. But my mom possessed always a weakness for men who are more mature than she was. And it's not only the age. Dad's abilities as a Paladin are impressive – he is a master of that art. These formidable skills plus his earnest nature were a bait which my mom could not ignore. Hence, she wanted to be together with him. And so she practically followed every step he made."
"Nya-hah, this sounds like she was totally crazy or rather obsessed with him! Cute! He must really have been a good catch." the Miqo'te hummed smirking. "Well, yeah, but he adored her already as the person she was... It was out of question to deny her wish from the very beginning. He had admired her from the distance before she was even aware of him." "W-Woah, wait a second...! So, the real 'stalker' had been your father?!" the Bard asked with sparkling eyes.
The Au Ra grinned embarrassed: "He was just shy and not sure how to approach her. He worried, that she might be a bit too young... Regardless he was yearning for her affection." "This sounds like a beautiful romance. I think our guys here could see your father as a good example." Annika stated before she glanced crestfallen at the four males. Carlos looked instantly incurious away, which made the Lalafell sulk obviously. Erik's, Bertram's and Estinien's long faces didn't bother her at all, while she was busy with glaring at the Blackmage.
Tammy shrugged unperturbed: "Let the mages have their quarrel. Better continue with the story!" "Well, dad's concern vanished when he noticed mom's determination." ,the maiden explained, "Telling her how he felt, dad mentioned he looked nonetheless for a true partnership. She was eager to prove him, of course, that her emotions were not shallowly. Thus, they tried a relationship. Well, two decades later, mom gave birth to me; she and dad still deeply in love with each other."
"Is your father nowadays okay? Has he accustomed to being solo again?" the Whitemage-Lalafell asked cautiously. "Dad is nowadays still as healthy as a fish in the sea; despite his remarkable age. If he was younger, I would try to push him into a date, but... It's his decision whether or not to look for somebody new. His happiness is all what counts; no matter which shape it takes."
~C~
The women's conversation ended after these words.
Midgardsormr tried to convince himself of being glad about it, since he found these talkative, continuous chatters quite exhausting to follow. But deep down, he knew the truth...
He wanted to know more.
He wanted to hear everything which was important for the maiden's odd personality. And slowly, the Methuselah experienced even some kind of joy while he payed attention to Tammy and Annika. The lively Miqo'te and calm Lalafell really acted like the group's mother and aunt. They were meanwhile very welcome to him.
Perhaps, it was similar how he thought about Bertram.
The Roegadyn had a sunshiny attitude, but he was not at all carefree. Firm as a rock, this wielder of sword and shield demonstrated seriousness when needed, but no harshness. While this man started now an earnest conversation about the difference between Paladins and Warriors, Midgardsormr realized how much he could accept Bertram in comparison to Erik.
Maybe Carlos would also gain someday more than his bare tolerance...
Once the dragon figured out, which characteristics truly lurked beneath the quiet charade...
Thinking about it... While aforesaid Elezen seemed absolutely not interested into talking by himself, his cousin showed more enthusiasm. Estinien wasn't the most talkative man, but in return he was straightforward; a sharp-mouthed being and not afraid to say what he had in mind.
The Azure Knight joined Bertram's discussion in order to utter his personal skepticism about wielders of the battle-ax. Ishgard was after all a place of holy knights who held lances and blades – not the playground of mannerless roughnecks who chopped each other. This blunt statement nettled the Warrior' leader. For a moment, Erik argued fiercely with Estinien.
But as it was usual for them, the clash was no serious fight. Fast, their heated temper burned down; replaced by the typical companionship they shared. Somehow, both men ended up chatting about another topic than the Paladin-Warrior-question.
"How's Alberic doing these days? Is your teacher not a bit bored, that he's no longer forced to watch after you? Since you behave now like a good boy who doesn't avoid Ishgard?" Erik asked grinning. The Elezen bestowed an evil smile upon the Hyur: "He is not my nursemaid. And on the contrary to your question, his work as a Lancer in Central Coerthas keeps him busy enough these days. Protecting the people was always his top-priority."
Nodding, the Warrior uttered: "Yeah, he's a good and tough guy... I wonder, who of us three would be the strongest combatant. I'm not that bad, when you press a lance into my hands, after all. Having said that, your mentor has because of his age a clear disadvantage."
A minimal amused chuckle escaped Estinien's thin lips. "Do not become cocky. Alberic has lots of experience. And if he wouldn't have passed the title to me, he would still be Ishgard's Azure Knight. He was maybe afraid to lose against Nidhogg's will in the Eye, but otherwise he is a strong man." "Oh-hoh, the mighty Dragoon praises another being than himself. That's a rare thing to happen. Perhaps I should start writing a diary." the Hyur laughed at Estinien.
They debated for a while about Erik's downsides as a Lancer, before the Elezen admitted: "Well, there is a slight compliment I can give you, at least. Albeit I bet it will needlessly expand your ego... When I stood back then in Coerthas under the influence of the cursed dragon, your harshest blow had been a formidable strike. You knocked me out in an instant."
Midgardsormr noticed something strange.
Not even a moment ago, Cecilia had listened to the two men with a jolly mien. But...
Suddenly, she looked away from them. The happiness entirely vanished from her face. And a sigh left her mouth choked – so intense, as if the world's weight would completely lay on her shoulders. Was there something within these spoken words, which had the force to ruin her mood?
Erik recognized her reaction, too. It distracted him for a modicum of seconds. Then, he focused once more on Estinien: "Told you I can handle a spear. Wearing heavy axes is a helpful training, guaranteed. You should try it one day." "When I plan to become a rowdy, you mean." the Elezen replied with a derisively expression. "Tss, you better stay away from La Noscea with this attitude. Limsa's inhabitants might behead even Ishgard's holiest knight if he insults them."
After the Hyur had complained, he cleared his throat. "I hope..." ,Erik began, "...you still give credit to Alberic and Ceci. Without them you would just have impaled me like a piece of meat with a fork. A Dragoon influenced by the Eye is definitely a troublesome challenge to beat..."
Abruptly, Carlos uttered something: "Of course Nidhogg could manipulate my blockhead of cousin. When somebody as stupid as him runs around for a while without people by his side, surely a smart and tactical-adept dragon finds the right buttons to press. It was only luck that you guys could prevent any damage from occurring without Aymeric with you."
Estinien grabbed threatening his lance. "I do not know for which phrase I would rather love to hit this big loudmouth who's a mere walking chamber of horrors...!" the Dragoon hissed. "Heh Carlos, why do you mention the Lord Commander of the Temple Knights?" the Hyur wanted to know; ignoring the enraged Azure Knight entirely. "They are supposedly friends. Not the same way as we, since my cousin prefers being alone, but you can rely on Aymeric feeling responsible for him. Also, Monsieur Borel is the one who's at the most excited that Estinien returned to Ishgard."
"Aha... Odd info... The man is inept like a little boy to talk normally with Ceci because her optic resembles our scaly opponents... But he can handle Estinien as a friend... In other words, a puppy with it's tiny teeth hectors Aymeric more than a full-grown bulldog with fangs." "THAT'S how you honestly compare the two of us? As pooches?!" the Azure Knight asked Erik indignant. Shrugging, an unperturbed reply followed: "You, man, resemble bulldogs a lot, yeah."
While the men began another fight of comrades, the Methuselah's attention drifted to Cecilia.
Normally, she would either be worried or amused about her friends' skirmish. Mostly grinning since her trust into them was not shatterable. But since Estinien had mentioned this event in Coerthas, nothing seemed to distract the maiden from the sorrow which Midgardsormr didn't know.
Her irises had an empty expression – staring into the fire, but not reflecting it's orange shimmer.
The crystal and jewel rather resembled eyes of dead people; dry as sand and somehow flat.
When they finally recovered, deep sadness dwelled conspicuously within them.
~C~
The mortals talked still for a while as the stars spread over the sky.
Only slowly, the group drifted into slumber – one by one, they lay down for sleeping.
Tammy vanished under her blanket, then Annika, Bertram afterwards, followed by Carlos and finally their leader Erik, so that only Cecilia and Estinien remained awake. She – entirely bound by her passion for magic – was reading another Astrology-book, while he – viewing himself as a guard – stared into the darkness with alert gazes. It was quiet since the Hyur had stopped talking, so only the noises of the wood buzzed hushed through the air.
Midgardsormr leaned his head sideways against the blanket.
With his right eye half-covered by the fabric, the fire had a soporific effect on him...
"Can I steal a moment of your time?" the Azure Knight asked suddenly. The unexpected question perked the dragon's consciousness up, who glanced instantly awake at the maiden next to him. Lowering the pages, Cecilia gazed irritated at her companion. "What's the matter?" she said curious with the expression of an innocent child. The Dragoon harrumphed muted: "I have to correct myself as it seems... Can we talk for a moment in the forest? Just you and me?"
The Methuselah raised his head in wonderment, as Cecilia's eyelids twitched a little.
He knew the request was odd, anyways, but her first reaction to it was partly perplexing.
On the other hand, the Raen kept per will distance to Estinien... He should not judge the discontent she felt, since her reason for evading this mortal was a mystery to him. And in spite of her efforts, the Au Ra stayed nevertheless politely enough to not refuse the favor she was asked for. Actually, she demonstrated pure naivety instead of questioning the intent: "Sure we can do. But if a monster attacks us, you will be the one to slay it." "Sounds like a deal." the Azure Knight nodded.
When Cecilia stood up, the dragon was undecided what to do now...
Eavesdropping a conversation which was meant for only two pairs of ears wasn't appropriate. Yet, he felt excluded by the bare idea to let the maiden go alone. And as she looked now with her big, pleading eyes at him, the Methuselah had neither the will-power nor the morale to stay behind.
So, he sat on the Au Ra's shoulder down, when she began to follow the Elezen through the darkness. Gazing skeptical at Estinien, Midgardsormr wondered, why the Dragoon wanted to talk with her. Why – of all things – alone, when the environment was not as safe for mortals as cities; settlements. But it was surely something private, when he had waited for the other mortals to fall asleep...
Although it was confusing to avoid the bare presence of the sleeping allies. Did the Elezen count on an unwelcome interruption of the conversation he wanted to hold? What could be so embarrassing or confidential, that no other mortal was allowed to hear it...? Not even so-called friends?
When the Azure Knight glanced for a moment over his shoulder into their direction, the dragon followed that gaze in order to comprehend the Elezen's reason a little bit better.
Surprisingly, it seemed as if Ishgard's cynical, narcissistic champion wanted to make sure, that especially the Warrior's leader wouldn't hear accidentally anything. The Dragoon's eyes searched in fact only for Erik. Strange... Too strange. Were they not close to each other? In their own, odd way? At least it always seemed that marauder and knight understood each other pretty well...
What was so private, that Estinien did not even trust him?
After a while, the Elezen stopped his movement. So did Cecilia, who seemed still unperturbed by the request to talk somewhere else than next to the campfire. For a moment, she looked expectant at her quiet friend. But Estinien was still facing her with his back – and spoke no single word. Patiently, she beheld him motionless until her interest vanished, wherefore she focused on something else. Probably in order to not push the knight accidentally...
While her eyes roamed the environment, so did Midgardsormr's irises, too, as he couldn't recall when he had been here for the last time. He surely had visited Hraesvelgr occasionally in the past and seen some grandchildren who lived in this area, but... It was long ago...
A little startled by her, he jerked, when Cecilia nudged him slightly.
"Watch all these stars." ,the maiden noticed lowly with a soft smile on her lips, "I can see several specific constellations which should not be visible at this time of the year. I bet the books I read weren't written by people who were lucky enough to enter Dravania in the last years." Looking up, Midgardsormr regarded the shimmering sky like her. He had not much knowledge about these stars – for him, they were just other suns; far away from this planet. Albeit...
The dragon found the sky this night somehow prettier than usual; and – in the same moment – somehow unsettling... Concretely, a bad feeling floated within him. Thanks to her mortal ally. Estinien's silence was oppressive. Therefore, the dragon beheld as a surprisingly real distraction, how Cecilia's index-finger drew invisible lines over the dark-blue sky. Several faint lights connected to simple figures, so that he started to imagine the pictures she might see in her mind.
"Hey... Cec..."
The sudden words dumbfounded both maiden and dragon.
Irritation lay on their faces when they looked briefly at each other, before they payed attention to the Azure Knight. "Hm? Do you have decided to finally talk?" she responded innocent. A hint of honest concern flowed within her voice. Estinien sighed and turned around to her. His head leaned almost on his left shoulder, as he studied her face now.
"Why do you keep such distance all the time to me, since we parted back then in Central Coerthas? Before these events in Ul'dah, I mean... Why do you... keep me away?" the man asked. She widened for a moment her eyes, but quickly regained her neutral mien. Too hard to read for the Methuselah... as well as the Azure Knight. The later tried one more time: "In Ishgard, I thought at first temporarily that you would treat me again normal... But I was wrong. Tell me, why."
"I just stick to the way how we two are. You are a sworn enemy of dragons. I am the contrary. Nothing wrong with keeping this in mind." she replied almost cold and reserved. Short-spoken like Midgardsormr was not used from her. Making a step into her direction, the Elezen uttered irritated: "This can't be your true opinion..." Cecilia narrowed her eyes and shook her head. "We're different. I enjoy spending time with you – even now. But I don't want to reach ever again the personal level which our conversations had back then."
"As if we would always talk about private stuff..." Estinien tried to change her opinion, unsuccessfully. "I know it's likely to do more than idle chatting when you and I are talking like this. Only the two of us. It was never negligible." the archmage stated unhesitating.
"You distrust me, don't you...? You expect me to insult you again...?" the Azure Knight questioned; his mouth standing half open after this realization. His face marked by worry and scare.
~C~
She did not answer. Only her eyes spoke silently – and it was a clear response.
It was appalling the Dragoon. He stepped closer to her; the steel-blue irises burning in sorrow.
"I would never make true fun of you- I don't even DARE to skit upon your weaknesses truthfully! Do not... treat you with scorn... like I do to other people..." the Elezen tried to justify a defamation he seemingly had committed back then – within these mysterious events in Central Coerthas Midgardsormr did not know about.
Estinien's excuse, however, obviously did not reach Cecilia's condolence.
The man's shoulders sank down as if a huge fault would lay on them. His normally recognizable, boastful pride vanished. "I must confess this... It was a heavy mistake when I condemned you for your ultimate decision to not kill dragons... But please... try to trust me again... You are the only one who I can't bear to reject me... Who I... need to believe into me..." he shrived unwillingly.
"You just treat me in a special way because of Nidhogg's eye. If it wasn't because of its influence, you would surely hate me, Mister Dragoon. … We met – because of it. We fought side by side – because of it. If you would have not sworn to keep it save, you and I would be maybe not enemies, but surely no friends at all." the maiden said finally. The Elezen questioned muted: "So this is now, what you think...? We became in your opinion friends by mere hazard?"
Shaking his head slightly in resignation, Estinien admitted: "Okay, I really can't deny, that I spent in the past initially time with you because of that damned thing... As a primarily matter of business to not push an ally away who was somehow connected to all of this crap... But it is not for this orb, that I began to consider you as a closer friend than the few others I got. Honestly, I DO envy Erik for being your chosen brother..."
Cecilia looked at the ground; the eyelashes fell partly over the open windows of her soul.
It was impossible to grasp her mood now. Her mien revealed no single emotionally impulse.
"Heh, I'm really, REALLY bad in these sentimental things... There's not much I can do about it when you become sad..." the Elezen mumbled helpless. Placed his left hand on the nape of his neck as if he wanted to rub it. The man obviously felt uncomfortable in this situation.
"I was happy back then, you know?" ,she suddenly spoke lowly, "I was not yet a Warrior of Light when we met for the first time... When you recognized me as an equivalent fighter, it had a strong, unknown impact on me as nobody else before had done this. No other adventurer. Spending time with you in order to keep the Eye away from dragons was something I enjoyed truthfully..."
Speechless, the Dragoon stared at her. "What has changed...?" he whispered.
"I can't bear your ambition." ,she uttered and looked directly at the knight, "The way you sacrifice everything and -one if it means to have your revenge. I judge you for this – not in a good manner. When Erik had joined us after you had accepted my new 'brother', I did slowly see more and more the darkness within you. But you showed it only to me. Hence, I want to avoid speaking with you on a personal level. As I seem to nettle your anger. And because I cannot free you again if the rage of the Eye takes you in your hatred once more over."
Estinien gasped: "That was when you had given up on me?! When you had a proof for your theory to provoke my rage...? B-But...! Everybody could have triggered this! Even Erik...! Ah... Wait... What... have you just now insinuated...? This last sentence – what does it mean?!"
Once more, her gaze wandered down to the floor. But this time, her lids hid it after several seconds. For the Azure Knight obviously a clear sign: "I thought it had been Erik who was beating me...! You... You all were not telling me the whole story...! You boosted my bad memory of that moment with falsehoods! Alberic, Erik and you...! ... Then... Then it was also not for our enemies... but for- No, rather BECAUSE of me... that you had for one last time done... Alberic's job..."
Estinien's right palm landed on his helmet as if he wanted to hit his forehead.
His facial expression was absorbed by shock, horror and guilt. What had he realized?
"I remember now... When I was influenced, it hadn't been Erik who stopped me finally. Naturally, his strongest blow was overwhelming... But it wasn't sufficing to knock me totally out... I had... mobilized my last reserves... So I threatened to kill him and Alberic... Blinded by wrath and hatred, I lost my mind... That's when you... for the TRUE last time... acted as an A-"
The following rapid motion appalled Midgardsormr.
Quick as lightning, the maiden stepped forward; her right hand even faster.
She pressed her palm so harshly onto Estinien's mouth, that she smothered his words entirely.
"DON'T." Cecilia spoke this single phrase with authoritarian sound. Hard and decided. Relentless. The Azure Knight gazed at the Au Ra with deep confusion; the dragon mirrored this doing partly. Her reflexes would have been noteworthy for a human, if the reaction itself would not hint to anger which he couldn't grasp. Why did she forbid her companion to speak...? Which kind of mortal terror had these two seen, that she denied her valuable ally to complete his sentence...?
And how much did the Methuselah truly know about this chosen child...?
Shaking her head a lot, the maiden uttered doleful: "I don't want to be labeled ever again as THAT... I do not, I DO NOT want this... I never was the right person for this job – and seeing you drowning in hatred triggered by an argument with me just demonstrated, how bad I am for your inner balance. If it could just be possible... I would simply resign our friendship. Because that one moment was enough to destroy the little bit hope I had placed into me. Being another type or rather the other side of the medal which you do epitomize... was never meant to happen."
Her palm lay still on the Elezen's mouth. It trembled a fortiori she spoke.
When she began to remove it finally, Estinien took her hand instantly. Held it carefully...
She gazed straight into the man's eyes. Sadness written in her odd-colored irises and her lips parted for a silent plea. An expression gut-wrenching enough to melt the heart of an embittered dragon. The knight cupped both hands around her own; he squeezed her fingers visible softly. The comfort he offered now was surely something what Estinien usually didn't airily consider for others...
"Cec, this is..." he began, but fell silent as she struggled with the physical contact.
Sighing, the Dragoon let go of her. "So you prefer conversations with me really like that? Impersonal? Without any deeper reason...?" He eyeballed Cecilia helpless – hoping for a negation. But she nodded instantly, which seemed to sadden this independent man. "Okay..." ,he mumbled, "When you fear so much to ruin my inner-balance, I can only appease you by following your wish. But I will always wait for you to change your mind once more. No matter how long it takes."
The Azure Knight led her after these words back to the bivouac.
Arriving there, Midgardsormr watched irritated, how the maiden dove instantly under her blanket. She had not shown tiredness before, so her sudden decision to go to bed irritated him. Estinien, however, did not react at all to this odd behavior. He just placed himself next to the warm campfire. But then, she wished him a good night – and the Elezen replied with an acceptable phrase. Seemingly unconcerned by her hurry to sleep, yet not ignoring the archmage.
The dragon was unsure how to think about this, but he was anyways tired, wherefore he followed Cecilia's example to lay down. Bafflement got him nevertheless – right in front of his needed sleep – when the full-armored Dragoon vanished just like that under the blanket as his cousin sat up. Avoiding Carlos who was busy putting a few branches into the fire, Estinien cared not at all for removing the heavy attire. Since both Erik and Bertram had taken a few pieces off, the disinterest which the Azure Knight demonstrated was deeply perplexing.
For a short moment, Midgardsormr frowned, before he closed his weary eyes.
~C~
It must be the middle of the night...
The distant call of an owl had woken him up.
Darkness surrounded him almost – the campfire meanwhile reduced to a small flame.
Raising his lids lazily, the Methuselah gaped at the still warming blaze. His vision was blurred – and he undecided, if waking completely up would make any sense now. The maiden next to him would surely not arise until the light of dawn touched her... Dormant, she lay under her blanket; only her head poked out of the fabric. He wondered, how it might be to share the bedding with her, since the girl's temperature was high enough to replace a fire...
Squinting, Midgardsormr quivered. That again...
'I refused it... I still refuse it... This will not happen...' he thought frustrated.
Sleeping under his own small blanket was the right thing to do. Her naive wish might be at times manipulating him deeply, but giving in to this siren's melody was anyhow out of question.
Focusing his eyes again on the fire, he was a bit startled when he noticed a motion.
Ah... Somebody placed again some wood into the flame, wherefore it burned a little bit stronger. Maybe it was Carlos or this time Erik... Probably the former as that figure appeared tall for a Hyur. Not, that the dragon could see the person properly in his drowsy state. So he didn't care much. Factual, he wanted to drift back to sleep, as his corpus demanded more rest.
But the awake mortal prevented him from following his impulse.
The figure stood suddenly up from the place where he had been sitting. Doing so would not have any meaning for the dragon in an usual case – however, it was no normal instant. Straightforward, the mortal stepped slowly to the sleeping Au Ra. There was no mistake here. Widening the lids, Midgardsormr got instantly rid of his weariness. Fully awake, he stared with glowing eyes.
It wasn't Carlos.
After that man seemed to actually sleep with his armor, the Methuselah had really not expected from him anymore to doff ever a part of the metal. Yet, exactly that was what Estinien had done. Both bracers and helmet lay on the ground, where the Elezen had been sleeping before.
Glaring skeptical at him, Midgardsormr watched the man kneeling next to Cecilia.
It was odd... While the Dragoon beheld her motionless, the resemblance to his cousin was immense. Since Carlos did not wear his hat, the two could be in this moment brothers... Albeit one thing was clearly a strong contrast between them. Estinien hadn't black hair. It was silvery. Also, the 'mane' was not restrained – just as the cousin's hair – via something mortals called a longer pixie-haircut. Despite bangs, smooth strands fell partly into his face as they reached his shoulders.
Compared to his hair, the Azure Knight's eyes weren't that pale. In fact, they seemed now even a bit darker than Erik's eyes. And with the silver flow around them, their hint of blue became stronger. More sapphire than steel, which studied now lost in thoughts the sleeping archmage.
The man's mien looked depressed. No wonder... She had rejected his good will.
Midgardsormr's sympathy vanished nonetheless instantly, when Estinien reached hesitantly out. Eyes glowing harsher, the dragon watched how these fingertips touched shyly Cecilia's right cheek. They glided cautious over her rosy skin and white scales. Similar to the way how a humane child caressed softly his little sibling when the later was yet a baby... It was a similar sentiment which appeared visibly in the Elezen's eyes. A concern so strong, as if he feared to injure her.
Maugre his distraction, the man was an attentive being.
He had noticed, that the 'puppet' next to them was conscious. So the mortal whispered: "Even a doll should agree with me... She is simply beautiful... If she would just not look like a humane dragon... You know, little toy... I do not mean her ears, scales and tail... I mean only her eyes..."
Estinien's fingers wandered to her closed lids; brushed over the long lashes. The gesture was drenched in resignation... "They seem to ridicule me whenever I gaze into them... As if she was one of those ancient 'pangolins'... Of course she does not hate me... But her eyes tell me nevertheless, that she hates at least my actions... I miss the time, when she had hope left for me... Erik is so lucky to follow a path she seems to enjoy... A little sister like her is worth the world..."
The dragon snorted lowly with sunken lids.
He had heard several stories in Ishgard amongst the stay in the tavern...
One of them was this tale: Estinien lost years ago his family in a fight. The parents; a little brother... Back then, dragons took several lives away, wherefore the boy was completely alone. That famous, tonight often enough mentioned Lancer Alberic – who had just retired from being the Azure Knight – decided to take care of the young Elezen. With nothing left but the loss of his dear relatives, Estinien swore revenge and became a Dragoon; later chosen by the Eye as it's next bearer.
Considering, what he had lost, Estinien must have been glad when the maiden stepped into his life with her keen oddness, cordiality and caring attitude. She was not only an amusing being, but rather truthfully fascinating. Gambling her faith away had surely cut into his own self-confidence...
With a gentle smile on the thin lips, Estinien turned away from her.
"I wonder how smart you might be, little toy..." ,the Elezen began while he gazed at Midgardsormr, "She tinkers dolls like you with her fullest heart. They are loved a lot by their creator as well as those people granted with them... This reminds me... I saw her once sewing a teddy-bear for a child. The girl, who Cec made back then happy via that gift, still walks around with the bear by her side... Can you imagine, why...? The minion acts so lively like a real cub. Every stitch of the needle had turned it into an item with a soul, I suppose. The weaver's affection for her creation was completely embedded within this little furball..."
Raising his brows minimal, the dragon tried to imagine this.
He had seen, which artful wonders the maiden was able to cause when it came to simple repairing. So, how marvelous might then a result be, when the whole work was only based on her ideas...?
Ears vellicating, the Methuselah gaped down at the floor. He hardly dared to picture this. Because – when he recalled her motivation to help this girl in Camp Dragonhead – he knew the magnetic pull would only become stronger when he found once more something to adore her for.
The Elezen stood unhurried up; a chuckle minimal audible.
"I recognize how dear you are to Cecilia. She treats you with even more love than her other dolls... Do you even grasp with your limited mind, how special you must be for her? Teh, albeit you are just an ordinary puppet, I envy even you for having a less complicated friendship to her than I do. Hopefully you realize somehow, that you own a piece of her affection."
Eyes wide open, Midgardsormr stared at the man, who just returned to his sleeping berth.
The equanimous Elezen was rather the naive one – unable to grasp something...
He had no idea, what his words caused to the 'puppet'...
~C~
Two days later in Dravania, the Warriors finished their tasks.
Midgardsormr had tried within this time to forget Estinien's remark, but still struggled with that plan as long as the Dragoon was around. Luckily, that man went once more his own way, when the group returned to the Holy City. Back to their daily grind, too, the adventurers looked out for possibilities to support Ishgard's population. Cecilia was no exception, whenever her Astrology-studies did not tether her to her the guild, where she learned side by side with other magicians.
Keeping the effect of that stirring phrase down, the dragon watched her usual effort.
Nevertheless he would have been glad, when the maiden's wish to help wouldn't frequently attract the attention of dutiful knights... If they wanted to just take advantage of her or not, he couldn't tell, but whenever they found an option to ask the Au Ra for support, they did so. Their pleas led Cecilia often to leave the shielding stonewalls of the city, so Midgardsormr was often confronted with Coerthas' harsh weather or Abalathia's windy climate.
She told him a few times to stay in her guestroom, but he refused always.
If he didn't accompany her, he would not be true to his own words. The promise to Hydaelyn. Whenever he slept or was otherwise limited by his infantile dragon-corpus, the perhaps important moments he missed could already not be refunded. Therefore, he avoided to lose willingly time in the maiden's company while no urgent excuse existed.
Especially, after Haurchefant visited her almost every morning and evening in the tavern... Midgardsormr wasn't detesting the Warrior-fan for adoring Cecilia especially, yet it would be much more upsetting if the maiden should suddenly develop affection for the good knight; unnoticed by his ancient consciousness. Not, that it was an awful thought...
She would surely be happy to have a sweet-natured man by her side... Considering her romantic plus modest wish, the dragon hoped for her to gain this luck... But an Elezen could simply never be, what he was able to accept. Tolerance alone would already be a tough challenge...
When Cecilia supported the Rose Knights in Abalathia for a single afternoon, his impression became even stronger. Because Alphinaud had decided to accompany her – and aforesaid one clearly honored the pledge to do the requested job together with her.
Yes, the boy was thanks to his visible naivety and aristocratic behavior a little nuisance at times... But what really nettled the Methuselah was only the undeniable heritage... No matter how annoying the maiden's preference for her younger friend might be... In the end, the dragon suffered more under racism than the discrimination of every other fact that was troublesome about the teenager. While Erik deserved despisement simply for the personality of a gruff man, Midgardsormr refused Elezen solely because of their species when Cecilia showed fondness for them.
And his bad luck did not leave the Methuselah.
While the stay in Abalathia was just branded by frustration about the Raen's preference for Elezen, the following day promised to be worse. Once more, the icy Coerthas called for her ambitions... Although it were not the usual knights asking for help. Another troop sought assistance.
It was about tracing a handful of heretics, who had attacked in the last days traveling merchants. Yesterday, the knights failed to imprison the criminals – they escaped. But amongst their flight, those men had injured one of Ishgard's Conjurers severely, wherefore the cavaliers needed for now somebody who could in the worst case replace their ally.
Cecilia as a Whitemage was the perfect choice, so they begged her to join their quest.
She hesitated first, since her personal duties focused currently on the job of an Astrologian. Hence, the knights promised she could follow her own detecting-strategy – as long as they could call her always per linkshell if necessary. They knew she was capable of fighting alone, so they encouraged the maiden to operate as their optional arm.
With this manipulative trust of them, she accepted smiling.
~C~
"Edgar is really a rascal..." the Au Ra reflected amused; shaking her head notedly.
"To fight for fun with another Chocobo and hurt the two of them within the process... Well, his bad. He can't come with me. His leg is too injured. The heretics would fry him in case we find them." Cecilia sounded despite her words a little bit upset while she walked over the snow. The dragon floated through the air; minimal nodding as a response. He was distracted by her clothes...
A black swan. The first and only thought her attire allowed. It was a counterpart to her snowy owl as Astrologian, but combined with her white-golden hair... The view was breathtaking... Dangerous, somehow, through the dark colors, yet an innocent sight. Not to forget her beloved Nirvana, which matched the dress's plumes via its shape. The golden leaves resembled feathers, after all.
Estinien's words rang abruptly in his head – quivering, he bore their intensity down.
How could they still stir him up...? Making him experience desperation? And sowing false hope? He wasn't all too sensitive... Empty promises should not touch him anyways... Blind trust was a trait he had given up long ago. Naivety a flagitious weakness. And every sentimentalities were in general a luxury he could not allow himself... Not in this area.
Sighing, Midgardsormr flew suit behind the maiden who accelerated the speed.
To look for clues of any heretical activities in Coerthas' Western Highlands was for sure no novelty, but they were close to Dravania... This specific part of the land had an... unpleasing effect on him. And this time, it was not triggered by the weather... The sky was only clouded today.
While they wandered north through the frosty wilderness, soon his stomach wanted indeed to rebel. He had known very well, that his kind did often battle with men in this wasteland of coldness... But... To see now so many draconian corpses coated with snow; laying forsaken in their dead, unabated perfection between the cliffs and rocks... It made his heart clench painfully.
And his breath became raggedly the more victims he saw.
When they reached the highest part of the area – a clear graveyard of the countless deadly fights – his nerves couldn't take the terrible view any longer. He had sworn himself to repress all guilt, sadness and hatred as long as his remaining own children would not lose their lives in the war.
Yet, he was still a living, breathing being with emotions and very own thoughts...! A father, in fact! A grandfather! And as such an existence, regarding so many wasted souls of his descendants – forever lost in the flow of time – was too much to endure!
It was... It was...! It was impossible to incur more...!
He fell on all fours down to the ground; next to one of the lost grandchildren.
Although he could feel Cecilia's perplexed gazes in his back, he couldn't hold back anymore.
His tiny feet clawed deeply into the snow as if they could reach the earth beneath and rip it apart. Simultaneous, he threw his head backwards and drew breath with the desperation of the survivor. When he opened his jaws, he let out a roar so loud; so intense like a fully grown dragon would do. He didn't care for the fact that he must be frightening her, because his emotions set his mind and especially calmness on destructive fire.
"How can thou mortals destroy us over and over...?!" ,he shrieked in emotional pain, "How often will thou repeat the sin thy ancestors have committed until thou stop...?! How can thou betray us and forget everything we shared once...?! Are we meaningless to thee...?!"
He ground his fangs loudly and hit the floor with his claws plus tail several times.
Squinting the wet eyes, he spat blue fire down which burned all grass underneath the snow.
"Traitors, all of thee!" ,the old dragon insulted mankind wrathful, "Thou lie; thou steal; thou hurt; thou KILL! Nothing and nobody is holy for thee! Thou just take everything and ruin everything...! All thou did and all thou will do in the future is meant to harm us...! We reached out for thee and were just betrayed in the end...! Thou always hated us...! Thou only want to erase us...!"
He roared in pure terror and pain while drops glided over his cheeks.
~C~
"Not me... I would never want this." a soft voice behind him whispered.
Midgardsormr had almost forgotten the calming effect which the tunes of his docile companion had. It let him open the eyes again and look at Cecilia over his left shoulder. Tears fell from his face while he stared at her sad facial expression; while he sunk into these pitying irises. He barely dared to draw breath as the crystal and the jewel were tainted by purest agony.
There was the siren's call again... But he felt no lie within it... When his open hatred did not frighten the maiden at all – did not even intimidate her... When there was only sorrow and pity for him... Perhaps, she would bear his wrath even if he turned it brutally against her. He was so lost in grief and consumed by animus, yet she stood there instead of running away.
She could sense his powers lingering within this vessel, he knew it... Despite the strict limits which his current corpus gave, he would be able to destroy her soul if he just let go of his self-control... Nonetheless, his tears did not stop – and she came closer; affliction in her mien.
The magnetic pull tore at him.
"Are you honest...?" he addressed her whispering for the very first time informal.
Nodding, she answered: "Yes. I don't want to erase you. I don't want them to destroy you."
Her eyes. He could see it in her lively eyes. The agony she felt while she uttered the last sentence. Never was there a mortal of the new generations before who would suffer under the dragon's pain. Never had a young man experienced horror while imagining Ishgard to win the war. And never, NEVER had a mortal maiden feared to lose the 'monster' that 'tortured' her kind.
This 'you'... This beautiful 'you'...!
He didn't care anymore, that she was no dragon at all.
Midgardsormr broke down in tears right in front of the girl. Sobbing like a baby-dragon, he went into her direction. Before she could react to him, he jumped; aiming for her upper part of the body. Cecilia caught his tiny corpus promptly like other mortals did catch their children, so her arms embraced him welcoming while he huddled crying with squinted lids against her chest. Following, she kept his labile psyche safe as she just held him tightly and fondled his long neck.
The brute rage within him vanished under her unconditionally care.
Hence, the Methuselah let out all the fear and mourning he had oppressed so far.
After a few minutes of shedding tears, calmness and peace began to cover the negative feelings.
"Please forgive me my informality and lost manners..." he mumbled accompanied by a loud sniff; opening the eyes for the first time in her arms. She simply smiled and touched his right cheek with these tender fingers she owned; giving him a feeling he didn't know. "Don't be again polite, please. It's wonderful when you address me like a real friend." she begged him shyly a few seconds later, while her sensual touch took his breath away. It was like losing all air in his lungs, but pleasantly instead of frightening him. He had never experienced a similar situation before...
A sudden roar destroyed the moment.
Hectically, Midgardsormr glanced over her shoulder in order to see the threat which had arrived. Cecilia, however, pressed him protective against herself just when he had located a large dragon of the same race like all the corpses on the ground. Gripping the Nirvana with her free hand, she said with a stern expression: "Bad timing, mister. This here is private. So, would you please leave us instead of considering an attack? I'm not in the mood for useless fighting."
The stranger didn't listen to her. Of course he didn't. Why should he do this, after all...
Midgardsormr knew, that it had to be his own fault when this descendant appeared here and now. Noticing his painful scream from before was the same natural talent like the ability to hear the song of the first brood. Surely the youngster here didn't see an appropriate dragon who could have roared with the fervor of the oldest ancestors, but the visitor did see a mortal with a baby of his own kind. Counting one plus one together was the easiest task for all living creatures...
For this reason, the descendant wanted to free this tiny fellow...
The archmage dodged with stone-spells the fire which showered now down on them.
She really didn't want to fight dragons – oh, he knew it so well that it hurt him to watch the battle. And although he should be grateful to her for trying to keep his grandchild safe from needless harm, he was instead angry with the youngster to attack an innocent maiden. Didn't he see, that the 'baby' was not struggling against the mortal?! Didn't he see, that the 'baby' was just fine...?!
Powerful anger boiled expeditiously within Midgardsormr.
And his eyes glowed brightly, when the grandchild darted anew at Cecilia.
The tutelary thoughts just escaped him: 'NO! Thou will not dare to harm MY girl!'
His telepathically words with a toxic undertone intimidated the dragon, as he recognized the might which lay within the sentences immediately. Unsettled, the youngster stared at him in his hilarious, tiny shape that didn't reveal the identity of its owner. Midgardsormr didn't fear to be recognized, since this grandchild had never met him before, so he eyeballed the descendant fearless.
It took twenty seconds, but then the youngster flew finally away.
Letting the air sustained out of his nostrils, the Methuselah lowered his lids.
While his eyes became dim again, Cecilia was relieved: "Puh, that was a narrow business... Although I wonder, why he stopped the attack plus left us all of a sudden." He sighed and looked up to her pretty face. Not cogitating, the old dragon uttered: "I couldn't accept it, how he ignored you... So, he listened perhaps to my words."
"Then I have to thank you. But what did you tell him, that it was enough to stop a raging dragon?" She looked curiously at him, which awakened embarrassment about his possessive statement. Midgardsormr hid his heating face instantly in the crook of her neck. "I just... told my grandchild, that he shouldn't hurt you. That's all..." he murmured with reddish cheeks.
Cecilia's smile was audible: "You have no idea, how glad I am about your care..."
Her whispered words caused a wave of acute electricity to flow over his spine.
But it was the hand on his neck, which made him finally quiver.
~C~
The room was colder than usual.
Yet, the small fire in the chimney was no nuisance in his eyes tonight.
With benevolent gazes, the dragon watched as Cecilia put her blue nightgown on.
Sitting on the carpet, Midgardsormr waited patiently for the maiden to continue her monologue about sewing. A topic he had started willingly after she ate her late dinner. Somehow, he felt like owing her this attention... It was the only idea he could have come up with because of his pathetic little knowledge considering her past. Albeit he regretted minimal, how Estinien's positive words about her creations had inspired this try to approach the Au Ra as a friend.
However, he answered her smile, when she sat down onto the bed.
It was still unbelievable... Since today, he addressed her in an informal manner...
'No, it is not impolite... She calls it 'personal' – and so should I.' he rebuked himself.
Cecilia proceeded the explanation with clear passion. Only in the very moment her words fell silent the Methuselah opened his mouth again: "So, thou- YOU have a master in Ul'dah who caused this exaltation for sewing... Thus I presume he is also the reason why you became a crafter in general?" She nodded: "Yeah, Redolent Rose inspired me to try other disciplines. He encouraged me a lot, too. At first I stayed in Ul'dah – the guild for Goldsmiths is quasi next door to the Weaver's domain; Alchemists gather upstairs, as you know – but soon I set out for Gridania and Limsa."
She smiled brighter: "However, my first three attempts will always be my favorites. Nostalgia, see? Even thought I prefer the Black Shroud over Thanalan." The Raen giggled softly in amusement. Midgardsormr closed embarrassed his eyes, albeit he chuckled a little. Her modest joy was infectious... No matter how unsettled he was considering her effect on him, any positive sentiment she showed him kept his own negative feelings locked away.
His hilarious large ears winced, when she put her legs on the mattress.
"You want to sleep." the dragon noticed; it was not intended to be a question.
The archmage nodded slightly. Indeed she looked tired... Rubbing the jewel-eye with her left hand, she stated: "For my standard it's a little bit early, I know. But even if I can probably not fall asleep immediately, cuddling into the cushion sounds like a good plan." This phrase triggered something within the Methuselah... An impulse that was impossible to resist...
He gazed motionless at the maiden while she pulled the blanket over her legs. But when she began to sink down with the upper part of her body, he moved his own corpus, too.
Her eyes were widened in surprise as she gazed at him.
"You also want... to sleep?" she said; asking him with a minimal higher pitch of her voice.
A low, still satisfied chuckle vibrated in his throat as he studied the priceless perplexity in her mien. In this unusual position, Midgardsormr actually looked down, since her head lay in the cushion while he sat upright on the bed... His lids fell partly down in relaxation, as he thought now about it. His impulsive action did still not frighten him at all. To crawl on the mattress while she lay here would normally have never occurred... Yet, here he was. Unafraid. Hence, he stretched all limbs and curled his body into a perfect circle on the sheets – not far away from her face.
"Yes..." he finally responded to the maiden's question.
Also, he answered even to his own wonderment. Yes, the dragon knew that he betrayed his decision. Yes, he changed his mind although he had sworn himself to not share the sleeping berth with her. And yes, he lost his face or rather dignity through this action. But it would be nothing else than a lie, if he pretended to regret his doing now.
The clear confusion in Cecilia's eyes vanished. Instead, a smile spread over her face.
Both crystal and jewel sparkled when she murmured: "How come I am today so lucky?"
Hesitantly, Midgardsormr raised his head and came closer to hers. "I can't name a single reason." ,he shrived, "I asked myself today a few times why I lost my self-control when we saw all these corpses of my descendants... There should exist nothing which makes me so easily sentimental plus mental weak while my own remaining children are alive... But it nevertheless happened. Therefore... I feel like being not honest to myself when I ignore this moment of my weakness entirely and simply move on as if nothing has changed."
She beheld him after his words with a knowing, serious expression in the irises.
"If you describe it that way... can I expect from you to think of us as friends?" Her direct question was similar to a sharp blade cutting promptly into his flesh. Once more her distrust seemed stronger – rather more present than his own... Nonetheless, this odd wisdom and comprehension she owned were two of the many countless aspects which drew him to her. And it was her right to impugn him, since he made never a secret of his doubts for mankind.
Cautiously, he placed his head onto the cushion. Resting like a child next to the Raen.
This alluring scent of peach-blossoms tickled his nostrils. He inhaled deeply; knowing it was hers.
Midgardsormr's eyes glowed with the soft intensity of a candle when he replied: "I did not deny you my friendship starting from the very beginning. You are chosen by Hydaelyn. So, thus it is Her will, I could never dare to harm you or those who you consider to be allies. But it is also my own will, that I keep this promise. Somehow, your humble wish of peace gives me the hope I thought I would have lost... back. And not only that... I really desire to see you make the miracle happen."
Worry glided over her face. Childish concern; a lack of self-confidence.
The Methuselah couldn't help but smile gently as he saw this. Such a sweet view...
Beholding her with dim, loving eyes, he finally wanted to know it... How the feeling might be like... If he let the word just roll over his tongue, he would no longer have to yearn for joining her friends – wouldn't be so easily jealous for every little thing occurring between the mortals...
Midgardsormr smiled softly in the moment she misunderstood his lightened mood. Seemingly, Cecilia interpreted it for malicious joy about her tentativeness. Her instantly furrowed brows and blushing cheeks were delightful amusement; not for his awful humor as an old male, but for his soul plus the raddled heart beating in the vessel's chest. He found bliss in her which he could not explain with any rules of logic or morale. She just... made him happy.
~C~
"Cecilia."
Her irises became so big as if a child saw something it thought to be impossible.
So... She knew it. That he addressed her in this moment for the very first time by this name...
Midgardsormr could hardly bear down the impulse to laugh thanks to her reaction. While she batted the eyes for several times, the dragon watched her confusion with fullest pleasure – too amused by her following weak try to respond something. Her lips opened and closed like the mouth of a fish thrown out of the water, but not a single sound escaped them.
Not considering anything, the Methuselah placed his right 'hand' on her chin. Stopping her motion. While his 'fingers' made cautiously contact with her bottom-lip he said muted: "No banter. No hoax. I do really not want to give you the runaround. Nor to play with your emotions. I only... intend to demonstrate for you, that I do not think of you as a means to an end."
Fore- and middle-finger of hers tapped hesitantly against his back of the 'hand'.
"I find it hard to grasp you now." ,she told him lowly, "You are not as open and direct as I would normally wish for; considering ancient beings. I got used to that... But especially when you do ANYTHING that should strengthen a friendship, it feels somehow wrong as it comes from you."
Nodding, he took her fingers carefully into his 'hands'. Beholding them with sunken lids, Midgardsormr murmured: "I know I speak not enough with you... I rather am and act like a shadow – it was originally intended to be this way when I accompanied you. Thus... all I can do is to change even if it's for now strange to experience this. And all I can ask is to have patience with me."
The maiden chuckled gently. "And where is the novelty here? I wait all day for words from you." "Maybe this is something I do not expect from mortals... The wish for communication." he admitted and ran his right 'hand' over her palm. "At least not before I knew you." the dragon added softly. His eyes searched for hers; glimmering in red when they found her sweet expression.
"I always wonder, if you will act forever like a puppet around my friends, but I never dared to ask. Albeit I guess I know already, what your answer is..." she stated sheepishly. Closing the lids, it was still difficult to respond: "I am not meant to interfere with them. Nor you, in fact. But I lost face today in front of you. Actually I did this in the very first second I met you. So... Perhaps. One day, this can change. They could deserve trust. Albeit I rather do not reveal to them who I am."
Erik, though, seemed to know much more than he should. This was another case...
Yet, the Methuselah wanted not to tell her now, that her 'brother' came from another world.
"Thank you, that's much more than I hoped for. I guess they'll-" a yawn cut the maiden off.
He looked perplexed at Cecilia, while she caressed his long ears. Tiredness spread over her face, still she fought it visibly in order to stretch the moment. It was hard to believe she had trouble with accepting the moment's reality. "Try to sleep." the dragon said earnest; half an order, half a plea. Feeling troubled that of all things SHE doubted and was therefore afraid to lose consciousness.
He should distrust. He should hesitate. Should flee, to be honest.
But her bare presence caught him. It just needed to see the slight darkened rosy color of her cheeks to bind the Methuselah to her. As if this wasn't enough, Cecilia nodded shyly like a little child under his demanding expectation; embarrassing him with her cuteness.
While she closed her eyes, the maiden squeezed carefully his right 'hand' with thumb and forefinger. The touch was calming... Bringing his gloomy thoughts to rest. Lids narrowed, he chuckled – answering the gesture gently. Holding the index-finger as tightly as possible. He didn't let go of her, so Midgardsormr sensed as the next minutes passed by, how she fell asleep.
'My girl...' he thought enchanted. Blushed, when he noticed that once more the possessive phrase had crossed his mind. But nobody could hear it this time, wherefore the little sin was hidden from the rest of the world. The eager descendant today had no idea who he was, so this boy did not count. It was unlikely, after all, to pay for the misstep when that youngster considered him to be new, too. Children and partly teenagers enjoyed leniency in all nations and tribes of the world.
Drawing circles with his 'fingers' over her whole hand, he wondered, what his son would do now... Hraesvelgr had a strong connection to Shiva, albeit he had been in general sensitive when it came to mortal creatures. He was far better in handling sympathy or rather affection for humans. For him, the time of peace had been the happiest period of his life, thus he cared not for some dragon's fear. Before Ishgard had betrayed them all, Hraesvelgr faced distrust with kind-hearted courage.
'A strength I do not own.' the father of dragon-kind thought depressed.
If an older descendant would have heard him today... Old enough to know him...
Sighing, he leaned his face against her hand. In the condition which his little corpus had right now, never would he be able to shield this precious maiden. Nidhogg's brood would crush her instantly, should they learn about her meaning to Midgardsormr. He would not have to apologize for living as a spirit and puppet albeit his true body had died, yet his weakness for a human would be despicable. Enough, that Cecilia would have to pay for this. With her life.
He needed to recover faster. Even Edgar as a simple big bird could protect her more impressive.
And even though Midgardsormr was clueless how to name his sentiment for her, he refused losing to a recalcitrant Chocobo who pecked him just because the bird was not fooled by the doll-charade. When a silly being with a short lifespan had more physical power than an ancient dragon, the world should instantly crumble like a rotting leaf. Cheeks a bit puffy, the Methuselah snorted frustrated by the returning memory of Edgar's beak hitting him. This awful white 'chicken'...
His mind stopped short when Cecilia gave a soft tune in her sleep.
Lids sinking down, he pressed his face stronger against this silky hand – seeking her palm.
There had been this moment in Central Coerthas. When he was losing his mind for a tiny moment. The maiden had noticed his doing as some kind of mean joke of an old man... But now she slept... and he was the only witness who would burden his consciousness... Breathing harshly out, Midgardsormr couldn't contain the longing anymore.
Softly his mouth made contact with her skin.
His lips caught a bit of the maiden; savoring the pleasing feeling of her warmth. Cautiously sucking, the tongue tipped against the flesh so he wouldn't make her too moist. She tasted sweet... Just as sweet as peaches... If her smell like such blossoms was already deeply alluring for his old senses, the flavor of the fruit under his sinful touch was bewitching... Muted, a groan escaped the mouth, while he couldn't help anymore but slowly lick with pressure over her palm.
Eyes squinted, he let the awareness of this sin crawl over his whole body.
All the guilt and agony; all the confusion and yearning.
He seemed unable to learn from mistakes, too... Just as humankind...
The dragon wanted to keep harm away from Cecilia the more he was drawn to her... And the closer he came to her, the more his strange longing demanded... More physical contact with her hands; more true faith of hers into him... He was just as cheap as Edgar to yearn in animalistic naivety for her attention... For a word or a touch... But fighting the need was ultimately impossible.
Placing a fondly kiss on her index-finger, the Methuselah made a humble wish... Her happiness. Nothing more. Only that occurring. If she would be happy one day, he would be so, too.
This was all satisfaction he needed. All redemption.
