Primogenitor
Chapter Nineteen
Gaze lowered, 'Midge' took a seat.
He didn't feel well to sit face to face with the maiden... Although the other adventurers were present, too, his dream's aftereffects had not yet completely worn off. Naturally, her tired expression plus weary position – leaning against Erik's left shoulder – did also not strengthen the dragon's needs, but still he was yearning for these passionate touches last night's mirage had bestowed upon him... Tsk, he should better pull his absurd brain-cells together. There was something far more important than his selfishness...
Midgardsormr glanced embarrassed at Cecilia once she closed the lids for a longer while.
Argh, he really had to be ashamed of himself... How could he marvel such beauty, when the maiden suffered just as before under the loss of a dear friend... According to the shadows underneath her odd-colored eyes, her sleep hadn't been recreative. The agonized expression which slipped now and then over her mien hurt him – he wanted nothing else more than tightly holding Cecilia in his arms to comfort her at least a little bit... But 'Midge's' current state of mind was too risky for doing that. The entire reason, in other words, why the dragon-father kept this distance...
Fortunately, the gruff Marauder reserved his little sympathy as always for the Raen.
His arm framed her back as he gently squeezed her; pressing the personal sister against his chest. He patted Cecilia's hip and placed a light kiss onto her head while the arrival of Alphinaud, Tataru and Cid made the group in the tavern's kitchen complete. Admittedly, Midgardsormr envied Erik a little for that closeness, yet was relieved to see the small amount of tranquility his care brought her. A similar thought must occupy the teenager's and engineer's heads, because their thoughtful gazes were for a moment glued to the precious maiden.
Once everybody was sitting on a stool or bench, Erik cleared his throat.
"Since we're finally here... Let's discuss our next steps. We must reach our enemies... and stop them from following their agenda. … But first things first. Thordan has access to the second Eye as well as Ascian-knowledge – more, than we all expected. The prayers of Ishgard give him the power to turn into a Primal much stronger than our former Eikons, but this alone does not suffice. He seeks for this place called Azys Lla- I have absolutely no idea, what it might be or where it is located. All I can tell, is, that it will reinforce him even more and make him maybe invincible. Unfortunately, not even our all-knowing Urianger finds any clues in the studies he could have get his hands on – calling him and a few others in the early morning was a dead-end. So, if you guys come up with some ideas, I wouldn't feel humiliated to listen to your suggestions."
While the group made gloomy faces, Tammy demonstrated her brightest enthusiasm; the smile on her face was pure and the spark in her eyes as fiery as ever. "Yeah, maybe we should visit Basti!" ,she trilled optimistic, "I bet the old book-worm can help us! Mysteries like this one are his field of expertise, after all." "Please, no, forget that immediately." the Midlander replied fast and exaggeratedly shook the head in disapproval. Cecilia gave her personal brother a dozy side-glance before she asked: "Are you still at daggers drawn with him...?"
"Probably EVERYBODY is who accepted G'raha's decision back then. Sure, Sebastian Andersen is the most eccentric Summoner and Scholar I have seen so far. Like: Touch one of his rare books with a little bit too much pressure and he's going to cut your fingers into pieces! But he's even worse since our stupid Tia has sealed the Crystal Tower including himself. The two tom-cats were ironically like a heart and a soul together, so guess what happens if you take the former away from the other. When I saw him for the last time, Basti's quirks were unbearable." the Marauder responded resigned.
Shyly piping up, 'Midge' asked: "This Sebastian... Is he a friend of thee?" While Alphinaud and Tataru shared his curiosity, the others scratched their faces in unease. It was Cid who gave the three nescient individuals in the end an answer: "That depends on how you define friendship. He's one of Hydaelyn's chosen children and actually has the very same combat-potential of our Warriors here... But socializing isn't his most noteworthy trait. If people really need him, he will most probably help them as good as he can, but otherwise this Seeker-Miqo'te prefers the company of his door-stoppers instead of breathing beings."
Nodding, Erik harrumphed additional: "In other words: I will definitely NOT disturb him as long as I have other options. Treat him as my very, veeery last resort."
~C~
"Maybe I can visit him – in lieu of you? Would that help?" the unexpected suggestion coming from an unforeseen guest surprised everybody. "Aymeric? What are you doing here?" the Warrior's leader questioned with furrowed brows when – followed by Estinien and Augustine – the still weakened yet determined Elezen stepped into the chamber.
"I was deliberating the whole night, how I might be of any use for you. My father's destination might be an enigma to me, but if there's anything I can do to support you, then it should be my highest priority to follow that path." the Lord Commander replied and gratefully accepted the seat Bertram offered to him. His obvious trouble to move, though, hit a nerve the Marauder was normally hiding from the rest of the world. These steel-blue eyes twitched in emotional agony.
Meanwhile, Carlos visibly scrutinized his faltering boss before he told him: "Perhaps it doesn't hurt to run with this offer, Erik. Even IF we can manage to gather any information about Azys Lla by ourselves, we might need Sebastian's advice nevertheless. He's keeping knowledge different from Urianger's studies – there could be something we may need. And Mor Dhona isn't too far away, so Aymeric wouldn't have to overexert himself when he visits the Sons of Saint Conach."
The Hyur grumbled something that was too opaque for Midgardsormr's grasp as if he could translate the words into a logical sentence, but the way Cecilia grinned embarrassed about them told the ancient being, that he better not tried to understand this kind of cursing. Augustine was also sheepishly smiling when she cleared her throat: "Uhm, it's not like he would have to go alone. There's at the moment only little stuff to do in the Astrologian-guild, so I accompany Aymeric anyways the whole day long. He'll be fine, trust me."
"And what about you? Are you going to carry him in a worst-case-scenario?" the Midlander skeptically questioned Estinien's presence. There lay an insulting undertone in his voice – and according to the Azure Knight's hiss, he was clearly aware of it. But before another sound could escape the Elezen's mouth, the maiden interfered: "Relax, both of you. I know you're pretty worried about Aymeric, but don't you think he's going to be alright as long as Augustine is with him? Nobody's more qualified than her to take care of his health, so stop distrusting the general situation, please. Your prince is save, got it?"
Erik blushed and didn't manage to pronounce anything despite his moving lips, which let the other Warriors chuckle in amusement. But not even Aymeric's shy smile could distract Midgardsormr from the hurt expression that sneaked over Estinien's mien. He whispered indignant words that weren't meant to be heard by anybody, yet the ancient dragon was perfectly able to listen to them: "And what about the person I care for at the most...?"
In a more private environment, 'Midge' might have asked, if Estinien had been referring to Cecilia, but the way it just was, he concluded the cynic wouldn't be honest with a group of curious people being present in the very same room. Also, with the Lord Commander gently pushing the topic back to this Sebastian, there seemed to be no possibility for gaining any supremely personal information from the Azure Dragoon.
"Which kind of a man is Sir Andersen? How can I approach such keeper of knowledge without... 'disturbing' him?" the polite elf wanted to know.
"He's a stoic – practically like my 'dear' grand-cousin." ,Carlos replied sarcastic, "The two of them have a lot in common, so you should be able to figure out by yourself, how to deal with him. … Only real difference is, that Sebastian deserves the appellation Scholar, while Estinien shouldn't be called a Knight. True manners and ranks have a meaning to the tomcat, so probably he will behave decorous when it's you who visits him. But should he still give you a cold shoulder, it might help to express some interest for Allagan artifacts. He's very fascinated by these things and loves speaking about them. That should break any ice as long as you do not mention the Crystal Tower."
While the Blackmage-Elezen explained his comrade's personality – and definitely annoyed Estinien with every critical comment – Cid next to 'Midge' murmured dumpish: "It's actually a sad story... Basti doesn't have to stay in Mor Dhona for continuing his studies – he's a free member of the Sons of Saint Conach, after all – yet he refuses to leave the area. It hurts him to see each day the place where G'raha has sealed himself, but simultaneously he can't pretend our experiences would never have happened. … He's a loyal friend, even though he rather shows us his facile ire than his grief. The heart in his chest is hard, but made of gold."
Glancing at Cecilia, Midgardsormr recognized how attentively she listened to Cid's words.
The Raen had described G'raha Tia to be the first friend she had 'lost' in this world, so his case was evidently something very special in her eyes... Eyes, which were filled with guilt and deep sorrow. She still missed her companion with recent intensity...
Hm, of course this Miqo'te hadn't ended their friendship before undertaking his kind-of-sacrifice – she would have told 'Midge' about that. And he naturally hadn't been killed by enemies- didn't share the unchangeable fate like the Sylph called Noraxia. Yet, the mortal was entirely out of reach. Similar to the majority of Scions; vanished into thin air without leaving any palpable traces.
To imagine, that Cecilia and another adventurer suffered a lot under such loss, made 'Midge' regret the specific period when the maiden had entered the Agrius. Okay, his earlier presence in her life might not have helped to prevent the seemingly necessary seal – he wasn't arrogating to be an important key-factor – but at least he would have been there. He could have tried to make it easier for the maiden; for all mortals, perhaps.
Even without knowing this Sebastian, Midgardsormr couldn't help but feel pity for him.
Hah, such wonderfully hilarious actuality, though... Maybe the father of dragon-kind became indeed way too sentimental and soft- namely senile due to living as a humane being. But reflecting on things plus men in a similar fashion to the maiden's way of approaching matters really helped him to let more and more go of his outdated world-view, so he couldn't claim to hate it. And namely that was the reason, why he resolved to share Ramuh's advice with his comrades once they were back in the blind alley. Erik gave him the right cue to follow this impulse.
"So, while Aymeric travels together with Augustine and Estinien to Mor Dhona, what are we others going to do? Has anybody a suggestion, where to start? Because sitting around and calling people per Linkpearl was already not doing the job; just ask Alphinaud and Tataru. If I wasn't clear before: We talked until our faces were blue." the Marauder stated unenthused while mentioned long-ears nodded with upset expressions.
Inhaling, 'Midge' focused his thoughts and recommended: "This might be as well a sinister trap, but I was given the clue of asking the Vanu-Vanu for help. Thordan's departure actually seemed to hint to the direction of Abalathia, whereby I would even dare to give this idea a try – since a tribe living nonstop in the Sea of Clouds might have seen something we as ordinary visitors could not."
"Ah, that's right!" ,the wolfish engineer snapped his fingers, "I'm glad you remind me of something! My colleagues, who stay most of the time in Abalathia for completing the Protector, lately have befriended a Vanu-clan- one, that was not in charge for Bismarck's summoning. These birds like to cooperate with foreign races, so maybe they can tell us something about Thordan's whereabouts or even Azys Lla when we politely ask for it."
"Now that's something we can work with!" the Warrior's leader cheered; regaining the optimistic spark his eyes had lost when the time's flow of this world was a lot deviating from his lost planet. His infectious joy brightened the mood of the others; including Cecilia. For the first instant since Haurchefant was no longer alive, she really smiled, though the sadness in her irises wouldn't vanish. As Midgardsormr regardless beheld this small change in relief, Tammy ordered with a waggly tail: "Aymeric, I'll call you in case we discover something about Azys Lla. And you do the same for me if Basti tells you anything useful, roger?" "Hehe, of course I will." the elf replied with a salute; giving a determined nod to the two who were meant to accompany him, albeit Estinien still seemed to be not fond of the plan his friend wished to execute.
When they all stood up and went to the exit, 'Midge' was surprised to notice Cecilia reaching out for his hand – just in order to withdraw right before their fingers touched. His affectionate sentiments immediately wanted to embrace the depressed maiden to ease her concern, but his draconic instincts forbade him to do this. He couldn't trust himself; his selfishness would easily break free as long as the memory of his dream was fresh. Thus, Midgardsormr swallowed all yearning down.
With sad eyes, he watched as she took Alphinaud's hand- as she colored the teenager's cheeks red thanks to her coerced, yet soft smile, and with that enchanted him to the point where the boy gazed at this pretty face with mesmerized Sapphire-irises.
Ah... The ancient dragon would lie if he pretended to be not jealous... Exhaling with a puff, Midgardsormr suppressed his wish to push the young elf away. That stinging feeling in his chest, though, wasn't something he could force himself to forget...
~C~
Using Cid's Enterprise, the group – lacking Tataru as she stayed in the tavern – flew to Abalathia.
The engineer had contacted his colleagues before departing from Ishgard via Linkpearl, hence a member of the friendly Vanu-tribe was already aware of their wish to meet his clan. The red bird awaited them on one of the large floating islands; dismounting a Sanuwa when the airship landed. Mentioned Beastman was an open-minded individual that sincerely showed interest into humans – he and Erik instantly seemed to find each other at the first glance sympathetic.
After a little conversation about fishing plus cooking, the intermediary beckoned the troop to follow him by feet into his settlement. They arrived a few minutes later; being greeted by favorable words and joyful faces from several exemplars of the tribe.
Subsequently, the group trailed their tour-guide as he stepped to several uneven stairs. Climbing up, they crossed paths with a friend of him, who accompanied the adventurers in obliging manner along the short way over to the clan's chief. Said leader – seemingly someone with a preference for meditation and peace – wore a feathered crown and several ornaments that indicated his high status. The way his clansmen approached him underlined this atmosphere of wisdom which the slightly larger birdman emitted.
Once the mortals had been introduced, Alphinaud politely summarized Ishgard's situation and questioned, if the Vanu had heard something about that mysterious place named Azys Lla. Reflecting for a moment on this request, the chief responded, that he could indeed tell them one or two things about asked location. However, there was not much usefulness the knowledge alone would grant anybody, so they better expected not too much.
Azys Lla was a cluster of several floating islands; made by people from the Allagan Empire.
This cursed place had been filled with technology and served as both a science-institute as well as a prison for countless beasts devoid of any intellect. Without its key, though, nobody could ever hope to reach the islands, because they were shielded by a powerful barrier.
For his standards surprisingly polite, Erik begged the chief to tell them, where this necessary object was currently located. Frowning, aforesaid bird replied, that the key had been once been hidden by some Allagans on a floating island. One, which Bismarck unfortunately just ate several days ago in order to heal his wounds. After all, humane soldiers – Garleans – tried to conquer Abalathia's northern parts and fought therefore a few times against the antagonistic Vanu and their Eikon without ever being successful in killing him.
Alphinaud theorized, that Bismarck must consume each time an island when his body was injured, and concluded, that this situation wasn't allowed to continue any further if the entire Sea of Clouds shouldn't end up sooner or later in the Primal's stomach. The Vanu-chief plumply agreed to that- His clan had never supported Bismarck's summoning, anyways, thus he would be relieved to see more than the hostile soldiers vanish.
Unnoticed by the adventurers plus Cid and Alphinaud, Midgardsormr widened his vessel's lids once the Beastman had described Azys Lla.
These floating landmasses... The description of them... Now he knew, why Ramuh was surprised of his nescience considering Azys Lla's name. These islands were the place where the Allagans – though long vanished from the planet – held one of Midgardsormr's children captive!
His daughter Tiamat was imprisoned there- ever since she and her naive descendants had summoned the Primal bearing Bahamut's very appearance. Never stopping to regret said mistake, the Primogenitor's child accepted the endless captivity as her personal punishment; still being there and persevering the pain which the Allagan chains inflicted upon her.
While he stomached his secret realization, Erik stole forthright Tammy's self-chosen duty to call the Lord Commander via Linkpearl. Keeping the playfully indignant Miqo'te with his free hand away, the Marauder asked, if Aymeric had talked to Sebastian and if there was anything the Scholar knew so far about Azys Lla. Resulting to Aymeric's negation, the Warrior's leader begged him to get Sebastian close to the Linkpearl, so that he could listen to all the knowledge the group had obtained thanks to the Vanu.
When everything had been properly summarized, they all patiently waited for the Miqo'te in Mor Dhona to review his written material about Allagan science; Linkpearl being meanwhile turned off in order to create no extra stress for the eccentric tomcat. Then, eight minutes later, Aymeric called them back. According to the elf, Sebastian had indeed texts at his disposal which featured details about an institute matching the description – and the Miqo'te immediately warned, that Azys Lla was even more dangerous than the Vanu-chief was aware of.
Several gods... or rather Primals had been sealed there. Eikons summoned by nameless Beast-tribes long vanished from this world, yet identities who had gained enormous power thanks to the prayers of their slaughtered people. These forces were said to surpass even the abilities of Garuda, hence Thordan should never be allowed to reach Azys Lla – or else the Pope was likely to become an unstoppable catastrophe in case he defeated them and absorbed the summons' energies.
Erik's face resembled a stony facade in spite of the gentle tune he used for calming Aymeric.
Not even the expression of his neutral eyes would reveal the pressure which lay in this moment on his shoulders. Only when the Linkpearl-call finally found its end, the Marauder let his true feelings slip over the severe mien. Stress; suppressed panic. His guilt to have failed the original purpose of his presence in this world. But also courage.
They had to be the ones who fell Bismarck. This was the very first priority the group's leader saw within their dodgy situation. No matter where Thordan and the Heavens' Ward might be hiding- No matter what the Garleans intended to do in the Sea of Clouds- The Warriors of Light simply must be the fraction to get their hands on Azys Lla's key.
The familiar voice of Lucia interfered when Alphinaud was right about to offer a plan. Being in another Vanu's company – one with blue feathers but just the same clothes as the friendly red clan – the female knight approached the group; having bad news for them which wouldn't make it any easier now to reach the Eikon.
Amongst the Garleans who attacked Abalathia's northern half, nobody else but the Emperor Varis zos Galvus had been spotted – together with Regula van Hydrus, who was said to be as powerful as the deceased Black Wolf had been. The Legatus of the sixth Legion alone, in fact, would already be a huge problem thanks to his tactical skills and combat-abilities... But with Varis himself being not only a smart leader but a strong fighter as well, it might be impossible to come even for a moment close to Bismarck. Especially, because the Garleans had somehow learned of Thordan's schemes – and were now searching for him, too.
~C~
"Tsk, splendid... The party's becoming better and better."
Erik's sarcasm expressed the very same aversion 'Midge' himself felt.
While the old dragon was distracted by his memories of the Silvertear-Battle, Alphinaud pondered: "We must reach the key... Nobody but us is allowed to come close to Bismarck... Thordan and his Heavens' Ward alone are already difficult to handle... Yet, when the Garleans intervene, it won't be possible for us to do anything about the Primal or the Pope..."
"Don't forget the most obvious thing." ,Carlos added thoughtful, "It's surely no coincidence, that Varis appears today in Abalathia. The Garleans have for sure a good source of their information about Ishgard's most important Bishop and his current activities." "Yes, I agree... If not Lahabrea, then another Ascian is once again delivering discreet knowledge to our enemies. Even though Garlemald despises them, the temptation of dependable, invisible master-spies makes the Ascians prized informants for the Empire." the teenager fell in with the Blackmage-Elezen.
Annika sighed and made a serious mien which nearly erased all cuteness from her infantile face. "We need to get rid of our archenemies before slaying the whale, don't we? Haaach, is a little break from Garlemald really so much asked for..." "Probably yes..." ,Tammy nodded and looked just as gloomy as the Whitemage-Lalafell, "However, I can't entirely convince myself of that allegedly simple plan. When WE focus on the Garleans, they will do the same with OUR group. And as an result to said battle – since he's probably waiting for that – Thordan won't have to care any longer for anybody else but the Eikon itself."
"If we split up, it could be a bad decision as well. Bismarck should be our highest priority... Hence, staying together has a greater value than everything else. Notably, because it's risky to approach him in the local height." the Warrior's leader grumbled, arms folded; realizing faster than Midgardsormr, in which kind of direction the two women were theorizing. Before the disguised dragon could digest their unspoken suggestion, Bertram scratched his head and asked pensive: "Hm, what do you think, Lady Lucia? Would only a part of us even suffice to dependably distract the Garleans for ensuring an undisturbed fight against the giant fish?"
As the Paladin-Roegadyn scrutinized her with hopeful puppy-eyes, mentioned Hyur seemed not very eager to share her honest thoughts. But when Erik's questioning gaze made the female knight visibly uncomfortable, she finally responded: "Even though I plan to help you with such an assault, I fear the less people there are... the more dangerous it will become to provoke the Emperor and his preferred Legatus. Albeit I understand how urgently we need to defeat Bismarck, all risks originating from Garlemald should be as limited as possible. Simultaneously, a direct confrontation with our foes is too irresponsible, when not the majority of you Warriors of Light is present. Therefore... all of you should at first take care of the Garleans, in best case. Or, in worst case, only a small part of you should oppose the Primal."
Her words made the Miqo'te-Bard and Whitemage-Lalafell audibly sulk.
Cid lightly harrumphed as a result to their behavior, before he unmistakably frustrated explained: "Since Lucia and I are both former inhabitants of Garlemald, you can trust her judgment; don't pout. It's really not like I would be happy about it, either. I'd love to take care of our big fish, so that you could face the humane nuisances without worries. But I can't fight Bismarck by myself because I naturally lack the Echo. Thanks to the Enterprise, I'm of course able to bait the Primal with one of these floating islands, which would make him an easier target for you. Yet that's all I could offer. Challenging Garlemald, on the other hand, allowed me to support you much more directly – even in consideration of combat, if that helps out."
"But Cid, is that... 'fishing'-idea a serious plan we could even undertake?" Alphinaud asked hesitant; being obviously tempted to give something as mad as that a try. The wolfish man grinned when he noticed both the teenager's curiosity plus Erik's disapproving expression. "Heh... Surely it is a plan of mine. Since Garuda hasn't rampaged in the last months, I wouldn't mind some other Primal giving me a little bit spice to make my engineer-days less monotone. … But seriously, yes, I have reflected on that matter since the moment we knew, that the whale can't exist any longer. And yes, I'm certain, that the Enterprise is more than fast enough to bait Bismarck without getting devoured. Only the missing approval of our boss keeps me from doing so."
Snorting, the gruff Marauder grumbled: "Okay, okay, got it... You play the well-behaving-card, while giving me in the same moment an option to get close to the Eikon without any greater risks... You know, how this kind of acting is called...? Insidious." "Haha, and are you going to make use of my 'malicious' master-plan?" the engineer questioned playful.
Erik glanced at his companions, one by one, and half-heartedly nodded.
"I just don't know how to split us... Lucia, I really respect your advice, but I'm not sure if I could let only a minority of us face a Primal. Bismarck might be not more than a harmless whale who wants to 'swim' and 'hop around' as long as nobody threatens his territory... However, he still is what he is. And the days, in which I underestimated an Eikon, are long gone."
Frowning, Midgardsormr was once more in a situation that made him miss his absent powers.
As Hydaelyn's servant alone, he would have easily crushed the Primal with his giant corpus... Bismarck was nothing compared to the serpentine wyrm who entangled something as enormous as the Agrius a few times. And had the Primogenitor even still possessed his original shape... a tiny Akh Morn might have annihilated the Vanu's artificial beast without ever making the dragon sweat. Ah, if he was just not caged in a humane corpus without at least a portion of his true potential...
"Well, Cid might not be able to go alone, but as long as we count his support via the Enterprise... one additional person is enough to oppose Bismarck."
'Midge' was perplexed by Cecilia's sudden statement. He looked at the Au Ra with visible confusion; finding her serious mien alarming despite his nescience about the maiden's intention. Her personal brother, meanwhile, was instantly able to grasp what was going on. And he hated it. "Have you gone insane?! Over my cold, dead body you're going to fight Bismarck without us! Forget about that, pronto!" the Midlander cursed. His shocked mien was mirrored by Alphinaud, who gave Cid an angry glance for being the one who had caused this idea in the maiden's head.
"It's the only way." ,the Raen calmly replied, "This Primal causes not more harm than eating islands and manipulating the weather a little bit. But the Garleans are not only clever but powerful enough to get eventually rid of him. Also, they could kill you if you don't stay together. … When you really want to prevent the worst outcome from occurring, then you stick to my suggestion, whereupon we only had to worry about Thordan's whereabouts. Also, if the key doesn't fall into our hands, there is no difference between the other two pair of hands that reach out for it. Both factions would cause catastrophic results. Imagine Garlemald with even more Allagan technology."
Erik sighed and scratched his head; clearly faltering. While the other Warriors and the engineer seemed nearly convinced of Cecilia's suggestion, Alphinaud didn't approve its concept at all. "Going alone is too dangerous. I know you're a powerful healer, but this is quite different from your regular duels. Not to forget, that the height kills you if Bismarck throws you into Abalathia's depths. The way it is, you lack a backup. Also, somebody has to assist Cid on the Enterprise in case unanticipated Vanu appear and attack the airship. Bluntly speaking, your team needs a third member – or else I won't let you do this."
Nodding, the Warrior's leader agreed: "My thoughts. And as much as I'd like to be implied assistant, I fear our tactician won't allow me to tank anything else but Garlean soldiers today." "This will indeed not happen, no. Bertram and Lucia are formidable vindicators on their own, but nonetheless I rather see you by their side to avoid any risks." the teenager concurred with Erik.
"If a supporter is the only requirement thou insist on..." ,'Midge' slowly began while he suppressed the jealousy that saw through the young Elezen and his attempt to join Cecilia, "...then I will take mentioned place. As a Dragoon, I can defend Cid in case he gets truly attacked... and my precision including jumping-ability allow me to reach Bismarck thanks to the 'rod' in a modicum of seconds, forasmuch that should even be necessary. I am the right person for this role."
To 'Midge's' surprise yet joy, the maiden blushed as she studied with big eyes his earnest face plus listened to his words with a shy smile spreading across her lips. Could it be... Had Cecilia actually hoped he would be the one to accompany her...? While her reaction was a fascinating mystery to the ancient dragon, Erik grinned content: "So, we have now not only a replacement for Cid the slayer, but also a dependable assistant for Cid the engineer. Guess the later can now prepare the Enterprise to shine on her great debut as a huge fishing-rod, huh?" "Hah, yes, he will clearly do that. Furthermore, he will also call Biggs and Wedge, so that they will transport the rest of you over to our humane enemies." the wolfish man declared.
Cid gave the maiden one of their annoyingly familiar hugs before he left the group fast; grabbing his Linkpearl to immediately stick to his words. Although Cid's ambition was admittedly infecting, the others beheld Cecilia with more or less open nervousness plus concern. Of course they knew, how talented she was as a solo-fighter... Yet the bare air was indeed a dangerous terrain to combat while only a little island would prevent her from falling down. Not even Midgardsormr could shake his unsettledness entirely off, albeit he wanted to never stand in the Au Ra's way.
A sweet smile flitted over Cecilia's mien. There lingered a spark of pity in her eyes which provoked as well as slightly scratched 'Midge's' draconic pride, but in the end it was compassion which made the Raen speak to her companions: "I'm sorry to make you all worried. This is just the best plan we have in order to prevent our foes from succeeding. And if not you, then I wouldn't know anybody who can protect our peaceful Vanu from becoming victims of the Garlean voyage of conquest. … Trust me, everybody. I can defeat Bismarck."
She emphasized her words with a gesture that astonished Midgardsormr to the core.
Cecilia changed her class- but not to one of her usual choices as a self-claimed archmage.
No magician; no healer. Not even the Eclipse Paladin that Midgardsormr would have anticipated in a situation like this one, where she was required her to fight alone. As he stared with widened lids at her light-yellow Dragonlancer's Armor without a helmet as well as the purple Brionac on her back, the Methuselah couldn't claim to be above the mixed feelings which occupied his chest.
He hated everything which spoke of Ishgard's betrayal and would immediately strip the maiden of the cursed weapon plus clothes, but – on the other hand – he marveled Cecilia's courage to accept this identity she rejected even longer than he knew her. And according to the very surprised faces of her friends, they shared his growing excitement. Especially Erik... who happened to be in an emotive state the ancient wyrm could only describe as innocent happiness.
Eyes narrowed in relaxed manner while a low-key, smug grin slipped over the corners of her mouth because they all studied her in awe, the girl said with self-confidence which attracted the antiquity: "Let me show you, what this second Azure Knight is capable of."
~C~
Alphinaud had been right to predict a counter-attack led by the Vanu.
'Midge' got his hands full with jostling plus pushing- sometimes even kicking the aggressive birds from the Enterprise who used a pack of well-trained Sanuwa to approach them. Cid grumbled muted curses as he had to tightly hold the airship's wheel nonstop due to Bismarck being otherwise unfortunately too fast for him to keep up, whereby the engineer couldn't help to divest themselves of the Beastmen. Not condemning him for solely piloting their vehicle, the Methuselah rather felt like a bloody amateur to undertake this mission with so much trouble. Yet, Midgardsormr found in a short moment of peace a good reason to relish the fact that he was a Dragoon.
While Estinien was a classical Lancer and matched the title Ishgard had bestowed upon him for being the Eye's chosen bearer, the maiden was an Azure Knight who truthfully deserved to be a dragon's rider. Her jumps and blows were the most graceful yet deadly humane movements 'Midge' had ever witnessed under the usage of a lance; unutterable elegance paired with unforgettable power as if she wasn't fighting but passionately dancing. This feeling she caused within the humane shell's heart was pride to have taken the same path as her, even though he was far away from reaching a similar level of capability.
Ah, the Methuselah could have stared the whole day at Cecilia – if not the Beastmen would forcefully distract him from watching the combat on the island pulled by the Enterprise. A weary sigh left the vessel's mouth when his gaze focused on the next Vanu who dared to come too close to the airship; his entire consciousness didn't want to miss a second of the maiden's performance.
Whenever he found a moment- a second to do so, the disguised antiquity looked in spite of the risks at the Raen. And it wasn't so, that his eyes alone would keep him from paying full attention to the foes. His brain also did this.
To be honest... In his opinion, Cecilia was a fool to believe, that her mother alias a strong Valkyrie must have been far more excellent than she herself was. As much as he had witnessed humankind attack him and his kind, there weren't many exemplars who mirrored the girl's talents. Thus, Midgardsormr doubted, that mentioned Felicity Shirone would have surpassed his maiden in combating a Primal like this. He understood Cecilia's wish to possess her mother's abilities, yet – according to every difference the maiden's presence alone made – he didn't share her view.
The Primogenitor's notion was confirmed when Bismarck's roars of defeat filled the air.
Both Cid and 'Midge' exhaled in pure relief to watch the Eikon dissolve into particles of aether, albeit the aggressive Vanu weren't nearly done with attacking the Enterprise – being furious to have lost their patron-god. The engineer, however, wasn't any longer forced to control the airship, hence the disguised wyrm appreciated the useful support Cid's still borrowed gun offered.
In spite of their enemies' fury, the two men managed to watch when Azys Lla's key appeared right before the maiden. It was a small device; resembling a dark-grey crystal. When the Raen held the object in her hands, a smirk of victory on her lips became even in the distance visible, which made the ancient furuncle grin like a blockhead before he stabbed the left arm of an enemy.
A gasp of shock was afterwards torn from 'Midge's' lungs when an Ascian appeared behind her.
Cecilia noticed the cloaked figure as well, but a beam of black plus purple energy hit her body once she reflexively turned around. In purest horror, Midgardsormr – unable to help while the Beastmen were still in the way – had to watch from the distance, how mentioned attack cut deep into the maiden's corpus. It was enough negative power to kill any ordinary mortal- Had the Raen not regained enough access over Her grace's gift, then she wouldn't have survived this assault.
Rage made 'Midge's' eyes burn in crimson light when Thordan's airship appeared; landing unhindered on the floating island. But not the sighting of the Pope was what drove the Primogenitor nearly mad enough to abandon Cid. It was the phrase... which the old Elezen used to greet the Ascian who right now snatched the key from the unconscious maiden. Humane ears were not even with the dragon's enhanced abilities able to hear the sound while he was so far away from them, but 'Midge's' could grasp the word due to seeing Thordan's motions.
Igeyorhm.
The Ascian, who could easily be described as an ice-princess. The one who single-handedly was in charge for the thirteenth shard becoming a lost world. She had created the so-called Void.
A deep-pitched scream left the vessel's throat when Igeyorhm handed the key over to Thordan.
While the Pope activated that cursed object, not only the disguised wyrm but Cid as well were desperate to get rid of the birds plus their remaining four Sanuwa. When 'Midge' and the wolfish man finally managed to succeed, they couldn't stop the key from executing its compass-function, as the Enterprise had not yet veered round due to still being a 'fishing-rod' in this moment.
A small beam in blue color disclosed the direction where the Allagan research-institute was hidden; a gleam which held the beginning of an end – assuming that the key was truly needed to enter the cluster of islands...
Helpless, the 'two' Hyur couldn't stop the Elezen and Ascian from leaving.
~C~
He roared in anger and desperation. This time more of a shriek than anything else.
"Midge, please... You need to stay calm." the engineer begged him while he maneuvered the airship into the correct direction. Clenching the vessel's fists, which made the metal of his bracers creak, the disguised antiquity counted in his mind to thirty before his draconic instincts ultimately couldn't bear the emotional pressure any longer. Uncovering his teeth as if they had been fangs, he crunched and lowly growled: "I can't!"
The Methuselah didn't wait for the Enterprise to land. Once he was sure to jump far enough in order to make it, the 'Hyur' left the vehicle with one powerful motion. His feet didn't even touch the ground for long, as he leaped once more into the air – landing next to the unconscious maiden. 'Midge' knelt down and nervously, yet carefully touched the body's injured part to check her health. As the old dragon did so, he instantly felt, that his seal was once again a little bit more slackened within the precious girl. This had saved her life as well as prevented permanent damage.
A huge wave of pride combined with affection flooded his wildly pounding drum; distracting him for a short moment from his wrath directed towards their enemies. As a result to this sentiment, Midgardsormr pulled her into his arms- pressed the girl against his chest while he listened with relief to her calm heartbeat.
She was a miracle... Her willpower greater than he could ever have imagined...
Cecilia abruptly coughed when he overdid the contact, whereby he snapped out of his trance and loosened the tight grip around her shape. She opened the eyes minimal – frustration lingering in her odd-colored irises before she truthfully beheld his gloomy mien. Then, she visibly pulled herself together for his sake and told him distractive with a sad smile: "Just when Bismarck died... I could hear Hydaelyn's whisper in the distance of my mind... Looks like I'm after all worthy of being a gifted child who was even chosen by Her grace... Don't you think so, too...?"
'Midge' hesitantly nodded. The faint smile on his lips was more a polite fake than pure excitement. He shared her innocent happiness, somehow, but grief and wrath were eating him in secret away. No matter the outcome... it was his fault, that Cecilia had been the victim of an Ascian...
If the cloaked figures invested more effort into a battle, then they could kill her without even becoming tired... He simply knew, that the Raen wasn't able to stand their darkness forever in this vulnerable state. Especially not, when she faced something as strong as an Eikon beforehand.
Consumed by thought, he gently pushed a strand of hair from her face.
When he realized to actually caress Cecilia's cheek via this action, Midgardsormr knew he should consider mentioned happening to be a mistake, but he found it more and more difficult to think like an ancient wyrm who should know better than that... Being human made him weak...
Ignoring the draconic ways, 'Midge' showed the maiden willingly, what he felt. Concern, ire, anxiety, pride, fondness... All these feelings trickled by turns over his face, while the disguise's ironclad fingers softly glided over her skin; discoloring her cheeks as she blushed in delicate color.
The affection for her ultimately controlled him.
Silencing all other emotions, it made him caress her lips in sensual manner. Cecilia's eyes instantly told him, that she understood the reason for this touch- and she was obviously eager to let him do whatever he wanted. Said approval in her gaze was frightening, yet welcome as Midgardsormr allowed himself to inhale the awareness of her generosity once again. Aah, the magnetic pull between them was strong... Too strong, as if he could endure it much longer... He was close to leaning down- close to give in and see, how it might be to truthfully touch these petal-lips like humans did when they were fond of each other. Like he had done last night in his dream...
But they weren't alone. Cid had landed the Enterprise and approached them right now; just as worried about the injured archmage as 'Midge' himself was. Therefore, the Methuselah broke free from his addiction. He couldn't force his weakness upon the warmhearted maiden. Didn't want to take advantage- didn't want to abuse her...
Carefully lifting his girl from the ground, he gave the engineer a weary gaze. "Thou should look after the others... I bring her in the meantime to the Astrologian-guild. Probably, Aymeric has returned to Ishgard, hence Augustine should be there as well. She can take care of Cecilia's injuries – better, than anybody else would be able to do in this situation." the disguised dragon stated in calm manner, while he swallowed the feeling of helplessness down. Tsk, he despised, how useless his shell was in terms of never being able to cast any spells... Grasping harm – though probably not with the keen eye of a doctor – didn't help when one couldn't heal a patient...
"Ask Augustine to check your lesions as well, okay? You have protected me the whole time and look very tired." Cid mentioned with furrowed brows and guilty eyes; studying the two Dragoons with an expression that unmistakably confirmed how little he wanted to leave them.
While Cecilia gave the bearded man an encouraging smile despite her exhaustion, 'Midge' replied: "Alright, I will do this... I thank thee for caring about my condition." "Hah, of course I'm worried about you. You're a good guy. And you are Cecilia's partner, so I would anyways care for you no matter what." the engineer responded slightly desperate to be helpless as well while he eyeballed Midgardsormr's right shoulder which admittedly had taken lots of damage.
The 'Midlander' nodded half-hearted and started the teleport back to Ishgard; minimal suppressing the aversion for Cid's words in consideration of that horrid lie. Erik's excuse possessed a weight which the antiquity didn't want to be reminded of... At the most not when the twisted aftereffects of his dream threatened to overwhelm him...
When he stood within the stonewalls under a nearly clear noon-sky, 'Midge' was surprised to see Aymeric, Estinien and Augustine arrive a short moment later. It was the maiden in his arms, though, who uttered the shared confusion: "Hey, how come the three of you haven't left Mor Dhona earlier? We all were actually expecting, that Sebastian didn't possess anymore information he could have contributed to the Azys-Lla-situation."
Making a shy face, the Lord Commander looked to the ground; seemingly ashamed of something.
"Now guess what... Aymeric has made friends with your eccentric colleague." ,Estinien snorted when the other Elezen stayed silent, "They were so immersed in talking about the Allagan Empire, that it was impossible to separate them. … But what about you two? Shouldn't you fight some foes? And where are Erik and my annoying cousin?"
Cecilia summarized everything that happened so far – making both Elezen frown and fold the arms. Augustine, meanwhile, gently touched the left hands of the 'young couple'. "Let us take a break in the Guild. You need anyways somebody to heal your wounds, right? And once the others are done with driving some Garleans nuts, I bet they could need a little bit recreation as well."
Following the Astrologian's suggestion, the five went to mentioned building. As they walked, 'Midge' felt a stinging ache around his right shoulder-blade growing until it even reached his spine, yet he refused to let Estinien carry the maiden when the Elezen offered this service. While Cecilia was obviously not fond of the idea to be carried by the other Azure Dragoon, Midgardsormr saw it as some kind of selfish duty to serve his maiden like that. After all, she had more than enough burdens to endure as a chosen child, hence the disguised antiquity felt in secret the need of paying for the sinful addiction which he barely managed to hold down.
Oh 'great', he was going to become a full-time-masochist...
In the Astrologian-guild, Augustine took care of the maiden's wounds – albeit the later didn't act like being in severe anguish like her friend assumed due to the wounds being severe. When the mage rhetorically asked, how Cecilia could easily shake the agony off, the female Dragoon replied in light yet serious manner: "That's really nothing special when you're used to being in pain. I for one have taken more damage – physical as well as emotional – than probably most of the people would in their whole lifetime. I simply don't pay attention to the ache."
While Estinien somehow praised her in his stoic cynism, Midgardsormr sighed melancholic.
He knew she was special when it came to this topic... 'Midge' rarely heard any tunes of pain coming from her mouth while she fought her enemies. Even back then, when she visited his lonely grave, the girl had solely demonstrated calmness while battling as well as an unmistakable ignorance towards her injuries. Being a healer, she masked this trait due to taking care of injuries by herself, but once she had no energy left or fought by the usage of another class, then it was more obvious how iron-willed she was. How much... she resembled his kind.
Midgardsormr's train of thought was disturbed when Augustine was done with the maiden plus began therefore to heal his own corpus now. And not long after that, the other adventurers returned with Alphinaud, Cid plus Lucia, thus he couldn't dive deeper into his general wonderment considering his girl.
According to Erik, the group had expelled the ordinary Garlean soldiers from the Sea of Clouds, though Varis and Regula only left because they learned of Thordan having received Azys Lla's key. This information made the Warrior's leader try to hamper their departure, yet it was impossible to catch at least the Legatus, who truly matched the strength and abilities Lucia had described.
Forced to accept described half-defeat, the troop had been nevertheless glad when Cid appeared with the Enterprise. Pursuing the youngest Garlean battleship as well as the engineer's memory of the key's light-beam, they finally found Azys Lla – hidden with enormous thunderheads in Abalathia's far-east area. Reaching the floating archipelago, yet, turned out to be impossible.
When they had neared the northwest island, a huge barrier abruptly kept them from flying further – a shield which protected the Allagan research-institute from all directions; just as the Vanu-chief had explained. Obviously, the key in Thordan's hands was indeed necessary to reach said place.
"You want to hear the 'best' part?" ,Cid added once Erik ended his report, "I have utterly no idea, how we should cross that cursed shield. On the way back to Ishgard, I racked my brain over and over again, but I can't find a sufficient solution for this case. In other words, I fear this time it won't help to use the same strategy as the one for Garuda, because the barrier doesn't rely on any element that we could manipulate to fit our needs."
Aymeric, who sat next to the engineer, folded his hands and noticed: "Perhaps Sir Andersen should be informed of the situation's current course. Maybe he can help us or at least come up with a helpful idea. He gave me a Linkpearl which matches his own, so I could call him if you want." "Your visage of a fairytale-prince really unlocks many doors for you, huh..." ,Erik grumbled – clearly hinting at himself and his affection for the Elezen, which made mentioned Lord Commander smirk like a little boy, "But okay, feel free to call Sebastian. Let's be honest, I'm glad when the two of you get along so well. It's maybe a sign that he finally opens up again."
After a short conversation, it appeared that Sebastian couldn't deliver any clues how to unlatch or break through the barrier. The Scholar had several documents for Allagan technology which would help in case of other facilities, but this kind of defensive-mechanism wasn't part of his collection. All the Miqo'te could do was to give the advice of looking for another expert to solve this mystery. In best case, it should be a Sharlayan professor – a veteran who didn't insist too much on traditions, because those who cared for said ideal were fools blinded by the state's self-aggrandizement.
Once the Linkpearl fell silent, Carlos reflected on the situation: "This isn't good... Not good at all... When it comes to remnants of the Allagan Empire, then Sebastian and Y'shtola are our best options – and with the former being unable to help us out, we naturally would need our Scion-friend now. But unfortunately, she is still missing... Just as Thancred, Minfilia, Yda and Papalymo, whose help might also have been a valuable option. Hm... What to do, what to do..."
In lieu of dismissively mocking his grand-cousin, Estinien slightly patted the Blackmage's shoulder. "Perhaps you should investigate the last places in Thanalan where you all have been together; before you got separated." ,the Dragoon suggested, "I don't know that much about general magic and the exact science used for making teleports possible, but that would be a start, wouldn't it?"
While Carlos stared astonished or rather disbelieving at his grand-cousin, Alphinaud nodded and stated: "This is indeed a good suggestion. We have regained our carefree access to Ul'dah when Lolorito decided to return everything to the status quo, hence we should use it. Maybe we can find some traces of our friends... when we just follow the steps they had taken on that fateful day. Though a normal teleport was of course out of question, since the Syndicate controls in large part the aetheryte-system, Y'shtola and Papalymo are still adept mages with some tricks of their sleeves. If we find any useful hints, we should be able to track their actions."
~C~
Ul'dah for itself was already a large area to investigate.
While the adventurers and the young Elezen weren't foreigners in the city, they had anyway trouble to practically check every single brick and ask the inhabitants for clues about suspicious persons. But doing so was still not redundant. Although Papalymo and Yda had been the only Scions to leave the group before the later had split even more within the ruins of Sil'dih, it wasn't an absurd idea to imagine they might have returned to the metropolis due to helplessness of their shared situation. Hence, it was better to make sure, that nothing went unnoticed by the Warriors and Alphinaud.
When they lastly entered the Immortal Flame's headquarter, the troop literally stumbled over Pipin, who just had returned after completing a mission. Glad about their visit, the Lalafell nevertheless asked with curiosity, why the eight were currently present in spite of their adventures in Ishgard. Once Alphinaud had roughly described the reason for their journey, Pipin noticed, that he might have a clue for the group. Afterwards, the Marshall left them for a moment in order to return with a leafy Conjurer's wand in his hands.
Said weapon had been found in the tunnel underneath the city; around the area were several walls had collapsed thanks to the Scions' fightback. It clearly wasn't part of the equipment worn by the corpses of the Crystal Braves, so Pipin expected this wand to belong to Y'shtola. Greatfully taking the wand, Alphinaud thanked the Lalafell for sharing this important detail with them.
Back on Ul'dah's main-street, the teenager suggested to initially search Central Thanalan for some suspicious clues – before later venturing to the Waking Sands in order to show Urianger as an expert for spell-casting this weapon. Everybody was content with Alphinaud's sophisticated plan, whereby the adventurers and said boy straightforwardly left the city.
The undertaking was not to everyone's liking, though. Under Thanalan's harsh sun, 'Midge' quickly became tired to wander over the partly-sere area and breath dry air while talking with locals. Despite Augustine's formidable healing-skills, his stamina had of course not truly been refilled, thus the difference between the rather fresh Abalathia and the overheated desert was too much to bear for his vessel. After the shell had obviously overexerted in the battle against countless Vanu, it didn't look like Midgardsormr could push the disguise's limits any further at the moment.
Glancing surreptitious at Cecilia, her case wasn't any better than his own.
She had weary eyes despite letting no other hints of feeling bad out- The way her lids were squinted sometimes didn't give any other impression than heavy tiredness, even though her attitude was as sympathetic plus attentive as ever. At some point, the Methuselah nearly began to believe, that he had just been imagining things, because she fooled around with Tammy and Annika in admittedly energetic plus effervescent manner... But then, it turned out he was not the only person to notice the maiden's condition.
When they explored the field around Sil'dih's ruins – searching thanks to small devices for remnants of aether, which any kind of greater spell would have left – Erik ordered both Cecilia and 'Midge' to take a break. The maiden, though, answered with not-so-moderate protest, whereupon her personal brother decided to make use of more radical measures in order to enforce the girl's recreation. Picking her up as if she had been a little princess, the Hyur stated, that he clearly saw how exhausted the Raen and 'her darling' were. Especially her due to the lack of sleep last night. Therefore, he wouldn't accept a 'No.' as response to his command – and he expected from her to not undermine his authority.
The Au Ra still didn't seem to care much for the aftereffects of having fought Bismarck alone – and probably ignored everything negative caused by Haurchefant's death – yet she peacefully obeyed when the gruff brother put her into the next-best shadow under a stonewall.
'Midge', on the other hand, behaved – as an opposite to the maiden – from the start and followed Erik's advice. Sitting down next to Cecilia's left, he silently leaned against the rocks without ever considering the tiniest backtalk. But this wasn't shining a better light on him, either... He, as well, wasn't a flawless creature. The disguised wyrm smoothly drifted at once into the dreamworld.
… … …
Opening the eyes within his illusion, Midgardsormr lay on a beautiful meadow he couldn't remember to have ever seen before. The blue sky above his humane disguise was minimal clouded; a pleasant breeze caressed his skin and the without-exception light-pink flowers of different kinds. This motion made him relish the cozy scent in the warm air to an extent where he wouldn't notice the minor disadvantage of a mortal olfaction any longer.
Getting up and looking around in verve, his gaze quickly spotted the precious girl.
She sat not far away from him on an ivy-clad, horse-sized rock. Being an endearingly sight as ever. Though... This here was in fact the adult dream-version of Cecilia, but she wore a short flimsy dress similar to the one her childlike counterpart owned. Not, that he hadn't dreamed before of her with said 'outfit' covering the female curves... There was a huge difference between the clothes, however. The garment's thin fabric in this case wasn't white. It was black. Soot-black. A total contrast against her white hair with the golden tips.
But coming to think of it...
Somehow, the yellow part of her strands seemed absent. And the smoothness within that silk didn't appear as straight as it should have been, but rather a little bit wavy; curled. Perhaps her hair was even a tad longer than normally, but he couldn't clearly discern that as the wind softly played with her strands. Furthermore, mentioned gentle gust let him only behold the left side of her mien, which was anyways the side closer to him as he had her nearly in profile, so he didn't mind the strands covering a part of her face...
Despite all these oddities, though, he unabashedly marveled Cecilia's loveliness. His brain truthfully deluded him with every single, perfectly mirrored millimeter of her soft body... With this rosy skin, the beautiful scales, that heavenly hair and these moist petal-lips so magnetic, that the old dragon would give his very last heartbeat just to ki-
Abruptly, she turned her head into his direction.
The expression of Cecilia's face was... quite different to the one he was actually used to.
Earnest- no, STOIC, with a little pinch of frustration. Coldness dwelling in the maiden's gaze, even. With described mien, she studied him nearly as if they wouldn't know each other; as if he was a stranger to her. Some kind of alleged nuisance, probably. A burden... The vessel's shoulders became stiff under the growing aversion he surmised to linger in her expression.
She was frightening albeit there was admittedly no clear wrath visible in her crystal-iris...
Once an emotion close to fear slipped over 'Midge's' consciousness within this dream, she narrowed her eyelid with a twitch- and a single wink later, he was no longer possessing the humane corpus. Instead, he occupying his draconic body of once – when he had raised his last brood in Eorzea; sitting on the grass as if he had done so since the last minutes.
Midgardsormr stared confused at himself – the pair of wings and long tail took some adapting, since he hadn't expected anymore to wear them in this dream – but his big eyes widened even more... when he looked once again at the maiden. Changing directions, the breeze made all hair-strands float away from her face; letting him see the formerly covered right half.
That eye he addressed as the jewel... It was no longer crimson-red with a discreet golden frame, but just as pale-blue as the crystal; making the two irises look absolutely identical. Oh... A pair of eyes in such specific coloration... Like subtle cyan... When had he seen something like that before...? There was an undeniable familiarity about them... He just couldn't remember...
Not, that she gave him any time to dive deeper into his thoughts.
Cecilia stood up without a warning and slowly walked to him – each motion not matching those graceful yet harmless movements of a butterfly or fairy he was used from her, however. The Raen's steps were firm and sleek; the pace of a carnivore approaching its prey. An invisible force radiating from her bare presence so dark and attracting that it nearly hypnotized him. She was beautiful in a foreign, dangerous way... which the ancient wyrm wouldn't even be able to describe if his life was on the line. He could do nothing else but staring nonstop at her light-azure eyes partly covered by the lowered lids and black lashes...
When she stood in front of him, her right hand slowly reached out for his neck, while her tail colored-like-white-nacre slowly whipped in the air similar to the limb of a curious cat. He shivered to be touched by his maiden – the quake conquered not only his shoulders, but fin-like ears and moreover his bottom as well. Her emotionless face was tilted to the right side as she watched him; the embarrassment to be studied by Cecilia in this situation left his face heated in both awkwardness and weird desire.
The wyrm's mood spiralled even more into chaos as he beheld with astonishment, that her eyes possessed another oddity he hadn't realized before. The unreal girl had pupils which almost behaved like the ones of felines, although their functionality was inverse. At close distance, they appeared less round than they actually should... Not as peaked as slits, but definitely shaped like ellipses. Strongly resembling dragon-eyes...
Midgardsormr gasped when she leaned forward with a gaze so austere and offish, that even he as the Primogenitor felt inferior. The atmosphere around Cecilia meanwhile seemed to quake because of the pressure her energy exerted... She was just an illusion, but for an unknown reason, his mind had trouble to accept this... Had she really been so impressive in her battle against Bismarck today, that his subconsciousness imagined her to be so... powerful? Nearly... feral...?
A tune close to a whimper slipped through his lips in the moment his maiden pressed her mouth onto his jagged maw's tip. She outright touched him with her tongue; not shy at all to savor his taste and force him to surrender- to give her unhindered entry. He soon willingly did as she pleased; unable to resist the save environment of his most private sanctuary. The aroused growl in his throat couldn't be smothered despite his desperate try to hide this sign of weakness. When it got audible, there was a low chuckle floating afterwards from her vocal-cords into his snout – the playful yet dark sound made him deeply flustered.
Nonetheless, he caved further to her demands. HIS demands.
The illusion of Cecilia entangled his neck with her arms as much as their size-difference allowed – snuggling up against him with undeniable trust. For a wonderful moment, there lay pure innocence in her touch- albeit a few seconds later... nothing was left of it because she began to rub her body against him. He quivered as the urges of his corpus grew; sensed with panic... how his sinful hunger must become visible between his hind-legs.
He knew it was just a dream; he KNEW that with painful certainty. But this here was even worse than the last evil hoax his subconsciousness was forcing upon him. This here... was forbidden- surpassed the egoistic thought of taking the maiden as a creature merely pretending to be a human. This here... was raw, carnal desire under the mimicry of temptation. A deep glance into his very own sick psyche – a look at his personal abyss. Considering the alarming fact, that the phantasm shaped like his maiden had given him one of his draconic bodies JUST before she began to do these things to him, was a sign of-
Midgardsormr fervently groaned in the instant her right leg brushed over his chest. She made him feel through that action, how much the murky color of her garment matched her morbid personality within this dream... The Raen wore nothing under her black dress.
Before he could have recollected his mazy thoughts, her right arm slipped from his neck and – without his knowledge of how exactly she was able to do so – she snatched plus pulled his left talon with mentioned free, surprisingly strong hand. Only a modicum of seconds passed until he directly landed underneath her; watching with great shock as the beautiful imitation of his maiden brushed her derriere over his leathery skin.
Following, she grabbed his ears in order to hold on to them, whereby her nails dug deep into his protesting skin. He nevertheless didn't dare to move a single muscle as she held balance like that, since the rush of wild sensations was too much for him as if he could have cared for tiny injuries. As a result, Cecilia sat like an emperor with spread legs on his talon – confident to physically control him due to the way she squeezed his auricles and emotionally alienate him via the pressure her lap had on his limb.
A devilish smile conquering her lips should normally scare him, but the phantasm had already defeated the remaining sections of his dwindling rationality, which was why he felt only drawn to the sinful darkness this unreal Au Ra possessed.
Oh Her grace, he adored it when Cecilia pulled his face with inhumane strength to her chest... Relished the direct contact thanks to the dress being slightly pushed down... Smelling the aroma of peach-blossoms from the exposed flesh catapulted him close to nirvana... A mixture of hell and heaven must feel like that... Ah, he simply had to taste her... Needed to tenderly spread kisses with his maw's tip over her warm body... She was so soft and delicious under his tongue...
However, the wyrm was still not able to totally accept the black abyss within his subconsciousness. The very moment that made him sense a foreign, sticky wetness underneath her thighs dripping onto his talon as proof of her passion... was the same instant which immediately woke 'Midge' up.
Extreme panic as well as an unbearable pounding of his heart greeted the disguised dragon.
He had barely enough oxygen to not suffocate... Panting, he recognized through his eyes' corners, that the maiden didn't sit next to him, anymore. His gaze roamed reflexive the environment, whereby Midgardsormr was admittedly glad once he spotted her in the distance; speaking with Erik and Alphinaud about something they had discovered.
Closing the lids with a relieved sigh, he needed to thank the Mothercrystal for the maiden's decision to cancel the enforced break. Otherwise, at close range, Cecilia would surely have noticed... 'Midge's' red face plus the... unmissable desire of both his eyes and corpus...
Just to think about that made him even more embarrassed. But primarily, because the antiquity didn't want to be in a situation... where he would have to justify his ill addiction. It was an awful, despicable secret – the true intensity of his growing urges – which he didn't want to put onto any mortal's shoulders. He didn't even know, how he should do so without being punished afterwards with incomprehension and scornfulness. Not to forget his own morales, which already were completely disgusted by his tainted desire...
Gazing at the sky above him, 'Midge' yearned for less complicated emotions being connected to this humane shell. Was this really too much asked for...? A simple feeling directed towards the maiden, that could have been easily described... and wasn't twisted by dark desire...?
~C~
The first stars appeared over a calm sea when the group reached Vesper Bay.
Urianger was outside of the Waking Sands; seemingly going for a little stroll next to the harbor before the last sunbeams vanished. Said Elezen was surprised to see the troop, yet became curious when he noticed the wand in Alphinaud's hand.
Going inside, the Scion didn't need long for examining the weapon. Just as presumed, this objected belonged to Y'shtola – and the very last spell she had cast with it explained her unsolved absence. Said magic was a difficult spell named 'Flow'. Its function was a replacement for regular teleports; one that worked without the Aetheryte-system. There was a huge disadvantage by using this forbidden magic, though. The user was thrown into the planet's life-stream without much control over the direction taken, whereby it was possible to be stuck in there. And even when this kind of transport worked, nobody could tell, where exactly the spell-user would appear afterwards.
Alphinaud stated, that he had noticed strange traces of aether in Central Thanalan, which his device could follow until they vanished in the Black Shroud. He had been close to brushing them off as pure coincidence – due to them not matching the spell-signature of either Y'shtola or Papalymo – but with his new knowledge, this little abnormality made now perfectly sense. As a result of this, the teenager recommended traveling tomorrow to Gridania and ask Kan-E Senna for advice, because she was close to the Elementals. Close to the spiritual creatures, who were not only part of the Twelveswood but also directly connected to the life-stream as well.
Nervously, Tammy asked, if they shouldn't better rush, since Thordan over in Azys Lla was surely not going to sleep tonight, but Erik plainly denied – as he called it – her headlessness. The Pope and his Heavens' Ward weren't proficient scientists, hence they wouldn't spent an easygoing time in an Allagan research-institute just because they could open its door. And as long as these Elezen were hidden behind the barrier, Garlemald wouldn't have an opportunity to reach them or the key. Thus, the Warriors should plan their next steps without hurry – in order to be prepared for whatever battles the future held for them. Alphinaud and the others agreed without objections on this point of view, so that the Miqo'te-Bard eventually decided for this path as well.
However, Tammy asked about their plans for the night's lodging, because she wouldn't be too fond of sleeping in the Waking Sands or Ul'dah. While Urianger made a face as if she had insulated him, whereupon the Miqo'te unsuccessfully tried to apologize, Bertram suggested the usage of a ferry in order to stay until the next morning in Limsa Lomimsa. After all, they wouldn't have – probably – soon another chance to spend some time in mentioned city, which was why it might not hurt to use this opportunity. Annika shared his train of thought, since Limsa's airship-service could bring them as quickly to Gridania as they actually needed to be there- the final reason for everybody except for a sulky Urianger to conform to the Roegadyn's idea.
That being decided, the group went to the harbor and took the next ship to La Noscea.
~C~
"And you really are fine? I don't mind carrying you if necessary."
Well, actually, that was a half-lie. 'Midge' didn't want to be too close to Cecilia while she didn't wear an armor but a thin spring-gown... But his worry about her condition was anyways not rewarded with a princess' gratitude. "C'mon, I'm okay. If Thanalan's atmosphere wasn't enough to kill me, then Limsa's stairs won't manage that at all." the maiden lightly replied with folded arms.
Sighing, Midgardsormr nodded and scratched the nape of his neck. While she was yet not planning to choose the more reasonable undertaking, he wished to go to bed – in another room than the girl, to be more precise. The disguised wyrm refused to take any serious risks... But since the maiden still appeared now and then weary, 'Midge' hesitated to follow his instincts... because he wanted to be by her side when she needed a shoulder to lean on.
Alphinaud appeared in the tavern's corridor – giving the 'couple' a confused look before he cleared his throat: "Uh-hum, I can keep an eye on Cecilia, if that somehow helps. I'm not that sleepy and would like to take a walk as well, so she doesn't have to go alone."
Midgardsormr frowned when he had heard these words. 'Naturally you would be happy to help out.' ,the disguised dragon thought informal with a snarky tune dominating his head, 'Wager, as soon as this awful lie does finally meet its end, you probably will be her first choice despite your youth... and even though you do not match her hopes entirely.'
Meanwhile, the maiden chuckled and bestowed a cheeky grin upon the teenager.
"So, you think I need a babysitter?" she asked in playful manner, which discolored the boy's cheeks. "N-No, that's not what I meant..." "Haha, sorry to kid you. Of course I agree to your suggestion." the Raen affirmed and unfolded her arms. Her right hand grabbed his left as if this was a completely normal thing between them, which tickled Midgardsormr's jealousy – especially when that awfully shy smile spread over the boy's mien whose sapphire-irises sparkled in happiness.
Cecilia granted Alphinaud a gentle giggle before she looked one last time at 'Midge': "Don't worry, everything's fine. I just... want you to respect my decision to not share our mattresses for a while. It's not easy for me, but I have to do that nevertheless. I hope you're not hurt because of it, Midge. So, have a good night and recover from your battles against the Vanu-Vanu. See you tomorrow."
A lie. A lie to partly cancel Erik's lie.
He realized her plan, yet was dumbfounded by it...
The disguised wyrm stared still perplexed at Cecilia when she left with the young Elezen in tow. While Alphinaud was astonished by her assertion for obvious reasons – because it was for humans never good when a pair stopped sleeping in the same bed – Midgardsormr was overwhelmed to realize once more how much she saw through him. It might not be a novelty, that he rarely had to voice anything in order to make her understand his sentiments, but this didn't act a part anyway...
Holding both forehead and half-opened eyes with his right hand, the ancient furuncle felt miserable because of the pure complication that he meanwhile must be in the maiden's opinion. Just to think, that she willingly spoke in one of her friends' presence about the clear decay of her 'relationship'... That she wanted to carry alone the weight of destroying Erik's falsehood... That she... made herself the bad person in order to protect the other...!
Cecilia did him a favor that the dragon did not deserve.
Putting his pyjama on, 'Midge' didn't know how to sort his feelings.
Crawling underneath his blanket, the wyrm whimpered in psychological distress.
… … …
This wasn't a dream. This was a nightmare.
Occupying again his vulnerable humane vessel, Midgardsormr stood in nearly pitch-black darkness; freezing thanks to unusual cold atmosphere. His muscles underwent spasms that made all harm caused today by the Vanu look like marginal scrapes, which was the only reason why he didn't bent in this life-hostile nothingness. But even though he knew this wasn't real...
He didn't want to try any waking-attempts.
The illusion was welcome punishment for each failure he had allowed himself today. Needful pain. Why was Cecilia even placing burdens owned by him onto her small shoulders, when he couldn't prevent their foes from injuring her...? If the Mothercrystal's pact – making him the chosen child's very ally – brought her only trouble as soon as if was for his selfish, anxious personality, then...!
Suddenly, red glow next to him lightened the darkness.
But... With its stinging warmth of fire, the shine made his corpus jerk. More than that, actually... The abrupt change of temperature caused by said gleam nearly bruised his flesh underneath the pyjama's fabric shielding his skin. Holding his shakily arms and squinting, the disguised dragon was in spite of the pitiful situation notwithstanding decided to stay in this personal purgatory; wanted to stay asleep at all costs. He deserved his subconsciousness' anger for many reasons...
Glancing at the crimson light, he was surprised to witness said shine's source. Slit-shaped pupils- It was a giant pair of... irate dragon-eyes. An unfamiliar male voice filled his head; accusing him: "You have not protected her. You allowed so many foes to harm her. You sealed Hydaelyn's gift for testing this child, but in the end you gave the Ascians a chance to destroy her through this flaw... So, in other words, you have not only sinned, but failed to keep the silent promise you once have given the Mothercrystal when you decided to accompany Cecilia. … What right do you even have to view such benevolent girl as your own possession...?"
Before 'Midge' had a chance to answer, a harsh gale nearly overthrowing the humane shell was blown against him. When it finally fell silent, the stranger's presence was gone; leaving the 'Hyur' alone in the once more icy darkness. Coughing, Midgardsormr sank down to the ground; curling up. His corpus trembled in both frost and fear. This being... It hadn't been an illusion...
This creature was real... and had invaded his sleep without difficulties.
~C~
When the adventurers traveled to Gridania, 'Midge' was distinctly sleepy.
Although he hadn't woken up before the first beam of dawn lightened his guestroom, the vessel couldn't properly recover in the last night. Thanks to that, the flight with the airship made him nearly fall asleep as he sat on the ground; leaning his back tired against the railing. To be honest... Hadn't he been in a bad condition, the Primogenitor would have technically panicked...
Who was that existence impertinent as well as strong enough to enter HIS subconsciousness...? How could someone freely waltz into an ancient wyrm's dreams and even leave them without being in the slightest way handicapped by Midgardsormr's will...?
'Midge' racked his brain, but couldn't find an answer to these questions. While Erik and the others talked with Kan-E Senna, he could hardly focus on their conversation, because his dozily head wasn't able to handle several tasks at once. He barely recognized the Elder Seer's short explanation, that the Elementals needed an example of Y'shtola's aetheric imprint in order to find her in either the forest or within the life-stream.
Fortunately, the dragon's full attention wasn't required, as his girl could make use of the description, that such example should be somebody who was genetically related to the Scion. Thanks to studies of summoning, Cecilia had befriended Y'shtola's half-sister Y'mithra; another Miqo'te being part of the Sons of Saint Conach, who lived these days in Gridania. The Raen declared to pick her friend up and bring Y'mithra to Kan-E Senna – a suggestion finding absolute approval, although the ritual they needed to hold wouldn't happen in Gridania but in the center of the woods. Once the Seer had given Cecilia the necessary coordinates, she immediately left the group, while the rest of them directly headed for their destination.
Standing in front of a large, wide tree – home of the oldest Elemental existing within the forest – Midgardsormr felt his reserves being a little bit refilled by the healthy flow of nature's energy around him. Thus, he noticed more attentive than before, when the two siblings of the Elder Seer appeared at the glade; having instantly listened to their sister's Linkpearl-call for support. Annika, who was a full-fledged Whitemage just as them, rolled up her sleeves in order to signalize readiness for helping Kan-E as well.
A few minutes later, Cecilia arrived – accompanied by Tataru, who Alphinaud had already called in the morning to inform her about the next step, and a female Miqo'te with undeniable similarity compared to the missing Scion. Said woman, Y'mithra, was only a regular Conjurer, hence she couldn't do much to support the Elder Seer, yet the other magicians solaced the worried Miqo'te, that her presence alone was more than enough.
Switching from Dragoon to Whitemage, Cecilia stepped to the left of Raya-O, while Annika took position next to A-Ruhn. When Kan-E commended them to focus on their prayers, the five mages raised their wands and asked the Elementals for help in order to find Y'mithra's sister.
Once the higher beings had spotted Y'shtola, the Elder Seer noticed with concern, that the Miqo'te was indeed stuck within the life-stream, so that the magicians needed to pull her out of it no matter the effort. Resulting, they had to combine their magic with the pinpoint senses of the Elementals and reach out for Y'shtola.
In the spectators' eye, it was a wonder to behold, when the five Whitemages made Y'shtola reappear within a large flash of blinding light; right under the sturdily branches of the Elemental's large tree. They carefully levitated the unconscious woman close to the ground, where Bertram as a classical, conscientious Paladin gently caught her in his strong arms. Tataru, who had brought as a precaution a cottony blanket along, handed the object over to Y'mithra, so that she could wrap the object around her naked sister with Tammy's assistance.
Kan-E Senna stated, that it was a necessity to thoroughly check Y'shtola's health to avoid consequential damage, whereupon Bertram and Y'mithra followed her straightforward via teleport to Gridania. The others took a moment to thank Raya-O and A-Ruhn for their help, before they decided to return by feet to the city, as things couldn't be rushed anyways.
On their way back, 'Midge' noticed another attempt of Cecilia to hold his hand. But just as yesterday she pulled her fingers away before they could contact his own. He wasn't sure, if she knew, that he was aware of her doing... Should the girl know, anyways, then it was questionable why she took once again Alphinaud's hand. Did she plan to make him jealous...? No, this would contradict with her obvious decision to turn herself into the one who broke up a relationship...
As they walked, he wondered, if she just wanted to make a hoax by expressing the wish to hold hands with him. So to speak, a typical banter. The kind of physical jokes the two of them happened to have since the day he had allowed himself such weakness. This... odd way to illustrate sympathy. While his awful humor of an old man was quickly turning into indescribable feelings far stronger than regular affection, Cecilia had after initial aversion soon declared to at least enjoy them. Because of this knowledge, Midgardsormr theorized... that the maiden was maybe just forgetting for a moment, that she had forged a plan in her mind to erase Erik's lie...
Entering Gridania, 'Midge' scorned himself to make things unnecessarily hard for the maiden.
When they were close to the tavern, the Elder Seer simultaneously stepped out of said building; beckoning them to enter once she saw the group. Taking seats next to her, Bertram and Y'mithra, Kan-E Senna informed them of Y'shtola's condition. She had already woken up, yet the doctors made a handful of tests with the Scion in order to be absolutely sure that her body functioned fine. As soon as mentioned checks were successful, there wouldn't be any problem to dismiss the Miqo'te from being Gridania's patient, hence the adventurers could count on picking her up soon.
Having everything explained, Kan-E left them alone in order to return to her duties, while Y'mithra decided to stay with the adventurers as long as they were dwelling in the city.
An hour passed as they waited, although it didn't feel like such period thanks to Erik cooking plus serving a delicious noodle-dish with cheese plus bacon. Alphinaud and Tataru eagerly asked for a refill even before Bertram was done, which made the whole troop laugh in amusement. Once they all had eaten both the main-course as well as a small pudding for dessert and were done with washing the tableware, a doctor appeared who gave them the permission to finally go to Y'shtola.
The Miqo'te sat on her bed; wearing a cheap robe made of cotton.
She gladly smiled when the group entered her guestroom – a gesture the adventurers couldn't wholeheartedly answer as they instantly recognized the changed color of her eyes. Something must be wrong, since the green irises were white and their pupils suspiciously pale... But Y'shtola reacted on their worry by explaining, that she was now able to see aether without any assistive-equipment, whereupon the humans were tranquilized as their worries got dissipated.
Midgardsormr, on the other hand, couldn't be fooled so easily.
He outright knew, that she was probably only able to see anything because of the usage of said skill. This kind of vision, after all, consumed so much energy, that only one who suffered under total blindness would willingly rely on it. But in spite of the necessity to address that topic... he didn't want to utter his assumption aloud. Alphinaud, Tataru, the Warriors and Y'mithra were so relieved to have their friend alias sister back, that 'Midge' couldn't ruin their happiness.
With that, he kept quiet and let them tell Y'shtola all the events that she had missed so far.
Once Tataru enthusiastically spoke about the 'relationship' Cecilia and the 'Midlander' shared, Midgardsormr glared with a clenched jaw at the ground- Not only because of Alphinaud's questioning side-glances, but because 'Midge' didn't want to be reminded of the entire situation. Fortunately, his maiden pushed the conversation forward by playfully mentioning the interesting friendship which Erik had going on with Aymeric – an information distracting the group enough to not return to 'Midge's' most hated topic.
As soon as the Scion had been informed of the last weeks, she leaned her right fist against the cheek plus started to reflect on the difficulty of reaching Thordan. According to her, it was true, that both she and Sebastian were like two sides of same coin when it came to Allagan achievements, but Y'shtola did also not know a spell or machine that may help them to destroy Azys Lla's barrier.
Just when the group fell into despondency, their retrieved friend declared, that she knew somebody who maybe possessed the wisdom they needed. Normally, she would hesitate to even consider visiting her old Sharlayan master, since the two of them didn't get along well, but Matoya was indeed the last chance they had in order to stop a catastrophe from occurring.
After the initial excitement of Y'mithra and the adventurers ebbed a little bit away, the Scion asked them to leave her for a moment, so that she could quickly change her borrowed clothing for something less embarrassing. Taking this statement as a cue, Tataru put widely grinning a packet onto the Miqo'te's lap, which the group beheld with curious eyes. To Y'shtola's puzzled question, what this might be, the Lalafell answered, that she had once sewn a new outfit for the Miqo'te – and was now finally able to bestow it upon her. The mage happily smiled while she thanked Tataru for this mindfulness; promising to put it on as soon as the group respected her privacy.
The little secretary understood these words as a prompt to leave Y'shtola alone, hence – for living up to this request – she tried to shoo the group out of the chamber. Chuckling about her ambition, the Scion nevertheless asked, if Tataru could allow 'Midge' to stay for a short moment longer – because she would like to converse a little with him under four eyes. While the Lalafell and rest of the group didn't mind said wish, Midgardsormr himself didn't feel well to follow it, as he possessed a rough idea why Y'shtola asked for this favor...
Silently gazing at her, he didn't enjoy it how attentive the Miqo'te scrutinized him once they were alone in the guestroom. After a half minute had passed like this, Y'shtola noticed, that she expected him to know the reason for her changed eye-color. The disguised antiquity nodded and addressed short-spoken her blindness; waiting for the woman to continue. A short instant of hesitation later, she thanked 'Midge' for not telling the adventurers and her sister, which was also why the Scion had decided to only ask him something specific in absence of the others.
Before this would have consumed too much time, the Methuselah huffed and half-heartedly encouraged Y'shtola to pronounce her question. With that, the Scion directly voiced her concern: She wanted to know, who he was, because his aether was not even minimal comparable to the one of a normal Hyur. When he was undecided how to reply, she quickly told him, that his species didn't matter that much to her, yet she cared a lot for Cecilia's well-being. Y'shtola would not forgive him, if he planned anything black-hearted which would harm the archmage.
Staring at the willful woman for a nearly everlasting moment, Midgardsormr finally couldn't control his injured dignity any longer and impulsively snapped, that he would never betray HIS maiden. Surprised by his outburst, Y'shtola eyeballed him – making the disguised dragon glare in both anger and embarrassment at her. The Miqo'te answered with a compassionate smile; assuring 'Midge', that she understood his message plus wouldn't tease him any further, whereupon he lowered his guard. Nevertheless frustrated by someone else who believed him and Cecilia to be a couple, the wyrm gladly left when Y'shtola wanted to get changed.
~C~
Looking at the streets once used by Sharlayan society, the Methuselah sighed a little.
Dravania's Hinterlands hadn't been much of interest for his children in the past, but he remembered a period when their curiosity was tickled by gaining neighbors with outstanding knowledge of nature, magic and technology. Had Ishgard not betrayed dragon-kind one-thousand years ago, then at least Hraesvelgr's descendants would have approached the scholars and tried to befriend them; next to Ratatoskr and her brood, as Midgardsormr's daughter had been the most liberal dragon to ever exist on Hydaelyn...
Allowing his gaze to roam the environment under a dark sky filled with countless stars, he imagined for a moment, how much joy Ratatoskr would have experienced to see this place called Idyllshire. Although Goblins were reasonably strange creatures to always need breathing-masks in Eorzea and to have a decent incapability of speaking humane words, a small clan of them had still turned some of the forsaken Sharlayan ruins into a place where everybody could live – as long as the rules of friendliness and respect were followed. This ideal matched his daughter's wishes of living in harmony with other species...
And said concept worked surprisingly well here, as it seemed.
Several adventurers – even some comrades of the Warriors – currently resided in the settlement; thinking about a permanent stay in Idyllshire. They started the cultivation of the land in order to provide food for everybody and mined in Dravania to aid the Goblins' pride; a multifarious forge. Even an orphanage and a restaurant had been opened; both facilities led by a generous male Xaela who amusingly wore a golden pig-mask combined with aristocratic clothes, so that he was a symbol for the free spirit which the settlement possessed.
Realizing, that even Rowena as a persistent businesswoman had expanded in favor of this place, was probably the greatest wonderment the group had witnessed today when they were looking for a possibility to cross the Thaliak-river.
Leaning his back further against the bench, 'Midge' wondered, how Y'shtola's master might be like when they reached her hidden cavern tomorrow; in the western part of the Dravanian Hinterlands. She was said be very old and a lone wolf, whose sole pride was directed towards the sheer amount of wisdom she possessed. The guardian of a Sharlayan library filled with forbidden techniques and even blueprints for powerful machines...
Was such a human still interested into the conflicts of youth...?
He had admittedly trouble to imagine that. When people owned a reputation such as said Matoya, then they usually were hermits who waited for their lifetime to expire. Being caught in frail bodies, it appeared logical when they decided to stop caring for the planet's fate...
Shaking his head, 'Midge' bit into his cheek.
He wasn't allowed to think like that. When his attention switched to Cecilia, Tammy and Annika, who played with four orphans before these children would have to go to bed, the disguised wyrm reminded himself of not returning to his old world-view. He WANTED to see the Warriors' success; WANTED their struggle to have a positive outcome. Even if it was an easy solution to cheer for those descendants who only could think of slaughtering mankind, the Mothercrystal's chosen heroes were so close to changing Ishgard's ways- All they had to do for that was stopping Thordan and helping Aymeric to reform the city's believes.
After thousand years of immense pain had passed, a promise of peace was so close in their reach, that Midgardsormr shouldn't even feel the slightest evidence of doubt.
The antiquity quasi glued his mind to this thought – hardly recognizing the passing minutes, whereby he was a bit startled when Cecilia reminded the children of their bed-time having arrived. Said information, of course, didn't find any form of excitement. Yet, under sweet protest, the Raen and her two friends nevertheless brought the infants back to the orphanage; followed by 'Midge', who never grew tired of watching his maiden interact with young ones.
Once the orphans were all sleeping in their beds, the adventurers felt like doing the same – determined to leave Idyllshire in earliest morning, it would anyways be no good idea to stay awake until midnight. Thus, they borrowed empty beds and soon lay down on the mattresses.
As he wasn't able to immediately fall asleep like the others, Midgardsormr reflected for a moment on the conversation he had today with Y'shtola in Gridania's tavern. However, he quickly pushed the memory aside because it only kept him awake. 'Midge's' heartbeat only uncomfortably increased when he thought about his loyalty to the maiden which was tainted by possessiveness. Far stronger, than all duties linked to Hydaelyn's pact, this sentiment had gone way too far...
But yet, he truthfully was on Cecilia's side no matter what...
… … …
"You would never betray her...? A huge promise for one who is attached to sins."
Again these glowing eyes of crimson color... 'Midge' had not directly expected to see them tonight, as their owner didn't appear like he would enjoy wasting time within the Primogenitor's dreams... On the other hand, Midgardsormr couldn't claim to be that surprised now. He knew the satisfaction which sneering sometimes meant – and had realized, that the other mind despised him.
So, trying to figure out his 'guest's' identity, 'Midge' attentively listened when the stranger added: "Even more worse... You are aware of your false doing. Someone of your age should know better than this. Cecilia deserves far more than you can offer at the moment."
Midgardsormr felt insulted, but still focused on the foreigner's voice. The threatening tune it made was harsh; maybe darkened through the anger he could clearly sense within the other creature... Like a descendant of the Primogenitor would. Or one of his relatives... Nonetheless, this being was nobody he knew – and this actuality made him nervous.
However, not afraid enough to take his courage away.
In the moment he felt the creature planning to leave, 'Midge' concentrated his energy on the purpose of binding the other mind to his will; not letting go when he felt its struggle. He wanted an avowal, although obtaining one wouldn't be easy when there was hardly time to focus on communication. Such cognitive strain hadn't overwhelmed his brain in a long time...
"Thou won't come and go as it pleases thee." the antiquity stated earnest plus clenched his fists once the intruder started to put unbearable pressure onto his consciousness. Midgardsormr deeply inhaled and increased the force holding the stranger in check to the absolute limit.
It wasn't enough to make his alleged foe surrender, unfortunately.
A thoughtful sound escaped the other spirit. "Do not detain me. I don't enjoy being imprisoned by anything or anyone." "Thou thinkest I would allow thee to leave after thou hast broken in and threatened me...?" the disguised wyrm growled resolute; scarcely enduring his headache.
"I was not threatening you." ,the interloper – though with subtle frustration – calmly fended 'Midge's' complaint off as sophism, "I was only warning you, that any serious harm you will bring to Cecilia will find its righteous judge. But since you won't let me go, I fear I have to do exactly what you expect. After all, visiting this dream from another world isn't as easy as you would think of somebody who resists your determination... Consider this as a mild threat."
Six giant pairs of differently shaped wings... Wings in white color with shadows of multiple hues... These limbs suddenly unfolded in front of 'Midge' – pointing out to him as they glowed in both fire and purple energy. The dragon's astonishment... got even more enhanced when he suddenly noticed behind all these feathers a large, serpentine body vibrating with profoundly sacred power in the dream's darkness... His fright was all distraction the other mind needed to escape.
Afterwards, the shock to have seen- FELT something that equally matched his erstwhile force... woke Midgardsormr up in the middle of the night. Staring at the ceiling, his breath could barely slow down its pace. The picture of that foreign creature illuminated by its wings' light was burnt into his memory... A snake-like dragon with red-brown scales and twelve white-feathered wings.
He didn't know any information about this stranger – except for one little detail...
Whoever that intruder might be: He was sincerely protective of Cecilia. And if 'Midge' didn't suffice to support the precious girl like a genuine knight in shining armor, then this unknown wyrm would most probably make him pay for said failure.
