Chapter 13

By: Zosocrowe

Disclaimer: I do not own Star Ocean: Till the End of Time
I have merely borrowed a couple characters to create
a silly fan story. I have no money either

4/2/05

Tup'ni was a small village, though almost double the size of Plum. The town was a zigzag of crossroads, the main epicenter located at the highest peak. All the buildings were made of stone, carved out of the very mountain the city sat on. The roofs were thatched with tall brick chimneys and all the doors were made of heavy oak or soft pine. There was a large market and inn near the town gate, which indicated that Tup'ni was used to visitors, being as it was the first village outside the Rebyc Plains.

The people were friendly enough, but their smiles didn't quite reach their eyes. There was an air of suspicion and caution about them, though Nel couldn't hardly blame them. She and the others felt the same way when they first entered the town, unsure of what to expect. She was actually surprised at how busy the village was. People of all ages and distinctions bustled about, doing their daily chores or selling their wares on the fairway. Everywhere she looked, things were in constant motion and somehow the activity soothed her. There was nothing mysterious or ominous about Tup'ni. Other than the large crowds, it was appeared to be a rather ordinary place.

Albel left to check them into the inn. He insisted on staying the night, grumbling something about bath, food, and bed. In that order. Nel didn't argue. She lost the battle back at the pool that horrible day. She would never admit it, but he'd been right, and she wasn't about to turn down a real meal, hot bath, and soft bed at this point.

"Lady Nel?"

Nel turned to look at Rusia. The woman looked as if she was about to drop in her tracks. There were dark circles under her eyes and the fine brown hair she kept neatly tucked into a bun at her nape was coming undone. She was made of tough stock, but traveling was far different than farming. It took a special breed to endure long journeys, and Rusia wasn't one of them.

"You look exhausted," Nel said, casting a sympathetic look her way.

Rusia shook her head, clasping her hands in front of her. "Oh no, Lady Nel! I'm fine. The climb was a bit tedious, but it wasn't that bad."

Nel smiled at the woman's politeness. "Well, you should get some rest. Leylan too." She glanced over to the boy, who was sitting up on his nag. His eyes were closed, but he was awake. His consciousness still drifted, but it was a big improvement. Nel was constantly worried about the strain of their travel on his weakened body, but Leylan proved to be as resilient as he was courageous. A solid rest and some medicinal herbs would do him a world of good.

"Why don't you two catch up with Albel at the inn and take a break?"

Rusia gave Nel a worried frown. Albel wasn't exactly the most cordial when it came to interacting with the two villagers. He made no pretense about hiding his distrust of them, nor did he pretend to see them as equals. Rusia was treated like a servant, and Leylan, well, he had the luck of being asleep most of the time, but occasionally Albel would aim a snarky remark his way.

"Don't worry, Rusia," Nel reassured her. "It's nothing personal. Albel is like that with everyone."

"Not with you," the older woman replied. "But I suppose it's because he sees you as an equal."

Nel almost laughed. "I think you've got that wrong! Albel doesn't see anyone as his equal. I've only known him longer. That's all."

Smiling slightly, Rusia gave a slight shrug. "Maybe so. But these days he looks at you differently."

The good natured smile nearly fell from Nel's face, but she managed to keep it intact. "Ah…I haven't noticed," she said quickly. "He's probably just brooding over something I said." Like making fun of his manhood, maybe? Truth be told, ever since that day, the two of them had shared nothing more than awkward, agitated glances at one another. There'd been very little conversation between them.

"I don't think that's it," Rusia replied, tapping a finger to her chin. "Under that fierce frown of his, he appears to be worried."

Worried?

Nel frowned.

What in the world could possibly make him worry about her? "I think you're tired, Rusia," Nel remarked with good natured humor. "Lack of sleep is making you delusional." She pointed in the direction of the inn and handed the reins of Leylan's nag to her. "Go get some rest. Albel will see to the lum and horse. I'm going to pick up some supplies and find some medicine for Leylan." She gave a wave of her hand and nudged the older woman away. "I'll see you in a little while."

Albel was in the small barn behind the inn, untacking the lum. He wrenched on a strap with his talons with far more force than needed, snapping it in his hand. Disgusted, he tossed it to the floor with a hiss. Since when had it become his job to play stable boy? He had better things to do than be responsible for menial tasks. Like getting himself a hot meal. And a warm bath…one with a roof…and locking door…

His cheeks grew warm and another strap snapped in his hand. Dammit! What was the matter with him? He threw the strip of leather down and scowled at it. Cheap Aquarian saddles. Why Woltar insisted on importing from them was beyond him. Everything that came out of that stupid country was irritating.

"Bah," he grumbled, yanking the now useless tack from the back of his lum. The animal turned its head, ears flicking in curiosity. "What are you looking at?" Albel barked, but the equine just stared back at him. After a few moments, the beast shook its shaggy mane and snorted.

Great. Now even the animals were laughing at him.

The stable door opened and Albel looked up. Rusia came forward timidly, wringing her small, yet weathered hands. "Master Albel?" she called, her voice trembling.

Narrowing his eyes, Albel stepped out of the paddock. His sudden appearance made the woman jump and he curled his lip at her. "Well?" he asked with a great impatience.

Rusia inched back a few steps, averting her eyes. "Umm…Mistress Nel has already left. I couldn't catch her," she stammered.

Albel stared at his messenger for a moment. Figures. Zelpher never wasted any time dallying when she had things to get done. "Doesn't matter," he muttered, turning to look at the broken saddle he'd deposited next to the stable wall. "I have to seek out a leather smith anyway."

Confused, Rusia grew bold enough to peer around him and look at the object of his ire. "Master Albel, if you need something from one of the stores…ah…perhaps I can retrieve it for you?" Her voice wavered with uncertainty and nervousness.

Studying her, Albel pondered her offer a moment then shook his head. "No. I'll do it myself. It'll get done right that way. Now be gone, wench." He watched with a frown as Rusia swallowed and beat a hasty retreat.

He didn't like the two villagers. Especially the woman. Her quietness made him edgy, her willingness to do anything she was told annoyed him. She was too amiable, like a politician or courtier. Her eyes bothered him the most. They were intelligent and alert behind that cowed look she always wore. She was always watching them, alert to what they were doing. The Aquarian hadn't noticed, but Albel was accustomed to prying eyes. People watched him constantly, especially when they thought he wasn't looking.

The only reason he tolerated Rusia and Leylan presence was because of Nel's insistence. She seemed to think the two Plumians were of no concern, just hapless victims of a horrible occurrence. Oh, and the boy had saved her life, though Albel had his reservations about that as well. For the time being, he would bide his time and see what they were up to, but he'd already settled on a solution if he was given even the slightest hint they were betrayers. He would cut them down. Immediately.

Without words, the woman seemed to understand.

Good.

Because he hated explaining things.

Hoisting the heavy saddle onto his shoulder, Albel gave the lum a final glance. They ignored him, heads busy inside their feed troughs, filling their bellies on molasses grain and oats.

Lucky bastards.

Head down, Nel waded through the villagers, travelers, and merchants, mumbling to herself about the importance of city planning and population control. Tup'ni was crowded and the layout of the city was like trying to find her way through a labyrinth of streets and alleyways. Everywhere she looked there appeared another intersection or a cross street that led to a dead end.

She paused in the street, squinting at the map a kind old man drawn for her. Was she supposed to be on this level or the one just below? She wasn't sure. Each sector of town was divided by various ridges, putting the town on levels accessed only by crude pulley systems and rope bridges.

All she needed to find was an outfitter who sold the supplies she wanted. The one shop she found on the highest level, right down the street from then inn, catered to only inventors and merchants. She didn't need bulk supply, but bought some cooking supplies because the owner, the old man, was gracious enough to give her map. A badly drawn map.

Still frowning at the paper she stepped onto the sidewalk, not noticing the door that swung open and caught her in the shoulder. She landed hard on her backside, jarring all the bones in her body. Her map fluttered back into the street, trampled by the feet of the other wayfarers.

"Are you alright, miss?"

A hand appeared in front of her face, palm outstretched in a helping gesture. Nel stared at it a moment then let her eyes travel up the arm and to the owners face.

A young man with long hair the color of a raven's wing gazed down at her with worried blue eyes. His face was fair, probably the fairest she'd ever seen in a man. If it wasn't for his voice, she'd almost think him a woman. His nose was dainty and upturned, his mouth a bit too wide for his face, but provocative none the less. Both brows were streaks of gracefully arched ebony on his brow. From his ears hung gold hoops that gleamed in the sunlight and about his neck was a choker of radiant gemstones, much like the ones she'd seen inside that strange cave.

A line formed across Nel's brow. She narrowed her eyes, shifting her head slightly to catch the light from a different angle. Sure enough, the crystals shone with multiple colors, sparkling like confetti in the sun.

"Um…Miss?"

Nel took her eyes off the strange stones, face flushing with embarrassment. Why was she staring? Maybe those gems were common among the wealthy in Greeton. The young man before her certainly looked and dressed like he was well bred. His pants were fine silk trousers the color of cream and his coat was a high quality wool, dyed royal blue and trimmed with white. The nails on his hands were manicured, and there were several rings of gold, some with jewels the size of her pinky nail.

"I'm sorry," she said. "I was just a bit dazed. I wasn't watching where I was going."

The man shook his head and smiled apologetically. "No. It was my fault. I should have never rushed out of the store like that. Please, forgive me." He reached down without asking and took her by the arm, helping her to stand.

Nel thanked him and brushed herself off. Suddenly, she remembered her map and began looking about her feet. The strange man leaned down and picked up a tattered piece of paper. Handing it to her, he gave a sheepish smile, "I presume this is what you're looking for?"

Taking the piece of paper, Nel heaved a sigh. "Yes. Thank you." Well, it wasn't as if she was having much luck reading it anyway. On to plan two. Scour the town on her own accord and hope she could find what she was looking for before nightfall.

The man's brows pulled together, his lips forming a long line. "This is all my fault. Can I help you somehow? If you don't mind me saying, you look a bit lost."

Shaking her head and casting a grim smile, Nel replied, "No, no. Don't bother yourself. It's nothing."

"From the look on your face, I would have to say it was something. You aren't from around here, are you?" He crossed his arms and looked at her expectantly, a hip cocking to bear the weight of his slender frame.

Alarm bells went off in Nel's head. Her eyes jerked to meet his steady gaze. Greeton had their own spies, and granted, most of the military and political forces were non-human, the chances were good that there were a few human affiliates. This man was too articulate to be a villager from the area. He was also obviously well to do. Stealing a glance at his choker, she managed to hide her suspicion and replied, "You don't look like you are either."

The man laughed, a sound that ran down her skin like liquid. She shivered and folded the pieces of her map into a small square. "You're right," he said, still chuckling. "My name is Don'yoku T'nelovläm," informing her with a sweeping bow. "My home is in Mota, but I am currently traveling to the continent of Gaitt."

"That's quite a name," Nel replied, a bit overwhelmed by his exuberance.

"Yes, well, it is a family name. Most people call me T'nel," he said with a grin.

Nel smiled cryptically. "The journey to Gaitt must be tedious. Do you go alone?"

T'nel shook his head, his long hair falling across his shoulders. "No. I have family in Peterny and am traveling with another group of merchants there. Unfortunately, due to the trouble in the valley, we have become delayed for the time being."

Pretending to be concerned, Nel inquired. "Trouble? You mean the villages disappearing?"

T'nel nodded, his face growing solemn. "Yes. So unfortunate. I heard that several days ago, the township of Plum was razed to the ground. Not a soul left alive." They shared an uncomfortable moment of silence and T'nel cleared his throat. "So what of you, m'lady? Where do you come and go to?"

Thinking fast, Nel replied, "I'm traveling to Citobor from Aquios to see family as well."

T'nel gave her a strange look, a flicker of a frown passing over his face. "Aquios? Are you royalty?" He took in her attire with one sweep of his eyes.

"No, we're of the studious persuasion. My uncle is a scholar and is studying mechanics in the capital, my father thought it wise to have me work with him for a few months. I'm not much of a traveler though, as you can see." She gave him her best demure and hapless look, hoping to deter any suspicions he might have.

"An intellectual? How intriguing! Here in Greeton, pardon me saying, it thought best that most women not use their wits." Nel glared at him and T'nel held his hands up defensively. "I don't agree of course! The gods only know that my sisters and mother are far smarter and more clever than I can ever hope to be!"

Nel relaxed somewhat. It was bad enough traveling with a Glyphian, the embodiment of sexism, but having to hear it from a complete stranger was more than she could handle. "I have to get going," she said suddenly.

T'nel's smile faded slightly. "Oh! I'm babbling aren't I? I do that sometimes…pretty women make me nervous." He scratched his head and looked down at his shiny leather boots.

With an disbelieving look, Nel arched her brows. Somehow, she doubted that. He was prettier than most pretty women. "I really have to get going." She turned to leave, walking several paces away, then stopped to get her bearings.

"Are you sure you don't need help?" T'nel called after her.

Nel stifled a sigh. She was lost. Looking over her shoulder, she replied, "Can you direct me to an outfitter?"

T'nel's face seemed to light up. He moved quickly to her side, taking her arm before she could move away. "Of course. I've been here many times! Let me escort you. This place can be rough in areas, and a lady shouldn't travel alone."

Nel managed to get her arm free and stepped away. The cheerful man wasn't going to take no for an answer. "You're help would be most welcome, though I can walk on my own," she said.

Amused, T'nel smiled, showing a hint of teeth for the first time. "Of course. Right this way," he stated, extending a long arm. Nel shook her head and the young merchant grinned, shoving his hands into his pockets.

For a several blocks they walked. T'nel yammered on about his life as a merchant's son and all the places he had traveled. He was a horrible flirt, but courteous enough to keep his distance after Nel made it clear her personal space was important. Nel listened intently, but not out of any interest she held in him. She was looking for information, clues that would aid her mission. Merchants were knowledgeable about cities and ports, as well as government and politics. Like most, T'nel, enjoyed talking and would share any juicy tidbit they'd heard with little or no prompting.

As they turned down a narrow alley, T'nel grew quiet for a moment, long enough for Nel to cast a curious glance his way. "You know, you haven't given me your name yet," he finally said in a thoughtful tone.

Albel stepped out of the leather shop and rolled his stiff shoulder. He hadn't expected to have to carry the heavy tack clear across town and back again just to find a place to have it repaired. The prices everywhere were outrageous. Five hundred just to fix the two small leather pieces and another two hundred to have it done by tomorrow morning. And he'd thought the merchants in Airyglyph where conniving cheats.

Sadly, he wasn't done shopping yet. Beneath his cloak he flexed his claw. The joints were stiff and without looking he knew the edge of his blades were dull. He needed some lubricant and cleaning supplies. He doubted Tup'ni had the typical items he preferred, but he'd have to make due, as his saddle pack was probably ash on the wind somewhere in the vicinity of Plum by now.

Staring down the street, he squinted against the glare of the sun. Tup'ni was a catastrophe. He couldn't make heads or tails of where he was or where he was suppose to go. Not only that, but the people…there were maggots everywhere. He expected crowds in large merchant cities, like Peterny, but not in some backwater spit hole on the top of an obscure mountain. It was ridiculous.

A glimmer of red caught his attention and he turned his head just in time to see Nel disappear down a side street. Beside her was a person he didn't recognize. A woman with long black hair. No. The shoulders were too broad, hips to narrow. A man? A fellow spy, perhaps?

No, there were no Aquarian spies in Tup'ni. If there had been, Zelpher wouldn't have been so adamant about detouring, especially considering their current situation. Instantly, Albel was angry. Days of lecturing him about the importance of discretion, the need for secrecy, and what does he find her doing? Playing tourist with the first pretty face she happens to come across. All business his ass…

Apparently he didn't know her as well as he thought he did.

Stalking into the street, his feet carrying him in the direction she'd disappeared, Albel scowled at his irritation. Who was he kidding? He didn't know anything about the Aquarian. Not personally, at least. The only thing he'd ever bothered to catalog in his memory about her were the things she did to annoy him. The list was long. What else was there to know?

She had nice breasts.

Albel nearly stumbled as the stray though flittered through his brain, gliding over his anger like a stray bird in a storm. Where had that come from? Nel Zelpher was hardly the type of female he, or any man, would fantasize over. A glacier was warmer than that woman could ever possibly hope to be and any man who lay with her was likely to have either his most sensitive parts freeze off or be nagged to death by her relentless pestering.

What a terrifying thought.

He'd stick to warm women with little to say. That suited him just fine.

Stopping, Albel shook his head, trying to chase the silent monolog buzzing in his skull. Why was he thinking of such things? Time had passed since he'd last felt the comforts of a woman, but he didn't think it had been that long. Not so long that he'd find such a brute as Zelpher interesting…or even attractive.

Admittedly, his dealings with the opposite sex were few and far between as of late. His attention was preoccupied with other things, none of which had to do with his body's needs and wants. Perhaps he had neglected himself over excessively this time. He was a man, after all. His mind, no matter where his concentration lay, would eventually wander to simpler, less complicated things. It was nature's way, unfortunatly.

What a bother. He'd done so well until now. Well, his hormones would have to wait a while longer. There was a mission to be completed. Then the mess with the demons to clear up. If he survived that, he made a promise to himself that he would spare a few hours of his time to seek out some frivolous noble woman to take the edge off.

Feeling better, he stared at the place he'd last seen Nel, his desire to follow after her dissipating like vapor. "Hn," he grumbled, turning on a heel and starting back the way he came. He had things to do. What the Aquarian did with her time was of no interest to him.

Something solid hit him between his shoulder blades, pitching him forward on his toes. He turned quickly, his hand reaching for his katana. With narrowed eyes, he scanned the crowded street, but it was a brightly colored ball rolling about his feet that caught his eye. Frowning, he bent over and picked it up, turning it over in his hand.

A child stared at him from the alleyway that Nel and the stranger had gone down. The boy was small, not more than five or six. His hair was a shaggy mass of dark brown and tufts of unkempt bangs fell across large, deep brown eyes. He stuck a finger into his mouth, worrying the end of it as he stared back at Albel.

An orphan, no doubt, considering his filthy clothes made of moth eaten wool and oily burlap. Albel wasn't surprised. All cities, no matter how big or small, had their fare share of unfortunate street urchins. Tucking the ball under his arm, he made his way to the corner where the boy stood. The child craned his head up as Albel peered down at him and held the toy out, saying, "Is this yours?"

The boy nodded slightly, shoving his finger deeper into his mouth. He made no move to take back his play thing and Albel frowned at the boy's curious stare. Most children ran and hid from him, be it his reputation or tall stature that frightened them. "Be more careful," he said, his tone gruff. He dropped the ball near the boy's feet and turned to leave.

"Aren't you going to save her?"

Albel froze mid-step, all the fine hairs on his neck standing erect. He looked over his shoulder at the doe eyed child. "What?" he asked carefully.

Popping his finger from his lips, the boy leaned down and picked up his toy. "You made a promise. A promise to protect her," he said. As he stood up, he wiped his mangy hair from his eyes.

Slowly, Albel turned, trying to keep the shock off his face. "Save who? Protect what?" His voice was harsh as he forced the questions from his throat. "What are you babbling about?"

The look the boy gave him was incredulous, an expression a child his age shouldn't understand. "You said you'd protect her," he said, pointing a tiny hand in the direction Nel had gone. Albel's eyes followed his gesture, and the boy finished, "Just like you did mama."

A jolt seared though Albel, coursing down his spine and through his limbs. The blood in his body turned to ice and he jerked his eyes back to the place the child stood.

But he was gone.

Vanished.

Ah…sorry for the long delay. I took a break. I needed one, as hectic and hellish as things have been around here. Thanks to everyone who has been reading and reviewing. As always, I appreciate your feedback and comments. Thanks for sticking with me as I plow though this story and snail's pace. Ha ha! I'll try to get back on my usual schedule, but the way things are looking, updates MIGHT be more sporadic. We'll see! Thanks again! Until next time, take care!