Arc 3-Revelations:
With the treat of the Weapons eliminated, the Alliance is left to face the Final days without the aid of their esteemed heroes. A bold invasion of Garlemald is being prepared, to the land wrought by misery and despair. As Estinien and Krile continue their fight to protect Eorzea, a Crystal Exarch is plotting his scheme at the distand shard of the FIrst. There the conflict between him and ascians has reached a stalemate, when Emet-Selch felt a certain disturbance, that will lead him to his homeland.
...
"Wow, this place is…Gorgeous."
Lyna's awed voice rang out like an echo, spreading through the palace halls. G'raha knew she would find the beauty of Grand Cosmos enthralling; he enjoyed its glory just as much. It came as a tremendous relief to have a moment where they could relax and admire that which was in front of them. In the days when the entirety of their world was on the brink of collapse with ascians scheming every hour, those moments of respite have been necessary.
G'raha was proud to see Crystarium rise again after the incident with Eden. Its people still drew their inspiration from him, and even knowing his true identity has not stopped their praise. They were eager to continue toiling and living their best lives in the face of despair and annihilation, a trait G'raha himself held in high regard. Now he understood that there have been many ways to resist despair. Plunging head-on into the beast's maw has been but one of them. The Exarch would still not expose his fears and feelings before his people; they needed him as a figurehead. But there was not a single day G'raha wasn't forcefully remembering the day when his friends perished in a mind-breaking loop. He thought of the hundred years he gave away, of the mission for which he still continues to sacrifice much of his own. The moments with the scions have been fleeting compared to the eternity he faced, but they were enough to inspire him for the coming generations.
Of course, he couldn't have persevered without the help of his friends. He saw Ryne make the greatest sacrifice to save Norvrandt. There was nothing but the respect he felt for her. A kind and selfless soul that could make ascians tremble, she was a hero the First needed, now continuing her vigil above Crystarium. Even now, when G'raha mentioned looking for a way to separate her from Eden, Ryne's only response was that he should focus on more important matters. Her adventurer friends have been just as loyal, willing to serve as the Exarch's eyes and ears in their hunt for Emet-Selch and Elidibus. As did Lyna. She was the first to hear his story in full detail, and despite the deception, she would still stand by his side. When she learned the truth, it was not even a question for her, not after what G'raha did for her world.
Together, they have set on a new mission. The solution with Eden was temporary. It wouldn't be over until ascians were neutralized, be it by their death or depleting them of their god. Their advantage was the ability to transcend reality and space; without such abilities, there was nothing G'raha could do to reach them. And so, he began to work on another project with the hope of making the tower pierce the heavens once again. To this end has he ventured to the depths of the Grand Cosmos with Lyna; he wished to enlist the help of one of the most powerful sorcerers in the First. Most powerful and most reclusive, it wouldn't be the easiest task to get them to listen.
"This seems far too well-preserved for a palace abandoned by its people." - Lyna noted as she looked over the tables and red walls, full of portraits and decor.
"Beq Lugg likes to keep their home in order, even when most of the rooms are of no use." - G'raha explained, still watching their path cautiously. A famed trickster, Beq Lugg, would no doubt fill the place with traps.
"I presume you know the way, my lord?"
"I can only presume the place he is hiding in, but yes, follow me." - G'raha looked back at the viis. "Also, you slipped once again."
"Ah, sorry, G'raha. A whole life of a certain experience isn't washed away so easily." - Lyna said.
"Have no worries, it's only a reminder."
When the two arrived in the hall, they have immediately been met by the host. A creature cloaked in dark robes with a staff in their hand, they floated around the room, carefully eyeing the intruders.
"What are you doing in my home?" - They spoke with anger, though G'raha knew Beq Lugg would not be too displeased to have visitors, they could provide them with entertainment.
Lyna immediately drew her weapons, but G'raha soon bid for her to stop before turning to the sorcerer once again.
"We come with a proposal. Pray spare us a moment of your time; this is something that concerns all who live in this world." - The Exarch declared, only for Beq Lugg to shake their head frantically.
"No, no, no! You come here uninvited and expect cooperation? Without even proving your intent? That's not how it is done. Come, my sweeties, it's time to clear out the filth!" - The nu mou summoned an array of magical brooms from each side of the room, swiping everything in their direction and going for an overlap.
"I see you prefer a more direct approach…" - G'raha took his staff and launched a minor spell into Beq Lugg. The sorcerer retreated behind the wind's power emerging from those brooms. They have been closing in on the duo.
Lyna was swift to act; the dancer rushed to the nearest broom in an attempt to destroy it and open a pathway for her and G'raha to escape the others. Unfortunately, as soon as the woman approached, she was caught up in the whirlwind, which she underestimated.
"Damn it!" - That was as much as she could say before beginning to spin amidst nature's power. She was soon thrown to the side, but G'raha managed to ease her fall with a healing spell before finding a way to maneuver between the brooms and reach Lyna herself.
"I see you've learned a new move or two." - G'raha joked with a smile as he helped his friend get up.
"Out of all the enemies I fought…" - Lyna shuddered. "These are by far worse than any sin eater!" - She stood up, tightly holding on to her weapon. G'raha and Lyna looked at Beq Lugg once again; the sorcerer unleashed more spells of wind that the two had to evade.
"That's only the beginning!" - They declared with pride.
"We don't have time for this." - Lyna shook her head and rushed towards the nu mou. This time she learned from her mistakes and evaded the attacks with the elegance and swiftness of s trained dancer.
Even Beq could hardly expect such retaliation. The viis jumped his and hit the sorcerer, forcing them to retreat further away from the hall.
"Not the robes. I worked on those, you know!" - They exclaimed. "You want to talk that much? Well, let's see how far you'll go for it!" - Beq shouted and floated further into the castle, escaping G'raha's gaze.
"Do we follow him?" - Lyna asked rhetorically, already preparing for the chase. G'raha nodded.
"How much better would the world be if some people would just listen…Empty dreams, alas."
"More work for us, I suppose."
"Some things never change."
The duo charged into the heart of the palace, chasing the wayward sorcerer. G'raha knew he could not force Beq Lugg to help them against their will, but he would not leave before explaining their intent. And once the sorcerer finally understands, perhaps knowing that this world's entire existence hinged upon it would change his outlook.
The path across the Grand Cosmos was a perilous one, but G'raha and Lyna managed to navigate it. The halls have been filled with the creations Beq Lugg infused with life. The armor and weapons of warriors that were long gone have been once again forged into battle. G'raha and Lyna were aware that these were but a distraction that served nothing but Beq's own sense of entertainment. What's worse, the more time they would spend outside of Eden's shield, the more likely they were to be found by the ascians.
Eventually, the duo rushed across the majestic palace gardens with no time to enjoy those glories. The enemies still persisted, though this time, the armor had been replaced with poisonous plants that had been all too happy to bring trouble to the palace's guests. G'raha wondered whether those had been Beq's experiments or created much earlier by elves. He wouldn't be surprised at either possibility.
After striking down the more vicious plants and getting into the inner halls of the palace, they were getting close.
"We aren't that far; he won't have anywhere to run!" - G'raha encouraged Lyna as they approached the central room. The armor and blades would prove no challenge to them at all, and soon the duo saw the reclusive sorcerer in their personal room.
"Oh, you really are persistent, Exarch…" - Beq noticed as he turned towards the duo.
"Will you listen now?"
"Well…Maybe, but after you provide my fiercest familiar with some sport!" - The sorcerer announced and began another cast.
"G'raha, careful!" - Lyna stood in front of the Exarch as the flame before them took form, becoming a creature reminiscent of a primal knight or warrior; G'raha immediately felt the smell of smoke spread across the hall. "You're wasting our time!" - Lyna shouted as she looked at Beq, who was not eager to stop this game at all.
"Witness Lugus, my favorite creation."
Lugus unleashed a wave of fire at them, G'raha's first reflex was to create a magical protective shield around Lyna, but this left him exposed. The heat rushed through his skin, forcing G'raha to clench his teeth. Beq did not intend to kill them, but this did not mean that he would hold back. The dancer quickly retreated to her Exarch, looking with horror as she saw a fiery aura emerge around him.
"Wait, G'raha, I can help…"
"No, don't hurt yourself." - The Exarch responded. "Beq knows what he's doing…Doesn't mean we have to play along." - The room has been packed with furniture that could take the brunt of this flame. G'raha rushed to the nearest sofa by the wall, transferring the fiery power onto it. It burned immediately, alleviating most of the pressure from the Exarch.
He could engage in this battle all he wanted, but this performance was beginning to annoy G'raha. In another time, when he wasn't burdened with the salvation of an entire world and walking the path of a fallen hero, he wouldn't have minded as much, but now the sharp feeling of him wasting his time couldn't be helped at all.
Meanwhile, Lyna fought Lugus, trying to discern the familiar's weak spots while it attempted to slash her with a burning sword. She avoided all of its strikes, and G'raha was eager to help. He cast an icy spell and sent it to the familiar. Lugus was shaken and turned towards his attacker. It jumped at G'raha, unleashing another wave of fire, then immediately turned at Lyna before she could do anything.
Both were thrown back, with Lugus focusing on weaker prey. The dancer continued to evade, but even she began to get weary from their fighting in this place. The Exarch saw that a few more moves would wound Lyna and perhaps even leave scars; this wasn't worth any kind of game. He could have attacked Lugus, but G'raha focused on its creator. The miqo'te sighed as he realized that some people simply need a more "persuasive" approach and that he will have to deal with it, as any leader does.
"Enough!" - The Exarch struck the floor with his stuff, unleashing a mighty aetheric spell that pushed Beq from his resting place. Lugus stopped its attack and rushed to defend the master. The sorcerer quickly returned to his floating and focused on G'raha and Lyna, who stood beside each other. "I see that you've set us for a rather warm welcome, and while I may assure you that the feeling is mutual, we have not come here to waste our time on games while there are other matters that require our attention!"
"And you want to force this discussion on me? Have I not told you that I am not helping mankind ever again?" - Beq Lugg retorted.
"Perhaps knowing that there are schemers who plan to destroy this world are still here and are actively working to bring about their goal might shift your perspective? As I've said, this is not a personal matter. It concerns every single one of us, and that's why I need you to hear me out." - G'raha stood tall and spoke with confidence, having Lyna's full support.
"Schemers? Has the world not been saved from the flood?" - Beq inquired, getting a quick response from Lyna.
"That's what I fought before seeing the most powerful sin eater above Crystarium. This battle isn't over, and we need your aid!" - She spoke from the heart. G'raha knew of her experiences too well. The Exarch could see the doubt in Beq's eyes, as the sorcerer would neither answer nor continue the battle.
Before G'raha could continue, a chilling presence encroached the room, forcing them on the brink of trembling. The darkness gathered, and the echoing voice gained power. Both G'raha and Lyna knew the cursed scent of an ascian and thus held on to their weapons in preparation.
"And here you are again, desperately clutching to the few allies you yet have." - A mocking voice spread through the room, even putting Beq Lugg on edge as they prepared to cast a spell at the first possibility. In the next instant, a familiar fiend emerged from the dark portal. G'raha could scarcely contain his disdain, an emotion he rarely experienced, but after processing his loss and being stricken by grief, it has been influencing his mind way more often. "To be honest, I can hardly tell which is more surprising; that this isolationist creature has agreed to talk to anyone besides their pet or that you have finally stopped hiding behind a little girl's back." - Emet-Selch said with arrogance, but G'raha knew better than to get agitated.
"After you eliminating all of your most powerful opponents and still managing to lose, one would think that you'd become far less receptive to surprises." - G'raha retorted and prepared to attack.
"Had the ascians been so easy to demoralize, none of us would have gotten…"
"Enough talk, bastard!" - Lyna shouted and charged toward the ascian; G'raha did not even have time to warn her against it. Emet waved his hand, creating a dark chain around the woman. With a single snap, he forced this chain to explode and throw Lyna back.
"Take my sincerest "gratitude" for reminding me that I am not dealing with civilized beings here." - The ascian sighed, catching Beq Lugg's gaze on himself.
"The Exarch is one thing, but I know nothing of you, and you're already acting like you're the host here!" - Beq said with anger and weariness.
"I am Emet-Selch of the Convocation, and I am here because your little alliance you've been trying to form warrants some…Investigation."
"See now?" - G'raha threw a glance at the nu mou. "That's who we are dealing with here."
"Hah, he's just one arrogant man, like many people of your kind. And there is only one way to deal with rude guests! Lugus, attack!"
The familiar did not hesitate to unleash the blazing inferno on Emet. This was thrice as powerful as what it used on G'raha and Lyna. The ascian was swift to create a dark aura that blocked most of the heat, absorbing what little remained. No matter how hard Lugus tried, Emet's armor was unbreakable.
"Insolent creatures." - The ascian said coldly before forcing his aura to turn the dark energy at Lugus, forcing the fiery creature to the side. The familiar protected itself and prepared for a counterattack. G'raha made sure to bless it with some of his own spells.
Lugus tried to slash Emet with a blade, but the ascian teleported away and unleashed an array of dark arrows from above, most of which managed to strike the elemental. Lugus shook as it desperately tried to hold itself from falling down on its knees. Despite the damage, the familiar stood up and continued to strike the ascian with spells out of the primal flame. Emet was prepared for this outcome, however. Before Lugus could approach him, the ascian was encroached in an onyx cloud, foreshadowing his transformation.
"Get back, everyone!" - G'raha commanded as the cold danced on his crystal skin. Emet emerged as a creature empowered by darkness, making Beq recoil with horror at what he saw. The lord of darkness, wielding the staff with magical powers of the ages past. He claimed the corrosive spell, unleashing it upon Lugus. Purple cracks emerged in the elemental's essence, causing it to crumble in an instant, leaving nothing but a pile of ash.
"How is this even possible!" - Beq exclaimed with shock as they clearly could not believe what they saw. Many underestimated the ascian threat before encountering it in person. At least now he knew the seriousness of their situation. "Who are you?"
"Now, then…" - The sorcerer of eld spoke in his distorted voice, looking at the trio before him from above. "Lest your memory fails you, G'raha Tia, there is an unfinished conversation that we had."
"And my answer remains unchanged. If that's what you aimed for, I'd urge you to reconsider your tactics." - The Exarch responded.
"Oh, we are past the point of asking." - Hades began to prepare another cast. "You will tell me of your leap, every single detail. How much pain you will have to endure in the process remains at your own agency."
"I do not expect anything new from you, and your previous attempts have not had the desired effect." - G'raha said and stepped forward. "Run." - He whispered to Lyna and Beq. "I'll follow soon."
The Exarch wanted it to look like he was going to fight Emet-Selch, even if this perception would only last a passing moment. Before the ascian attacked, G'raha used a spell of light to pierce the room and allow the trio a few seconds. Emet would most likely expect a direct attack; a flash would force him to alter his tactics, even if slightly. This was enough for Lyna and Beq to charge towards the gardens across the halls, and G'raha followed.
"How heroic of you." - The Exarch heard Emet's disappointed voice, after which the ascian rushed after them. He was empowered by aetheric magic, forcing him to fly with the speed of a hungry sin-eater. Wherever the trio stepped, Emet was behind them, getting closer with each second. There was no way they could outrun him here for long, but there was never a need.
"Your enemy is unique in his depravity!" - Beq said, looking back at the ascian. "And in strength…I can create another familiar, but that'll require time!"
"No need. We need only to leave the building; the gardens would do just fine." - G'raha responded as he focused on the path ahead of them."
"And then what?"
"Incoming!" - Lyna shouted as Emet sent another wave at them. The floor beneath G'raha was on the brink of crumbling as the tiles behind them exploded with the astral power raging from the ground. The magical guardians Beq set up would attempt to stall Hades without any success. The armor would crumble and fall into pieces before his might. Just like their owners, the weapons have been consumed by oblivion.
G'raha sensed Emet's malicious presence. He was too close, and the gates to the gardens had already been in sight…The Exarch turned around to see the ascian on their tail, already trying to grab the one close to him, Lyna. The dancer was trudging behind; she had no magical powers on her side. Unlike G'raha and Beq, her vitality has been limited.
The Exarch was about to turn and cast another spell of light, risking all of their lives. If this would not succeed in stalling Hades, they had barely any chance, but he would never abandon Lyna. However, in a miraculous fashion, Hades stopped before G'raha used any spells. The ascian seemed weakened and shook as he put one of his giant hands to his head, trying to resist the pain. The demonic onslaught that they had to endure was over, giving them a moment to run for their lives.
G'raha rushed along with Lyna as Beq awaited them near the exit. The trio found themselves amidst the gardens with the sky towering above them, just what they needed.
"That was a close one!" - Beq shouted.
"He stopped…Why?" - G'raha could not understand.
"Take us out of here; we don't have time!" - Lyna breathed heavily. She had the right of it. The Exarch unleashed a flash of light into the sky, sending ripples through the world's essence that were strong enough for Ryne to sense. While waiting, he would look at Emet-Selch, who remained in the corridor. The ascian quickly shook off the mysterious pain and flew towards his prey once again. G'raha could see the fury in his eyes, but he wasn't fated to know much more.
The portal of light opened around them, taking the trio to a safe haven.
…
That he should lose the Exarch again…
The moment Emet-Selch witnessed the portal of light close, he felt a sudden surge of anger, which he had to quickly force under control as he returned to his mortal form. It was difficult not to lose temper from time to time considering their current circumstances, but Hades knew how invaluable a clear mind and judgment are in their cause. Yet to have such a perfect opportunity presented and come so close to claiming G'raha again only to learn that he remained as adamant in his thinking, as well as seeing him bring a new ally into the fold, has been slightly disheartening. Emet knew that another opportunity would arise sooner or later, but after the process of rejoining being slowed down so much over the last months, the ascian was growing sick of his own…Imperfections.
He and Elidibus have spent this time carefully nudging the realm of Norvrandt towards annihilation, some attempts more successful than others. They have tried finding another band of heroes, utilizing the perished lightwardens, turn Eden's shield against it, but all of those plans have ended in failure. Even Elidibus, the exemplar of a man driven by duty and logic, has found himself doubting. All the while, the chaos has been emerging at the source, the towers rising up in the wake of his descendant's madness. Emet has retained confidence in Elidibus's abilities. However, it must only take a few days before this chaos would be quenched.
This was supposed to give Hades time to learn more of the tower and G'raha's nature, to acquire as much as a grain of knowledge relating to the leap in time the Exarch has made. He hasn't made any progress, still, and the doubts have still permeated him. Hades did not tell his true intentions to Elidibus. He did not lie, even gave a hint at the nature of this secret, but it hardly made it easier. For all his transformations and eroding individuality, Elidibus remained Emet's only brother in this broken world. The two of them, working against the entirety of the cosmos to save thousands that were left behind…
And this was why the disturbance in the aether Emet felt when pursuing G'raha, and his companions had shaken him so strongly. It took some time of walking around the remote palace, now left empty and untended, to fully process the feeling that pierced Hades. He felt Elidibus's energy dissipate, grow weak, and corrupted on the source. The dark stench of this power has been so strong that even Emet felt some unease, being on another shard.
But this wasn't the end of it. Before Hades could process this disturbance, Elidibus's presence was reinstated immediately. Emet-Selch was dumbfounded by how swift this change had gone, but there certainly was something going on. The new presence was…weak. It grew faint and seemed much more restricted than the soul Hades sensed before. A chained being that can no longer fight for himself, Emet struggled to even imagine what happened there. Did Elidibus find Zenos? Did he learn of the towers' nature? Where was he now? So many questions, and yet Emet was lost in his thought. The most he could discern, however, is that Elidibus's spirit has been trapped in some way. Hades could feel a similar disturbance when the white auracite was used on ascian overlords. If Lahabrea or any other ascian had been with Hades now, he would have made a statement before them on how annoyed he is by Elidibus's missteps and failures. But when there was no one to pose for, Emet felt no need to hide his fear. What happened to his last brother? Who has taken his essence?
Perhaps Elidibus would find a way out of it, or not…After wandering aimlessly around the garden, trying to achieve some semblance of serenity, Hades realized that he needed to make a choice. He could remain here and pursue his goal, or he could follow Elidibus and help him get out of the situation he found himself in. The truth was, this decision had already been made long before Hades accepted it. For all his ravenous desire to restore his world with whatever means he had as quickly as possible, Elidibus's life has no price. Since the sundering of the world, there were three that carried this burden, one of them was extinguished, and this couldn't be allowed to repeat. This world could not lose its only true hero.
Hades looked at the skyline with a smile. G'raha will be there, waiting for him to return; perhaps this moment of respite will make the Exarch think that they won and allow for the exploitation of his weaknesses. As for now…Themis's soul was trapped at the heart of Garlemald. Saving him and giving him a good scolding about his carelessness has been the utmost priority.
It was time for Emet to return to his homeland.
…
Walking beneath the scorching Thavnairian sun while clad in dragoon's armor may not have been the most pleasant of experiences, but it immediately reminded Estinien of his mission to infiltrate Garlemald. The isle has been one of Estinien's main stops as he traveled to the Imperial capital. A land with a rich history of ancient strife and conflict that was now left behind in favor of peaceful co-existence between huyr, au ra, and the Arkasodara.
Immediately after arriving at the port of Yedlihmad, the dragoon saw the dark tower on the horizon. Its crystal has burned bright, sending its ray toward the azure sky. This must have struck fear into the people's hearts, but according to the news they received, the Satrap of this state has been swift in his action and firm with his decisions. Preparations have already begun, and if he has truly found a way to avoid tempering, this will allow the Alliance soldiers to invade any tower, even the one in Garlemald. The elezen could only hope that introducing Krile to them would speed up this process.
Speaking of Krile, she was impressed upon their arrival. Estinien witnessed a spark ignite in the lalafell's eyes as she explored the beauties of Thavnair. This brought the dragoon much relief; Krile was in desperate need of something to focus on while her mind forced her back to muse on the scions and their fate. There was nothing they could do but hope for a miracle with them, but they could do a lot here. Luckily for them, this place provided much to discuss and be in awe of during their travels to the settlement of Great Work, where the alchemists had been expecting.
As their passed near the fishing village, Estinien noticed Krile's interest.
"Are those matanga?" - She wondered as she looked upon the blue-skinned creatures working around the place.
"Seems like it."
"I never got a chance to see their people, though I learned some of their history. Reading about the Gajasura tribe paints a drastically different picture than what I see here." - Krile reminisced on her older readings. "Guess I can learn a lesson of not thinking with stereotypes."
"Only if in part. As far as I remember, those are Arkasodara, their more peaceful cousins. Hence the reason they're able to live in harmony with other people here." - Estinien shared some of his knowledge while maintaining his focus on the road. It wasn't always safe.
"I'd love to visit them when this is all over…And if others return, I'm sure they would enjoy the experience too…" - She spoke with grief, once again having to spiral into thinking of their friends. "If only I could feel their aether again,…Just one of them, just a single sign that their bodies still have a connection with their souls, I'd know…" - She stopped herself and looked at Estinien apologetically. "Sorry, I'm going on a tangent yet again."
"I understand." - The dragoon replied calmly. "The thoughts will emerge at times whether you want it or not. I know it from experience…Just try to push them back and focus on the present."
"Yes, I suppose that's the best anyone of us can do…" - Krile tried to sound confident, though her gaze would evade Estinien's until she caught a tasked creature in the distance. "Is that an oliphant? Do they look different from the ones in Coerthas? I see no fur, wonder how they would have adapted…"
"Careful; those creatures are aggressive."
"Oh, I'm not going to get close, just thought about observing for a while."
They were interrupted by a powerful sound emerging to the north. This wasn't reminiscent of any animal, though the sound has been just as repetitive, almost mechanical in its nature. Estinien knew this too well.
"Glory be to Garlemald!" - The shout pierced the dragoon's ears.
"Is that what I think it is?" - Krile said with worry.
"Aye…Looks like the tempered have found their way here. Stay close." - Estinien said as the two rushed towards the sound. The thralls had to be neutralized before they would do any harm.
Estinien saw two tempered garleans surrounding a young au ra with a package in his hands, eager to get their hands on the boy. He would be quick to evade them, impressive for someone of his age, but he'd not attack due to clutching to his bad. There was something…familiar about him, though Estinien could not quite discern it. A presence of something primal, immortal, as if the magical eye was peering into the dragoon's essence as if a dragon was nearby. What was he carrying in there? Estinien decided to leave questions until later and intervened.
"Hold tight, we'll help!" - Krile shouted moments before Estinien leaped into the battle. One of the tempered has fallen momentarily as the dragoon's spear struck his heart, spilling the blood on the sand. The second soldier attempted to attack from behind, but Estinien swiftly blocked it with his spear. Krile cast a light spell that distracted the soldier by inducing an aetheric shock. This gave just enough time for Estinien to finish the fiend off.
"Seems like that's settled." - The dragoon commented and stared at the boy, still curious about what caused him to feel a draconic presence.
"Pray accept my gratitude; the recent raids have been a rather swift and unfortunate occurrence." - He said with a smile.
"And it's just as surprising for us." - Krile spoke when she approached them. "I assume they have come from the tower?" - She asked, seeing the boy nod.
"Indeed. It seems that they have arrived at the spot to guard the newly-emerged structure, and now they remind us of their influence.
"Who are you?" - Estinien interjected, still doubtful about the boy's nature.
"I am Varshahn, and I've been amidst a delivery to the Great Work."
"That's exactly where we are going." - Krile said. "Something for the alchemists?"
"Indeed, though I have to question how…Ah, I see." - Varshahn smiled. "Mistress Krile Baldesion, I assume?"
"You know of me?"
"Of course, you are the one Nidhana contacted on our urgent matter. The Satrap ordered me to deliver certain ingredient to her. May I suggest that we make our way together?" - The boy suggested, and Estinien noticed Krile's attention.
"I see no reason not to." - She said, prompting Estinien to give his own opinion.
"Yes, of course, let us be on our way." - The dragoon nodded in agreement as he realized that he still hadn't introduced himself. "Estinien Varlineau, the former knight dragoon of Ishgard."
"Estinien…" - Varshahn spoke quietly. "I believe we've heard of you and your deeds; it would be an honor to have such an esteemed guest with us."
"Not quite esteemed…"
Krile and Estinien followed Varshahn on the road to the north. The dragoon tried to discern what was in the bag while the lalafell and au ra found much to discuss.
"From what I understand, your alchemists have made a breakthrough." - Krile said with praise.
"Quite right, though we still have a few steps left ahead of us. To this end, expertise and study of the one shielded by the blessing of light would be of utmost use." - Varshahn responded.
"I am happy to aid in any way I can. Our organization is low on numbers, and I'm afraid I can't promise much aid in battle. There's only that much we can ask of Estinien alone. Still, in any other way, we're here."
"I am sure our team will appreciate it."
"And what is your delivery, exactly?" - Estinien asked, seeing Varshahn smiling faintly before looking at him.
"An element most vital to our research." - He opened the bag, showing an entire array of dragonscales. This must be the reason Estinien felt unease, though he wasn't sure whether the scales alone could evoke such a feeling.
"And how did you acquire such supply?"
"Curious that it would concern you so." - The boy nodded. "A lawful pact has been made with a dragon."
"I see…" - So, there were dragons in the area. Estinien wondered what their opinions on mankind were, considering the incidents in Ishgard and Meracydia. Perhaps they will encounter each other on the way; there was little that could surprise Estinien after all he went through.
Eventually, the trio found themselves in the footsteps of a settlement they set out for. The unusually quiet atmosphere immediately stood up to Estinien as he examined the town amidst the sandy hills. Yet, for all its quiet, the settlement was not without people. They were lying all around the area, showing no signs of vitality. There were no scars or stains of blood either.
"What happened here?" - The dragoon asked suspiciously.
"Have no fear. It is my duty to awake those hard-working men and women." - Varshahn responded and stood amidst the alchemists. "I have brought a new delivery of dragonscales for your experiments!"
"Scales? More scales?" - The lying matanga suddenly opened her eyes. She quickly got up and looked at the company she was getting. "We've got a new delivery, everyone!"
The others followed; alchemists rose one after another and watched with excitement.
"Finally! This might be the end to our toil!"
"Praise be to Cinduruva!"
They were swift to get to their work as soon as their materials were delivered.
"Eager, aren't they?" - Krile smiled. "I see why they were the first to find a way to bypass the tempering."
"Indeed, and the Satrap shares your pride." - Varshahn nodded before looking at the matanga who approached them, looking at her guests with interest.
"You brought guests, I see! I would love to make their acquaintance."
"Of course." - The boy turned to his companions. "This is Nidhana, one of the alchemists who oversees the Great Work at Satrap's bidding. And these are Mistress Krile Baldesion and Master Estinien Varlineau; they have come here from Eorzea to see our progress and provide aid."
"Nidhana, then?" - Krile looked at the alchemist. "You reached out to me, and I couldn't turn down such a request."
"We are all very grateful for a quick response. We know of the news and what has transpired in Eorzea…Please accept my condolences about the destruction that ensued in Ala Mhigo…And what happened to the scions…" - Nidhana spoke with empathy and care.
"Thank you…Those haven't been fortunate days. I have to say that the news of your work might have been one of the only respites we've got from the constant array of misfortunes." - Krile admitted.
"Then I promise we will do all in our power to make those efforts worth it, not for your sake and ours." - Nidhana encouraged Krile.
"Let's focus on the matter at hand." - Estinien interjected. "If you need any physical assistance, be it for safeguarding the alchemists or gathering ingredients, I am more than happy to provide. Otherwise, let us discuss the process."
"Ah, of course, pardon my lack of focus." - Nidhana said as she pointed to the town itself. "Let's go; I'll gladly show you our work."
The alchemists showed much promise. Estinien could only hope that this was the boon the Alliance needed to strike at the heart of the fallen Empire.