Arc 4-The Voyage
Zodiark's seal was broken, and the Final Days are unleashed upon the star. Amidst this chaos, nations prepare for the coming onlaught while mourning the tragedy that unraveled in Ul'Dah. The chaos is bound to spread across all parts of the realm and its guardians still do not know what it is that causes the calamity to unfold. Amidst this darkening world, the Crystal Exarch plans a journey to Sharlayan. His fragile hope hinges on communicating with the Forum and garnering their knowledge, yet with each day it wanes. He would not embark on it without his shadowy companion that keeps many secrets of his own, the secrets that can save the star...Or doom it forever.
...
Appreciating natural beauty has never been easy for everyone. Some could spend hours gazing upon the landscape, seeing the water flow and animals run free among the bushes and trees. They took pleasure in seeing the green palette around them, relaxing beneath the sky of pure azure as the sun oversaw the beautiful, majestic world. For others, such pleasures have been a waste of time and would only serve to take one's mind away from more pressing matters.
Hades was of the second category. A man too often bound by his duty and work in the capital of Amaurot, he would rarely go beyond its walls to enjoy what the less occupied parts of their star had to offer. Were it not for his two friends, perhaps he would never do that at all, but they had a talent for getting him into the wildest and most unimaginable scenarios. Truly preposterous. Yet even more preposterous than this was their talent to make Emet-Selch enjoy these moments, even if he did not always admit to it.
Today was one of those days. After the Convocation of Fourteen held a discussion on the matters of one of the isles away from the capital, they decided to abandon it to its own devices. It was about to be consumed by an erupting volcano, and both its inhabitants and the Convocation were ready to allow nature to run its course and evacuate when necessary.
All but Emet's dearest friend, Azem. At first sight, a complete opposite of Emet-Selch, a traveler and an adventurer who would never be content with "boring" city life. He would not accept inaction and would prefer to charge headstrong into a volcano to save the isle, be it for the people or for the delicious grapes that grew there. At Convocation meetings, Emet always found Azem's antics annoying, but behind the scenes, he could not help but smile at realizing how inspiring Azem's resolve was. The tale of their friendship was a testament that opposites can indeed attract.
And so, by Azem's grace, the isle was saved, and Emet decided to venture there to see how his friend was doing. There was no doubt that Azem would stay there for longer than just to save the place, for it was the thrill of exploration and discovery that always drove him.
This plan was dangerous enough, not to mention the involvement of Ifrita, which Azem would have to fight was he to extinguish the flames. Emet-Selch lectured his friend many times about avoiding such situations and taking better care of his own safety, but he would never listen. Not to mention their common friend that would be all too happy to enable such behavior. As Hades walked into the settlement of Kritos that was founded on the isle, he was fuming and ready to give his friend another scolding, but the moment he saw Azem, his rage was quick to faint. A man in black mask and robes of the Convocation was amidst an eager discussion with people of Kritos, though he was quick to welcome his friend the moment he arrived.
It was just him, just Apollo. His headstrong, reckless, and idealistic friend…Best friend, the one Hades would not change for anyone or anything. They talked and talked; Apollo got him introduced to the islanders and told him of their way of life. Hades heeded. He found much of it intriguing, even if he wouldn't always want to admit it. The islanders themselves were thrilled to receive not one but two members of the Convocation in their abode.
However, Emet found large social gatherings devoid of people he knew well to be rather draining. After getting a clear enough picture, he ventured to the valley above the village, much closer to the volcano itself. That was where Azem headed a short while ago, and a reclusive serene place that was exactly what Hades needed. He found Apollo near a pacified volcano and the lush vale, which forced even someone like Emet to smile due to its beauty. Azem, meanwhile, was busy engaging with his creation magics for purposes Hades did not know.
"Done already?" - Apollo wondered as he turned towards his friends. It was a rhetorical question for both of them; Apollo knew Hades too well to not know where he would end up. "How did you find the islanders? I am fond of their creativity and innovative approach, not to mention the scenery."
"They are a welcoming bunch, that is for certain." - Emet responded, thinking of the highlights from his talks with the people of Kritos. "Though the fact that they employ concepts of their own without the advice and peer review from those in the Bureau of Architects or Akademia is a little worrying. Such carelessness and confidence are exactly what leads to situations like the one with the volcano…But that's a discussion better suited for our next council." - If there was ever a time to put his duty aside, this was it. Emet sat on the grass, breathing relievedly. "And what you doing now, exactly?"
"Oh, nothing in particular…Took one of their concepts and now trying to create a working creature from it." - Apollo said playfully, causing Emet to sigh. Of course, that's what he would do; their approaches have always opposed each other.
"Why am I not surprised…I assume there is no point in trying to stop you, is there? At least tell me what the concept is."
"Gladly. It's a flying reptile."
"And that's it?" - Emet raised his brow.
"A one imbued with the element of water, mind you. They conceptualized those animals as those they can use to balance out the volcano's occasionally raging flames, but never could quite put it to work."
"Then what makes you think that you are so special that you would be able to create a working version?"
"Nothing, really. It wouldn't hurt to try, however, don't you think?" - Apollo smiled, looking at his friend. "Besides, I have been learning from the best." - He spoke with admiration for both Hades and Hythlodaeus. While Apollo might not have been the one to ever shy away from risk, he listened to Hades's advice on precautions that helped him stay safe.
"If only you listened to our advice on staying away as well…" - Hades said, causing both men to chuckle.
"You know that was never an option."
"How was it? The battle with Ifrita?"
"Better than I would've expected, honestly…" - Azem said, thinking back to that eventful day. "I carried it away from the volcano towards the shore and destroyed it by applying as much water magic as possible. This wasn't exactly easy, I got my robes burned once or twice, and there would be a few scars left, but other than that, it was a perfectly executed battle!"
He spoke with pride and excitement, yet Hades was not so enthusiastic. The flames of Ifrita were deadly if one was not careful, and he knew full well that Azem had a tendency to minimize the pain he had to go through, focusing on the positives.
"Are you seriously happy that you were on the brink of death to do something no one else deemed necessary? You know the Convocation's mind on the matter, and the islanders told me that they were ready to evacuate if such was the decree. No one cared for it but you, and yet you still decided to risk your life over this isle instead of letting nature run its course." - Hades spoke with annoyance, finally able to bring himself to lecture his friend on priorities. "You could have died there, do you understand!?"
"But I didn't."
"Oh, for the love of…" - Emet was exhausted; there was truly no arguing with Apollo's adventurous spirit that would trample all logic.
Before they could continue their arguing, however, Emet felt the presence of another soul and a familiar one at that. Someone has been coming up to them. In a few moments, Apollo and Hades saw a third figure, a young man short in height yet wearing white robes, an extremely rare sight among the people of Amaurot. This was Elidibus, the mediator and Emissary of their Convocation, their youngest member yet one wise beyond his years. He was loyal to all other members and adored them as a family, while they would always respond in kind.
"Oh, here you are!" - He said with a smile and sped up his steps, smiling at the sight of his colleagues. Apollo was the first to react, waving towards Themis.
"What a welcome surprise!" - Azem exclaimed with excitement. Emet was a little more reserved, Elidibus always knew how to lighten up the atmosphere in many situations, but the fact that he would abandon his duty for the sake of this visit seemed rather uncharacteristic. "I wasn't notified about your coming, but that makes it all the better!"
"I did not notify anyone else." - Themis smiled. "But I could not help but want to see this isle for myself after all the stories in the last meeting. You made it sound like a beautiful place, and I see that your description was not exaggerated at all!" - He was excited to learn of this new place; his role was one of the most important ones, and moments of respite like these must have been a rarity. "A pleasure to see you here as well, Emet-Selch."
"Likewise." - The man responded calmly, welcoming Elidibus into the fold. At times, he envied the Emissary and his ability to look at the world with his wide, hopeful eyes, enjoying the little things it brought each new day. His was the decision that had a lot of weight in the Convocation, but sometimes Themis could just go along with the flow. "Is there any news from the Convocation? Any opinions on the…The recent turn of events?"
"Must you always go for the most boring of topics?" - Apollo sighed. "Surely we can discuss that in Amaurot."
"It's fine; I will speak of them." - Themis reassured. "There isn't much consensus, alas. Loghrif and Mitron expressed their admiration for your passion, while Halmarut and Igeyorhm chose to disavow the act as something reckless and far too bold. That's all the opinions I could gather for now." - Themis said.
"And what do you think? "- Apollo smiled.
"Pardon?"
"What's your opinion?"
Elidibus's role was mainly to evaluate the opinions of others, only rarely to give his own. Yet Apollo was never the one to care for the titles. He looked to the people they were behind their masks, an approach that was intriguing for many around him, including Emet. This must have been one of the reasons Apollo and Themis bonded so well over their shared time in the Convocation; his stories were always a source of inspiration for their mediator, as well as a refreshing perspective.
"Oh, I see." - Themis looked up, giving Apollo a warm smile. "I think that you did what your heart told you was right, and you were proven correct in the end…The isle is saved, and its people can rejoice, all thanks to you. Had I your seat, I might have done the same thing."
"These undertakings are rarely easy, but someone has to do them, don't they?" - Azem responded. "And truth be told, I am more than happy to protect those in need whenever they need."
This was the encapsulation of Azem; behind his antics and recklessness, there was a hero who inspired all of them. That was the reason he got his seat of the Traveller.
"You've come here at a perfect time!" - Apollo sounded upbeat. "I was just about to manifest the water creature I've told Hades about. I was wondering if you would want to see it."
"Of course! Bring it on!" - Elidibus responded eagerly. Emet sighed; it wasn't easy to be surrounded by such "tricksters," but if there wasn't a charm to it, he would never have been here. Elidibus sat beside Emet-Selch, ready to observe the wonder.
Azem stood in the center of the vale, closing his eyes and focusing his innermost energies of creation to give his concept a form.
"Here it is; I think I got it!" - Azem exclaimed before unleashing the potential that rested in his head.
"Here it is!" - Themis pointed at the creature that emerged between them. It was reminiscent of a lizard with insect wings, not the most pleasant sight, but apparently, islanders considered it fit to utilize. Emet sensed the energy of water coming from it, a myriad of those could indeed be a good source of protection.
"Now, let's see how obedient it is…" - Azem raised his hand, but the reaction was unexpected. The creature roared and unleashed a small wave of water upon Apollo, forcing the man to the ground and soaking his black robes. "Hey, how the…I must have made it too independent." - Azem giggled, not sensing any shame or disappointment in what others might have considered a concept failure. "But I'm sure I can…"
The creature would not submit. It roared and flew deeper into the vale, leaving Azem behind.
"No, not now, wait!" - Apollo exclaimed before jumping up and throwing a glance at his companions. Elidibus seemed slightly worried, while Emet couldn't help but sigh at another display of his friend's antics.
"Fine, fine…" - Emet shook his head and stood up moments before Apollo rushed after the creature. "I am going to help that fool…Again. You can join in if you wish." - He looked at Elidibus.
"With utmost pleasure…" - Emet was about to run off, but Themis's voice stopped him once again. "Emet-Selch…Hades. There was a question on my mind for a while now. Can I ask you?"
"Yes, but be quick; I don't trust Apollo to not make this even more of a mess alone."
"I won't take your time." - Themis smiled and closed his eyes, though this time his expression changed. Emet wants to be sure if he imagined things, but remorse and sorrow are clearly on the young man's face. "I tried to understand for a while now, but I still don't; I hope you enlighten me…" - He took a deep breath. "Why did you let me die?"
After those words, Emet immediately froze. His hands and legs were paralyzed as a blade of darkness went through the ascian's heart. Themis opened his eyes; they were completely empty, turned into a black void as his face lost all emotion.
"I…" - Emet stepped back as Elidibus peered into his soul and a dark aura swirled around him. The sky above them was devoid of light, engulfing their world in a black gulf. Hades wanted to look behind to see Azem, but he could not force himself to look away from Themis.
"I trusted you. I thought you were on my side…That we both were on the side of our people. I see why you never told me…" - His voice became distorted, and his skin grew pale. In a few moments, Themis's hair began to fall, and his body lost its form, slowly melting from the abounding darkness around them. "But instead of fulfilling your duty, you chose to run. You are a traitor to your people, just like Venat!"
The demon finally shed his skin, trapping Emet in his chains of despair. It was not Themis anymore but a vague, formless creature slowly approaching the trapped ascian, who had all of his resolve stripped from him in a single instant. He felt agony, both physical and emotional, as he was in control of this creature. A small yet powerful being, its voice switching from masculine to feminine and a number of blue feathers appearing on its shell, something familiar yet so achingly distant from Emet, buried in his subconscious.
"Now you get what you deserve!"
The creature's mind forced something else to emerge out of the sky, a blade of light incarnate. Emet felt the most primal fear as he thought of what happened on that day, the day he should not have yet known nor remembered, but the image was clear in his mind. It was a weapon to sunder one's body and soul. Emet wanted to scream, but once again, he could not go against the flow of this nightmare. He had to watch this blade emerge and draw its power from the creature and the world around before falling upon him like a meteor.
Only then could he scream.
…
Hades woke up in cold sweat, barely able to hold himself from screaming. The darkness and solitude of a remote room near the solar of the Rising Stones only served to add to the feeling of dread. The ascian's body shook as the horrifying image of that creature still shimmered before his eyes. Themis's voice still echoed in his head, still brimmed with spite over his concealment and inaction in a moment where it was crucial. His echo was there, forcing Hades's shame to burst out.
"F…" - He stuttered as a few tears fell from his eyes. "Forgive…Forgive me…Forgive me…"
He was repeating those words frantically for some time until Hades finally awoke in full, able to shake away the feeling of an impending nightmare. Finally, he could realize that this was but a dream, and he was now back in this world of the present. This bleak, hopeless world where there was no one left of his kind but him and the one that doomed them to their broken existence. The one where there was no god to bring his people's souls back, no more rejoinings, nothing to save this sorry place from Final Days. Truly a doomed world, the one that held Emet in it like a prisoner despite his desire to leave it once and for all.
Soon, the door to the room opened, and Emet saw a familiar man with a staff and crystallized hand, much to the ascian's annoyance, who visibly scoffed at his approach.
"Good morning." - The man said coldly.
"If there was anything "good" about this morning, seeing your face undid it all in an instant." - Emet didn't even want to look at G'raha.
"Do you not realize that such spiteful barks are really below you?" - The Exarch sighed. "I was led to believe that you consider yourself a higher being, above the pettiness and shortsightedness of mortals, but in doing so, you on prove yourself similar to our kind."
"Of course, you blame me for "shortsightedness" after literally binding me to that pole of yours…Do you feel like a savior? Did Krile tell you how much of a hero you are? You must want this, deep inside…"
"Still, you fail to understand me; how unsurprising."
"Whatever…Why are you even here? Come to taunt me once again? You should have done this three weeks ago when I was not yet used to the cage of yours." - Emet spoke spitefully.
"There is something important to discuss."
"With me?"
"Partially." - G'raha clearly had no pleasure in having to talk to Emet, but he had to force himself. "Ever since the burial, I've been trying to find a way to learn the root cause of the Final Days and how to stop the cataclysm…"
"You mean fixing your own mess? Yes, sounds like a fine pursuit."
"That's…Beyond the point." - G'raha shook his head. "Krile has negotiated with her friends in Sharlayan who would be willing to welcome and extend an invitation. We believe that if anything is to be found in the world as it is, it is the libraries of the Old Sharlayan."
"Huh…" - Emet chuckled. G'raha was not wrong with his perception, as Emet now knew, but over the weeks of his imprisonment, he still could conceal all the relevant information, much to the Exarch's annoyance.
"You know of it?"
"Perhaps I do, perhaps I do not."
"The offer still stands. You want to be free, don't you? Not to mention that stopping the Final Days is in your interest as much as it is in mine." - G'raha tried to appeal and convince him, but Hades would not fall for those primitive manipulations. "You could tell me the truth, and then it will be much easier for both of us."
"No, you're wrong on this." - Emet responded sharply, knowing that this would grind G'raha's gears and enjoy every second of it. "I am not going to give out the last bit of leverage I have over you, and you would have to deal with it, whether you like it or not."
"I would have no need for you after that, probably. You might as well go free."
"And lose my main source of entertainment? No, never, there is little point in that. Not to mention that my powers are still restored, even if you slowed the process down. The only reason I am bound to your chains is that I haven't restored enough. Perhaps it will take a few more weeks, but I will be free by then, and you will be at my mercy, G'raha Tia."
"Even if I would promise you freedom right now?"
"What would make me think you wouldn't lie to me? You lied to your hero after all." -
Emet saw G'raha's fist clench after those words, yet the Exarch knew how to remain calm and collected even in situations such as this.
"If such is your response, then I have no choice but to continue. Tomorrow Krile and I are setting out from Vesper Bay with a crew that will take us to Limsa Lominsa. We would be able to get a ship to sail to Old Sharlayan from there." - Emet understood what this meant, even if he was still surprised that G'raha would decide to give this a shot. "You are still strong, and considering many of our allies are busy in other places…"
"Just say it. I know that I can't go too far from your staff, and you need to keep me in check somehow."
"No doubt about it, but if you thought that I would not pressure you for aid or knowledge, then you would be very wrong. Just in case you needed a reminder." - He spoke with confidence, as risky as this plan was. Emet could only imagine being brought to Sharlayan after his last visit. The Forum must be furious with him and would seek revenge, no doubt. Once again, G'raha was about to make their world an even bigger mess than it was, and Emet wasn't eager to stand in his way.
"So, I need to prepare for a traditional journey? Must be an experience; it's been a while since the times I did not rely on teleportation to traverse the land." - Emet sounded intrigued. He wondered if G'raha hoped this would convince him to give away the information, but if anything, this only served to ignite his vigor.
"Are you sure?" - The Exarch asked.
"I am. There is nothing for me to lose in this world, and if it is fated to burn, then I will gladly perish in its flames and drag you along." - The ascian smiled maliciously, hoping to rub this point as deeply as possible for the Exarch.
"I see…Then you'd better get ready."
There were no further words to be shared, only the spite that Emet felt seeing G'raha disappear and leaving him in solitude. He will get his way yet…He will.
…
Preparations for their journey have gone smoother than G'raha could hope; Krile was able to find a group of sailors from Thanalaan who were now beginning to travel by their old sea routes to La Noscea. During the mourning period for the Admiral, the new leader of Limsa Lominsa did not welcome any guests, hence the temporary pause in their schedule. Now the Exarch had the pleasure to look at an eager crew of men who felt excited to go out on the open seas again. Watching them prepare the ship was bliss for G'raha as it reminded him of the sense of normalcy he yearned for. Looking at them, one might think that this is about to be a marvelous adventure and heartlifting journey. One might forget the aura of despair that encircled their world.
The last few weeks have been uneventful compared to the turmoil G'raha went through before them, and the Final Days have not yet echoed again. Of course, there were reports of monsters, the ones Alliance leaders designated "blasphemies," appearing in the wilderness and near small towns, but they were weak and quickly fell to the state protectors. Nothing quite as monstrous as what they saw in Ul'Dah, but G'raha knew that the storm was far from over. During his time in Revenant's Toll, he saw people who tried to move on and live with the knowledge that every hour might become their last. G'raha told people to be there for each other in those times, and he heeded this advice as well. The Exarch spoke to the people who feared, doubted, and saw little point in continuing to live with the knowledge of Final Days. They shivered, they wept, and G'raha wished he could do more than just reassure them. He could speak of his experiences and the pain he went through, tell them about how inspirational Edwin was to him, and how much he taught him. But at the end of the day, even Edwin has not encountered such corroding horror, and G'raha had to work very hard not to make his shame obvious. How could he look those people in the eyes when if only he stopped and thought, there wouldn't be a catastrophe at all?
Now he could finally avoid these thoughts by focusing on rooting out the problem. Their only hope was to find out the truth, except for the reclusive ascian he chained was Old Sharlayan, the keepers of this world's history. Perhaps they could help G'raha to contact Hydaelyn herself and learn all she knows.
This also meant an opportunity to look at people in other states. Thanalaan has been most affected by the tragedy that occurred in Ul'Dah, and thus the Vesper bay lost all of its colors and vibrance as people hid in their homes, praying that this day would not be their last. From what G'raha knew, Raubahn left the city to Lolorito eventually, and the ambitious lord assumed control. From what G'raha knew of him, the lord was a cunning and ruthless leader, but his political skills would hardly avail anything against blasphemies. People needed a leader who could calm down and inspire hope in one's souls. He worried for those people, but there was no time to spare in helping them out now.
Sharlayan awaited.
After some time of standing near the pier and watching their crew gather, G'raha was approached by his friend, who was just as concerned about their future journey. Krile had to make many arrangements for this journey to be possible, and G'raha was grateful. This also tired her out greatly, and Krile needed a respite more than anyone.
"We're almost ready, so if you've gathered everything…" - The lalafell beckoned for G'raha to go.
"Just say the word; I'm ready at any time."
"Oh, no need to rush. There are still some final preparations to make. Just making sure you know." - Krile reassured him.
"Did you get to meet any of our crew? "
"Yes, they are wonderful lads, and they've been very welcoming so far. I wouldn't be able to remain so upbeat knowing that the Final Days are about to scorch our world…" - She would get no arguments from G'raha here.
"I'll try to get to know them while aboard, but I am already impressed, especially by the fact that they agreed to transport our…Guest."
"They were almost too eager for my liking, though I imagine they don't quite understand the scope of dangers he could bring."
"He won't." - G'raha stated with less confidence than he wished to have. "He is under my control."
"I hope so." - Krile sighed, looking at the skyline, feeling the calm winds of the bay on her skin. "I wish others were here too…" - She spoke of Estinien and Lyse. They stayed for a few days after the burial but eventually had to leave to protect their own homelands, something G'raha could understand.
"Ishgard and Ala Mhigo are better off when they are protecting it, so let's put our trust where it is deserved." - G'raha smiled and reassured Krile. If the situation calls for it, their friends would no doubt respond to their call and join them in this mission. "I know very little of Limsa Lominsa, but I hope they have such heroes on their side as well…But I suppose we'll get to know it rather soon."
"From what I've heard, the grand admiral's death has hit its people…Hard." - Krile spoke.
"Were there any blasphemies?"
"I don't know, and this worries me…They closed themselves off during the time of processions entirely, barely communicating with other Alliance leaders at all. They are a strong and proud nation, and begging for help is the last thing they'll do, so I wonder if something went horribly wrong there." - Krile theorized, and her musings had a reason, as much as G'raha hated to admit it. Merlwyb has been a leader of this nation for a long time, and now that she is gone so quickly and unexpectedly, they might struggle with finding a new way.
"Perhaps isolationism is something imposed by their new admiral?" - G'raha suggested. "Rhotsatz Mistweaver…My knowledge of recent Eorzean politics is rather poor, as you might imagine. Have you heard of this man?"
"No, I haven't." - Krile shook her head. "It is an unexpected development, whoever he is. I expected Merlwyb's right-hand man, Eynzahr Slafyrsyn, to take over her, but he hasn't been heard from in a while now, just like the other Limsan leaders."
"Well, I'm eager to meet him in person…" - G'raha noted. He could either be a beginning of another proud chapter in Limsa's tale or the first step in its decline, depending on what kind of leader he was. This journey got riskier and more daring with every new piece of information G'raha received.
As he gazed at the ship, the Exarch saw two sailors guiding chained Emet-Selch to the deck. They held their sables and muskets out in case the ascian tried something, but Emet did not try to resist. He followed their orders but did so while holding his chin high and smiling to himself. No matter what it looked like, for as long as Emet concealed the truth from G'raha, the ascian was the one holding the upper hand. He had nothing to lose while G'raha stood to lose everything. All because of the Exarch's own mistake.
"I'm sorry…" - G'raha whispered inadvertently while thinking about this, but Krile heard it.
"For what?" - Her words forced G'raha to snap back to reality.
"I wish I could make some progress in those days, have him tell us something, at least…But he refused every single time. Took great pride in it, as well."
"Maybe you could find something that will make him inclined to give in? You said that he wasn't that different from us when it came to it, just as driven by his emotions and sentiments…That means that there is something that will make him listen."
"There is only one thing, but that is far too dangerous…" - G'raha sighed. He could see returning to this matter in the case of having no other options, but they have not reached that point yet. "I'll keep it in mind, but it's better if we speak to those in the Forum first."
"If you say so…" - Krile looked at G'raha with a warm smile. "It's alright. I know you are ashamed because of what you did on the moon, but we all make mistakes."
"Mistakes that bring about the end of the entire world?"
"It doesn't matter…I forgive you anyway, just wanted you to know that." - Krile spoke warmly and sincerely; G'raha closed his eyes to hide his shame. He did not deserve such kindness. He did not deserve forgiveness, not until he ended it all. Thankfully, this discussion was not fated to go on.
"All aboard! We're settin' out for La Noscea!"
It was time for another journey.
…
The journey to La Noscea proved uneventful and smooth, yet throughout those few days, G'raha was plagued by doubt. Perhaps anyone would be, knowing that they are leading an expedition into the unknown with but a slim hope of finding out the truth. There were only a few allies they had in Sharlayan, and if the Forum refused to cooperate, they might find themselves at odds with each other. Sharlayan has been an isolationist for a long time now, and G'raha could only hope that they make the right choice.
Emet-Selch hardly made things easier. He was kept in a secluded place with G'raha's restraint, and the ascian remained silent. He was surprisingly content with this journey; judging by the few times G'raha visited him, he was curious to see it unfold, even if it would mean prolonging the "game" of theirs. It was all so tiring, an unending spiral of trials and losses without an end in sight; with each step, they were taken back by three.
And now the sun has risen, and their ship has arrived.
"Get up, everybody; Limsa's waiting!" - A sailor's gruff voice called the crew to the upper deck when G'raha pondered on the situation in his cabin, and Krile was already upstairs.
The Exarch heard many tales of the city of those proud sailors, yet he never got a chance to visit it himself before. According to stories he heard, this was where Edwin was set on his path as an adventurer and the Warrior of Light, a place for free spirits and opportunistic heroes. G'raha wondered how the recent crisis hit them and if people were coping well with the loss of their Admiral, but soon he would see it for himself.
As G'raha ascended to the upper deck, he was amazed by the sights. A great city of stone rising above the rocky mountains of La Noscea, the testament to Lominsans and their will to survive and adapt, as well as the darker moments from their past. There were many ships docked in the harbor, and the Mizzenmast towered above them all. He wished he could come here under brighter circumstances, but he was but a slave to his own mistakes.
Alas, there was something that did not add up. G'raha knew the red flag picturing a pirate ship and the blood of their lost crewmates. It was a symbol of Limsa's history, past, and future. All of those flags, however, were entirely absent. Instead, there was another yet similar design. It was a black flag with some faint white colors in its middle, with a vessel emerging from them like out of the mist.
A flag none have ever seen before.