Disclaimer: I don't own FFXII
"Is Rabanastre to your liking, My Lord?"
It was immediately after the ceremony for the new Consul of Rabanastre. The man of the hour - Vayne - had just stepped down from the podium. "It is magnificent. Take this cathedral, for instance. Elegant, yet whimsical in it's execution. A stunning example of Galtean architecture. I hope Lord Grammis may one day look upon it himself."
An Imperial introduced the first Dalmascan to speak to Vayne. "The patron of this evening's banquet, should it please Your Excellency."
The owner of Migelo's Sundries bowed to the man. "I am Migelo, Your Highness. It is truly a profound honour to make the acquaintance of our future Emperor, Highness. The people of Rabanastre join me in welcoming you-" Migelo's carefully rehearsed speech was interrupted.
"That's enough of Highness. Though indeed I am our Emperor's son, I am no Prince. Archadia's Emperor is freely chosen by her people. I am but an elected official and nothing more."
Migelo's carefully rehearsed speech had not planned on a rebuke. The bangaa faltered for a moment. "I... I meant no disrespect." He bowed.
The dark haired Archadian disregarded the apology. "Now that I think on it, I would not have you address me as Lord Consul, for that matter."
Poor Migelo had no idea what to say to this man, who's social standing was so far above his own. "Oh?"
"Henceforth I am a citizen of Rabanastre. Why don't you call me Vayne?"
Migelo seemed flustered. "Eh, I could not, that would not be right."
"You are overly fond of formalities. I've just the remedy for that." Vayne knelt to the old bangaa's level and laid a hand on his shoulder. "Tonight you will join me, and we shall drink until you call me by name." The Lord Consul walked away.
Migelo looked anxious as he got up from his bow.
Vaan and Penelo had been sitting on the steps of a nearby building, watching the encounter.
Needless to say, Vaan was disgusted. "How can he stand to bow to him like that?"
Penelo turned her head to look at her friend. "Vaan you just do not get it do you? He's not doing it 'cause he wants to. You know what would happen if he didn't."
Vaan sighed. "I know, it's just-"
"So what would you do different?"
Vaan sighed. "I don't know." He sighed again as he got to his feet. "Well, I'd do something."
"Vaan? Vaan! You haven't heard a single word I've said, have you?"
No, he really hadn't. Sorry Penelo but that lecture about Imperials never changed and it lasted an eternity. Better to let his thoughts drift and save his sanity.
When he started listening to her again, they were in the Shopping District. The roads were filled with people shopping as well as Imperials. "This place has changed so much. It's like it's not even Rabanastre anymore. Like the Empire is swallowing it whole."
Vaan knew exactly what she was talking about. Just two years ago Rabanastre was a different place. The city was looking forward to the marriage of Princess Ashelia of Dalmasca and Prince Rasler of Nabudis. The Empire was another country, a peace treaty was being negotiated. Imperials had never set foot beyond Rabanastre's walls. Life was easier then. Better.
"Hey, Penelo. That fete tonight. You think they'll let us in?"
"Are you crazy? It's in the palace, and we don't have an invitation, if you hadn't noticed."
"So... How are we getting in?"
"As if I'd know. Why not ask Migelo to get you in? Or go see Old Dalan in Lowtown. Why the sudden interest, Vaan?" She sounded suspicious.
"I told you! I'm going to take back what's ours! Give back to Dalmasca!" So it would be like it was back then. Before the King was killed. Before the war. Before they lost. Before the Empire. "C'mon, what do you think? If I find something, and it fetches a good price, how 'bout I, uh... I buy you all dinner!"
Penelo leaned toward him to get her point across. Her tone was heavy with disbelief. "Oh please! You know as well as I do the first thing you'd buy is an airship!" Penelo clapped her hands, Vaan crossed his arms. "All hail Vaan, sky pirate of Dalmasca! It's got a nice ring to it!" She turned around and ran to wherever she was going. She called behind to Vaan, "Stay outta trouble!"
Vaan watched her go. "Hmm. An airship." Would he buy an airship with any money he got? "I dunno. Maybe." Either way, he'd have to get into the Palace first. "But not through Migelo." The old bangaa would have him doing chores until he died as payment. He'd just have to sneak in. It would take some work and it was a little reckless, but then, it was only dangerous if he was caught. Now he just needed to find a way in. He knew just the guy. "Time to pay Old Dalan a visit."
"Ah, if it isn't Vaan Ratsbane. Come for a tip how to skewer something bigger and in armour? By the East Gate?" The old man's grey eyes were alight with mischief. He sat in front of an assortment of rich, exotic rugs.
"What, you already heard about that?"
"Wise I may not be, but well-informed I am."
Ah, Kytes, of course. Didn't everyone tell the kid that he talks to much? That mouth would get him into trouble someday. Not that Vaan could say too much on the subject. "They'll get what's coming to them someday, believe me." He sighed wistfully. "But that's not why I'm here."
Old Dalan looked up at him, interested now. Vaan visiting for something other than ways to irritate Imperials was highly unusual. "Do tell!"
"They've got to have some great stuff in there!" He was obviously speaking about the Palace, particularly the treasury. "Thought I'd partake."
Dalan openly laughed at the straight-forward thief. "Not one to mince words are you, boy." He explained to Vaan what this venture into the Palace would mean. "The Empire protects what's hers. That means the Palace and all the treasures inside."
"That's why I'm gonna do it! To take back what's ours!" He hoped he looked as determined as he sounded.
Dalan looked at him for a moment. "So our champion of the sewers aspires to noble action. Admirable. Perhaps I can help you."
He knew Dalan would know something to help him. The man knew something about everything. But the catch was that he would only help people who would go through with what they proposed. If it was for the right reasons. If he liked them. If he felt like it.
... Vaan was actually really grateful that Dalan was even considering giving him some information. It was an incredibly rare occurrence.
"Ah, now that I think on it, there was a rumour, yes. A secret passageway into the palace vaults, a door and a magiced stone to open the way."
Bingo! "That's it! This is exactly why I came to talk to you first, Dalan. So... where's this, uh, magicked stone?"
Dalan blinked as if he were confused. Vaan had known Dalan long enough to recognize when he was putting on a show. "Eh? The Crescent Stone? Oh, I've had it for years. If I can remember where I've tucked it away..." His eyes were pointedly fixed on a stone sitting on a small table not far from them.
Vaan followed the gaze an grinned. "I've heard all I need. So this, uh, Crescent Stone. Can I have it? Then I can find that secret passage into the palace, right?"
Dalan was amused at his attitude, like always. "Not much of a listener, are you... The Crescent Stone has lost it's magicks. Without the power of a sunstone, it will be of little use."
"Right. So, where can I get one of these sunstones?"
"You seek Giza Plains. Speak with the nomads there. You will find your sunstone. Leave by the Southgate and continue south. Their village is not far. There are like to be beasts on the plains, so be careful, m'boy."
Sunstones? Giza Plains? Beasts? He knew this would take some work but wasn't this a bit much? Dalan probably knew the way through the passageway but wouldn't tell him. Whatever. He was lucky to get what he had out of the old man. "You don't have to worry about me. I'll be back before you know it."