Finally, it worked!!! the upload that is.
Chapter Four: The Reunion of Tom, Dick and Harry
That night, the Archades aerodrome was bustling with activity, travellers from all over Ivalice hurried with their business and the delegates to represent the non-Rozzarian nations began to accumulate in the lounge.
Ulrich, somewhat inebriated, staggered out of the hell that was his transport and into the saloon where he met up with an old friend, General Malger Azelas of Dalmasca, who sat at the bar with who looked like the Marquis of Bhujerba.
"Ulrich!" the drunk General cried, "Come here, you need a drink!"
"How did you guess?" the Senator replied, grinning.
"You're still standing," the glazed hazel eyes of the General sparkled with delight, "We're celebrating the birth of my little boy, Vossler!"
"And the delayed celebration of my little Amalia," a swaying Marquis slurred out with his exotic accent.
"Then lets celebrate my ever impending marriage to some girl I hope to meet very soon and fall in love with and marry just to spite my dear old mum," Ulrich chuckled.
"And let us drink to this delightful plant here in this pot, what is it exactly?" the Marquis drunkenly said.
"I don't know, but I'll drink to it anyways," the General smiled.
The three men celebrated everything they could until they were asked to celebrate everything in another establishment. Ulrich gave the manager of the saloon a brotherly hug and a kiss on the cheek, "Point me the direction and I will lead these fine men to their new destination."
The man gestured ahead of him, not paying attention, only to get rid of them. Ulrich gave a bow, "This way my friends, together we will ..." he tripped over and fell face first in the street.
"I'm the General, I'm the one who can lead," Malger said, helping his friend to his feet, "And I lead us to a new bar that will never run dry." They slowly staggered to the next destination, singing their own national drinking songs in unison, the cacophony alerting the judges who patrolled the streets.
"Call for Judge Magister Ek, I believe I found the missing delegates," he said to his subordinate.
"Ek? She's a Judge Magister now?" The General enquired, "What position does she hold?"
"She's Magister of the Ninth, General Azelas," the judge informed him.
"Is she still shaggible?" the Marquis asked with a dirty grin.
The judge was grateful that his helmet covered his face, as it burned bright red. "I d … don't know what you mean Sir?" he stammered out. "I've never seen her without her helm Sir."
The sound of her rhythmic footsteps approaching them fast echoed off the walls of the surrounding buildings. "Gentleman!" her crisp voice muffled slightly by the helm, "We have been anticipating your arrival; the other delegates have been accepted by the Emperor."
"Hello Hilda," Malger sheepishly greeted her, "Could you please remove your helm, I couldn't understand a word you said."
The Judge grunted, removing her elegant helmet for greet them face to face. The tall woman had her chocolaty brown hair up in an elaborate bun on the crown of her head, her pale skin flawless and her deep blue eyes like sapphires.
"Yep still shaggible," the Marquis giggled.
"You are addressing Judge Magister Ek of the Ninth Bureau!" the judge cried in shock.
"It is alright, they are friends," the Judge Magister smiled, "And don't think about it Halim, you have your family to consider."
"Just reminiscing, Hilda," he sighed.
"Do not fear gentleman, you are still fit to meet the Emperor; he is in a much worse state than the three of you," she explained, leading them to the hover car that would take them to the palace.
"So did you ever get over me Hilda?" General Azelas asked as Ulrich held him upright in the back seat.
"I did, many times over," a sly smile flashing briefly on her lips, "I am married now, to Judge Magister Gabranth of the third fleet and have two adult daughters: Valdar and Elizar."
"Surely you haven't gotten over me that quickly have you?"
"It's been more than twenty years, get over it Malger," she was quickly getting annoyed with him.
"My Lady," Ulrich now spoke up, saving any further humiliation to his friend. "I know this is a rather pointless venture, as you are the head of the Ninth and all but please allow me to introduce myself..."
"Senator Ulrich Fon Ronsenburg, I know who you are and I gave the Emperor advice not to invite you," She was abrupt and almost rude.
"I didn't mean to become such a bother to the Ninth but what ever it is I can explain," he sounded like a naughty little boy trying to get out of trouble.
Ek smiled again, "It is not you Senator, I am annoyed with the Emperor, he disregarded my advice on diplomacy with regards to the Rozzarians, and I believe your presence here could stir up trouble."
"I didn't want to kill Margrace, it just happened, I didn't even know it had happened until after the battle, for all I know it could have been someone else, I was beserked at the time."
"I hope you aren't this annoying when you're sober," she grumbled, shifting to find a comfortable position, "the official function night will be attended by all dignitaries and special guests from all over Archades, and I would hate it if the Landis delegate were to embarrass himself and his country because of his personality."
"He's usually quite the gentleman, madam," The General said half asleep on Ulrich's shoulder.
Ek huffed, "here take this," she threw a small phial to each of them, "it's a remedy, I'm not having my old friends address my boss in such a state."
The three men sobered up quickly, "this is amazing, and it's a remedy?" Ulrich enquired.
"Draklor's latest achievement, and my hide if it get's out I gave it to you," Ek explained as the hover car landed on the Palace roof.
"I swear I will take it to the grave," Ulrich answered for his friends.
"Malger was right, you are much nicer sober, not so whiney," her cheeky grin was covered with her helm once more and the group exited the car to be greeted by the palace guard.
"Judge Zarkov, is something the matter?" Ek asked, concerned by the Judge's presence.
"I bring the apologies of the Emperor," the reptilian looking Judge informed his comrade, "he has consumed too much this eve and has retired; a drinking competition with General Rottnest of the Nabradian Guard didn't go the way our Emperor had planned."
"He lost then," Ek, sounded disappointed.
"Miserably, I'm afraid."
"Well Gentleman, Judge Zarkov will escort you to your designated quarters, I would advise not leaving them until the morning; my husband is one who asks questions later if you catch my drift." She marched away with her black cape billowing behind her and her armour reflecting the moonlight's silvery glow.
"Ek is right, Gabranth has a nasty reputation, but he is a nice guy once you get to know him," Zarkov chuckled, clearly more relaxed about his job than the others.
Ulrich, Malger and Halim retired for the night in lavish quarters fit for royalty. Ulrich was blown away with the intricate detail of the gold inlay in the wooden structure that was his bed. He noticed that his belongings from the airship had already been delivered and unpacked. Feeling like there was nothing else to do, he settled into bed for some not so well earned rest.
On the steps of the Grand entrance of Archades, a Viera wayfarer stood, gazing up at the legendary city gates, it was true; they were as blue as the ocean. Awestruck the fledgling of the forest had dreamed of this day, her ultimate goal was to see Archades, these past twelve years struggling to reach Valendia. Her brief visit to Rozzaria had revaluated her journey; she had never thought that a war could be something to be glad for. Keln Margrace had sort to make her one of his birds; this would not have been a bad thing, he was handsome, intelligent and fun, but all too soon, he was beckoned to the war and she became the companion to the Emperor and he wasn't going to let her beauty go unpunished.
The Rozzarian Emperor was a dirty old man in every sense of the phrase, his grey hair, brown eyes, leathery skin and a mouth full of false teeth was not the worst features of him; his obsession with prancing around the court naked was enough to make you sick. Fran had up to that point found the male hume form alluring and mysterious as she did in the forest, she was not accompanied by the males of her species, only the female. The men had their own way of living, nomadic in the woods, only showing their presence once a decade, to procreate and to retrieve their offspring. The female villagers care for all young females.
She found her escape when the news of her Keln's demise reached his Father.
Like a little girl once more, Fran stared up at the gates, waiting for them to open for the day. Then the fanfare began; the sounding of the trumpets and drums filled the air and the gates slowly creaked open, followed by the silver guards marching out, to relieve the night shift. What a spectacle to behold, the ceremonial changing of the guard in Archades was necessary for all tourists visiting the city.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, a busty middle age woman gracefully walked up to her. "Fran?" she asked directly, the Viera nodded, "Good, this way please."
The two women entered the city and made their way towards a large house, filled with men and women from all over Ivalice. "Before we enter, are you sure you wish to be employed here?" the woman asked.
"I am sure, I need the finances but I tire of wayfaring for now," Fran explained.
"Being a courtesan is not for all my dear, how about a trial of a month, that will allow you enough time to decide," the woman smiled caringly at her new employee. "My guess is that you will be very popular, we don't get many Viera in Archades, most of your kind prefer the smaller cities of Ivalice or the Port of Balfonheim."
Fran smiled, "I hope I do not disappoint you." the two women entered the gentlemen's club, leaving the rest of the city behind.
The morning passed uneventfully; the Emperor missed breakfast and headed straight for the Senate to tackle the business that never ended there. The Delegates had no other option than to wander the vast gardens of the Palace. Malger and Ulrich found themselves meeting up with the Marquis again. The three men watched the Emperor's two young boys playing by a fruit tree of some variety, they could not be anymore than two or three years of age, their nanny sat with them, her ever-watchful eyes not leaving them.
The other delegates talked among themselves, leaving Ulrich, Malger and Halim alone, even General Rottnest kept his company with the Kiltias, the Garif and a few representatives of nomadic tribes and smaller nations.
"We can't sit around doing nothing," the General complained, "Can we not explore the city?"
The Guard standing near them grunted, "That is not advised Sir, not without an escort," the young man could not have been any more than twenty.
"Then you be our escort, young man," Halim suggested in a jovial way, his eyes asking the man's name.
"Judge Ghis Sir," he informed the men, "And Judge Magister Ek warned me about the three of you. So no Sir, I will not be your escort."
"Leave the boy be, Malger, he's only doing his duty," Ulrich advised his friend, "I know it is quite boring here, but think of our homelands, we are here for them are we not? Sight seeing can wait."
"Thank you Sir," Ghis sighed with relief, "After all that is to be achieved for the day, I would be happy to show you around the city, I know of some tasteful places to visit that would make your visit a memorable one."
"Good lad," Malger smirked.
Judge Zarkov entered the Garden, his booming voice ordered the delegates that the Emperor had returned and their scheduled meeting could now go ahead.
"Chancellor Adlersflügel!" A raven-haired woman called, stepping onto the Senate floor.
The Chancellor's echoing steps stopped. "Lady Laiard, I asked you not to come here!" His voice scolding.
The slender Rozzarian woman walked seductively to the Chancellor, "Wolfy," She kissed him slowly, nibbling his bottom lip, "I have news for you," He faltered as she rubbed her leg up his inner thigh, "From the first wife."
"Then," he forced her back, gripping her shoulders, "she likes my proposal?"
"On one condition," She slyly grins, "You give her Fon Ronsenburg."
He pushed her away, "No deal, without him Landis will fall apart!"
"Chancellor," She smiled from her position on the Senate floor, "your Republic will be swallowed by Archadia if you don't."
He grimaced, knowing she was right, "There are many who support Archades, the Empire and Landis have coexisted for hundreds of years. They see Fon Ronsenburg as much as a hero as Landis does.
"HE IS NO HERO!" She spat, "He killed my cousin and nearly deprived my Aunt of her status as first wife because of him. The only way to regain my family's honour is for one of the daughters to marry the moron Ab-El!"
"How does dying in battle dishonour your family?"
"It is a sign of weakness," The slim woman paced, "But I will regain it with a healthy boy as soon as I deliver Fon Ronsenburg."
"I can not allow Ulrich to be given freely to you," The Chancellor pleaded.
"Then look the other way when we take him," she said, walking back to him, "It's all the same to me."
"I can't," Wolfram slumped in his chair, "there would be a coup."
"I'll give you time to think about it," she turned to leave, "But remember Chancellor; Archadia grows stronger everyday, and like a wild beast, it will turn on you, it's only a matter of time." Without any delay, she left swiftly from the Senate chambers, leaving the Chancellor with his thoughts.
"I wish Gramis had just said it was just tea and biscuits before the meeting," Halim grumbled.
"The Emperor can hardly remember last night," the smooth, deep voice of a Judge Magister with a wolf-like mask, informed them. He offered his hand to General Malger, "My wife has told me about you."
"Well, it's a lie, I never broke into the treasury, drunk and naked one night," The General quipped, returning the handshake.
"I'm glad to hear it," the Judge Magister replied uncertain to the reference. He turned his attention to the Marquis, shaking his hand, "Let me guess, you were not his drunken, naked accomplice."
"I never told her that!" Halim slipped, astonished by the comment.
"That Madhu in Bhujerba must be strong." The lupine Judge turned to Ulrich.
"I can safely say, I like to keep my clothing on, drunk or otherwise," He stated dryly, offering his hand in greeting, "it's going to take me months to rid myself of that mental image. I'm Ulrich, by the way, Ulrich Fon Ronsenburg."
The Judge gripped Ulrich's wrist, "Judge Magister Gabranth;" the force of his hand shake took Ulrich by surprise; "my wife believed I should acquaint myself with the three of you, to avoid any … misunderstandings in the future."
"My companions are that troublesome are they?" The Senator asked, eyeing his friends.
"I believe we are all troublesome when we partake in alcoholic beverages;" Gabranth explained; "that is why I request that you avoid taverns and bars whilst you visit Archades."
"You have my word," Ulrich bowed his head, "I will not step foot in any establishment that serves alcohol." The General and Marquis begrudgingly agreed also.
"I will hold you to your word gentlemen, good day." The Judge left.
"That was grossly unfair of the Judge Magister," a youthful voice commented airily from behind the three men, "Denying you one the pleasures foreign dignitaries enjoy in when visiting Archades."
"Ghis?" Malger asked, turning around, "What else can we do?"
The young man grinned, "the other delegates are going to enjoy a meal at a fine restaurant, catch a play at the theatre and fill the rest of the evening whoring at some of the finest brothels in Ivalice."
"Now that's what I'm talking about!" the Marquis clapped his hands together, "Where would you recommend?"
"Excuse me gentlemen," Ulrich stepped in front of his friends, "what about your wives?"
"Mine's out of action," Malger said flatly.
"Mine too," Halim added.
"Ulrich, when a woman gives birth, she will beat you back with a large weapon if you try to romance her into the bed chambers," the General explained.
"And for several months after the birth, like they're afraid you will impregnate them again," the Marquis explained further.
"Have some pity on the poor men, Senator Fon Ronsenburg; they must have blue balls," the young Judge pleaded, "It is as much for their wives as it is for them."
Are you kidding me? "Alright," Ulrich backed down, reluctantly.
"Good," Malger linked his arm with Ulrich's, "You're coming too!"
"WHAT?" Ulrich was lead away by the General, the Marquis and the devious youth.
"Madam Luvlé?" Fran called from her new room.
"Yes my dear?" the elegant mature woman responded, "Is there something the matter?"
"No, I was wondering if you could help me." Fran motioned to her entire wardrobe of lingerie.
"Oh, of cause my dear," the woman beamed at the Viera, who looked quite innocent.
"Now," Fran turned to the woman professionally, "I wish to know what would be the best choice of attire, I am new to this."
"I would choose something that screamed that you are of the wood, you are here to take pleasure as well as give it."
"So … this one?" Fran held up a white corset with pale green vines and lilac flowers.
"That is perfect! You say I'm innocent and pure but also curious," the madam smirked.
"That was me twelve years ago, it was the reason I left the wood; I needed male companionship for more that a few months every ten years."
"Oh what a tragedy! Now I know why there are so many Viera wayfarers," the woman laughed. "I'll leave you to dress, I have word that we are to be graced with the presence of a hero later today, that would be a notch on the bed post for your first day!" the Madam left, closing the door behind her.
Fran began to change, listening to the other girls in the house, some of which had clients, their moans and gasps echoing through the walls to Fran's ears.
"Is that all," the voice of a young woman in the next room complained to her client, "You've paid for the whole hour; why not get your moneys worth?"
Fran nearly laughed aloud when she heard the recipient respond: "but that's all I got, can't we just snuggle?"
She continued to dress when a new sound caught her attention, the knocking at the front door.
"Yes?" a fellow courtesan answered the door.
"Ah Judge Ghis, so nice to see you again," her madam greeted the new customer.
"Madam Luvlé, may I present General Malger Azelas of the Order of Dalmasca…" the young Judge introduced.
"Madam," a commanding voice greeted her employer.
"The Marquis Halim Ondore the Third of Bhujerba …"
"My Lady," The Marquis's thick exotic accent causing the Madam to giggle.
"And the Hero of Landis himself, Ulrich Fon Ronsenburg."
"Madam," Ulrich greeted with his deep husky voice. Fran felt her heart in her chest beat faster at the sound of his voice; it was filled with honour and virtue with the hint of awkwardness.
"Gentlemen, please, this way to the Parlour."
Fran hurriedly finished preparing, knowing she would be called soon.
There was a light knocking at the door, "Fran, it's time," a warm masculine voice of one of the many males who work there, they were also called.
She leaped to her feet, trying not to get too excited as she opened the door. Now composed and in character, she descended the staircase towards the Parlour.
"Would the gentlemen desire an ale or a snifter of madhu?" the Madam offered.
"That would be lov… ow! Whatcha do that for?" Halim spoke, sounding annoyed at his attacker.
"We gave our word to Gabranth, Marquis, no alcohol," Ulrich's tantalising scold of his companion almost destroyed Fran's efforts to look dignified. "We are to remain dry during our visit my lady, do you have any fruit juice?"
Please be handsome! Fran prayed, referring to Ulrich. She entered the room with her companions, keeping her eyes down, afraid of meeting him.
"Ulrich, nobodies going to know," Malger insisted.
"I would know, I gave my word and I intend to keep it," The mountainous man affirmed.
"Gentlemen," the madam cut in, handing an amber coloured juice to Ulrich, "I hope you plan to do more than just argue on these premises. Now Senator Ronsenburg; is there a young Lady or Gentleman here that interests you?"
He looked up at the many attractive people who had entered; his eyes fell on Fran, whom had just built up the courage to look up herself.
She looked ahead to find a neat bearded chin staring back at her; shyly, her gaze moved up to face this impressive man. Nothing had prepared her for such a sight, this man was nearly a whole head taller than her, his broad, muscular frame grand and formidable in its perfection, yet overlooked once she locked with his striking grey eyes; the colour of a fine blade.
"Would it please the lady to spend the rest of the night with me?" he asked warmly, lifting her hand to his lips.
"It would," Fran, answered directly, holding his gaze.
"Shall we?" He guided Fran out of the room, dropping a pouch of Gil in the Madam's hands.
Anxiously, the Viera lead the Herculean man towards her room. Her ears twitched at the sound from down stairs, "he gave me ten thousand Gil! He could marry her at that price!" the Madam whispered excitedly to a friend.
"So," Ulrich paced nervously as the door closed, "What should I call you?"
"Dajr," She answered, keeping to character.
"That is a beautiful name," he remarked, sitting on the large bed, "I'm sorry, but I've never done this before; a bordello that is."
"I only started today," Fran smiled timidly, as she sat next to him, "you're my first client."
He sighed uneasily, "So; what made you leave the green wood to begin with?"
Fran giggled, "I'm afraid it might make you … ill at ease, if I were to tell you." She twirled her hair in her fingers.
"I would like to know," he pleaded, "we have the whole evening to spend together."
"Curiosity of the humes that wandered through the woods," she explained, "their habits and so on."
"How long ago did you leave?"
"Around twelve years ago, with a Hume you were briefly acquainted with."
"Oh? And how would you know that?"
"You killed him, it was Keln Margrace."
Ulrich could not respond to this statement, a wave of guilt engulfed him, preventing any conversation on his part.
"Do not worry, Ulrich Fon Ronsenburg," she comforted him, resting her delicate hand on his shoulder, "Yes I was fond of him, but he died with honour and dignity; defending his country and I know he would have liked that."
"What was he like?"
Fran smiled in remembrance; "He was adventurous, brave, and smooth; he loved dancing with attractive women and enjoyed a hunt now and again. That's how we met; he was hunting the Diabolical Hell Hound in Needlebrake; it was attacking pilgrims who had lost their way, on the way to Mount Bur-Omisace."
"He sounded like a man I would have liked to have known," The Senator responded sadly, "If the war had never started, I dare say we would have been friends."
She laughed softly, "I dare say you would have."
"Please continue."
"I was cornered by the beast whilst gathering herbs for Jote; I was no warrior or hunter, I have no talent for the craft so I surely would have died if it weren't for Keln. He slew the creature with little effort, saving my life."
"My Lady," Keln greeted the frightened Viera with his thick Rozzarian accent, "Are you in need of assistance?" He held out his hand in aid.
"Thank you," Fran replied, taking his hand and rising to her feet.
"I am Keln Margrace, Eldest son of the Emperor Gharns Margrace of Rozzaria, but don't let my title put you off, I like to think I'm quite a nice guy," He introduced himself with a bow. "And who might you be beautiful Lady Viera?"
"Fran," She answered as he kissed her hand.
"And what brings Lady Fran out into the dangerous woods without an escort?"
"I am collecting herbs for my sister, and I believed I did not need an escort, Sir."
"Allow me to offer my services, to ensure that you will not come to any harm."
"He escorted me for the rest of that day," Fran continued, "He returned a few weeks later in search of me; he wanted to know me better. We continued like that for nearly three years, he would tell me of the world beyond the wood, but I was unable to focus on his words, as I believe now, that I had fallen in love with him. When he asked me to leave the woods with him, I agreed without hesitation. Jote was furious; actually banishing me from the village; I only had time to wish my younger sister farewell before Keln and I were ushered from the woods. Jote placed barriers up to prevent any other travellers from entering Golmore, her anger and disappointment in me now forces innocents to travel by sea to Mount Bur-Omisace."
"Wow," Ulrich could only say.
"I have more, it feels good to talk about him," Fran informed him, smiling weakly. "We travelled to Rozzaria; where we spent the time like newly weds, until the war broke out. Keln left to fulfil his patriotic obligation as general of the first battalion, leaving me at the mercy of the Emperor, for nearly two years, I was treated like a plaything for the old man. Then the news of Keln's death distracted him enough for me to escape; yes, I mourned for Keln, but he would not have tolerated his father's treatment of me. I travelled the Sandsea alone, avoiding the nomads and finding myself in Dalmasca for a few years, away from the front line in the field hospitals, putting my knowledge of salves to good use. When the war ended I travelled to the Osmond Planes to be near Golmore, only to find it more torturous than I had imagined, so I slowly made my way north where I arrived only this morning."
Ulrich said nothing of his part in Keln's death, but suspected she knew anyway.
"So," she said abruptly, "You are here for …" her voice trailed off, first day nerves silencing her.
"The summit of nations," he finished her sentence.
"Don't you wish to … um," Fran tried to prompt him into action.
"I do not wish to insult you; I only wish to spend time with you," he blushed, "just to talk."
Fran was both happy and disappointed. "What would you like to talk about?"
Fran aways came over as a wild girl to me