I do not own anything from Star Ocean Till the End of Time!
The True Nature Of All
Chapter 6: Arrival
It had been nine years since the war started. Airlia rarely left her room; however, she never turned away a visitor. It had been so long since she really had anyone come to see her. She sighed as Albel slammed his way into her room. Her eyes were weary; however, she always took in delight her knight's visits. Sure he usually brought to her tales of horror; however, she didn't care because she loved him and wanted to share his pain, his happiness, in everything to make him not feel alone. She knew of the death of many that she cared about. Even though the war was still in Airyglyph's favor, however, she didn't care. Albel had become amazingly adept at the use of his claw. He never held it against her that she went to the two men that had apparently used and abused her mind to their whims. Luckily, the two men took Albel's advice and kept away from her all of these years. However, Albel never failed to keep a watchful eye on her, even when he was kept away by Vox.
"Airlia, I have a bad feeling that something is going to happen. I want you to remain in the safety of the castle at all times." Albel saw her eyes focus on him as she nodded her head stiffly. She had become a true ice princess with the distance she put between herself and any other man. There; however, were only two men that could ever thaw her heart being, that of her father and himself.
Airlia walked away from her desk as a knock was heard. "Come in." She immediately wished she had said that she didn't want to answer.
Vox stood there as he told Albel, "There is a need for you to attend to a small brewing outbreak of conflict near the Arias boarder by the Kirlsa/Aire Hills. We need your stern hand to keep it tampered down. His majesty's orders, I am afraid." Albel glared at the man as he nodded stiffly. He brushed by his Princess's side as he ignored the fact that her heart was probably in her eyes.
When Albel left to go to the location that he was told of, Vox came near the Princess. Her body immediately tensed up. "What is the matter Princess? I will never hurt you." Vox said smoothly. Airlia glared at him with anger and doubt. She wanted to scoff at him saying that it wasn't true, he had hurt her, and however, she couldn't figure out why she wanted to say that. However, events would take a drastic turn for the worse.
Vox looked at her as the door was opened. A guard was half beaten to death as he came in, "Princess, we need your help. There's a man who needs help immediately on the outskirts of town."
Airlia looked at both men with a grave expression as she grabbed her cloak and left to find this man with the assistance of Vox and the injured guard. When they left, they had just gone out of the sight of the guards at the outpost when her memories flooded into her mind. Something about this whole situation was eerily familiar to her, if only she could place why… She withheld her gasp as there was no man. Turning, it seemed the guard was not hurt at all. "What the hell is going on here, I thought that you said there was a man out here." Airlia gasped as Vox loomed over her. Before she could do anything, the guard hit her over the head. Vox smirked as he and the man took her by dragon to the Kirlsa Training Facility where she would remain for a month.
Airlia awoke to being shackled in a room that was unfamiliar to her. She squirmed trying to get free. She knew if she yelled that it would change nothing. However, what was to come would cause her to rebel against her own nation…
"Well Airlia, are you enjoying life in shackles?" A voice boomed out into the room. Airlia glared at the source which would reveal to be Vox. To his credit, he showed several bruises and shallow cuts. Airlia spat at him, "Well, it seems that you are smarter than you look. You were the one who initially kidnapped me weren't you?"
Vox smirked as he let out a cold laugh. "Of course it was me. Who do you think it was? Do you think it was those weak Aquarian bastards who couldn't stomach the blood of war?" Airlia gasped as Vox's mouth descended on her own. She tried to kick out at him, to bite at him and finally succeeded when he tried to take over her mouth. He roared with anger as he slapped her harshly. She felt like her neck was going to snap at that slap. "Bitch, you will suffer…" He stalked off and left her alone. She struggled to try and get out of the shackles.
The days passed with little word on the outside world. Little did she know of the drastic turn of events that would soon take place? Mayu, a girl in the kitchens took it upon herself to ensure the Princess that had a meal, even if she didn't have the keys to free the woman. Little was known as to what had happened to the Princess. Everyone in the facility was kept from leaving upon being called a traitor. However, a month did pass and no one knew of the two who crashed in the town of Airyglyph and that they would be the ones that would free this young trapped woman.
During this very day that she would be freed, Vox had her turned around so her back out be outward facing. Still bound, she was gagged and whipped for failing to give her hand in marriage to him. She had turned down Shelby as well for the same reasons she turned down Vox. Airlia refused to cry, using all of her training to hide her emotions until she was free of the men. Eventually she passed out from the pain, though, to the anger of the men. Shelby had taken pleasure in beating her senselessly. Vox grimaced as a soldier entered and spoke to him directly telling him that the King was requesting everyone's presences for the captains of all of the brigades.
"Thank you, Xaphan. I will be there. He probably wants a status on our hunt for the missing Princess." The group chuckled darkly as they left to say that no word had come yet about the woman. Even Shelby had left to go force the men to train. As Mayu came in, she told her that Albel had gone on another rampage, tearing apart anyone who didn't know of his Princess's whereabouts. Airlia thought back to when he had promised to protect her when she had gone missing. His vengeful execution in trying to find her had earned him the title of Albel the Wicked. He was brutal to everyone and had no compassion for anyone weak or strong if they had no knowledge of his lady.
Mayu had promised to help her Princess, but she couldn't intercede on her behalf to protect the woman. She removed the gag as she began to wipe up her back as the woman started to wake up. "Mayu…"
Airlia held her pain-filled gasps within as the injuries were cleaned up. "Something big is going down soon. I know it. There has been much commotion about something. I don't have all of the details, but I do not doubt it may mean your freedom soon. I wish the master would come back to his facility and find you here." Airlia remembered that Albel had been appointed without ceremony to the captain of the Black Brigade by Arzei so he could protect his country and his Princess about seven months ago. Mayu had never felt dislike for him, even though he could be rude or viscous. He had never treated a woman unfairly or without respect.
However, Mayu had to cut things short as a sudden burst of activity got Airlia worried beyond words. "Please hide Mayu; I don't want you hurt because you've been helping your Princess." Mayu left without a second word, promising that she would be back to free her. Soldiers were running around trying to stop something from either entering or leaving, Airlia couldn't figure out what it was.
However, unfamiliar voices reached her ears. "Hey Fayt, let's check in here to see if there is any word on Tynave, Farleen or Nel."
She yelled as loud as she could, "PLEASE HELP ME! I'M TRAPPED!" However, there was no sound of footsteps coming in her direction. Her heart sank in despair.
The two men that had entered the building turned in the room that Mayu worked in. She didn't recognize them as Vox's allies. However, she had to be certain for the sake of the woman who was trapped. "Who are you?"
The boy with blue hair and startling blue eyes was cute to her, but she knew looks could be deceiving. "My name is Fayt Leingod. This is Cliff Fittir. We are trying to find our friends, Tynave and Farleen. Nel should be in here somewhere too, but we don't know where."
Mayu smiled gently. "I will help you if you can help me with something."
Cliff groaned as he brushed his hand through his blonde hair. "I need you to help a woman who is trapped in a cell that is at the end of this hall. She's been brutally beaten. Please free her and then I will help you."
Fayt nodded, "Fine. We need to work quickly though." They left to go to the last cell where Airlia was being held prisoner. When they saw her, the pair understood why the girl was so insistent about it. "Hold on there miss, we'll free you."
When the blue haired boy tried to unlock the shackles with a pick, Cliff laughed. "Hold on Fayt, I'll get them off of her." Cliff merely ripped the shackles off the walls then proceeded to rip it apart. Airlia had a chance to study the two men who were there to help her.
The blue haired boy stood about five foot nine, which was slightly taller than her five foot six. His blue hair was short cropped and his blue green eyes were much like that of her eyes. Then there was the blonde man. He was probably slightly taller than her love, Albel. His eyes weren't cold like that of Vox's. When they were off, a guard came in. Airlia recognized the sword in his hands.
"Give me back my sword, right now!" Cliff had to keep from laughing. As badly as she was injured, the girl had fight in her.
The guard however grimaced, "I cannot. You will die for not giving in to Vox's demands, or that of my true master, Shelby's." He went to swiftly attack her when she danced away.
A glow came to her hands as she said, "Fire Bolt!" Two flames emerged from her hands and sped their way to the enemy who tried to run when it hit and burned him alive in his armor.
She scoffed as she picked up her sword and case as she reseated it on her left hip. "Ignorant fool, learn to fight or die."
Cliff whistled as he said, "Scaree! Gee Fayt; do you think we did the right thing?" Fayt shook his head and didn't comment.
Airlia turned to them and bowed. "Thank you for helping me before. Please, tell me of what has happened since my imprisonment." Fayt shook his head.
"We're not quite sure ourselves; however, we'll talk on the way to Mayu." Airlia nodded as they left. Fayt told her of how they arrived in Airyglyph and were treated badly.
Airlia hid the wince that she felt and allowed the sympathy she felt to show. "I am sorry that you went through such an experience."
Fayt nodded as he then proceeded to tell her of traveling through Kirlsa and what they had heard about the conflict. They also informed her of Tynave and Farleen's capture and that Nel came to free them. "God help them, if they hurt those two women… I will kill them personally." They made it to Mayu where the small woman smiled brilliantly.
"Thank you Fayt and Cliff. Airlia, please flee to Aquaria, they'll protect you." Airlia spoke softly,
"Mayu; is what they told me about Tynave and Farleen true? Are they here?"
Mayu shook her head "I am not sure unfortunately. However, I heard a lot of commotion from the ceiling, so perhaps they are on the roof. Here, you'll need it." She gave Fayt a key that led to the roof top. Fayt saw Airlia applying some herbs to her wounds and winced.
The lacerations seemed deep to him. "Airlia, you don't have to come with us. You can go home if you so choose to."
Airlia's shake of her head cut him off. "I cannot. I am sorry. My home isn't safe yet." Fayt nodded as Cliff shrugged, "Well what can ya do?" Airlia shot him a glare as they left to go rescue the two women.
They worked their way down, cutting soldiers down as they went to keep others from finding them. They eventually found the first floor and a cry in the nearby room drew the group there. Nel, a crimson haired woman with purple eyes was struggling to defeat three men. The bodies of other men lay around them in a pool of death. Fayt saw one man who was trying to sneak up on the woman and drew his sword fast and sliced him from behind at the base of his neck, killing the man instantly. The two soldiers cried out, "It's them! They found the girl!"
Airlia knew what was coming, as did Nel who both called out, "Fire Bolt!" Flames danced their way to victory. With both men dead from severe burns, Airlia extended her hand to Nel, whom took it gratefully.
"Hello Airlia, it's been a while." Nel said softly as they proceeded to the back of the room.
Airlia nodded with a frown. "It has been too long Nel. I've heard stories of your father and I am sorry about your loss. Vox painted your world as the enemy and without my memories; I have no proof that it was the same men who took me prisoner this time. I was lucky, however, because it was two strong men who found me. I have no doubt they would have lasted longer in the situation that Nixie, Elysia, Kira, and Talos were in. However, everything is still foggy." Nel nodded, she had heard from the Lasbards as to the injuries Airlia had received that day.
They made their way to the roof top and found a safe place to rest for a moment to clear the air. Nel shook her head, however, Airlia wanted to get it off her chest before the next set of fights. "Fayt, Cliff, there is something you must know of me."
This drew suspicion from both men, however, Fayt felt that she wasn't saying this for her own benefit, but rather to keep the enemies from trying to cause a commotion by revealing it in battle. "What is it Airlia?"
Airlia took a deep breath as she said, "I am Princess of Airyglyph. However, I was unfortunately a prisoner during your arrival otherwise you wouldn't have received such an unfortunate welcome."
Cliff chuckled. "It's no problem. I am just glad ya told me before those goons did." Fayt looked torn.
"Why is your home dangerous then?" Airlia shook her head as Nel chuckled.
"Think about it Fayt. Who runs this facility, kingdom wise? Surely you heard rumors about a missing Princess and how everyone thinks it was the Aquarians again."
Fayt thought and remembered the Sermonic Man and nodded. "It would have to be someone on the same side as myself initially. All I want is peace between nations; however, there are those who think it is only possible through war." Fayt nodded and left it to Nel to decide.
"Of course she is welcomed to join us. However, I didn't want any friction between people. It is true she can be cold, but she has the best heart in the kingdom. You'll be safe in Aquaria until the time is right for you to return Princess." Airlia smiled and nodded. They got back up to head outside. However, she didn't like the looks of the rooftop.
"For so much commotion it sure is empty. It's a trap, I know it." Airlia said stating more than guessing.
Nel nodded, "Everyone, be ready." Airlia had enough energy for a few more Fire Bolts. When they got to the center of the roof, they saw Tynave and Farleen tied to two huge crosses. Airlia held Fayt back from shouting and giving away their presences.
"Remember, it is likely a trap." Fayt growled low in his throat but reluctantly nodded. Airlia wondered, though, who would Vox leave in charge. Not likely to be her knight. If Albel had been there, Mayu would have already learned of it and informed him regardless of the threat to her life by those loyal to Shelby. Her answer would come in seconds. Tynave spoke first.
"It's a trap!"
Farleen then spoke up, gasping between breaths, "They're hiding… behind those… pillars!" Suddenly everything was clear. Airlia and Nel stood back to back while the men leapt into the fray to clear a path. Airlia shot a Fire Bolt at one guard whose voice she recognized. Her fury was so large that the simple fireball burned him to ashes.
Nel chuckled, "Remind me not to get you that mad again!"
Airlia flashed a smile as she whipped out her sword and rammed it into the chest of a guard, piercing his armor easily. "That is what they get for betraying me. As long as you don't betray me too, you'll be just fine." Nel leaped into the air and slammed her daggers into a guard that was approaching Airlia from behind. Before too long, the guards were laying on the ground, their blood soaking into the brick.
Airlia and Nel cut the two women down as Cliff and Fayt caught them. Tynave and Farleen were surprised to see the Princess. "Airlia..? What are you doing here?"
Farleen asked as Airlia answered, "My side, it seems, has several instigators and betrayers. So I'm helping you guys until we out them." Tynave grimaced as both women nodded. As they turned to leave, however, the events would take a turn for the worse. A man in dark armor, short and fat came out.
Airlia hissed through her teeth. "Shelby!" Cliff and Fayt didn't realize who he was at the time.
However, Nel brought them up to speed. "He is the second in command of the Black Brigade. He is a dangerous foe."
Cliff said, "Well I didn't think they would just leave some ordinary watch dog here." Fayt nodded as Shelby jumped to the floor. Airlia looked up and saw a figure suddenly appear and start to watch the scene unfold.
"Remember men, the two men must not die, however, the only woman who may not die is that bitch, Airlia." The woman shot him a deadly glare that sent shivers down the spines of two of the men there.
Fayt however stood tall, "Over my dead body!" The battle began as Airlia and Nel systematically took out the two guards with Shelby while Fayt and Cliff worked on Shelby. When Shelby first attacked, Fayt saw it and dodged with ease. However, Airlia's warning alerted him to the second half of the attack. He countered with a block and a slice at the rib location. Cliff began to punch with a fierce set of hits. The battle was won, however, when Airlia and Nel worked together to freeze the ground below Shelby. He slipped and the two men capitalized on it, attacking the fallen Shelby and leaving him unable to move. They got up to rejoin the four women when Airlia saw Shelby stand, however, someone prevented him from attacking. Airlia saw that behind him was Albel!
Nel gasped as she saw the gauntlet. "Pitiful. That fool was stupid enough to actually think he could get away with this?"
Nel spoke next, "That gauntlet, you're Albel Nox." Cliff sent the crimson haired woman a curious look as he said, "He's the Captain of the Black Brigade and the best swordsman in all of Airyglyph. He's better known as Albel the Wicked…"
Tears came to Airlia's eyes as she brushed them away. She stood to see her knight. Albel knew what she was thinking and grinned wickedly. He pushed the man away as Airlia launched a large Fire Bolt that turned into a spinning tornado of fire, using the remainder of her magic. She moved quickly to Albel and kissed his cheek as she whispered, "Immunity to Fire." Albel launched himself in the air and brought his katana down on Shelby, ending his life immediately, without a burn or scratch to Albel. Airlia had found out about that gift from the power of her necklace by an accident long ago, but kept it secret. It allowed her to bless temporary immunity to an element on the person of her choice. However, the magic came from her necklace for that, not from her. The knight was immediately at her side.
Seeing the lacerations on her back brought his anger out, however, Airlia's look stopped him cold. "It wasn't them. It was Shelby and Vox. I refused them too many times it seems. They freed me and Nel wants to take me to Aquarian soil to keep me safe until Vox has been dealt with." Albel stared at the group, sizing them up.
His voice was deadly cold as he spoke. "So this is what Shelby was up to. How pathetic. He was always strutting, preening his feathers, but to lose to the likes of you? Huh. Once a maggot himself, now he's food for the maggots. Princess, are you alright?"
He saw Airlia's tears and wiped them away with his good hand. Airlia gave him a weak smile, "It was a tough time in there. How long have I been missing?"
Albel's look made her physically wince. "It's been a month since you went missing. Your father and I have torn apart so many places looking for you if even mere rumor reaches us that you might be there. I will get him the message that you're safe… somehow, however…" At this point he leaned over to her so none could hear his words, "I must be cruel to ensure these people are strong enough to protect you." Airlia nodded a resigned look on her face. Albel gave her a small smile, but it was a genuine one that made her smile in return.
Then suddenly the smile disappeared as a cocky one replaced it. A cruel laugh escaped past Albel's lips as he glared at the group who had helped Airlia. Cliff had finally had enough of the swordsman, though as he spat, "Hey, I'm gonna smack that cocky look off your face!" Albel simply tilted his face back, and then ran his good hand through his hair as he said, "Bah, the maggot talks big. However, even if you have potential, you're still no match for me." Cliff merely growled deep in his throat.
Albel wanted to be sure that they wouldn't simply dump his lady in the nearest town and leave her alone to fend for herself. However, he wasn't going to fight the men that had saved her and freed her from her imprisonment. "I'm not interested in fighting a bunch of tired fools. Easy wins have never been my style. And unlike Vox, I take no joy in trouncing weaklings."
Cliff growled out, "Who ya callin' a weakling?"
Albel smirked, "Go back to your own lands. This is your only warning, fools." Airlia rushed to stand in front of Cliff to keep him from attacking Albel, knowing full well how tired he must really be after traipsing all throughout the facility they were now in, the aqueducts of Airyglyph and the mines north of Kirlsa.
Nel knew that Albel was being overly kind. "It's awful nice for a guy like you to simply let us slip away…"
She would have continued, except Albel interrupted her, "Don't get me wrong, I just can't be bothered, and taking hostages isn't the way I do business."
Fayt stood tall, his blue outfit covered in dust and slight smudges of blood. "What do you call this then?"
Albel let the dark look cross his face as he said, "Those maggots did this without my consent. I knew nothing about it. Besides, your escape is his blunder. I'm not obligated to clean his mess up. Never mind that they hid my Princess here, under my nose, and try to keep me from here."
Fayt shook his head, "But he was your subordinate! You have to take responsibility for his actions."
Albel glared darkly, "I tire of your lectures, fool. Now leave, or I will kill you and take my Princess somewhere else to be safely hidden away until the war ends."
He growled low, trying to think of where he could safely hide her, "However, she probably told you it was too dangerous for her to return home just yet. I, unfortunately, must agree. If any harm comes to this lady, I swear, you'll wish you were dead before I'm done with you. My only warning to you, now go!"
The month away had turned him even colder, but not before he pulled her into his arms and held her tightly. "Be safe Airlia. When it is safer, we will talk." Airlia smiled warmly at him as he grinned at her. When she turned around he glared at the body of Shelby.
Nel spoke first as they made their way out, "It's not like him to simply let go of his prey. Airlia's freedom must have had something to do with it."
Airlia nodded, "He must also now think of a reason to give as to why Shelby is dead. No doubt Vox will try to turn it against him." This gave the Princess little comfort as they made it back to Kirlsa. Airlia grimaced as they skirted around the town to get out without being noticed. Thankfully, no one had noticed the group as they left the town. Skirting away from enemies, they found themselves soon at Arias. A sigh of relief escaped past Airlia's lips. Nel smirked at the woman, fully understanding why she was so relieved. They made their way to Lady Clair's home.
Once inside, they met with her at the dining room. Clair's startled gasp alerted others to what she was seeing. "Airlia, thank Apris you're safe! We've heard rumors of your kidnapping."
Airlia shrugged painfully. "Clair, I'll give you the details of the events if you could be so kind as to give me some herbs to heal my wounds." The woman smiled as they left to get the Princess some herbs.
They went up to Clair's room. They had cleaned the Princess up first and only when that was done did Clair start applying herbs as Airlia brought her up to speed. "So it was Vox as we thought. If only we could prove the other issues were created by him, then the war would end. As it stands, now however, everything is going to turn much more violent. Here, put this dress on. It's a basic combat outfit that will help to cover the existence of your wounds."
The dress itself was simple. It went slightly off the shoulders and with long sleeves and the dress went to her ankles, it made it rather simple to fight in. "Thank you Clair. I think the boys would drool if they saw me in this though." Airlia let out a chuckle as Clair joined in, relieved to have something to laugh about for once.
They left to rejoin the others and Fayt gasped as she walked in. "Wow, I can't believe you're the same girl." Fayt was more than impressed with what he saw.
Cliff just shrugged with a smirk. "Careful Fayt, I think there is already one man with eyes for our friend here." Fayt growled; making Airlia laugh again, the light came to her eyes making them look like the beautiful sky at midday. They sat down to eat a light meal before continuing on their journey to the Sacred City. Airlia didn't miss the looks that went past the blonde man and her friend, Nel. She inwardly chuckled at the sight, knowing instinctively that they were perfect for one another. With the meal done, Airlia left to go get ready for traveling when a knock at the door stopped everyone cold. They all saw Airlia's expression of anxiety and Nel hid her in the back room as Clair went to answer the door.
"Who are you?" Airlia could hear Clair ask. A deep voice resounded, "I am Cavan and this is Cassius. We were going to go through this town when we heard the Princess had been found. Is this true?" Airlia's face drained of all color as she tried to get Nel to make them leave.
Nel saw the pain in the girl's face and couldn't help but sympathize. "Leave now!" Nel demanded of the pair with a raised voice as she came out of the room that Airlia was hidden within.
Cavan's face darkened, "Not without my Airlia. She was going to be my wife if I could have just made her see that." Even though Cliff didn't have feelings like that for the Princess, even he could see that she didn't want them around as he stepped up to the plate.
"Cavan right," Cliff stated rather than asking. His arms were crossed at mid-chest level and he had tilted his head slightly to the side. He didn't like what he saw in these two men. His eyes narrowed at seeing the dark haired man nod, he continued, "Airlia's not taking anyone for a husband, perhaps she'll change her mind when the war is done, but not before. So I suggest you leave before I make you leave." Even though she couldn't hear everything, she knew inwardly that Cavan wouldn't leave that easily. She sighed inwardly, they would win this small battle, but she would win both wars, she promised her soul.
She stepped out of the closet she was hidden in and with Nel flanking her; she appeared in front of the men. "Both of you may come with us to Aquaria only if you promise to pull your weight in battle. If not, then leave now." With that she turned and left the hallway. She knew there would be a smug look on Cavan's face as well as that of Cassius. She didn't know what they did to her long ago, but she would soon find out.
With her sword resting on her hip, she took a small elixir that would return her strength to her. She also packed several in her small sack that rested on her back. For her kingdom, she would fight and win. To return to her love's side, she would kill without hesitation. The group was ready and soon departed with Clair waiving in the distance. They headed due north of their location and within a few hours and little fighting they made it safely to the town of Peterny. Airlia walked around in amazement at the bustling city. Fayt knew that since the war, she would have been bound to her home with little exception.
Airlia and Nel went to obtain a room for the night. Both women were weary, especially of the two new men added to the group. Meanwhile Fayt was wondering around town to explore. Airlia and Nel finished obtaining the rooms; however, they weren't ready yet for the groups. So they left to explore a little and found the Peterny Craftsman's Guild. Airlia went up to the woman to ask her about a potion. "Have you heard of a potion that could fool one's mind and make them thought they were in love with someone else?"
The woman smiled as she pulled out a scroll. "My name is Welch Vineyard by the way. And it seems that we have had a potion registered some time ago. It was done by a Cavan Donovan. There was a potion created to remedy this, created by Louise. It seems that both are still extremely popular items." Airlia's eyes darkened slightly with anger. She finally understood what Albel had been trying to subliminally tell her for the longest time. Cavan had tried to poison her mind against him with the aid of Cassius. At least, now, she knew what she was dealing with.
"Nel, they mustn't know we're onto them. For now, they could be of use to us. So long as they think that we don't know, we're safe. When we're ready, they'll be the ones who are trapped. For now, do not touch the food or drink the liquids they give us." Airlia said as Nel smirked; the tables would be turned on the two men. They left to rejoin the group and saw Fayt sitting on the steps of the church and talking with a pretty young girl. Studying the girl, her hair went down to mid-back. Her eyes were green, like the forest. She wore a fur trimmed coat; she carried a basket with beautiful flowers in it. They were simply laughing and talking. Airlia smiled gently at the pair. They were so much like Albel and herself were when they were children. The pair would confide in each other to keep the burden away from their shoulders. Airlia winced as the memories made her worry about his fate. Cavan came up to her and started to gently rub her shoulders, trying to ease her woes.
Airlia quickly left his attempts to the air. Cavan hissed silently through his teeth as he wanted nothing more than to take what should be his. He was far more handsome than that pathetic Albel who would leave her to the wolves if he had the chance. Cassius merely smirked as he came over to Airlia. "Do not fear dear Airlia, I'll guard you from my friend Cavan." Airlia ignored him pointedly as the young girl Fayt was with started coughing.
Airlia was immediately at her side. "Are you alright young woman?"
The girl shrugged it off, "My name is Ameena, and it's ok. I only have a slight cold, nothing more." Airlia's eyes narrowed at what she suspected to be a lie, but why would this girl lie about her health?
Airlia smiled gently as she said, "If you ever need anything, feel free to ask me. Any of Nel's friends could get a hold of me at any time. I'll help you in no time." Ameena smiled as she stood and started to walk away. All Airlia could do was stare as the girl started coughing again, a sad smile graced her lips. "Is she really alright Fayt? I hope it's nothing more than a cold."
Cliff asked as Airlia shook her head. "It's more than a cold, but I wonder why she would lie about it? Perhaps she doesn't want any pity." Airlia excused herself as she heard Fayt get razzed about his new 'girlfriend.' Airlia laughed softly as she made her way to the Craftsman's Guild to see about using the shop across the street to make a potion.
Welch smiled as the girl came back in, she had been bored stiff and wanted something to do. Airlia came up and studied the girl to see her dirty blonde hair pulled into pigtails. She had a pair of red earrings in her ears. She stood all of her own height of five foot six. Her outfit was strange, but cute. She went up to her. "Hello again Welch, my name is Airlia. I would like to make use of the workshop across the street, but I need your help to do it."
Welch's eyes lit up at the thought of having another inventor sign up. "Sure! Let me help you. Ugh!" Groaning as she put a hand to her head, "I just remembered that the workshop across the street is a mess. Here I'll give you a hand cleaning it, at least a little. What are you looking to do? Compounding? Smithery?"
Airlia smiled as she said, "Compounding." They left to go to the workshop to clean the compounding station so she could make her potions.
It took those women just over two hours to clean up just the line area and the compounding station, but it was finally done. Both women sat down sighing in relief. Airlia looked at Welch with a smile as she said, "Thank you for your help Welch. It would have taken me much longer without your help." When
Airlia turned to begin to work from her memory on a potion that could help with Ameena; Welch suddenly turned around one more time saying, "Oh! I almost forgot. Here! This is a simple communicator that will allow you to contact us in case of discovering something you want a patent placed on. This way no one else may claim to make something you made."
Airlia smiled as she said, "It's not really necessary, but thank you nonetheless Welch!" Airlia turned to her work to try and at least make something to ease her friend's suffering.
She had lost track of time when a knock came to the door. She opened it and saw it was a worried Nel, Cliff and Fayt. Airlia stretched slightly as she asked, "What time is it?" Nel smirked, "you really lost track of time Airlia?"
A slight chuckle escaped past her lips as Nel sighed, "It's time to rest, we must leave early tomorrow." Airlia nodded as she packed up what she had made and went to the room that she and Nel were sharing for the moment. Night was slow to pass, every time Airlia thought she was being watched, no one was around, but she couldn't shake the feeling. Outside, Cavan and Cassius were watching the young woman, feeding their lust and wanting nothing more than to take what they could never have. However, their night was cut short with a tired Cliff stepping outside to get a breath of fresh air.
"What's going on boys?"
They looked at each other and said, "We were just making sure nothing was lurking around. Now we're going back to bed. Night." With that the two men left for their room that was furthest from the girls. Cliff stared as they left, wondering what they were really doing. He made sure everyone was safe and locked the door of the two men so they couldn't do any harm to the woman that he admired and the woman that he had helped to rescue. He went back to bed only to be awoken by the cries of an unfamiliar woman. He joined the others, unlocking Cavan and Cassius's door in the process, to see a short, plump woman sobbing.
Fayt was the first to ask, "Who are you? What is the matter?"