There she was.
Almost as he remembered. Memory didn't quite do her justice: there was something ethereal about her presence that his mind's eye could not accurately depict. They locked eyes as Dunban walked down the ramp and towards Fiora and Shulk, who stood a few feet away from Melia, Miraill, Laden and Avalia. She was too far away for him to see the full expression on her face, and before he could gesture in greeting, she looked away, switching her gaze back to Laden and Avalia. He heard the tone of her voice sharpen and watched as her back stiffened. Doubt clung to his mind. Had he made a mistake in coming back to Alcamoth?
"Should we say something?" Shulk asked, shifting from one foot to the other.
"No. Let's just wait until she's done." Fiora answered.
Dunban dug his hands into his pockets, saying nothing. He took a risk in coming back. After his last encounter with Melia, he didn't know if the Homs Entia woman wanted to see him again, even if she had kindly said his presence would always be welcome in the capital city. He wasn't one to force his company on anyone, but he hoped she would give him a chance to explain.
"I hope she finishes up soon. It's cold." Fiora shivered. Shulk put his arms around her in an attempt to keep her warm. At this gesture, Dunban smiled. He was glad to have intervened and told Shulk that he was meant to be with Fiora many months ago. Who knows how long it would've taken for the younger man to come to that conclusion naturally. Although, Dunban admitted to himself, Fiora most likely wouldn't have patiently waited much longer either and taken matters into her own hands.
The murmurs from Melia's group seemed to connote finality in the conversation and Miriall led the Mayor and Avalia back towards the Great Hall. Melia strode over, straightening out her blue blazer as she walked. Her sentries stood a few feet away, a respectful distance, but always watching. Carefully avoiding Dunban's eyes, Melia said, "I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."
"No, no. Not at all." Shulk grinned. "It's very cool to see you in action."
"Thank you," she gave him a small smile before continuing, "Unfortunately, I have a bit of business to attend to tonight, but let me walk with you to your rooms." Turning, she led the way into the Great Hall. A very formal welcome. She must be under a great deal of stress. Or his unexpected appearance had put her on guard.
"How did the election go, Melia?" Shulk asked and then blushed. "I mean, Empress?" Technically, they were in public, though there was hardly anyone around to overhear them.
Melia did not appear to care about Shulk's fumble. Instead, she answered in a factual tone, "We ran into an issue. Regrettably, this means we will have to host a re-vote in the next few days." Dunban watched the Homs Entia for any telling signs of what kind of problem, if it were normal or sinister, but there were none. The Empress maintained an expression of blankness exquisitely.
"What kind of an issue?" Fiora asked.
"Clerical."
She's keeping her cards close to her chest. She stepped into the teleporter before they could ask her more questions. Fiora raised her eyebrows at Dunban and he shook his head. It was clear Melia did not want to go into the details; they needed to respect her boundaries.
A few seconds later, they all stood in the garden outside the Imperial Villa. The moon was high in the sky, gleaming brightly, though half its face was shrouded in darkness. Dunban watched Melia as she walked into the Villa. There was something somber about the air around her, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.
"I've had rooms made up for you two facing the west. It has the best view in the morning overlooking Eryth Sea." Melia said as she lead them to the right. Without looking at him, she continued, "Dunban, I will let Serenity know to make up your previous room in the east wing."
"Thank you."
As they turned down a corridor to the left, they met Nae'ell, walking in their direction. Her black hair gleaned in the light as it fell around her shoulders to her waist. Her bright blue eyes filled with curiosity as she met the group halfway. "You're back, Dunban. What a surprise! I know Melia would've said something if she were expecting you," Nae'ell said as she greeted him. "Do you plan to stay long?"
"As long as I am needed." Quickly, he changed the subject and gestured to his two companions. "Nae'ell, please meet my sister Fiora and my friend Shulk. Nae'ell is a friend of the Empress'."
"She was my brother's betrothed." Melia clarified. Nae'ell smiled at Melia, who gave a small nod.
"It's a pleasure to meet more of Melia's friends," Nae'ell clasped her hands together. He noticed how she did not refer to Melia as the Empress, as every other High Entia did. Perhaps Nae'ell and Melia were closer than he realized. She asked, "What will you be doing in the city during your stay?"
"Conducting a geological survey." Shulk answered.
"I just wanted to visit Melia." Fiora winked at Melia, who couldn't help but smile in return.
"Oh, that's so sweet. It must be nice to be so unencumbered so you can travel anywhere."
"What sorts of things are you doing in the restoration efforts?"
"Whatever Melia needs to be done: logistical, administrative. If she needs another pair of eyes around the city. Advice. She and I have breakfast almost every morning, like how Dunban met with her almost every night before."
Ah. So Melia is confiding in her now. The disappointment ran through him and he gave a side glance at Melia, who looked straight ahead. Not that he could fault her: she didn't know if he'd ever come back. And even though he did, she clearly wasn't in a place to open up to him.
"Anyway, I'm sure you're aware the Empress is busy. Distractions aren't good for her."
"Nae'ell, please. I asked them to come."
"Of course. I'm just looking out for you." She shrugged her shoulders and gave a helpless grin. "It's my duty as an elder sister. Anyway, I'm sure I'll be seeing you around. Enjoy your stay." With a small curtsey, she glided away down the corridor.
"I know she can be...abrasive. Please take no offense. The last few days have been rather trying for us all." Melia said, focusing on Fiora. "I think when the two of you get to know each other, you may really enjoy each other's company."
They set back off down the corridor when Shulk asked, "Is everything okay, Melia?"
"There were many hopes riding on this election. I fear that the announcement of a re-vote will dash those hopes." She stopped outside of a pair of doors, each leading into a separate room. "Once again, I apologize for not being able to properly welcome you this evening. I will have some dinner sent over as you must be hungry from your journey."
"Maybe we could have dinner tomorrow?" Fiora suggested.
"I would like that very much. I'll ask Serenity to make the arrangements. She will also come by in the morning and arrange for a shuttle for you to begin your survey, Shulk." Her shoulders sagged a little and she looked between Shulk and Fiora. "I know I am preoccupied, but I am very glad you have decided to visit."
"Well, thanks for having us!" Fiora winked.
"We're just happy to be here, Melia." Shulk agreed.
"I will let you get settled then." She turned and began walking away, still avoiding his eyes.
"Melia." Dunban said, walking after her.
She stopped and turned, meeting his eyes. "Yes?"
"If you have a moment later tonight, I would very much like to talk with you."
He watched her, trying to see something in her eyes that would indicate what thoughts were buzzing behind the curtain of her mind. But there was none. She stood perfectly straight and expressionless. Devoid of all feelings, hot or cold. "Due to the situation of the re-vote, my time is not my own. I will ask Serenity to find some time in the next few days if possible."
He gave her a slight bow and said, "Goodnight, Empress."
"Goodnight." She stared at him for a second longer, as if debating whether or not to respond, and turned on her heel. He watched her walk away, her two guards in tow, once again wondering where she went after dark. The ambiguity of the answer cut through his question. No, she did not want to speak with him. Would he be able to convince her otherwise?
An hour after dinner and retiring to his room, Dunban found himself pacing back and forth. His mind buzzed with questions: what had happened to the election? Was the saboteur still at work? What exactly could he say to Melia? If only he were tired, then he would sleep. Not restfully, but enough that time would pass and the next day would be upon him quickly.
His thoughts wandered to the saboteur. With the identity still unknown and the perpetrator at large, he could only anticipate that the attacks on Melia would worsen. Was that what she had been alluding to? That the saboteur had struck again in the past few days. He balled his hands into fists; it frustrated him that he lacked the information.
He stopped pacing in the middle of the room and sighed. He couldn't continue thinking ruminating, it would only make him crazy. Instead, he'd go for a walk in the city. He'd never been out in Alcamoth at night. It would be interesting to see what the city was like after dark.
The brisk night air felt good on his skin as he exited the Great Hall and walked down Melfica Road, but he missed the warmth of the Colony 9 air. He ambled through the streets, admiring the lights of the city in the nighttime. They were blue and cool, glittering with ether. Where would he go? An idea occurred to him as he descended to the lower level. Casually, he strode through the square and towards the residential part of the westside. To his right, he heard a faint giggle, and saw the silhouettes of two Homs Entia holding hands and walking towards the Fountain of Eternity. After dark was optimal for lovers, especially those who had to keep their love hidden. As he entered the teleporter and warped to the residential area, he paused in thought. He'd only been to this portion of the city a few times, and he had to retrace his steps once or twice as he headed down various alleyways. To his dismay, they looked identical at night. Finally, he reached his destination.
As he neared the housing unit, he saw the windows were dark. Undeterred, Dunban walked to the door and knocked.
There was no answer.
He tried again and waited a few more moments. Still no answer. Confusion swept over him and he looked around. He was positive he had the right place.
Maybe he too is out for a walk this night.
As Dunban turned to walk back towards the teleporter, a voice called to him from the darkness. "What's a Homs man doing in the dark corners of Alcamoth so late at night?"
He turned, placing his hand on the hilt of his knife that hung from his waist under his coat. "Just looking for a friend."
"A friend? I should be surprised, but I can't say that I'm not. Too many surprising things have happened in the past few days." A High Entia woman stepped out of the darkness, dressed in a long black cloak.
As he looked into her face, he recognized the harsh lines and cold eyes. "Tyrea."
"I assume you are here in the city because the Empress called you?"
"I have been helping with restoration efforts."
"And yet, here you are, standing outside the door of a missing Entian man. One who seemed to be in the company of a would-be assassin."
"Alderon was my friend. I had no idea that Camille would try to kill Melia."
"You were friends with a supposed accomplice."
"There is no proof that he had anything to do with that assassination attempt."
"Except his absence."
"What do you mean?"
"Ah. Well, regardless of your motivations, he is not here. And according to his neighbors, he has not been here for some time. They would estimate he hasn't been here since the day of the assassination attempt."
Dunban remembered Alderon, the kind, but troubled Entian man from the fields. He didn't seem like the sort to orchestrate a murder, or even take part in one. No, he had always been friendly whenever Dunban had spoken with him. All he had ever wanted was to feel better, physically and mentally.
Shaking his head, Dunban said, "I highly doubt that he would've been involved."
"People are not always as they seem, Dunban. But I'm sure you already know that."
"What is your interest in all of this?"
"The Empress has asked me to look into a few things."
"The Empress?"
"Yes. Was I not clear?"
"No. I'm just surprised. What are you looking into for her?"
"That is classified."
Dunban paused. Would Melia trust Tyrea with sensitive information? For all he knew, Tyrea could be toying with him. He hadn't even been aware she was even in the city. She certainly had motivation to sabotage Melia. Or at least, the old Tyrea did. Since the death of her mother, Tyrea may have changed. But he couldn't risk it.
"Then I will bid you goodnight." He turned and began to walk away.
"Apparently, you haven't been the only one to come around. A few others have as well."
He stopped in his tracks but didn't turn around. "Who else?"
"You show me yours, and I'll show you mine."
"How do I know you're working for Melia?"
"You don't. You'll just have to trust me."
"Not good enough." He continued walking, back towards the teleporter, unsettled. He'd only been gone for four days, and yet it seemed longer. As if many months had passed since his time in the city.
As he walked through the main square, he fell under the shadows of the Great Hall. His mind buzzed with activity. He heard the sound of slight shuffling and stopped mid-stride. Carefully, he darted behind a column. A scraping noise could be heard over his shoulder to the right. Peering around the corner, he saw two bodies entangled. Although they were in the shadows safe from prying eyes in the square, Dunban could see the two locked in a passionate kiss. As his eyes adjusted to the darkness, he recognized Songya...and Kiefer. He retracted back behind the column.
A great many things had changed since his departure, and it seemed he could only see them after dark.
As he teleported up to the villa, Dunban walked through the garden towards the entrance, ready for bed. He wasn't exactly tired, but he could feel his body slightly weakened by exhaustion. The Homs walked into the villa, rounded the corner, and bumped straight into Melia. As their bodies crashed together, she thrust her hands on his chest and Dunban wrapped his hands around her arms to steady her.
"I'm so sorry, Melia. Are you alright?"
A little dazed, she looked up at him. They stood like that for a few seconds, eyes connected, silent. Finally nodding in response, she steadied herself and stepped backward out of his grasp, blushing. "Oh yes, I'm fine. It is my fault, I apologize. I was lost in thought and did not look where I was going."
"Then we must both be quite serious philosophers for I am at fault for the same thing."
She couldn't help but giggle at the terrible joke. But it was gone with the next second. Clearing her throat, she looked up at him and asked, "What are you doing up so late?"
"I couldn't sleep. Decided to take a walk."
"Ah, I see. Where to?"
"Nowhere in particular. I haven't seen the city at night. I thought it might be a good way to clear my head."
"And did you?"
"No, I don't think so. I think I have returned with more questions, not less."
"Isn't that always the case." She gave him a rueful smile that he returned.
They stood in silence for a moment, and then he asked casually, "I know you must be turning in for the evening, but maybe we can talk for five minutes?"
Indecision crossed over her face. He knew there was a part of her that wished to say no, but had no excuse or reason to decline. Politely that was. And Melia was always polite. "Yes, of course. Let's go to my suite."
They walked in silence all the way there. Now that he had the opportunity to speak with her, what exactly was he going to say? He wanted to apologize, but didn't want to be presumptive.
As the door closed behind them, Melia went straight for the tea cart. "Tea?"
"No, thank you."
She poured a cup for herself and looked at him expectantly. It was no use delaying any longer. He needed to engage head on.
"Melia, I wanted to apologize."
"For what?"
"For not sharing with you about my reason to return to Colony 9."
"Dunban, there is nothing to apologize for. You do not owe me anything."
"I feel as though I have disappointed you."
"I don't know what you mean."
"Melia, what happened with Senara...I should've said something before we arrived." He was hesitant to even mention her name, but he knew it was the pink elephant in the room.
"Your affairs are your own. You have no obligation to share those things with myself."
"That is true. But you were open with me about your own challenges and yet I did not share my own. That is..." he hesitated, struggling to find the right words. "That was hypocritical and disrespectful of me. And for that I apologize."
She was silent, sipping her tea. He could see the gears turning in her head and awaited her response. After a minute of contemplation, Melia looked up and smiled. But he could see the smile did not reach her eyes. It was empty.
"Thank you for that, Dunban."
He knew that she would say no more. And he had nothing to add. If she were to bring up the incident at the party, he would discuss it with her. But it appeared that whatever that moment was, she had buried it and moved on. And that perhaps there was an irreparable rift in their friendship.
"Well, that is all I had to say. Have a good night."
"Good night."
After leaving Melia's suite, he sighed and headed back to his room. Forcefully, he shut out all thoughts about Melia or otherwise. He no longer wanted to think about anything other than getting a good night's rest and meeting with Kiefer tomorrow. But as Dunban arrived at his room, he noticed a white piece of paper sticking out from under his door. Opening the door, he bent down to pick it up. His eyes widened as he read the message:
Leave now. Or your sister dies.