-Chapter 17- Honesty
"Dear Mother,
It may be a few weeks by the time you receive this letter, we've safely arrived to Madain Sari on the same path you papa, and cousin Eiko walked. It was quite the distance from Condie Petie to Madain Sari, I never realized the difference between seeing distance on a map versus seeing it in person. There certainly were some beasts we encountered along the journey, however with Eiko's guidance, Rose and I proved more strength together as one.
I must thank you and papa for the training we all helmed together, it became shocking to cousin Eiko when I told her it was your idea all along for me to be trained to defend myself and fight against any adversaries that crossed our paths. Luckily, we only faced small beasts that you faced during your venture here. Rose however I must admit, she has certainly demonstrated her strength so well, I never saw this side of her before, it's as if something inside of her has awaken, something I'm certain she has longed awaited to bring to light. I'm sure auntie Beatrix and uncle Steiner will be proud of her when they receive her letter telling her about her unearthed powers dwelling in her.
I must admit I was overwhelmed by the state of Madain Sari, I can only imagine what life must've been like before the Invincible came about. The layout of the village seemed well designed, similar to Alexandria, I've not visited the Eidolon Wall yet, cousin said I'm not ready for it. She also showed me the first edition of I Want to be you Canary which shocked me. How did Lord Avalon's revered first edition end up here? Let alone survive the destruction? I asked cousin Eiko about it and she doesn't even know herself how it ended up here. I wonder if they had plays here like we do back home.
I'm hoping my time here will teach me more about our people, let alone learn how to self-control my own newfound powers the dwell within me. I apologize if my letter may be short but it was the best I could write to you given what we have so far. I'm certain as you have before me have made this journey to learn who you are I hope to also learn of who I am as well.
I hope you and papa will be alright without my presence for this long duration.
I also can't help to wonder how everyone else back home are feeling about my absence. Our people certainly have given me their good graces about my venture to receive the highest education supposedly in Dagguero, even though we know that is not the truth. Part of me feels awful we had to lie to our people about this…yet…I understand we have to conceal the truth, not allowing the nobles to gain wind of my true intention…"
"CONFOUND IT YOU FOOL! DO NOT DROP IT! I'LL HAVE YOUR HEAD IF YOU DROP IT!"
"A thousand apologies m'lady."
"….YOU THERE STOP DILLY DALLYING! GET BACK TO WORK!"
"Apologies m'lady!"
"….GODS FOUND IT WHAT ARE YOU TWO DOING!? HAVE YOU NO MANNERS!?"
"…Those are my maids…"
"…….."
Garnet with her arms crossed and tapped a finger against her skin exposed upper arm giving an unamused look at the loud noble barking orders to the various workers carrying the palace's furnishing through the foyer as the two maids looked at the noble awkwardly and wondering what to do.
"Are you just going to sit there and let them stand around!?" The noble glared at Garnet who remained unfazed by their words.
"Just because you're working closely with Lady Winston does not grant you any authority to yell at my workers. They are on their break, and they are entitled to it. I would advise you not cause any more ruckus than you already are with your own, otherwise I will not hold back Beatrix from removing you from the premises." Garnet's stern voice came across to the noble with a disgusted look her eyes and sounded off a fake vomit.
"Your Majesty you've any manners?" She said while stepping closer to the Queen as Steiner extended his arms in front of Garnet giving a fierce glare to the noble.
"Any closer and I will personally have you thrown in the dungeon!" He snarled as the noble stopped.
"And if you put your bloody paws on my fine mink coat and I'll make bloody certain you and your princess are thrown into exile from this land." The noble scuffed as she adjusted her oversized brown mink fur coat covering her entire body.
"Speak of my daughter's name again and I will not hesitate to personally toss you into the moat myself!" Garnet lowered her arms and began stepping forward, only to held back by Beatrix.
"Your Majesty please she's not worth it." Beatrix pleaded holding the Queen's waist preventing her from moving any further.
"Oh the Queen wishes to challenge? Oh ho ho ho ho that's quite charming! So it is true what they say, you do have some fight in you. Quite un-lady like in these parts." The noble laughed as the trio grew tired of the woman's laugh.
"Her Majesty will not stand for this if you keep your bloody mouth open like that!" A voice called out from the foyer.
"Oh?" The noble looked towards the entry to the palace spotting a well-tailored noble with his white collared dress shirt with a red bow tie, streel grey colored dress jacket, vest, and trousers approaching them with his fierce brown eyes and black short, gelled hair reflecting a hint of light from the sun above.
"I warn you anymore attempts at harassing the Queen and her workforce I will personally make damn sure you'll be held in contempt of the high courts and then you can send a message to Lady Winston about your harassment of my clients." The man said as he stood before the group.
"Oh Barba you've changed, you use to always defend us in Treno, why the sudden change of heart?" The noble took out her fan and started fanning herself.
"Because I remain loyal to Alexandria despite my own personal exile, and I will not stand for anyone who dares attempts to overthrow the crown in any form or way in these parts." Barba said as he brushed off his sleeves.
"Hmph! Have it your way then! I promise you all that Lady Winston makes good on her words; I would advise you not take her very lightly! I promise you all this won't be the last you'll hear of her!" The noble flinched her head away and walked towards the nearby boats.
Garnet sighed depressively as she watched the noble walk away.
"Barba…I'm sorry for involving you in all of this…" She said as she brushed her short hair with both hands as Steiner and Beatrix lowered their hands.
"Your Majesty please if Beatrix hadn't mentioned this, I think you would've been in a worst situation than were we are now." Barba assured as he walked in front of her. "With all due respect given the circumstances your daughter is in; I do believe we've much at hand before us to which time may potentially be against us."
Steiner and Beatrix nodded.
"Commander Barba is the best barrister in all of the Mist continent Your Majesty…the fact he was once Alexandria's revered solicitor before your time with his reputation of always pulling through any judicial court cases thrown at him speaks highly of his skills." Beatrix said as she removed her hands off the Queen.
"And the reason you're still standing here today General." The man smirked as Beatrix brushed her hair to the side.
"It's certainly good to see you again after all these years Commander." Steiner smiled.
Barba shook his head.
"Please enough of the Commander title. I'm no longer a soldier anymore."
Garnet shook her head.
"But Commander Barba, are you certain about wishing to be here? I know you'll not earn much from us since…your time in Treno representing nobles was more fulfilling."
"Your Majesty there was a time during which I gave second thoughts of practicing in Treno, I was only there since my time here with your stepfather and mother was coming to end in light of the incident with General Beatrix."
Beatrix sighed.
"Commander Barba, I understand your reputation after that incident was tarnished but was it truly necessary to leave?"
Barba nodded.
"If I had stayed, surely the people of Alexandria would've despised my guts of tarnishing an entire military unit from existence. That power alone would've frightened an entire nation knowing my hands had the ability to dispose one grand unit were as your predecessor would've been considered my next target despite not having any internal issues with her unit. Times were different back then as they are today, the fact today's Alexandrians are more optimistic in light of the Queen's revelation gave me the idea that perhaps this opportunity would grant me a chance to return to Alexandria after all these years."
"And are you certain you're willing to lose all that coin you could earn from Treno?" Beatrix raised an eyebrow as Barba laughed.
"No coin would sway me away from protecting Alexandria from harm's ways. The fact Her Highness is the victim of a possible entrapment from Lady Winston's band of nobles speaks there may be more to this than what we are seeing."
Garnet sighed depressively.
"What could they be possibly plotting against us? I know mother and father worked closely with her family but…I worry if there are other deals, they made that I'm not made aware of…"
"Now that I think about it."
Everyone turned their attention to Steiner.
"I do recall much of the Winston family visiting quite often during His Majesty's reign, during those times when the Pluto Knights were stationed nearby their presence, some of those fools would gossip about what they overheard about their conversations. I'm more intrigued to know if they all can recall any sort of unorthodox topics that may have turned up." Steiner curled a finger under his chin as Barba raised an eyebrow.
"Do you think anyone of them are willing to testify against the evil Queen of Numbers?"
"Tch!" Beatrix let out. "Is that what they call her these days?"
Barba smirked.
"No doubt, I can assure you I won't let her hold wind of Her Highness nor Her Majesty also."
Garnet sighed with relief.
"I owe you a great debt Commander Barba…please if there is anything I can do to assist you in your efforts or repay you by any other means I…I surely can find a way."
Barba shook his head.
"Your coin means nothing to me; I'm doing this as a favor for the General."
Beatrix smiled.
"Still as bold as you were then Commander."
"No doubt, his skills as our solicitor certainly will helm well to protect Her Highness." Steiner complimented.
"I appreciate all your compliments alas Captain Steiner I expect your men to be ready for my visit soon so I can conduct an interview with all of them about any information they may have against the Winston family. I will spare no less if their testimony can be considered accepted in the high courts."
"At once Commander!" The knight saluted. "I shall inform of your presence to be expected soon."
"Good and Your Majesty, please do not fret in all of this. We will make certain your daughter is in good hands." Barba gently bowed to the Queen; Garnet smiled haphazardly.
"Thank you, Commander Barba…I apologize if my optimism is not present…I will strongly place my trust in you in this matter." Her voice drifted.
"Your Majesty…"
Garnet looked over her shoulder to Beatrix.
"I know as a mother your more worried for her safety…and I fully understand your frustrations and concerns. If anyone can resolve this matter, Commander Barba will make do of his words." The General assured.
"Hmmm." Garnet looked towards the docked boat of the screaming noble as they continued loading up several more of the palace's furniture. In the past weeks since Sarah's departure threats made against her of judicial actions have become more imminent. In light of Lady Winston's last visit she made sure of her actions would take place going as far as cleaning out the furniture that housed in Alexandria's palace. To Garnet it meant nothing to her, she took the initiative to seek out local carpenters and weavers to partake in renovating the palace's interior furnishes that was met with the entire population coming forth together to build the palace's new furniture.
It not only surprised the young Queen but she was relieved to see the support of her kingdom stood by her side despite the threats made against her. Several local carpenters approached the Queen informing her that they were partially responsible for the original furniture that stood in the palace; now found themselves more relieved to deal directly with the palace versus a proxy service required by nobles who contracted them for furnishes. New deals were now utilizing direct services with local artisans that receive high praises from the kingdom residents who saw the Queen's latest changes bring profits in the economical flow into the kingdom were no outside influences claimed portions of the profits.
Artisans quickly began working on the many furniture that were to replace the repossessed ones the moment the Queen signed the contract into effect; receiving a public viewing on the grand moment that was celebrated and launched Alexandria's finest artisans into action.
"HEY YOU BLOODY ARSE! MOVE YER BOAT!"
The group looked over towards the source of the voice as they noticed a large trail of boats attempting to dock before the palace ground as the noble walked from behind her boat.
"WE'RE STILL LOADING HERE CAN'T YOU SEE HERE YOU SIMPLETON!?" she yelled back.
"OI! YER LATE ON YOUR DEPATURE! WE GOT A TON OF BOATS HERE WITH A LARGE DELIVERY! FINISH YER LOADING AND BE ON YER WAY!" The boatman yelled back as he threw his arm up in the air holding his hat trying to signal her to leave.
"Who do you think you are!? DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM!?" The noble barked back.
"YER THE LOON WHOSE HOLDIN UP OUR LINE! GIT ON WITH IT NOW! MOVE BEFORE WE MOVE YER BOAT FOR YOU!"
The noble looked over towards Garnet, Beatrix, Steiner, and Barba as they observed the minor confrontation.
"Aren't you two going to do something about this!? Your peasants are harassing me!" She cried as the two knights looked away.
"We're merely soldiers…you may contact the harbor master as this is docking issue, not a harassment issue." Beatrix said sarcastically as Garnet held back her chuckle by covering her mouth.
"What!?" The noble looked at Garnet hoping for a different response.
"I'm not too familiar with the maritime laws as that's the responsibility of my harbor master, you may speak with her instead." Garnet responded as she looked at the fleet of boats noting their nautical flags bore the Alexandria markings.
The noble with all her strength broke apart her fan in anger of the response and let out a small growl.
"YOU WILL REGRET THIS YOUR MAJESTY!" She barked as she turned towards her boat trying to course her workers to speed up.
"OI! HURRY THE HELLS UP! YOU DEAF OR DUMBER THAN A JESTER IN THE NIGHT!?" The boatman yelled out.
"UGH! For gods sake shut your bloody mouth or else I'll sink your boat to the bottom of the moat!" The noble yelled as she looked to several of her archers on the boat.
"Oh that's cute! You sure bout that!?" the boatman yelled back as he snapped his finger. On cue the entire fleet of boats behind him revealed their archers coming on deck preparing their arrows aimed towards the noble and her few archers.
"WHAT THE BLOODY HELL!? ARE YOU TWO KNIGHTS JUST GOING TO STAND THERE AND ALLOW THIS!?" The upset noble looked towards Beatrix and Steiner who stood by amused by the escalating situation.
"You've technically threatened them with force and they are responding back in great numbers, so as long as no arrow touches the palace ground they are free to protect themselves by any means necessary when threated upon." Barba explained as the two knights and Garnet nodded in agreement.
"You've lost your mind Barba! I will see to it that you'll all regret this" She cocked her head away from the group and boarded onto her boat while knocking over a sailor on the plank as someone screamed "MAN OVERBOARD!"
"Forget him! Let's just be out of this hells hole! LEAVE!" She ordered as a sailor approached her.
"M'lady but our navigator jus fell overboa…"
"LEAVE NOW!!" the noble screamed as the sailor saluted.
"Ye…yes ma'am…"
Garnet, Beatrix, Steiner, and Barba rushed to the dock to lend a hand to the fallen sailor splashing in the moat, he swam for the dock and grabbed a hold of Garnet and Beatrix hands and was pulled out of the water. The docked boat pushed away as the noble looked over to the group attending to the sailor as they all looked towards the boat bewildered by the noble's actions.
"Consider this your retirement you baffling fool!" She called out as the sailor raised his right fist in the air and slapped his upper thigh with his left hand.
"OLD HAG!" he yelled out, the sailor was then helped up to his feet as everyone around him gently tried washing off his uniform, the water drenched his white with blue collared shirt and tan oversize pants.
"Dear goodness what rudeness she has towards you." Steiner noted.
"With people like her who needs enemies?" Barba said.
"I'm deeply sorry for the mistreatment, I didn't realize that noble gave such hostility towards your hard work." Garnet said as the sailor shook off the water drenching his skin exposed arms.
"Please it's not the first time I've fallen overboard, every sailor has his moments here and there." He said as Garnet, Beatrix, Steiner, and Barba took a few steps back allowing the sailor to catch his breath.
"Is there anything we could possibly do for you?" Garnet asked.
"Nay Your Majesty, I'll simply find my way back to airship port with the other sailors over yonder that are docking here. If anything I think maybe this was my calling to leave that brutal wench of a client." He said as he looked over towards the first boat approaching the dock.
"Excuse me sir!" A voice called out as the group turned their attention to two approaching maids with towels in their hands. "Please sir allow us to assist." A maid said as the sailor laughed.
"Goodness such service and quickness, it is true what they say, Alexandria's palace has remarkable services." He said as he grabbed one towel and began drying his uniform.
"We do everything we can to make sure all our guests are treated with great service and dignity." The maid smiled.
"All the best and with Her Majesty we are quite thrilled to be working for her." The second maid said.
"Thrilled? Well, that certainly was not what I was expecting to hear." The sailor said as Garnet arched a suspicious eyebrow.
"Hmm? What do you mean? I don't mean to intrude on your thoughts though I'm quite curious about your notation of my maids." Garnet said as she held her hands together.
"Well Your Majesty rumor has it you mistreat your workers here." The sailor said as he dried himself with the towels. "In fact they seem prominent topics in Treno these days."
Barba raised an eyebrow suspiciously while the maids gasped in shock.
"Her Majesty mistreating us!? Surely not! I've been here for nearly twelve years and I've no complaint whatsoever!" The brunette-haired maid said as she looked to her colleague.
"I must protest I've not complaint since my arrival, my tenure of fourteen has simply been a wonderful experience." The blonde maid spoke.
"Rumors? What else have you been hearing about these days' sailor?" Barba stepped forward as the sailor looked towards Barba.
"Well, another sailor whom I worked with spoke the Queen is threatening to raise tariffs in order to make Alexandria's people pay higher in goods."
Garnet gasped in shock and shook her head.
"I would never do such thing…our people have paid fair prices for the tariffs here, there was never a need to raise them…do you know whom exactly sparked such rumors?" Garnet asked.
The sailor shook his head.
"Unfortunately, I've no sources, just rumors floating abouts the lands and sea."
"Sailor…with all due respect, we're presently in the midst of a upcoming trial against the Winston family, if I may ask wo-"
"Absolutely!" The sailor responded without letting Barba finish. "That bitch has neglected paying us for our last job and I doubt we'll see any coin for this one!"
"No questions asked?"
"Blimey hells I'd be happy to bring in anyone who has any aggression towards that family, I wouldn't be surprised if they be the ones spreadin the rumors."
Barba smiled wickedly.
"Then by all means sailor, why don't we have a little chat. Your Majesty, General Beatrix, Captain Steiner. We shall discuss more later." Barba bowed to the trio.
"We shall reconvene shortly Commander." Beatrix said.
"Your Majesty, I promise you we will overcome this." Barba said as he beckoned the sailor and maids as he began making his way to the palace. Garnet watched the group make their way to the palace feeling confused.
"A slander campaign, how dare Lady Winston try to slander you your Majesty." Steiner balked while Beatrix laid a hand on her face.
"I…I don't understand…" Garnet spoke softly as her knights looked to her. "Why would she do such a thing, all this over her son being hurt…I just don't understand…"
…
"Alright, now breath in slowly...now exhale."
"…….."
"One more time…breath in slowly."
"……"
"Now slowly exhale."
"……"
"Now closely and gently open your eyes and look directly in front of you."
"……"
"Now tell me how your body feels now?"
"……..It feels lighter…"
"Good! That's exactly what I wanted to hear." Eiko grinned as she observed Sarah's body posture, sitting with her legs crossed on top of a faded namazlik with various floral designs, the princess's upper torso as straight as a tree and hands rested on her knees as she looked out to the endless ocean view before her hearing the waves beneath them crashing against the towering wall they sat on top of.
"Cousin…is it normal to feel this way after we pray?" Sarah looked towards Eiko mirroring her sitting posture while on top of her own namazlik.
"Definitely! Is there something else on your mind?" Eiko crossed her arms as Sarah looked out into the ocean.
"Sort of…I can't help but feel something inside is bothering me…I…I can't explain how it is…"
"Well…care to elaborate?"
"Hmm…."
She looked up to the clear blue skies above, the fresh clean air that she was breathing in was so new to her, the usual scents of her friend's garden that filled the Alexandria palace felt like she was back home.
"I know we are in Madain Sari but…the air here smells…like Alexandria…if…if that makes any sense."
Eiko shook her head.
"It absolutely does!" Eiko stood up and beckoned Sarah to stand up. Sarah carefully stood up from her namazlik as she looked to her cousin.
"Summoners have the ability to sense various feelings, scents, and in some cases encounter visions."
"…Visions? Like…premonitions?"
"Hmmm premonitions are a possibility, the history of our people does state that premonitions in some form or way have been recorded as far back since the dawn of time. It's quite the vocabulary you got in ya."
Sarah laughed softly.
"I can't help it sometimes…though the idea of…having visions does make me wonder about my dreams."
"You mean of the mysterious light and the woman you've been seeing?"
Sarah nodded.
"Hmm…I haven't seen her nor have I had the dream of the white light recently…it's only been a week since we arrived."
"Hmm that is interesting now that you mention it." Eiko placed curled her fingers beneath her chin. "Ever since we came here, I'm actually surprised you haven't had any of those encounters since then…I know for the past week we only started reading about learning some basic spells in order for you to learn self-control since I know you don't want a repeat of you know what back in you know where."
Sarah shook her head.
"No…I…I don't…I don't wish to hurt anyone I care for…"
"Even him?'
Sarah cringed.
"Gods no! Quite honestly I'm glad I blinded him…wait…I wasn't…supposed to say that was I?"
Eiko smiled and approached her cousin gently stepping on to her cousins namazlik and placed her hands on her shoulders.
"No I need you to exactly speak your feelings! Be truthful to yourself. Come on his stupid ass deserved it anyways. Who does he think he is? This asshole and his bimbo bitch of a mom deserve to get put in their place after all that ruckus he put you through." A gentle bark sounded off as the looked behind them spotting a happy Zoe sitting watching Sarah and Eiko. "See even Zoe definitely agrees with that statement also, I would've let her take a bite out of that spoiled prince's third-rate jacket of him and burry it in Rose's gardens."
Sarah laughed while she covered her mouth with her fingers and smiled.
"Cousin! I can't with you anymore…" Sarah struggled to speak as Eiko grinned.
"I'm your cousin, aren't I? it's also my job to make sure no boy takes your hand without my consent too!"
"Oh cousin, please I'm sixteen now, I can make decision on my own too." Sarah mocked her own royal tone as Eiko laughed.
"This is the part where your father would say there's that royal tone again." Eiko mocked Zidane's voice as the two laughed.
"Gods cousin! Stop." Sarah struggled to say as she continued laughing. Zoe watched the two share a laugh with one another as she panted with delight. The two finally finished their laughter as Eiko took in a deep breath and exhaling feeling refreshed.
"Sarah…I don't want you to forget why I do these things with you, it's because I need you to understand all the emotions you are experiencing now that we are here, because as a summoner you are bestowed upon the powers of deities who look out for our home planet. Every emotion you experience here ties into their powers and our ability to helm then when called upon."
"Hmm…I understand." Sarah looked towards Zoe, she kneeled, and the dog approached her, Sarah brushed her pet's furred body as she smiled with delight. "Cousin…would it be similar to how…me and Zoe are per say?"
Eiko kneeled next to Sarah as she laid a hand on top of Zoe's forehead.
"In a similar sense it can be, only difference is Zoe can't destroy a large amount of land or in some cases blow people up to bits."
"Hmm…Eiko…is…is it possible that…maybe Zoe came into my life as…possibly a foreshadowing of my fate ahead?"
"Well…I'm not going to deny the theory, but it's a possibility."
Eiko leaned in and gave a peck on Zoe's forehead as the animal started licking Eiko's face.
"HEHE!!! Zoe you silly girl!" Eiko said as she gave a gentle hug to the pet as Sarah watched. "See the way your parents most likely explained is the crystal has more than likely sealed your fate and it's up to us to uphold the path bestowed upon us."
Sarah felt her cheek flustering to the thought of her fate already being sealed, it gave thought to her past of her childhood. Helping her mother overcoming her grievances, lessons in becoming the future Princess of Alexandria, learning the ways of the summoner, it started to become clear that her own fate was already decided before she was even born. The princes gave wonder if she would be considered more of a threat to her own people with her lackluster self-control of her powers.
Summoners to the best of her own knowledge remained in the village, very few sparsely ventured outside the Outer Continent, yet even after the destruction, many nations who hosted trades with the village seemed to have forgotten its existence.
"Cousin…"
Eiko looked towards Sarah.
"What is it?"
"Do…do you think I will become the next Queen of Alexandria? Even though…as you said the crystal has already chosen my fate?"
"You're forgetting a key word I said, lemme repeat myself, the crystal has more than likely sealed your fate and 'it's up to us' to uphold the path bestowed up us." She said while making air quotes with her hands.
"…I…am I missing…something or…?"
Eiko smiled.
"The more we study together the more you'll understand." The summoner patted Sarah's shoulder. "After all, Alexandria wasn't built in a day y'know?"
Sarah laughed softly while jokingly rolling her eyes.
"And neither was Lindblum." She teased.
"Come on, why don't we take a break? How bout a quick snack?" Eiko stood up as Sarah stood up also.
"Hmm, that would be nice. I want to check on Rose to see how she and the moogles are faring." Sarah stepped off the namazlik and into her black flats.
"You two go on ahead, I wanna take another few minutes here to enjoy the scenery."
"Hmm! Thanks cousin." Sarah gently bowed as Eiko raised her back up while laughing.
"Don't bow to me! Do I look like an uptight snobby noble with the mindset of a child and the body of a fat chocobo!?" Eiko teased.
"Of course not, you've the body of auntie Hilda in her youth days." Sarah teased back as Eiko laughed.
"Gods I rather not be compared…anyways get going! SHOO! SHOO!!" Eiko waved the princess as she continued laughing, Sarah looked to her pet and clapped her hands.
"Come on Zoe." She said as she started walking away from the vista with Zoe following along.
The two followed the path making way to the central most area of Madain Sari, Sarah took her time slowly observing the entire area for any signs or clues to her own family. The much destruction left over untouched remained curious as to why nobody had ever come to assess the sudden disappearance of the once thriving village.
Since day one of their arrival, Sarah and Eiko immediately went straight to work on the princess's training, the first several days were reading general knowledge of spell casting in a safe manner. Each day includes, as Eiko describes it, mandatory meditation relaxation; to help ease Sarah's emotions, along with allowing the princess to express her true feelings.
Eiko took major note of the princess's expressive feelings from her time at the palace and presently, Sarah was more vocal about how she really felt about the nobles her mother was around, her feelings about the lessons she has been taking with the palace's scholars, and as of recently where she sees herself in the near future.
Zoe's ears perked up, Sarah noticed and soon her pet darted ahead of her as she gasped and ran along. Zoe ran along the path banking right by the fountain area and found her target, she barked happily as Rose was walking with a few moogles yelped as Zoe started circling around the group. The moogles happily flew around the dog as Sarah came along spotting the group and smiled with delight.
"Looks like she was excited to see you Rose." Sarah said as she clapped her hands. Zoe looked over and walked towards Sarah, then sat beside her and turned her attention to Rose and the moogles as Rose brushed off several dirt markings on her forehead.
"Did you plant a lot today Rose? Your face is really covered up." Sarah teased as Rose gasped and tried cleaning up her face, forgetting her gloves are on and filling her cheeks with more dirt as Sarah laughed. "Rose, did you forget there's dirt on your gloves?." Sarah walked closer to her panicking friend as she gently grabbed her right hand first. Rose looked along and watched Sarah take off her glove, followed by her left hand. Rose's fingers felt tingly the moment her hands were touched by Sarah's she looked up to her smiling friend.
"What's wrong? You seem like you saw a mu or something."
Rose shook her head.
"So…sorry…I must be filthy…" she looked away feeling embarrassed.
"Don't worry kupo! Our bathing room keeps all of our fur fluffy and spiffy new, I think a good bath would suite you well kupo!" a moogle called out as Rose looked to her lower right.
"Oh…I'll certainly do so when I return to our room Morrie." Rose nodded.
"Hmmm a bath does sound pretty good right about now too." Sarah teased. Rose felt her entire upper body twitch with her hands suddenly trembling as Sarah laughed.
"What's wrong Rose? You don't recall when you, Eiko, and I shared a bath at Condie Petie?"
Rose violently shook her head and covered her face. The moogles were confused by Rose's reaction and pondering why she was embarrassed.
"Are you embarrassed kupo?" Morrie asked.
"I think she's turning red kupo." Another moogle noted as Rose pressed her hands harder against her face in hopes she could hide her semi-exposed blush of cherry colored like cheeks.
"Hehe Rose is just easily embarrassed, that's all. She's not used to sharing bathing rooms with others. Then again back home we had our own private bathing rooms, my mother and I shared one and it felt very relaxing. The one you have here is peaceful, I really love the view it gives where you can see the village and the ocean altogether, especially when the sunsets, gods I really love it!" Sarah said while gently gripping a pair of fists and placed them under her chin smiling.
"Thanks, kupo! Lorrie here tries to keep it clean as best we can!" Morrie said while another moogle smiled proudly.
"We work together and make it work kupo!" Lorrie said as it rustled its fur.
"We should get back quickly to prepare for dinner! We're gonna go ahead." Morrie said as he waved to the other moogles to follow him. "We'll see you all for dinner" Lorrie said as she and the rest of the moogles walked ahead as Sarah waved. "See you all at dinner." She looked back at Rose still covering her face not realizing the moogles have left her and Zoe with Sarah.
"Rose? Are you alright?"
At the pace of a snail, Rose's hands slowly slid down her face with her eyes only exposed with a pair of blue eyes looking at her.
"Are you okay?" Sarah tilted her head. Rose shook her head.
"I…I never…felt this embarrassed before…" she muffled. Sarah chuckled and carefully cupped her friend's hands and gently lifted them off her face revealing her bright red cheeks with pigments of dirt spread across her face.
"Hehe Rose it's okay, it's only me, it's not like you're disgusting, I like seeing you like this." Sarah smiled. "It shows all the hard work you've done today." Sarah's fingers gently rubbed her friend's hands as the tingling sensation felt relieving. Rose felt her neck gulping as she looked around herself spotting only a panting Zoe looking up to them.
"I just…I don't want you to think…differently of me."
Sarah shook her head.
"I would never!" Sarah wrapped an arm around Rose's waist bringing her closer as Rose yelped in response. "Nothing in this world would ever make me think of you any differently Rose and that's a fact." Sarah winked.
"Uh…uhm…okay…" Rose held herself.
"Why don't we go clean you up?
Rose nodded tenderly, Sarah smiled and began walking while gently pulling her friend along; Zoe followed along too.
"Sa…Sarah…" Rose spoke.
"Hmm? What is it Rose?"
"Uhm…" Rose lowered her hands and held them together in front of her, she looked to her friend. "I've…I've noticed you've…"
Sarah blinked a few times.
"Hmm? What is it?"
"Uhm…" Rose looked away from Sarah. "You've…uhm…" Rose felt she didn't have the courage to tell her closest friend the small changes she noted about her since their arrival to the village. The few days Rose noticed Sarah had become more vocal with her emotions and her feelings about her life back in Alexandria. The only thing that has not changed was their own friendship as it remained the same yet Sarah's feelings about becoming Alexandria's next Queen and being forced to marry a noble was not ideal in her mind.
Sarah admitted to Rose and Eiko she grew tired of being told how to act around nobles, despite the illusion that she willingly learned on her own accord, deep down she was not one to be a trophy on a pedestal. One fear she admitted was letting her mother down that comes with a domino effect of the people she's surrounded by judging her even more so. Nobles, dignitaries, relatives, scholars, just those alone made Sarah feel the pressure of the life she was born into.
Her admiration to her mother was what strived her to follow the path she was shown, even though Garnet broke the norms while helming the monarchy, the older Sarah became the more internally she began to second guess herself. Those second guesses began emerging with the group, Rose even herself heard them for the first time in their friendship. Was Sarah beginning to change before her very eyes?
"Rose? I don't mind if you're honest with me, I always appreciated it." Sarah assured her nervous friend.
Rose pressed her index fingers together nervously, she looked to her friend.
"You've…changed…" she said tenderly. Sarah sighed with relief and smiled.
"You think so? How so?" Sarah rested her head on her friend's shoulder as they continued walking.
"Uhm…" Rose felt a rush of warmth to her cheeks and blinked a few times. "You've become…more vocal…"
"Hmm, so you have noticed too."
"I…uhm…I have…I didn't wish to hurt you…"
"Rose…you would never hurt my feelings. There's nothing you can say that would ever tarnish our friendship, not today not tomorrow not ever. I just wanted to be sure of myself…because I know cousin Eiko will be well you know how she is hehe. But your words matter more to me on this journey. I want to be certain that I am being honest with myself."
"Hmm…" Sarah lifted her head up while gently tugging Rose's hip signaling to stop. Zoe stopped in front of the two looking up to them while panting. Sarah gently turned her friend's body towards her.
"Rose…I'm certain you must be overwhelmed by all the things I've been getting off my chest lately."
Rose looked away and nodded.
"I just…it's not something I've seen of you…"
"I understand."
Rose looked back to her friend; Sarah smiled.
"I'm sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable but know that I do this because I don't want to hurt anyone around me, especially you. It took a lot of courage to tell me you wanted to leave Alexandria and I hope bringing you here will help give you a small opportunity to help bring your dream to life also."
"Hmm…" Rose gently pushed Sarah back. "I understand…I do appreciate the thought Sarah…I'm just worried if you will be alright."
Sarah smiled.
"I will be…I just need to let out all these emotions so I can concentrate on my training. If I keep them bottled up…I don't think you would want to see a side nobody wants to see."
Rose nodded.
"I understand…"
Zoe gently barked and started circling the two friends as they watched together. The furry companion delighted the two as she brushed herself between Sarah & Rose.
"Sarah…do…you recall the time…when Zoe…when Zoe jumped on you in bed?" Rose asked as Sarah looked to her friend with a smile.
"Do I? I remember that was the first time I felt her entire weight on me. Hehe! That's the first time I've heard you bring up a fun memory." Sarah said as she kneeled and began petting Zoe's forehead.
"Uhm…it was because…well…I let Zoe into your room…"
Sarah paused and looked up to her friend, the memory surprised the princess as she recalled the moment all to well Her recollection was Zoe bursting into the room and jumped onto her bed; fully grown and full of excitement to see her. Her only question at the time was who let her in?
"I was wondering for the longest time how she got in…because neither Nadine or Mei were around after she got led in."
Rose began to feel nervous.
"I…I'm sorry…I was…I was wishing to meet with you before morning meal since…I had something to return but…Zoe was at your door wishing to be let in…so…the moment I opened the door she ran in and I was nervous to follow…so…I ran away after she got in…"
Sarah chuckled.
"That explains everything then because I remember you gave me back The Silmarillion later that day. Why did you run? I wouldn't have minded if you came in after Zoe. It wouldn't be the first she's jumped on me…least when she was smaller of course. Hehe."
"Hmmm…I'm sorry…I should've spoken sooner…"
Sarah shook her head.
"It was a fun morning, if anything Nadine and Mei were really surprised Zoe found her way in. They love playing with her so you did no harm there." Sarah smiled as she stood up. "You just made the morning even better for me that day."
"Hmm.." Rose looked down towards Zoe as the dog brushed her own nose with a foreleg. Zoe let out a gentle bark and lifted her forepaws laying against Rose's legs catching her off guard while Sarah chuckled.
"Grab her forelegs, Rose." Sarah suggested as Rose looked to her confused.
"Huh? Wha…why?"
"Trust me."
Rose looked back to pet, she tenderly grabbed the animal's forelegs and gently lifted them in the air while Zoe kept her back paws on the ground. The pet licked her own mouth and started howling, Sarah smiled while Rose was left confused. Zoe's howls started echoing across the lost village, its gentle tone was felt like a musical instrument that relieved the ears of those who heard.
"Is she…calling?" Rose asked.
"Nope, I taught her how to sing. One day when we were playing, I grabbed her forelegs like that, and she started howling. The more I did it with her the more she responded. So anytime someone grabs her legs like that, she sings to you." Sarah smiled.
Zoe finished her howling and started panting at Rose.
"Oh, I never knew she learned such a trick." Rose gently lowered Zoe's forelegs back to the ground, she stood up and brushed her skirt. Zoe shook her entire body and sat on the ground looking up to Rose.
"Rose…thanks for putting up with all my antics lately…sorry if it's quite an earful." Sarah said as Rose looked to her.
"It's…it's alright, I still hope you'll find the answers you wish here." Rose smiled.
Sarah smiled back.
"I hope so also."
"AH!!"
"Ya dun it now, you made my axe angry now!"
"AH NO NO! PLEASE I DON'T KNOW ANYTHING!"
"Better fess up now before my axe says otherwise!"
"NO!! I SWEAR TO GODS I DON'T KNOW ANYTHING!"
"Oh now you dun it now boy, here comes my axe now!"
The loud clanking sound of a large, oversized axe made contact on the ground before a terrified would-be thief. His entire paralyzed body against a building in a small dark alleyway between him and his adversary whose smirk sent chills down every bone inside of him. His adversary's red eyes staring deep into his own terrified eyes made him wonder if he was going to die right before them.
"One last time, my axe doesn't miss it's mark. Who is in charge of this hit!?"
"Lani never misses her mark, better do as she says." A large, oversized man with red corn rail hair said towering behind the axe wielding woman.
"It…it was the Humboldt family; they were the ones…who…who ordered the hit…only cause the Winston family didn't wish to be traced. I swear that's all I know!" The man could feel every sweat drop on his face slowly dripping as Lani gripped the helm of her axe tightly.
"I may believe ya." She hoisted her axe high into the air. "But my axe doesn't"
The man screamed loudly as Lani swung her axe towards the man's face, landing just centimeters beside it, chopping of a smidge of his brown hair flying before him.
"Now get lost before my axe reconsiders!" Lani said as the man quickly made his escape as she and her partner watched their fleeing prey.
"I'm sure he won't come around here again." The man said as he crossed his masculine arms. Lani pulled the axe out of the building and rested it behind her back.
"Man I really wanted to ice him, this was no fun at all." Lani crossed her arms as she walked a few steps ahead. "Red, do you think he was tellin the truth?" Lani stopped and looked over her shoulder.
"The Humboldt family have been known in the past to make people disappear, but a sitting princess is a bit extreme." Amarant said as he looked to his partner. "If I had to guess, this might be more than just a hit, it might be an uprising."
"An uprising?" Lani turned her body towards Amarant. "What kind of uprising? What does putting a hit on that Sarah girl going to do?"
"Maybe the nobles don't like the way the Queen is running the kingdom."
"And what does that have to do with these nobles? Not like they care or anything."
"No…but it's all about the gil, whoso ever controls the throne gets the money that ties to it."
Lani shrugged.
"So what? Why don't they just buy out all the land like they did here in Treno?"
"That could be part of the plan."
"I don't get it."
"The Humboldt family are known to be wealthy in land. Whose to say they don't have a stake in Alexandria? Big feeling, they might be starting insurrection too."
"By what? Killing a princess and maybe putting the blame on the Queen?"
"The kid already made an example out of one of their own and want retribution out of it, if they find the means and ways to making the Queen look bad, they would basically be telling the people of Alexandria their Queen had failed to protect not only them, but her own daughter also."
"Sounds boring…didn't think you suddenly found an interest in politics now Red. You've changed."
Amarant shrugged, he started walking with Lani following along. The two followed the path of the alley they were in as it grew darker.
"Like said, killing a kid for personal gain isn't my style. Might have to let them know about this, but gotta keep diggin and make sure we're not being dicked around."
" Honesty is key in this world, dishonesty harms those around you. My time here in Madain Sari has taught me to be honest with myself. In the short amount of time I've been here, I've begun to see the changes in myself. I wonder if mother felt the same way too, finding a way to be honest with herself; it must've been hard for her knowing one life she recalled more than the other.
I wonder if Rose opening up to me is her way of making progress of being honest with herself. I feel I haven't been fair to her with this venture, I don't want her to feel I'm being selfish doing this for myself, I want her to also savor the feeling of being able to be honest with herself too. With her being occupied with working with the moogles to bring the village a long overdue garden will certainly help her feel better and the more she's focused on that, maybe the more she'll be able to feel proactive with herself.
I'm grateful for everyone's honesty with me, even if they're afraid to tell me, I know they will find it in their heart to open up to myself and shows me their trust in me.
At times like this, I am hopefully that my expressive emotions being released will help ease my mind with all the things I have to worry about back home.
Yet…
I'm still…confused about some things in my life right now…
The dreams…are still there.
The mysterious woman…she's still there but…she hasn't been seen since Condie Petie.
I wonder why…"