Guardians of Ronka
Millenia ago, what are now the Rak'tika Greatwoods, was once the heart of the mighty Ronkan Empire. Much like your Allag, Ronka ruled over vast parts of Norvrandt, perhaps even the First. Up until the Flood, finding the secrets of this ancient civilization was the pastime of adventurers and scholars alike.
But with the Flood, many of their ruins were destroyed, and now only the ones in this forest remain largely unmolested, thanks to the efforts of those that have been bound by their duty to the royal family.
The Viis.
Unlike the swamp of Citia, the part of Rak'tika called Yx'Maja was almost entirely free of the Light, as the canopy of the giant trees was so thick that barely anything seemed to pass through it. Only occasionally, when the winds rustled through the leaves, did its glare show itself, reminding everyone that it was still there to torment them.
It was a little ironic that the Lightwarden would be hiding here, where its presence was the least felt. Or quite clever actually.
But that didn't matter. What mattered was that they would find it, and fast. The lives of the Blessed depended on it.
Not long after their arrival, troops from Eulmore had arrived in search of them, delivering an ultimatum to the Blessed and poisoning some of their people to force them to comply.
The Blessed had refused of course and were ready to fight, but the fact was that they would never be able to withstand the assault of a trained army. Thus the only thing left was to go on the offensive and slay that which Eulmore had come to protect.
"Amazing..." S'eni heard from next to her, making her tear her gaze away from the sight above and turn it towards Minfilia instead, who was looking around with wide eyes. "I've never seen a place like this before..."
"Quite a sight, isn't it?" she smiled.
"It is." The girl nodded. "Are there forests like these on the Source as well?"
"Similar ones, but not exactly like these. One I've seen even had people like the Viis guarding it," S'eni told her, earning a surprised look from Minfilia.
"Really?"
She hummed. "And they're just as reclusive too."
Maybe even more so, since she very much doubted that waving an old seal around would make the Viera of Golmore Jungle less unwelcoming to outsiders.
Though I guess... S'eni thought, eyes falling on the path of blue flowers they've been following for a while now. ...we'll have to see if we're truly welcome now.
Almost as soon as they had entered, they had been ambushed by three sentinels and though they managed to stop the fight before it got serious, the leader of that small group was clearly not yet willing to trust them.
Feeling another pair of eyes on her that were obviously not from the Viis making sure they actually followed their instructions, she looked away from the flowers and saw Y'shtola watching Minfilia and her with quiet curiosity.
"Maybe I'll tell you a little more later," she said to Minfilia before heading over towards Y'shtola's side. "Hey, you."
"I see you're getting along with our other Minfilia."
"I suppose." She glanced over to the girl, who was now quietly talking to Thancred, and did a little shrug.
"Don't misunderstand me, I very much think it's a good thing. As much as Thancred is her protector and will do everything in his power to keep her safe, it's abundantly clear that his conflicting feelings make him blind to hers."
S'eni frowned. She had noticed that as well. Maybe she should have a talk with him after they were done here in Rak'tika.
"They say she's the Oracle of Light. A symbol of hope. But when I look at her, all I see is a girl that was robbed of her childhood." A giggle made her look back towards her lover and she was offered a little smile. "What?"
"It's good to see that your kindness is still very much intact. Or is this a hidden maternal streak finally bubbling to the surface?"
She scoffed, but couldn't truly deny the allegation. So instead she shot back with a smirk, "Does that make you the stern aunt?"
"Hmpf, someone has to keep you all in line, don't they?" Her smile grew. "So you better behave yourself or I will have to punish you."
She was just about to ask her just what kind of punishment she had in mind when Y'shtola raised her hand and looked up ahead.
"We have arrived."
Following the other Miqo'te's eyes, S'eni found her previous question about the size of the trees quite thoroughly answered by the sight of the village hanging in the shade of a canopy of branches, its circular platforms built around giant trunks and linked to one another via a series of suspended paths. The light coming from the huts and small domes built on top of them gave it the appearance of something straight out of a fairytale.
"Doesn't look that uninhabitable to me..." she murmured as they walked up the path leading up to the first platform where she found the three sentinels from earlier waiting for them.
When they were close enough, the one wielding a bow stepped forward, her long red hair moving with the motion. "I would see the seal, so that we can confirm its authenticity."
"Straight to the point, I see. Very well," Y'shtola replied and handed the seal over.
They watched as the three Viis huddled together to take a closer look.
"There is no mistaking the crest of the royal family," the sentinel said, turning the seal in her hand a few times and testing its weight. "It is of proper size and one can tell by its weight that it was made of gold. It is genuine."
She turned her attention back towards them. "We have waited for this moment for three thousand years, and now you are finally here. I welcome you, allies of Ronka. I am Almet, chieftainess of Fanow."
"Uimet, her younger sister," the one with the short, purple hair and wielding a spear said.
"Cymet, a pleasure," the polite-looking one with long, flame-colored hair added. "We were beginning to lose hope that you would come."
Y'shtola and S'eni shared a look. "I beg your pardon?"
"These are troubled times for our people," Almet said. "Though I can only imagine what has compelled you to venture into our woods. But you must be tired after your journey. Please, rest for now."
"If you'd like, I can show you around the village," Uimet offered with a grin.
They all looked at one another, then shared a nod. "We accept your gracious offer," Y'shtola said.
"Great! Though I got to warn you. It's a long way down to the forest floor, so watch your step!"
As they began to follow the Vii, S'eni dared a small glance over the edge, only to be greeted by darkness through which she could only faintly see the tree stumps.
Watch your step indeed...
"No, I have not seen the Lightwarden. I patrol the ruins' perimeter regularly, and if it were hiding nearby, I would know about it. I am sorry but that is all I can say."
"I see. Still, thank you."
The Vii nodded her head and S'eni left her to her own devices, letting out a sigh once she was far enough away that her long ears wouldn't pick up on it.
After a little tour through Fanow, they had met with Almet again, but quickly realized that the chieftainess had little to no knowledge regarding the whereabouts of the Lightwarden, as was the case with her sisters. They then received permission to ask the other Viis, with middling success so far.
"Three time's the charm," she muttered as she made her way across another hanging path. "But not exactly when you're looking for something."
Heading into the direction of Fanow's Aetheryte to see if the others were luckier than her, she came to a halt when she spotted a bench nearby. Another sigh escaped her as the aching in her feet made her realize just how long the day had been.
She needed a break.
S'eni walked over and let herself flop down on top of it, immediately leaning against the backrest while looking out into the forest. It was a magnificent sight, she had to admit, and part of her wondered how it must have been before the Flood, but right now, the vastness of the Greatwoods was more of a hindrance than anything since their quarry could be hiding anywhere.
Exhaling through her nose, she closed her eyes to let them rest a little.
...Just for a second.
The fire crackled underneath the pot, causing small clouds to rise in the air where they lazily dispersed into nothingness, leaving behind only the delicious smell of the cooking stew in their wake. In front of the pot stood Runar, gently stirring their food while she looked around idly, waiting for it to be finished while faintly listening to the sounds of nature.
"Hmm, strange..." the Ronso said after a moment, looking up from the pot "The others on patrol should have returned by now. Our food will be overcooked if we wait any longer."
He ran a hand through his beard, then turned his gaze towards her. "We just have to start without them. Would you call Master Matoya and the others?"
"Sure," S'eni replied and rose to her feet, heading towards the doors leading into Y'shtola's chambers, where Urianger and her had been holed up ever since they had returned from their recent excursion.
She had just raised her hand to knock, when her lover's voice echoed faintly from the inside. "I tire of these games, Urianger. Why do you pretend you can't see it!?"
Shtola?
"The blessing may spare her the fate of becoming a Lightwarden, but you can't be blind to the corruption. She isn't as she was on the Source!"
Her eyes widened. Corruption?
"I have no proof, but I fear the light pouring forth from the Wardens was not negated at all," she heard Y'shtola say, a strained edge in her voice. "And that it was instead absorbed by her, infusing her with their light."
"Though I have given thought to the possibility, I dare not speak until more is known," Urianger finally replied, in his usual calm tone.
"Enough!" The loud thump of a hand slapping wood filled the air. "By the time you deign to enlighten us, it might be too late. If it isn't already!"
A moment of silence passed, and S'eni stepped closer to the door to better listen, her tongue brushing over lips that had suddenly gone dry.
Y'shtola released a sigh, followed by the sound of boots on wood walking up and down.
"Urianger. I know, after all these years, that you only have the best of intentions in mind. But that doesn't make it any easier to put my trust in a man so infatuated with secrecy," her lover said. "I have had my suspicions ever since the Exarch invited you to speak with you that day, but now I have to ask. The Eight Umbral Calamity and all that followed, all you have claimed to have seen. Did you?"
Seconds passed with none of them saying anything, then…
She opened her eyes again, but instead of the refreshing feeling that a short nap would bring, she only felt more drained now at the memory.
S'eni raised her hand to look at it, turning it around and wiggling her fingers a little. She didn't feel any different, but she had no reason to doubt Y'shtola's words. In fact, it would explain why she of all people had confused her with a Sin Eater.
Just what in the blazes is going on?
But she pushed that question aside for now, as she felt a certain familiar presence appearing next to her and she turned her head to see Ardbert sitting there, looking out into the distance as well.
"So you finally met the Viis," he said.
"Past experiences?" she asked while lowering her hand.
"Not these ones specifically, but yes."
"Was that also part of your escort mission?"
Ardbert shook his head. "No, something more personal. For my friend, Lamitt. She was searching for a way to cure a sickness so we looked to the ancient Ronkans, which inevitably led us to Yx'Maja. Our greeting was about as friendly too."
"And did you find what you were looking for?"
"Eventually, but that's a whole story in itself." He shrugged. "And I doubt you'd have the time for it right now."
"Another time then?" she chuckled.
"Another time," he agreed, then turned his attention back to their surroundings. He frowned. "Even here the Flood has been felt. Whole villages lost to the ravages of the Sin Eaters...because of us."
"Ardbert..."
"I know what you're trying to say, but it still doesn't change that we were at least in part responsible." He gave her a small smile. "But thanks, S'eni. It's appreciated."
His eyes then moved past her. "I suppose I'll talk to you later then."
Before she could ask him why the sudden hurry, he had vanished, but she swiftly received her answer by Y'shtola calling out to her.
"Here you are. I was looking for you. Were you able to learn something about the Warden's whereabouts?"
Turning towards her, she managed not to stare at Y'shtola, as her earlier words resurfaced once again in the back of her mind, and shook her head instead.
"No, nothing so far."
"So same as I." Y'shtola sighed.
"Looks like you could use a break as well." S'eni patted the space where Ardbert had been just a few seconds ago.
"It has been a long day, hasn't it?" Sitting down, her lover too closed her eyes and let out a sigh, shoulders slumping a little bit.
S'eni stared at her for a moment, wondering if perhaps she should talk with her about what she had overheard earlier, but decided against it. She trusted Y'shtola, and was sure she would speak to her about it when the time was right.
So instead, she let herself smile.
"How are you feeling?"
"Frustrated," her lover replied. "Our Lightwarden is much more elusive than I expected. And the more time we're spending looking for it is more time for Eulmore to strike."
"Hey," she then said, her hand coming to rest on top of Y'shtola's. "We're going to find it and when this is over, the Blessed can finally pray under the night's sky. It'll be fine."
"I know it will." Opening her eyes, Y'shtola turned her hand to gently take hold of S'eni's, giving it a soft squeeze. "Because you're here now."
They shared a small smile.
"So, since we both clearly need to rest, how about we use the time to catch up?" she suggested.
"Hm, very well." Her lover nodded. "And if you don't mind, I already have a question."
"Sure."
"I couldn't help but overhear some of what you told Minfilia, so I assume you had some dealings with the Viera?"
"Yeah. Well, yes and no. It's a little complicated," S'eni said. "And to keep this from taking too long, circumstances led me to Dalmasca and the Golmore Jungle."
"Sounds like quite a tale."
"Oh it is, believe me."
"Well, then I must ask you to tell me when time permits."
"Don't worry. I will," she assured her. She very much doubted Y'shtola would forgive her if she withheld how they had uncovered ancient Ivalice.
"So how are things in Dalmasca anyway?" Y'shtola asked.
"Not good. Rabanastre is in ruins. In fact shortly after you all collapsed, waves of refugees arrived from there. So don't be surprised to find some more Viera running around when you're back."
"And..." the other Miqo'te hesitated for a moment. "And how's Mhitra?"
"Doing well, all things considered. The last time I saw her was at the base of the Crystal Tower, shortly before I got transported here."
"I see...that's good," Y'shtola breathed out, making S'eni smile once more.
Does someone miss her dear sister? As much as she wanted to tease her about it, there was something else she wished to know though. "So, Thaumaturgy?"
"Ah yes, with all that has happened I didn't get the chance to tell you. It was shortly after I arrived here in Norvrandt that my mastery in conjuring was not enough to protect the people. It was quite a struggle to embrace the change but I would say—" Y'shtola conjured up a small flame in the palm of her hand. "—it rather suits me, doesn't it?"
Looking at the flame for a moment, S'eni reached out with her free hand and extended a finger, stopping just shy of it. She could feel the warmth radiating off it, but knew that it wouldn't hurt her unless Y'shtola wanted it to.
She pulled back again and she watched as a tiny spark danced away from the fire, following the tip of her finger. Opening her hand, she let it come to rest on her palm, where it slowly began to grow into a flame of its own.
Her lover's eyes widened. "Eni…"
"While you guys were all unconscious, I've found myself with no idea what to do. A mutual friend suggested I apply myself a little and, well, here we are," she explained and began moving her fingers, causing the flame to turn to ice. "I think I got a knack for it."
"You never cease to amaze me," Y'shtola said.
"I'm sure I'm nowhere near your abilities," she said with a shake of her head, letting the frozen flame burst into tiny crystals of ice that dispersed in the wind. "But yes, I really think it does suit you. I like the outfit as well."
Untangling her other hand from Y'shtola's, she reached out to run her fingers over the exposed part of her back, causing her to let out a surprised yelp and for the flame to flicker out. She glared at her, to which S'eni simply shrugged as if to say, "Hey, you picked it."
"Hmpf, well I see you also decided on something new." To make a point, her lover pinched one of her chains between her fingers and lifted it, holding it there for a few seconds before dropping it again.
"I'll have you know, I was told it would help me blend in better."
"Um, excuse me?" They both turned their heads to see a Vii standing nearby, an unsure look on her face. "I was told you were seeking information about the Warden?"
"That's right," S'eni said. "Do you have an idea where it might be?"
"Not exactly, no," the woman replied. "But my mother, may she rest in peace, once told me of its appearance in the woods. Before settling here in Fanow, she lived in a village near Rak'tika Falls, until it was destroyed by the Sin Eaters. While out on patrol one day, she spotted a swarm of them, among them one that was different from the rest. It was larger, but what struck her was how its fellows seemed to revere it."
S'eni and Y'shtola looked at one another, before rising to their feet. "Rak'tika Falls, you said?" the other Miqo'te asked.
"Yes." the Vii nodded. "If my mother was still with us I am sure she would be able to help you find it."
"Don't worry. You have given us something we sorely lacked. Thank you." Y'shtola turned towards her with a determined smile forming on her face. "Come, we should meet with the others."
Mirroring her lover's expression, S'eni nodded. "Yeah, let's go."
They had a Lightwarden to find!
You didn't think I wouldn't have S'eni comment on Y'shtola's new look now, did ya?